Proposed Merger with Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) state	Dec. 03, 2016 USD ($) state
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of operating states | state	17
FairPoint Communications
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of operating states | state		11
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Potential fees for not completing transaction | $		$ 18.9
Transaction costs | $	$ 1.2
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Conversion of stock conversion ratio		0.7300