Cincinnati Bell (BDWGP) 10-K26 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CINCINNATI BELL INC.
Entity Central Index Key	716133
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		209,570,776
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$0.80

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$57.90	$4.60
Receivables, less allowances of $12.4 and $12.2	159.8	145.6
Receivable from CyrusOne	7.7	9.2
Inventory, materials and supplies	25	23.8
Deferred income taxes	68.9	55.3
Prepaid expenses	15.3	11
Other current assets	2	1.6
Total current assets	336.6	251.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5	902.8
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6	471
Goodwill	14.4	14.4
Intangible assets, net	1	91.7
Deferred income taxes	300.7	339.7
Other noncurrent assets	33.9	36.6
Total assets	1,819.70	2,107.30
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	13.2	12.6
Accounts payable	135.6	89.4
Payable to CyrusOne	0.4	0.5
Unearned revenue and customer deposits	31.7	32.5
Accrued taxes	10.6	12.9
Accrued interest	22.1	31.6
Accrued payroll and benefits	37.3	38
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6	0
Other current liabilities	46.3	36.8
Total current liabilities	409.8	254.3
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771	2,252.60
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	240.1	202.7
Other noncurrent liabilities	47.3	74.4
Total liabilities	2,468.20	2,784
Shareowners' deficit
Preferred stock, 2,357,299 shares authorized; 155,250 shares (3,105,000 depositary shares) of 6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013; liquidation preference $1,000 per share ($50 per depositary share)	129.4	129.4
Common shares, $.01 par value; 480,000,000 shares authorized; 209,571,138 and 208,656,995 shares issued; 209,296,068 and 208,165,275 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013	2.1	2.1
Additional paid-in capital	2,582.90	2,590.60
Accumulated deficit	-3,187.90	-3,263.50
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-173.9	-133.3
Common shares in treasury, at cost	-1.1	-2
Total shareowners' deficit	-648.5	-676.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' deficit	$1,819.70	$2,107.30

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for receivables	$12.40	$12.20
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,357,299	2,357,299
Preferred Stock, 6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible, Shares Issued	155,250	155,250
Preferred Stock, 6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible, Shares Outstanding	155,250	155,250
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares	3,105,000	3,105,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	6.75%	6.75%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$1,000	$1,000
Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference Per Depositary Share	$50	$50
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	480,000,000	480,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	209,571,138	208,656,995
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	209,296,068	208,165,275

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Services	$999.60	$1,039.30	$1,272.80
Products	278.6	217.6	201.1
Total revenue	1,278.20	1,256.90	1,473.90
Costs and expenses
Cost of services, excluding items below	454.2	430.4	492.2
Cost of products sold, excluding items below	244.9	215.9	204.7
Selling, general and administrative	223.1	220.8	269.5
Depreciation and amortization	231	169.6	217.4
Restructuring charges	15.9	13.7	3.4
Transaction-related compensation	0	42.6	0
Curtailment gain	0	-0.6	0
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets, net	-0.3	2.4	-1.6
Amortization of deferred gain	-22.9	-3.3	-2.3
Impairment of assets	12.1	0	14.2
Transaction costs	4.4	1.6	6.3
Total operating costs and expenses	1,162.40	1,093.10	1,203.80
Operating income	115.8	163.8	270.1
Interest expense	148.7	182	218.9
Loss on extinguishment of debt	19.6	29.6	13.6
Loss from CyrusOne equity method investment	7	10.7	0
Gain on sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	-192.8	0	0
Other expense (income), net	0.3	-1.3	1.7
Income (loss) before income taxes	133	-57.2	35.9
Income tax expense (benefit)	57.4	-2.5	24.7
Net income (loss)	75.6	-54.7	11.2
Preferred stock dividends	10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners	$65.20	($65.10)	$0.80
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$0.31	($0.32)	$0
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.31
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	208.5	205.9	197
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	209.6	205.9	204.7

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income (loss)	$75.60	($54.70)	$11.20
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation loss	-0.1	-0.1	0
Defined benefit plans:
Net (loss) gain arising from remeasurement during the period, net of tax of ($25.0), $30.7, ($5.1)	-45.4	56.8	-9.2
Net prior service credit, net of tax of $6.1	0	11.3	0
Amortization of prior service benefits included in net income (loss), net of tax of ($5.4), ($5.2), ($4.8)	-9.8	-8.7	-8.3
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income (loss), net of tax of $8.0, $10.1, $9.5	14.7	17.5	16.7
Reclassification adjustment for curtailment gain included in net income (loss), net of tax of ($0.2)	0	-0.4	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Total comprehensive income	$35	$21.70	$10.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net gain (loss) arising from remeasurement during the period, tax	($25)	$30.70	($5.10)
Net prior service credit, tax	0	6.1	0
Amortization of prior service benefits included in net income, tax	-5.4	-5.2	-4.8
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, tax	8	10.1	9.5
Reclassification adjustment for curtailment (gain) loss included in net income, tax	$0	($0.20)	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareowners' Deficit (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		($676.70)		($698.20)	($676.70)	($698.20)	($715.20)
Net income (loss)	-18.3	7	-28.1	-36.7	75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive (loss) income					-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Shares issued under employee plans					1.4	2.4	14.5
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					-1.1	-2.3	-2.8
Stock-based compensation					3.3	4.9	5.2
Exercise of warrants				4.4			1.5
Exercise of warrants						5.2	0.1
Repurchase and retirement of shares					0	0	0.1
Repurchase and retirement of shares							0
Dividends on preferred stock					-10.4	-10.4	-10.4
Balance	-648.5		-676.7		-648.5	-676.7	-698.2
Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance								3.1
Balance								129.4
Balance	3.1		3.1		3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1
Balance	129.4		129.4		129.4	129.4	129.4	129.4
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		208.7		203	208.7	203	196.3
Balance		2.1		2	2.1	2	2
Shares issued under employee plans					1.1	1.6	5.2
Shares issued under employee plans					0	0	0
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					-0.2	-0.3	0
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					0	0	0
Stock-based compensation					0	0	0
Stock-based compensation					0	0	0
Exercise of warrants						4.4	1.5
Exercise of warrants						0.1	0
Repurchase and retirement of shares							0
Repurchase and retirement of shares							0
Balance	209.6		208.7		209.6	208.7	203
Balance	2.1		2.1		2.1	2.1	2
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		2,590.60		2,590.90	2,590.60	2,590.90	2,584.60
Shares issued under employee plans					1.4	2.4	14.5
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					-2	-2.3	-2.8
Stock-based compensation					3.3	4.9	5.2
Exercise of warrants						5.1	0.1
Repurchase and retirement of shares							-0.3
Dividends on preferred stock					-10.4	-10.4	-10.4
Balance	2,582.90		2,590.60		2,582.90	2,590.60	2,590.90
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		-3,263.50		-3,208.80	-3,263.50	-3,208.80	-3,220
Net income (loss)					75.6	-54.7	11.2
Balance	-3,187.90		-3,263.50		-3,187.90	-3,263.50	-3,208.80
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		-133.3		-209.7	-133.3	-209.7	-208.9
Other comprehensive (loss) income					-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Balance	-173.9		-133.3		-173.9	-133.3	-209.7
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance		-0.5		-0.5	-0.5	-0.5	-0.6
Balance		-2		-2	-2	-2	-2.3
Shares issued under employee plans					0	0	0
Shares issued under employee plans					0	0	0
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					0.2	0	0
Shares purchased under employee plans and other					0.9	0	0
Stock-based compensation					0	0	0
Stock-based compensation					0	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of shares							0.1
Repurchase and retirement of shares							0.3
Balance	-0.3		-0.5		-0.3	-0.5	-0.5
Balance	($1.10)		($2)		($1.10)	($2)	($2)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$75.60	($54.70)	$11.20
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	231	169.6	217.4
Loss on extinguishment of debt	19.6	29.6	13.6
Loss from CyrusOne equity method investment	7	10.7	0
Gain on sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	-192.8	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	-0.3	2.4	-1.6
Impairment of assets	12.1	0	14.2
Provision for loss on receivables	10.4	11.3	13.9
Noncash portion of interest expense	6.2	7.5	7.8
Deferred income taxes expense, including valuation allowance change	47.4	-2.7	21.6
Pension and other postretirement payments in excess of expense	-25.7	-49.7	-28.4
Amortization of deferred gain	-22.9	-3.3	-2.3
Stock-based compensation	3.3	4.9	5.2
Excess tax benefit for share based payments	-0.1	-0.5	-2.4
Other, net	3.9	-3.4	0.9
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	-23.7	0.5	-33.6
Increase in inventory, materials, supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets	-7.2	-0.8	-14.5
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	38.7	-17.7	-6.9
Decrease in accrued and other current liabilities	-0.8	-18.1	-10
Decrease in other noncurrent assets	0.7	0.8	4.6
(Decrease) increase in other noncurrent liabilities	-7.2	-7.6	2
Net cash provided by operating activities	175.2	78.8	212.7
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	355.9	0	0
Dividends received from CyrusOne	28.4	21.3	0
Proceeds from sale of Wireless spectrum licenses	194.4	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	2	2	1.6
Increase in restricted cash	0	0	-11.1
Release of restricted cash	0	0.4	4.9
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	0	-12.2	0
Other, net	-5.8	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	392.6	-185.4	-371.8
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	536	525
Net (decrease) increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	-127	94.2	52
Repayment of debt	-376.5	-530.8	-442.4
Debt issuance costs	-0.9	-6.7	-20.9
Dividends paid on preferred stock	-10.4	-10.4	-10.4
CyrusOne stock issuance costs	0	0	-5.7
Common stock repurchase	0	0	-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	1.3	7.1	12.1
Excess tax benefit for share based payments	0.1	0.5	2.4
Financing obligations and other, net	-1.1	-2.3	-2.8
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-514.5	87.6	109
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	53.3	-19	-50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4.6	23.6	73.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$57.90	$4.60	$23.60

Description_of_Business_and_Ac

Description of Business and Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Description of Business and Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Description of Business and Accounting Policies
	Description of Business — Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Cincinnati Bell", "we", "our", "us" or the "Company") provides diversified telecommunications and technology services. The Company generates a large portion of its revenue by serving customers in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio areas. An economic downturn or natural disaster occurring in this, or a portion of this, limited operating territory could have a disproportionate effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows compared to similar companies of a national scope and similar companies operating in different geographic areas. Revenue derived from foreign operations is less than 1% of consolidated revenue.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company managed its business by product and service offerings in three segments: Wireline, IT Services and Hardware, and Wireless. On January 24, 2013, we completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of CyrusOne Inc. ("CyrusOne"), which owns and operates our former Data Center Colocation business. CyrusOne conducts its data center business through CyrusOne LP, an operating partnership. Effective with the IPO, we retained ownership of approximately 1.9 million shares, or 8.6%, of CyrusOne's common stock and were a limited partner in CyrusOne LP, owning approximately 42.6 million, or 66%, of its partnership units. We effectively owned 69% of CyrusOne and continued to have significant influence over the entity, but we did not control its operations. Therefore, effective January 24, 2013, we no longer include the accounts of CyrusOne in our consolidated financial statements, but account for our ownership in CyrusOne as an equity method investment.
	On June 25, 2014, we consummated the sale of 16.0 million partnership units of CyrusOne LP to CyrusOne, Inc. at a price of $22.26 per unit. As of December 31, 2014, we effectively own 44% of CyrusOne, which is held in the form of 1.9 million shares of CyrusOne common stock and approximately 26.6 million CyrusOne LP partnership units. We continue to account for our investment in CyrusOne using the equity method.
	In the second quarter of 2014, we entered into agreements to sell our wireless spectrum licenses and certain other assets related to our wireless business. This agreement to sell our wireless spectrum license closed on September 30, 2014, for cash proceeds of $194.4 million. As a result, we derecognized the $88.2 million carrying value of the licenses previously reported as "Intangible assets, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also on September 30, 2014, we entered into a separate agreement to use certain spectrum licenses for $8.00 until we no longer provide wireless service. We recorded the fair value of the leased spectrum of $6.4 million in "Prepaid expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This fair value is considered a Level 3 measurement based on other comparable transactions. The asset is being amortized over a six month period and had a net carrying value of $3.2 million as of December 31, 2014. In addition, as we continue to use the licenses, we deferred the gain of $112.6 million related to the sale of the spectrum. We plan to operate and generate cash from our wireless operations until no later than April 6, 2015. At that time, we will transfer certain leases and other assets to the acquiring company valued at approximately $25 million.

	Basis of Presentation — The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows for each period presented.
	Basis of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Investments over which the Company exercises significant influence are recorded under the equity method. Investments in which we own less than 20% of the ownership interests and cannot exercise significant influence over the investee’s operations are recorded at cost.
	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and judgments include: the carrying value of property, plant and equipment; the valuation of insurance and claims liabilities; the valuation of allowances for receivables and deferred income taxes; reserves recorded for income tax exposures; the valuation of asset retirement obligations; assets and liabilities related to employee benefits; and the valuation of goodwill and intangibles. In the normal course of business, the Company is also subject to various regulatory and tax proceedings, lawsuits, claims, and other matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made for all such asserted and unasserted claims in accordance with GAAP. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash consists of funds held in bank accounts. Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	Receivables — Receivables consist principally of trade receivables from customers and are generally unsecured and due within 21 - 90 days. The Company has receivables with one large customer that makes up 26% and 19% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unbilled receivables arise from services rendered but not yet billed. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, unbilled receivables totaled $15.6 million and $23.2 million, respectively. Expected credit losses related to trade receivables are recorded as an allowance for uncollectible accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company establishes the allowances for uncollectible accounts using percentages of aged accounts receivable balances to reflect the historical average of credit losses as well as specific provisions for certain identifiable, potentially uncollectible balances. When internal collection efforts on accounts have been exhausted, the accounts are written off and the associated allowance for uncollectible accounts is reduced.
	Inventory, Materials and Supplies — Inventory, materials and supplies consists of wireline network components, various telephony and IT equipment to be sold to customers, wireless handsets to support our agreement with Verizon Wireless to sell their products and services in our retail stores, maintenance inventories, and other materials and supplies, which are carried at the lower of average cost or market. As of December 31, 2013, the Wireless segment maintained handsets to support the wireless business.
	Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while improvements which extend an asset's useful life or increase its functionality are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining life. The majority of the Wireline network property, plant and equipment used to generate its voice and data revenue is depreciated using the group method, which develops a depreciation rate annually based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets rather than for each individual asset as would be utilized under the unit method. The estimated life of the group changes as the composition of the group of assets and their related lives change. Provision for depreciation of other property, plant and equipment, except for leasehold improvements, is based on the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is based on a straight-line method over the lesser of the economic useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, including optional renewal periods if renewal of the lease is reasonably assured.
	Additions and improvements, including interest and certain labor costs incurred during the construction period, are capitalized. The Company records the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period it is incurred. The estimated removal cost is initially capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying asset. The associated liability is accreted to its present value each period. Once the obligation is ultimately settled, any difference between the final cost and the recorded liability is recognized as gain or loss on disposition.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired and recorded in connection with business acquisitions. Goodwill is generally allocated to reporting units one level below business segments. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired. If the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss may be recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill of a reporting unit over its implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of all the assets and liabilities of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets.
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization — Intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or legal rights, or because the asset is capable of being separately sold or exchanged. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Prior to completing the sale of our wireless spectrum licenses, Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") licenses for wireless spectrum represented indefinite-lived intangible assets and were renewed annually for a nominal fee based on meeting service and geographic coverage requirements.
	Long-Lived Assets — Management reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets with definite lives, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset (or group of assets) and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Long-lived intangible assets are amortized based on the estimated economic value generated by the asset in future years.
	Equity Method Investments - Effective January 24, 2013, the completion date of CyrusOne's IPO, our ownership in CyrusOne is accounted for as an equity method investment. From that date, we recognize our proportionate share of CyrusOne's net income or loss as non-operating income or expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the period January 1, 2013 through January 23, 2013, we consolidated CyrusOne's operating results. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company received cash dividends from CyrusOne totaling $28.4 million and $21.3 million, respectively. Dividends from CyrusOne are recognized as a reduction of our investment.
	During 2014, we invested a total of $5.5 million in other entities, which are accounted for as equity method investments and the carrying value has been recorded within “Other noncurrent assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's proportionate share of the investments’ net loss had a minimal impact on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Our equity method investments are tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired.
	Cost Method Investments — Certain of our cost method investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The carrying value of these investments was $2.9 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments are reviewed annually for impairment, or sooner if changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value and the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. The Company estimates fair value using external information and discounted cash flow analysis.
	Leases — Certain property and equipment are leased. At lease inception, the lease terms are assessed to determine if the transaction should be classified as a capital or operating lease.
	Several of the buildings used in our former data center operations were leased facilities. When we were involved in the construction of structural improvements to the leased property, we were deemed the accounting owner of leased real estate. In these instances, we bore substantially all the construction period risk, such as managing or funding construction. These transactions generally did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting due to our continued involvement in these data center operations. As construction progressed, the value of the asset and obligation was increased by the fair value of the structural improvements. When construction was completed, the asset was placed in service and depreciation commenced. Leased real estate was depreciated to the lesser of (i) its estimated fair value at the end of the term or (ii) the expected amount of the unamortized obligation at the end of the term.
	Treasury Shares — The repurchase of common shares is recorded at purchase cost as treasury shares. Our policy is to retire, either formally or constructively, treasury shares that management anticipates will not be reissued. Upon retirement, the purchase cost of the treasury shares that exceeds par value is recorded as a reduction to “Additional paid-in capital” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue Recognition — We apply the revenue recognition principles described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic ("ASC") 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Under ASC 605, revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of a sale arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
	With respect to arrangements with multiple deliverables, management determines whether more than one unit of accounting exists in an arrangement. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, total consideration is allocated to the individual units of accounting based on their relative fair value, determined by the price of each deliverable when it is regularly sold on a stand-alone basis. Revenue is recognized for each unit of accounting as delivered, or as service is performed, depending on the nature of the deliverable comprising the unit of accounting.
	The Company has sales with one large customer that contributed 14% to consolidated revenue in 2014. The same customer had receivables of 26% and 19% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Wireline — Revenues from local telephone, special access, internet product and entertainment services, which are billed monthly prior to performance of service, are not recognized upon billing or cash receipt but rather are deferred until the service is provided. Long distance, switched access and other usage based charges are billed monthly in arrears. Wireline bills service revenue in regular monthly cycles, which are spread throughout the days of the month. As the last day of each billing cycle rarely coincides with the end of the reporting period for usage-based services such as long distance and switched access, we must estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed. These estimates are based upon historical usage, and we adjust these estimates during the period in which actual usage is determinable, typically in the following reporting period.
	Initial billings for Wireline service connection and activation are deferred and amortized into revenue on a straight-line basis over the average customer life. The associated connection and activation costs, to the extent of the upfront fees, are also deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the average customer life.
	Pricing of local voice services is generally subject to oversight by both state and federal regulatory commissions. Such regulation also covers services, competition, and other public policy issues. Various regulatory rulings and interpretations could result in increases or decreases to revenue in future periods.
	IT Services and Hardware — Professional services, including product installations, are recognized as the service is provided. Maintenance services on telephony equipment are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the underlying customer contract, generally one to three years.
	Equipment revenue is recognized upon the completion of our contractual obligations, such as shipment, delivery, installation, or customer acceptance. Installation service revenue is generally recognized when installation is complete. We sell equipment and installation services on both a combined and standalone basis.
	The Company is a reseller of IT and telephony equipment. For these transactions, we consider the gross versus net revenue recording criteria of ASC 605. Based on this criteria, these equipment revenues and associated costs have generally been recorded on a gross basis, rather than recording the revenues net of the associated costs. Vendor rebates are earned on certain equipment sales. When the rebate is earned and the amount is determinable, we recognize the rebate as an offset to cost of products sold.
	Wireless — Postpaid wireless and reciprocal compensation are billed monthly in arrears. Wireless bills service revenue in regular monthly cycles, which are spread throughout the days of the month. As the last day of each billing cycle rarely coincides with the end of the reporting period for usage-based services such as postpaid wireless, we estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed. Our estimates are based upon historical usage, and we adjust these estimates during the period in which actual usage is determinable, typically in the following reporting period.
	Revenue from prepaid wireless service, which is collected in advance, is not recognized upon billing or cash receipt, but rather is deferred until the service is provided.
	Wireless handset revenue and the related activation revenue are recognized when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is considered to be a separate earnings process from the sale of wireless services. Wireless equipment costs are also recognized upon handset sale and are generally in excess of the related handset and activation revenue. Revenue from termination fees is recognized when collection is deemed reasonably assured.
	Data Center Colocation — During the period of time in which we included the accounts of CyrusOne in our consolidated financial statements, data center colocation rentals were generally billed monthly in advance and some contracts had escalating payments over the non-cancellable term of the contract. If rents escalated without the lessee gaining access to or control over additional leased space or power, and the lessee took possession of, or controlled the physical use of the property (including all contractually committed power) at the beginning of the lease term, the rental payments by the lessee were recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. If rents escalated because the lessee gained access to and control over additional leased space or power, revenue was recognized in proportion to the additional space or power in the years that the lessee had control over the use of the additional space or power.
	Some of our leases were structured on a full-service gross basis in which the customer paid a fixed amount for both colocation rental and power. Other leases provided that the customer would be billed for power based upon actual usage which was separately metered. In both cases, this revenue is presented on a gross basis in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Power was generally billed one month in arrears and an estimate of this revenue was accrued in the month that the associated costs were incurred. We generally were not entitled to reimbursements for real estate taxes, insurance or other operating expenses.
	Revenue was recognized for services or products that were deemed separate units of accounting. When a customer made an advance payment which was not deemed a separate unit of accounting, deferred revenue was recorded. This revenue was recognized ratably over the expected term of the customer relationship, unless the pattern of service suggested otherwise.
	Certain customer contracts required specified levels of service or performance. If we failed to meet these service levels, our customers may have been eligible to receive credits on their contractual billings. These credits were recognized against revenue when an event occurred that gave rise to such credits.
	Advertising Expenses — Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $8.9 million, $12.2 million, and $16.6 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Legal Expenses — In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Legal claim accruals are recorded once determined to be both probable and estimable.
	Income, Operating, and Regulatory Taxes
	Income taxes — The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various foreign, state and local jurisdictions. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax return. The income tax provision consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and an amount for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred investment tax credits are amortized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes over the estimated useful lives of the related property, plant and equipment. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are recalculated annually at rates then in effect. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax assets depends upon the ability to generate future taxable income during the periods in which basis differences and other deductions become deductible and prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards.
	Previous tax filings are subject to normal reviews by regulatory agencies until the related statute of limitations expires.
	Operating taxes — Certain operating taxes such as property, sales, use, and gross receipts taxes are reported as expenses in operating income primarily within cost of services. These taxes are not included in income tax expense because the amounts to be paid are not dependent on our level of income. Liabilities for audit exposures are established based on management's assessment of the probability of payment. The provision for such liabilities is recognized as either property, plant and equipment, operating tax expense, or depreciation expense depending on the nature of the audit exposure. Upon resolution of an audit, any remaining liability not paid is released against the account in which it was originally recorded.
	Regulatory taxes — The Company incurs federal regulatory taxes on certain revenue producing transactions. We are permitted to recover certain of these taxes by billing the customer; however, collections cannot exceed the amount due to the federal regulatory agency. These federal regulatory taxes are presented in sales and cost of services on a gross basis because, while the Company is required to pay the tax, it is not required to collect the tax from customers and, in fact, does not collect the tax from customers in certain instances. The amounts recorded as revenue for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $17.9 million, $18.9 million, and $22.2 million, respectively. The amounts expensed for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $19.6 million, $19.2 million, and $24.4 million, respectively. We record all other federal taxes collected from customers on a net basis.
	Stock-Based Compensation — Compensation cost is recognized for all share-based awards to employees and non-employee directors. We value all share-based awards to employees at fair value on the date of grant and expense this amount over the required service period, generally defined as the applicable vesting period. For awards which contain a performance condition, compensation expense is recognized over the service period, when achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable. The fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using assumptions such as volatility, risk-free interest rate, holding period and dividends. The fair value of stock awards is based on the Company’s closing share price on the date of grant. For all share-based payments, an assumption is also made for the estimated forfeiture rate based on the historical behavior of employees. The forfeiture rate reduces the total fair value of the awards to be recognized as compensation expense. Our accounting policy for graded vesting awards is to recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We have also granted employee awards to be ultimately paid in cash which are indexed to the change in the Company’s common stock price. These awards are adjusted to the fair value of the Company's common stock, and the adjusted fair value is expensed on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period. When an award is granted to an employee who is retirement eligible, the compensation cost is recognized over the service period up to the date that the employee first becomes eligible to retire.
	Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans — The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, and also provides postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible employees. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as either an asset or liability. Changes in the funded status of these plans are recognized as a component of comprehensive income (loss) in the year they occur. Pension and postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits earned during the year and interest on the projected benefit obligations are accrued and recognized currently in net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs and credits are amortized over the average life expectancy of participants or remaining service period, based upon whether plan participants are mostly retirees or active employees. Net gains or losses resulting from differences between actuarial experience and assumptions or from changes in actuarial assumptions, are recognized as a component of annual net periodic benefit cost. Unrecognized actuarial gains or losses that exceed 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service life of active employees for the pension and bargained postretirement plans (approximately 10-14 years) and average life expectancy of retirees for the management postretirement plan (approximately 16 years).
	Termination Benefits — The Company has written severance plans covering both its management and union employees and, as such, accrues probable and estimable employee separation liabilities in accordance with ASC 712, “Compensation — Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.” These liabilities are based on the Company’s historical experience of severance, historical severance costs, and management’s expectation of future separations.
	Special termination benefits are recognized upon acceptance by an employee of a voluntary termination offer. For terminations involving a large group of employees, we consider whether a pension and postretirement curtailment event has occurred. We define a curtailment as an event that reduces the expected years of future service of present employees by 10% or more.
	Business Combinations — In accounting for business combinations, we apply the accounting requirements of ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires the recording of net assets of acquired businesses at fair value. In developing estimates of fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, management analyzes a variety of factors including market data, estimated future cash flows of the acquired operations, industry growth rates, current replacement cost for fixed assets, and market rate assumptions for contractual obligations. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to the intangible assets. In addition, contingent consideration is presented at fair value at the date of acquisition. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
	Fair Value Measurements — Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as the price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is utilized to measure certain investments on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements are also utilized to determine the initial value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, to perform impairment tests, and for disclosure purposes.
	Management uses quoted market prices and observable inputs to the maximum extent possible when measuring fair value. In the absence of quoted market prices or observable inputs, fair value is determined using valuation models that incorporate assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Fair value measurements are classified within one of three levels, which prioritize the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, as follows:
	Level 1 — Quoted market prices for identical instruments in an active market;
	Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs); and
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that reflect management's determination of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including our own data.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The financial position of foreign subsidiaries is translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Gains or losses from translation of foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency are included as components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (expense) in the period incurred.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Dec. 31, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11 regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits in financial statements. This new standard requires the netting in the balance sheet of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a same-jurisdiction loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. To the extent a net operating loss ("NOL") or tax credit carryforward is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented in the balance sheet as a liability. This standard went into effect for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We adopted this new guidance beginning with our interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	In February 2013, the FASB amended the guidance in ASC 220 on comprehensive income. The new guidance requires additional information to be disclosed about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amounts reclassified are required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, cross references to other disclosures will be required. As we adopted this new guidance beginning with our interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2013, all years presented are comparable. See Note 12 for our disclosures.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this update increased the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The standard will be effective for us on January 1, 2015. The adoption of this pronouncement may affect our presentation and disclosure of any future dispositions.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard also includes expanded disclosure requirements that result in an entity providing users of financial statements with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers. This standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The amendments provide guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard will be effective for us on January 1, 2016. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	On January 9, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items. The updated standard will no longer allow for transactions that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently to be presented net-of-tax after income from continuing operations as an extraordinary item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Under the new guidance, these transactions will be separately presented within income from continuing operations similar to current guidance for transactions that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently. The standard will be effective for us on January 1, 2016. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements as there are no transactions presented as an extraordinary item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Investment_in_CyrusOne

Investment in CyrusOne	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	Investment in CyrusOne
	On January 24, 2013, we completed the IPO of CyrusOne, our former Data Center Colocation segment. As of this date, we no longer control CyrusOne's operations and we removed the following assets and liabilities of CyrusOne from our consolidated financial statements:


	(dollars in millions)
	Cash		$	12.2

	Receivables		41.5

	Other current assets		13.4

	Property, plant and equipment		736.2

	Goodwill and intangibles		377.7

	Other noncurrent assets		44

	Total assets		1,225.00


	Current portion of long-term debt		6.3

	Accounts payable		29.4

	Unearned revenue and customer deposits		24.1

	Other current liabilities		12.9

	Long-term debt		550.3

	Other noncurrent liabilities		92.3

	Total liabilities		715.3


	Net assets		$	509.7


	Commencing January 17, 2014, we are permitted to exchange the partnership units of CyrusOne LP into cash or shares of common stock of CyrusOne, as determined by CyrusOne, on a one-for-one basis based upon the fair value of a share of CyrusOne common stock, subject to certain limitations which restricted the volume of shares we are permitted to sell. On April 4, 2014, the registration statement filed by CyrusOne on March 24, 2014 became effective and eliminated all prior limitations restricting the volume of shares we are allowed to sell.
	On June 25, 2014, we consummated the sale of 16.0 million operating partnership units of CyrusOne LP to CyrusOne, Inc. at a price of $22.26 per unit. The sale generated proceeds of $355.9 million and resulted in a gain of $192.8 million.
	Prior to the sale of our 16.0 million partnership units of CyrusOne LP, we accounted for our 68% effective ownership of CyrusOne as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2014, we effectively owned 44% of CyrusOne, which was held in the form of 1.9 million shares of CyrusOne common stock and approximately 26.6 million CyrusOne LP partnership units. As we continue to have significant influence over CyrusOne, we account for this investment using the equity method. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our equity method share of CyrusOne's net loss was $7.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, our equity method share of CyrusOne's net loss was $10.7 million.
	As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of this investment was $785.0 million based on the quoted market price of CyrusOne's common stock, which is considered a Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.

	Summarized financial information for CyrusOne is as follows:


	(dollars in millions)		Year Ended December 31, 2014				January 24, 2013 to December 31, 2013
	Revenue		$	330.9			$	248.4

	Operating income		40				28.9

	Net loss		(14.5		)		(15.6		)



	(dollars in millions)		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	Net investment in real estate		$	1,051.40			$	883.8

	Total assets		1,586.50				1,506.80

	Total liabilities		869.5				729.2


	Transactions with CyrusOne
Revenues - The Company records service revenue from CyrusOne under contractual service arrangements which include, among others, providing services such as fiber transport, network support, service calls, monitoring and management, storage and back-up, and IT systems support.
Operating Expenses - We lease data center and office space from CyrusOne at certain locations in our operating territory under operating leases and are also billed for other services provided by CyrusOne under contractual service arrangements. In the normal course of business, the Company also provides certain administrative services to CyrusOne which are billed based on agreed-upon rates. These expense recoveries from CyrusOne are credited to the expense account in which they were initially recorded.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized transaction-related compensation of $20.0 million associated with payments made to CyrusOne employees in April 2013. See Note 8 for further discussion of this compensation plan.
Revenues and operating costs and expenses from transactions with CyrusOne were as follows:


(dollars in millions)		Year Ended December 31, 2014				January 24, 2013 to December 31, 2013
Revenue:
Services provided to CyrusOne		$	1.7			$	2.1


Operating costs and expenses:
Transaction-related compensation to CyrusOne employees		$	—			$	20

Charges for services provided by CyrusOne		9.1				8.8

Administrative services provided to CyrusOne		(0.5		)		(0.6		)
Total operating costs and expenses		$	8.6			$	28.2


Dividends of $28.4 million and $21.3 million were received in 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, on November 4, 2014, CyrusOne declared dividends of $0.21 per share payable on its common shares and CyrusOne LP partnership units. This dividend was paid on January 9, 2015 to holders of record as of December 26, 2014.
In addition to the agreements noted above, the Company entered into a tax sharing agreement with CyrusOne. Under the terms of the agreement, CyrusOne will reimburse the Company for the Texas Margin Tax liability that CyrusOne would have incurred if they filed a Texas Margin Tax return separate from the consolidated filing. The agreement will remain in effect until terminated by the mutual written consent of the parties or when the Company is no longer required to file the Texas Margin Tax return on a consolidated basis with CyrusOne. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the receivable for prior periods covered by this agreement amounted to $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. These balances are included in Receivable from CyrusOne.
At December 31, 2014, amounts receivable from and payable to CyrusOne were as follows:


(dollars in millions)		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
Accounts receivable		$	1.7			$	2.1

Dividends receivable		6				7.1

Receivable from CyrusOne		$	7.7			$	9.2


Accounts payable		$	0.4			$	0.5

Payable to CyrusOne		$	0.4			$	0.5

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur upon issuance of common shares for awards under stock-based compensation plans, exercise of warrants, or conversion of preferred stock, but only to the extent that they are considered dilutive.
	The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted EPS:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(in millions, except per share amounts)	2014		2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	75.6	$	(54.7	)	$	11.2

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4		10.4			10.4

	Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners - basic and diluted	$	65.2	$	(65.1	)	$	0.8

	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	208.5		205.9			197

	Warrants	—		—			4.5

	Stock-based compensation arrangements	1.1		—			3.2

	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	209.6		205.9			204.7

	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.31	$	(0.32	)	$	0

	For the year ended December 31, 2014, awards under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans for common shares of 3.6 million were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had a net loss available to common shareholders and, as a result, all common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2012, awards under our stock-based compensation plans for common shares of 5.3 million were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For all periods presented, preferred stock convertible into 4.5 million common shares was excluded as it was anti-dilutive.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following:


		December 31,						Depreciable
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013			Lives (Years)
	Land and rights-of-way	$	4.3		$	4.3		20	-	Indefinite

	Buildings and leasehold improvements	174			172.8			2	-	40

	Network equipment	3,028.60			2,897.70			2	-	50

	Office software, furniture, fixtures and vehicles	157.9			152.9			2	-	14

	Construction in process	25.7			20.7			n/a

	Gross value	3,390.50			3,248.40

	Accumulated depreciation	(2,531.0		)	(2,345.6		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	859.5		$	902.8

	Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $228.5 million, $166.0 million, and $198.8 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Approximately 89%, 85%, and 87% of "Depreciation," as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, was associated with the cost of providing services. There are numerous assets included within network equipment resulting in a range of depreciable lives between 2 and 50 years, the majority of which fall within the range of 9 to 22 years.

	During the year ended December 31, 2014, an asset impairment loss of $7.5 million was recognized for the write-off of certain construction-in-progress projects that will no longer be completed due to the wind down of wireless operations. Additionally, the Wireline segment recognized an asset impairment loss of $4.6 million for the abandonment of an internal use software project. No asset impairment losses were recognized in 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, an asset impairment loss of $11.8 million was recognized in the Data Center Colocation segment on certain leasehold improvements. Also during 2012, asset impairment losses of $0.4 million and $0.5 million were recognized in the Wireless and Wireline segments, respectively. The Wireless impairment loss was associated with abandoned assets that have no resale market, and the Wireline impairment loss was associated with an out-of-territory fiber network.
	In the first quarter of 2013, and in connection with our review of the estimated remaining useful lives of property, plant and equipment, we shortened the estimated useful lives assigned to wireless network software to three years. This change resulted from smartphone-driven technology upgrades, enhancements and projected retirements. As a result of this change in estimate, we recorded depreciation expense of $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 which increased basic and diluted loss per share by approximately $0.03 per share.
	In conjunction with our long-lived asset analysis conducted in the fourth quarter of 2013, we reassessed the useful lives of all of our Wireless property, plant and equipment. The remaining useful lives for all Wireless property, plant, and equipment assets were reduced to 30 months as of December 31, 2013, resulting in additional depreciation expense of $3.0 million in the quarter. The additional depreciation expense in the fourth quarter of 2013 had the impact of increasing basic and diluted loss per share for the year by $0.01 per share.
	Following the agreement to sell our wireless spectrum licenses and certain other assets in the second quarter of 2014, we further reduced the remaining useful lives of those assets not included in the sale to be fully depreciated as of March 31, 2015. As a result of the combined changes in estimate, depreciation and amortization expense increased by $62.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and reduced both basic and diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.17 per share. In addition, adjusting the useful lives of our Wireless property, plant and equipment also required that we reduce the amortization period of the deferred gain associated with the 2009 tower sale in a similar manner. Amortization of the deferred gain associated with the tower sale totaled $22.9 million in 2014, an increase of $19.6 million, with an effective impact on both basic and diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.05 per share. Amortization of deferred gain of $3.3 million and $2.3 million was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, buildings and leasehold improvements, network equipment, and office software, furniture, fixtures and vehicles include $124.4 million and $126.8 million, respectively, of assets accounted for as capital leases or financing arrangements. Depreciation of capital lease assets is included in "Depreciation and amortization" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the gross value of goodwill was $64.7 million. Accumulated impairment losses totaling $50.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were related to the Wireless segment. The deconsolidation of CyrusOne in January 2013 resulted in the divestiture of $276.2 million of goodwill. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Wireline				IT Services and Hardware				Wireless				Data Center Colocation				Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	11.8			$	2.6			$	—			$	276.2			$	290.6

	Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				—				(276.2		)		(276.2		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	11.8				2.6				—				—				14.4

	Impairment	—				—				—				—				—

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	11.8			$	2.6			$	—			$	—			$	14.4

	Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no intangible assets not subject to amortization due to the agreement to sell our FCC wireless spectrum licenses which closed on September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted solely of FCC wireless spectrum licenses with a carrying value of $88.2 million.
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of customer relationships and trademarks. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, no impairment losses were recognized on intangible assets subject to amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2012, an impairment loss of $1.5 million was recognized by our former Data Center Colocation segment on a customer relationship intangible.
	Summarized below are the carrying values for the major classes of intangible assets subject to amortization:


		Weighted-
		Average		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Life in		Gross Carrying				Accumulated				Gross Carrying				Accumulated
	(dollars in millions)	Years		Amount				Amortization				Amount				Amortization
	Customer relationships
	Wireline	10		$	7			$	(6.6	)		$	7			(6.1		)

	Wireless	9		8.7				(8.6		)		8.7				(8.5		)

				15.7				(15.2		)		15.7				(14.6		)

	Trademarks
	Wireless	6		6.2				(5.7		)		6.2				(3.8		)


				21.9				$	(20.9	)		$	21.9			$	(18.4	)

	Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $2.5 million in 2014, $3.6 million in 2013, and $18.6 million in 2012. The deconsolidation of CyrusOne in January 2013 resulted in the divestiture of customer relationships, trademarks and a favorable leasehold interest with net book values of $91.7 million, $6.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the remaining useful life for the Wireless trademark was reduced to 30 months as of December 31, 2013. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2014, following the agreement to sell our wireless spectrum licenses and certain other assets, we further reduced the remaining useful life of the Wireless trademark to be fully amortized as of March 31, 2015. The change in the useful life resulted in approximately $1 million of additional expense in 2014.

	The following table presents estimated amortization expense for the assets' remaining useful lives:


	(dollars in millions)
	2015	$	0.8

	2016	0.2

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Arran

Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt and Other Financing Arrangements [Text Block]	Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
	The Company’s debt consists of the following:


		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013
	Current portion of long-term debt:
	Corporate Credit Agreement - Tranche B Term Loan	$	5.4			$	5.4

	Capital lease obligations and other debt	7.8				7.2

	Current portion of long-term debt	13.2				12.6

	Long-term debt, less current portion:
	Corporate Credit Agreement	—				40

	Receivables facility	19.2				106.2

	8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018	300				625

	Corporate Credit Agreement - Tranche B Term Loan	527.8				533.2

	8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020	661.2				683.9

	7 1/4% Notes due 2023	40				40

	Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone notes	134.5				134.5

	Capital lease obligations and other debt	91.5				96.1

		1,774.20				2,258.90

	Net unamortized discount	(3.2		)		(6.3		)
	Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771.00				2,252.60

	Total debt	$	1,784.20			$	2,265.20

	Corporate Credit Agreement
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On November 20, 2012, the Company entered into a new credit agreement ("Corporate Credit Agreement") which provided for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, with a sublimit of $30.0 million for letters of credit and a $25.0 million sublimit for swingline loans. Effective with the sale of our 16.0 million partnership units to CyrusOne, Inc. on June 25, 2014 for $355.9 million, the amount available under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility was reduced to $150.0 million. In addition, the original revolving commitments will be further reduced to $125.0 million on December 31, 2015. The Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility has a maturity date of July 15, 2017. Borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility will be used to provide ongoing working capital and for other general corporate purposes of the Company. Upon issuance of the Corporate Credit Agreement, the Company's former revolving credit facility was terminated. Availability under the Corporate Credit Agreement revolving credit facility is subject to customary borrowing conditions.
	Borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility bear interest, at the Company's election, at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin or (ii) the base rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for advances under the revolving facility is based on certain financial ratios and ranges between 3.50% and 4.25% for LIBOR rate advances and 2.50% and 3.25% for base rate advances. As of December 31, 2014, the applicable margin was 4.00% for LIBOR rate advances and 3.00% for base rate advances. Base rate is the higher of (i) the bank prime rate, (ii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% and (iii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%. At December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility.
	Amendment for Tranche B Term Loan Facility
	On September 10, 2013, the Company amended and restated its Corporate Credit Agreement, originally dated as of November 20, 2012, to include a $540.0 million Tranche B Term Loan facility ("Tranche B Term Loan") that matures on September 10, 2020.

	The Company received $529.8 million in net proceeds from the Tranche B Term Loan after deducting the original issue discount, fees and expenses. These proceeds were used to redeem all of the Company's $500.0 million 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2017 ("8 1/4% Senior Notes") on October 15, 2013 at a redemption price of 104.125%, including payment of accrued interest thereon totaling $20.6 million.

	The Tranche B Term Loan was issued with 0.75% of original issue discount and requires quarterly principal payments of 0.25% of the original principal amount. Loans under the Tranche B Term Loan bear interest, at the Company's election, at a rate per annum equal to (i) LIBOR (subject to a 1.00% floor) plus 3.00% or (ii) the base rate plus 2.00%. Base rate is the greatest of (a) the bank prime rate, (b) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% and (c) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%. At December 31, 2014, the interest rate on the outstanding Tranche B Term Loan was 4.00%.

	In accordance with the terms of the amended Corporate Credit Agreement, the Company's ability to make restricted payments, which include share repurchases and common stock dividends, is limited to a total of $15.0 million, with certain permitted exceptions, given that its Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, as defined by the Corporate Credit Agreement, exceeds 3.50 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2014. The Company may make restricted payments of $45.0 million annually when the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00. There are no dollar limits on restricted payments when the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00. These restricted payment limitations do not impact the Company's ability to make regularly scheduled dividend payments on its 6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Furthermore, the Company may make restricted payments in the form of share repurchases or dividends up to 15% of CyrusOne sale proceeds, subject to a $35.0 million annual cap with carryovers.

	The Corporate Credit Agreement was also modified to provide that the Tranche B Term Loan participates in mandatory prepayments, subject to the terms and conditions (including with respect to payment priority) set forth in the restated Corporate Credit Agreement. In addition, the Corporate Credit Agreement was modified to provide that 85%, rather than 100%, of proceeds from monetizing any portion of our CyrusOne common stock partnership units, are applied to mandatory prepayments under the restated Corporate Credit Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. Other revisions were also effected pursuant to the amended agreement, including with respect to financial covenant compliance levels.

	Effective November 5, 2014, the Company amended its Corporate Credit Agreement to, among other things, modify certain financial covenants governing leverage ratios and capital expenditures.

	Guarantors and Security Interests, Corporate Credit Agreement (Including Tranche B Term Loan)
	All existing and future subsidiaries of the Company (other than Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC, Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC (and any other similar special purpose receivables financing subsidiary), Cincinnati Bell Shared Services LLC, Cincinnati Bell Extended Territories LLC, CBMSM Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, and the Company's joint ventures, subsidiaries prohibited by applicable law from becoming guarantors and foreign subsidiaries) are required to guarantee borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement. Debt outstanding under the Corporate Credit Agreement is secured by perfected first priority pledges of and security interests in (i) substantially all of the equity interests of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries (other than subsidiaries of non-guarantors of the Corporate Credit Agreement) and 66% of the equity interests in the first-tier foreign subsidiaries held by the Company and the guarantors under the Corporate Credit Agreement, (ii) certain personal property and intellectual property of the Company and its subsidiaries (other than that of non-guarantors of the Corporate Credit Agreement and certain other excluded property) and (iii) the Company's equity interests in CyrusOne and CyrusOne LP, both of which, together with their respective subsidiaries, are treated as non-subsidiaries of the Company and are not guarantors for purposes of the Corporate Credit Agreement.
	Borrowings and Commitment Fees, Corporate Credit Agreement
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility, leaving $150.0 million available. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $40.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Corporate Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility, leaving $160.0 million available.
	The Company pays commitment fees for the unused amount of borrowings on the Corporate Credit Agreement and letter of credit fees on outstanding letters of credit. The commitment fees are calculated based on the total leverage ratio and range between 0.500% and 0.625% of the actual daily amount by which the aggregate revolving commitments exceed the sum of outstanding revolving loans and letter of credit obligations. These fees were $0.9 million in 2014, $1.0 million in 2013, and $1.6 million in 2012.
	Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
	Cincinnati Bell Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have an accounts receivable securitization facility ("Receivables Facility"), which permits maximum borrowings of up to $120.0 million as of December 31, 2014. On June 3, 2013, the Company executed an amendment of its Receivables Facility which, in addition to modifying some of the defined terms and purchaser parties under the prior agreement, provided for an increase in the maximum credit availability under the Receivables Facility from $105.0 million to $120.0 million and extended the facility's expiration through June 2016. CBT, CBET, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, LLC ("CBW"), Cincinnati Bell Any Distance Inc. ("CBAD"), Cincinnati Bell Any Distance of Virginia LLC, CBTS, and eVolve Business Solutions LLC ("eVolve") all participate in this facility. On October 1, 2012, the Company and CBF amended the Receivables Facility to remove CyrusOne as an originator and to remove the CyrusOne receivables from the financing provided under the Receivables Facility. The available borrowing capacity is calculated monthly based on the quantity and quality of outstanding accounts receivable and thus may be lower than the maximum borrowing limit. At December 31, 2014, the available borrowing capacity was $116.8 million.
	The transferors sell their respective trade receivables on a continuous basis to CBF, a wholly-owned limited liability company. In turn, CBF grants, without recourse, a senior undivided interest in the pooled receivables to various purchasers, including commercial paper conduits, in exchange for cash while maintaining a subordinated undivided interest in the form of over-collateralization in the pooled receivables. The transferors have agreed to continue servicing the receivables for CBF at market rates; accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded. The Receivables Facility is subject to bank renewal every 364 days, and in any event expires in June 2016. On June 2, 2014, the Company executed an amendment of its Receivables Facility, which replaced, amended and added certain provisions and definitions to increase the credit availability and also extend the term to June 1, 2015.
	Although CBF is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company, CBF is legally separate from the Company and each of the Company’s other subsidiaries. Upon and after the sale or contribution of the accounts receivable to CBF, such accounts receivable are legally assets of CBF, and, as such, are not available to creditors of other subsidiaries or the parent company.
	For the purposes of consolidated financial reporting, the Receivables Facility is accounted for as secured financing. Because CBF has the ability to prepay the Receivables Facility at any time by making a cash payment and effectively repurchasing the receivables transferred pursuant to the facility, the transfers do not qualify for "sale" treatment on a consolidated basis under ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."
Of the total borrowing capacity of $116.8 million at December 31, 2014, $19.2 million consisted of outstanding borrowings and $6.9 million consisted of outstanding letters of credit. Interest on the Receivables Facility is based on the LIBOR rate plus 0.5%. The average interest rate on the Receivables Facility was 0.7% in 2014. The Company pays letter of credit fees on the securitization facility and also pays commitment fees on the total facility. These fees were $0.8 million in 2014 and $0.7 million in 2013 and 2012.
8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018
In March 2010, the Company issued $625.0 million of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (“8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes”), which are fixed rate bonds to maturity.
Interest on the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2010. The 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations ranking junior to all existing and future senior debt, ranking equally to all existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness, and ranking senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Each of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Corporate Credit Agreement is also a guarantor of the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, with certain immaterial exceptions. The indenture governing the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes contains covenants including but not limited to the following: limitations on dividends to shareowners and other restricted payments; dividend and other payment restrictions affecting the Company’s subsidiaries such that the subsidiaries are generally not permitted to enter into an agreement that would limit their ability to make dividend payments to the parent; issuance of indebtedness; asset dispositions; transactions with affiliates; liens; investments; issuances and sales of capital stock of subsidiaries; and redemption of debt that is junior in right of payment. The indenture governing the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes provides for customary events of default, including for nonpayment at final maturity and for a default of any other existing debt instrument that exceeds $35.0 million.
In the third quarter of 2014, the Company redeemed $325.0 million of its 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes at a redemption price of 104.375%. As a result of the redemption, the Company recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $19.4 million. The Company may redeem the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes for a redemption price of 102.188% and 100.000% on or after March 15, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020
In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company issued $775.0 million of 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 ("8 3/8% Senior Notes"), which are fixed rate bonds to maturity. Interest on the 8 3/8% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2011. The 8 3/8% Senior Notes are unsecured senior obligations ranking equally with all existing and future senior debt and ranking senior to all existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness and subordinated indebtedness. Each of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Corporate Credit Agreement is also a guarantor of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes on an unsecured senior basis, with certain immaterial exceptions. The indenture governing the 8 3/8% Senior Notes contains covenants including but not limited to the following: limitations on dividends to shareowners and other restricted payments; dividend and other payment restrictions affecting the Company’s subsidiaries such that the subsidiaries are not permitted to enter into an agreement that would limit their ability to make dividend payments to the parent; issuance of indebtedness; asset dispositions; transactions with affiliates; liens; investments; issuances and sales of capital stock of subsidiaries; and redemption of debt that is junior in right of payment. The indenture governing the 8 3/8% Senior Notes provides for customary events of default, including for nonpayment at final maturity and for a default of any other existing debt instrument that exceeds $35.0 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company redeemed $22.7 million of its outstanding 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 at par. As a result of the redemption, the Company recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $0.2 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company conducted a tender offer and redeemed $91.1 million of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes. The Company may redeem the 8 3/8% Senior Notes for a redemption price of 104.188%, 102.792%, 101.396% and 100.000% on or after October 15, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. At any time prior to October 15, 2015, the Company may redeem all or part of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (1) 100% of the principal, plus (2) the greater of (a) 1% of the face value of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes or (b) the excess over the principal amount of the sum of the present values of (i) 104.188% of the face value of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes, and (ii) interest payments due from the date of redemption to October 15, 2015, in each case discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the applicable U.S. Treasury rates plus 0.5%, plus (3) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
7 1/4% Notes due 2023
In 1993, the Company issued $50.0 million of 7 1/4% Notes due 2023 ("7 1/4% Notes"). The 7 1/4% Notes rank ratably to the 8 3/8% Senior Notes and senior to the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes and the CBT Notes. The indenture related to the 7 1/4% Notes does not subject the Company to restrictive financial covenants, but it does contain a covenant providing that if the Company incurs certain liens on its property or assets, the Company must secure the outstanding 7 1/4% Notes equally and ratably with the indebtedness or obligations secured by such liens. The liens under the Corporate Credit Agreement have resulted in the debt outstanding under the 7 1/4% Notes being secured equally and ratably with the obligations secured under the Corporate Credit Agreement. Interest on the 7 1/4% Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The Company may not call the 7 1/4% Notes prior to maturity. The indenture governing the 7 1/4% Notes provides for customary events of default, including for failure to make any payment when due and for a default of any other existing debt instrument that exceeds $20.0 million.
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes
CBT issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal of 6.30% unsecured senior notes due 2028, which is guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Cincinnati Bell Inc. but not its subsidiaries. The indenture related to these CBT Notes does not subject the Company to restrictive financial covenants, but it does contain a covenant providing that if the Company incurs certain liens on its property or assets, the Company must secure the outstanding CBT Notes equally and ratably with the indebtedness or obligations secured by such liens. The maturity date of these notes is in 2028 and they may not be called prior to maturity. The indentures governing these notes provide for customary events of default, including for failure to make any payment when due and for a default of any other existing debt instrument of Cincinnati Bell Inc. or CBT that exceeds $20.0 million. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amount outstanding under these senior notes was $134.5 million.
Capital Lease Obligations
Capital lease obligations represent our obligation for certain leased assets, including wireless towers and various equipment. These leases generally contain renewal or buyout options. During the period of time in which we included the accounts of CyrusOne in our consolidated financial statements, capital lease obligations also included liabilities for leased data center facilities, which also generally included renewal options.
Debt Maturity Schedule
The following table summarizes our annual principal maturities of debt and capital leases for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, and thereafter:


					Capital				Total
(dollars in millions)	Debt				Leases				Debt
Year ended December 31,
2015	$	6			$	7.2			$	13.2

2016	25.1				6.8				31.9

2017	5.5				4.2				9.7

2018	305.4				3.3				308.7

2019	5.4				3.7				9.1

Thereafter	1,341.90				72.9				1,414.80

	1,689.30				98.1				1,787.40

Net unamortized discount	(3.2		)		—				(3.2		)

Total debt	$	1,686.10			$	98.1			$	1,784.20

Total capital lease payments including interest are expected to be $14.0 million for 2015, $13.2 million for 2016, $10.2 million for 2017, $9.1 million for 2018, $9.2 million for 2019, and $108.2 million thereafter. Once we no longer provide wireless service, capital leases with a carrying value of approximately $25 million as of December 31, 2014 will be transferred to the company that acquired our wireless spectrum licenses. We plan to provide wireless service until no later than April 6, 2015.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are costs incurred in connection with obtaining long-term financing. In 2014, deferred financing costs of $0.9 million were incurred related to amending the Corporate Credit Agreement and renewing the Receivables Facility. In 2013, deferred financing costs of $6.7 million were incurred related to amending the Corporate Credit Agreement for the issuance of the $540.0 million Tranche B Term Loan facility and amending the Receivables Facility. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred financing costs totaled $18.5 million and $26.1 million, respectively. The deconsolidation of CyrusOne in January 2013 resulted in the divestiture of $16.9 million of deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related indebtedness or credit agreement. Amortization of deferred financing costs, included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaled $5.1 million in 2014, $5.9 million in 2013, and $7.2 million in 2012.
Debt Covenants
Corporate Credit Agreement
The Corporate Credit Agreement has financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios and comply with annual limitations on capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2014, these ratios and limitations include a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of 7.00, a maximum consolidated senior secured leverage ratio of 3.50, a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 1.50 and a 2014 maximum capital expenditure limitation of $210.0 million. Capital expenditures are permitted subject to predetermined annual thresholds which are not to exceed $937.7 million in the aggregate over the next four years. In 2014, capital expenditures for the Company totaled $182.3 million. In addition, the Corporate Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain investments, prepay other indebtedness, sell, transfer, lease, or dispose of assets and enter into, or undertake, certain liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions.
The Corporate Credit Agreement contains customary events of default (which are in some cases subject to certain exceptions, thresholds and grace periods), including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, failure to perform or observe covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, cross-defaults with certain other indebtedness, certain bankruptcy-related events or proceedings, final monetary judgments or orders, ERISA defaults, invalidity of loan documents or guarantees, and certain change of control events. If the Company were to violate any of its covenants and were unable to obtain a waiver, it would be considered a default. If the Company were in default under the Corporate Credit Agreement, no additional borrowings under this facility would be available until the default was waived or cured.
The Tranche B Term Loan is subject to the same affirmative and negative covenants and events of default as the Corporate Credit Agreement, except that a breach of the financial covenants will not result in an event of default under the Tranche B Term Loan unless and until the agent or a majority in interest of the lenders under the Corporate Credit Agreement have terminated the commitments under the Corporate Credit Agreement or accelerated the loans then outstanding under the Corporate Credit Agreement in response to such breach.
Public Indentures
The Company’s public debt, which includes the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 and 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020, is governed by indentures which contain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional debt or liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell, transfer, lease, or dispose of assets and make investments or merge with another company.
One of the financial covenants permits the issuance of additional Indebtedness up to a 4:00 to 1:00 Consolidated Adjusted Senior Debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined by the individual indentures). Once this ratio exceeds 4:00 to 1:00, the Company is not in default; however, additional indebtedness may only be incurred in specified permitted baskets, including a credit agreement basket providing full access to the $150.0 million revolving credit facility of the Corporate Credit Agreement plus an additional $216.8 million of secured debt. Also, the Company’s ability to make Restricted Payments (as defined by the individual indentures) would be limited, including common stock dividend payments or repurchasing outstanding Company shares. If the Company is under the 4:00 to 1:00 ratio on a pro forma basis, the Company may access its restricted payments basket, which provides the ability to repurchase shares or pay dividends. In addition, the Company may designate one or more of its subsidiaries as Unrestricted (as defined in the various indentures) such that any Unrestricted Subsidiary (as defined in the various indentures) would generally not be subject to the restrictions of these various indentures. However, certain provisions which govern the Company's relationship with Unrestricted Subsidiaries would begin to apply.
CyrusOne Credit Agreement, 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2022, Capital Lease Obligations, and Other Financing Arrangements
On November 20, 2012, CyrusOne entered into a credit agreement (the “CyrusOne Credit Agreement”) which provided for a $225.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, with a sublimit of $50.0 million for letters of credit and a $30.0 million sublimit for swingline loans. Also on November 20, 2012, CyrusOne LP and CyrusOne Finance Corp. (the “Issuers”) issued $525.0 million of 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2022.
In 2013, upon completion of the IPO of CyrusOne, we removed CyrusOne's debt from our consolidated financial statements. The Company no longer has any obligations related to CyrusOne's indebtedness which includes CyrusOne's $525.0 million of 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2022 (“CyrusOne 6 3/8% Senior Notes”), capital lease obligations and other financing arrangements. In addition, the Company no longer has access to the $225.0 million CyrusOne Credit Agreement.
Extinguished Notes
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company redeemed all of the $500.0 million of 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2017 ("8 1/4% Senior Notes") at a redemption price of 104.125% using proceeds from the Corporate Credit Agreement Tranche B Term Loan facility that was issued on September 10, 2013. As a result, the Company recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company redeemed its 7% Senior Notes due 2015 ("7% Senior Notes") with a principal balance of $247.5 million. The Company also repaid certain CBT unsecured notes, which had various final maturity dates occurring in 2023 and fixed rates ranging from 7.18% to 7.27%, with a remaining principal balance of $73.0 million. The Company had previously terminated an interest rate swap related to the 7% Senior Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2012, a loss on debt extinguishment of $13.6 million was recognized on these redemptions and the $91.1 million redemption of the 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Lease Commitments
	The Company leases certain circuits, facilities, and equipment used in its operations. Operating lease expense was $14.0 million, $13.4 million, and $19.3 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. In 2013, $0.3 million of the operating lease expense was associated with CyrusOne as it was included for the first 23 days of January prior to its IPO. In 2012, CyrusOne operating lease expense was $5.9 million. Certain facility leases and tower site leases provide for renewal options with fixed rent escalations beyond the initial lease term. Future minimum payments for certain operating leases that will be transferred to the acquirer no later than April 6, 2015, due to shutting down wireless operations, have been excluded beyond the transfer date.
	At December 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments required under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms for the next five years are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)
	2015	$	10.3

	2016	6.5

	2017	5.1

	2018	3.7

	2019	3.2

	Thereafter	21.6

	Total	$	50.4

	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Asset retirement obligations exist for leased wireless towers and certain other assets. The following table presents the activity for the Company’s asset retirement obligations, which are included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:


		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	8.5		$	7.1

	Liabilities settled	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
	Liabilities incurred	—			0.1

	Revisions to estimated cash flow	0.3			1.1

	Accretion expense	0.5			0.5

	Deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—			(0.2		)

	Balance, end of period	$	9.1		$	8.5

	Indemnifications
	During the normal course of business, the Company makes certain indemnities, commitments, and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include (a) intellectual property indemnities to customers in connection with the use, sale, and/or license of products and services, (b) indemnities to customers in connection with losses incurred while performing services on their premises, (c) indemnities to vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on negligence or willful misconduct of the Company, (d) indemnities involving the representations and warranties in certain contracts, and (e) outstanding letters of credit which totaled $6.9 million as of December 31, 2014. In addition, the Company has made contractual commitments to several employees providing for payments upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events. The majority of these indemnities, commitments, and guarantees do not provide for any limitation on the maximum potential for future payments that the Company could be obligated to make.
	As permitted under Ohio law, the Company has agreements whereby the Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at the Company's request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the lifetime of the officer or director. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that limits the Company's exposure and enables the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the Company's insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. The Company has no liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Purchase Commitments
	The Company has noncancellable purchase commitments related to certain goods and services. These agreements range from one to three years. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the minimum commitments for these arrangements were approximately $178 million and $117 million, respectively. The Company generally has the right to cancel open purchase orders prior to delivery and to terminate the contracts without cause.
	Litigation
	Cincinnati Bell and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits, actions, proceedings, claims and other matters asserted under laws and regulations in the normal course of business. We believe the liabilities accrued for legal contingencies in our consolidated financial statements, as prescribed by GAAP, are adequate in light of the probable and estimable contingencies. However, there can be no assurances that the actual amounts required to satisfy alleged liabilities from various legal proceedings, claims, tax examinations, and other matters, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations, will not exceed the amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements. As such, costs, if any, that may be incurred in excess of those amounts provided as of December 31, 2014, cannot be reasonably determined.
	Contingent Compensation Plan
	In 2010, the Company's Board of Directors approved long-term incentive programs for certain members of management. Payment was contingent upon the completion of a qualifying transaction and attainment of an increase in the equity value of the data center business, as defined in the plans.
	The CyrusOne IPO completed on January 24, 2013 was a qualifying transaction and triggered payments under this contingent compensation plan. For the year ended December 31, 2013, compensation expense of $42.6 million was recognized for these awards and other transaction-related incentives, of which $20.0 million was associated with CyrusOne employees. This expense has been presented as transaction-related compensation in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Disclosures [text block]	Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of our financial instruments do not materially differ from the estimated fair values as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, except for the Company's investment in CyrusOne and long-term debt.
	The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:


		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investment in CyrusOne	$	273.6		$	785		$	471	$	993.2

	Long-term debt, including current portion*	1,686.10			1,717.40			2,162.70		2,248.30

	*Excludes capital leases.
	The fair value of our investment in CyrusOne was based on the closing market price of CyrusOne's common stock on December 31, 2014 and 2013. This fair value measurement is considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

	The fair value of debt instruments was based on closing or estimated market prices of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013, which is considered Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	Certain long-lived assets, intangibles, and goodwill are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis subsequent to their initial measurement. These non-recurring fair value measurements generally occur when evidence of impairment has occurred.
	During 2014, the following assets were remeasured at fair value in connection with impairment tests:


				Fair Value Measurements Using
	(dollars in millions)	Year Ended		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Impairment Losses
		31-Dec-14
	Property:
	Office software, furniture, fixtures, & vehicles (Wireline)	—		—			—		—	$	(4.6	)

	Office software, furniture, fixtures, & vehicles (Wireless)	—		—			—		—	(7.5		)

	Impairment of assets									$	(12.1	)
	In 2014, certain software projects on our Wireline and Wireless segments were abandoned. These assets had no fair value, as they were no longer being used or would not be placed into service, resulting in an impairment loss of $12.1 million in 2014. Historically, management used the income approach to determine fair value of the assets, but since the assets will not be used in the future, there are no expected future earnings attributable and the entire value of the assets was impaired. This fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs. In 2013, no assets were remeasured at fair value.

	During 2012, the following assets were remeasured at fair value in connection with impairment tests:


				Fair Value Measurements Using
	(dollars in millions)	Year Ended		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Impairment Losses
		31-Dec-12
	Customer relationship intangible	2.8		—			—		2.8	(1.5	)

	Property:
	Leasehold improvements	2.4		—			—		2.4	(11.8	)

	Network equipment	0.4		—			—		0.4	(0.5	)

	Other	—		—			—		—	(0.4	)

	Impairment of assets									(14.2	)
	In 2012, a data center customer relationship intangible was deemed impaired. The fair value of this asset was estimated at $2.8 million, resulting in an impairment loss of $1.5 million. The fair value of this asset was estimated by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist. Management estimated the fair value using the income approach, which discounted the expected future earnings attributable to the acquired customer contracts, and included estimates of future expenses, capital expenditures and a discount rate of 12%. This fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs.
	In addition, certain leasehold improvements in our former data center colocation segment were deemed impaired. Prior to recognizing the impairment, these assets had a net book value of $14.2 million as of June, 30, 2012. The fair value of the assets was written down to the estimated fair value of $2.4 million, resulting in an impairment loss of $11.8 million. The fair value of these assets was estimated by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist. Management estimated the fair value using an income approach. Projected discounted cash flows utilized under the income approach included estimates regarding future revenues and expenses, projected capital expenditures and a discount rate of 12%. This fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs.
	In 2012, property associated with an out-of-territory fiber network was deemed impaired. The fair value of this asset was estimated at $0.4 million, resulting in an impairment loss of $0.5 million. Management estimated the fair value using an income approach. Projected discounted cash flows utilized under the income approach included estimates regarding future revenues and expenses, projected capital expenditures and a discount rate of 12%. This fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs. In addition, properties associated with abandoned assets having no resale market were deemed impaired, resulting in an impairment loss of $0.4 million.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges [Text Block]	Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring liabilities have been established for employee separations, lease abandonment and contract terminations. A summary of activity in the restructuring liability is shown below:


	(dollars in millions)	Employee			Lease			Contract Terminations			Total
		Separation			Abandonment
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	14.2		$	8.1		$	1.7		$	24

	Charges	2.5			0.9			—			3.4

	Utilizations	(8.9		)	(3.5		)	(1.5		)	(13.9		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	7.8		$	5.5		$	0.2		$	13.5

	Charges	9			4.1			0.6			13.7

	Utilizations	(7.1		)	(3.6		)	(0.7		)	(11.4		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	9.7		$	6		$	0.1		$	15.8

	Charges/(Reversals)	4.2			(1.4		)	13.1			15.9

	Utilizations	(8.0		)	(2.7		)	(0.7		)	(11.4		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5.9		$	1.9		$	12.5		$	20.3

	Employee separation costs consist of severance to be paid pursuant to the Company's written severance plan. In 2014, employee separation costs included charges attributable to outsourcing a portion of our IT function, charges for the wind down of our Wireless business as well as consulting fees related to a workforce optimization initiative. During 2013, employee separation costs also included consulting fees related to a workforce optimization initiative. A voluntary termination program was offered in 2012 to certain Wireline call center employees and included in employee separation costs. Severance payments are expected to be paid through 2015.
	Lease abandonment costs represent future minimum lease obligations, net of expected sublease income, for abandoned facilities. Reversals in 2014 were related to leased space that was previously reserved that was reoccupied in the third quarter. Lease payments on abandoned facilities will continue through 2015.
	In 2014, contract terminations consisted of wireless contracts that will no longer be utilized once the wireless business ceases operations. Additional restructuring charges associated with the shutdown of our wireless operations will be recognized once the accounting criteria are achieved. For 2013, contract terminations consisted of amounts due to a distributor to terminate a contractual agreement. Contract terminations are expected to be paid out through 2015.
	A summary of restructuring activity by business segment is presented below:


	(dollars in millions)	Wireline			IT Services and Hardware			Wireless			Data Center Colocation			Corporate			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	15.1		$	2.5		$	0.7		$	—		$	5.7		$	24

	Charges	3.5			(1.2		)	1.6			0.5			(1.0		)	3.4

	Utilizations	(10.0		)	(0.8		)	(0.7		)	(0.5		)	(1.9		)	(13.9		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	8.6		$	0.5		$	1.6		$	—		$	2.8		$	13.5

	Charges	9.1			0.7			0.2			—			3.7			13.7

	Utilizations	(7.2		)	(0.4		)	(0.3		)	—			(3.5		)	(11.4		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10.5		$	0.8		$	1.5		$	—		$	3		$	15.8

	Charges/(Reversals)	(0.5		)	—			16.3			—			0.1			15.9

	Utilizations	(6.1		)	(0.5		)	(2.4		)	—			(2.4		)	(11.4		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	3.9		$	0.3		$	15.4		$	—		$	0.7		$	20.3

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $20.3 million and $7.8 million, respectively, of the restructuring liabilities were included in “Other current liabilities.” At December 31, 2013, $8.0 million was included in "Other noncurrent liabilities."

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla

Pension and Postretirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Postretirement Plans [Text Block]	Pension and Postretirement Plans
	Savings Plans
	The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions to the plans are based on matching a portion of the employee contributions. Both employer and employee contributions are invested in various investment funds at the direction of the employee. Employer contributions to the defined contribution plans were $6.7 million, $6.6 million, and $6.9 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Pension and Postretirement Plans
	The Company sponsors three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans: one for eligible management employees, one for non-management employees, and one supplemental, nonqualified, unfunded plan for certain former senior executives. The management pension plan is a cash balance plan in which the pension benefit is determined by a combination of compensation-based credits and annual guaranteed interest credits. Pension plan amendments were approved in May 2013, and the Company remeasured the associated pension obligations. As a result of the pension plan amendment, the Company recorded a curtailment gain of $0.6 million and a $10.3 million reduction to the associated pension obligations during the second quarter of 2013. The non-management pension plan is also a cash balance plan in which the combination of service and job-classification-based credits and annual interest credits determine the pension benefit. Effective January 1, 2012, future pension service credits were eliminated for certain non-management employees. Benefits for the supplemental plan are based on eligible pay, adjusted for age and service upon retirement. We fund both the management and non-management plans in an irrevocable trust through contributions, which are determined using the traditional unit credit cost method. We also use the traditional unit credit cost method for determining pension cost for financial reporting purposes.
	The Company also provides healthcare and group life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. We fund healthcare benefits and other group life insurance benefits using Voluntary Employee Benefit Association ("VEBA") trusts. It is our practice to fund amounts as deemed appropriate from time to time. Contributions are subject to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limitations developed using the traditional unit credit cost method. The actuarial expense calculation for our postretirement health plan is based on numerous assumptions, estimates, and judgments including healthcare cost trend rates and cost sharing with retirees. Retiree healthcare benefits are being phased out for both management and certain retirees. In August 2013, several amendments to the postretirement plan required a remeasurement of the associated benefit obligations. As a result, the Company recorded a $26.1 million reduction to the postretirement liability in the third quarter of 2013.
	Components of Net Periodic Cost
	The following information relates to noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, postretirement healthcare plans, and life insurance benefit plans. Approximately 8% in 2014, 10% in 2013, and 11% in 2012 of these costs were capitalized to property, plant and equipment related to network construction in the Wireline segment. Pension and postretirement benefit costs for these plans were comprised of:


		Pension Benefits												Postretirement and Other Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Service cost	$	1			$	2.1			$	2.6			$	0.3			$	0.4		$	0.5

	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	21				18.8				21.3				4				4			5.6

	Expected return on plan assets	(28.1		)		(25.7		)		(26.1		)		—				—			—

	Amortization of:

	Prior service cost (benefit)	0.2				0.2				0.1				(15.4		)		(14.1		)	(13.2		)

	Actuarial loss	17.3				22				19.4				5.4				5.6			6.8

	Curtailment gain	—				(0.6		)		—				—				—			—

	Pension/postretirement costs	$	11.4			$	16.8			$	17.3			$	(5.7	)		$	(4.1	)	$	(0.3	)

	The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in measuring the net periodic cost of the pension and postretirement benefits:


		Pension Benefits									Postretirement and Other Benefits
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.2	%		3.3	%	*	3.9	%		4.1	%		3.4	%	**	3.6	%
	Expected long-term rate of return	7.75	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—			—			—

	Future compensation growth rate	—			3	%		3	%		—			—			—

	* Discount rate used for the remeasurement of the management pension plan in May 2013 was consistent with the discount rate previously established.
	** For the period January 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013, the date of the remeasurement, we used a 3.10% discount rate. From that date through December 31, 2013, we used a 3.90% discount rate.
	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, developed using the building block approach, is based on the mix of investments held directly by the plans and the current view of expected future returns, which is influenced by historical averages. Changes in actual asset return experience and discount rate assumptions can impact the Company’s operating results, financial position and cash flows.
	Benefit Obligation and Funded Status
	Changes in the plans' benefit obligations and funded status are as follows:


										Postretirement and Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at January 1,	$	523			$	584.9			$	101.5			$	152.4

	Service cost	1				2.1				0.3				0.4

	Interest cost	21				18.8				4				4

	Prior service credit	—				—				—				(17.4		)

	Actuarial loss (gain)	73.5				(38.2		)		13.3				(19.6		)

	Benefits paid	(41.2		)		(44.6		)		(15.2		)		(23.9		)
	Retiree drug subsidy received	—				—				0.5				0.5

	Other	—				—				4.6				5.1

Benefit obligation at December 31,	$	577.3			$	523			$	109			$	101.5


Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	$	399.3			$	343.8			$	11.3			$	11.7

Actual return on plan assets	44.2				55.1				0.4				0.4

Employer contributions	22				45				14				22.6

Retiree drug subsidy received	—				—				0.5				0.5

Benefits paid	(41.2		)		(44.6		)		(15.2		)		(23.9		)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	424.3				399.3				11				11.3

Unfunded status	$	(153.0	)		$	(123.7	)		$	(98.0	)		$	(90.2	)

The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for and measuring the projected benefit obligations:


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement and Other Benefits
	December 31,						December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Discount rate	3.4	%		4.2	%		3.4	%		4.1	%
Expected long-term rate of return	7.75	%		7.75	%		—			—

Future compensation growth rate	—			—			—			—

The assumed healthcare cost trend rate used to measure the postretirement health benefit obligation is shown below:


	December 31,
	2014			2013
Healthcare cost trend	6.5	%		6.5	%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%		4.5	%
Year the rates reach the ultimate trend rate	2018			2017

A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effect on the postretirement benefit costs and obligation:


(dollars in millions)	1% Increase				1% Decrease
Service and interest costs for 2014	$	0.2			$	(0.1	)

Postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014	5				(4.5		)

The projected benefit obligation is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:


	Pension Benefits								Postretirement and Other Benefits
	December 31,								December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014				2013
Accrued payroll and benefits (current liability)	$	2.2			$	2.1			$	12			$	12.7

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations (noncurrent liability)	150.8				121.6				86				77.5

Total	$	153			$	123.7			$	98			$	90.2

Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets which have not yet been recognized in net pension costs consisted of the following:


									Postretirement and Other Benefits
	Pension Benefits
	December 31,								December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014				2013
Prior service (cost) benefit, net of tax of ($0.2), ($0.3), $21.3, $26.8	$	(0.5	)		$	(0.6	)		$	38.5			$	48.4

Actuarial loss, net of tax of ($91.5), ($77.2), ($29.3), ($26.6)	(160.7		)		(134.8		)		(50.9		)		(46.1		)
Total	$	(161.2	)		$	(135.4	)		$	(12.4	)		$	2.3

Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Consolidated Statements of Shareowners’ Deficit and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are shown below:


	Pension Benefits								Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014				2013

Prior service cost recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	$	0.2			$	(0.4	)		$	(15.4	)		$	(14.1	)

Prior service credit	—				—				—				17.4

Actuarial (loss) gain recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	17.3				22				5.4				5.6

Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	(57.5		)		67.5				(12.9		)		20

The following amounts currently included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" are expected to be recognized in 2015 as a component of net periodic pension and postretirement cost:


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)
Prior service cost (benefit)	$	0.2			$	(15.4	)

Actuarial loss	20.9				6.2

Total	$	21.1			$	(9.2	)

Plan Assets, Investment Policies and Strategies
The primary investment objective for the trusts holding the assets of the pension and postretirement plans is preservation of capital with a reasonable amount of long-term growth and income without undue exposure to risk. This is provided by a balanced strategy using fixed income and equity securities. The target allocations for the pension plan assets are 65% equity securities and 35% investment grade fixed income securities. Equity securities are primarily held in the form of passively managed funds that seek to track the performance of a benchmark index. Equity securities include investments in growth and value common stocks of companies located in the United States, which represents approximately 78% of the equity securities held by the pension plans at December 31, 2014 as well as stock of international companies located in both developed and emerging markets around the world. Fixed income securities primarily include holdings of funds, which generally invest in a variety of intermediate and long-term investment grade corporate bonds from diversified industries. The postretirement plan assets are currently invested in a group insurance contract.
The fair values of the pension and postretirement plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are as follows:


(dollars in millions)	December 31, 2014				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
					in active				observable				unobservable
					markets				inputs				inputs
					Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual funds
U.S. equity index funds	$	212.3			$	212.3			$	—			$	—

International equity index funds	61.1				61.1				—				—

Fixed income bond funds	150.9				150.9				—				—

Group insurance contract	11				—				—				11

Total	$	435.3			$	424.3			$	—			$	11




(dollars in millions)		December 31, 2013				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in active				observable				unobservable
						markets				inputs				inputs
						Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Mutual funds
U.S. equity index funds		$	201.4			$	201.4			$	—			$	—

International equity index funds		57				57				—				—

Fixed income bond funds		109.8				109.8				—				—

Fixed income short-term money market funds		0.3				0.3				—				—

Real estate pooled funds		30.8				—				—				30.8

Group insurance contract		11.3				—				—				11.3

Total		$	410.6			$	368.5			$	—			$	42.1

The fair values of Level 1 investments are based on quoted prices in active markets. The fair values of Level 2 investments, which consist of funds that hold securities in active markets, are determined based on the net asset value as reported by the fund manager.
The Level 3 investment consists of a group insurance contract as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The contract is valued at contract value plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company liquidated the real estate pooled funds within the pension plan master trust that had been categorized as Level 3 investments. The proceeds from the sale were reinvested in equity securities and investment grade fixed income securities similar to those currently held by the pension plan master trust. These new investments are classified as Level 1 investments.
The real estate pooled funds were valued at the net asset values disclosed by the fund managers, which were based on estimated fair values of the real estate investments using independent appraisal. The funds invested primarily in commercial real estate and included mortgage loans which were backed by the associated properties. The investments were sensitive to changes in commercial real estate market values. They focused on properties that returned both lease income and appreciation of the buildings’ marketable value. In estimating fair value of the investments in level 3, the fund managers used independent appraisers. The generally accepted methods used in the valuation of real estate are the income, cost, and sales comparison approaches of estimating property value. Key inputs and assumptions used to determine fair value include among others, rental revenue and expense amounts and related revenue and expense growth rates, terminal capitalization rates and discount rates. In the event that total withdrawal requests exceeded the total cash available to honor such requests, available cash would have been pro-rated among those contract-holders eligible for withdrawals.

The Level 3 investments had the following changes in 2014 and 2013:


	Pension								Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014				2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	30.8			$	27.8			$	11.3			$	11.7

Realized gains, net	3.2				1				0.4				0.4

Unrealized gains, net	—				2.7				—				—

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(34.0		)		(0.7		)		(0.7		)		(0.8		)
Balance, end of year	$	—			$	30.8			$	11			$	11.3

Contributions to our qualified pension plans were $19.7 million in 2014, $42.1 million in 2013, and $23.9 million in 2012. Contributions to our non-qualified pension plan were $2.3 million in 2014, $2.9 million in 2013, and $2.0 million in 2012.
Based on current assumptions, management believes it will make contributions of approximately $13 million to the qualified pension plan in 2015. Contributions to non-qualified pension plans in 2015 are expected to be approximately $2 million. Management expects to make cash payments of approximately $12 million related to its postretirement health plans in 2015.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years:


(dollars in millions)	Pension				Postretirement				Medicare
	Benefits				and Other				Subsidy
					Benefits				Receipts
2015	$	41.3			$	12.6			$	(0.6	)

2016	41.3				11.7				(0.6		)

2017	41.1				10.7				(0.5		)

2018	41				10				(0.5		)

2019	39.5				8.2				(0.5		)

Years 2020 - 2024	182.7				33.7				(2.0		)

Shareowners_Deficit

Shareowners' Deficit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareowners' Deficit [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Shareowners’ Deficit
	Common Shares
	The par value of the Company’s common shares is $0.01 per share. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, common shares outstanding were 209,296,068 and 208,165,275, respectively.
	In 2010, the Board of Directors approved a plan for repurchase of up to $150.0 million of the Company's common shares. In 2014 and 2013, no shares were repurchased or retired under this plan. In 2012, no shares were repurchased under this plan and the Company retired 0.1 million shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the authority to repurchase $129.2 million of its common stock.
	At December 31, 2014, treasury shares of common stock held under certain management deferred compensation arrangements were 0.3 million, with a total cost of $1.1 million. At December 31, 2013, treasury shares of common stock held under certain management deferred compensation arrangements were 0.5 million, with a total cost of $2.0 million.
	Preferred Shares
	The Company is authorized to issue 1,357,299 shares of voting preferred stock without par value and 1,000,000 shares of nonvoting preferred stock without par value. The Company issued 155,250 voting shares of 6 3/4% cumulative convertible preferred stock at stated value. These shares were subsequently deposited into a trust in which the underlying 155,250 shares are equivalent to 3,105,000 depositary shares. Shares of this preferred stock can be converted at any time at the option of the holder into common stock of the Company at a conversion rate of 1.44 shares of the Company common stock per depositary share of 6 3/4% convertible preferred stock. Annual dividends of $67.50 per share (or $3.3752 per depositary share) on the outstanding 6 3/4% convertible preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears in cash, or in common stock in certain circumstances if cash payment is not legally permitted. The liquidation preference on the 6 3/4% preferred stock is $1,000 per share (or $50 per depositary share). The Company paid $10.4 million in preferred stock dividends in 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Warrants
	In March 2003, the Company entered into a series of recapitalization transactions which included the issuance of 17.5 million warrants that expired on March 26, 2013. Each warrant allowed the holder to purchase one share of Cincinnati Bell common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 each. During the first quarter of 2013, warrant holders elected to exercise a total of 14.3 million warrants. As a result, the Company issued a total of 4.4 million shares of common stock and received $5.1 million of cash proceeds for the 1.7 million of such warrants which were cash settled. During 2012, warrant holders elected to exercise a total of 3.2 million warrants, primarily on a cashless basis, and received a total of 1.5 million shares of common stock. Cash proceeds received upon exercise were $0.1 million. There were no warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Shareowners’ deficit includes an accumulated other comprehensive loss that is comprised of pension and postretirement unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses, and foreign currency translation losses.

	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Unrecognized Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost				Foreign Currency Translation Loss			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(133.1	)		$	(0.2	)	$	(133.3	)
	Foreign currency loss	—				(0.1		)	(0.1		)

	Remeasurement of benefit obligations	(45.4		)		—			(45.4		)

	Reclassifications, net	4.9			(a)	—			4.9

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(173.6	)		$	(0.3	)	$	(173.9	)
	(a) These reclassifications are included in the components of net period pension and postretirement benefit costs (see Note 11 for additional details). The components of net period pension and postretirement benefit cost are reported within "Cost of services", "Cost of products sold", and "Selling, general and administrative" expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Charged to Continuing Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) or Additional Paid-In Capital [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes

	Income tax expense consisted of the following:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	8			$	—			$	1.8

	State and local	1.6				—				1.6

	Total current	9.6				—				3.4

	Investment tax credits	(0.2		)		(0.2		)		(0.3		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	48.4				(13.0		)		21.8

	State and local	0.7				(3.7		)		2

	Foreign	—				0.3				(0.5		)

	Total deferred	49.1				(16.4		)		23.3

	Valuation allowance	(1.1		)		14.1				(1.7		)

	Total	$	57.4			$	(2.5	)		$	24.7

	The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rate for each year:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax	0.4			1.5			3.9

	Change in valuation allowance, net of federal income tax	(3.0	)		(15.8	)		(2.3	)
	State net operating loss adjustments	2.9			2.7			3.7

	Nondeductible interest expense	4			(11.4	)		18.1

	Unrecognized tax benefit changes	2.1			(2.1	)		2.2

	Nondeductible compensation	1			(2.5	)		2.7

	Foreign	—			(0.7	)		3.5

	Other differences, net	0.8			(2.3	)		2

	Effective tax rate	43.2	%		4.4	%		68.8	%
	The income tax (benefit) provision was charged to continuing operations, accumulated other comprehensive income or additional paid-in capital as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Income tax (benefit) provision related to:
	Continuing operations	$	57.4			$	(2.5	)		$	24.7

	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(22.4		)		42.1				(0.4		)

	Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises	(0.1		)		(0.5		)		(2.4		)

	The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


	December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	286.5			$	452.3

Pension and postretirement benefits	95.5				81.9

Equity method investment in CyrusOne	64.5				41.5

Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	42.2				—

AMT Credit Carryforward	24.7				16.5

Other	47.4				46.7

Total deferred tax assets	560.8				638.9

Valuation allowance	(64.4		)		(68.3		)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	496.4			$	570.6

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	121.9			$	171.8

Other	4.9				3.8

Total deferred tax liabilities	126.8				175.6

Net deferred tax assets	$	369.6			$	395


As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $665.2 million of federal tax operating loss carryforwards with a deferred tax asset value of $232.8 million, alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $24.7 million, state tax credits of $10.8 million, and $53.7 million in deferred tax assets related to state, local, and foreign tax operating loss carryforwards. The majority of the remaining tax loss carryforwards will generally expire in 2023. U.S. tax laws limit the annual utilization of tax loss carryforwards of acquired entities. These limitations should not materially impact the utilization of the tax carryforwards.
The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax assets depends upon the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income during the periods in which basis differences and other deductions become deductible, and prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards. Due to its historical and future projected earnings, management believes it will utilize future federal deductions and available net operating loss carryforwards prior to their expiration. Management also concluded that it was more likely than not that certain state and foreign tax loss carryforwards would not be realized based upon the analysis described above and therefore provided a valuation allowance.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $26.3 million at December 31, 2014 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2013. Accrued interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties were immaterial as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	24.1			$	22.8			$	21.8

Change in tax positions for the current year	3				1.3				1.4

Change in tax positions for prior years	—				—				(0.4		)

Balance, end of year	$	27.1			$	24.1			$	22.8

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various foreign, state and local jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations for years before 2011.

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Text Block]	Stock-Based and Deferred Compensation Plans

	The Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance-based awards, and time-based restricted shares to officers and key employees under the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan and stock options, restricted shares, and restricted stock units to directors under the 2007 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The maximum number of shares authorized under these plans is 19.0 million. Shares available for award under the plans at December 31, 2014 were 1.8 million.
	Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
	Generally, the awards of stock options and stock appreciation rights fully vest three years from grant date and expire ten years from grant date. Beginning in 2012, some of the stock options and stock appreciation rights vested over a three year period based on the achievement of certain performance objectives. The Company generally issues new shares when options to purchase common shares or stock appreciation rights are exercised. The following table summarizes stock options and stock appreciation rights activity:


		2014								2013							2012
						Weighted-								Weighted-							Weighted-
						Average								Average							Average
						Exercise								Exercise							Exercise
						Price Per								Price Per							Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share			Shares				Share
	Outstanding at January 1,	6,128				$	3.66			9,538				$	4.04		14,152				$	3.7

	Granted *	998				3.41				595				4.75			994				3.41

	Exercised	(725		)		1.73				(804		)		2.41			(4,854		)		2.8

	Forfeited	(215		)		3.99				(361		)		3.39			(6		)		2.91

	Expired	(962		)		3.73				(2,840		)		5.56			(748		)		4.87

	Outstanding at December 31,	5,224				$	3.85			6,128				$	3.66		9,538				$	4.04

	Expected to vest at December 31,	5,224				$	3.85			6,128				$	3.66		9,538				$	4.04

	Exercisable at December 31,	3,477				$	3.98			5,064				$	3.61		8,486				$	4.13


	(dollars in millions)
	Compensation expense for the year	$	0.3							$	0.6						$	1.1

	Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.1	)						$	(0.2	)					$	(0.4	)
	Intrinsic value of awards exercised	$	1.5							$	1.2						$	10.6

	Cash received from awards exercised	$	1.3							$	2.4						$	5.5

	Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	0.4							$	0.4						$	0.5


	* Assumes the maximum number of awards that can be earned if the performance conditions are achieved.
	The following table summarizes our outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2014:


		Outstanding							Exercisable
					Weighted-							Weighted-
					Average							Average
					Exercise							Exercise
					Price Per							Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Share				Shares			Share
	$1.67 to $2.91	596			$	2.46			596			$	2.46

	$3.40 to $4.00	2,882			3.57				1,389			3.75

	$4.20 to $5.31	1,746			4.8				1,492			4.8

	Total	5,224			$	3.85			3,477			$	3.98

	As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value for awards outstanding and exercisable was approximately $0.4 million. The weighted-average remaining contractual life for awards outstanding and exercisable is approximately five years and three years, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.4 million of unrecognized stock compensation expense, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.
	The fair values at the date of grant were estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:


		2014			2013			2012
Expected volatility	35.5		%	43.6		%	43.5		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%	0.8		%	0.8		%
Expected holding period (in years)	5			5			5

Expected dividends	0		%	0		%	0		%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	1.14		$	1.84		$	1.32

The expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes pricing model was based on historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected holding period was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees and adjusted for abnormal activity. Expected dividends are based on the Company’s history of not paying dividends.
Performance-Based Restricted Awards
Awards granted generally vest over three years and upon the achievement of certain performance-based objectives. Performance-based awards are expensed based on their grant date fair value if it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved.
The following table summarizes our outstanding performance-based restricted award activity:


	2014								2013							2012
					Weighted-								Weighted-							Weighted-
					Average								Average							Average
					Exercise								Exercise							Exercise
					Price Per								Price Per							Price Per
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share			Shares				Share
Non-vested at January 1,	1,537				$	3.97			1,687				$	3.13		1,839				$	2.9

Granted*	1,085				3.56				1,067				4.56			808				3.4

Vested	(635		)		3.71				(703		)		3.07			(552		)		2.85

Forfeited	(241		)		3.65				(514		)		3.67			(408		)		2.79

Non-vested at December 31,	1,746				$	3.85			1,537				$	3.97		1,687				$	3.13


(dollars in millions)
Compensation expense for the year	$	1.4							$	2.6						$	2.7

Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.5	)						$	(1.0	)					$	(1.0	)
Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	2.3							$	2.2						$	1.6


* Assumes the maximum number of awards that can be earned if the performance conditions are achieved.
As of December 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to performance-based awards was $3.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.

Time-Based Restricted Awards

Awards granted to employees generally vest in one-third increments over a period of three years. Awards granted to directors in 2012 and in prior years vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Awards granted to directors in 2013 vest on the second anniversary of the grant date. Awards granted in 2014 vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.

The following table summarizes our time-based restricted award activity:


	2014								2013							2012
					Weighted-								Weighted-							Weighted-
					Average								Average							Average
					Exercise								Exercise							Exercise
					Price Per								Price Per							Price Per
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share			Shares				Share
Non-vested at January 1,	1,044				$	3.55			1,298				$	3.11		872				$	2.89

Granted	176				3.19				279				4.72			725				3.26

Vested	(514		)		3.25				(454		)		3.03			(299		)		2.83

Forfeited	(22		)		3.19				(79		)		3.4			—				—

Non-vested at December 31,	684				$	3.7			1,044				$	3.55		1,298				$	3.11


(dollars in millions)
Compensation expense for the year	$	1.6							$	1.7						$	1.5

Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.6	)						$	(0.6	)					$	(0.6	)
Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	1.7							$	1.4						$	0.8




As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year.
Cash Settled and Other Awards
The Company granted 531,000 cash-settled stock appreciation rights awards in 2012 with a grant date value of $0.8 million. A Black-Scholes pricing model was utilized to determine the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. For awards granted in 2012, the weighted-average fair value per share was $1.32. The final payments of these awards will be indexed to the percentage change in the Company’s stock price from the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, the amount of remaining unrecognized compensation expense for cash-settled stock appreciation rights was nominal. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2014 was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
The Company also granted cash-payment performance awards in 2014 and 2012 with base awards of $3.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, with the final award payment indexed to the percentage change in the Company’s stock price from the date of grant. No cash-payment awards were issued in 2013. In 2014, we recorded $0.6 million of expense related to these awards, a $0.2 million benefit in 2013 and $4.4 million of expense in 2012.
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company currently has deferred compensation plans for both the Board of Directors and certain executives of the Company. Under the directors deferred compensation plan, each director can defer receipt of all or a part of their director fees and annual retainers, which can be invested in various investment funds including the Company’s common stock. In years prior to 2012, the Company granted 6,000 phantom shares to each non-employee director on the first business day of each year, which are fully vested once a director has five years of service. No phantom shares were granted to non-employee directors in 2014. Distributions to the directors are generally in the form of cash. The executive deferred compensation plan allows for certain executives to defer a portion of their annual base pay, bonus, or stock awards. Under the executive deferred compensation plan, participants can elect to receive distributions in the form of either cash or common shares.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 0.4 million and 0.7 million common shares deferred in these plans, respectively. As these awards can be settled in cash, we record compensation costs each period based on the change in the Company’s stock price. We recognized a compensation benefit of $0.3 million in 2014, a benefit of $1.4 million in 2013, and expense of $1.8 million in 2012.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information [Text Block]	Business Segment Information
	As of December 31, 2012, and for the period January 1, 2013 through January 23, 2013, we operated four business segments: Wireline, IT Services and Hardware, Wireless, and Data Center Colocation. Effective January 24, 2013, the date of the CyrusOne IPO, we no longer include CyrusOne, our former Data Center Colocation segment, in our consolidated financial statements and now account for our ownership in CyrusOne as an equity method investment. Therefore, as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, we operated three business segments: Wireline, IT Services and Hardware, and Wireless. For further details of the CyrusOne IPO, see Note 1 and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The Wireline segment provides products and services such as data transport, high-speed internet, entertainment, local voice, long distance, VoIP, and other services. These services are primarily provided to customers in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana. Data services include Fioptics high-speed internet and DSL internet access. Data services also provide data transport for businesses, including local area network services, dedicated network access, metro-ethernet and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing ("DWDM"), which principally are used to transport large amounts of data over private networks. Entertainment services are comprised of television media through our Fioptics product suite. Voice local service revenue includes local service, digital trunking, switched access, information services, and other value-added services such as caller identification, voicemail, call waiting, and call return. Long distance and VoIP services include long distance voice, audio conferencing, VoIP and other broadband services including private line and multi-protocol label switching, a technology that enables a business customer to privately interconnect voice and data services at its locations. Other services primarily include inside wire installation for business enterprises, rental revenue, and revenue under the agreement for selling Verizon Wireless handsets and service.
	In 2014, Wireline reversed restructuring charges totaling $1.4 million related to abandoned office space that was reoccupied. This was offset by $0.9 million of restructuring charges for employee severance. Wireline also recognized restructuring charges of $9.1 million and $3.5 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, for costs associated with employee separation, lease abandonments and contract termination costs. An asset impairment charge of $4.6 million was recorded in 2014 related to the abandonment of an internal use software project that was written off in the fourth quarter. There were no impairment charges recorded in 2013 and $0.5 million of charges in 2012.
	The IT Services and Hardware segment provides a range of fully managed and outsourced IT and telecommunications services along with the sale, installation, and maintenance of major branded IT and telephony equipment. IT Services and Hardware revenue increased $88.9 million from the prior year as a result of $65.1 million additional telecom and IT equipment sales in 2014. Managed and professional service revenue was also up $23.8 million in 2014 compared to the prior year.
	The Wireless segment provides digital wireless voice and data communications services and sales of related handset equipment to customers in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio operating areas. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company agreed to sell its wireless spectrum licenses and certain other assets. As a result, Wireless recognized restructuring charges of $16.3 million, asset impairments of $7.5 million, and transaction costs of $3.2 million during 2014. Wireless also incurred restructuring charges of $0.2 million in 2013 and $1.6 million in 2012. In addition, the agreement to sell the spectrum licenses coincided with reducing the useful life of all long-lived assets (excluding the spectrum licenses) to 30 months as of December 31, 2013 resulting in depreciation and amortization expense increasing by $62.2 million in 2014. These changes also resulted in accelerating the amortization of deferred gain on the tower sale by $19.6 million in 2014. In 2013, Wireless recorded a $3.5 million loss on disposal of assets for equipment that had no resale market or had either been disconnected from the wireless network, abandoned or demolished.
	The Data Center Colocation segment provided data center colocation services to primarily large businesses. The Data Center Colocation results for 2013 shown in the accompanying table reflect the revenues and expenses of our former data center business for the period January 1, 2013 through January 23, 2013. Effective January 24, 2013, we no longer include CyrusOne's operating results in our consolidated financial statements. In 2014 and 2013, we recognized losses of $7.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively, from our investment in CyrusOne which represented our equity method share of CyrusOne's losses. These losses from CyrusOne were recognized as a component of non-operating income. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of our investment in CyrusOne was $273.6 million and $471.0 million, respectively, and is included as an asset of the Corporate segment. In 2012, the Data Center Colocation segment recognized impairment losses of $13.3 million on long-lived assets and a customer relationship intangible asset.
	In 2013, Corporate operating results include compensation expense of $42.6 million associated with awards and other transaction-related incentives associated with the IPO of CyrusOne on January 24, 2013. Other transaction costs were $1.2 million in 2014, $1.6 million in 2013, and $6.3 million in 2012. Corporate recognized restructuring charges of $0.1 million and $3.7 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and reversed restructuring costs of $1.0 million in 2012.
	Our business segment information is as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Revenue
	Wireline	$	740.7			$	724.8			$	730.5

	IT Services and Hardware	433				344.1				315.7

	Wireless	132.8				201.5				241.8

	Data Center Colocation	—				15.6				221.3

	Intersegment	(28.3		)		(29.1		)		(35.4		)
	Total revenue	$	1,278.20			$	1,256.90			$	1,473.90

	Intersegment revenue
	Wireline	$	15.6			$	16.8			$	19.1

	IT Services and Hardware	11				9.6				7.6

	Wireless	1.7				2.3				2.3

	Data Center Colocation	—				0.4				6.4

	Total intersegment revenue	$	28.3			$	29.1			$	35.4

	Operating income (loss)
	Wireline	$	182.5			$	190.2			$	212.9

	IT Services and Hardware	19.8				8.5				10.3

	Wireless	(66.3		)		18.2				51.2

	Data Center Colocation	—				3.2				30.4

	Corporate	(20.2		)		(56.3		)		(34.7		)
	Total operating income	$	115.8			$	163.8			$	270.1

	Expenditures for long-lived assets
	Wireline	$	163.7			$	162.6			$	114.2

	IT Services and Hardware	11.9				10.6				9

	Wireless	6.5				16				15.8

	Data Center Colocation	—				7.7				228.2

	Corporate	0.2				—				—

	Total expenditures for long-lived assets	$	182.3			$	196.9			$	367.2

	Depreciation and amortization
	Wireline	$	115.7			$	112.2			$	106

IT Services and Hardware	11.7				10.5				8.6

Wireless	103.4				41.2				31.9

Data Center Colocation	—				5.2				70.6

Corporate	0.2				0.5				0.3

Total depreciation and amortization	$	231			$	169.6			$	217.4


	As of December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013
Assets
Wireline	$	832.2			$	780.8

IT Services and Hardware	61.4				48.9

Wireless	122.7				247.5

Corporate and eliminations	803.4				1,030.10

Total assets	$	1,819.70			$	2,107.30



Details of our service and product revenues including eliminations are as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
Service revenue
Wireline	$	714.5			$	702.3			$	705

IT Services and Hardware	161.4				138.7				130.2

Wireless	123.7				183.1				222.7

Data Center Colocation	—				15.2				214.9

Total service revenue	$	999.6			$	1,039.30			$	1,272.80

Product revenue
Handsets and accessories	$	18			$	21.8			$	23.2

IT, telephony and other equipment	260.6				195.8				177.9

Total product revenue	$	278.6			$	217.6			$	201.1

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Text Block]	Supplemental Cash Flow Information


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Capitalized interest expense	$	0.8	$	0.6	$	2.7

	Cash paid for:
	Interest	153.1		179.5		217.9

	Income taxes, net of refunds	9.1		2.8		0.1

	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Investment in CyrusOne resulting from deconsolidation	—		509.7		—

	Accrual of CyrusOne dividends	6		7.1		—

	Acquisition of property by assuming debt and other financing arrangements	4.7		7.6		19.9

	Acquisition of property on account	24.8		13.3		30.7

	Accrued CyrusOne stock issuance costs	—		—		2.2

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information Abstract
Supplemental Guarantor Information	Supplemental Guarantor Information - Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes
	CBT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell Inc. (the "Parent Company"), had $134.5 million in notes outstanding at December 31, 2014 that are guaranteed by the Parent Company and no other subsidiaries of the Parent Company. The guarantee is full and unconditional. The Parent Company’s subsidiaries generate substantially all of its income and cash flow and generally distribute or advance the funds necessary to meet the Parent Company’s debt service obligations.
	The following information sets forth the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of (1) the Parent Company, as the guarantor, (2) CBT, as the issuer, and (3) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis.


	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
		(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
	Revenue	$	—			$	659.6			$	673.8			$	(55.2	)		$	1,278.20

	Operating costs and expenses	19.9				484.4				713.3				(55.2		)		1,162.40

	Operating (loss) income	(19.9		)		175.2				(39.5		)		—				115.8

	Interest expense (income), net	144				(4.5		)		9.2				—				148.7

	Other expense (income), net	17.6				7.4				(190.9		)		—				(165.9		)

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(181.5		)		172.3				142.2				—				133

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(55.6		)		62.9				50.1				—				57.4

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	201.5				—				—				(201.5		)		—

	Net income	75.6				109.4				92.1				(201.5		)		75.6

	Other comprehensive loss	(40.5		)		—				(0.1		)		—				(40.6		)

	Total comprehensive income	$	35.1			$	109.4			$	92			$	(201.5	)		$	35


	Net income	$	75.6			$	109.4			$	92.1			$	(201.5	)		$	75.6

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

	Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	65.2			$	109.4			$	92.1			$	(201.5	)		$	65.2


		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
		(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
	Revenue	$	—			$	644.2			$	669			$	(56.3	)		$	1,256.90

	Operating costs and expenses	55.4				459.1				634.9				(56.3		)		1,093.10

	Operating (loss) income	(55.4		)		185.1				34.1				—				163.8

	Interest expense (income), net	164.3				(2.7		)		20.4				—				182

	Other expense, net	28.2				6.5				4.3				—				39

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(247.9		)		181.3				9.4				—				(57.2		)

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(79.8		)		66.1				11.2				—				(2.5		)

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	113.4				—				—				(113.4		)		—

	Net (loss) income	(54.7		)		115.2				(1.8		)		(113.4		)		(54.7		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss)	76.5				—				(0.1		)		—				76.4

	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	21.8			$	115.2			$	(1.9	)		$	(113.4	)		$	21.7


Net (loss) income	$	(54.7	)		$	115.2			$	(1.8	)		$	(113.4	)		$	(54.7	)

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareowners	$	(65.1	)		$	115.2			$	(1.8	)		$	(113.4	)		$	(65.1	)




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Revenue	$	—			$	642.8			$	893.3			$	(62.2	)		$	1,473.90

Operating costs and expenses	33.9				436.3				795.8				(62.2		)		1,203.80

Operating (loss) income	(33.9		)		206.5				97.5				—				270.1

Interest expense (income), net	164.8				(1.5		)		55.6				—				218.9

Other expense (income), net	11.5				5.9				(2.1		)		—				15.3

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(210.2		)		202.1				44				—				35.9

Income tax (benefit) expense	(68.3		)		73.8				19.2				—				24.7

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	153.1				—				—				(153.1		)		—

Net income	11.2				128.3				24.8				(153.1		)		11.2

Other comprehensive loss	(0.8		)		—				—				—				(0.8		)

Total comprehensive income	$	10.4			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	10.4


Net income	$	11.2			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	11.2

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	0.8			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	0.8



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	1			$	0.7			$	—			$	57.9

Receivables, net	2.6				—				164.9				—				167.5

Other current assets	4.7				29.3				78.4				(1.2		)		111.2

Total current assets	63.5				30.3				244				(1.2		)		336.6

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				764				95.3				—				859.5

Investment in CyrusOne	—				—				273.6				—				273.6

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				2.2				13.2				—				15.4

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				236.1				244.7				(1,546.9		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	294.2				4.9				190.5				(155.0		)		334.6

Total assets	$	1,424.00			$	1,037.50			$	1,061.30			$	(1,703.1	)		$	1,819.70


Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.9			$	—			$	13.2

Accounts payable	1				73.2				61.8				—				136

Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	—				—				112.6				—				112.6

Other current liabilities	52.3				52.8				42.8				0.1				148

Total current liabilities	58.7				129.9				221.1				0.1				409.8

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				141.2				103.7				—				1,771.00

Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				166.7				23				(156.4		)		287.4

Intercompany payables	233.4				—				—				(233.4		)		—

Total liabilities	2,072.30				437.8				347.8				(389.7		)		2,468.20

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(648.3		)		599.7				713.5				(1,313.4		)		(648.5		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,424.00			$	1,037.50			$	1,061.30			$	(1,703.1	)		$	1,819.70


	As of December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	1.8			$	0.7			$	—			$	4.6

Receivables, net	2.6				—				152.2				—				154.8

Other current assets	4.4				24.1				63.9				(0.7		)		91.7

Total current assets	9.1				25.9				216.8				(0.7		)		251.1

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.1				706.5				196.2				—				902.8

Investment in CyrusOne	—				—				471				—				471

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				2.3				103.8				—				106.1

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,406.60				247.7				—				(1,654.3		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	359.1				6.1				178.9				(167.8		)		376.3

Total assets	$	1,774.90			$	988.5			$	1,166.70			$	(1,822.8	)		$	2,107.30


Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.3			$	—			$	12.6

Accounts payable	1.5				45.9				42.5				—				89.9

Other current liabilities	67.7				49.4				34.6				0.1				151.8

Total current liabilities	74.6				99.2				80.4				0.1				254.3

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,916.10				141.8				194.7				—				2,252.60

Other noncurrent liabilities	214.5				172.2				59				(168.6		)		277.1

Intercompany payables	246.4				—				199.7				(446.1		)		—

Total liabilities	2,451.60				413.2				533.8				(614.6		)		2,784.00

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(676.7		)		575.3				632.9				(1,208.2		)		(676.7		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,774.90			$	988.5			$	1,166.70			$	(1,822.8	)		$	2,107.30



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(56.3	)		$	228.7			$	2.8			$	—			$	175.2

Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(152.5		)		(29.6		)		—				(182.3		)

Proceeds received from sale of CyrusOne	—				—				355.9				—				355.9

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				—				28.4				—				28.4

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				0.3				196.1				—				196.4

Distributions received from subsidiaries	12.8				—				—				(12.8		)		—

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	—				(73.4		)		(542.6		)		616				—

Other investing activities	(0.3		)		—				(5.5		)		—				(5.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	12.3				(225.6		)		2.7				603.2				392.6

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	516.2				—				99.8				(616.0		)		—

Distributions paid to Parent	—				—				(12.8		)		12.8				—

Debt issuance costs	(0.7		)		—				(0.2		)		—				(0.9		)

Net decrease in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	(40.0		)		—				(87.0		)		—				(127.0		)

Repayment of debt	(367.3		)		(3.9		)		(5.3		)		—				(376.5		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	1.3				—				—				—				1.3

Other financing activities	(11.4		)		—				—				—				(11.4		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	98.1				(3.9		)		(5.5		)		(603.2		)		(514.5		)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54.1				(0.8		)		—				—				53.3

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	2.1				1.8				0.7				—				4.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	1			$	0.7			$	—			$	57.9


	Year Ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(218.1	)		$	239			$	57.9			$	—			$	78.8

Capital expenditures	—				(153.1		)		(43.8		)		—				(196.9		)

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				—				21.3				—				21.3

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				2				—				—				2

Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				(12.2		)		—				(12.2		)

Other investing activities	—				—				0.4				—				0.4

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(151.1		)		(34.3		)		—				(185.4		)

Issuance of long-term debt	536				—				—				—				536

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	174.2				(84.3		)		(89.9		)		—				—

Debt issuance costs	(6.7		)		—				—				—				(6.7		)

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	40				—				54.2				—				94.2

Repayment of debt	(522.0		)		(3.7		)		(5.1		)		—				(530.8		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	7.1				—				—				—				7.1

Other financing activities	(12.2		)		—				—				—				(12.2		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	216.4				(88.0		)		(40.8		)		—				87.6

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1.7		)		(0.1		)		(17.2		)		—				(19.0		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	3.8				1.9				17.9				—				23.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	1.8			$	0.7			$	—			$	4.6




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(144.8	)		$	250.4			$	107.1			$	—			$	212.7

Capital expenditures	—				(108.8		)		(258.4		)		—				(367.2		)

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				1.4				0.2				—				1.6

Other investing activities	—				—				(6.2		)		—				(6.2		)

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(107.4		)		(264.4		)		—				(371.8		)

Issuance of long-term debt	—				—				525				—				525

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	433.6				(66.0		)		(367.6		)		—				—

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	—				—				52				—				52

Repayment of debt	(352.0		)		(76.5		)		(13.9		)		—				(442.4		)

Debt issuance costs	(3.6		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(20.9		)

Common stock issuance costs	—				—				(5.7		)		—				(5.7		)

Common stock repurchase	(0.3		)		—				—				—				(0.3		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	12.1				—				—				—				12.1

Other financing activities	(10.8		)		—				—				—				(10.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	79				(142.5		)		172.5				—				109

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(65.8		)		0.5				15.2				—				(50.1		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	69.6				1.4				2.7				—				73.7

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3.8			$	1.9			$	17.9			$	—			$	23.6

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information HY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information Abstract
Supplemental Guarantor Information High Yield [Text Block]	Supplemental Guarantor Information - 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 and 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018
	As of December 31, 2014, the Parent Company’s 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 and 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 are guaranteed by the following subsidiaries: Cincinnati Bell Entertainment Inc., Cincinnati Bell Any Distance Inc., Cincinnati Bell Telecommunications Services LLC, Cincinnati Bell Wireless LLC, CBTS Software LLC, Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions Inc., Cincinnati Bell Any Distance of Virginia LLC, eVolve Business Solutions LLC, Data Center Investments Inc., Data Center Investments Holdco LLC, Data Centers South Inc. and Data Centers South Holdings LLC.
	The Parent Company owns directly or indirectly 100% of each guarantor and each guarantee is full and unconditional, and joint and several. In certain customary circumstances, a subsidiary may be released from its guarantee obligation. These circumstances are defined as follows:

	•	upon the sale of all of the capital stock of a subsidiary,

	•	if the Company designates the subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary under the terms of the indentures, or

	•	if the subsidiary is released as a guarantor from the Company's Credit Agreement.
	On September 30, 2014, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Corporate Credit Agreement giving the Company the right to provide written notice to the administrative agent on or after the closing of the sale of spectrum assets to remove any designated Wireless subsidiary as a guarantor subsidiary.
	As of November 20, 2012, the following subsidiaries were released from their guarantee obligation on these notes: Cincinnati Bell Shared Service LLC, CyrusOne and CyrusOne Foreign Holdings LLC. The condensed consolidated financial statements shown below have been retroactively restated to reflect these subsidiaries as non-guarantors. In addition, CyrusOne and CyrusOne Foreign Holdings LLC were designated as unrestricted subsidiaries.
	The Parent Company’s subsidiaries generate substantially all of its income and cash flow and generally distribute or advance the funds necessary to meet the Parent Company’s debt service obligations. The following information sets forth the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of (1) the Parent Company, as the issuer, (2) the guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, and (3) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis.


	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
		(Issuer)
	Revenue	$	—			$	731.9			$	601.5			$	(55.2	)		$	1,278.20

	Operating costs and expenses	19.9				766.6				431.1				(55.2		)		1,162.40

	Operating (loss) income	(19.9		)		(34.7		)		170.4				—				115.8

	Interest expense (income), net	144				7.8				(3.1		)		—				148.7

	Other expense (income), net	17.6				(171.2		)		(12.3		)		—				(165.9		)

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(181.5		)		128.7				185.8				—				133

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(55.6		)		45.4				67.6				—				57.4

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	201.5				—				—				(201.5		)		—

	Net income	75.6				83.3				118.2				(201.5		)		75.6

	Other comprehensive loss	(40.5		)		(0.1		)		—				—				(40.6		)

	Total comprehensive income	$	35.1			$	83.2			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	35


	Net income	$	75.6			$	83.3			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	75.6

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

	Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	65.2			$	83.3			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	65.2


		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
		(Issuer)
	Revenue	$	—			$	704.6			$	608.6			$	(56.3	)		$	1,256.90

	Operating costs and expenses	55.4				667.5				426.5				(56.3		)		1,093.10

	Operating (loss) income	(55.4		)		37.1				182.1				—				163.8

	Interest expense, net	164.3				14.9				2.8				—				182

	Other expense (income), net	28.2				17.4				(6.6		)		—				39

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(247.9		)		4.8				185.9				—				(57.2		)

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(79.8		)		9.7				67.6				—				(2.5		)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	113.4				0.7				—				(114.1		)		—

Net (loss) income	(54.7		)		(4.2		)		118.3				(114.1		)		(54.7		)

Other comprehensive income (loss)	76.5				—				(0.1		)		—				76.4

Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	21.8			$	(4.2	)		$	118.2			$	(114.1	)		$	21.7


Net (loss) income	$	(54.7	)		$	(4.2	)		$	118.3			$	(114.1	)		$	(54.7	)

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareowners	$	(65.1	)		$	(4.2	)		$	118.3			$	(114.1	)		$	(65.1	)



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Revenue	$	—			$	713.4			$	822.7			$	(62.2	)		$	1,473.90

Operating costs and expenses	33.9				646.5				585.6				(62.2		)		1,203.80

Operating (loss) income	(33.9		)		66.9				237.1				—				270.1

Interest expense, net	164.8				7.8				46.3				—				218.9

Other expense (income), net	11.5				9.1				(5.3		)		—				15.3

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(210.2		)		50				196.1				—				35.9

Income tax (benefit) expense	(68.3		)		19.2				73.8				—				24.7

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	153.1				(11.8		)		—				(141.3		)		—

Net income	11.2				19				122.3				(141.3		)		11.2

Other comprehensive loss	(0.8		)		—				—				—				(0.8		)

Total comprehensive income	$	10.4			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	10.4


Net income	$	11.2			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	11.2

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	0.8			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	0.8



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	0.2			$	1.5			$	—			$	57.9

Receivables, net	2.6				6.1				158.8				—				167.5

Other current assets	4.7				74.6				33.1				(1.2		)		111.2

Total current assets	63.5				80.9				193.4				(1.2		)		336.6

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				94.9				764.4				—				859.5

Investment in CyrusOne	—				273.6				—				—				273.6

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				13.2				2.2				—				15.4

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				387.8				214.6				(1,668.5		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	294.2				191.6				3.8				(155.0		)		334.6

Total assets	$	1,424.00			$	1,042.00			$	1,178.40			$	(1,824.7	)		$	1,819.70

Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.9			$	—			$	13.2

Accounts payable	1				80.8				54.2				—				136

Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	—				112.6				—				—				112.6

Other current liabilities	52.3				46.3				49.3				0.1				148

Total current liabilities	58.7				243.6				107.4				0.1				409.8

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				84.5				160.4				—				1,771.00

Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				25.7				164				(156.4		)		287.4

Intercompany payables	233.4				—				131.9				(365.3		)		—

Total liabilities	2,072.30				353.8				563.7				(521.6		)		2,468.20

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(648.3		)		688.2				614.7				(1,303.1		)		(648.5		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,424.00			$	1,042.00			$	1,178.40			$	(1,824.7	)		$	1,819.70


	As of December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	0.3			$	2.2			$	—			$	4.6

Receivables, net	2.6				7.2				145				—				154.8

Other current assets	4.4				60.7				27.3				(0.7		)		91.7

Total current assets	9.1				68.2				174.5				(0.7		)		251.1

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.1				194.1				708.6				—				902.8

Investment in CyrusOne	—				471				—				—				471

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				103.8				2.3				—				106.1

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,406.60				(1.6		)		218.2				(1,623.2		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	359.1				179.9				5.1				(167.8		)		376.3

Total assets	$	1,774.90			$	1,015.40			$	1,108.70			$	(1,791.7	)		$	2,107.30

Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3			$	4.2			$	—			$	12.6

Accounts payable	1.5				72.3				16.1				—				89.9

Other current liabilities	67.7				36.9				47.1				0.1				151.8

Total current liabilities	74.6				112.2				67.4				0.1				254.3

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,916.10				87				249.5				—				2,252.60

Other noncurrent liabilities	214.5				61.3				169.9				(168.6		)		277.1

Intercompany payables	246.4				149.9				33.2				(429.5		)		—

Total liabilities	2,451.60				410.4				520				(598.0		)		2,784.00

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(676.7		)		605				588.7				(1,193.7		)		(676.7		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,774.90			$	1,015.40			$	1,108.70			$	(1,791.7	)		$	2,107.30



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(56.3	)		$	(1.4	)		$	232.9			$	—			$	175.2

Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(29.6		)		(152.5		)		—				(182.3		)

Proceeds received from sale of CyrusOne	—				355.9				—				—				355.9

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				28.4				—				—				28.4

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				194.4				2				—				196.4

Distributions received from subsidiaries	12.8				—				—				(12.8		)		—

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	—				(539.3		)		(78.0		)		617.3				—

Other investing activities	(0.3		)		(5.5		)		—				—				(5.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	12.3				4.3				(228.5		)		604.5				392.6

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	516.2				—				101.1				(617.3		)		—

Distributions paid to Parent	—				—				(12.8		)		12.8				—

Debt issuance costs	(0.7		)		—				(0.2		)		—				(0.9		)

Net decrease in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	(40.0		)		—				(87.0		)		—				(127.0		)

Repayment of debt	(367.3		)		(3.0		)		(6.2		)		—				(376.5		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	1.3				—				—				—				1.3

Other financing activities	(11.4		)		—				—				—				(11.4		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	98.1				(3.0		)		(5.1		)		(604.5		)		(514.5		)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54.1				(0.1		)		(0.7		)		—				53.3

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	2.1				0.3				2.2				—				4.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	0.2			$	1.5			$	—			$	57.9


	Year Ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(218.1	)		$	26.2			$	270.7			$	—			$	78.8

Capital expenditures	—				(36.1		)		(160.8		)		—				(196.9		)

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				21.3				—				—				21.3

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				—				2				—				2

Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				(12.2		)		—				(12.2		)

Other investing activities	—				—				0.4				—				0.4

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(14.8		)		(170.6		)		—				(185.4		)

Issuance of long-term debt	536				—				—				—				536

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	174.2				(7.4		)		(166.8		)		—				—

Debt issuance costs	(6.7		)		—				—				—				(6.7		)

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	40				—				54.2				—				94.2

Repayment of debt	(522.0		)		(4.0		)		(4.8		)		—				(530.8		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	7.1				—				—				—				7.1

Other financing activities	(12.2		)		—				—				—				(12.2		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	216.4				(11.4		)		(117.4		)		—				87.6

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1.7		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(19.0		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	3.8				0.3				19.5				—				23.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	0.3			$	2.2			$	—			$	4.6




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent (Issuer)				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(144.8	)		$	51.3			$	306.2			$	—			$	212.7

Capital expenditures	—				(30.2		)		(337.0		)		—				(367.2		)

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				—				1.6				—				1.6

Other investing activities	—				—				(6.2		)		—				(6.2		)

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(30.2		)		(341.6		)		—				(371.8		)

Issuance of long-term debt	—				—				525				—				525

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	433.6				(16.9		)		(416.7		)		—				—

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	—				—				52				—				52

Repayment of debt	(352.0		)		(4.6		)		(85.8		)		—				(442.4		)

Debt issuance costs	(3.6		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(20.9		)

Common stock issuance costs	—				—				(5.7		)		—				(5.7		)

Common stock repurchase	(0.3		)		—				—				—				(0.3		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	12.1				—				—				—				12.1

Other financing activities	(10.8		)		—				—				—				(10.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	79				(21.5		)		51.5				—				109

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(65.8		)		(0.4		)		16.1				—				(50.1		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	69.6				0.7				3.4				—				73.7

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3.8			$	0.3			$	19.5			$	—			$	23.6

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)


		2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(dollars in millions, except per common share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Total
	Revenue	$	322.5		$	319.9		$	327.5		$	308.3		$	1,278.20

	Operating income	56.9			35.6			16			7.3			115.8

	Net income (loss)	7			114.2			(27.3		)	(18.3		)	75.6

	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.02		$	0.54		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.31

	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.02		$	0.53		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.31


		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(dollars in millions, except per common share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Total
	Revenue	$	325.7		$	312		$	310.8		$	308.4		$	1,256.90

	Operating income	19.2			46.8			57.7			40.1			163.8

	Net (loss) income	(36.7		)	0.8			9.3			(28.1		)	(54.7		)

	Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.03		$	(0.15	)	$	(0.32	)

	The effects of assumed common share conversions are determined independently for each respective quarter and year and may not be dilutive during every period due to variations in operating results. Therefore, the sum of quarterly per share results will not necessarily equal the per share results for the full year.
	In the second quarter of 2014, operating income includes a $6.4 million restructuring charge related to employee severance as well as contracts that will no longer be utilized once the wireless business ceases to exist. Net income in the second quarter of 2014 includes a $192.8 million gain on sale of our CyrusOne equity method investment.
	Third quarter of 2014 operating income includes a $9.0 million restructuring charge attributable to contract termination fees on our wireless segment offset by the reversal of a Wireline lease abandonment reserve associated with leased space that was reoccupied. Operating income also includes a $7.5 million impairment charge for the write-off of certain construction-in-progress projects that will no longer be completed due to the wind down of the wireless business in addition to $3.0 million of transaction costs related to the wireless spectrum sale. Also in the third quarter, the Company redeemed $325.0 million of the outstanding 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 104.375%. As a result of the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt totaling $19.4 million.
	Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2014 includes an impairment charge of $4.6 million related to the abandonment of an internal use software project that was written off in the fourth quarter.
	On January 24, 2013, we completed the IPO of CyrusOne, which owns and operates our former data center colocation business. Effective January 24, 2013, we no longer consolidate the accounts of CyrusOne in our consolidated financial statements, but account for our ownership in CyrusOne as an equity method investment.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company redeemed all of the $500.0 million of 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2017 at a redemption price of 104.125% using proceeds from the Tranche B Term Loan facility that was issued on September 10, 2013. As a result, the Company recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $29.6 million.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS


				Additions
	(dollars in millions)	Beginning of Period		Charge (Benefit) to Expenses			To (from) Other Accounts			Deductions		End of Period
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Year 2014	$	12.2	$	10.4		$	—		$	10.2	$	12.4

	Year 2013	$	13.3	$	11.3		$	—		$	12.4	$	12.2

	Year 2012	$	11.6	$	13.9		$	—		$	12.2	$	13.3


	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
	Year 2014	$	68.3	$	(1.1	)	$	(2.8	)	$	—	$	64.4

	Year 2013	$	56.8	$	14.1		$	(2.6	)	$	—	$	68.3

	Year 2012	$	58.4	$	(1.7	)	$	0.1		$	—	$	56.8

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events
	On January 22, 2015, the Company signed an agreement valued at approximately $10 million for a third party to decommission our wireless towers that are not being assumed by the acquirer. As of December 31, 2014 we had $3.3 million of asset retirement obligations included in capital lease obligations and $7.5 million included in other non-current liabilities.
	Negotiations with the CWA have been ongoing since the tentative agreement reached on August 4, 2014 was not ratified by local members of the union. Both sides reached a tentative agreement on January 23, 2015 that is pending ratification by local union members.

Description_of_Business_and_Ac1

Description of Business and Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Description of Business and Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation — The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows for each period presented.
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Investments over which the Company exercises significant influence are recorded under the equity method. Investments in which we own less than 20% of the ownership interests and cannot exercise significant influence over the investee’s operations are recorded at cost.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and judgments include: the carrying value of property, plant and equipment; the valuation of insurance and claims liabilities; the valuation of allowances for receivables and deferred income taxes; reserves recorded for income tax exposures; the valuation of asset retirement obligations; assets and liabilities related to employee benefits; and the valuation of goodwill and intangibles. In the normal course of business, the Company is also subject to various regulatory and tax proceedings, lawsuits, claims, and other matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made for all such asserted and unasserted claims in accordance with GAAP. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance.
Investment in CyrusOne	Equity Method Investments - Effective January 24, 2013, the completion date of CyrusOne's IPO, our ownership in CyrusOne is accounted for as an equity method investment. From that date, we recognize our proportionate share of CyrusOne's net income or loss as non-operating income or expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the period January 1, 2013 through January 23, 2013, we consolidated CyrusOne's operating results. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company received cash dividends from CyrusOne totaling $28.4 million and $21.3 million, respectively. Dividends from CyrusOne are recognized as a reduction of our investment.
	During 2014, we invested a total of $5.5 million in other entities, which are accounted for as equity method investments and the carrying value has been recorded within “Other noncurrent assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's proportionate share of the investments’ net loss had a minimal impact on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Our equity method investments are tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash consists of funds held in bank accounts. Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Receivables	Receivables — Receivables consist principally of trade receivables from customers and are generally unsecured and due within 21 - 90 days. The Company has receivables with one large customer that makes up 26% and 19% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unbilled receivables arise from services rendered but not yet billed. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, unbilled receivables totaled $15.6 million and $23.2 million, respectively. Expected credit losses related to trade receivables are recorded as an allowance for uncollectible accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company establishes the allowances for uncollectible accounts using percentages of aged accounts receivable balances to reflect the historical average of credit losses as well as specific provisions for certain identifiable, potentially uncollectible balances. When internal collection efforts on accounts have been exhausted, the accounts are written off and the associated allowance for uncollectible accounts is reduced.
Inventory, Materials and Supplies	Inventory, Materials and Supplies — Inventory, materials and supplies consists of wireline network components, various telephony and IT equipment to be sold to customers, wireless handsets to support our agreement with Verizon Wireless to sell their products and services in our retail stores, maintenance inventories, and other materials and supplies, which are carried at the lower of average cost or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while improvements which extend an asset's useful life or increase its functionality are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining life. The majority of the Wireline network property, plant and equipment used to generate its voice and data revenue is depreciated using the group method, which develops a depreciation rate annually based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets rather than for each individual asset as would be utilized under the unit method. The estimated life of the group changes as the composition of the group of assets and their related lives change. Provision for depreciation of other property, plant and equipment, except for leasehold improvements, is based on the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is based on a straight-line method over the lesser of the economic useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, including optional renewal periods if renewal of the lease is reasonably assured.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Additions and improvements, including interest and certain labor costs incurred during the construction period, are capitalized. The Company records the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period it is incurred. The estimated removal cost is initially capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying asset. The associated liability is accreted to its present value each period. Once the obligation is ultimately settled, any difference between the final cost and the recorded liability is recognized as gain or loss on disposition.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired and recorded in connection with business acquisitions. Goodwill is generally allocated to reporting units one level below business segments. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired. If the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss may be recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill of a reporting unit over its implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill represents the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of all the assets and liabilities of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets.
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization — Intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or legal rights, or because the asset is capable of being separately sold or exchanged. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Prior to completing the sale of our wireless spectrum licenses, Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") licenses for wireless spectrum represented indefinite-lived intangible assets and were renewed annually for a nominal fee based on meeting service and geographic coverage requirements.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets — Management reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets with definite lives, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset (or group of assets) and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Long-lived intangible assets are amortized based on the estimated economic value generated by the asset in future years.
Cost Method Investments	Cost Method Investments — Certain of our cost method investments do not have readily determinable fair values. The carrying value of these investments was $2.9 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments are reviewed annually for impairment, or sooner if changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value and the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. The Company estimates fair value using external information and discounted cash flow analysis.
Leases	Leases — Certain property and equipment are leased. At lease inception, the lease terms are assessed to determine if the transaction should be classified as a capital or operating lease.
Leases	Several of the buildings used in our former data center operations were leased facilities. When we were involved in the construction of structural improvements to the leased property, we were deemed the accounting owner of leased real estate. In these instances, we bore substantially all the construction period risk, such as managing or funding construction. These transactions generally did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting due to our continued involvement in these data center operations. As construction progressed, the value of the asset and obligation was increased by the fair value of the structural improvements. When construction was completed, the asset was placed in service and depreciation commenced. Leased real estate was depreciated to the lesser of (i) its estimated fair value at the end of the term or (ii) the expected amount of the unamortized obligation at the end of the term.
Treasury Shares	Treasury Shares — The repurchase of common shares is recorded at purchase cost as treasury shares. Our policy is to retire, either formally or constructively, treasury shares that management anticipates will not be reissued. Upon retirement, the purchase cost of the treasury shares that exceeds par value is recorded as a reduction to “Additional paid-in capital” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — We apply the revenue recognition principles described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic ("ASC") 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Under ASC 605, revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of a sale arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
	With respect to arrangements with multiple deliverables, management determines whether more than one unit of accounting exists in an arrangement. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, total consideration is allocated to the individual units of accounting based on their relative fair value, determined by the price of each deliverable when it is regularly sold on a stand-alone basis. Revenue is recognized for each unit of accounting as delivered, or as service is performed, depending on the nature of the deliverable comprising the unit of accounting.
	The Company has sales with one large customer that contributed 14% to consolidated revenue in 2014. The same customer had receivables of 26% and 19% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Wireline — Revenues from local telephone, special access, internet product and entertainment services, which are billed monthly prior to performance of service, are not recognized upon billing or cash receipt but rather are deferred until the service is provided. Long distance, switched access and other usage based charges are billed monthly in arrears. Wireline bills service revenue in regular monthly cycles, which are spread throughout the days of the month. As the last day of each billing cycle rarely coincides with the end of the reporting period for usage-based services such as long distance and switched access, we must estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed. These estimates are based upon historical usage, and we adjust these estimates during the period in which actual usage is determinable, typically in the following reporting period.
	Initial billings for Wireline service connection and activation are deferred and amortized into revenue on a straight-line basis over the average customer life. The associated connection and activation costs, to the extent of the upfront fees, are also deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the average customer life.
	Pricing of local voice services is generally subject to oversight by both state and federal regulatory commissions. Such regulation also covers services, competition, and other public policy issues. Various regulatory rulings and interpretations could result in increases or decreases to revenue in future periods.
	IT Services and Hardware — Professional services, including product installations, are recognized as the service is provided. Maintenance services on telephony equipment are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the underlying customer contract, generally one to three years.
	Equipment revenue is recognized upon the completion of our contractual obligations, such as shipment, delivery, installation, or customer acceptance. Installation service revenue is generally recognized when installation is complete. We sell equipment and installation services on both a combined and standalone basis.
	The Company is a reseller of IT and telephony equipment. For these transactions, we consider the gross versus net revenue recording criteria of ASC 605. Based on this criteria, these equipment revenues and associated costs have generally been recorded on a gross basis, rather than recording the revenues net of the associated costs. Vendor rebates are earned on certain equipment sales. When the rebate is earned and the amount is determinable, we recognize the rebate as an offset to cost of products sold.
	Wireless — Postpaid wireless and reciprocal compensation are billed monthly in arrears. Wireless bills service revenue in regular monthly cycles, which are spread throughout the days of the month. As the last day of each billing cycle rarely coincides with the end of the reporting period for usage-based services such as postpaid wireless, we estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed. Our estimates are based upon historical usage, and we adjust these estimates during the period in which actual usage is determinable, typically in the following reporting period.
	Revenue from prepaid wireless service, which is collected in advance, is not recognized upon billing or cash receipt, but rather is deferred until the service is provided.
	Wireless handset revenue and the related activation revenue are recognized when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is considered to be a separate earnings process from the sale of wireless services. Wireless equipment costs are also recognized upon handset sale and are generally in excess of the related handset and activation revenue. Revenue from termination fees is recognized when collection is deemed reasonably assured.
	Data Center Colocation — During the period of time in which we included the accounts of CyrusOne in our consolidated financial statements, data center colocation rentals were generally billed monthly in advance and some contracts had escalating payments over the non-cancellable term of the contract. If rents escalated without the lessee gaining access to or control over additional leased space or power, and the lessee took possession of, or controlled the physical use of the property (including all contractually committed power) at the beginning of the lease term, the rental payments by the lessee were recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. If rents escalated because the lessee gained access to and control over additional leased space or power, revenue was recognized in proportion to the additional space or power in the years that the lessee had control over the use of the additional space or power.
	Some of our leases were structured on a full-service gross basis in which the customer paid a fixed amount for both colocation rental and power. Other leases provided that the customer would be billed for power based upon actual usage which was separately metered. In both cases, this revenue is presented on a gross basis in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Power was generally billed one month in arrears and an estimate of this revenue was accrued in the month that the associated costs were incurred. We generally were not entitled to reimbursements for real estate taxes, insurance or other operating expenses.
	Revenue was recognized for services or products that were deemed separate units of accounting. When a customer made an advance payment which was not deemed a separate unit of accounting, deferred revenue was recorded. This revenue was recognized ratably over the expected term of the customer relationship, unless the pattern of service suggested otherwise.
	Certain customer contracts required specified levels of service or performance. If we failed to meet these service levels, our customers may have been eligible to receive credits on their contractual billings. These credits were recognized against revenue when an event occurred that gave rise to such credits.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses — Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $8.9 million, $12.2 million, and $16.6 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Legal Expenses	Legal Expenses — In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Legal claim accruals are recorded once determined to be both probable and estimable.
Income Taxes	Income taxes — The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various foreign, state and local jurisdictions. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax return. The income tax provision consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and an amount for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred investment tax credits are amortized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes over the estimated useful lives of the related property, plant and equipment. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are recalculated annually at rates then in effect. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax assets depends upon the ability to generate future taxable income during the periods in which basis differences and other deductions become deductible and prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards.
Income Taxes	Previous tax filings are subject to normal reviews by regulatory agencies until the related statute of limitations expires.
Operating Taxes	Operating taxes — Certain operating taxes such as property, sales, use, and gross receipts taxes are reported as expenses in operating income primarily within cost of services. These taxes are not included in income tax expense because the amounts to be paid are not dependent on our level of income. Liabilities for audit exposures are established based on management's assessment of the probability of payment. The provision for such liabilities is recognized as either property, plant and equipment, operating tax expense, or depreciation expense depending on the nature of the audit exposure. Upon resolution of an audit, any remaining liability not paid is released against the account in which it was originally recorded.
Regulatory Taxes	Regulatory taxes — The Company incurs federal regulatory taxes on certain revenue producing transactions. We are permitted to recover certain of these taxes by billing the customer; however, collections cannot exceed the amount due to the federal regulatory agency. These federal regulatory taxes are presented in sales and cost of services on a gross basis because, while the Company is required to pay the tax, it is not required to collect the tax from customers and, in fact, does not collect the tax from customers in certain instances. The amounts recorded as revenue for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $17.9 million, $18.9 million, and $22.2 million, respectively. The amounts expensed for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $19.6 million, $19.2 million, and $24.4 million, respectively. We record all other federal taxes collected from customers on a net basis.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation — Compensation cost is recognized for all share-based awards to employees and non-employee directors. We value all share-based awards to employees at fair value on the date of grant and expense this amount over the required service period, generally defined as the applicable vesting period. For awards which contain a performance condition, compensation expense is recognized over the service period, when achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable. The fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using assumptions such as volatility, risk-free interest rate, holding period and dividends. The fair value of stock awards is based on the Company’s closing share price on the date of grant. For all share-based payments, an assumption is also made for the estimated forfeiture rate based on the historical behavior of employees. The forfeiture rate reduces the total fair value of the awards to be recognized as compensation expense. Our accounting policy for graded vesting awards is to recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We have also granted employee awards to be ultimately paid in cash which are indexed to the change in the Company’s common stock price. These awards are adjusted to the fair value of the Company's common stock, and the adjusted fair value is expensed on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period. When an award is granted to an employee who is retirement eligible, the compensation cost is recognized over the service period up to the date that the employee first becomes eligible to retire.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans — The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, and also provides postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible employees. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as either an asset or liability. Changes in the funded status of these plans are recognized as a component of comprehensive income (loss) in the year they occur. Pension and postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits earned during the year and interest on the projected benefit obligations are accrued and recognized currently in net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs and credits are amortized over the average life expectancy of participants or remaining service period, based upon whether plan participants are mostly retirees or active employees. Net gains or losses resulting from differences between actuarial experience and assumptions or from changes in actuarial assumptions, are recognized as a component of annual net periodic benefit cost. Unrecognized actuarial gains or losses that exceed 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service life of active employees for the pension and bargained postretirement plans (approximately 10-14 years) and average life expectancy of retirees for the management postretirement plan (approximately 16 years).
Termination Benefits	Termination Benefits — The Company has written severance plans covering both its management and union employees and, as such, accrues probable and estimable employee separation liabilities in accordance with ASC 712, “Compensation — Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.” These liabilities are based on the Company’s historical experience of severance, historical severance costs, and management’s expectation of future separations.
Termination Benefits	Special termination benefits are recognized upon acceptance by an employee of a voluntary termination offer. For terminations involving a large group of employees, we consider whether a pension and postretirement curtailment event has occurred. We define a curtailment as an event that reduces the expected years of future service of present employees by 10% or more.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations — In accounting for business combinations, we apply the accounting requirements of ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires the recording of net assets of acquired businesses at fair value. In developing estimates of fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, management analyzes a variety of factors including market data, estimated future cash flows of the acquired operations, industry growth rates, current replacement cost for fixed assets, and market rate assumptions for contractual obligations. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to the intangible assets. In addition, contingent consideration is presented at fair value at the date of acquisition. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements — Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as the price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is utilized to measure certain investments on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements are also utilized to determine the initial value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, to perform impairment tests, and for disclosure purposes.
	Management uses quoted market prices and observable inputs to the maximum extent possible when measuring fair value. In the absence of quoted market prices or observable inputs, fair value is determined using valuation models that incorporate assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Fair value measurements are classified within one of three levels, which prioritize the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, as follows:
	Level 1 — Quoted market prices for identical instruments in an active market;
	Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs); and
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that reflect management's determination of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including our own data.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The financial position of foreign subsidiaries is translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Gains or losses from translation of foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency are included as components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (expense) in the period incurred.
Earnings Per Common Share	Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur upon issuance of common shares for awards under stock-based compensation plans, exercise of warrants, or conversion of preferred stock, but only to the extent that they are considered dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The fair value of our investment in CyrusOne was based on the closing market price of CyrusOne's common stock on December 31, 2014 and 2013. This fair value measurement is considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

	The fair value of debt instruments was based on closing or estimated market prices of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013, which is considered Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investment_in_CyrusOne_Tables

Investment in CyrusOne (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities Deconsolidated [Table Text Block]	On January 24, 2013, we completed the IPO of CyrusOne, our former Data Center Colocation segment. As of this date, we no longer control CyrusOne's operations and we removed the following assets and liabilities of CyrusOne from our consolidated financial statements:


	(dollars in millions)
	Cash	$	12.2

	Receivables	41.5

	Other current assets	13.4

	Property, plant and equipment	736.2

	Goodwill and intangibles	377.7

	Other noncurrent assets	44

	Total assets	1,225.00


	Current portion of long-term debt	6.3

	Accounts payable	29.4

	Unearned revenue and customer deposits	24.1

	Other current liabilities	12.9

	Long-term debt	550.3

	Other noncurrent liabilities	92.3

	Total liabilities	715.3


	Net assets	$	509.7

Condensed Income Statement, Equity Method Investee	Summarized financial information for CyrusOne is as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Year Ended December 31, 2014			January 24, 2013 to December 31, 2013
	Revenue	$	330.9		$	248.4

	Operating income	40			28.9

	Net loss	(14.5		)	(15.6		)
Condensed Balance Sheet, Equity Method Investee

	(dollars in millions)	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Net investment in real estate	$	1,051.40		$	883.8

	Total assets	1,586.50			1,506.80

	Total liabilities	869.5			729.2

Related Party Revenues and Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Revenues and operating costs and expenses from transactions with CyrusOne were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Year Ended December 31, 2014			January 24, 2013 to December 31, 2013
	Revenue:
	Services provided to CyrusOne	$	1.7		$	2.1


	Operating costs and expenses:
	Transaction-related compensation to CyrusOne employees	$	—		$	20

	Charges for services provided by CyrusOne	9.1			8.8

	Administrative services provided to CyrusOne	(0.5		)	(0.6		)
	Total operating costs and expenses	$	8.6		$	28.2

Related Party Receivables and Payables [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014, amounts receivable from and payable to CyrusOne were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	1.7		$	2.1

	Dividends receivable	6			7.1

	Receivable from CyrusOne	$	7.7		$	9.2


	Accounts payable	$	0.4		$	0.5

	Payable to CyrusOne	$	0.4		$	0.5

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted EPS:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(in millions, except per share amounts)	2014		2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	75.6	$	(54.7	)	$	11.2

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4		10.4			10.4

	Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners - basic and diluted	$	65.2	$	(65.1	)	$	0.8

	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	208.5		205.9			197

	Warrants	—		—			4.5

	Stock-based compensation arrangements	1.1		—			3.2

	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	209.6		205.9			204.7

	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.31	$	(0.32	)	$	0

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following:


		December 31,						Depreciable
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013			Lives (Years)
	Land and rights-of-way	$	4.3		$	4.3		20	-	Indefinite

	Buildings and leasehold improvements	174			172.8			2	-	40

	Network equipment	3,028.60			2,897.70			2	-	50

	Office software, furniture, fixtures and vehicles	157.9			152.9			2	-	14

	Construction in process	25.7			20.7			n/a

	Gross value	3,390.50			3,248.40

	Accumulated depreciation	(2,531.0		)	(2,345.6		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	859.5		$	902.8

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Wireline				IT Services and Hardware				Wireless				Data Center Colocation				Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	11.8			$	2.6			$	—			$	276.2			$	290.6

	Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				—				(276.2		)		(276.2		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	11.8				2.6				—				—				14.4

	Impairment	—				—				—				—				—

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	11.8			$	2.6			$	—			$	—			$	14.4

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	Summarized below are the carrying values for the major classes of intangible assets subject to amortization:


		Weighted-
		Average		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Life in		Gross Carrying				Accumulated				Gross Carrying				Accumulated
	(dollars in millions)	Years		Amount				Amortization				Amount				Amortization
	Customer relationships
	Wireline	10		$	7			$	(6.6	)		$	7			(6.1		)

	Wireless	9		8.7				(8.6		)		8.7				(8.5		)

				15.7				(15.2		)		15.7				(14.6		)

	Trademarks
	Wireless	6		6.2				(5.7		)		6.2				(3.8		)


				21.9				$	(20.9	)		$	21.9			$	(18.4	)

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The following table presents estimated amortization expense for the assets' remaining useful lives:


	(dollars in millions)
	2015	$	0.8

	2016	0.2

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The Company’s debt consists of the following:


		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Current portion of long-term debt:
	Corporate Credit Agreement - Tranche B Term Loan	$	5.4		$	5.4

	Capital lease obligations and other debt	7.8			7.2

	Current portion of long-term debt	13.2			12.6

	Long-term debt, less current portion:
	Corporate Credit Agreement	—			40

	Receivables facility	19.2			106.2

	8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018	300			625

	Corporate Credit Agreement - Tranche B Term Loan	527.8			533.2

	8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020	661.2			683.9

	7 1/4% Notes due 2023	40			40

	Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone notes	134.5			134.5

	Capital lease obligations and other debt	91.5			96.1

		1,774.20			2,258.90

	Net unamortized discount	(3.2		)	(6.3		)
	Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771.00			2,252.60

	Total debt	$	1,784.20		$	2,265.20

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our annual principal maturities of debt and capital leases for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, and thereafter:


					Capital			Total
	(dollars in millions)	Debt			Leases			Debt
	Year ended December 31,
	2015	$	6		$	7.2		$	13.2

	2016	25.1			6.8			31.9

	2017	5.5			4.2			9.7

	2018	305.4			3.3			308.7

	2019	5.4			3.7			9.1

	Thereafter	1,341.90			72.9			1,414.80

		1,689.30			98.1			1,787.40

	Net unamortized discount	(3.2		)	—			(3.2		)

	Total debt	$	1,686.10		$	98.1		$	1,784.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments required under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms for the next five years are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)
	2015	$	10.3

	2016	6.5

	2017	5.1

	2018	3.7

	2019	3.2

	Thereafter	21.6

	Total	$	50.4

Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the activity for the Company’s asset retirement obligations, which are included in "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:


		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	8.5		$	7.1

	Liabilities settled	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
	Liabilities incurred	—			0.1

	Revisions to estimated cash flow	0.3			1.1

	Accretion expense	0.5			0.5

	Deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—			(0.2		)

	Balance, end of period	$	9.1		$	8.5

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014												Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:


		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investment in CyrusOne	$	273.6		$	785		$	471	$	993.2

	Long-term debt, including current portion*	1,686.10			1,717.40			2,162.70		2,248.30

	*Excludes capital leases.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	During 2014, the following assets were remeasured at fair value in connection with impairment tests:												During 2012, the following assets were remeasured at fair value in connection with impairment tests:


				Fair Value Measurements Using											Fair Value Measurements Using
	(dollars in millions)	Year Ended		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Impairment Losses			(dollars in millions)	Year Ended	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Impairment Losses
		31-Dec-14												31-Dec-12
	Property:												Customer relationship intangible	2.8	—	—	2.8	(1.5	)
	Office software, furniture, fixtures, & vehicles (Wireline)	—		—			—		—	$	(4.6	)
													Property:
	Office software, furniture, fixtures, & vehicles (Wireless)	—		—			—		—	(7.5		)	Leasehold improvements	2.4	—	—	2.4	(11.8	)

	Impairment of assets									$	(12.1	)	Network equipment	0.4	—	—	0.4	(0.5	)

													Other	—	—	—	—	(0.4	)

													Impairment of assets					(14.2	)

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	A summary of activity in the restructuring liability is shown below:


	(dollars in millions)	Employee			Lease			Contract Terminations			Total
		Separation			Abandonment
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	14.2		$	8.1		$	1.7		$	24

	Charges	2.5			0.9			—			3.4

	Utilizations	(8.9		)	(3.5		)	(1.5		)	(13.9		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	7.8		$	5.5		$	0.2		$	13.5

	Charges	9			4.1			0.6			13.7

	Utilizations	(7.1		)	(3.6		)	(0.7		)	(11.4		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	9.7		$	6		$	0.1		$	15.8

	Charges/(Reversals)	4.2			(1.4		)	13.1			15.9

	Utilizations	(8.0		)	(2.7		)	(0.7		)	(11.4		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5.9		$	1.9		$	12.5		$	20.3

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	A summary of restructuring activity by business segment is presented below:


	(dollars in millions)	Wireline			IT Services and Hardware			Wireless			Data Center Colocation			Corporate			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	15.1		$	2.5		$	0.7		$	—		$	5.7		$	24

	Charges	3.5			(1.2		)	1.6			0.5			(1.0		)	3.4

	Utilizations	(10.0		)	(0.8		)	(0.7		)	(0.5		)	(1.9		)	(13.9		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	8.6		$	0.5		$	1.6		$	—		$	2.8		$	13.5

	Charges	9.1			0.7			0.2			—			3.7			13.7

	Utilizations	(7.2		)	(0.4		)	(0.3		)	—			(3.5		)	(11.4		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10.5		$	0.8		$	1.5		$	—		$	3		$	15.8

	Charges/(Reversals)	(0.5		)	—			16.3			—			0.1			15.9

	Utilizations	(6.1		)	(0.5		)	(2.4		)	—			(2.4		)	(11.4		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	3.9		$	0.3		$	15.4		$	—		$	0.7		$	20.3

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla1

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Pension and postretirement benefit costs for these plans were comprised of:


		Pension Benefits											Postretirement and Other Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012			2014				2013			2012
	Service cost	$	1			$	2.1			$	2.6		$	0.3			$	0.4		$	0.5

	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	21				18.8				21.3			4				4			5.6

	Expected return on plan assets	(28.1		)		(25.7		)		(26.1		)	—				—			—

	Amortization of:

	Prior service cost (benefit)	0.2				0.2				0.1			(15.4		)		(14.1		)	(13.2		)

	Actuarial loss	17.3				22				19.4			5.4				5.6			6.8

	Curtailment gain	—				(0.6		)		—			—				—			—

	Pension/postretirement costs	$	11.4			$	16.8			$	17.3		$	(5.7	)		$	(4.1	)	$	(0.3	)

Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	Changes in the plans' benefit obligations and funded status are as follows:


										Postretirement and Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at January 1,	$	523			$	584.9			$	101.5		$	152.4

	Service cost	1				2.1				0.3			0.4

	Interest cost	21				18.8				4			4

	Prior service credit	—				—				—			(17.4		)

	Actuarial loss (gain)	73.5				(38.2		)		13.3			(19.6		)

	Benefits paid	(41.2		)		(44.6		)		(15.2		)	(23.9		)
	Retiree drug subsidy received	—				—				0.5			0.5

	Other	—				—				4.6			5.1

	Benefit obligation at December 31,	$	577.3			$	523			$	109		$	101.5


	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	$	399.3			$	343.8			$	11.3		$	11.7

	Actual return on plan assets	44.2				55.1				0.4			0.4

	Employer contributions	22				45				14			22.6

	Retiree drug subsidy received	—				—				0.5			0.5

	Benefits paid	(41.2		)		(44.6		)		(15.2		)	(23.9		)
	Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	424.3				399.3				11			11.3

	Unfunded status	$	(153.0	)		$	(123.7	)		$	(98.0	)	$	(90.2	)

Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	The assumed healthcare cost trend rate used to measure the postretirement health benefit obligation is shown below:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Healthcare cost trend	6.5	%		6.5	%
	Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%		4.5	%
	Year the rates reach the ultimate trend rate	2018			2017

Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effect on the postretirement benefit costs and obligation:


	(dollars in millions)	1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Service and interest costs for 2014	$	0.2			$	(0.1	)

	Postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014	5				(4.5		)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	The projected benefit obligation is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:


		Pension Benefits								Postretirement and Other Benefits
		December 31,								December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Accrued payroll and benefits (current liability)	$	2.2			$	2.1			$	12		$	12.7

	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations (noncurrent liability)	150.8				121.6				86			77.5

	Total	$	153			$	123.7			$	98		$	90.2

Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]	Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets which have not yet been recognized in net pension costs consisted of the following:


										Postretirement and Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits
		December 31,								December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Prior service (cost) benefit, net of tax of ($0.2), ($0.3), $21.3, $26.8	$	(0.5	)		$	(0.6	)		$	38.5		$	48.4

	Actuarial loss, net of tax of ($91.5), ($77.2), ($29.3), ($26.6)	(160.7		)		(134.8		)		(50.9		)	(46.1		)
	Total	$	(161.2	)		$	(135.4	)		$	(12.4	)	$	2.3

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Consolidated Statements of Shareowners’ Deficit and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are shown below:


		Pension Benefits								Postretirement and Other Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014			2013

	Prior service cost recognized:
	Reclassification adjustments	$	0.2			$	(0.4	)		$	(15.4	)	$	(14.1	)

	Prior service credit	—				—				—			17.4

	Actuarial (loss) gain recognized:
	Reclassification adjustments	17.3				22				5.4			5.6

	Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	(57.5		)		67.5				(12.9		)	20

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]	The following amounts currently included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" are expected to be recognized in 2015 as a component of net periodic pension and postretirement cost:


		Pension Benefits				Postretirement and Other Benefits
	(dollars in millions)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	$	0.2			$	(15.4	)

	Actuarial loss	20.9				6.2

	Total	$	21.1			$	(9.2	)

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The fair values of the pension and postretirement plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	December 31, 2014				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
						in active				observable			unobservable
						markets				inputs			inputs
						Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Mutual funds
	U.S. equity index funds	$	212.3			$	212.3			$	—		$	—

	International equity index funds	61.1				61.1				—			—

	Fixed income bond funds	150.9				150.9				—			—

	Group insurance contract	11				—				—			11

	Total	$	435.3			$	424.3			$	—		$	11




	(dollars in millions)		December 31, 2013				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
							in active				observable			unobservable
							markets				inputs			inputs
							Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Mutual funds
	U.S. equity index funds		$	201.4			$	201.4			$	—		$	—

	International equity index funds		57				57				—			—

	Fixed income bond funds		109.8				109.8				—			—

	Fixed income short-term money market funds		0.3				0.3				—			—

	Real estate pooled funds		30.8				—				—			30.8

	Group insurance contract		11.3				—				—			11.3

	Total		$	410.6			$	368.5			$	—		$	42.1

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The Level 3 investments had the following changes in 2014 and 2013:


		Pension								Postretirement and Other Benefits
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	30.8			$	27.8			$	11.3		$	11.7

	Realized gains, net	3.2				1				0.4			0.4

	Unrealized gains, net	—				2.7				—			—

	Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(34.0		)		(0.7		)		(0.7		)	(0.8		)
	Balance, end of year	$	—			$	30.8			$	11		$	11.3

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years:


	(dollars in millions)	Pension				Postretirement				Medicare
		Benefits				and Other				Subsidy
						Benefits				Receipts
	2015	$	41.3			$	12.6			$	(0.6	)

	2016	41.3				11.7				(0.6		)

	2017	41.1				10.7				(0.5		)

	2018	41				10				(0.5		)

	2019	39.5				8.2				(0.5		)

	Years 2020 - 2024	182.7				33.7				(2.0		)

Net Periodic Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in measuring the net periodic cost of the pension and postretirement benefits:


		Pension Benefits									Postretirement and Other Benefits
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.2	%		3.3	%	*	3.9	%		4.1	%	3.4	%	**	3.6	%
	Expected long-term rate of return	7.75	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—		—			—

	Future compensation growth rate	—			3	%		3	%		—		—			—

	* Discount rate used for the remeasurement of the management pension plan in May 2013 was consistent with the discount rate previously established.
	** For the period January 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013, the date of the remeasurement, we used a 3.10% discount rate. From that date through December 31, 2013, we used a 3.90% discount rate.
Projected Benefit Obligation [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for and measuring the projected benefit obligations:


		Pension Benefits						Postretirement and Other Benefits
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discount rate	3.4	%		4.2	%		3.4	%		4.1	%
	Expected long-term rate of return	7.75	%		7.75	%		—			—

	Future compensation growth rate	—			—			—			—

Shareowners_Deficit_Tables

Shareowners' Deficit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Unrecognized Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost				Foreign Currency Translation Loss			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(133.1	)		$	(0.2	)	$	(133.3	)
	Foreign currency loss	—				(0.1		)	(0.1		)

	Remeasurement of benefit obligations	(45.4		)		—			(45.4		)

	Reclassifications, net	4.9			(a)	—			4.9

	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(173.6	)		$	(0.3	)	$	(173.9	)
	(a) These reclassifications are included in the components of net period pension and postretirement benefit costs (see Note 11 for additional details). The components of net period pension and postretirement benefit cost are reported within "Cost of services", "Cost of products sold", and "Selling, general and administrative" expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Charged to Continuing Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) or Additional Paid-In Capital [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax expense consisted of the following:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	8			$	—			$	1.8

	State and local	1.6				—				1.6

	Total current	9.6				—				3.4

	Investment tax credits	(0.2		)		(0.2		)		(0.3		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	48.4				(13.0		)		21.8

	State and local	0.7				(3.7		)		2

	Foreign	—				0.3				(0.5		)

	Total deferred	49.1				(16.4		)		23.3

	Valuation allowance	(1.1		)		14.1				(1.7		)

	Total	$	57.4			$	(2.5	)		$	24.7

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rate for each year:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax	0.4			1.5			3.9

	Change in valuation allowance, net of federal income tax	(3.0	)		(15.8	)		(2.3	)
	State net operating loss adjustments	2.9			2.7			3.7

	Nondeductible interest expense	4			(11.4	)		18.1

	Unrecognized tax benefit changes	2.1			(2.1	)		2.2

	Nondeductible compensation	1			(2.5	)		2.7

	Foreign	—			(0.7	)		3.5

	Other differences, net	0.8			(2.3	)		2

	Effective tax rate	43.2	%		4.4	%		68.8	%
Schedule of income tax provision charged to continuing operations, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) or additional paid-in capital [Table Text Block]	The income tax (benefit) provision was charged to continuing operations, accumulated other comprehensive income or additional paid-in capital as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Income tax (benefit) provision related to:
	Continuing operations	$	57.4			$	(2.5	)		$	24.7

	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(22.4		)		42.1				(0.4		)

	Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises	(0.1		)		(0.5		)		(2.4		)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	286.5			$	452.3

	Pension and postretirement benefits	95.5				81.9

	Equity method investment in CyrusOne	64.5				41.5

	Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	42.2				—

	AMT Credit Carryforward	24.7				16.5

	Other	47.4				46.7

	Total deferred tax assets	560.8				638.9

	Valuation allowance	(64.4		)		(68.3		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	496.4			$	570.6

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	121.9			$	171.8

	Other	4.9				3.8

	Total deferred tax liabilities	126.8				175.6

	Net deferred tax assets	$	369.6			$	395

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	24.1			$	22.8			$	21.8

	Change in tax positions for the current year	3				1.3				1.4

	Change in tax positions for prior years	—				—				(0.4		)

	Balance, end of year	$	27.1			$	24.1			$	22.8

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Stock Option & SARS activity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock options and stock appreciation rights activity:


		2014								2013						2012
						Weighted-								Weighted-					Weighted-
						Average								Average					Average
						Exercise								Exercise					Exercise
						Price Per								Price Per					Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share		Shares			Share
	Outstanding at January 1,	6,128				$	3.66			9,538				$	4.04	14,152			$	3.7

	Granted *	998				3.41				595				4.75		994			3.41

	Exercised	(725		)		1.73				(804		)		2.41		(4,854		)	2.8

	Forfeited	(215		)		3.99				(361		)		3.39		(6		)	2.91

	Expired	(962		)		3.73				(2,840		)		5.56		(748		)	4.87

	Outstanding at December 31,	5,224				$	3.85			6,128				$	3.66	9,538			$	4.04

	Expected to vest at December 31,	5,224				$	3.85			6,128				$	3.66	9,538			$	4.04

	Exercisable at December 31,	3,477				$	3.98			5,064				$	3.61	8,486			$	4.13


	(dollars in millions)
	Compensation expense for the year	$	0.3							$	0.6					$	1.1

	Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.1	)						$	(0.2	)				$	(0.4	)
	Intrinsic value of awards exercised	$	1.5							$	1.2					$	10.6

	Cash received from awards exercised	$	1.3							$	2.4					$	5.5

	Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	0.4							$	0.4					$	0.5


	* Assumes the maximum number of awards that can be earned if the performance conditions are achieved.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2014:


		Outstanding							Exercisable
					Weighted-							Weighted-
					Average							Average
					Exercise							Exercise
					Price Per							Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Share				Shares			Share
	$1.67 to $2.91	596			$	2.46			596			$	2.46

	$3.40 to $4.00	2,882			3.57				1,389			3.75

	$4.20 to $5.31	1,746			4.8				1,492			4.8

	Total	5,224			$	3.85			3,477			$	3.98

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values at the date of grant were estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:


		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility	35.5		%	43.6		%	43.5		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%	0.8		%	0.8		%
	Expected holding period (in years)	5			5			5

	Expected dividends	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	1.14		$	1.84		$	1.32

Performance Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our outstanding performance-based restricted award activity:


		2014								2013						2012
						Weighted-								Weighted-					Weighted-
						Average								Average					Average
						Exercise								Exercise					Exercise
						Price Per								Price Per					Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share		Shares			Share
	Non-vested at January 1,	1,537				$	3.97			1,687				$	3.13	1,839			$	2.9

	Granted*	1,085				3.56				1,067				4.56		808			3.4

	Vested	(635		)		3.71				(703		)		3.07		(552		)	2.85

	Forfeited	(241		)		3.65				(514		)		3.67		(408		)	2.79

	Non-vested at December 31,	1,746				$	3.85			1,537				$	3.97	1,687			$	3.13


	(dollars in millions)
	Compensation expense for the year	$	1.4							$	2.6					$	2.7

	Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.5	)						$	(1.0	)				$	(1.0	)
	Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	2.3							$	2.2					$	1.6


	* Assumes the maximum number of awards that can be earned if the performance conditions are achieved.
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our time-based restricted award activity:


		2014								2013						2012
						Weighted-								Weighted-					Weighted-
						Average								Average					Average
						Exercise								Exercise					Exercise
						Price Per								Price Per					Price Per
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares				Share				Shares				Share		Shares			Share
	Non-vested at January 1,	1,044				$	3.55			1,298				$	3.11	872			$	2.89

	Granted	176				3.19				279				4.72		725			3.26

	Vested	(514		)		3.25				(454		)		3.03		(299		)	2.83

	Forfeited	(22		)		3.19				(79		)		3.4		—			—

	Non-vested at December 31,	684				$	3.7			1,044				$	3.55	1,298			$	3.11


	(dollars in millions)
	Compensation expense for the year	$	1.6							$	1.7					$	1.5

	Tax benefit related to compensation expense	$	(0.6	)						$	(0.6	)				$	(0.6	)
	Grant date fair value of awards vested	$	1.7							$	1.4					$	0.8

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Our business segment information is as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Revenue
	Wireline	$	740.7			$	724.8			$	730.5

	IT Services and Hardware	433				344.1				315.7

	Wireless	132.8				201.5				241.8

	Data Center Colocation	—				15.6				221.3

	Intersegment	(28.3		)		(29.1		)		(35.4		)
	Total revenue	$	1,278.20			$	1,256.90			$	1,473.90

	Intersegment revenue
	Wireline	$	15.6			$	16.8			$	19.1

	IT Services and Hardware	11				9.6				7.6

	Wireless	1.7				2.3				2.3

	Data Center Colocation	—				0.4				6.4

	Total intersegment revenue	$	28.3			$	29.1			$	35.4

	Operating income (loss)
	Wireline	$	182.5			$	190.2			$	212.9

	IT Services and Hardware	19.8				8.5				10.3

	Wireless	(66.3		)		18.2				51.2

	Data Center Colocation	—				3.2				30.4

	Corporate	(20.2		)		(56.3		)		(34.7		)
	Total operating income	$	115.8			$	163.8			$	270.1

	Expenditures for long-lived assets
	Wireline	$	163.7			$	162.6			$	114.2

	IT Services and Hardware	11.9				10.6				9

	Wireless	6.5				16				15.8

	Data Center Colocation	—				7.7				228.2

	Corporate	0.2				—				—

	Total expenditures for long-lived assets	$	182.3			$	196.9			$	367.2

	Depreciation and amortization
	Wireline	$	115.7			$	112.2			$	106

	IT Services and Hardware	11.7				10.5				8.6

	Wireless	103.4				41.2				31.9

	Data Center Colocation	—				5.2				70.6

	Corporate	0.2				0.5				0.3

Total depreciation and amortization	$	231			$	169.6			$	217.4


	As of December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2014				2013
Assets
Wireline	$	832.2			$	780.8

IT Services and Hardware	61.4				48.9

Wireless	122.7				247.5

Corporate and eliminations	803.4				1,030.10

Total assets	$	1,819.70			$	2,107.30

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	Details of our service and product revenues including eliminations are as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Service revenue
	Wireline	$	714.5			$	702.3			$	705

	IT Services and Hardware	161.4				138.7				130.2

	Wireless	123.7				183.1				222.7

	Data Center Colocation	—				15.2				214.9

	Total service revenue	$	999.6			$	1,039.30			$	1,272.80

	Product revenue
	Handsets and accessories	$	18			$	21.8			$	23.2

	IT, telephony and other equipment	260.6				195.8				177.9

	Total product revenue	$	278.6			$	217.6			$	201.1

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]

		Year Ended December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Capitalized interest expense	$	0.8	$	0.6	$	2.7

	Cash paid for:
	Interest	153.1		179.5		217.9

	Income taxes, net of refunds	9.1		2.8		0.1

	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Investment in CyrusOne resulting from deconsolidation	—		509.7		—

	Accrual of CyrusOne dividends	6		7.1		—

	Acquisition of property by assuming debt and other financing arrangements	4.7		7.6		19.9

	Acquisition of property on account	24.8		13.3		30.7

	Accrued CyrusOne stock issuance costs	—		—		2.2

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information Abstract
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Table Text Block]	The following information sets forth the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of (1) the Parent Company, as the guarantor, (2) CBT, as the issuer, and (3) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis.


	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
		(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
	Revenue	$	—			$	659.6			$	673.8			$	(55.2	)		$	1,278.20

	Operating costs and expenses	19.9				484.4				713.3				(55.2		)		1,162.40

	Operating (loss) income	(19.9		)		175.2				(39.5		)		—				115.8

	Interest expense (income), net	144				(4.5		)		9.2				—				148.7

	Other expense (income), net	17.6				7.4				(190.9		)		—				(165.9		)

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(181.5		)		172.3				142.2				—				133

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(55.6		)		62.9				50.1				—				57.4

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	201.5				—				—				(201.5		)		—

	Net income	75.6				109.4				92.1				(201.5		)		75.6

	Other comprehensive loss	(40.5		)		—				(0.1		)		—				(40.6		)

	Total comprehensive income	$	35.1			$	109.4			$	92			$	(201.5	)		$	35


	Net income	$	75.6			$	109.4			$	92.1			$	(201.5	)		$	75.6

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

	Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	65.2			$	109.4			$	92.1			$	(201.5	)		$	65.2


		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
		(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
	Revenue	$	—			$	644.2			$	669			$	(56.3	)		$	1,256.90

	Operating costs and expenses	55.4				459.1				634.9				(56.3		)		1,093.10

	Operating (loss) income	(55.4		)		185.1				34.1				—				163.8

	Interest expense (income), net	164.3				(2.7		)		20.4				—				182

	Other expense, net	28.2				6.5				4.3				—				39

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(247.9		)		181.3				9.4				—				(57.2		)

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(79.8		)		66.1				11.2				—				(2.5		)

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	113.4				—				—				(113.4		)		—

	Net (loss) income	(54.7		)		115.2				(1.8		)		(113.4		)		(54.7		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss)	76.5				—				(0.1		)		—				76.4

	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	21.8			$	115.2			$	(1.9	)		$	(113.4	)		$	21.7


	Net (loss) income	$	(54.7	)		$	115.2			$	(1.8	)		$	(113.4	)		$	(54.7	)

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareowners	$	(65.1	)		$	115.2			$	(1.8	)		$	(113.4	)		$	(65.1	)




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Revenue	$	—			$	642.8			$	893.3			$	(62.2	)		$	1,473.90

Operating costs and expenses	33.9				436.3				795.8				(62.2		)		1,203.80

Operating (loss) income	(33.9		)		206.5				97.5				—				270.1

Interest expense (income), net	164.8				(1.5		)		55.6				—				218.9

Other expense (income), net	11.5				5.9				(2.1		)		—				15.3

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(210.2		)		202.1				44				—				35.9

Income tax (benefit) expense	(68.3		)		73.8				19.2				—				24.7

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	153.1				—				—				(153.1		)		—

Net income	11.2				128.3				24.8				(153.1		)		11.2

Other comprehensive loss	(0.8		)		—				—				—				(0.8		)

Total comprehensive income	$	10.4			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	10.4


Net income	$	11.2			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	11.2

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	0.8			$	128.3			$	24.8			$	(153.1	)		$	0.8



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	1			$	0.7			$	—			$	57.9

Receivables, net	2.6				—				164.9				—				167.5

Other current assets	4.7				29.3				78.4				(1.2		)		111.2

Total current assets	63.5				30.3				244				(1.2		)		336.6

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				764				95.3				—				859.5

Investment in CyrusOne	—				—				273.6				—				273.6

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				2.2				13.2				—				15.4

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				236.1				244.7				(1,546.9		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	294.2				4.9				190.5				(155.0		)		334.6

Total assets	$	1,424.00			$	1,037.50			$	1,061.30			$	(1,703.1	)		$	1,819.70


Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.9			$	—			$	13.2

Accounts payable	1				73.2				61.8				—				136

Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	—				—				112.6				—				112.6

Other current liabilities	52.3				52.8				42.8				0.1				148

Total current liabilities	58.7				129.9				221.1				0.1				409.8

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				141.2				103.7				—				1,771.00

Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				166.7				23				(156.4		)		287.4

Intercompany payables	233.4				—				—				(233.4		)		—

Total liabilities	2,072.30				437.8				347.8				(389.7		)		2,468.20

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(648.3		)		599.7				713.5				(1,313.4		)		(648.5		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,424.00			$	1,037.50			$	1,061.30			$	(1,703.1	)		$	1,819.70


	As of December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	1.8			$	0.7			$	—			$	4.6

Receivables, net	2.6				—				152.2				—				154.8

Other current assets	4.4				24.1				63.9				(0.7		)		91.7

Total current assets	9.1				25.9				216.8				(0.7		)		251.1

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.1				706.5				196.2				—				902.8

Investment in CyrusOne	—				—				471				—				471

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				2.3				103.8				—				106.1

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,406.60				247.7				—				(1,654.3		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	359.1				6.1				178.9				(167.8		)		376.3

Total assets	$	1,774.90			$	988.5			$	1,166.70			$	(1,822.8	)		$	2,107.30


Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.3			$	—			$	12.6

Accounts payable	1.5				45.9				42.5				—				89.9

Other current liabilities	67.7				49.4				34.6				0.1				151.8

Total current liabilities	74.6				99.2				80.4				0.1				254.3

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,916.10				141.8				194.7				—				2,252.60

Other noncurrent liabilities	214.5				172.2				59				(168.6		)		277.1

Intercompany payables	246.4				—				199.7				(446.1		)		—

Total liabilities	2,451.60				413.2				533.8				(614.6		)		2,784.00

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(676.7		)		575.3				632.9				(1,208.2		)		(676.7		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,774.90			$	988.5			$	1,166.70			$	(1,822.8	)		$	2,107.30



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(56.3	)		$	228.7			$	2.8			$	—			$	175.2

Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(152.5		)		(29.6		)		—				(182.3		)

Proceeds received from sale of CyrusOne	—				—				355.9				—				355.9

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				—				28.4				—				28.4

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				0.3				196.1				—				196.4

Distributions received from subsidiaries	12.8				—				—				(12.8		)		—

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	—				(73.4		)		(542.6		)		616				—

Other investing activities	(0.3		)		—				(5.5		)		—				(5.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	12.3				(225.6		)		2.7				603.2				392.6

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	516.2				—				99.8				(616.0		)		—

Distributions paid to Parent	—				—				(12.8		)		12.8				—

Debt issuance costs	(0.7		)		—				(0.2		)		—				(0.9		)

Net decrease in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	(40.0		)		—				(87.0		)		—				(127.0		)

Repayment of debt	(367.3		)		(3.9		)		(5.3		)		—				(376.5		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	1.3				—				—				—				1.3

Other financing activities	(11.4		)		—				—				—				(11.4		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	98.1				(3.9		)		(5.5		)		(603.2		)		(514.5		)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54.1				(0.8		)		—				—				53.3

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	2.1				1.8				0.7				—				4.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	1			$	0.7			$	—			$	57.9


	Year Ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(218.1	)		$	239			$	57.9			$	—			$	78.8

Capital expenditures	—				(153.1		)		(43.8		)		—				(196.9		)

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				—				21.3				—				21.3

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				2				—				—				2

Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				(12.2		)		—				(12.2		)

Other investing activities	—				—				0.4				—				0.4

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(151.1		)		(34.3		)		—				(185.4		)

Issuance of long-term debt	536				—				—				—				536

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	174.2				(84.3		)		(89.9		)		—				—

Debt issuance costs	(6.7		)		—				—				—				(6.7		)

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	40				—				54.2				—				94.2

Repayment of debt	(522.0		)		(3.7		)		(5.1		)		—				(530.8		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	7.1				—				—				—				7.1

Other financing activities	(12.2		)		—				—				—				(12.2		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	216.4				(88.0		)		(40.8		)		—				87.6

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1.7		)		(0.1		)		(17.2		)		—				(19.0		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	3.8				1.9				17.9				—				23.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	1.8			$	0.7			$	—			$	4.6




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				CBT				Other				Eliminations				Total
	(Guarantor)				(Issuer)				Non-guarantors
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(144.8	)		$	250.4			$	107.1			$	—			$	212.7

Capital expenditures	—				(108.8		)		(258.4		)		—				(367.2		)

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				1.4				0.2				—				1.6

Other investing activities	—				—				(6.2		)		—				(6.2		)

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(107.4		)		(264.4		)		—				(371.8		)

Issuance of long-term debt	—				—				525				—				525

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	433.6				(66.0		)		(367.6		)		—				—

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	—				—				52				—				52

Repayment of debt	(352.0		)		(76.5		)		(13.9		)		—				(442.4		)

Debt issuance costs	(3.6		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(20.9		)

Common stock issuance costs	—				—				(5.7		)		—				(5.7		)

Common stock repurchase	(0.3		)		—				—				—				(0.3		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	12.1				—				—				—				12.1

Other financing activities	(10.8		)		—				—				—				(10.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	79				(142.5		)		172.5				—				109

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(65.8		)		0.5				15.2				—				(50.1		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	69.6				1.4				2.7				—				73.7

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3.8			$	1.9			$	17.9			$	—			$	23.6

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information HY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information Abstract
Supplemental Guarantor Information, High Yield Notes [Table Text Block]	The following information sets forth the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of (1) the Parent Company, as the issuer, (2) the guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, and (3) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis.


	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
		(Issuer)
	Revenue	$	—			$	731.9			$	601.5			$	(55.2	)		$	1,278.20

	Operating costs and expenses	19.9				766.6				431.1				(55.2		)		1,162.40

	Operating (loss) income	(19.9		)		(34.7		)		170.4				—				115.8

	Interest expense (income), net	144				7.8				(3.1		)		—				148.7

	Other expense (income), net	17.6				(171.2		)		(12.3		)		—				(165.9		)

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(181.5		)		128.7				185.8				—				133

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(55.6		)		45.4				67.6				—				57.4

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	201.5				—				—				(201.5		)		—

	Net income	75.6				83.3				118.2				(201.5		)		75.6

	Other comprehensive loss	(40.5		)		(0.1		)		—				—				(40.6		)

	Total comprehensive income	$	35.1			$	83.2			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	35


	Net income	$	75.6			$	83.3			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	75.6

	Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

	Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	65.2			$	83.3			$	118.2			$	(201.5	)		$	65.2


		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
		(Issuer)
	Revenue	$	—			$	704.6			$	608.6			$	(56.3	)		$	1,256.90

	Operating costs and expenses	55.4				667.5				426.5				(56.3		)		1,093.10

	Operating (loss) income	(55.4		)		37.1				182.1				—				163.8

	Interest expense, net	164.3				14.9				2.8				—				182

	Other expense (income), net	28.2				17.4				(6.6		)		—				39

	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(247.9		)		4.8				185.9				—				(57.2		)

	Income tax (benefit) expense	(79.8		)		9.7				67.6				—				(2.5		)

	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	113.4				0.7				—				(114.1		)		—

	Net (loss) income	(54.7		)		(4.2		)		118.3				(114.1		)		(54.7		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss)	76.5				—				(0.1		)		—				76.4

	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	21.8			$	(4.2	)		$	118.2			$	(114.1	)		$	21.7


	Net (loss) income	$	(54.7	)		$	(4.2	)		$	118.3			$	(114.1	)		$	(54.7	)

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net (loss) income applicable to common shareowners	$	(65.1	)		$	(4.2	)		$	118.3			$	(114.1	)		$	(65.1	)



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Revenue	$	—			$	713.4			$	822.7			$	(62.2	)		$	1,473.90

Operating costs and expenses	33.9				646.5				585.6				(62.2		)		1,203.80

Operating (loss) income	(33.9		)		66.9				237.1				—				270.1

Interest expense, net	164.8				7.8				46.3				—				218.9

Other expense (income), net	11.5				9.1				(5.3		)		—				15.3

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	(210.2		)		50				196.1				—				35.9

Income tax (benefit) expense	(68.3		)		19.2				73.8				—				24.7

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax	153.1				(11.8		)		—				(141.3		)		—

Net income	11.2				19				122.3				(141.3		)		11.2

Other comprehensive loss	(0.8		)		—				—				—				(0.8		)

Total comprehensive income	$	10.4			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	10.4


Net income	$	11.2			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	11.2

Preferred stock dividends	10.4				—				—				—				10.4

Net income applicable to common shareowners	$	0.8			$	19			$	122.3			$	(141.3	)		$	0.8



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	0.2			$	1.5			$	—			$	57.9

Receivables, net	2.6				6.1				158.8				—				167.5

Other current assets	4.7				74.6				33.1				(1.2		)		111.2

Total current assets	63.5				80.9				193.4				(1.2		)		336.6

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				94.9				764.4				—				859.5

Investment in CyrusOne	—				273.6				—				—				273.6

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				13.2				2.2				—				15.4

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				387.8				214.6				(1,668.5		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	294.2				191.6				3.8				(155.0		)		334.6

Total assets	$	1,424.00			$	1,042.00			$	1,178.40			$	(1,824.7	)		$	1,819.70

Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3.9			$	3.9			$	—			$	13.2

Accounts payable	1				80.8				54.2				—				136

Deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses	—				112.6				—				—				112.6

Other current liabilities	52.3				46.3				49.3				0.1				148

Total current liabilities	58.7				243.6				107.4				0.1				409.8

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				84.5				160.4				—				1,771.00

Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				25.7				164				(156.4		)		287.4

Intercompany payables	233.4				—				131.9				(365.3		)		—

Total liabilities	2,072.30				353.8				563.7				(521.6		)		2,468.20

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(648.3		)		688.2				614.7				(1,303.1		)		(648.5		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,424.00			$	1,042.00			$	1,178.40			$	(1,824.7	)		$	1,819.70


	As of December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	0.3			$	2.2			$	—			$	4.6

Receivables, net	2.6				7.2				145				—				154.8

Other current assets	4.4				60.7				27.3				(0.7		)		91.7

Total current assets	9.1				68.2				174.5				(0.7		)		251.1

Property, plant and equipment, net	0.1				194.1				708.6				—				902.8

Investment in CyrusOne	—				471				—				—				471

Goodwill and intangibles, net	—				103.8				2.3				—				106.1

Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,406.60				(1.6		)		218.2				(1,623.2		)		—

Other noncurrent assets	359.1				179.9				5.1				(167.8		)		376.3

Total assets	$	1,774.90			$	1,015.40			$	1,108.70			$	(1,791.7	)		$	2,107.30

Current portion of long-term debt	$	5.4			$	3			$	4.2			$	—			$	12.6

Accounts payable	1.5				72.3				16.1				—				89.9

Other current liabilities	67.7				36.9				47.1				0.1				151.8

Total current liabilities	74.6				112.2				67.4				0.1				254.3

Long-term debt, less current portion	1,916.10				87				249.5				—				2,252.60

Other noncurrent liabilities	214.5				61.3				169.9				(168.6		)		277.1

Intercompany payables	246.4				149.9				33.2				(429.5		)		—

Total liabilities	2,451.60				410.4				520				(598.0		)		2,784.00

Shareowners’ (deficit) equity	(676.7		)		605				588.7				(1,193.7		)		(676.7		)

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity (deficit)	$	1,774.90			$	1,015.40			$	1,108.70			$	(1,791.7	)		$	2,107.30



Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows


	Year Ended December 31, 2014
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(56.3	)		$	(1.4	)		$	232.9			$	—			$	175.2

Capital expenditures	(0.2		)		(29.6		)		(152.5		)		—				(182.3		)

Proceeds received from sale of CyrusOne	—				355.9				—				—				355.9

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				28.4				—				—				28.4

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				194.4				2				—				196.4

Distributions received from subsidiaries	12.8				—				—				(12.8		)		—

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	—				(539.3		)		(78.0		)		617.3				—

Other investing activities	(0.3		)		(5.5		)		—				—				(5.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	12.3				4.3				(228.5		)		604.5				392.6

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	516.2				—				101.1				(617.3		)		—

Distributions paid to Parent	—				—				(12.8		)		12.8				—

Debt issuance costs	(0.7		)		—				(0.2		)		—				(0.9		)

Net decrease in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	(40.0		)		—				(87.0		)		—				(127.0		)

Repayment of debt	(367.3		)		(3.0		)		(6.2		)		—				(376.5		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	1.3				—				—				—				1.3

Other financing activities	(11.4		)		—				—				—				(11.4		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	98.1				(3.0		)		(5.1		)		(604.5		)		(514.5		)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54.1				(0.1		)		(0.7		)		—				53.3

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	2.1				0.3				2.2				—				4.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	56.2			$	0.2			$	1.5			$	—			$	57.9


	Year Ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in millions)	Parent				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
	(Issuer)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(218.1	)		$	26.2			$	270.7			$	—			$	78.8

Capital expenditures	—				(36.1		)		(160.8		)		—				(196.9		)

Dividends received from CyrusOne	—				21.3				—				—				21.3

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				—				2				—				2

Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne	—				—				(12.2		)		—				(12.2		)

Other investing activities	—				—				0.4				—				0.4

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(14.8		)		(170.6		)		—				(185.4		)

Issuance of long-term debt	536				—				—				—				536

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	174.2				(7.4		)		(166.8		)		—				—

Debt issuance costs	(6.7		)		—				—				—				(6.7		)

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	40				—				54.2				—				94.2

Repayment of debt	(522.0		)		(4.0		)		(4.8		)		—				(530.8		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	7.1				—				—				—				7.1

Other financing activities	(12.2		)		—				—				—				(12.2		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	216.4				(11.4		)		(117.4		)		—				87.6

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1.7		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(19.0		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	3.8				0.3				19.5				—				23.6

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	2.1			$	0.3			$	2.2			$	—			$	4.6




Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
(dollars in millions)	Parent (Issuer)				Guarantors				Non-guarantors				Eliminations				Total
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(144.8	)		$	51.3			$	306.2			$	—			$	212.7

Capital expenditures	—				(30.2		)		(337.0		)		—				(367.2		)

Proceeds from sale of assets	—				—				1.6				—				1.6

Other investing activities	—				—				(6.2		)		—				(6.2		)

Cash flows used in investing activities	—				(30.2		)		(341.6		)		—				(371.8		)

Issuance of long-term debt	—				—				525				—				525

Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net	433.6				(16.9		)		(416.7		)		—				—

Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days	—				—				52				—				52

Repayment of debt	(352.0		)		(4.6		)		(85.8		)		—				(442.4		)

Debt issuance costs	(3.6		)		—				(17.3		)		—				(20.9		)

Common stock issuance costs	—				—				(5.7		)		—				(5.7		)

Common stock repurchase	(0.3		)		—				—				—				(0.3		)

Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	12.1				—				—				—				12.1

Other financing activities	(10.8		)		—				—				—				(10.8		)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	79				(21.5		)		51.5				—				109

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(65.8		)		(0.4		)		16.1				—				(50.1		)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents	69.6				0.7				3.4				—				73.7

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	3.8			$	0.3			$	19.5			$	—			$	23.6

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

		2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(dollars in millions, except per common share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Total
	Revenue	$	322.5		$	319.9		$	327.5		$	308.3		$	1,278.20

	Operating income	56.9			35.6			16			7.3			115.8

	Net income (loss)	7			114.2			(27.3		)	(18.3		)	75.6

	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.02		$	0.54		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.31

	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.02		$	0.53		$	(0.14	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.31


		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	(dollars in millions, except per common share amounts)	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Total
	Revenue	$	325.7		$	312		$	310.8		$	308.4		$	1,256.90

	Operating income	19.2			46.8			57.7			40.1			163.8

	Net (loss) income	(36.7		)	0.8			9.3			(28.1		)	(54.7		)

	Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.03		$	(0.15	)	$	(0.32	)

Description_of_Business_and_Ac2

Description of Business and Accounting Policies Description of Business and Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 24, 2013
	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	D	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 24, 2013
Description of accounting policies [Line Items]
Percent of Revenue from Foreign Subsidiaries				1.00%
Number of Operating Segments		4		3
Investment owned in CyrusOne Inc., Balance, Shares				1.9				1.9
Investment owned in CyrusOne Inc., Percentage, Common Stock								8.60%
Investment in CyrusOne LP, Balance, Partnership Units				26.6				42.6
Investment owned in CyrusOne LP, Percentage, Partnership Units								66.00%
Total ownership interests in CyrusOne, Percentage				44.00%	68.00%			69.00%
Equity Method Investment Sold, Partnership Units	16
Sale of Partnership Units, Price Per Unit	$22.26
Proceeds from sale of Wireless spectrum licenses	$194.40			$194.40	$0	$0
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)	88.2
Prepaid Expense				3.2			6.4
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses				112.6	0
Operating Leases, Rent Expense				14	13.4	19.3
Liabilities and Other Assets transferred in Sale of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets			25	25
Trade Receivables Due From Customers, Range, Minimum				21
Trade Receivables Due from Customers, Range, Maximum				90
Number of customers, exceeds 10% of total accounts receivable				1
Accounts Receivable from one customer greater than 10%, percentage				26.00%	19.00%
Revenue from one customer greater than 10%, percentage				14.00%
Unbilled Receivables, Current				15.6	23.2
Dividends received from CyrusOne				28.4	21.3	0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments				5.5
Cost Method Investments				2.9	2.5
Customer Contract, Lower Range, in Years				1
Customer Contract, Upper Range, in Years				3
Advertising Expense				8.9	12.2	16.6
Regulatory Taxes Included in Revenue				17.9	18.9	22.2
Regulatory Taxes Included in Expense				$19.60	$19.20	$24.40
Lower range, in years, of remaining service life of active employees				10
Upper range, in years, of remaining service life of active employees				14
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Description of accounting policies [Line Items]
Average life expectancy of retirees, in years				16

Investment_in_CyrusOne_Details

Investment in CyrusOne (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 24, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets Deconsolidated [Abstract]
Cash			$57.90	$4.60	$23.60		$73.70
Receivables			159.8	145.6
Other current assets			2	1.6
Property, plant and equipment			859.5	902.8
Other noncurrent assets			33.9	36.6
Total assets			1,819.70	2,107.30
Liabilities Deconsolidated [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt			13.2	12.6
Accounts payable			135.6	89.4
Unearned revenue and customer deposits			31.7	32.5
Other current liabilities			46.3	36.8
Long-term debt			1,771	2,252.60
Other noncurrent liabilities			47.3	74.4
Total liabilities			2,468.20	2,784
Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract]
Net assets		509.7	0	509.7	0
Equity Method Investment Sold, Partnership Units	16
Sale of Partnership Units, Price Per Unit	$22.26
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	355.9		355.9	0	0
Gain on sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	192.8		192.8	0	0
Total ownership interests in CyrusOne, Percentage			44.00%	68.00%		69.00%
Investment owned in CyrusOne Inc., Balance, Shares			1.9			1.9
Investment in CyrusOne LP, Balance, Partnership Units			26.6			42.6
Loss from CyrusOne			7	10.7	0
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure			785	993.2
CyrusOne [Member]
Assets Deconsolidated [Abstract]
Cash						12.2
Receivables						41.5
Other current assets						13.4
Property, plant and equipment						736.2
Goodwill and intangibles						377.7
Other noncurrent assets						44
Total assets						1,225
Liabilities Deconsolidated [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt						6.3
Accounts payable						29.4
Unearned revenue and customer deposits						24.1
Other current liabilities						12.9
Long-term debt						550.3
Other noncurrent liabilities						92.3
Total liabilities						715.3
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue			330.9	248.4
Operating income			40	28.9
Net loss			-14.5	-15.6
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Net investment in real estate			1,051.40	883.8
Total assets			1,586.50	1,506.80
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities			$869.50	$729.20

Investment_in_CyrusOne_Schedul

Investment in CyrusOne - Schedule of Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating costs and expenses:
Transaction-related compensation to CyrusOne employees		$20
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	28.4	21.3	0
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Dividends receivable	6	7.1	0
Receivable from CyrusOne	7.7	9.2
Payable to CyrusOne	0.4	0.5
CyrusOne [Member]
Revenue:
Services provided to CyrusOne	1.7	2.1
Operating costs and expenses:
Transaction-related compensation to CyrusOne employees	0	20
Charges for services provided by CyrusOne	9.1	8.8
Administrative services provided to CyrusOne	-0.5	-0.6
Total operating costs and expenses	8.6	28.2
Income Tax Receivable from Related Party	1.7	1.5
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	1.7	2.1
Dividends receivable		7.1
Receivable from CyrusOne	7.7	9.2
Accounts payable	0.4	0.5
Payable to CyrusOne	$0.40	$0.50
CyrusOne [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share	$0.21

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of EPS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	($18.30)	($27.30)	$114.20	$7	($28.10)	$9.30	$0.80	($36.70)	$75.60	($54.70)	$11.20
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners - basic and diluted									$65.20	($65.10)	$0.80
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic									208.5	205.9	197
Warrants									0	0	4.5
Stock-based compensation arrangements									1.1	0	3.2
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted									209.6	205.9	204.7
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share					($0.15)	$0.03	($0.01)	($0.19)	$0.31	($0.32)	$0

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Anti

Earnings Per Common Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of EPS (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3.6		5.3
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4.5	4.5	4.5

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land and rights-of-way	$4.30		$4.30	$4.30
Buildings and leasehold improvements	172.8		174	172.8
Network equipment	2,897.70		3,028.60	2,897.70
Office software, furniture, fixtures and vehicles	152.9		157.9	152.9
Construction in process	20.7		25.7	20.7
Gross value	3,248.40		3,390.50	3,248.40
Accumulated depreciation	-2,345.60		-2,531	-2,345.60
Property, plant and equipment, net	902.8		859.5	902.8
Depreciation			228.5	166	198.8
Depreciation associated with cost of providing services			89.00%	85.00%	87.00%
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill			-12.1	0	-14.2
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Operating Results, Increase in Depreciation Expense	3	8.5	62.2
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	($0.01)	($0.03)	($0.17)
Amortization of deferred gain			22.9	3.3	2.3
Capital Lease and Other Financing Arrangements Assets, Gross	126.8		124.4	126.8
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			20 years
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum in Practice			9
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum in Practice			22
Wireless [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill			7.5		0.4
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Operating Results, Increase in Depreciation Expense			62.2
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Increase (Decrease) in Current Period Gain Recognized			19.6
Wireless [Member] \| Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life						3 years 0 months 0 days
Wireless [Member] \| Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				30 months
Wireline [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill			4.6	0	0.5
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill					$11.80
Minimum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			50 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			14 years
Sale leaseback transaction [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share			$0.05

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$64.70	$64.70
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	50.3	50.3
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	14.4	290.6
Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne		-276.2
Impairment	0
Goodwill	14.4	14.4
Wireline [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	11.8	11.8
Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne		0
Impairment	0
Goodwill	11.8	11.8
IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	2.6	2.6
Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne		0
Impairment	0
Goodwill	2.6	2.6
Wireless [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	0	0
Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne		0
Impairment	0
Goodwill	0	0
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	0	276.2
Goodwill divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne		-276.2
Impairment	0
Goodwill	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 24, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$0	$0
Gross Carrying Amount	21.9	21.9		21.9
Accumulated Amortization	-20.9	-18.4		-20.9
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.5	3.6	18.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015	0.8			0.8
2016	0.2			0.2
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			-1.5
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	15.7	15.7		15.7
Accumulated Amortization	-15.2	-14.6		-15.2
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	7	7		7
Accumulated Amortization	-6.6	-6.1		-6.6
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years
Gross Carrying Amount	8.7	8.7		8.7
Accumulated Amortization	-8.6	-8.5		-8.6
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net					91.7
Trademarks [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years			30 months
Gross Carrying Amount	6.2	6.2		6.2
Accumulated Amortization	-5.7	-3.8		-5.7
Trademarks [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net					6.1
Lease Agreements [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net					3.7
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$0	$88.20		$0

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Arran1

Debt and Other Financing Arrangements Long-Term Debt and Other (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 1993	Nov. 30, 1998	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 15, 2013	Jan. 24, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			$0	$536	$525
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		104.13%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity											125
Equity Method Investment Sold, Partnership Units	16
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	355.9		355.9	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		40	0	40
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Current			6
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Repayments of Principal in Year Two			25.1
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Repayments of Principal in Year Three			5.5
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Repayments of Principal in Year Four			305.4
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Repayments of Principal in Year Five			5.4
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Repayments of Principal After Year Five			1,341.90
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Gross			1,689.30
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Net		2,162.70	1,686.10	2,162.70
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months			7.2
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due in Two Years			6.8
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due in Three Years			4.2
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due in Four Years			3.3
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due in Five Years			3.7
Capital Leases, Future Principal Payments Due Thereafter			72.9
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Principal Payments Due			98.1
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months			13.2
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two			31.9
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three			9.7
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four			308.7
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five			9.1
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five			1,414.80
Long-term Debt, Gross			1,787.40
Net unamortized discount		6.3	3.2	6.3
Net unamortized discount			0
Total debt		2,265.20	1,784.20	2,265.20
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			14
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years			13.2
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years			10.2
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years			9.1
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years			9.2
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter			108.2
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs			0.9	6.7	20.9
Amortization of Deferred Charges [Abstract]
Amortization of Financing Costs			5.1	5.9	7.2
Deferred Finance Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net		26.1	18.5	26.1
Debt Covenants [Abstract]
Consolidated total leverage ratio, maximum allowed under Line of Credit Facility			7
Consolidated senior secured leverage ratio, maximum allowed under Line of Credit Facility			3.5
Consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum allowed under Line of Credit Facility			1.5
Line of credit facility, maximum capital expenditures in current year			210
Line of credit facility, maximum aggregate capital expenditures over life of the agreement			937.7
Capital expenditures, excluding CyrusOne			182.3	196.9	367.2
Consolidated Adjusted Senior Debt to EBITDA ratio			4:00
Secured Debt, Other			216.8
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			19.6	29.6	13.6
Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.00%		7.00%
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount												500
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt						625
Customary Events of Default Amount for Existing Debt Instruments			35
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.75%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		625	300	625
Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt						775
Customary Events of Default Amount for Existing Debt Instruments			35
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%
Incremental Percentage of Face Value			1.00%
Redemption Price, Present Value of Percentage of Face Value			104.19%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.38%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		683.9	661.2	683.9
Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt					525
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage													6.38%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													525
Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt							50
Customary Events of Default Amount for Existing Debt Instruments			20
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		40	40	40
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Customary Events of Default Amount for Existing Debt Instruments			20
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum					7.18%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum					7.27%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		134.5	134.5	134.5
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Senior Notes due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.30%
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt								150
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			134.5
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			150		200					200
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			30
Bridge Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			25
Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					247.5
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		104.13%
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				500
Loss on extinguishment of debt		29.6
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage									104.38%
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			325
Loss on extinguishment of debt			19.4
Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			22.7		91.1					91.1
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0.2
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					73
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity													225
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity													50
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Bridge Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity													30
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] \| Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			102.19%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] \| Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			104.19%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] \| Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] \| Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			102.79%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] \| Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			101.40%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] \| Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%
US Treasury Securities [Member] \| Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Debt Covenants [Abstract]
Capital expenditures, excluding CyrusOne			0	7.7	228.2
CyrusOne [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net													$16.90

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Details

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 15, 2013	Jan. 24, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum aggregate capital expenditures over life of the agreement			$937.70
Liabilities and Other Assets transferred in Sale of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets		25	25
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs			0.9	6.7	20.9
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			-19.6	-29.6	-13.6
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	104.13%
Current portion of long-term debt	12.6		13.2	12.6
Corporate Credit Agreement	40		0	40
Receivables facility	106.2		19.2	106.2
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,252.60		1,771	2,252.60
Net unamortized discount	6.3		3.2	6.3
Total debt	2,265.20		1,784.20	2,265.20
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			182.3	196.9	367.2
Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	533.2		527.8	533.2				540
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.00%
Capital lease Obligations and Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, less current portion	96.1		91.5	96.1
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term debt	12.6		13.2	12.6
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.25%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	625		300	625
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.75%
Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	683.9		661.2	683.9
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.38%
Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount										525
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage										6.38%
Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	40		40	40
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.25%
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	134.5		134.5	134.5
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum					7.18%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum					7.27%
Long-term debt, less current portion, before deducting unamortized discount or premium [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,258.90		1,774.20	2,258.90
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt [Member] \| Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	5.4		5.4	5.4
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt [Member] \| Capital lease Obligations and Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term debt	7.2		7.8	7.2
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion [Member] \| Long-term debt, less current portion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,252.60		1,771	2,252.60
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	-29.6
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				500
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	104.13%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			-19.4
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			325
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage						104.38%
Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			-0.2
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			22.7		91.1		91.1
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					$73

Debt_Credit_Facilities_Details

Debt - Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 15, 2013	Jan. 24, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum aggregate capital expenditures over life of the agreement			$937.70
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						125
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment	355.9		355.9	0	0
Long-Term Debt, Required Principal Payments			0.25%
Proceeds received from Tranche B Term Loan			0	536	525
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		104.13%
Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Original Issue Discount		0.75%		0.75%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			19.6	29.6	13.6
Write-off of debt discount			0
Restricted payments, limit when leverage ratio threshold not attained			15
Leverage Ratio, threshold			3.5
Restricted payments, limit when leverage ratio threshold is attained			45
Leverage Ratio, threshold, other			3
Restricted Payments, Share Repurchases or Dividends, limit			15.00%
Restricted Payments, Share Repurchases or Dividends, cap			35
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investment, Percent Required for Mandatory Debt Prepayments		100.00%	85.00%	100.00%
Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries			66.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		40	0	40
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		160	150	160
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount			0.9	1	1.6
Receivables facility maximum borrowing capacity			120				105
Receivables facility maximum borrowing availability			116.8
Accounts Receivable Facility, Renewal Term			364
Receivables facility amount outstanding		106.2	19.2	106.2
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			6.9
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			150		200
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			30
Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			25
Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		533.2	527.8	533.2				540
Proceeds received from Tranche B Term Loan				529.8
Tranche B Term Loan [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			3.00%
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									500
Accrued interest									20.6
Receivables Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount			0.8	0.7	0.7
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period			0.70%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			3.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum			4.25%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.00%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] \| Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			1.00%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] \| Receivables Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			2.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum			3.25%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.00%
Base Rate [Member] \| Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| Tranche B Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.50%
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.63%
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										225
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										50
CyrusOne LP [Member] \| Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										$30

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Years	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating lease expense	$14	$13.40	$19.30
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	10.3
2016	6.5
2017	5.1
2018	3.7
2019	3.2
Thereafter	21.6
Total	50.4
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	8.5	7.1
Liabilities settled	-0.2	-0.1
Liabilities incurred	0	0.1
Revisions to estimated cash flow	0.3	1.1
Accretion expense	0.5	0.5
Deconsolidation of CyrusOne	0	-0.2
Balance, end of period	9.1	8.5	7.1
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	6.9
Long-term Purchase Commitments, Range of Years, Minimum	1
Long-Term Purchase Commitments, Range of Years, Maximum	3
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	178	117
Transaction-related compensation	0	42.6	0
Transaction-related compensation to CyrusOne employees		20
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Operating lease expense		$0.30	$5.90

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investment in CyrusOne, carrying value	$273.60	$471
Investment in CyrusOne, fair value	785	993.2
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Net	1,686.10	2,162.70
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases, Net	$1,717.40	$2,248.30

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$0	$0
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill	12.1	0	14.2
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill	-12.1	0	-14.2
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate			12.00%
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			-1.5
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill			-11.8
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill			-13.3
Property, Plant and Equipment at Carrying Value for Fair Value Measurement				14.2
Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill	-4.6	0	-0.5
Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill	-7.5		-0.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			2.8
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			2.8
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Leasehold Improvements [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			2.4
Leasehold Improvements [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Leasehold Improvements [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Leasehold Improvements [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			2.4
Network Equipment [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			0.4
Network Equipment [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Network Equipment [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Network Equipment [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure			$0.40

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$15.80	$13.50	$24
Charges	9	15.9	13.7	3.4
Utilizations		-11.4	-11.4	-13.9
Ending balance		20.3	15.8	13.5
Restructuring liabilities included in other current liabilities		20.3	7.8
Restructuring liabilities included in other noncurrent liabilities			8
Wireline [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		10.5	8.6	15.1
Charges		-0.5	9.1	3.5
Utilizations		-6.1	-7.2	-10
Ending balance		3.9	10.5	8.6
IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0.8	0.5	2.5
Charges		0	0.7	-1.2
Utilizations		-0.5	-0.4	-0.8
Ending balance		0.3	0.8	0.5
Wireless [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		1.5	1.6	0.7
Charges		16.3	0.2	1.6	6.4
Utilizations		-2.4	-0.3	-0.7
Ending balance		15.4	1.5	1.6
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0	0	0
Charges		0	0	0.5
Utilizations		0	0	-0.5
Ending balance		0	0	0
Corporate Segment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		3	2.8	5.7
Charges		0.1	3.7	-1
Utilizations		-2.4	-3.5	-1.9
Ending balance		0.7	3	2.8
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		9.7	7.8	14.2
Charges		4.2	9	2.5
Utilizations		-8	-7.1	-8.9
Ending balance		5.9	9.7	7.8
Employee Severance [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges		0.9
Lease Abandonment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		6	5.5	8.1
Charges		-1.4	4.1	0.9
Utilizations		-2.7	-3.6	-3.5
Ending balance		1.9	6	5.5
Contract Terminations [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0.1	0.2	1.7
Charges		13.1	0.6	0
Utilizations		-0.7	-0.7	-1.5
Ending balance		$12.50	$0.10	$0.20

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla2

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$6.70	$6.60	$6.90
Curtailment gain	0	-0.6	0
Reduction to pension obligation		10.3
Reduction to postretirement liability		26.1
Capitalized portion of defined benefit contribution percent	8.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Fair value of plan assets	435.3	410.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations (noncurrent liablity)	240.1	202.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Allocation Percentage in US based Investments	78.00%
Disclosure of Expected Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts [Abstract]
2015	-0.6
2016	-0.6
2017	-0.5
2018	-0.5
2019	-0.5
Years 2020 - 2024	-2
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	0	-0.6	0
Fair value of plan assets	424.3	399.3	343.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.40%	4.20%
Expected long-term rate of return	7.75%	7.75%
Future compensation growth rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of the year	30.8	27.8
Realized gains, net	3.2	1
Unrealized gains, net	0	2.7
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	-34	-0.7
Balance, end of the year	0	30.8	27.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and benefits (current liability)	2.2	2.1
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations (noncurrent liablity)	150.8	121.6
Total	153	123.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1	2.1	2.6
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	21	18.8	21.3
Expected return on plan assets	-28.1	-25.7	-26.1
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (benefit)	0.2	0.2	0.1
Actuarial loss	17.3	22	19.4
Pension/postretirement costs	11.4	16.8	17.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2015	41.3
2016	41.3
2017	41.1
2018	41
2019	39.5
Years 2020-2024	182.7
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	11	11.3	11.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.40%	4.10%
Expected long-term rate of return	0.00%	0.00%
Future compensation growth rate	0.00%	0.00%
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	12
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of the year	11.3	11.7
Realized gains, net	0.4	0.4
Unrealized gains, net	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	-0.7	-0.8
Balance, end of the year	11	11.3	11.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and benefits (current liability)	12	12.7
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations (noncurrent liablity)	86	77.5
Total	98	90.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0.3	0.4	0.5
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	4	4	5.6
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (benefit)	-15.4	-14.1	-13.2
Actuarial loss	5.4	5.6	6.8
Pension/postretirement costs	-5.7	-4.1	-0.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2015	12.6
2016	11.7
2017	10.7
2018	10
2019	8.2
Years 2020-2024	33.7
Pension Plan Qualified [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Pension benefit contributions	19.7	42.1	23.9
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	13
Pension Plan Non-Qualified [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Pension benefit contributions	2.3	2.9	2
Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	2
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation percentage of assets, equity securities	65.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation percentage of assets, equity securities	35.00%
Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	212.3	201.4
Equity Index Funds International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	61.1	57
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	150.9	109.8
Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0.3
Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		30.8
Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11	11.3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	424.3	368.5
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	212.3	201.4
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Equity Index Funds International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	61.1	57
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	150.9	109.8
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0.3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Equity Index Funds International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11	42.1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Equity Index Funds International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		30.8
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Insurance Contract, Rights and Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$11	$11.30

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla3

Pension and Postretirement Plans Pension and Postretirement Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Healthcare cost trend	6.50%		6.50%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.50%		4.50%
Year the rates reach the ultimate trend rate	2018		2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Service and interest costs for 2014	0.2
Service and interest costs for 2014	-0.1
Postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014	5
Postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014	-4.5
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.20%	[1]	3.30%		3.90%
Expected long-term rate of return	7.75%		7.75%		7.75%
Future compensation growth rate	0.00%		3.00%		3.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.10%	[2]	3.40%		3.60%
Expected long-term rate of return	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Future compensation growth rate	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Discount rate before remeasurement of pension or postretirement liability [Member] \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			3.10%	[2]
Discount rate after remeasurement of pension or postretirement liability [Member] \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			3.90%	[2]

[1]	Discount rate used for the remeasurement of the management pension plan in May 2013 was consistent with the discount rate previously established.
[2]	For the period January 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013, the date of the remeasurement, we used a 3.10% discount rate. From that date through December 31, 2013, we used a 3.90% discount rate.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla4

Pension and Postretirement Plans Projected Benefit Obligation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	$435.30	$410.60
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at January 1,	523	584.9
Service cost	1	2.1	2.6
Interest Cost	21	18.8	21.3
Prior service credit	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	73.5	-38.2
Benefits paid	-41.2	-44.6
Retiree drug subsidy received	0	0
Other	0	0
Benefit obligation at December 31,	577.3	523	584.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	399.3	343.8
Actual return on plan assets	44.2	55.1
Employer contributions	22	45
Retiree drug subsidy received	0	0
Benefits paid	-41.2	-44.6
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	424.3	399.3	343.8
Unfunded status	-153	-123.7
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at January 1,	101.5	152.4
Service cost	0.3	0.4	0.5
Interest Cost	4	4	5.6
Prior service credit	0	-17.4
Actuarial (gain) loss	13.3	-19.6
Benefits paid	-15.2	-23.9
Retiree drug subsidy received	0.5	0.5
Other	4.6	5.1
Benefit obligation at December 31,	109	101.5	152.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	11.3	11.7
Actual return on plan assets	0.4	0.4
Employer contributions	14	22.6
Retiree drug subsidy received	0.5	0.5
Benefits paid	-15.2	-23.9
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	11	11.3	11.7
Unfunded status	($98)	($90.20)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla5

Pension and Postretirement Plans Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]
Prior service cost recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	$0.20	($0.40)
Prior service credit	0	0
Actuarial (loss) gain recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	17.3	22
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	-57.5	67.5
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Prior service cost (benefit)	0.2
Actuarial loss	20.9
Total	21.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Prior service (cost) benefit, net of tax of $0.2, $0.3, $(21.3), $(26.8)	-0.5	-0.6
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $91.5, $77.2, $29.3, $26.6	-160.7	-134.8
Total	-161.2	-135.4
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Effect [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Prior Service (Cost) Benefit, Tax Effect	0.2	0.3
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), Tax Effect	91.5	77.2
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Prior service cost recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	-15.4	-14.1
Prior service credit	0	17.4
Actuarial (loss) gain recognized:
Reclassification adjustments	5.4	5.6
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	-12.9	20
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Prior service cost (benefit)	-15.4
Actuarial loss	6.2
Total	-9.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Prior service (cost) benefit, net of tax of $0.2, $0.3, $(21.3), $(26.8)	38.5	48.4
Actuarial loss, net of tax of $91.5, $77.2, $29.3, $26.6	-50.9	-46.1
Total	-12.4	2.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Effect [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Prior Service (Cost) Benefit, Tax Effect	-21.3	-26.8
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), Tax Effect	$29.30	$26.60

Shareowners_Deficit_Details

Shareowners' Deficit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2003
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		209,296,068	208,165,275
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$150
Repurchase and retirement of shares		0	0	-100,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired				0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		129.2
Treasury Stock, Shares		300,000	500,000
Treasury Stock, Value		1.1	2
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		2,357,299	2,357,299
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		155,250	155,250
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares		3,105,000	3,105,000
Preferred Stock Converstion Rate		1.44
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$67.50
Preferred stock dividends per depositary share		$3.38
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share		$1,000	$1,000
Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference Per Depositary Share		$50	$50
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments		10.4	10.4	10.4
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding					17,500,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$3
Warrants exercised	14,300,000			3,200,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	4,400,000			1,500,000
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises	$5.10			$0.10
Warrants exercised, cash basis	1,700,000
Preferred Voting Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		1,357,299
Nonvoting Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		1,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase and retirement of shares				0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities			4,400,000	1,500,000

Shareowners_Deficit_Accumulate

Shareowners' Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($133.30)
Foreign currency loss	-0.1		-0.1	0
Remeasurement of benefit obligations	-45.4		56.8	-9.2
Net prior service credit	0		11.3	0
Reclassifications, net	4.9
Ending balance	-173.9		-133.3
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-0.2
Foreign currency loss	-0.1
Remeasurement of benefit obligations	0
Reclassifications, net	0
Ending balance	-0.3
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-133.1
Foreign currency loss	0
Remeasurement of benefit obligations	-45.4
Reclassifications, net	4.9	[1]
Ending balance	($173.60)

[1]	These reclassifications are included in the components of net period pension and postretirement benefit costs (see Note 11 for additional details). The components of net period pension and postretirement benefit cost are reported within "Cost of services", "Cost of products sold", and "Selling, general and administrative" expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date		31-Dec-23
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards		$286.50	$452.30
Pension and postretirement benefits		95.5	81.9
Equity method investment in CyrusOne		64.5	41.5
Deferred tax assets, deferred gain on sale of wireless spectrum licenses		42.2
Number of Operating Segments	4	3
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Gain on Sale Leaseback Transaction			0
Other		47.4	46.7
Total deferred tax assets		560.8	638.9
Valuation allowance		-64.4	-68.3
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		496.4	570.6
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		121.9	171.8
Other		4.9	3.8
Total deferred tax liabilities		126.8	175.6
Net deferred tax assets		369.6	395
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract]
Federal tax operating loss carryforwards		665.2
Federal tax operating loss carryforwards, deferred tax asset value		232.8
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax		24.7	16.5
State tax credits		10.8
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign, State and Local Tax		53.7
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax		0.40%	1.50%	3.90%
Change in valuation allowance, net of federal income tax		-3.00%	-15.80%	-2.30%
State net operating loss adjustments		2.90%	2.70%	3.70%
Nondeductible interest expense		4.00%	-11.40%	18.10%
Unrecognized tax benefit changes		2.10%	-2.10%	2.20%
Nondeductible compensation		1.00%	-2.50%	2.70%
Foreign		0.00%	-0.70%	3.50%
Other differences, net		0.80%	-2.30%	2.00%
Effective tax rate		43.20%	4.40%	68.80%
Current:
Federal		8	0	1.8
State and local		1.6	0	1.6
Total current		9.6	0	3.4
Investment tax credits		-0.2	-0.2	-0.3
Deferred:
Federal		48.4	-13	21.8
State and local		0.7	-3.7	2
Foreign		0	0.3	-0.5
Total deferred		49.1	-16.4	23.3
Valuation allowance		-1.1	14.1	-1.7
Total		57.4	-2.5	24.7
Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Charged to Continuing Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) or Additional Paid-In Capital [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)		57.4	-2.5	24.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-22.4	42.1	-0.4
Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises		-0.1	-0.5	-2.4
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		26.3	23.5
Balance, beginning of year	22.8	24.1	22.8	21.8
Change in tax positions for the current year		3	1.3	1.4
Change in tax positions for prior years		0	0	-0.4
Balance, end of year		$27.10	$24.10	$22.80

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Stock-Based Compensation Options & SARs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	$1.30	$7.10	$12.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$1.14	$1.84	$1.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years 0 months 0 days
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	$1.30	$2.40	$5.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$3.41	$4.75	$3.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years 0 months 0 days
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$1.32

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized	19,000,000
Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years 0 months 0 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted	$1.14	$1.84	$1.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	$3.30	$4.90	$5.20
Cash received from awards exercised	1.3	7.1	12.1
Intrinsic Value of awards exercisable	0.4
Intrinsic Value of awards outstanding	0.4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Phantom Shares Annual Grant	0			6,000
Deferred Compensation Plans, Years of Service Required for Full Vesting	five
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years 0 months 0 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1,	6,128,000	9,538,000	14,152,000
Outstanding at January 1,	$3.66	$4.04	$3.70
Granted	998,000	595,000	994,000
Granted	$3.41	$4.75	$3.41
Exercised	-725,000	-804,000	-4,854,000
Exercised	$1.73	$2.41	$2.80
Forfeited	215,000	-361,000	-6,000
Forfeited	$3.99	$3.39	$2.91
Expired	-962,000	-2,840,000	-748,000
Expired	$3.73	$5.56	$4.87
Outstanding at December 31,	5,224,000	6,128,000	9,538,000
Outstanding at December 31,	$3.85	$3.66	$4.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Expected to vest at December 31,	5,224,000	6,128,000	9,538,000
Expected to vest at December 31,	$3.85	$3.66	$4.04
Exercisable at December 31,	3,477,000	5,064,000	8,486,000
Exercisable at December 31,	$3.98	$3.61	$4.13
Compensation expense for the year	0.3	0.6	1.1
Tax benefit related to compensation expense	-0.1	-0.2	-0.4
Intrinsic value of awards exercised	1.5	1.2	10.6
Cash received from awards exercised	1.3	2.4	5.5
Grant date fair value of awards vested	0.4	0.4	0.5
Unrecognized Compensation	1.4
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years
Performance Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	1.4	2.6	2.7
Tax benefit related to compensation expense	-0.5	-1	-1
Unrecognized Compensation	3.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	1,085,000	1,067,000	808,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	1.6	1.7	1.5
Tax benefit related to compensation expense	-0.6	-0.6	-0.6
Unrecognized Compensation	0.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	176,000	279,000	725,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted			$1.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			531,000
Fair Value of Grants in Period			0.8
Aggregate intrinsic value, cash settled and other awards, outstanding	0.3
Aggregate intrinsic value, cash settled and other awards, exercisable	0.4
Performance Based Cash Unit Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	0.6	-0.2	4.4
Fair Value of Grants in Period	3.6		2.3
Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation,Total Shares Deferred	400,000	700,000
Deferred Compensation, Compensation Expense	$0.30	($1.40)	$1.80

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Oustanding and Exercisable Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Outstanding Shares	5,224
Exercisable Shares	3,477
$1.67 to $2.91 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares	596
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	2.46
Exercisable Shares	596
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	2.46
$3.40 to $4.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares	2,882
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	3.57
Exercisable Shares	1,389
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	3.75
$4.20 to $5.31 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares	1,746
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	4.8
Exercisable Shares	1,492
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	4.8
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	3.85	$3.66	$4.04	$3.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	3.98	$3.61	$4.13

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Stock Option Award Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	35.50%	43.60%	43.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	0.80%	0.80%
Expected holding period (in years)	5	5	5
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$1.14	$1.84	$1.32
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$3.41	$4.75	$3.41
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value			$1.32

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_5

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Performance Unit Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	$3.30	$4.90	$5.20
Performance Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at January 1,	1,537,000	1,687,000	1,839,000
Non-vested at January 1,	$3.97	$3.13	$2.90
Granted	1,085,000	1,067,000	808,000
Granted	$3.56	$4.56	$3.40
Vested	-635,000	-703,000	-552,000
Vested	$3.71	$3.07	$2.85
Forfeited	-241,000	-514,000	-408,000
Forfeited	$3.65	$3.67	$2.79
Non-vested at December 31,	1,746,000	1,537,000	1,687,000
Non-vested at December 31,	$3.85	$3.97	$3.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	1.4	2.6	2.7
Tax benefit related to compensation expense	-0.5	-1	-1
Grant date fair value of awards vested	2.3	2.2	1.6
Unrecognized Compensation	3.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Granted			531,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Grants in Period			0.8
Performance Based Cash Unit Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	0.6	-0.2	4.4
Fair Value of Grants in Period	$3.60		$2.30

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans Time Based Restricted Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	$3.30	$4.90	$5.20
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at January 1,	1,044,000	1,298,000	872,000
Non-vested at January 1,	$3.55	$3.11	$2.89
Granted	176,000	279,000	725,000
Granted	$3.19	$4.72	$3.26
Vested	-514,000	-454,000	-299,000
Vested	$3.25	$3.03	$2.83
Forfeited	22,000	-79,000	0
Forfeited	$3.19	$3.40	$0
Non-vested at December 31,	684,000	1,044,000	1,298,000
Non-vested at December 31,	$3.70	$3.55	$3.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	1.6	1.7	1.5
Tax benefit related to compensation expense	-0.6	-0.6	-0.6
Grant date fair value of awards vested	1.7	1.4	0.8
Unrecognized Compensation	0.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value, cash settled and other awards, exercisable	0.4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Granted			531,000
Performance Based Cash Unit Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation expense for the year	$0.60	($0.20)	$4.40
Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Issued	400,000	700,000

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue	$308.30	$327.50	$319.90	$322.50	$308.40	$310.80	$312	$325.70	$1,278.20	$1,256.90	$1,473.90
Operating income (loss)	7.3	16	35.6	56.9	40.1	57.7	46.8	19.2	115.8	163.8	270.1
Expenditures for long-lived assets									-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Depreciation and amortization									231	169.6	217.4
Assets	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Service revenue									999.6	1,039.30	1,272.80
Product revenue									278.6	217.6	201.1
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments								4	3
Restructuring charges		9							15.9	13.7	3.4
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									-12.1	0	-14.2
Transaction costs		3							4.4	1.6	6.3
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Operating Results, Increase in Depreciation Expense					3			8.5	62.2
Loss from CyrusOne equity method investment									-7	-10.7	0
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									12.1	0	14.2
Transaction-related compensation									0	42.6	0
Handsets and accessories [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Product revenue									18	21.8	23.2
IT, telephony and other equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Product revenue									260.6	195.8	177.9
Wireline [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									740.7	724.8	730.5
Operating income (loss)									182.5	190.2	212.9
Expenditures for long-lived assets									-163.7	-162.6	-114.2
Depreciation and amortization									115.7	112.2	106
Assets	832.2				780.8				832.2	780.8
Service revenue									714.5	702.3	705
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									-0.5	9.1	3.5
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									4.6	0	0.5
IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									433	344.1	315.7
Operating income (loss)									19.8	8.5	10.3
Expenditures for long-lived assets									-11.9	-10.6	-9
Depreciation and amortization									11.7	10.5	8.6
Assets	61.4				48.9				61.4	48.9
Service revenue									161.4	138.7	130.2
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									0	0.7	-1.2
Increase (decrease) in Revenue									88.9
Wireless [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									132.8	201.5	241.8
Operating income (loss)									-66.3	18.2	51.2
Expenditures for long-lived assets									-6.5	-16	-15.8
Depreciation and amortization									103.4	41.2	31.9
Assets	122.7				247.5				122.7	247.5
Service revenue									123.7	183.1	222.7
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges			6.4						16.3	0.2	1.6
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									7.5		0.4
Transaction costs									3.2
Change in Accounting Estimate, Effect of Change on Operating Results, Increase in Depreciation Expense									62.2
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results									-19.6
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets										3.5
Data Center Colocation [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									0	15.6	221.3
Operating income (loss)									0	3.2	30.4
Expenditures for long-lived assets									0	-7.7	-228.2
Depreciation and amortization									0	5.2	70.6
Service revenue									0	15.2	214.9
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									0	0	0.5
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill											11.8
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill											13.3
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating income (loss)									-20.2	-56.3	-34.7
Expenditures for long-lived assets									-0.2	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0.2	0.5	0.3
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									0.1	3.7	-1
Transaction costs									1.2
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									-28.3	-29.1	-35.4
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									15.6	16.8	19.1
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									11	9.6	7.6
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									1.7	2.3	2.3
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Data Center Colocation [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									0	0.4	6.4
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Assets	803.4				1,030.10				803.4	1,030.10
Sales [Member] \| Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue									28.3	29.1	35.4
Facility Closing [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									-1.4
Employee Severance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									4.2	9	2.5
Employee Severance [Member] \| Wireline [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Restructuring charges									0.9
Telecom and IT equipment [Member] \| IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in Revenue									65.1
Managed and Professional Services [Member] \| IT Services and Hardware [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in Revenue									$23.80
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] \| Wireless [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life										30 months

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capitalized interest expense		$0.80	$0.60	$2.70
Interest		153.1	179.5	217.9
Income taxes, net of refunds		9.1	2.8	0.1
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Investment in CyrusOne resulting from deconsolidation	509.7	0	509.7	0
Accrual of CyrusOne dividends		6	7.1	0
Acquisition of property by assuming debt and other financing arrangements		4.7	7.6	19.9
Acquisition of property on account		24.8	13.3	30.7
Accrued CyrusOne stock issuance costs		$0	$0	$2.20

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa4

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue	$308.30	$327.50	$319.90	$322.50	$308.40	$310.80	$312	$325.70	$1,278.20	$1,256.90	$1,473.90
Operating costs and expenses									1,162.40	1,093.10	1,203.80
Operating income (loss)	7.3	16	35.6	56.9	40.1	57.7	46.8	19.2	115.8	163.8	270.1
Interest expense (income), net									148.7	182	218.9
Other expense (income), net									0.3	-1.3	1.7
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									133	-57.2	35.9
Income tax expense (benefit)									57.4	-2.5	24.7
Net income (loss)	-18.3	-27.3	114.2	7	-28.1	9.3	0.8	-36.7	75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35	21.7	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Other current assets	2				1.6				2	1.6
Total current assets	336.6				251.1				336.6	251.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5				902.8				859.5	902.8
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Other noncurrent assets	33.9				36.6				33.9	36.6
Total assets	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Current portion of long-term debt	13.2				12.6				13.2	12.6
Accounts payable	135.6				89.4				135.6	89.4
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6				0				112.6	0
Other current liabilities	46.3				36.8				46.3	36.8
Total current liabilities	409.8				254.3				409.8	254.3
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771				2,252.60				1,771	2,252.60
Other noncurrent liabilities	47.3				74.4				47.3	74.4
Total liabilities	2,468.20				2,784				2,468.20	2,784
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.5				-676.7				-648.5	-676.7	-698.2	-715.2
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									175.2	78.8	212.7
Capital expenditures									-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment			355.9						355.9	0	0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									2	2	1.6
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne									0	-12.2	0
Other investing activities									-5.8	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									392.6	-185.4	-371.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt									0	536	525
Debt issuance costs									-0.9	-6.7	-20.9
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-127	94.2	52
Repayment of debt									-376.5	-530.8	-442.4
Common stock issuance costs									0	0	-5.7
Common stock repurchase									0	0	-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-1.1	-2.3	-2.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-514.5	87.6	109
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									53.3	-19	-50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4.6				23.6	4.6	23.6	73.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Notes guaranteed by parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									1,278.20	1,256.90	1,473.90
Operating costs and expenses									1,162.40	1,093.10	1,203.80
Operating income (loss)									115.8	163.8	270.1
Interest expense (income), net									148.7	182	218.9
Other expense (income), net									-165.9	39	15.3
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									133	-57.2	35.9
Income tax expense (benefit)									57.4	-2.5	24.7
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35	21.7	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Receivables, net	167.5				154.8				167.5	154.8
Other current assets	111.2				91.7				111.2	91.7
Total current assets	336.6				251.1				336.6	251.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5				902.8				859.5	902.8
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Goodwill and intangibles, net	15.4				106.1				15.4	106.1
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	0				0				0	0
Other noncurrent assets	334.6				376.3				334.6	376.3
Total assets	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Current portion of long-term debt	13.2				12.6				13.2	12.6
Accounts payable	136				89.9				136	89.9
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6								112.6
Other current liabilities	148				151.8				148	151.8
Total current liabilities	409.8				254.3				409.8	254.3
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771				2,252.60				1,771	2,252.60
Other noncurrent liabilities	287.4				277.1				287.4	277.1
Intercompany payables	0				0				0	0
Total liabilities	2,468.20				2,784				2,468.20	2,784
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.5				-676.7				-648.5	-676.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									175.2	78.8	212.7
Capital expenditures									-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									355.9
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3
Proceeds from sale of assets									196.4	2	1.6
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									0
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										-12.2
Other investing activities									-5.8	0.4	-6.2
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									392.6	-185.4	-371.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									0
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										536	525
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										0	0
Debt issuance costs									-0.9	-6.7	-20.9
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-127	94.2	52
Repayment of debt									-376.5	-530.8	-442.4
Common stock issuance costs											-5.7
Common stock repurchase											-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-11.4	-12.2	-10.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-514.5	87.6	109
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									53.3	-19	-50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4.6				23.6	4.6	23.6	73.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Parent Company [Member] \| Notes guaranteed by parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									0	0	0
Operating costs and expenses									19.9	55.4	33.9
Operating income (loss)									-19.9	-55.4	-33.9
Interest expense (income), net									144	164.3	164.8
Other expense (income), net									17.6	28.2	11.5
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									-181.5	-247.9	-210.2
Income tax expense (benefit)									-55.6	-79.8	-68.3
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									201.5	113.4	153.1
Net income (loss)									75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.5	76.5	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35.1	21.8	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	56.2				2.1				56.2	2.1	3.8
Receivables, net	2.6				2.6				2.6	2.6
Other current assets	4.7				4.4				4.7	4.4
Total current assets	63.5				9.1				63.5	9.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				0.1				0.2	0.1
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	0				0				0	0
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				1,406.60				1,066.10	1,406.60
Other noncurrent assets	294.2				359.1				294.2	359.1
Total assets	1,424				1,774.90				1,424	1,774.90
Current portion of long-term debt	5.4				5.4				5.4	5.4
Accounts payable	1				1.5				1	1.5
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	52.3				67.7				52.3	67.7
Total current liabilities	58.7				74.6				58.7	74.6
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				1,916.10				1,526.10	1,916.10
Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				214.5				254.1	214.5
Intercompany payables	233.4				246.4				233.4	246.4
Total liabilities	2,072.30				2,451.60				2,072.30	2,451.60
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.3				-676.7				-648.3	-676.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,424				1,774.90				1,424	1,774.90
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									-56.3	-218.1	-144.8
Capital expenditures									-0.2	0	0
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									0	0	0
Distributions received from subsidiaries									12.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									0
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									-0.3	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									12.3	0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									516.2
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										536	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										-174.2	433.6
Debt issuance costs									-0.7	-6.7	-3.6
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-40	40	0
Repayment of debt									-367.3	-522	-352
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-11.4	-12.2	-10.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									98.1	216.4	79
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									54.1	-1.7	-65.8
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				2.1				3.8	2.1	3.8	69.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	56.2				2.1				56.2	2.1	3.8
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company [Member] \| Notes guaranteed by parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									659.6	644.2	642.8
Operating costs and expenses									484.4	459.1	436.3
Operating income (loss)									175.2	185.1	206.5
Interest expense (income), net									-4.5	-2.7	-1.5
Other expense (income), net									7.4	6.5	5.9
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									172.3	181.3	202.1
Income tax expense (benefit)									62.9	66.1	73.8
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									109.4	115.2	128.3
Other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									109.4	115.2	128.3
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									109.4	115.2	128.3
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	1				1.8				1	1.8	1.9
Receivables, net	0				0				0	0
Other current assets	29.3				24.1				29.3	24.1
Total current assets	30.3				25.9				30.3	25.9
Property, plant and equipment, net	764				706.5				764	706.5
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	2.2				2.3				2.2	2.3
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	236.1				247.7				236.1	247.7
Other noncurrent assets	4.9				6.1				4.9	6.1
Total assets	1,037.50				988.5				1,037.50	988.5
Current portion of long-term debt	3.9				3.9				3.9	3.9
Accounts payable	73.2				45.9				73.2	45.9
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	52.8				49.4				52.8	49.4
Total current liabilities	129.9				99.2				129.9	99.2
Long-term debt, less current portion	141.2				141.8				141.2	141.8
Other noncurrent liabilities	166.7				172.2				166.7	172.2
Intercompany payables	0				0				0	0
Total liabilities	437.8				413.2				437.8	413.2
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	599.7				575.3				599.7	575.3
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,037.50				988.5				1,037.50	988.5
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									228.7	239	250.4
Capital expenditures									-152.5	-153.1	-108.8
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									0.3	2	1.4
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									-73.4
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									-225.6	-151.1	-107.4
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									0
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										84.3	-66
Debt issuance costs									0	0	0
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									0	0	0
Repayment of debt									-3.9	-3.7	-76.5
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-3.9	-88	-142.5
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									-0.8	-0.1	0.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				1.8				1.9	1.8	1.9	1.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1				1.8				1	1.8	1.9
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] \| Notes guaranteed by parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									673.8	669	893.3
Operating costs and expenses									713.3	634.9	795.8
Operating income (loss)									-39.5	34.1	97.5
Interest expense (income), net									9.2	20.4	55.6
Other expense (income), net									-190.9	4.3	-2.1
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									142.2	9.4	44
Income tax expense (benefit)									50.1	11.2	19.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									92.1	-1.8	24.8
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-0.1	-0.1	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									92	-1.9	24.8
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									92.1	-1.8	24.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0.7				0.7				0.7	0.7	17.9
Receivables, net	164.9				152.2				164.9	152.2
Other current assets	78.4				63.9				78.4	63.9
Total current assets	244				216.8				244	216.8
Property, plant and equipment, net	95.3				196.2				95.3	196.2
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Goodwill and intangibles, net	13.2				103.8				13.2	103.8
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	244.7				0				244.7	0
Other noncurrent assets	190.5				178.9				190.5	178.9
Total assets	1,061.30				1,166.70				1,061.30	1,166.70
Current portion of long-term debt	3.9				3.3				3.9	3.3
Accounts payable	61.8				42.5				61.8	42.5
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6								112.6
Other current liabilities	42.8				34.6				42.8	34.6
Total current liabilities	221.1				80.4				221.1	80.4
Long-term debt, less current portion	103.7				194.7				103.7	194.7
Other noncurrent liabilities	23				59				23	59
Intercompany payables	0				199.7				0	199.7
Total liabilities	347.8				533.8				347.8	533.8
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	713.5				632.9				713.5	632.9
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,061.30				1,166.70				1,061.30	1,166.70
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									2.8	57.9	107.1
Capital expenditures									-29.6	-43.8	-258.4
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									355.9
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3
Proceeds from sale of assets									196.1	0	0.2
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									-542.6
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										-12.2
Other investing activities									-5.5	0.4	-6.2
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									2.7	-34.3	-264.4
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									99.8
Distributions paid to Parent									-12.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	525
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										89.9	-367.6
Debt issuance costs									-0.2	0	-17.3
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-87	54.2	52
Repayment of debt									-5.3	-5.1	-13.9
Common stock issuance costs											-5.7
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-5.5	-40.8	172.5
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									0	-17.2	15.2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0.7				17.9	0.7	17.9	2.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0.7				0.7				0.7	0.7	17.9
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] \| Notes guaranteed by parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									-55.2	-56.3	-62.2
Operating costs and expenses									-55.2	-56.3	-62.2
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									-201.5	-113.4	-153.1
Net income (loss)									-201.5	-113.4	-153.1
Other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									-201.5	-113.4	-153.1
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									-201.5	-113.4	-153.1
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0				0				0	0	0
Receivables, net	0				0				0	0
Other current assets	-1.2				-0.7				-1.2	-0.7
Total current assets	-1.2				-0.7				-1.2	-0.7
Property, plant and equipment, net	0				0				0	0
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	0				0				0	0
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	-1,546.90				-1,654.30				-1,546.90	-1,654.30
Other noncurrent assets	-155				-167.8				-155	-167.8
Total assets	-1,703.10				-1,822.80				-1,703.10	-1,822.80
Current portion of long-term debt	0				0				0	0
Accounts payable	0				0				0	0
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	0.1				0.1				0.1	0.1
Total current liabilities	0.1				0.1				0.1	0.1
Long-term debt, less current portion	0				0				0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	-156.4				-168.6				-156.4	-168.6
Intercompany payables	-233.4				-446.1				-233.4	-446.1
Total liabilities	-389.7				-614.6				-389.7	-614.6
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-1,313.40				-1,208.20				-1,313.40	-1,208.20
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	-1,703.10				-1,822.80				-1,703.10	-1,822.80
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									0	0	0
Distributions received from subsidiaries									-12.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									616
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									603.2	0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									-616
Distributions paid to Parent									12.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										0	0
Debt issuance costs									0	0	0
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									0	0	0
Repayment of debt									0	0	0
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-603.2	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0				0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0				0				0	0	0
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes Outstanding	$134.50				$134.50				$134.50	$134.50

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa5

Supplemental Guarantor Information HY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue	$308.30	$327.50	$319.90	$322.50	$308.40	$310.80	$312	$325.70	$1,278.20	$1,256.90	$1,473.90
Operating costs and expenses									1,162.40	1,093.10	1,203.80
Operating income (loss)	7.3	16	35.6	56.9	40.1	57.7	46.8	19.2	115.8	163.8	270.1
Interest expense (income), net									148.7	182	218.9
Other expense (income), net									0.3	-1.3	1.7
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									133	-57.2	35.9
Income tax expense (benefit)									57.4	-2.5	24.7
Net income (loss)	-18.3	-27.3	114.2	7	-28.1	9.3	0.8	-36.7	75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35	21.7	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Other current assets	2				1.6				2	1.6
Total current assets	336.6				251.1				336.6	251.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5				902.8				859.5	902.8
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Other noncurrent assets	33.9				36.6				33.9	36.6
Total assets	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Current portion of long-term debt	13.2				12.6				13.2	12.6
Accounts payable	135.6				89.4				135.6	89.4
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6				0				112.6	0
Other current liabilities	46.3				36.8				46.3	36.8
Total current liabilities	409.8				254.3				409.8	254.3
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771				2,252.60				1,771	2,252.60
Other noncurrent liabilities	47.3				74.4				47.3	74.4
Total liabilities	2,468.20				2,784				2,468.20	2,784
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.5				-676.7				-648.5	-676.7	-698.2	-715.2
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									175.2	78.8	212.7
Capital expenditures									-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment			355.9						355.9	0	0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									2	2	1.6
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne									0	-12.2	0
Other investing activities									-5.8	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									392.6	-185.4	-371.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt									0	536	525
Debt issuance costs									-0.9	-6.7	-20.9
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-127	94.2	52
Repayment of debt									-376.5	-530.8	-442.4
Common stock issuance costs									0	0	-5.7
Common stock repurchase									0	0	-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-1.1	-2.3	-2.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-514.5	87.6	109
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									53.3	-19	-50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4.6				23.6	4.6	23.6	73.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Notes guaranteed by subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									1,278.20	1,256.90	1,473.90
Operating costs and expenses									1,162.40	1,093.10	1,203.80
Operating income (loss)									115.8	163.8	270.1
Interest expense (income), net									148.7	182	218.9
Other expense (income), net									-165.9	39	15.3
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									133	-57.2	35.9
Income tax expense (benefit)									57.4	-2.5	24.7
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.6	76.4	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35	21.7	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Receivables, net	167.5				154.8				167.5	154.8
Other current assets	111.2				91.7				111.2	91.7
Total current assets	336.6				251.1				336.6	251.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	859.5				902.8				859.5	902.8
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Goodwill and intangibles, net	15.4				106.1				15.4	106.1
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	0				0				0	0
Other noncurrent assets	334.6				376.3				334.6	376.3
Total assets	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Current portion of long-term debt	13.2				12.6				13.2	12.6
Accounts payable	136				89.9				136	89.9
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6								112.6
Other current liabilities	148				151.8				148	151.8
Total current liabilities	409.8				254.3				409.8	254.3
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,771				2,252.60				1,771	2,252.60
Other noncurrent liabilities	287.4				277.1				287.4	277.1
Intercompany payables	0				0				0	0
Total liabilities	2,468.20				2,784				2,468.20	2,784
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.5				-676.7				-648.5	-676.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,819.70				2,107.30				1,819.70	2,107.30
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									175.2	78.8	212.7
Capital expenditures									-182.3	-196.9	-367.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									355.9
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3
Proceeds from sale of assets									196.4	2	1.6
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									0
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										-12.2
Other investing activities									-5.8	0.4	-6.2
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									392.6	-185.4	-371.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									0
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										536	525
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										0	0
Debt issuance costs									-0.9	-6.7	-20.9
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-127	94.2	52
Repayment of debt									-376.5	-530.8	-442.4
Common stock issuance costs											-5.7
Common stock repurchase											-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-11.4	-12.2	-10.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-514.5	87.6	109
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									53.3	-19	-50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4.6				23.6	4.6	23.6	73.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	57.9				4.6				57.9	4.6	23.6
Notes guaranteed by subsidiaries [Member] \| Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									0	0	0
Operating costs and expenses									19.9	55.4	33.9
Operating income (loss)									-19.9	-55.4	-33.9
Interest expense (income), net									144	164.3	164.8
Other expense (income), net									17.6	28.2	11.5
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									-181.5	-247.9	-210.2
Income tax expense (benefit)									-55.6	-79.8	-68.3
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									201.5	113.4	153.1
Net income (loss)									75.6	-54.7	11.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-40.5	76.5	-0.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)									35.1	21.8	10.4
Preferred stock dividends									10.4	10.4	10.4
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									65.2	-65.1	0.8
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	56.2				2.1				56.2	2.1	3.8
Receivables, net	2.6				2.6				2.6	2.6
Other current assets	4.7				4.4				4.7	4.4
Total current assets	63.5				9.1				63.5	9.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.2				0.1				0.2	0.1
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	0				0				0	0
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	1,066.10				1,406.60				1,066.10	1,406.60
Other noncurrent assets	294.2				359.1				294.2	359.1
Total assets	1,424				1,774.90				1,424	1,774.90
Current portion of long-term debt	5.4				5.4				5.4	5.4
Accounts payable	1				1.5				1	1.5
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	52.3				67.7				52.3	67.7
Total current liabilities	58.7				74.6				58.7	74.6
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,526.10				1,916.10				1,526.10	1,916.10
Other noncurrent liabilities	254.1				214.5				254.1	214.5
Intercompany payables	233.4				246.4				233.4	246.4
Total liabilities	2,072.30				2,451.60				2,072.30	2,451.60
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-648.3				-676.7				-648.3	-676.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,424				1,774.90				1,424	1,774.90
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									-56.3	-218.1	-144.8
Capital expenditures									-0.2	0	0
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									0	0	0
Distributions received from subsidiaries									12.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									0
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									-0.3	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									12.3	0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									516.2
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										536	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										174.2	433.6
Debt issuance costs									-0.7	-6.7	-3.6
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-40	40	0
Repayment of debt									-367.3	-522	-352
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											-0.3
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									1.3	7.1	12.1
Other financing activities									-11.4	-12.2	-10.8
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									98.1	216.4	79
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									54.1	-1.7	-65.8
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				2.1				3.8	2.1	3.8	69.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	56.2				2.1				56.2	2.1	3.8
Notes guaranteed by subsidiaries [Member] \| Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									731.9	704.6	713.4
Operating costs and expenses									766.6	667.5	646.5
Operating income (loss)									-34.7	37.1	66.9
Interest expense (income), net									7.8	14.9	7.8
Other expense (income), net									-171.2	17.4	9.1
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									128.7	4.8	50
Income tax expense (benefit)									45.4	9.7	19.2
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0.7	-11.8
Net income (loss)									83.3	-4.2	19
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-0.1	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									83.2	-4.2	19
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									83.3	-4.2	19
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0.2				0.3				0.2	0.3	0.3
Receivables, net	6.1				7.2				6.1	7.2
Other current assets	74.6				60.7				74.6	60.7
Total current assets	80.9				68.2				80.9	68.2
Property, plant and equipment, net	94.9				194.1				94.9	194.1
Investment in CyrusOne	273.6				471				273.6	471
Goodwill and intangibles, net	13.2				103.8				13.2	103.8
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	387.8				-1.6				387.8	-1.6
Other noncurrent assets	191.6				179.9				191.6	179.9
Total assets	1,042				1,015.40				1,042	1,015.40
Current portion of long-term debt	3.9				3				3.9	3
Accounts payable	80.8				72.3				80.8	72.3
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	112.6								112.6
Other current liabilities	46.3				36.9				46.3	36.9
Total current liabilities	243.6				112.2				243.6	112.2
Long-term debt, less current portion	84.5				87				84.5	87
Other noncurrent liabilities	25.7				61.3				25.7	61.3
Intercompany payables	0				149.9				0	149.9
Total liabilities	353.8				410.4				353.8	410.4
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	688.2				605				688.2	605
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,042				1,015.40				1,042	1,015.40
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									-1.4	26.2	51.3
Capital expenditures									-29.6	-36.1	-30.2
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									355.9
Dividends received from CyrusOne									28.4	21.3
Proceeds from sale of assets									194.4	0	0
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									-539.3
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									-5.5	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									4.3	-14.8	-30.2
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									0
Distributions paid to Parent									0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										-7.4	-16.9
Debt issuance costs									0	0	0
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									0	0	0
Repayment of debt									-3	-4	-4.6
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-3	-11.4	-21.5
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									-0.1	0	-0.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0.3				0.3	0.3	0.3	0.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0.2				0.3				0.2	0.3	0.3
Notes guaranteed by subsidiaries [Member] \| Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									601.5	608.6	822.7
Operating costs and expenses									431.1	426.5	585.6
Operating income (loss)									170.4	182.1	237.1
Interest expense (income), net									-3.1	2.8	46.3
Other expense (income), net									-12.3	-6.6	-5.3
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									185.8	185.9	196.1
Income tax expense (benefit)									67.6	67.6	73.8
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									118.2	118.3	122.3
Other comprehensive income (loss)									0	-0.1	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									118.2	118.2	122.3
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									118.2	118.3	122.3
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	1.5				2.2				1.5	2.2	19.5
Receivables, net	158.8				145				158.8	145
Other current assets	33.1				27.3				33.1	27.3
Total current assets	193.4				174.5				193.4	174.5
Property, plant and equipment, net	764.4				708.6				764.4	708.6
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	2.2				2.3				2.2	2.3
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	214.6				218.2				214.6	218.2
Other noncurrent assets	3.8				5.1				3.8	5.1
Total assets	1,178.40				1,108.70				1,178.40	1,108.70
Current portion of long-term debt	3.9				4.2				3.9	4.2
Accounts payable	54.2				16.1				54.2	16.1
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	49.3				47.1				49.3	47.1
Total current liabilities	107.4				67.4				107.4	67.4
Long-term debt, less current portion	160.4				249.5				160.4	249.5
Other noncurrent liabilities	164				169.9				164	169.9
Intercompany payables	131.9				33.2				131.9	33.2
Total liabilities	563.7				520				563.7	520
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	614.7				588.7				614.7	588.7
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	1,178.40				1,108.70				1,178.40	1,108.70
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									232.9	270.7	306.2
Capital expenditures									-152.5	-160.8	-337
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									2	2	1.6
Distributions received from subsidiaries									0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									-78
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										-12.2
Other investing activities									0	0.4	-6.2
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									-228.5	-170.6	-341.6
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									101.1
Distributions paid to Parent									-12.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	525
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										-166.8	-416.7
Debt issuance costs									-0.2	0	-17.3
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									-87	54.2	52
Repayment of debt									-6.2	-4.8	-85.8
Common stock issuance costs											-5.7
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-5.1	-117.4	51.5
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									-0.7	-17.3	16.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				2.2				19.5	2.2	19.5	3.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1.5				2.2				1.5	2.2	19.5
Notes guaranteed by subsidiaries [Member] \| Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue									-55.2	-56.3	-62.2
Operating costs and expenses									-55.2	-56.3	-62.2
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax									-201.5	-114.1	-141.3
Net income (loss)									-201.5	-114.1	-141.3
Other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)									-201.5	-114.1	-141.3
Preferred stock dividends									0	0	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareowners									-201.5	-114.1	-141.3
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0				0				0	0	0
Receivables, net	0				0				0	0
Other current assets	-1.2				-0.7				-1.2	-0.7
Total current assets	-1.2				-0.7				-1.2	-0.7
Property, plant and equipment, net	0				0				0	0
Investment in CyrusOne	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and intangibles, net	0				0				0	0
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries	-1,668.50				-1,623.20				-1,668.50	-1,623.20
Other noncurrent assets	-155				-167.8				-155	-167.8
Total assets	-1,824.70				-1,791.70				-1,824.70	-1,791.70
Current portion of long-term debt	0				0				0	0
Accounts payable	0				0				0	0
Deferred gain in wireless spectrum licenses	0								0
Other current liabilities	0.1				0.1				0.1	0.1
Total current liabilities	0.1				0.1				0.1	0.1
Long-term debt, less current portion	0				0				0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	-156.4				-168.6				-156.4	-168.6
Intercompany payables	-365.3				-429.5				-365.3	-429.5
Total liabilities	-521.6				-598				-521.6	-598
Shareowners' (deficit) equity	-1,303.10				-1,193.70				-1,303.10	-1,193.70
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity (deficit)	-1,824.70				-1,791.70				-1,824.70	-1,791.70
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of CyrusOne equity method investment									0
Dividends received from CyrusOne									0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets									0	0	0
Distributions received from subsidiaries									-12.8
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net investing									617.3
Cash divested from deconsolidation of CyrusOne										0
Other investing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities									604.5	0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net financing									-617.3
Distributions paid to Parent									12.8
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt										0	0
Funding between Parent and subsidiaries, net										0	0
Debt issuance costs									0	0	0
Net increase in corporate credit and receivables facilities with initial maturities less than 90 days									0	0	0
Repayment of debt									0	0	0
Common stock issuance costs											0
Common stock repurchase											0
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants									0	0	0
Other financing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities									-604.5	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0				0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$0				$0				$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$308.30	$327.50	$319.90	$322.50	$308.40	$310.80	$312	$325.70	$1,278.20	$1,256.90	$1,473.90
Operating income	7.3	16	35.6	56.9	40.1	57.7	46.8	19.2	115.8	163.8	270.1
Net income (loss)	-18.3	-27.3	114.2	7	-28.1	9.3	0.8	-36.7	75.6	-54.7	11.2
Earnings Per Share, Basic	($0.10)	($0.14)	$0.54	$0.02					$0.31
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.10)	($0.14)	$0.53	$0.02
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share					($0.15)	$0.03	($0.01)	($0.19)	$0.31	($0.32)	$0
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		9							15.9	13.7	3.4
Gain on sale of CyrusOne equity method investment			192.8						192.8	0	0
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									-12.1	0	-14.2
Equity Method Investment Sold, Partnership Units			16
Transaction costs		3							4.4	1.6	6.3
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					104.13%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									19.6	29.6	13.6
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount									325
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		104.38%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									19.4
Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount									22.7		91.1	91.1
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									0.2
Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount										500
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					104.13%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt					29.6
Wireless [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenue									132.8	201.5	241.8
Operating income									-66.3	18.2	51.2
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			6.4						16.3	0.2	1.6
Impairment of assets, excluding goodwill									7.5		0.4
Transaction costs									$3.20

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning of Period	$12.20	$13.30	$11.60
Charge (Benefit) to Expenses	10.4	11.3	13.9
To (from) Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	10.2	12.4	12.2
End of Period	12.4	12.2	13.3
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning of Period	68.3	56.8	58.4
Charge (Benefit) to Expenses	-1.1	14.1	-1.7
To (from) Other Accounts	-2.8	-2.6	0.1
Deductions	0	0	0
End of Period	$64.40	$68.30	$56.80

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 22, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 22, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Decommissioning Liability, Noncurrent Estimate	$10
Asset Retirement Obligation		9.1	8.5	7.1
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation		3.3
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation		$7.50