Document and entity information [abstract]. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Line Items CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents Short-term Investments Short-term Investments, Total Short term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable - net of allowance for uncollectibles - $613 and $759 in 2012 and 2011, respectively Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Other accounts receivable Inventory, Net Inventory, Net, Total Materials and supplies Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid Expense, Current, Total Prepaid expenses Prepaid Taxes Prepaid income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property, plant and equipment, net Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized debt issuance costs Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Intangible assets, net Investments. Investments Investments, Total Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Total Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets Segment assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt, Total Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts payable Amounts due in connection with business acquisition current. Amounts Due in Connection with Business Acquisition Current Amounts due in connection with business acquisition Derivative Liabilities Derivative liability in connection with business acquisition Derivative Liabilities, Total Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Advance billing and payments Customer Deposits, Current Customer deposits Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued taxes Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and postretirement benefit obligations Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Amounts due in connection with business acquisition noncurrent. Amounts Due in Connection with Business Acquisition Noncurrent Amounts due in connection with business acquisition Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Pension and post retirement benefit obligations Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance Puttable common stock, $.01 par value, 272,479 shares issued and outstanding Puttable common stock, $.01 par value, 272,479 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Shareholders' equity Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred shares - $100 par value; authorized and issued shares of 5,000; $0.01 par value authorized and unissued shares of 10,000,000 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock - $0.01 par value; authorized shares of 10,000,000 issued 6,309,569 and 6,217,839 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock - at cost, 788,825 and 735,391 shares of common stock at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury stock - at cost, 000,000 and 635,189 Common Shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Additional paid in capital 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 Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred stock one zero zero par value. Preferred Stock One Zero Zero Par Value [Member] Preferred Stock 100 Par Value [Member] Preferred stock zero point zero one par value. Preferred Stock Zero Point Zero One Par Value [Member] Preferred Stock 0.01 Par Value [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Accounts receivable, allowance for uncollectibles Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Puttable common stock, par value Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Puttable common stock, shares issued Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Puttable common stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred shares, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred shares, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred shares, issued shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Shares Subscribed but Unissued Preferred shares, unissued shares Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, common shares Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Operating revenues Telephone revenue. Telephone Revenue Telephone Unified communications revenue. Unified Communications Revenue Unified Communications Revenues Segment operating revenues Total operating revenues Operating revenues Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administration expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Selling, general and administrative expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Total depreciation and amortization Total depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Segment depreciation and amortization Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Segment operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization Operating Income (Loss) Segment operating loss Operating loss Operating loss Other income (expense) Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income, (expense), net Interest Income (Expense), Net, Total Interest income (expense) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Company share Income from equity method investment Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Income from equity investments, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Other (expenses) income, net Total other income (expense) Other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Income taxes (benefit) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income Net Income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Preferred dividends Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net earnings available to common shareholders Income applicable to common stock Income (loss) applicable to common stock Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings (Loss) Per Puttable Common Share, Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Puttable Common Share, Basic Basic earnings (loss) per puttable common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings (Loss) Per Puttable Common Share, Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Puttable Common Share, Diluted Diluted earnings (loss) per puttable common share Weighted average shares of common stock used to calculate earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares of common stock used in basic earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding, Basic Puttable Common Share Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding, Basic Puttable Common Share Basic (puttable common) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted average shares of common stock used in diluted earnings per share Diluted Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding, Puttable Common Share Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding, Puttable Common Share Diluted (puttable common) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared per common share Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding gains (loss) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Defined benefit pension plans: Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Transition Asset (Obligation) Amortization of transition obligation Amortization of transition obligation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Prior service cost arising during period Prior service cost arising during period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net loss arising during period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Allowance for uncollectibles Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Stock-based compensation expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred income taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Income from equity investments, net of distributions Income from equity investments, net of distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions, Total Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Liabilities Change in fair value of derivative liability Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Other accounts receivable Other accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies Materials and supplies Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Taxes Prepaid income taxes Prepaid income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Prepaid expenses Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Customers' deposits Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Advance billing and payment Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable, Total Accrued taxes Increase (Decrease) in Postretirement Obligations Pension and postretirement benefit obligations Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued expenses Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchase of intangibles Purchase of intangibles Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Sale of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Purchase of short-term investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of amount due in connection with business acquisition. Repayments Of Amount Due In Connection With Business Acquisition Amounts due in connection with business acquisition, net Amounts due in connection with business acquisition, net Proceeds from Short-term Debt Proceeds from short term borrowings Proceeds from Short-term Debt, Total Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity, Total Treasury stock purchases Payments of Dividends Dividends (Common and Preferred) Payments of Dividends, Total Dividends (Common and Preferred) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net change in cash and cash equivalents Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Suplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: Treasury Stock Acquired In Connection With Cashless Exercise Of Stock Options Treasury Stock Acquired In Connection With Cashless Exercise Of Stock Options Treasury stock acquired in connection with cashless exercise of stock options Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Business Acquisition [Abstract] Business Acquisition Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Short-Term Investments [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities ( and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Short-Term Investments Fair Value [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Materials And Supplies [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Materials And Supplies Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant And Equipment Orange County-Poughkeepsie Limited Partnership [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Orange County-Poughkeepsie Limited Partnership Pension And Postretirement Obligations [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension And Postretirement Obligations Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stock Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Based Compensation Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature Of Operations Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Schedule Of Unaudited Pro Forma Results Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Summary Of Short-Term Investments Classified As Avaliable For Sale Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Binomial Pricing Model Fair Value Assumption Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Financial Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Derivative Liabilities at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Change In Fair Value Of Level 3 Derivative Liability Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Weighted Average Number Of Shares Of Common Stock Used In Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Components Of Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Information Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Summary Of Materials And Supplies Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Table Text Block] Summarized O-P Income Statement Information Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Summarized O-P Balance Sheet Information Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components Of Net Periodic Cost (Gain) Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Summary Of The Changes To Shareholders' Equity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restricted Common Stock Grants Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restricted Common Stock Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Option Awards, By Exercise Price Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Option Pricing Assumptions Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Alteva LLC [Member] Alteva L L C [Member] Alteva LLC [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Date of purchase of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Operating revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income (loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings (loss) per common share, Basic Earnings per common share, Diluted Earnings (loss) per common share, Diluted Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gains (Losses) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), Total Available-for-sale Securities, Current Fair Value Carrying Value Available-for-sale Securities, Current, Total Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Value Assumptions, Exercise Price Exercise price per share Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount, Total Derivative liability, notional amount Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments Fair Value Assumptions Binomial Pricing Model Iterations Fair Value Assumptions Binomial Pricing Model Iterations Model iterations Share Price Simulated median price Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free interest rate Fair Value Assumptions Yield Rate Fair Value Assumptions Yield Rate Yield rate Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative liabilitiy in connection with business acquisition Price Risk Fair Value Hedge Liability, at Fair Value Derivative liability balance June 30, 2012 Derivative liability balance December 31, 2011 Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Price Risk Fair Value Hedging Instruments Decrease in fair value of price protection instrument 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] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] RSUs [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Excluding Put Options Weighted Average Numer Of Shares Outstanding Basic Excluding Put Options Weighted average shares of common stock used in basic earnings per share Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Written Put Options Effects of puttable common stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Effects of stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Unified Communications [Member] Unified Communications [Member] Unified Communications [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Telephone Seat Licenses [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Beginning Balance Intangible assets - net Net Value Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Estimated Useful Lives Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of regulatory revenue Inventory, By Type [Axis] Inventory, By Type [Axis] Inventory, By Type [Domain] Inventory By Type [Domain] Inventory, By Type [Domain] Inventory For Outside Plant [Member] Inventory For Outside Plant [Member] Inventory For Outside Plant [Member] Inventory For Inside Plant [Member] Inventory For Inside Plant [Member] Inventory For Inside Plant [Member] Inventory For Online Equipment [Member] Inventory For Online Equipment [Member] Inventory For Online Equipment [Member] Inventory For Video Equipment / DIRECTV [Member] Inventory For Video Equipment Directv [Member] Inventory For Video Equipment / DIRECTV [Member] Inventory For Equipment Held For Sale Or Lease [Member] Inventory For Equipment Held For Sale Or Lease [Member] Inventory For Equipment Held For Sale Or Lease [Member] Inventory For VoIP Telephone Equipment [Member] Inventory For Voip Telephone Equipment [Member] Inventory For VoIP Telephone Equipment [Member] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land, Buildings And Other Support Equipment [Member] Land Buildings And Other Support Equipment [Member] Land, Buildings And Other Support Equipment [Member] Machinery And Equipment [Member] Network Communications Equipment [Member] Telephone Plant [Member] Telephone Plant [Member] Telephone Plant [Member] Online Plant [Member] Online Plant [Member] Online Plant [Member] Plant In Service [Member] Plant In Service [Member] Plant In Service [Member] Construction In Progress [Member] Plant Under Construction [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Accumulated depreciation Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Put Options, Additional Information [Axis] Put Options, Additional Information [Axis] Put Options, Additional Information [Domain] Put Options Additional Information [Domain] Put Options, Additional Information [Domain] Multiplied Value [Member] Multiplied Value [Member] Multiplied Value [Member] Ownership Percentage [Member] Ownership Percentage [Member] Ownership Percentage [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity interest in O-P Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Annual cash distributions to the Company from the O-P Equity Method Investment, Put Option, Aggregate Strike Price Equity Method Investment, Put Option, Aggregate Strike Price Aggregate strike price EquityMethodInvestment Put Option Value Multiplier Times EBITDA EquityMethodInvestment Put Option Value Multiplier Times EBITDA Equity method investment put option value multiplier times EBITDA Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Orange County-Poughkeepsie Limited Partnership [Member] Orange County Poughkeepsie Limited Partnership [Member] O-P [Member] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales Cellular service cost Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Operating expenses Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Income (Expense) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Income (Expense) Other income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Property, plant and equipment, net Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities, Total Total liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Equity or Capital Partners' capital Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and partners' capital Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Expected contributions in 2012 Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Company contributions Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Postretirement Benefits [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of transition asset Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net loss Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Effective income tax rate Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders' equity, end of period Shareholders' equity, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Dividends paid on preferred stock Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock and stock option compensation Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchases Treasury stock purchases Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Changes in unrealized gain (loss) on investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Changes in pension and postretirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Plan by Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Chief Financial Officer [Member] Chief Financial Officer [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Amended And Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Amended And Restated Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Amended And Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares authorized for plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares avaliable for grant Minimum Exercise Price Per Share Of Stock Options As A Percentage Of Grant Date Fair Market Value Minimum Exercise Price Per Share Of Stock Options As A Percentage Of Grant Date Fair Market Value Minimum exercise price per share of stock options as a percentage of grant date fair market value Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Total fair value of vested restricted stock Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Total unrecognized stock options compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period of recognition for total unrecognized stock options compensation expense January Sixth Two Thousand Twelve Issuance Date [Member] January Sixth Two Thousand Twelve Issuance Date [Member] 01/06/2012 Issuance Date [Member] February Twenty-Fourth Two Thousand Twelve Issuance Date [Member] February Twenty Fourth Two Thousand Twelve Issuance Date [Member] 02/24/2012 Issuance Date [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock granted, Shares Granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock granted, Grant Date Fair Value per Share Granted, Grant Date Weighted Average per Share Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Balance - End of period, Shares Balance - Beginning of period, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance - End of period, Grant Date Weighted Average Price per Share Balance - Beginning of period, Grant Date Weighted Average Price per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Grant Date Weighted Average per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Grant Date Weighted Average per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding - end of period, Shares Outstanding - beginning of period, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Stock options granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised, Shares Stock options exercised, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest at June 30, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at June 30, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding - end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding - beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range One [Member] Range One [Member] 10.78 [Member] Range Two [Member] Range Two [Member] 10.02 [Member] Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] 11.20 [Member] Range Four [Member] Range Four [Member] 12.97 [Member] Range Five [Member] Range Five [Member] 12.76 [Member] Range Six [Member] Range Six [Member] 12.88 [Member] Range Seven [Member] Range Seven [Member] 14.70 [Member] Range Eight [Member] Range Eight [Member] 14.85 [Member] Range Nine [Member] Range Nine [Member] 14.38 [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options, Beginning Balance Shares Outstanding Options Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Years of Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Aggregate Instrinsic Value Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Aggregate Instrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options, Beginning Balance Shares Outstanding, Exercisable Options Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value per share at grant date Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost Of Services And Products [Member] Cost of goods sold [Member] Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Third Supplement [Member] Third Supplement [Member] Third Supplement [Member] Second Supplement [Member] Second Supplement [Member] Second Supplement [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit, drawdown Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit, Total Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Revolving loan facilty, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Revolving loan facility, maturity date Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate percent, plus LIBOR Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Unused line fee Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments Revolving loan facility, repayment Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Holdback due to related party Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Total Revolving loan facility, repayment Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Payment to Alteva, LLC Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Axis] Investment Income Categories [Domain] Investment Income, Categories [Domain] Certificates Of Deposit [Member] Bank Certificate Of Deposit [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Services Net [Member] Company's Revenues [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Telephone [Member] Telephone [Member] Telephone [Member] Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member]