Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 24, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-09881
Entity Registrant Name	SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
Entity Tax Identification Number	54-1162807
Entity Address, Address Line One	500 Shentel Way
Entity Address, City or Town	Edinburg
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22824
City Area Code	540
Local Phone Number	984-4141
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock (No Par Value)
Trading Symbol	SHEN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,842,000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000354963
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false