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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	8 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	CSAL
Entity Registrant Name	COMMUNICATIONS SALES & LEASING, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001620280
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		150,511,547
Entity Public Float			$ 2,403,811,314

Consolidated Balance Sheet $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Assets:
Real estate investments	$ 6,093,541
Accumulated depreciation - real estate investments	(3,720,890)
Net real estate investments	2,372,651
Cash and cash equivalents	142,498
Accounts receivable, net	2,083
Customer list intangible assets, net	10,530
Straight-line rent receivable	11,795
Other assets	3,079
Total Assets	2,542,636
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,409
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Deferred revenue	67,817
Derivative liability	5,427
Dividends payable	90,507
Deferred income taxes	5,714
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,709,542
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 149,862 shares issued and outstanding	15
Additional paid-in capital	1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,162,886)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,166,906)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$ 2,542,636

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	149,862,459
Common stock, shares outstanding	149,862,459

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 128,748	$ 173,932	$ 173,634	$ 476,314
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				181,797
Depreciation and amortization				238,748
General and administrative expense				11,208
Acquisition and transaction related costs				5,210
Total costs and expenses				450,706
Income before income taxes	8,532	7,405	9,671	25,608
Income tax expense				738
Net income	8,301	7,166	9,403	24,870
Participating securities' share in earnings				(1,152)
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 7,976	$ 6,769	$ 8,973	$ 23,718
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.16
Diluted	0.05	0.05	0.06	$ 0.16
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Basic				149,835
Diluted				149,835
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.44	$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 1.64
Rental Revenues
Revenues:
Total revenues				$ 458,614
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				236,177
Consumer CLEC
Revenues:
Total revenues				17,700
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				2,571
CLEC operating expense				$ 13,743

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 24,870
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts	(5,427)
Comprehensive income	$ 19,443

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings
Beginning balance, value at Apr. 23, 2015	$ 2,508,420	$ 15			$ 2,508,405
Beginning balance, shares at Apr. 23, 2015		149,827,214
Beginning balance, value at Apr. 23, 2015	2,508,420	$ 15			2,508,405
Beginning balance, shares at Apr. 23, 2015		149,827,214
Net income	24,870				24,870
Distributions to Windstream related to Spin-Off	(3,447,879)				(3,447,879)
Other comprehensive loss	(5,427)			$ (5,427)
Common stock dividends	(247,361)				(247,361)
Equity issuance cost	(656)		$ (542)		(114)
Stock-based compensation	1,934		1,934
Stock-based compensation, shares		35,245
Other	(807)				(807)
Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2015	(1,166,906)	$ 15	1,392	(5,427)	(1,162,886)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		149,862,459
Net income	7,166
Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (1,166,906)	$ 15	$ 1,392	$ (5,427)	$ (1,162,886)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		149,862,459

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income	$ 24,870
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	238,748
Amortization of deferred financing costs	4,832
Amortization of debt discount	5,172
Deferred income taxes	(1,211)
Straight-line rental revenues	(11,795)
Stock-based compensation	1,934
Other	(3)
Changes in:
Accounts receivable	(215)
Other assets	(1,148)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	32,024
Net cash provided by operating activities	293,208
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC	(1,035,029)
Capital expenditures - real estate investments	(43,077)
Capital expenditures - other	(1,336)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,079,442)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans	1,127,000
Deferred financing costs	(30,057)
Principal payment on debt	(10,700)
Common stock issuance costs	(656)
Dividends paid	(156,854)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares	(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities	928,714
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	142,480
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	142,498
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	147,428
Cash paid for income taxes	1,284
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of notes and other debt to Windstream Services, LLC, net of deferred financing costs ($34,681)	2,412,829
Tenant capital improvements	68,569
Accrual of dividends declared	$ 90,507

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Deferred financing costs	$ 30,057
Windstream Services LLC
Deferred financing costs	$ 34,681

Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Consumer CLEC Business
Assets:
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $104)	$ 1,912
Customer list intangible assets, net	14,452
Other assets	301
Total Assets	16,665
Liabilities:
Advance payments and customer deposits	1,154
Accrued payroll and commissions	39
Accrued interconnection costs	1,209
Deferred taxes	5,483
Total liabilities	7,885
Net Assets Contributed	$ 8,780

Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Consumer CLEC Business
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 104

Statement of Revenues and Direct Expenses - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consumer CLEC Business
Revenues	$ 10,149	$ 36,015	$ 45,126
Direct expenses:
Cost of revenues	5,552	19,060	23,239
Selling, general, and administrative	22	80	121
Amortization	1,283	4,586	5,253
Total costs and expenses	6,857	23,726	28,613
Revenues in Excess of Direct Expenses	$ 3,292	$ 12,289	$ 16,513

Combined Balance Sheets $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Distribution Systems
Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 2,571,800
Total Assets	2,571,800
Equity
Invested equity	2,571,800
Total shareholders' deficit	$ 2,571,800

Organization and Description of Business	8 Months Ended
Organization and Description of Business	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description of Business	Note 1. Organization and Description of Business Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in February 2014 and reorganized in the state of Maryland on September 4, 2014 as a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries “Windstream”). On April 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of CS&L from Windstream (the “Spin-Off”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) to CS&L, which it leases back from CS&L pursuant to a long term, triple-net-lease (“the Master Lease”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”) to CS&L in exchange for certain consideration paid to Windstream. The assets and liabilities of the Distribution Systems and Consumer CLEC Business were recorded in our consolidated financial statements on a carryover basis as of the date of the Spin-Off. CS&L is a real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. It is principally focused on acquiring and constructing fiber optic broadband networks, wireless communications towers, copper and coaxial broadband networks and data centers. It currently own 3.6 million fiber strand miles, 230,800 route miles of copper, and other property across 29 states. Presently, CS&L’s primary source of revenue is rental revenues from leasing the Distribution Systems to Windstream Holdings pursuant to the Master Lease. CS&L intends to elect on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). The Consumer CLEC Business, which historically has been reported as an integrated operation within Windstream, offers voice, broadband, long-distance, and value-added services to residential customers located primarily in rural locations. Substantially all of the network assets used to provide these services to customers are contracted through interconnection agreements with other telecommunications carriers. We have elected to treat the Consumer CLEC Business as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” (“TRS”) effective on the first day of the first taxable year that CS&L qualifies as a REIT.

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	8 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Dec. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for financial information set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CS&L and its subsidiaries, substantially all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Consumer CLEC Business
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Note 2. Basis of Presentation Subsequent to the Spin-Off, all financial results of the Consumer CLEC Business are reported within the consolidated financial statements of CS&L. The accompanying Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed of the Consumer CLEC Business as of December 31, 2014 and the related Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses for the period January 1, 2015 to April 24, 2015 (the “Spin Date”), and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as permitted by the SEC and are not intended to be a complete presentation of the financial position or results of operations of the Consumer CLEC Business. The elements of the financial statements are stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the SEC’s rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results presented have been included. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results of the Consumer CLEC Business following the Spin-Off. The accompanying Statements of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed include only certain assets and liabilities directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business that were transferred by Windstream to CS&L pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement between CS&L and Windstream dated March 26, 2015. Windstream has retained certain assets and liabilities of the Consumer CLEC Business consisting of the following: cash and cash equivalents, intercompany receivables and payables, certain trade accounts payable, liabilities related to employee benefit plans, income taxes payable and deferred income taxes. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities retained by Windstream have been excluded from the Statements of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed. In addition, the Consumer CLEC Business primarily uses leased network facilities to provide telecommunications services to its customers and does not hold legal title to any property, plant and equipment. The accompanying Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses include all direct costs incurred in connection with the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was practicable. In addition, direct costs incurred by Windstream to operate the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was not practicable have been allocated based on assumptions that management believes reasonable under the circumstances as more fully discussed in Note 6. The Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses exclude costs that are not directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business including general corporate overhead costs, interest expense and income taxes.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying financial statements, and such differences could be material.

Real Estate Investments—Real estate investments are stated at original cost, less accumulated depreciation and consists of land and central office buildings, copper and fiber optic cable lines, telephone poles, underground conduits, concrete pads, pedestals, guy wires, anchors, and attachment hardware. Costs of maintenance and repairs to real estate investments are the responsibility of our tenant under triple-net leasing arrangements.

Certain real estate investments are depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property. When the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results.

Tenant Capital Improvements – Our lease with Windstream provides that tenant funded capital improvements (“TCI’s”), defined as maintenance, repair, overbuild, upgrade or replacements to the leased network, including, without limitation, the replacement of copper distribution systems with fiber distribution systems, automatically become property of CS&L upon their construction by Windstream. We receive non-monetary consideration related to the TCIs as they automatically become our property, and we recognize the cost basis of TCIs that are capital in nature as real estate investments and deferred revenue. We depreciate the real estate investments over their estimated useful lives and amortize the deferred revenue as additional leasing revenues over the same depreciable life of the TCI assets. At December 31, 2015, the net book value of TCI’s recorded as a component of real estate investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet was $67.8 million. From the period April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 we recognized $0.8 million of revenue and depreciation expense related to TCIs.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable from future undiscounted net cash flows we expect the asset group to generate. If the asset group is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset group and its estimated fair value based on discounted net future cash flows. From the period April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 no impairment losses were recognized.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include all non-restricted cash held at financial institutions and other non-restricted highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—We account for our derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, in which we reflect all derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we record the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge instruments as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Any ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized within net income. For derivatives that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are immediately recognized within net income. See Note 5.

Customer List Intangible Assets—Customer list intangible assets are presented in the financial statements at cost less accumulated amortization and are amortized using the sum-of-the-digits method over their estimated useful lives.

Revenue Recognition—We recognize leasing revenues on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term when collectability is reasonably assured. Recognizing leasing income on a straight-line basis generally results in recognized revenues during the first half of the lease term in excess of cash amounts contractually due from our tenants, creating a straight-line rent receivable.

We evaluate the collectability of straight-line rent receivables and record a provision for doubtful accounts if management believes the receivables to be uncollectible. At December 31, 2015 no allowance was recorded related to our straight-line rent receivable.

Consumer CLEC Business revenues are primarily derived from providing access to or usage of leased networks and facilities, and are recognized over the period that the corresponding services are rendered to customers. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including broadband, long distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Sales of customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers.

Stock-Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation using the fair value method of accounting. We have determined that our stock-based payment awards granted in exchange for employee services qualify as equity classified awards, which are measured based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock-based payments is based on the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance-based awards, which have performance conditions, is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value of all stock-based compensation is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. See Note 8.

Income Taxes— We intend to elect on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to shareholders, and meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including asset holding requirements. As a REIT, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income that we distribute as dividends to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates, and we could not deduct dividends paid to our shareholders in computing taxable income. Any resulting corporate liability could be substantial and could materially and adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to shareholders. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from reelecting to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.

To maintain REIT status, we must distribute a minimum of 90% of our taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly dividend payments of all or substantially all of our income to holders of our common stock, and therefore no provision is required in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for U.S. federal income taxes related to the activities of the REIT and its passthrough subsidiaries. We are subject to the statutory requirements of the locations in which we conduct business, and state and local income taxes are accrued as deemed required in the best judgment of management based on analysis and interpretation of respective tax laws.

We have elected to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). This enables us to engage in activities that do not result in income that would be qualifying income for a REIT, such as our Consumer CLEC Business. Our TRSs are subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized under the asset and liability method for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.

We recognize the benefit of tax positions that are "more likely than not" to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merit. The benefit of a tax position is measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If applicable, we will report tax-related penalties and interest expense as a component of income tax expense. We currently have no liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. We have not yet filed our initial corporate tax return and therefore are not yet subject to examination.

The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%) on any gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified recognition period after the Spin-Off up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on April 24, 2015, which is based on the fair market value of the assets in excess of the Company’s tax basis as of such date. Recently enacted legislation reduces the applicable recognition period from 10 years to 5 years as of 2016. The Company has no plans to dispose of the assets it acquired through the Spin-Off within the applicable recognition period.

Earnings per Share— Outstanding restricted stock awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are deemed to be participating securities, requiring the application of the two-class method of computing basic and dilutive earnings per share.

Basic earnings per share includes only the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares and the dilutive effect of restricted stock and performance-based awards outstanding during the period, when such awards are dilutive. See Note 10.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the observability of inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair values. This hierarchy establishes market-based or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by valuation models using management assumptions in the absence of market inputs. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the assessment date

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, derivative liabilities, our outstanding notes and other debt, accounts payable and interest payable.

The following table summarizes the fair value valuation of our financial instruments at December 31, 2015:

(Thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	142,498	$	142,498	$	—	$	—
Accounts and other receivables		2,083		2,083		—		—
Total	$	144,581	$	144,581	$	—	$	—

Liabilities
Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023	$	376,000	$	—	$	376,000	$	—
Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023		937,950		—		937,950		—
Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022		1,986,198		—		1,986,198		—
Derivative liability		5,427				5,427
Accounts, interest and dividends payable		125,356		125,356		—		—
Total	$	3,430,931	$	125,356	$	3,305,575	$	—

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and interest and dividends payable approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

The total principal balance of our Notes and other debt was $3.64 billion at December 31, 2015, with a fair value of $3.30 billion. The estimated fair value of Notes and other debt was based on available external pricing data and current market rates for similar debt instruments, among other factors, which are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. Derivative liabilities are carried at fair value. See Note 5. The fair value of interest rate swap is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using observable, quoted LIBOR swap rates for the full term of the swap and also incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both CS&L's own non-performance risk and non-performance risk of the respective counterparties. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivative liabilities fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; however the associated credit valuation adjustments utilized Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall value of the derivatives. As such, the Company classifies its derivative liabilities valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Concentration of Credit Risks—In connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into a long-term exclusive triple-net lease agreement with Windstream (the “Master Lease”), pursuant to which all real property currently owned by CS&L is leased to Windstream and from which all of CS&L’s rental revenues are currently derived. Windstream is a publicly traded company and is subject to the periodic filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Windstream filings can be found at www.sec.gov. Windstream filings are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Because substantially all of our revenue is derived from lease payments by Windstream pursuant to the Master Lease, there could be a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition if Windstream experiences operating difficulties and becomes unable to generate sufficient cash to make payments to us. In recent years, Windstream has experienced annual declines in its total revenue and sales. Accordingly, we monitor the credit quality of Windstream through numerous methods, including by (i) reviewing the credit ratings of Windstream by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, (ii) reviewing the financial statements of Windstream that are publicly available and that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the Master Lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding Windstream and its businesses, (iv) conducting research to ascertain industry trends potentially affecting Windstream, and (v) monitoring the timeliness of its lease payments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASC 842”), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it will have on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements" ("ASU 2015-15"). This amendment provides additional guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. We have adopted ASU 2015-03 effective April 24, 2015, and therefore have presented debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of our debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 7.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). This update outlines a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for entities to follow in accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial statements.

Consumer CLEC Business

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying financial statements, and such differences could be material.

Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable consist of trade accounts receivable from customers and are generally unsecured and due within 30 days. Expected credit losses related to trade accounts receivable are recorded as an allowance for doubtful accounts in the accompanying Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed. In establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts, management considers a number of factors, including historical collection experience, aging of the accounts receivable balances and current economic conditions. When internal collection efforts on accounts have been exhausted, the accounts are written off by reducing the allowance for doubtful accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in cost of revenues, was $111,000 for the period from January 1, 2015 to Spin Date. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the provision for doubtful accounts was $487,000. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Consumer CLEC Business customer base. Due to varying customer billing cycle cut-off, management must estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed at the end of each reporting period. Included in accounts receivable are unbilled receivables related to communications services and product sales of $94,000 at December 31, 2014.

Customer List Intangible Assets—Windstream acquired certain consumer CLEC operations and customers through various acquisitions completed prior to 2011. In connection with the purchase price allocation for these acquisitions, Windstream recorded the estimated fair value of consumer CLEC customer list intangible assets at the dates of acquisition. The customer list intangible assets are presented in the financial statements at cost less accumulated amortization and are amortized using the sum-of-the-digits method over their estimated useful lives.

Income Taxes—The operations of the Consumer CLEC Business have historically been included in Windstream’s federal and state income tax returns and all income tax liabilities have been paid by Windstream. Income tax information included in the financial statements is presented on a separate tax return basis. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used to determine the tax amounts are reasonable. However, the financial statements herein may not necessarily reflect the income tax liabilities or future income tax payments if the Consumer CLEC Business had been operated as a stand-alone business during the periods presented.

Deferred income taxes are recognized in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.

Revenue Recognition—Service revenues are primarily derived from providing access to or usage of leased networks and facilities. Service revenues are recognized over the period that the corresponding services are rendered to customers. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including broadband, long distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Sales of customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard outlines a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for entities to follow in accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

Subsequent Events—The accompanying financial statements of the Consumer CLEC Business are derived from the consolidated financial statements of Windstream, which issued its audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 on February 25, 2016. Accordingly, management has evaluated transactions for consideration as recognized subsequent events in the accompanying financial statement through the date of February 25, 2016. In addition, management has evaluated transactions that occurred as of the issuance of these financial statements on March 7, 2016 for purposes of disclosure of unrecognized subsequent events.

Distribution Systems

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statement are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statement. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying financial statement, and such differences could be material.

Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at original cost, less accumulated depreciation. Property, plant and equipment consists of land and central office buildings, copper and fiber optic cable lines, telephone poles, underground conduits, concrete pads, pedestals, guy wires, anchors, and attachment hardware. The costs of additions, replacements, substantial improvements and extension of the network to the customer premise, including related labor costs, are capitalized, while the costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest costs incurred in connection with the acquisition or construction of plant assets are capitalized and included in the cost of the asset.

Certain property, plant and equipment is depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property, and when the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable from future, undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the asset group is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset group and its estimated fair value based on discounted net future cash flows.

Subsequent Events—The accompanying balance sheet is derived from the consolidated financial statements of Windstream, which issued its audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 on February 25, 2016. Accordingly, management has evaluated transactions for consideration as recognized subsequent events in the accompanying financial statement through the date of February 25, 2016. In addition, management has evaluated transactions that occurred as of the issuance of these financial statements on March 7, 2016 for purposes of disclosure of unrecognized subsequent events. No additional disclosures are required other than those matters that are reflected within this financial statement.

Real Estate Investments

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Real Estate [Abstract]

Real Estate Investments

Note 4. Real Estate Investments

The carrying value of real estate investments is as follows:

(Thousands)	Depreciable Lives	December 31, 2015
Land		$	33,386
Building and improvements	3 - 40 years		313,736
Poles	13 - 40 years		228,031
Fiber	7 - 40 years		1,948,192
Copper	7 - 40 years		3,475,987
Conduit	13 - 47 years		89,460
Construction in progress			4,749
			6,093,541
Less accumulated depreciation			(3,720,890	)
Net real estate investments		$	2,372,651

Depreciation expense related to the real estate investments for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was $236.0 million.

Construction in progress represents in process capital projects that were transferred to us at the time of the Spin-Off. As Windstream completes these projects, amounts are reclassified to depreciable assets. We currently do not engage in any construction or development activities.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Note 5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of interest rate volatility inherent in our variable rate debt, which could unfavorably impact our future earnings and forecasted cash flows. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

On April 27, 2015, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate Senior Secured Term Loan B facility. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and have a notional value of $2.13 billion and mature on October 24, 2022. The weighted average fixed rate paid is 2.105%, and the variable rate received resets monthly to the one-month LIBOR subject to a minimum rate of 1.0%. The Company does not currently have any master netting arrangements related to its derivative contracts.

The following table summarizes the fair value and the presentation in our Consolidated Balance Sheet:

(Thousands)

Location on Consolidated

Balance Sheet

December 31, 2015

Interest rate swaps

Derivative liability

5,427

As of December 31, 2015, all of the interest rate swaps were valued in net unrealized loss positions and recognized as liability balances within the derivative liability balance. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the amount recorded in other comprehensive income related to the unrealized loss on derivative instruments was $21.7 million. The amount reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was $16.3 million. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, there was no ineffective portion of the change in fair value derivatives.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, beginning January 1, 2016, we estimate that $24.1 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Customer List Intangible Assets

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Customer List Intangible Assets

Note 6. Customer List Intangible Assets

The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets is as follows:

	December 31, 2015
	Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying
(Thousands)	Cost		Amortization			Value
Customer lists	$	34,501	$	(23,971	)	$	10,530

Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $2.6 million for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Amortization expense is estimated to be $3.3 million in 2016, $2.6 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2018, $1.4 million in 2019 and $0.9 million in 2020.

Consumer CLEC Business

Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Customer List Intangible Assets

Note 4. Customer List Intangible Assets

The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets at December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	December 31, 2014
(Thousands)	Gross Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Customer lists	$	34,501	$	(20,049	)	$	14,452

Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $1.3 million for the period from January 1, 2015 to the Spin Date. Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively.

Notes and Other Debt

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Long Term Debt [Abstract]

Notes and Other Debt

Note 7. Notes and Other Debt

Notes and other debt is as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Principal amount	$	3,639,300
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		(134,072	)
Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$	3,505,228

Notes and other debt at December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

(Thousands)	Principal		Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs
Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 6.29%)	$	400,000	$	(6,767	)
Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 9.06%)		1,110,000		(50,200	)
Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 5.66%)		2,129,300		(77,105	)
Senior secured revolving credit facility, variable rate, due April 24, 2020		—		—
Total	$	3,639,300	$	(134,072	)

On April 24, 2015 we, along with our wholly owned subsidiary CSL Capital, LLC (“CSL Capital”), co-issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023 (the “Secured Notes”) and $1.11 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due October 15, 2023 (the “Senior Notes” and together with the Secured Notes, the “Notes”). The Secured Notes were issued at an issue price of 100% of par value, while the Senior Notes were issued at an issue price of 97.055% of par value. The Notes are guaranteed by each of CS&L’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under CS&L’s senior credit facilities. The Notes were issued to Windstream Services as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business in connection with the Spin-Off. As such, CS&L did not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the Notes. The issuance of the Notes and their exchange by Windstream Services for certain of its outstanding indebtedness were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), but were exempt from registration under Rule 144A, Regulation S and other applicable exemptions of the Securities Act. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into by the Company in connection with the sale of the Senior Notes, the Company subsequently filed with the SEC a registration statement relating to an exchange offer pursuant to which 8.25% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Notes”) that were registered with the SEC, were offered in exchange for Senior Notes tendered by the holders of those notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the terms of the Senior Notes in all material respects, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provision applicable to the Senior Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes. The exchange offer was launched on August 5, 2015, and completed on September 2, 2015, with all outstanding Senior Notes being tendered and exchanged for Exchange Notes.

The Notes contain customary high yield covenants limiting our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; incur or guarantee secured indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; make certain investments or other restricted payments; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; merge or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets; and create restrictions on the ability of CS&L, CSL Capital and our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends. The covenants are subject to a number of important and significant limitations, qualifications and exceptions. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Notes.

In addition, on April 24, 2015 the Company and CSL Capital entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a $2.14 billion Senior Secured Term Loan B facility due October 24, 2022 (the “Term Loan Facility”) and a $500 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing April 24, 2020 (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Facilities”). The term loans under the Facilities were issued at an issue price of 98.00% of par value, bear interest at a rate equal to a Eurodollar rate, subject to a 1.0% floor, plus an applicable margin equal to 4.00%, and are subject to amortization of 1.0% per annum. The loans have been incurred by the Company and CSL Capital, are guaranteed by certain of CS&L’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), and are secured by substantially all of the assets of CS&L, CSL Capital and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions, which assets also secure the Secured Notes. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.25% based on our consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

We are subject to customary covenants under the Credit Agreement, including an obligation to maintain a consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, not to exceed 5.00 to 1.00. We are permitted, subject to customary conditions, to incur incremental term loan borrowings and/or increased commitments under the Credit Agreement in an aggregate amount equal to $150 million plus, an unlimited amount, so long as, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such increases, our consolidated total leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 6.50 to 1.00 and our consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement.

The Company transferred $1.04 billion of cash proceeds under the Facilities to Windstream Services, the Company’s parent immediately preceding the Spin-Off, as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business in connection with the Spin-Off. After giving effect to the borrowings under the Facilities, the issuance of the Notes and the transfer of cash to Windstream Services, the Company retained net borrowing proceeds of $62.2 million, which are available to us for general corporate purposes.

Deferred financing costs were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes and the Facilities. These costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related indebtedness, and are included in interest expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we recognized $4.8 million of non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of deferred financing costs.

Aggregate annual maturities of our long-term obligations at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	21,400
2017		21,400
2018		21,400
2019		21,400
2020		21,400
Thereafter		3,532,300
Total	$	3,639,300

Stock-Based Compensation

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Note 8. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Awards issuable under the Equity Plan include incentive stock options, “non-qualified” stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units and performance shares, restricted shares, and restricted stock units.

In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company issued 538,819 restricted shares and 70,889 performance-based restricted stock units to employees of Windstream in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement between the Company and Windstream. Under the Employee Matters Agreement, which governs the compensation and employee benefit obligations of CS&L and Windstream with respect to the current and former employees of each company, employees of Windstream who held equity awards as of the date of the Spin-Off were entitled to receive equity awards of CS&L in the same proportion as if the equity awards had been common shares on the date of the Spin-Off. The CS&L awards issued have the same form and vesting requirements as the underlying Windstream awards. For the purposes of vesting in the CS&L awards, continued service with Windstream is deemed to be continued service with CS&L. We do not recognize any compensation expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income related to these awards, as none of the employees granted awards provide service to CS&L. At December 31, 2015, 420,464 restricted shares and 56,765 performance-based restricted stock units issued to Windstream employees remained outstanding.

Certain employees of CS&L have retained their unvested Windstream awards that were held prior to the Spin-Off. Unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards was $0.1 million at December 31, 2015, and will be amortized to compensation expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we recognized $197,000 of compensation expense related to these awards, which is recorded in general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statement of Income.

Restricted Awards

During the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the Company granted 241,140 shares of restricted stock to employees, which had a fair value of $6.2 million as of the date of grant. We calculate the grant date fair value of non-vested shares of restricted stock awards using the closing sale prices on the trading day immediately prior to the grant date. The restricted stock awards are amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over the vesting period, which is generally three years. As of December 31, 2015, there were 5,303,151 shares available for future issuance under the Equity Plan. The following table sets forth the number of unvested restricted stock awards and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant:

	Restricted Awards		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested balance April 24, 2015		—	$	—
Granted		241,140	$	25.82
Forfeited		—	$	—
Vested		—	$	—
Unvested balance, December 31, 2015		241,140	$	25.82

As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense on restricted awards was approximately $4.8 million, and the expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 2.0 years.

Performance Awards

The Company grants long-term incentives to members of management in the form of performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) under the Equity Plan. The number of PSUs earned is based on the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals, over a specified performance period, and may range from 0% to 150% of the target shares. The PSUs have a service condition that will expire at the end of the three-year performance period provided that the holder continues to be employed by the Company at the end of the performance period. Holders of PSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents, which will be accrued quarterly and paid in cash upon the vesting of a PSU. Dividend equivalents are forfeited to the extent that the underlying PSU is forfeited.

On May 29, 2015, we issued 60,970 PSUs equal to 100% of the target amount, with an aggregate value of $1.3 million on the grant date. The PSUs, in addition to a service condition, are subject to the Company’s performance versus the total return of the MSCI US REIT Index and a triple-net lease peer group, as defined by the Compensation Committee. Upon evaluating the results of the market conditions, the final number of shares is determined and such shares vest based on satisfaction of the service condition. The PSUs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, no PSUs were forfeited due to termination of service. The following table sets forth the number of unvested PSUs and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant:

	Performance Awards		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested balance April 24, 2015		—	$	—
Granted		60,970	$	21.82
Forfeited		—	$	—
Vested		—	$	—
Unvested balance, December 31, 2015		60,970	$	21.82

As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs was approximately $1.1 million, and the weighted-average vesting period was 2.3 years. The fair value of each PSU award is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation requires assumptions for expected volatility, risk-free return, and dividend yield. Our assumptions include a 0% dividend yield, which is the mathematical equivalent to reinvesting the dividends over the three-year performance period as is consistent with the terms of the PSUs. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the PSUs granted during the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Expected term (years)		2.9
Expected volatility		26.6	%
Expected annual dividend		0.0	%
Risk free rate		0.9	%

For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we recognized $1.9 million of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and performance-based awards, which is recorded in general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income.

Related Party Transactions	8 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 9. Related Party Transactions In connection with the Spin-Off, we issued approximately 149.8 million shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to Windstream as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business. Windstream Holdings distributed approximately 80.4% of the CS&L shares it received to existing stockholders of Windstream Holdings and retained a passive ownership interest of approximately 19.6% of the common stock of CS&L. As a result of this ownership Windstream is deemed to be a related party. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the following transactions with Windstream. Revenues – The Company records leasing revenue pursuant to the Master Lease. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we recognized leasing revenues of $458.6 million related to the Master Lease, which includes $0.8 million of TCI revenue recognized as a result of upgrades made by Windstream to the Distribution Systems. General and Administrative Expenses – We are party to a Transition Services Agreement (“TSA”) pursuant to which Windstream and its affiliates provide, on an interim basis, various services, including but not limited to information technology services, payment processing and collection services, financial and tax services, regulatory compliance and other support services. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we incurred $0.1 million of expense under the TSA. CLEC Operating Expenses – We are party to a Wholesale Master Services Agreement (“Wholesale Agreement”) and a Master Services Agreement with Windstream related to the Consumer CLEC Business. Under the Wholesale Agreement, Windstream provides us transport services (local and long distance telecommunications service), provisioning services (directory assistance, directory listing, service activation and service changes), and repair services (routine and emergency network maintenance, network audits and network security). Under the Master Services Agreement, Windstream provides billing and collections services to CS&L. During the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 we incurred expenses of $10.1 million and $1.1 million related to the Wholesale Agreement and Master Services Agreement, respectively. Dividend Payable – At December 31, 2015 there was a $17.6 million dividend payable to Windstream related to the dividend declared on November 6, 2015, based on Windstream ownership of CS&L shares as of the December 31, 2015 record date. This amount was paid to Windstream on January 15, 2016 along with the dividends payable to all common shareholders. In addition, there was $1.7 million accounts receivable from Windstream related to the collection of Consumer CLEC Business revenues, net of amounts owed to Windstream under the Wholesale Agreement and Master Services Agreement recorded in accounts receivable on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Landlord Funded Capital Expense – Windstream Holdings requested, and we funded, $43.1 million of capital expenditures related to the Distribution Systems on December 29, 2015. Monthly rent paid by Windstream increased in accordance with the Master Lease effective as of the date we provided the funding, which equates to approximately $3.5 million of incremental rent per year.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References + Details

Earnings Per Share

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 10. Earnings Per Share

Our restricted stock awards are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable rights to dividends at the same rate as common stock. As participating securities, we included these instruments in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method described in FASB ASC 260, Earnings per Share.

We also issue PSUs; however these units contain forfeitable rights to receive dividends and are therefore considered non-participating restrictive shares and are not dilutive under the two-class method until performance conditions are met.

The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method:

(Thousands, except per share data)	Period from April 24 - December 31,2015
Basic earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		(1,152	)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	23,718
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		149,835
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.16

(Thousands, except per share data)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
Diluted earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		(1,152	)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	23,718
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		149,835
Effect of dilutive non-participating securities		—
Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share		149,835
Dilutive earnings per common share	$	0.16

Segment Information

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Note 11. Segment Information

Our management, including our chief executive officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, manages our operations as two reportable business segments: Leasing and Consumer CLEC. Our Leasing segment represents our REIT operations and corporate expenses not directly attributable to the Consumer CLEC segment. The Consumer CLEC segment represents the operations of our Consumer CLEC Business and corporate expenses directly attributable to the operation of that business. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is an operating performance measure defined as net income determined in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of acquisition and transaction related expenses, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs, costs incurred as a result of the early repayment of debt, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and financial instruments, and other similar items. The Company believes that net income, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings metric; however we believe that Adjusted EBITDA serves as a useful supplement to net income because it allows investors, analysts and management to evaluate the performance of our segments in a manner that is comparable period over period. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Selected financial data related to our segments is presented below for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	Period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	Leasing Operations		Consumer CLEC		Subtotal of Reportable Segments
Revenues	$	458,614	$	17,700	$	476,314
Adjusted EBITDA		449,340		3,957		453,297

Depreciation and amortization		236,177		2,571		238,748
Interest expense						181,797
Acquisition and transaction related costs						5,210
Stock-based compensation						1,934
Income tax expense						738
Net income					$	24,870

Landlord funded and other capital expenditures		44,413		—		44,413

Total assets by business segment as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(Thousands)

Leasing Operations

Consumer CLEC

Subtotal of Reportable Segments

Total assets

2,527,915

14,721

2,542,636

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Commitment and Contingencies

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to claims and administrative proceedings, none of which we believe are material or would be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

We lease office space under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense under operating leases approximated $132,000 for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancellable operating leases with initial or remaining lease terms of one year or more, are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	365
2017		424
2018		433
2019		442
2020		423
Thereafter		25
Total	$	2,112

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Windstream has agreed to indemnify us (including our subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees and agents and certain other related parties) for any liability arising from or relating to legal proceedings involving Windstream's telecommunications business prior to the Spin-Off, and, pursuant to the Master Lease, Windstream has agreed to indemnify us for, among other things, any use, misuse, maintenance or repair by Windstream with respect to the Distribution Systems. Windstream is currently a party to various legal actions and administrative proceedings, including various claims arising in the ordinary course of its telecommunications business, which are subject to the indemnities provided by Windstream to us.

Under the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement entered into with Windstream, we are generally responsible for any taxes imposed on Windstream that arise from the failure of the Spin-Off and the debt exchanges to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, within the meaning of Section 355 and Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, as applicable, to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to certain actions, events or transactions relating to our stock, indebtedness, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or any covenants made by us in the Tax Matters Agreement, the materials submitted to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling or the representations provided in connection with the tax opinion. We believe that the probability of us incurring obligations under the Tax Matters Agreement are remote; and therefore, have recorded no such liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Note 13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

(Thousands)	Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge			Total
Beginning balance at April 24, 2015	$	—		$	—
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(21,682	)		(21,682	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		16,255			16,255
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	(5,427	)	$	(5,427	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Income Taxes

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 14. Income Taxes

We intend to elect on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a REIT and thus have no provision for U.S. federal income tax related to activities of the REIT and its passthrough subsidiaries. The REIT and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to certain state and local income taxes, franchise taxes, and gross receipts taxes. Our TRSs are subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the period ended December 31, 2015 as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income was comprised of the following:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
Current
Federal	$	1,208
State		741
Total current expense		1,949

Deferred
Federal		(770	)
State		(441	)
Total deferred expense		(1,211	)
Total income tax expense	$	738

A reconciliation between the U.S. statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
U.S statutory rate		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal benefit		1.0	%
Benefit of REIT status		(33.0	%)
Effective tax rate		3.0	%

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	90
Valuation allowance		-
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		90

Deferred tax liabilities:
Customer list intangible		(4,045	)
Fixed assets		(1,759	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,804	)

Deferred tax asset (liability), net	$	(5,714	)

The Company has no liability for unrecognized tax benefits or tax-related penalties or interest at December 31, 2015 and does not expect a significant change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. We have not yet filed tax returns for our initial tax year and therefore are not yet subject to examination.

Capital Stock	8 Months Ended
Capital Stock	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Note 15. Capital Stock We are authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of voting common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 149,862,459 and 0 shares, respectively, were outstanding at December 31, 2015. We had 350,137,541 shares of voting common stock available for issuance at December 31, 2015.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Dividends (Distributions)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payments Of Dividends [Abstract]

Dividends (Distributions)

Note 16. Dividends (Distributions)

Distributions with respect to our common stock is characterized for federal income tax purposes as taxable ordinary dividends, capital gains dividends, non-dividend distribution or a combination thereof. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 our common stock distribution per share attributable to 2015 was $1.04, characterized as follows:

	Period from
	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Ordinary dividends	$	0.87
Non-dividend distributions		0.17
Total	$	1.04

Future Minimum Rents

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Leases Operating [Abstract]

Future Minimum Rents

Note 17. Future Minimum Rents

Future minimum lease payments to be received, excluding operating expense reimbursements, from tenant under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	653,500
2017		653,500
2018		655,678
2019		658,957
2020		662,252
Thereafter		6,342,543
Total	$	9,626,430

Employee Benefit Plan	8 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Note 18. Employee Benefit Plan We sponsor a defined contribution plan under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers employees who are 21 years of age and over. Under this plan, we match voluntary employee contributions at a rate of 100% for the first 3% of an employee’s annual compensation and at a rate of 50% for the next 2% of an employee’s annual compensation. Employees vest in our contribution immediately. Our expense related to the plan recognized for the period April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was $67,574. We sponsor a deferred compensation plan. The plan is established and maintained by the Company primarily to permit certain management or highly compensated employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, within the meaning of Section 301(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), to defer a percentage of their compensation. The plan is an unfunded deferred compensation plan intended to qualify for the exemptions provided in, and shall be administered in a manner consistent with Section 201, 301 and 401 or ERISA and Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Subsequent Events	8 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 19. Subsequent Events On January 7, 2016, we announced that we entered into an agreement to acquire PEG Bandwidth, LLC (“PEG”). PEG is a provider of infrastructure solutions including cell site backhaul and dark fiber for telecom carriers and enterprises. PEG has an extensive fiber network in the Northeast / Mid Atlantic, Illinois and South Central regions of the U.S. The purchase price for all outstanding equity interests of PEG is valued at $409 million, subject to adjustment, and will include $315 million of cash, issuance of one million shares of the Company’s common stock, and the issuance of 87,500 shares of the Company’s 3% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”). The Company intends to fund the cash portion of the transaction through cash on hand and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. Closing is expected to occur in April 2016. We will pay cumulative dividends on each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock at a rate of 3.00% per annum on the initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends will accrue and cumulate from the date of issuance and, to the extent that CS&L is legally permitted to pay dividends and its board of directors declares a dividend payable, CS&L will pay dividends quarterly in cash. At the closing of the transaction, we will file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland Articles Supplementary (the “Articles Supplementary”) to CS&L’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement setting out the form and terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert on a date that will be approximately eight years following the initial issue date, if not earlier converted, repurchased or redeemed. Prior to a date that will be approximately three years following the initial issue date, the Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible only upon the occurrence of specified events set forth in the Articles Supplementary. Thereafter, holders may convert their Convertible Preferred Stock at any time. We will settle conversions of the Convertible Preferred Stock by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, common stock or a combination thereof, at its election. Upon any conversion, we will deliver consideration per share of Convertible Preferred Stock worth the greater of the liquidation preference and the value of a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate of 28.5714 shares of common stock (which is subject to adjustment for certain dilutive events). If, upon any conversion, we elect to satisfy such conversion with shares of common stock (in whole or in part), the number of shares of common stock issuable by CS&L per share of Convertible Preferred Stock will be capped at 19.9% of our outstanding share count as of the initial issue date, divided by the 87,500 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock issued (the “Share Cap”) and, in a mandatory conversion at maturity, CS&L must pay cash in respect of any shares of common stock not delivered as a result of the Share Cap.

Supplemental Guarantor Information

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Supplemental Guarantor Information

Note 20. Supplemental Guarantor Information

In connection with the issuance of our 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2023 and Term Loan B Facility due 2022, the Guarantors provided guarantees of that indebtedness. These guarantees are full and unconditional as well as joint and several. All property assets and related operations of the Guarantors are pledged as collateral under these obligations and the Guarantors are subject to restrictions on certain investments and payments. Subject to the terms and provisions of the debt agreements, in certain circumstances, a Guarantor may be released from its guarantee obligation including, upon the sale or transfer of any portion of its equity interest or all or substantially all its property, and upon any Guarantor being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or otherwise no longer being required to remain a Guarantor given its size or regulatory restrictions.

We have determined that certain immaterial misclassifications existed in the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of September 30, 2015 and condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, which impacted only CS&L, CSL Capital and the Guarantors with applicable offsetting adjustments in Eliminations. These misclassifications had no impact to the condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015. In the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of September 30, 2015, (1) the affiliate receivable balance for the Guarantors should have been zero and total shareholders deficit should have been reduced by $68.7 million to $2,042 million; (2) the investment in consolidated subsidiaries and total shareholders’ deficit balances for CSL Capital should have been reduced by $68.7 million to $2,570 million and $1,002 million, respectively; (3) the affiliate payable balance for CS&L should have been zero and investment in consolidated subsidiaries should have been reduced by $68.7 million to $2,570 million; and (4) all with equal and offsetting adjustments made in the Eliminations column. In the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities for the Guarantors should have been increased by $68.8 million to $278.3 million, with an offsetting decrease of $68.8 million to net cash provided by financing activities for the Guarantors. The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 presented below includes the impact of these revisions.

In addition, we determined that certain immaterial misclassifications existed in the condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the period from April 24, 2015 to June 30, 2015, the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, which impacted only CS&L with applicable offsetting adjustments in the Eliminations column. For the period from April 24, 2015 to June 30, 2015, earnings from consolidated subsidiaries, net income and comprehensive income of CS&L should have been increased from $8.6 million, ($40.5) million, and $(11.9) million to $57.4 million, $8.3 million, and $36.9 million, respectively. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, earnings from consolidated subsidiaries, net income, and comprehensive income of CS&L should have been increased from $10.2 million, ($57.1) million, and ($99.7) million to $76.7 million, $9.4 million, and ($33.1) million, respectively. For the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, earnings from consolidated subsidiaries, net income, and comprehensive income of CS&L should have been increased from $18.8 million, ($97.6) million, and ($111.6) million to $134.1 million, $17.7 million, and $3.7 million respectively. The condensed consolidating statement of comprehensive income for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 presented below includes the impact of these revisions.

The following information summarizes our Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, and the Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the period April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L			CSL Capital			Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	$	—		$	—		$	1,839,603	$	533,048	$	—		$	2,372,651
Cash and cash equivalents		17			—			140,197		2,284		—			142,498
Accounts receivable, net		—			—			474		1,609		—			2,083
Affiliate receivable		—			—			151		—		(151	)		—
Customer list intangible assets, net		—			—			—		10,530		—			10,530
Straight-line rent receivable		—			—			11,795		—		—			11,795
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		2,458,679			2,458,679			11,235		—		(4,928,593	)		—
Other assets		—			—			2,781		298		—			3,079
Total Assets	$	2,458,696		$	2,458,679		$	2,006,236	$	547,769	$	(4,928,744	)	$	2,542,636

Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	9,204	$	1,205	$	—		$	10,409
Accrued Interest payable		24,440			24,440			—		—		(24,440	)		24,440
Deferred Revenue		—			—			44,862		22,955		—			67,817
Derivative liability		5,427			5,427			—		—		(5,427	)		5,427
Affiliate payable		—			—			—		151		(151	)		—
Dividends payable		90,507			—			—		—		—			90,507
Deferred income taxes		—			—			1,677		4,037		—			5,714
Notes and other debt		3,505,228			3,505,228			—		—		(3,505,228	)		3,505,228
Total liabilities		3,625,602			3,535,095			55,743		28,348		(3,535,246	)		3,709,542

Common Stock		15			—			—		—		—			15
Additional paid-in capital		1,392			—			—		—		—			1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,427	)		(5,427	)		—		—		5,427			(5,427	)
Distributions in excess of earnings		(1,162,886	)		(1,070,989	)		1,950,493		519,421		(1,398,925	)		(1,162,886	)
Total shareholders' deficit		(1,166,906	)		(1,076,416	)		1,950,493		519,421		(1,393,498	)		(1,166,906	)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$	2,458,696		$	2,458,679		$	2,006,236	$	547,769	$	(4,928,744	)	$	2,542,636

	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L		CSL Capital		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues:
Rental revenues	$	—	$	—	$	458,334	$	280		$	—		$	458,614
Consumer CLEC		—		—		—		17,700			—			17,700
Total revenues		—		—		458,334		17,980			—			476,314
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense		181,797		181,797		—		—			(181,797	)		181,797
Depreciation and amortization		—		—		173,648		65,100			—			238,748
General and administrative expense		1,934		—		9,274		—			—			11,208
CLEC operating expense		—		—		—		13,743			—			13,743
Acquisition and transaction related costs		—		—		5,210		—			—			5,210
Total costs and expenses		183,731		181,797		188,132		78,843			(181,797	)		450,706
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries		208,601		208,601		—		—			(417,202	)		—
(Loss) Income before income taxes		24,870		26,804		270,202		(60,863	)		(235,405	)		25,608
Income tax expense		—		—		201		537			—			738
Net (loss) income	$	24,870	$	26,804	$	270,001	$	(61,400	)	$	(235,405	)	$	24,870

Comprehensive (loss) income	$	19,443	$	21,377	$	270,001	$	(61,400	)	$	(229,978	)	$	19,443

	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L			CSL Capital		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	106,332		$	—	$	426,719		$	13,519		$	(253,362	)	$	293,208

Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services		(1,035,029	)		—		—			—			—			(1,035,029	)
Capital expenditures - real estate investments		—			—		(31,842	)		(11,235	)		—			(43,077	)
Capital expenditures - other		—			—		(1,336	)		—			—			(1,336	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,035,029	)		—		(33,178	)		(11,235	)		—			(1,079,442	)

Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans		1,127,000			—		—			—			—			1,127,000
Deferred financing costs		(30,057	)		—		—			—			—			(30,057	)
Principal payment on debt		(10,700	)		—		—			—			—			(10,700	)
Common stock issuance		(656	)		—		—			—			—			(656	)
Dividends paid		(156,854	)		—		—			—			—			(156,854	)
Intercompany transactions, net		—			—		(253,362	)		—			253,362			—
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares		(19	)		—		—			—			—			(19	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		928,714			—		(253,362	)		—			253,362			928,714

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		17			—		140,179			2,284			—			142,480
Cash and cash equivalents, April 24, 2015		—			—		18			—			—			18
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31, 2015	$	17		$	—	$	140,197		$	2,284		$	—		$	142,498

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

Note 21. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

Selected quarterly information for period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	2015
	Period from		Third		Fourth
(Thousands, except per share data)	April 24 - June 30, 2015		Quarter		Quarter
Total revenues	$	128,748	$	173,634	$	173,932
Income before income taxes		8,532		9,671		7,405
Net income		8,301		9,403		7,166
Net income applicable to common shareholders		7,976		8,973		6,769

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	0.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	0.05
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.44	$	0.60	$	0.60

Description of Business	8 Months Ended
Description of Business	Dec. 31, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Description of Business	Note 1. Description of Business Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in February 2014 and reorganized in the state of Maryland on September 4, 2014. On April 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of CS&L from Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries “Windstream”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”) to CS&L in exchange for cash, shares of common stock of CS&L and certain indebtedness of CS&L (the “Spin-Off”). The Consumer CLEC Business, which historically has been reported as an integrated operation within Windstream, offers voice, broadband, long-distance, and value-added services to residential customers located primarily in rural locations. Substantially all of the network assets used to provide these services to customers are contracted through interconnection agreements with other telecommunications carriers. Prior to the Spin-Off, Windstream ceased accepting new residential customers in the service areas covered by the Consumer CLEC Business.

Deferred Income Taxes

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]

Income Taxes

Note 14. Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) for the period ended December 31, 2015 as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income was comprised of the following:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
Current
Federal	$	1,208
State		741
Total current expense		1,949

Deferred
Federal		(770	)
State		(441	)
Total deferred expense		(1,211	)
Total income tax expense	$	738

A reconciliation between the U.S. statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
U.S statutory rate		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal benefit		1.0	%
Benefit of REIT status		(33.0	%)
Effective tax rate		3.0	%

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	90
Valuation allowance		-
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		90

Deferred tax liabilities:
Customer list intangible		(4,045	)
Fixed assets		(1,759	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,804	)

Deferred tax asset (liability), net	$	(5,714	)

Consumer CLEC Business

Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]

Income Taxes

Note 5. Deferred Income Taxes

The significant components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2014
Customer list intangible assets	$	(5,523	)
Bad debt reserve		40
Deferred income taxes, net	$	(5,483	)

Deferred tax assets	$	40
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,523	)
Deferred income taxes, net	$	(5,483	)

Allocations	8 Months Ended
Allocations	Dec. 31, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Allocations [Line Items]
Allocations	Note 6. Allocations As described in Note 2, the accompanying Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses of the Consumer CLEC Business include all direct costs incurred in connection with the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was practicable. In addition, certain costs incurred by Windstream to operate the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was not practicable have been allocated based on revenues and sales. These allocated expenses are included in “Cost of revenues” and “Selling, general and administrative.” General and administrative costs incurred by Windstream not directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business have not been allocated to these operations. Costs not allocated include amounts related to executive management, accounting, treasury and cash management, data processing, legal, human resources and certain occupancy costs.

Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Distribution Systems
Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets	1. Separation from Windstream Holdings, Inc. and Description of Transferred Assets On April, 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (“CS&L”), from Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and together with its subsidiaries, “Windstream”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper network and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”), and a small competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business to CS&L in exchange for cash, shares of common stock of CS&L and certain indebtedness of CS&L. Windstream Holdings distributed approximately 80.1% of the outstanding common stock of CS&L that it received to existing stockholders of Windstream Holdings in a tax-free spin-off (the “Spin-Off”). As a result of the Spin-Off, CS&L is a real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry.

Basis of Presentation	8 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for financial information set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CS&L and its subsidiaries, substantially all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Distribution Systems
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	2. Basis of Presentation The accompanying balance sheet reflects the Distribution System assets of Windstream that were transferred to CS&L in connection with the Spin-Off. The balance sheet presented herein is combined on the basis of common control. The accompanying balance sheet has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and has been derived from the accounting records of Windstream. The Distribution System assets presented in the accompanying balance sheet reflects Windstream’s historical carrying value of the assets as of the balance sheet date consistent with the accounting for spin-off transactions in accordance with GAAP.

Property, Plant and Equipment

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Distribution Systems

Property, Plant and Equipment

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Net property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

($ in Millions)	Depreciable Lives	December 31, 2014
Land		$	33.0
Building and Improvements	3 - 40 years		305.5
Poles	13 - 40 years		223.0
Fiber	7 - 40 years		1,841.2
Copper	7 - 40 years		3,430.8
Conduit	13 - 47 years		89.2
Construction in progress			34.0
			5,956.7
Less accumulated depreciation			(3,384.9	)
Net property, plant and equipment		$	2,571.8

Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company)

CS&L, Inc.

Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of

The Registrant (Parent Company)

Balance Sheet

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	17
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		2,458,679
Total Assets	$	2,458,696

Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued Interest payable	$	24,440
Derivative liability		5,427
Dividends payable		90,507
Notes and other debt		3,505,228
Total liabilities		3,625,602

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding		-
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 149,862 shares issued and outstanding		15
Additional paid-in capital		1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,427	)
Distributions in excess of earnings		(1,162,886	)
Total shareholders' deficit		(1,166,906	)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$	2,458,696

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of CS&L, Inc. included in Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CS&L, Inc.

Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of

The Registrant (Parent Company)

Statement of Comprehensive Income

	Period from
(Thousands)	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	$	181,797
General and administrative expense		1,934
Total costs and expenses		183,731
Operating loss		(183,731	)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries		208,601
Loss before income taxes		24,870
Income tax expense		-
Net loss		24,870
Comprehensive income	$	19,443

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of CS&L, Inc. included in Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CS&L, Inc.

Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of

The Registrant (Parent Company)

Statement of Cash Flows

	Period from
(Thousands)	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	24,870
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs		4,832
Amortization of debt discount		5,172
Equity in earnings from subsidiaries		(208,601	)
Distribution from subsidiaries		253,362
Stock-based compensation		1,934
Changes in:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		24,763
Net cash provided by operating activities		106,332

Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services		(1,035,029	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,035,029	)

Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans		1,127,000
Deferred financing costs		(30,057	)
Principal payment on debt		(10,700	)
Common stock issuance		(656	)
Dividends paid		(156,854	)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares		(19	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		928,714

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		17
Cash and cash equivalents, April 24, 2015		-
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31, 2015	$	17

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of CS&L, Inc. included in Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CS&L, Inc.

Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of

The Registrant (Parent Company)

Background and Basis of Presentation – On April 24, 2015 Communications Sales and Leasing, Inc. (“CS&L”), along with our wholly owned subsidiary CSL Capital, LLC, co-issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023 (the “Secured Notes”) and $1.11 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due October 15, 2023 (the “Senior Notes” and together with the Secured Notes, the “Notes”). The Notes are guaranteed by each of CS&L’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under CS&L’s senior credit facilities. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements of CS&L have been presented on a “Parent Only” basis. Under this basis of presentation, CS&L’s investment in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. The condensed parent company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of CS&L and its subsidiaries included in Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Schedule III – Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule III – Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation

Communications Sales and Leasing, Inc.

Schedule III – Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation

As of December 31, 2015

(dollars in thousands)

Col. A	Col. B		Col. C	Col. D		Col. E		Col. F			Col. G	Col. H	Col. I

			Initial cost to company⁽¹⁾	Cost capitalized subsequent to acquisition^{(1) (3)}		Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period							Life on which Depreciation in Latest Income Statements is Computed
Description	Encumbrances		Distribution Systems	Improvements	Carry Costs	Distribution Systems Total		Accumulated Depreciation			Date of Construction⁽²⁾	Date Acquired⁽²⁾
Land	$	—	(1)	(1)	(1)	$	33,386	$	(2,319	)	(2)	(2)
Building and improvements		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		313,736		(138,660	)	(2)	(2)	3 - 40 years
Poles		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		228,031		(167,578	)	(2)	(2)	13 - 40 years
Fiber		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		1,948,192		(697,644	)	(2)	(2)	7 - 40 years
Copper		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		3,475,987		(2,662,905	)	(2)	(2)	7 - 40 years
Conduit		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		89,460		(51,784	)	(2)	(2)	13 - 47 years
Construction in progress		—	(1)	(1)	(1)		4,749		—		(2)	(2)

⁽¹⁾Given the voluminous nature and variety of the Distribution Systems assets, this schedule omits columns C and D from the schedule III presentation.

⁽²⁾Because additions and improvements to the Distribution Systems are ongoing, construction and acquisition dates are not applicable.

⁽³⁾For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the amount of capitalized costs related to the Distribution Systems is as follows (millions):

	New investments		$	43.1
	Tenant capital improvements⁽⁴⁾		$	68.6

⁽⁴⁾ Tenant capital improvements represent, maintenance, repair, overbuild, upgrade or replacements to the leased network, including, without limitation, the replacement of copper distribution systems with fiber distribution systems. We receive non-monetary consideration related to the TCIs as they automatically become our property, and we recognize the cost basis of TCIs that are capital in nature.

Communications Sales and Leasing, Inc.

Schedule III – Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation

As of December 31, 2015

(dollars in thousands)

	2015
Gross amount at beginning	$	5,995,376
Additions during period:
Tenant capital improvements		68,569
Redevelopments		43,077
Other		-
Total additions		111,646

Deductions during period:
Cost of real estate sold or disposed		13,481
Other		-
Total deductions		13,481

Balance at end	$	6,093,541

	2015
Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning	$	3,497,598
Additions during period:
Depreciation		235,967
Other		-
Total additions		235,967

Deductions during period:
Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed		12,675
Other		-
Total deductions		12,675

Balance at end	$	3,720,890

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Use of Estimates

Real Estate Investments

Tenant Capital Improvements

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Customer List Intangible Assets

Revenue Recognition

Stock-Based Compensation

Income Taxes

Earnings per Share

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the assessment date

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, derivative liabilities, our outstanding notes and other debt, accounts payable and interest payable.

The following table summarizes the fair value valuation of our financial instruments at December 31, 2015:

(Thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	142,498	$	142,498	$	—	$	—
Accounts and other receivables		2,083		2,083		—		—
Total	$	144,581	$	144,581	$	—	$	—

Liabilities
Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023	$	376,000	$	—	$	376,000	$	—
Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023		937,950		—		937,950		—
Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022		1,986,198		—		1,986,198		—
Derivative liability		5,427				5,427
Accounts, interest and dividends payable		125,356		125,356		—		—
Total	$	3,430,931	$	125,356	$	3,305,575	$	—

Concentration of Credit Risks

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Consumer CLEC Business

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying financial statements, and such differences could be material.

Customer List Intangible Assets

Revenue Recognition

Income Taxes

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Accounts Receivable

Subsequent Events

Distribution Systems

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statement are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statement. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying financial statement, and such differences could be material.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Subsequent Events

Property, Plant and Equipment

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value Valuation of Financial Instruments

The following table summarizes the fair value valuation of our financial instruments at December 31, 2015:

(Thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	142,498	$	142,498	$	—	$	—
Accounts and other receivables		2,083		2,083		—		—
Total	$	144,581	$	144,581	$	—	$	—

Liabilities
Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023	$	376,000	$	—	$	376,000	$	—
Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023		937,950		—		937,950		—
Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022		1,986,198		—		1,986,198		—
Derivative liability		5,427				5,427
Accounts, interest and dividends payable		125,356		125,356		—		—
Total	$	3,430,931	$	125,356	$	3,305,575	$	—

Real Estate Investments (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Real Estate [Abstract]

Schedule of Carrying Value of Real Estate Investments

The carrying value of real estate investments is as follows:

(Thousands)	Depreciable Lives	December 31, 2015
Land		$	33,386
Building and improvements	3 - 40 years		313,736
Poles	13 - 40 years		228,031
Fiber	7 - 40 years		1,948,192
Copper	7 - 40 years		3,475,987
Conduit	13 - 47 years		89,460
Construction in progress			4,749
			6,093,541
Less accumulated depreciation			(3,720,890	)
Net real estate investments		$	2,372,651

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Presentation in Consolidated Balance Sheet

The following table summarizes the fair value and the presentation in our Consolidated Balance Sheet:

(Thousands)

Location on Consolidated

Balance Sheet

December 31, 2015

Interest rate swaps

Derivative liability

5,427

Customer List Intangible Assets (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets

The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets is as follows:

	December 31, 2015
	Gross		Accumulated			Net Carrying
(Thousands)	Cost		Amortization			Value
Customer lists	$	34,501	$	(23,971	)	$	10,530

Consumer CLEC Business

Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets

The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets at December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	December 31, 2014
(Thousands)	Gross Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Customer lists	$	34,501	$	(20,049	)	$	14,452

Notes and Other Debt (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Long Term Debt [Abstract]

Schedule of Notes and Other Debt

Notes and other debt is as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Principal amount	$	3,639,300
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		(134,072	)
Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$	3,505,228

Notes and other debt at December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

(Thousands)	Principal		Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs
Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 6.29%)	$	400,000	$	(6,767	)
Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 9.06%)		1,110,000		(50,200	)
Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 5.66%)		2,129,300		(77,105	)
Senior secured revolving credit facility, variable rate, due April 24, 2020		—		—
Total	$	3,639,300	$	(134,072	)

Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Obligations

Aggregate annual maturities of our long-term obligations at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	21,400
2017		21,400
2018		21,400
2019		21,400
2020		21,400
Thereafter		3,532,300
Total	$	3,639,300

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Restricted Awards

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Awards

The following table sets forth the number of unvested restricted stock awards and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant:

	Restricted Awards		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested balance April 24, 2015		—	$	—
Granted		241,140	$	25.82
Forfeited		—	$	—
Vested		—	$	—
Unvested balance, December 31, 2015		241,140	$	25.82

Performance Awards

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Unvested Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Awards

The following table sets forth the number of unvested PSUs and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant:

	Performance Awards		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested balance April 24, 2015		—	$	—
Granted		60,970	$	21.82
Forfeited		—	$	—
Vested		—	$	—
Unvested balance, December 31, 2015		60,970	$	21.82

Schedule of Assumptions used to Value PSUs Granted

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the PSUs granted during the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Expected term (years)		2.9
Expected volatility		26.6	%
Expected annual dividend		0.0	%
Risk free rate		0.9	%

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted

The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method:

(Thousands, except per share data)	Period from April 24 - December 31,2015
Basic earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		(1,152	)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	23,718
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		149,835
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.16

(Thousands, except per share data)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
Diluted earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		(1,152	)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	23,718
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		149,835
Effect of dilutive non-participating securities		—
Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share		149,835
Dilutive earnings per common share	$	0.16

Segment Information (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information

Selected financial data related to our segments is presented below for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	Period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	Leasing Operations		Consumer CLEC		Subtotal of Reportable Segments
Revenues	$	458,614	$	17,700	$	476,314
Adjusted EBITDA		449,340		3,957		453,297

Depreciation and amortization		236,177		2,571		238,748
Interest expense						181,797
Acquisition and transaction related costs						5,210
Stock-based compensation						1,934
Income tax expense						738
Net income					$	24,870

Landlord funded and other capital expenditures		44,413		—		44,413

Summary of Total Assets by Business Segment

Total assets by business segment as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(Thousands)

Leasing Operations

Consumer CLEC

Subtotal of Reportable Segments

Total assets

2,527,915

14,721

2,542,636

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases

Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancellable operating leases with initial or remaining lease terms of one year or more, are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	365
2017		424
2018		433
2019		442
2020		423
Thereafter		25
Total	$	2,112

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

+ References + Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

(Thousands)	Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge			Total
Beginning balance at April 24, 2015	$	—		$	—
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(21,682	)		(21,682	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		16,255			16,255
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	(5,427	)	$	(5,427	)

Income Taxes (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) for the period ended December 31, 2015 as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income was comprised of the following:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
Current
Federal	$	1,208
State		741
Total current expense		1,949

Deferred
Federal		(770	)
State		(441	)
Total deferred expense		(1,211	)
Total income tax expense	$	738

Reconciliation Between U.S. Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate

A reconciliation between the U.S. statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows:

(Thousands)	Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
U.S statutory rate		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal benefit		1.0	%
Benefit of REIT status		(33.0	%)
Effective tax rate		3.0	%

Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	90
Valuation allowance		-
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		90

Deferred tax liabilities:
Customer list intangible		(4,045	)
Fixed assets		(1,759	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,804	)

Deferred tax asset (liability), net	$	(5,714	)

Dividends (Distributions) (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payments Of Dividends [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Distribution Per Share

For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 our common stock distribution per share attributable to 2015 was $1.04, characterized as follows:

	Period from
	April 24 - December 31, 2015
Ordinary dividends	$	0.87
Non-dividend distributions		0.17
Total	$	1.04

Future Minimum Rents (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Leases Operating [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments to be Received from Tenant under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases

Future minimum lease payments to be received, excluding operating expense reimbursements, from tenant under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

(Thousands)
2016	$	653,500
2017		653,500
2018		655,678
2019		658,957
2020		662,252
Thereafter		6,342,543
Total	$	9,626,430

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L			CSL Capital			Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	$	—		$	—		$	1,839,603	$	533,048	$	—		$	2,372,651
Cash and cash equivalents		17			—			140,197		2,284		—			142,498
Accounts receivable, net		—			—			474		1,609		—			2,083
Affiliate receivable		—			—			151		—		(151	)		—
Customer list intangible assets, net		—			—			—		10,530		—			10,530
Straight-line rent receivable		—			—			11,795		—		—			11,795
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		2,458,679			2,458,679			11,235		—		(4,928,593	)		—
Other assets		—			—			2,781		298		—			3,079
Total Assets	$	2,458,696		$	2,458,679		$	2,006,236	$	547,769	$	(4,928,744	)	$	2,542,636

Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	9,204	$	1,205	$	—		$	10,409
Accrued Interest payable		24,440			24,440			—		—		(24,440	)		24,440
Deferred Revenue		—			—			44,862		22,955		—			67,817
Derivative liability		5,427			5,427			—		—		(5,427	)		5,427
Affiliate payable		—			—			—		151		(151	)		—
Dividends payable		90,507			—			—		—		—			90,507
Deferred income taxes		—			—			1,677		4,037		—			5,714
Notes and other debt		3,505,228			3,505,228			—		—		(3,505,228	)		3,505,228
Total liabilities		3,625,602			3,535,095			55,743		28,348		(3,535,246	)		3,709,542

Common Stock		15			—			—		—		—			15
Additional paid-in capital		1,392			—			—		—		—			1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,427	)		(5,427	)		—		—		5,427			(5,427	)
Distributions in excess of earnings		(1,162,886	)		(1,070,989	)		1,950,493		519,421		(1,398,925	)		(1,162,886	)
Total shareholders' deficit		(1,166,906	)		(1,076,416	)		1,950,493		519,421		(1,393,498	)		(1,166,906	)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$	2,458,696		$	2,458,679		$	2,006,236	$	547,769	$	(4,928,744	)	$	2,542,636

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L		CSL Capital		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues:
Rental revenues	$	—	$	—	$	458,334	$	280		$	—		$	458,614
Consumer CLEC		—		—		—		17,700			—			17,700
Total revenues		—		—		458,334		17,980			—			476,314
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense		181,797		181,797		—		—			(181,797	)		181,797
Depreciation and amortization		—		—		173,648		65,100			—			238,748
General and administrative expense		1,934		—		9,274		—			—			11,208
CLEC operating expense		—		—		—		13,743			—			13,743
Acquisition and transaction related costs		—		—		5,210		—			—			5,210
Total costs and expenses		183,731		181,797		188,132		78,843			(181,797	)		450,706
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries		208,601		208,601		—		—			(417,202	)		—
(Loss) Income before income taxes		24,870		26,804		270,202		(60,863	)		(235,405	)		25,608
Income tax expense		—		—		201		537			—			738
Net (loss) income	$	24,870	$	26,804	$	270,001	$	(61,400	)	$	(235,405	)	$	24,870

Comprehensive (loss) income	$	19,443	$	21,377	$	270,001	$	(61,400	)	$	(229,978	)	$	19,443

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Period from April 24 - December 31, 2015
(Thousands)	CS&L			CSL Capital		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	106,332		$	—	$	426,719		$	13,519		$	(253,362	)	$	293,208

Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services		(1,035,029	)		—		—			—			—			(1,035,029	)
Capital expenditures - real estate investments		—			—		(31,842	)		(11,235	)		—			(43,077	)
Capital expenditures - other		—			—		(1,336	)		—			—			(1,336	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,035,029	)		—		(33,178	)		(11,235	)		—			(1,079,442	)

Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans		1,127,000			—		—			—			—			1,127,000
Deferred financing costs		(30,057	)		—		—			—			—			(30,057	)
Principal payment on debt		(10,700	)		—		—			—			—			(10,700	)
Common stock issuance		(656	)		—		—			—			—			(656	)
Dividends paid		(156,854	)		—		—			—			—			(156,854	)
Intercompany transactions, net		—			—		(253,362	)		—			253,362			—
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares		(19	)		—		—			—			—			(19	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		928,714			—		(253,362	)		—			253,362			928,714

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		17			—		140,179			2,284			—			142,480
Cash and cash equivalents, April 24, 2015		—			—		18			—			—			18
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31, 2015	$	17		$	—	$	140,197		$	2,284		$	—		$	142,498

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Selected quarterly information for period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015:

	2015
	Period from		Third		Fourth
(Thousands, except per share data)	April 24 - June 30, 2015		Quarter		Quarter
Total revenues	$	128,748	$	173,634	$	173,932
Income before income taxes		8,532		9,671		7,405
Net income		8,301		9,403		7,166
Net income applicable to common shareholders		7,976		8,973		6,769

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	0.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.05	$	0.06	$	0.05
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.44	$	0.60	$	0.60

Deferred Income Taxes (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]

Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	90
Valuation allowance		-
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		90

Deferred tax liabilities:
Customer list intangible		(4,045	)
Fixed assets		(1,759	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,804	)

Deferred tax asset (liability), net	$	(5,714	)

Consumer CLEC Business

Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]

Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(Thousands)	December 31, 2014
Customer list intangible assets	$	(5,523	)
Bad debt reserve		40
Deferred income taxes, net	$	(5,483	)

Deferred tax assets	$	40
Deferred tax liabilities		(5,523	)
Deferred income taxes, net	$	(5,483	)

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

8 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Distribution Systems

Summary of Net Property, Plant and Equipment

Net property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

($ in Millions)	Depreciable Lives	December 31, 2014
Land		$	33.0
Building and Improvements	3 - 40 years		305.5
Poles	13 - 40 years		223.0
Fiber	7 - 40 years		1,841.2
Copper	7 - 40 years		3,430.8
Conduit	13 - 47 years		89.2
Construction in progress			34.0
			5,956.7
Less accumulated depreciation			(3,384.9	)
Net property, plant and equipment		$	2,571.8

Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 mi State
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of fiber strand miles	3,600,000
Number of route miles of copper	230,800
Number of States in which an entity owns properties \| State	29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property		$ 0
Impairment losses		0
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 0
Income tax examination, description		We recognize the benefit of tax positions that are "more likely than not" to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merit. The benefit of a tax position is measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Current liabilities for uncertain income tax positions		$ 0
Federal corporate level tax rate		35.00%
Specified recognition period for federal corporate tax		10 years
Principal amount of notes and other debt		$ 3,639,300,000
Consumer CLEC Business
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts	$ 111,000			$ 487,000
Unbilled receivables				94,000
Distribution Systems
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property				$ 0
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notes and other debt, fair value		$ 3,300,000,000
Scenario Forecast
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Specified recognition period for federal corporate tax			5 years
Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of REIT taxable income distributed		90.00%
Real Estate Investments
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Tenant funded capital improvements		$ 67,800,000
Master Lease \| Windstream
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Leasing revenue		458,600,000
Master Lease \| Windstream \| Tenant Capital Improvements
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Leasing revenue		$ 800,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Fair Value Valuation of Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 142,498
Accounts and other receivables	2,083
Total	144,581
Liabilities
Derivative liability	5,427
Accounts, interest and dividends payable	125,356
Total	3,430,931
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	376,000
8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	937,950
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Liabilities
Senior secured term loan	1,986,198
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	142,498
Accounts and other receivables	2,083
Total	144,581
Liabilities
Accounts, interest and dividends payable	125,356
Total	125,356
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities
Derivative liability	5,427
Total	3,305,575
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| 6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	376,000
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	937,950
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Liabilities
Senior secured term loan	$ 1,986,198

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Fair Value Valuation of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 24, 2022

Real Estate Investments - Schedule of Carrying Value of Real Estate Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	$ 6,093,541
Accumulated depreciation - real estate investments	(3,720,890)
Net real estate investments	2,372,651
Land
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	33,386
Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	313,736
Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	228,031
Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	1,948,192
Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	3,475,987
Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	89,460
Construction in progress
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	$ 4,749
Minimum \| Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Minimum \| Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Minimum \| Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum \| Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum \| Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Maximum \| Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum \| Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum \| Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum \| Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum \| Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	47 years

Real Estate Investments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real estate investment, depreciation expense	$ 235,967

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 27, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	$ 21,700,000
Ineffective portion of change in fair value derivatives	0
Increase decrease in estimated interest expense	24,100,000
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Reclassification of other comprehensive income	$ 16,300,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional value		$ 2,130,000,000
Derivative, maturity date	Oct. 24, 2022
Derivative, weighted average fixed rate paid		2.105%
LIBOR, minimum variable rate		1.00%

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Presentation in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 5,427
Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 5,427

Customer List Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value	$ 10,530
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value		$ 14,452
Customer Lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	34,501
Accumulated Amortization	(23,971)
Net Carrying Value	$ 10,530
Customer Lists \| Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost		34,501
Accumulated Amortization		(20,049)
Net Carrying Value		$ 14,452

Customer List Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ 1,283		$ 4,586	$ 5,253
Customer Lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization		$ 2,600
Estimated amortization expense for 2016		3,300
2017		2,600
2018		2,000
2019		1,400
2020		$ 900
Customer Lists \| Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ 1,283		$ 4,586

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule of Notes and Other Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	$ 3,639,300
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(134,072)
Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	3,505,228
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	400,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(6,767)
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	1,110,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(50,200)
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	2,129,300
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ (77,105)

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule of Notes and Other Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
Debt instrument, imputed interest rate	6.29%
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023
Debt instrument, imputed interest rate	9.06%
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 24, 2022
Debt instrument, imputed interest rate	5.66%
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Apr. 24, 2020

Notes and Other Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		8 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred financing costs		$ 4,832,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowing amount			$ 150,000,000
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured leverage ratio			500.00%
Consolidated total leverage ratio			650.00%
Maximum \| Pro Forma
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured leverage ratio			400.00%
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date		Apr. 15, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 15, 2023
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 24, 2022
CSL Capital, LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 62,200,000
Term loan issue price as a percentage of par			98.00%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 0
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount			$ 400,000,000
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage			6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date		Apr. 15, 2023
Notes issued price percentage at par	100.00%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount			$ 1,110,000,000
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage			8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 15, 2023
Notes issued price percentage at par	97.055%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount			$ 2,140,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity period		2022-10
Debt amortization percentage			1.00%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility \| Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, floor rate	1.00%
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	4.00%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity period		2020-04
Aggregate borrowing amount			$ 500,000,000
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
CSL Capital, LLC \| Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.25%
Windstream Services LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuers transferred cash proceeds to parent	$ 1,040,000,000

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Long Term Debt By Maturity [Abstract]
2016	$ 21,400
2017	21,400
2018	21,400
2019	21,400
2020	21,400
Thereafter	3,532,300
Total	$ 3,639,300

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		8 Months Ended
	May 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance		350,137,541
Restricted Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 4,800,000
Number of shares granted		241,140
Fair value of shares granted		$ 6,200,000
Awards vesting period		3 years
Shares available for future issuance		5,303,151
Weighted average vesting period		2 years
Performance Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 1,100,000
Number of shares granted	60,970	60,970
Weighted average vesting period		2 years 3 months 18 days
Performance period		3 years
Percentage of target amount	100.00%
Aggregate value	$ 1,300,000
Number of shares forfeited		0
Dividend yield		0.00%
Performance Awards \| Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target shares		0.00%
Performance Awards \| Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target shares		150.00%
Unvested Windstream Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 100,000
Unvested Windstream Awards \| General And Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recognized during the period		197,000
Restricted Stock Awards and Performance-Based Awards \| General And Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recognized during the period		$ 1,900,000
Windstream \| Restricted Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued		538,819
Shares issued to employees remained outstanding		420,464
Windstream \| Performance Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued		70,889
Shares issued to employees remained outstanding		56,765

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Details) - Restricted Awards	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted \| shares	241,140
Unvested balance \| shares	241,140
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date \| $ / shares	$ 25.82
Unvested balance, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date \| $ / shares	$ 25.82

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Unvested Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Awards (Details) - Performance Awards - $ / shares		8 Months Ended
	May 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	60,970	60,970
Forfeited		0
Unvested balance		60,970
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		$ 21.82
Unvested balance, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		$ 21.82

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Assumptions used to Value PSUs Granted (Details) - Performance Awards	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Expected volatility	26.60%
Expected annual dividend	0.00%
Risk free rate	0.90%

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			8 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued			149,862,459
Common stock, par value			$ 0.0001
General and administrative expense			$ 11,208
Dividends payable			90,507
Capital expenditures			43,077
Windstream
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividends payable			$ 17,600
Dividend declared date			Nov. 06, 2015
Dividend record date			Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable from related party to the collection of revenues of consumer CLEC business revenues			$ 1,700
Capital expenditures	$ 43,100
Windstream \| Master Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Leasing revenue			458,600
Incremental rent per year	$ 3,500
Windstream \| Transitional Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expense			100
Windstream \| Tenant Capital Improvements \| Master Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Leasing revenue			800
Windstream \| Consumer CLEC Business \| Wholesale Master Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
CLEC operating expense			10,100
Windstream \| Consumer CLEC Business \| Master Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
CLEC operating expense			$ 1,100
Spinoff \| Windstream \| Consumer CLEC Business
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued		149,800,000
Common stock, par value		$ 0.0001
Common stock, ownership interest percentage		19.60%
Spinoff \| Windstream \| Consumer CLEC Business \| Share Distribution
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of stock distributed		80.40%

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	$ 24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities				(1,152)
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 7,976	$ 6,769	$ 8,973	$ 23,718
Denominator:
Basic				149,835
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.16
Numerator:
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	$ 24,870
Less: Income allocated to participating securities				(1,152)
Net income applicable to common shares				$ 23,718
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding				149,835
Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share				149,835
Dilutive earnings per common share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.16

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	8 Months Ended
Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	2

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 128,748	$ 173,932	$ 173,634	$ 476,314
Adjusted EBITDA				453,297
Depreciation and amortization				238,748
Interest expense				181,797
Acquisition and transaction related costs				5,210
Stock-based compensation				1,934
Income tax expense				738
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	24,870
Landlord funded and other capital expenditures				44,413
Leasing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues				458,614
Adjusted EBITDA				449,340
Depreciation and amortization				236,177
Landlord funded and other capital expenditures				44,413
Consumer CLEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues				17,700
Adjusted EBITDA				3,957
Depreciation and amortization				$ 2,571

Segment Information - Summary of Total Assets by Business Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,542,636
Leasing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	2,527,915
Consumer CLEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 14,721

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense under operating leases	$ 132,000
Obligations under tax matters agreement	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2016	$ 365
2017	424
2018	433
2019	442
2020	423
Thereafter	25
Total	$ 2,112

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance, value	$ 2,508,420
Ending balance, value	(1,166,906)
Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(21,682)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	16,255
Ending balance, value	(5,427)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(21,682)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	16,255
Ending balance, value	$ (5,427)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Current
Federal	$ 1,208
State	741
Total current expense	1,949
Deferred
Federal	(770)
State	(441)
Total deferred expense	(1,211)
Total income tax expense	$ 738

Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between U.S. Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal corporate level tax rate	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.00%
Benefit of REIT status	(33.00%)
Effective tax rate	3.00%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 90
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	90
Deferred tax liabilities:
Customer list intangible	(4,045)
Fixed assets	(1,759)
Deferred tax liabilities	(5,804)
Net deferred tax (liability)	$ (5,714)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits or tax-related penalties or interest	$ 0

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 shares
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	149,862,459
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Shares available for future issuance	350,137,541

Dividends (Distributions) - Additional Information (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares
Payments Of Dividends [Abstract]
Common stock distribution per share	$ 1.04

Dividends (Distributions) - Schedule of Common Stock Distribution Per Share (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares
Payments Of Dividends [Abstract]
Ordinary dividends	$ 0.87
Non-dividend distributions	0.17
Total	$ 1.04

Future Minimum Rents - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments to be Received from Tenant under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2016	$ 653,500
2017	653,500
2018	655,678
2019	658,957
2020	662,252
Thereafter	6,342,543
Total	$ 9,626,430

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Details)	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, description	We match voluntary employee contributions at a rate of 100% for the first 3% of an employee’s annual compensation and at a rate of 50% for the next 2% of an employee’s annual compensation
Expense recognized under defined contribution plan	$ 67,574
Defined Contribution Plan First 3% of Employee's Compensation
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of employer matching compensation contributed	100.00%
Percentage of employee's compensation contributed	3.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Next 2% of Employee's Compensation
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of employer matching compensation contributed	50.00%
Percentage of employee's compensation contributed	2.00%

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		8 Months Ended
	Jan. 07, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
3% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock, terms of conversion		Each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert on a date that will be approximately eight years following the initial issue date, if not earlier converted, repurchased or redeemed. Prior to a date that will be approximately three years following the initial issue date, the Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible only upon the occurrence of specified events set forth in the Articles Supplementary.
Subsequent Event \| 3% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock, conversion rate	28.5714
Outstanding shares percentage	19.90%
Subsequent Event \| PEG Bandwidth LLC
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 409
Cash paid for business acquisition	$ 315
Business acquisition, closing date	2016-04
Subsequent Event \| PEG Bandwidth LLC \| 3% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issuance of shares	87,500
Percentage of dividend rate on convertible preferred stock	3.00%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	$ 1,000
Subsequent Event \| PEG Bandwidth LLC \| Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issuance of shares	1,000,000

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit		$ (1,166,906,000)			$ (1,166,906,000)	$ 2,508,420,000
Net cash provided by operating activities					293,208,000
Net cash provided by financing activities					928,714,000
Net income	$ 8,301,000	7,166,000	$ 9,403,000		24,870,000
Comprehensive income					19,443,000
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Affiliate receivable		151,000			151,000
Total shareholders' deficit		1,950,493,000			1,950,493,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		11,235,000			11,235,000
Net cash provided by operating activities					426,719,000
Net cash provided by financing activities					(253,362,000)
Net income					270,001,000
Comprehensive income					270,001,000
Guarantors \| As Revised
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Affiliate receivable			0	$ 0
Total shareholders' deficit			2,042,000,000	2,042,000,000
Net cash provided by operating activities				278,300,000
Guarantors \| Offsetting Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit			(68,700,000)	(68,700,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities				68,800,000
Net cash provided by financing activities				(68,800,000)
CSL Capital, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit		(1,076,416,000)			(1,076,416,000)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		2,458,679,000			2,458,679,000
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries					208,601,000
Net income					26,804,000
Comprehensive income					21,377,000
CSL Capital, LLC \| As Revised
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit			1,002,000,000	1,002,000,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries			2,570,000,000	2,570,000,000
CSL Capital, LLC \| Offsetting Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit			(68,700,000)	(68,700,000)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries			(68,700,000)	(68,700,000)
CS&L, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total shareholders' deficit		(1,166,906,000)			(1,166,906,000)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		$ 2,458,679,000			2,458,679,000
Net cash provided by operating activities					106,332,000
Net cash provided by financing activities					928,714,000
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries					208,601,000
Net income					24,870,000
Comprehensive income					$ 19,443,000
CS&L, Inc. \| As Revised
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries			2,570,000,000	2,570,000,000
Affiliate payable			0	0
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	57,400,000		76,700,000	134,100,000
Net income	8,300,000		9,400,000	17,700,000
Comprehensive income	36,900,000		(33,100,000)	3,700,000
CS&L, Inc. \| Offsetting Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries			(68,700,000)	(68,700,000)
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	8,600,000		10,200,000	18,800,000
Net income	(40,500,000)		(57,100,000)	(97,600,000)
Comprehensive income	$ (11,900,000)		$ (99,700,000)	$ (111,600,000)
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage		6.00%			6.00%
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023 \| CSL Capital, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage						6.00%
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023 \| CS&L, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage						6.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage		8.25%			8.25%
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023 \| CSL Capital, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage						8.25%
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023 \| CS&L, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage						8.25%

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 2,372,651
Cash and cash equivalents	142,498	$ 18
Accounts receivable, net	2,083
Customer list intangible assets, net	10,530
Straight-line rent receivable	11,795
Other assets	3,079
Total Assets	2,542,636
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,409
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Deferred revenue	67,817
Derivative liability	5,427
Dividends payable	90,507
Deferred income taxes	5,714
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,709,542
Common Stock	15
Additional paid-in capital	1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,162,886)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,166,906)	2,508,420
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,542,636
Eliminations
Assets:
Affiliate receivable	(151)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	(4,928,593)
Total Assets	(4,928,744)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued interest payable	(24,440)
Derivative liability	(5,427)
Affiliate payable	(151)
Notes and other debt	(3,505,228)
Total liabilities	(3,535,246)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	5,427
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,398,925)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,393,498)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	(4,928,744)
CS&L, Inc.
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	17
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	2,458,679
Total Assets	2,458,696
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Derivative liability	5,427
Dividends payable	90,507
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,625,602
Common Stock	15
Additional paid-in capital	1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,162,886)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,166,906)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,458,696
CSL Capital, LLC
Assets:
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	2,458,679
Total Assets	2,458,679
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Derivative liability	5,427
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,535,095
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,070,989)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,076,416)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,458,679
Guarantors
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	1,839,603
Cash and cash equivalents	140,197	$ 18
Accounts receivable, net	474
Affiliate receivable	151
Straight-line rent receivable	11,795
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	11,235
Other assets	2,781
Total Assets	2,006,236
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	9,204
Deferred revenue	44,862
Deferred income taxes	1,677
Total liabilities	55,743
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	1,950,493
Total shareholders' deficit	1,950,493
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,006,236
Non-Guarantors
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	533,048
Cash and cash equivalents	2,284
Accounts receivable, net	1,609
Customer list intangible assets, net	10,530
Other assets	298
Total Assets	547,769
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,205
Deferred revenue	22,955
Affiliate payable	151
Deferred income taxes	4,037
Total liabilities	28,348
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	519,421
Total shareholders' deficit	519,421
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$ 547,769

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 128,748	$ 173,932	$ 173,634	$ 476,314
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				181,797
Depreciation and amortization				238,748
General and administrative expense				11,208
Acquisition and transaction related costs				5,210
Total costs and expenses				450,706
Income before income taxes	8,532	7,405	9,671	25,608
Income tax expense				738
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	24,870
Comprehensive (loss) income				19,443
Eliminations
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				(181,797)
Total costs and expenses				(181,797)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries				(417,202)
Income before income taxes				(235,405)
Net income				(235,405)
Comprehensive (loss) income				(229,978)
CS&L, Inc.
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				181,797
General and administrative expense				1,934
Total costs and expenses				183,731
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries				208,601
Income before income taxes				24,870
Net income				24,870
Comprehensive (loss) income				19,443
CSL Capital, LLC
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				181,797
Total costs and expenses				181,797
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries				208,601
Income before income taxes				26,804
Net income				26,804
Comprehensive (loss) income				21,377
Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues				458,334
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				173,648
General and administrative expense				9,274
Acquisition and transaction related costs				5,210
Total costs and expenses				188,132
Income before income taxes				270,202
Income tax expense				201
Net income				270,001
Comprehensive (loss) income				270,001
Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues				17,980
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				65,100
Total costs and expenses				78,843
Income before income taxes				(60,863)
Income tax expense				537
Net income				(61,400)
Comprehensive (loss) income				(61,400)
Rental Revenues
Revenues:
Total revenues				458,614
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				236,177
Rental Revenues \| Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues				458,334
Rental Revenues \| Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues				280
Consumer CLEC
Revenues:
Total revenues				17,700
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization				2,571
CLEC operating expense				13,743
Consumer CLEC \| Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues				17,700
Costs and Expenses:
CLEC operating expense				$ 13,743

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 293,208
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC	(1,035,029)
Capital expenditures - real estate investments	(43,077)
Capital expenditures - other	(1,336)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,079,442)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans	1,127,000
Deferred financing costs	(30,057)
Principal payment on debt	(10,700)
Common stock issuance costs	(656)
Dividends paid	(156,854)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares	(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities	928,714
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	142,480
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	142,498
Eliminations
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	(253,362)
Cash flow from financing activities
Intercompany transactions, net	253,362
Net cash provided by financing activities	253,362
CS&L, Inc.
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	106,332
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC	(1,035,029)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,035,029)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans	1,127,000
Deferred financing costs	(30,057)
Principal payment on debt	(10,700)
Common stock issuance costs	(656)
Dividends paid	(156,854)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares	(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities	928,714
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	17
Guarantors
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	426,719
Cash flow from investing activities
Capital expenditures - real estate investments	(31,842)
Capital expenditures - other	(1,336)
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,178)
Cash flow from financing activities
Intercompany transactions, net	(253,362)
Net cash provided by financing activities	(253,362)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	140,179
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	140,197
Non-Guarantors
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,519
Cash flow from investing activities
Capital expenditures - real estate investments	(11,235)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,235)
Cash flow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,284
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 2,284

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 128,748	$ 173,932	$ 173,634	$ 476,314
Income before income taxes	8,532	7,405	9,671	25,608
Net income	8,301	7,166	9,403	24,870
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 7,976	$ 6,769	$ 8,973	$ 23,718
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.16
Dilutive earnings per common share	0.05	0.05	0.06	0.16
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.44	$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 1.64

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Deferred Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]
Customer list intangible assets	$ (4,045)
Net deferred tax (liability)	(5,714)
Deferred tax assets	90
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (5,804)
Consumer CLEC Business
Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]
Customer list intangible assets		$ (5,523)
Bad debt reserve		40
Net deferred tax (liability)		(5,483)
Deferred tax assets		40
Deferred tax liabilities		$ (5,523)

Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets (Details)	Apr. 25, 2015
Share Distribution \| Distribution Systems \| Windstream
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of stock distributed	80.10%

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Net Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Distribution Systems $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 5,956.7
Less accumulated depreciation	(3,384.9)
Net property, plant and equipment	2,571.8
Land
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	33.0
Building and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 305.5
Building and Improvements \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Building and Improvements \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Poles
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 223.0
Poles \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Poles \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Fiber
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,841.2
Fiber \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Fiber \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Copper
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 3,430.8
Copper \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Copper \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Conduit
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 89.2
Conduit \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Conduit \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	47 years
Construction in progress
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 34.0

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company) - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 142,498	$ 18
Total Assets	2,542,636
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Derivative liability	5,427
Dividends payable	90,507
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,709,542
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 149,862 shares issued and outstanding	15
Additional paid-in capital	1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,162,886)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,166,906)	$ 2,508,420
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,542,636
CS&L, Inc.
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	17
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	2,458,679
Total Assets	2,458,696
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accrued interest payable	24,440
Derivative liability	5,427
Dividends payable	90,507
Notes and other debt	3,505,228
Total liabilities	3,625,602
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 149,862 shares issued and outstanding	15
Additional paid-in capital	1,392
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,427)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,162,886)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,166,906)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$ 2,458,696

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company) - Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	149,862,459
Common stock, shares outstanding	149,862,459
CS&L, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	149,862,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	149,862,000

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company) - Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				$ 181,797
General and administrative expense				11,208
Total costs and expenses				450,706
Loss before income taxes	$ 8,532	$ 7,405	$ 9,671	25,608
Income tax expense				738
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	24,870
Comprehensive (loss) income				19,443
CS&L, Inc.
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense				181,797
General and administrative expense				1,934
Total costs and expenses				183,731
Operating loss				(183,731)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries				208,601
Loss before income taxes				24,870
Net income				24,870
Comprehensive (loss) income				$ 19,443

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company) - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income	$ 8,301	$ 7,166	$ 9,403	$ 24,870
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs				4,832
Amortization of debt discount				5,172
Stock-based compensation				1,934
Changes in:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities				32,024
Net cash provided by operating activities				293,208
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC				(1,035,029)
Net cash used in investing activities				(1,079,442)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans				1,127,000
Deferred financing costs				(30,057)
Principal payment on debt				(10,700)
Common stock issuance costs				(656)
Dividends paid				(156,854)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares				(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities				928,714
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents				142,480
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$ 18			18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		142,498		142,498
CS&L, Inc.
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income				24,870
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs				4,832
Amortization of debt discount				5,172
Equity in earnings from subsidiaries				(208,601)
Distribution from subsidiaries				253,362
Stock-based compensation				1,934
Changes in:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities				24,763
Net cash provided by operating activities				106,332
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC				(1,035,029)
Net cash used in investing activities				(1,035,029)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans				1,127,000
Deferred financing costs				(30,057)
Principal payment on debt				(10,700)
Common stock issuance costs				(656)
Dividends paid				(156,854)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares				(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities				928,714
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents				17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$ 17		$ 17

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of The Registrant (Parent Company) - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023
CS&L, Inc. \| 6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount		$ 400
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
CS&L, Inc. \| 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount		$ 1,110
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023

Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 6,093,541	$ 5,995,376
Accumulated Depreciation	(3,720,890)	$ (3,497,598)
Land
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	33,386
Accumulated Depreciation	(2,319)
Building and Improvements
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	313,736
Accumulated Depreciation	$ (138,660)
Building and Improvements \| Minimum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Building and Improvements \| Maximum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Poles
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 228,031
Accumulated Depreciation	$ (167,578)
Poles \| Minimum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Poles \| Maximum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Fiber
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 1,948,192
Accumulated Depreciation	$ (697,644)
Fiber \| Minimum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Fiber \| Maximum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Copper
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 3,475,987
Accumulated Depreciation	$ (2,662,905)
Copper \| Minimum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Copper \| Maximum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Conduit
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 89,460
Accumulated Depreciation	$ (51,784)
Conduit \| Minimum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Conduit \| Maximum
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	47 years
Construction in progress
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period	$ 4,749

Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation (Parenthetical) (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	$ 43,077
Tenant capital improvements	$ 68,600

Carrying Cost and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) $ in Thousands	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Carrying cost:
Gross amount at beginning	$ 5,995,376
Tenant capital improvements	68,569
Redevelopments	43,077
Total additions	111,646
Cost of real estate sold or disposed	13,481
Total deductions	13,481
Balance at end	6,093,541
Accumulated depreciation:
Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning	3,497,598
Depreciation	235,967
Total additions	235,967
Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed	12,675
Total deductions	12,675
Balance at end	$ 3,720,890