Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Junior Preferred Stock [Member] Junior Preferred Stock [Member] Junior Preferred Stock [Member] ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2.5 and $2.6 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid costs and other current assets Total Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Consolidated Worldwide, Long-lived assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $371.5 and $353.9 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Property and equipment, net Net carrying values Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Total Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue - current portion Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Notes Payable, Noncurrent Note payable Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Total Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, value Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, 200,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value, 26,939,102 issued and 26,266,494 outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 26,914,108 issued and 26,255,173 outstanding at December 31, 2011 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Total Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock at cost, 672,608 and 658,935 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury stock at cost, 629,478 and 623,527 shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total shareholders' equity Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Issuance of common stock Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, shares Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenues Consolidated Worldwide, Revenue Revenue Revenues, Total Consolidated Worldwide, Revenue Cost of Revenue Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization, shown separately below, and including provisions for impairment of $0.1 for the three months ended March 31, 2012) Cost of Revenue, Total Costs of revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other Income (Expense), Net [Abstract] Other income (expense): Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Total Other (expense) income, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Provision for income taxes Total provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Income per share, basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic income per share Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic net income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average shares utilized in computing basic net income per share Income per share, diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted income per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Diluted net income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Weighted average shares used in computing diluted net income per common share Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Provision for impairment Provisions for impairment Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Change in fair value of interest rate swap contracts upon settlement Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Unrealized net loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Shares, Issued Balance, shares Balance, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock units awarded Issuance of common stock from vested restricted stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Restricted stock units awarded Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common stock from exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised Options Outstanding, Exercised Options outstanding, exercised Issuance of common stock from exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock, shares Options Outstanding, Exercised Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of treasury stock, shares Stock-based compensation expense Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Purchase of common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program Repurchase of common stock, value Purchase of common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program Stock option plan expense shares. Stock Option Plan Expense Shares Purchase of common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program, shares Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units Non-cash stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Purchase of common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program Non-cash stock-based compensation expense for employee stock purchase plan Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for bad debts Change in deferred tax assets. Change in deferred tax assets Changes in operating working capital: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid costs and other current assets Prepaid costs and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Other Deferred Liability Other long-term liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows used in investing activities: Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sales of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: Cash flows used in financing activities: Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Principal payment - capital lease obligation Principal payment - capital lease obligation Proceeds from Lines of Credit Company borrowings under Delayed Draw Term Loan Proceeds from Lines of Credit, Total Proceeds from borrowing under $250 Million Secured Revolving Credit Facility, net of certain debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs Repayments of Notes Payable Principal payment - note payable Principal payment - note payable Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rates on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental cash flow information: Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Total Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Secured Revolving Credit Facility Credit facility Secured revolving credit facility Background And Organization [Abstract] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Background And Organization Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies Change In Estimate [Abstract] Change In Estimate [Abstract] Change In Estimate [Text Block] Change In Estimate Text Block Change In Estimate Note Payable [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Note Payable Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Per Share Of Common Stock [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income Per Share Of Common Stock Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Litigation [Abstract] Litigation [Text Block] Litigation [Text Block] Litigation Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income (Expense), Net Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Merger Agreement With Zayo Group, LLC [Abstract] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Merger Agreement With Zayo Group, LLC Stock Split [Policy Text Block] Stock Split [Policy Text Block] Stock Split Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles Of Consolidation Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Non-Monetary Transactions [Policy Text Block] Non-Monetary Transactions [Policy Text Block] Non-Monetary Transactions Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating Leases Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash And Cash Equivalents And Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Allowance For Doubtful Accounts And Sales Credits Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property And Equipment Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation And Transactions Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock Options Restricted Stock Units [Policy Text Block] Restricted Stock Units [Policy Text Block] Restricted Stock Units Stock Warrants [Policy Text Block] Stock Warrants [Policy Text Block] Stock Warrants Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Concentration of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] 401(k) And Other Post-Retirement Benefits Taxes Collected From Customers [Policy Text Block] Taxes Collected From Customers [Policy Text Block] Taxes Collected From Customers Reclassifications [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant And Equipment [Axis] Property, Plant And Equipment [Axis] Property, Plant And Equipment [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment [Domain] Property, Plant And Equipment [Domain] Estimated Useful Lives [Member] Estimated Useful Lives [Member] Estimated Useful Lives [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives Of Property And Equipment Schedule Of Components Of Property And Equipment Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Two Thousand Eleven Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eight Stock Option Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eight Stock Option Plan [Member] 2008 Stock Option Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Grants Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenue And Long-Lived Asset Information For Geographic Areas Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Income (Expense), Net Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policy [Table] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policy [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Institutional Funds [Member] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets, Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Axis] Major Types Of Trading Securities And Assets [Domain] Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class Of Warrant Or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Five Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Five Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Five Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Seven Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Seven Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Seven Year Stock Purchase Warrants [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Contract Termination [Member] Contract Termination [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Stock Dividend, Percentage Stock Dividend, Percentage Stock dividend, percentage Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Splits Common stock issued during period, shares, stock splits Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Common stock split, conversion ratio Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Outstanding voting stock of an investee, percentage Contracted Customer Relationship Amortization Period Contracted Customer Relationship Amortization Period Contracted customer relationship amortization period, years Contracts Revenue Contract revenue Contract termination revenue Nonmonetary Transaction, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Transfer Gains or losses from nonmonetary transactions Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Construction Work in Progress Construction in progress Capitalized Direct Labor Cost Capitalized Direct Labor Cost Capitalized direct labor cost Relocation Costs Capitalized Relocation Costs Capitalized Relocation costs capitalized Depreciation on Original Cost Basis Depreciation on Original Cost Basis Depreciation on original cost basis Depreciation on Net Book Value Cost Basis Depreciation on Net Book Value Cost Basis Depreciation on net book value cost basis Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation, Ending Balance Asset Retirement Obligation, Beginning Balance Asset Retirement Obligation, Total Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Asset Retirement Obligation, Current, Ending Balance Asset Retirement Obligation, Current, Beginning Balance Asset retirement obligations included in accrued expenses Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent, Ending Balance Asset retirement obligations included in other long-term liabilities Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent, Total Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion expense Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets Reduction in valuation allowance, tax benefit recognized Reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets non-cash tax benefit due to reduction in valuation allowances Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Rights to purchase of common stock Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrants exercise price Investment Warrants Expiration Date Warrants expiration date Stocks Purchased On Excise Of Warrants Stocks Purchased On Excise Of Warrants Common stock exercised Rights to purchase shares Of common stock exercised. Rights To Purchase Shares Of Common Stock Exercised Rights to purchase shares of common stock exercised Warrants to purchase common stock were exercised on a net exercise basis Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held Shares cancelled, shares Treasury stock issued to the warrant holders, shares Cash Paid To Recipients For Fractional Shares Cash Paid To Recipients For Fractional Shares Cash paid to recipients for fractional shares Warrants To Purchase Common Stock Cancelled Warrants To Purchase Common Stock Cancelled Shares of common stock cancelled Proceeds from Warrant Exercises Cash generated from exercises of warrants Long-term Debt Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Total Derivative Hedge Effectiveness Percentage Derivative Hedge Effectiveness Percentage Hedge effectiveness percentage Other Expense Net Other Expense Net Other expense, net Other (expense) income, net Investments Investments, Total Percentage of consolidated revenue or accounts receivable, net. Percentage Of Consolidated Revenue Or Accounts Receivable, Net Percentage of consolidated revenue or accounts receivable, net Employer Contributions To Employees In Percentage Employer Contribution To Employees In Percentage Employer contributions to U.S. employees, percentage Maximum Employer Contribution To Foreign Employees Maximum Employer Contribution To Foreign Employees Maximum employer contribution to U.K. employees Foreign Employees Contribution To The Plan Foreign Employees Contribution To The Plan U.K. employees' contributions to the plan Foreign Employer Contribution To The Plan Foreign Employer Contribution To The Plan U.K. employer's contribution to the plan Foreign Employees Contribution To Plan Exceeding Over Five Percent Of Their Salary Foreign Employees Contribution To Plan Exceeds Over Five Percentage Of Their Salary U.K. employees' maximum contribution to the plan Foreign Employer Contribution To The Plan Fixed At Eight Percent Of Employees Salary Foreign Employer Contribution To The Plan Fixed At Eight Percentage Of Employees Salary U.K. employer's maximum contribution to the plan Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined contribution, net of forfeitures Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Network Infrastructure Assets And Storage Huts [Member] Network Infrastructure Assets And Storage Huts [Member] Network Infrastructure Assets And Storage Huts [Member] Risers and Certain Project Installation Costs [Member] Risers And Certain Project Installation Costs [Member] Risers And Certain Project Installation Costs [Member] Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning And Power Equipment [Member] Heating Ventilating And Air Conditioning And Power Equipment [Member] HVAC And Power Equipment [Member] Transmission And IP Equipment [Member] Transmission And Ip Equipment [Member] Transmission And IP Equipment [Member] Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] Furniture, Fixtures And Equipment [Member] Software And Computer Equipment [Member] Software And Computer Equipment [Member] Software And Computer Equipment [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Average Estimated useful lives, years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Estimated useful lives minimum, years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Estimated useful lives maximum, years Estimated Useful Life Of Leasehold Improvements Estimated Useful Life Of Leasehold Improvements Estimated useful life of leasehold improvements Certain Capitalised Labour [Member] Certain Capitalised Labour [Member] Certain Capitalized Labor [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Common Stock Repurchase [Axis] Common Stock Repurchase [Axis] Common Stock Repurchase [Domain] Common Stock Repurchase [Domain] Common Stock Repurchase [Domain] Employees And Directors [Member] Employees And Directors [Member] Employees And Directors [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line Of Credit Facility Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Revolver [Member] Revolver [Member] Revolver [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Secured Credit Facility [Member] Secured Credit Facility [Member] Secured Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Percentage of ownership interest in foreign subsidiaries, pledged as security interest for credit facility. Percentage Of Ownership Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries, Pledged As Security Interest For Credit Facility Percentage of ownership interest in foreign subsidiaries Line Of Credit Facility Applicable Margin Percentage Line Of Credit Facility Applicable Margin Percentage Base rate plus the applicable margin percentage Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period LIBO rate plus the applicable margin percentage Interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Unused commitment fee percentage Line Of Credit Facility Increase Of Principal Amount Line Of Credit Facility Increase Of Principal Amount Possible increase in principal amount Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Company borrowings Proceeds from issuance of debt Payments To Bank Fees And Legal Expenses Payments To Bank Fees And Legal Expenses Payments to bank fees and legal expenses Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of secured credit facility Base rate plus applicable margin Base Rate Plus Applicable Margin Base rate plus applicable margin Secured Revolving Credit Facility Base Rate Secured Revolving Credit Facility Base Rate LIBO base rate Cash Paid To General Corporate Purposes Cash Paid To General Corporate Purposes Cash paid to general corporate purposes Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Revolving credit facility carried interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description Interest rate description Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Term Loan interest rate Term Loan Applicable Margin Term Loan Applicable Margin Term Loan applicable margin Line of Credit Facility, Frequency of Payment and Payment Terms Outstanding principal amount of revolving credit loans, with accrued and unpaid interest due and payable date Debt Instrument, Covenant Description Leverage ratio Leverage Ratio Leverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Interest coverage ratio Interest Coverage Ratio Interest Coverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases Retained earnings available, unrestricted for dividend purposes Settlement of Interest Rate Swap Settlement of Interest Rate Swap Settlement of interest rate swap Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Unamortized debt acquisition issuance costs Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Available borrowings Term Loan Advanced At Closing Term Loan Advanced At Closing Term loan advanced at closing Term Loan That Can Be Drawn Within Next Nine Months Term Loan That Can Be Drawn Within Next Nine Months Term loan that can be drawn within next nine months Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility expiration date Term loan outstanding years Line Of Credit Facility Upfront Fee Percentage Line Of Credit Facility Upfront Fee Percentage Line of credit facility upfront fee percentage Line Of Credit Facility Upfront Fee Amount Line of credit facility upfront fee amount Line of credit facility upfront fee amount Line of credit facility upfront fee amount Addition Amount of Term Loan Advances Addition Amount of Term Loan Advances Additional amount of term loan advances Minimum Unrestricted Cash Balance Minimum Unrestricted Cash Balance Minimum unrestricted cash balance Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings Secured credit facility Fee Paid At Closing Of Agreement Fee paid At Closing Of Agreement Fee paid at closing of agreement Advisory Fee Paid Advisory Fee Paid Advisory fees paid Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Forgiveness Reduction of commitments Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment Term loan principal Cash deposits eliminated Cash deposits eliminated Facility Costs Paid on unaffiliated closing cost Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] G [B] United Kingdom [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rates Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rates Consolidated effective income tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rates Tax provision (benefit) Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Federal Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations State State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Foreign Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Potentially dilutive securities excluded Granted And Forfeited Period [Axis] Granted And Forfeited Period [Axis] Granted And Forfeited Period [Domain] Granted And Forfeited Period [Domain] Granted And Forfeited Period [Domain] Granted And Forfeited In Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Granted And Forfeited In Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Granted And Forfeited In 2011 [Member] Forfeited In Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Forfeited In Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Forfeited In 2011 [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units [Member] Vesting Period [Axis] Vesting Period [Axis] Vesting Period [Domain] Vesting Period [Domain] Vesting Period [Domain] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Vesting On November 16, 2011 [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Vesting On November 16, 2012 [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] Vesting On November 16, 2013 [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Vesting On November Sixteen Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Vesting On November 16, 2014 [Member] Vesting On September Eight Two Thousand Eight [Member] Vesting On September Eight Two Thousand Eight [Member] Vesting On September 8, 2008 [Member] Vesting On September Eight Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Vesting On September Eight Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Vesting On September 8, 2011 [Member] Two Thousand Three Stock Option Plan [Member] Two Thousand Three Stock Option Plan [Member] 2003 Stock Option Plan [Member] Restricted Stock Units Dividend [Member] Restricted Stock Units Dividend [Member] RSU Dividend [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Executives [Member] Executives [Member] Executives [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Joseph P. Ciavarella [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] William G. LaPerch [Member] Board Of Directors Chairman [Member] Board Of Directors [Member] Senior Vice President And Chief Technology Officer [member] Senior Vice President And Chief Technology Officer [Member] Rajiv Datta [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Availability maximum of company's common stock to be awarded Number of shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Number of Options to Purchase Common Stock Vested Stock options outstanding, vested Number of options outstanding to purchase common stock vested Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Common stock reserved for issuance Shares reserved for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Number of shares issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options Exercisable, Shares Options exercised to purchase common shares Common Stock Dividends, Shares Common stock delivered pursuant to the option dividend Common shares issued pursuant to Option Dividend Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Options Outstanding, Forfeited Common shares cancelled Options Outstanding, Forfeited Restricted stock units cancelled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock units granted Number of Restricted Stock Units, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value of restricted stock unit granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Market Value, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of stock units vested Number of Restricted Stock Units, Vested Recognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense Recognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense Increase decrease in net income per share basic and diluted. Increase Decrease In Net Income Per Share Basic And Diluted Decrease in net income per share basic and diluted Senior Vice President And General Counsel [Member] Senior Vice President And General Counsel [Member] Robert Sokota [Member] Senior Vice President For Sales and Marketing [Member] Senior Vice President For Sales And Marketing [Member] Mr. John Jacquay [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Financing [Member] Financing [Member] Dividend Paid [Member] Dividend Paid [Member] Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures, by Plan [Axis] Employee Stock Ownership Plan E S O P Plan [Domain] Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan [Domain] Two Thousand Ten Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Two Thousand Ten Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Beneficial Owner [Member] Beneficial Owner [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends payable, amount per share Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year Date on special one-time cash dividend declared Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year Date on special cash dividend paid to stockholders Dividends payable, date to be paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividend paid ($5.00 per share) Payment made in connection with special cash dividend Cash dividend paid Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock units granted pursuant to the RSU dividend Authorization Of Common Stock Split Authorization Of Common Stock Split Authorization of common stock split Additional Share Received For Share Owned After Stock Split Was Authorized Additional Share Received For Share Owned After Stock Split Was Authorized Additional share received for share owned after stock split was authorized Dividend Payment Date Dividend Payment Date Dividend payment date Rights Expiration Date Rights expiration date Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage Beneficial ownership acquired, percentage Common Shares Acquired Percentage Common Shares Acquired Percentage Common shares acquired percentage Outstanding Rights Redemption Price Outstanding Rights Redemption Price Outstanding rights, per redemption price Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock purchased pursuant to the Repurchase Program, values Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Shares cancelled, shares Stock repurchased to fund income tax obligations Repurchase of common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Common shares issued pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan Eligibility and Participation description. Eligibility And Participation Description Eligibility and participation, description Employee Stock Ownership Maximum Percentage Of Shares Held By An Employee Employee Stock Ownership Maximum Percentage Of Shares Held By An Employee Employee stock ownership maximum percentage of shares held by an employee Rights Accrued At Maximum Rate of Fair Market Value Rights Accrued At Maximum Rate of Fair Market Value Rights accrued at maximum rate of fair market value Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Number of Allocated Shares Purchase of common stock under stock purchase plan in offering period Eligible employees under Stock Purchase Plan. Stock Purchase Plan, Eligible Number of Employees Stock purchase plan, eligible number of employees Initial Offering Period Initial offering period Fair Market Value of Common Stock, Percentage Fair Market Value of Common Stock, Percentage Fair market value of common stock, percentage Amount to be Withheld Over the Offering period Amount to be Withheld Over the Offering period Amount to be withheld over the offering period Number of employees participated in offering period Number Of Employees Participated In Offering Period Number of employees participated in offering period, employees Stock Purchase Plan, Minimum Discount Rate Stock Purchase Plan, Minimum Discount Rate Stock Purchase Plan, minimum discount rate Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock based compensation expense Stock-based compensation expense recognized with respect to the stock purchase plan Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense with respect to the Stock Purchase Plan Litigation Table Litigation [Table] Senior Vice President Member Senior Vice President [Member] Mr. Jendras [Member] Litigation Line Items Litigation [Line Items] Number Of Chambers Minimum Number Of Chambers Minimum Number of chambers, minimum Number Of Chambers Maximum Number Of Chambers Maximum Number of chambers, maximum Litigation Settlement, Gross Damages pursuant to the liability trial Reimbursement Of Legal Fees Reimbursement Of Legal Fees Reimbursement of legal fees Legal Fees Aggregate legal fees Incurred Or Obligated Cost For Building Additional Network Incurred Or Obligated Cost For Building Additional Network Incurred or obligated costs for building additional network Settlement Agreement C ash Paid Under Legal Settlement Settlement Agreement Cash Paid Under Legal Settlement Cash paid under legal settlement Additional Construction Of Network, Estimated Cost Additional Construction Of Network, Estimated Cost Additional construction of network, estimated cost Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Loss on litigation Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement, Total Gain on settlement or reversal of liabilities Payments for Legal Settlements Litigation expenses Estimated Litigation Liability Provision for litigation Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Beginning Balance Remaining accrual balance Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Severance Benefits Employment contract and seeking damages of benefits Damages of salary and benefits Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Value Cancelled Forfeitures In Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Value Cancelled Forfeitures In Period Restricted stock units value cancelled Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Revenues from sale of services Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Purchase of installation and construction services Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] U [S] United States [Member] United Kingdom And Others [Member] United Kingdom And Others [Member] United Kingdom And Others [Member] Geographical Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Settlement Of Interest Rate Swap Agreements And Write Off Of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Associated With The Repayment Of Amounts Due Under The Secured Credit Facility Settlement Of Interest Rate Swap Agreements And Write Off Of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Associated With The Repayment Of Amounts Due Under The Secured Credit Facility Settlement of interest rate swap agreements and write-off of unamortized debt acquisition costs associated with the repayment of the Secured Credit Facility Settlement of interest rate swap agreements and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the repayment of amounts due under the Secured Credit Facility Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax (Loss) gain on foreign currency Gain (loss) on foreign currency Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax, Total (Loss) gain on foreign currency Other Expenses Other Other Expenses, Total Other Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Senior Vice President For Sales [Member] Senior Vice President For Sales [Member] Mr. Nicholas Ridolfi [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Officers' Compensation Annual base salary Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options Outstanding, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Restricted share units special grant Employment agreements amendments. Employment Agreements Amendments Employment agreements amendments Bonus Target Amount Bonus Target Amount Bonus target amount Payroll Taxes And Penalties Payroll Taxes And Penalties Payroll taxes and penalties Agreed Payment Amount Under Terms of Settlement Agreed Payment Amount Under Terms of Settlement Agreed payment amount under terms of settlement Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Zayo Group, LLC [Member] Zayo Group Llc [Member] Zayo Group, LLC [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Merger Agreement [Line Items] For an acquired entity, price of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company. Business Acquisition, Share Price Shares automatically cancelled and converted into the right to receive Paid Or Accrued Fairness Opinions Paid Or Accrued Fairness Opinions Recorded fairness opinions Information by award type pertaining to equity-based compensation. Award Type [Axis] Equity-based compensation plans, including multiple equity-based payment arrangements. Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]