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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
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Dec. 31, 2014
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Dec. 31, 2013
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which we recognize deferred income taxes for the tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, as well as for tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We provide a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based upon the weight of available evidence, we do not believe it is “more-likely-than-not” that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. |
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| Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block] | Derivative Financial Instruments. We enter into derivative transactions for risk management purposes only. We have not and will not enter into any derivative transactions for speculative or profit generating purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the values of our derivative instruments were not material. |
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds and other similarly structured funds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $200.3 million and $738.9 million, respectively, in time deposits. |
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| Nature of Operations [Text Block] | 1. Summary of Operations We provide wireless communication services under the NextelTM brand. Historically, our services were targeted to meet the needs of business customers and individuals who used our services to meet both professional and personal needs. With the deployment of our wideband code division multiple access, or WCDMA, networks in our markets, our target market has expanded to include both business subscribers and consumers who exhibit above average usage, revenue and loyalty characteristics and who we believe will be attracted to the services and attractive pricing plans we offer, the quality of and data speeds provided by our WCDMA networks and the quality of our customer service. We provide our services through operating companies located in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, with our principal operations located in major business centers and related transportation corridors of these countries. We provide services in major urban and suburban centers with high population densities where we believe there is a concentration of the country’s business users and economic activity. We believe that the growing economic base, increase in the middle and upper class and lower wireline service penetration encourage the use of the mobile wireless communications services that we offer and plan to offer in the future. Our WCDMA networks in Brazil and Mexico serve these major business centers and, in some instances, a broader geographic area in order to meet the requirements of our spectrum licenses. We also utilize roaming arrangements to expand the geographic coverage of our WCDMA-based services in Brazil and Mexico. Our original networks utilize integrated digital enhanced network, or iDEN, technology developed by Motorola, Inc. to provide mobile services on our 800 megahertz, or MHz, spectrum holdings in all of our markets. Our next generation networks utilize WCDMA technology, which is a standards-based technology that is being deployed by carriers throughout the world. We also offer long-term evolution, or LTE, services in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and in certain cities in Mexico. These technologies allow us to use our spectrum efficiently and offer multiple wireless services integrated into a variety of handset and data devices. The services we currently offer include:
The deployment and expansion of our WCDMA networks in Brazil and Mexico enables us to offer a wider range of products and services that are supported by that technology, including data services provided at substantially higher speeds than can be delivered on our iDEN networks. These WCDMA networks also support our unique push-to-talk services that provide differentiation from our competitors' offerings. In the third quarter of 2013, our WCDMA network reached geographic coverage parity with our iDEN network in Mexico, and in Brazil we are currently offering services supported by our WCDMA network in about 260 cities, including cities in and around Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the second quarter of 2014, we launched LTE services in Rio de Janeiro, and during the fourth quarter of 2014, we began offering similar LTE services in certain cities in Mexico. We also offer service on our iDEN network in Argentina and continue to provide services on our iDEN networks in Brazil and Mexico. |
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| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | . Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or the U.S., requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results to be reported in future periods could differ from our estimates. Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NII Holdings and our subsidiaries. Our decision to consolidate an entity is based on our control of the entity through direct and indirect majority interest in the entity. We eliminate all significant intercompany transactions, including intercompany profits and losses, in consolidation. We refer to our subsidiaries by the countries in which they operate, such as Nextel Brazil, Nextel Mexico and Nextel Argentina. Concentrations of Risk. All of our revenues are generated from our operations located in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Regulatory entities in each country regulate the licensing, construction, acquisition, ownership and operation of our networks, and certain other aspects of our business, including some of the rates we charge our subscribers. Changes in the current telecommunications statutes or regulations in any of these countries could adversely affect our business. In addition, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $4.7 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, of our assets were owned by Nextel Brazil and Nextel Mexico. Political, financial and economic developments in Brazil and Mexico could impact the recoverability of our assets. Motorola Solutions is the primary supplier for iDEN network equipment, and Motorola Mobility is the primary supplier of iDEN handsets. We expect to continue to rely on Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility for iDEN network equipment and handsets. The recent significant reduction in demand for iDEN network equipment and handsets may make it uneconomical for Motorola Solutions to continue to provide the same level of ongoing support for our iDEN networks and could also affect Motorola Mobility's ability or willingness to provide iDEN handsets. As a result, we may not be able to adequately service our existing iDEN subscribers or attract new iDEN subscribers. The impact of this transition is particularly significant in Argentina where we do not currently hold spectrum that supports the deployment of a WCDMA or LTE network. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant amounts of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents are deposited with high-quality financial institutions. At times, we maintain cash balances in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (or the foreign country equivalent institution) limits. Our short-term investments are composed of investments in U.S. treasury securities, investments in corporate bonds and certain investments made by Nextel Brazil and Nextel Argentina. See Note 10 for further information. Our accounts receivable are generally unsecured. In some cases, for certain higher risk subscribers, we require a subscriber deposit. We routinely assess the credit worthiness of our subscribers and maintain allowances for probable losses, where necessary. Foreign Currency. We translate the results of operations for our non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates from the designated functional currency to the U.S. dollar using average exchange rates during the relevant period, while we translate assets and liabilities at the exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. We translate equity balances at historical rates. We report the resulting gains or losses from translating foreign currency financial statements as other comprehensive income or loss. In general, monetary assets and liabilities held by our operating subsidiaries that are denominated in U.S. dollars give rise to realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses, which we record in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as foreign currency transaction losses, net. We report the effects of changes in exchange rates associated with certain U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loans and advances to our foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term investment nature as other comprehensive income or loss in our consolidated financial statements. We have determined that certain U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loans and advances to Nextel Brazil are of a long-term investment nature. The authorities in some of our markets have, from time to time, used formal and informal restrictions to limit the convertibility of currency and our ability to repatriate capital from our market operations to their parent companies. For example, the Argentine government continues to impose formal and informal limitations on our ability to repatriate funds and repay intercompany contractual obligations. Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market funds and other similarly structured funds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $200.3 million and $738.9 million, respectively, in time deposits. Short-Term Investments. We classify investments in debt securities as available-for-sale as of the balance sheet date and report them at fair value. We record unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax, as other comprehensive income or loss. We report realized gains or losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, and other-than-temporary declines in value, if any, in net other expense in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. We assess declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether the decline is other-than-temporary and thus the investment is impaired. We make these assessments by considering available evidence, including changes in general market conditions, specific industry and individual company data, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the individual company and our intent and ability to hold the investment. See Note 10 for additional information. Handset and Accessory Inventory. We record handsets and accessories at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost by the weighted average costing method. We expense handset costs at the time of sale and classify such costs in cost of handsets and accessories. Inventory cost includes amounts associated with non-income based taxes. We analyze the net realizable value and replacement cost of handset and accessory inventory on a periodic basis. This analysis includes an assessment of the obsolescence of individual devices, our sales forecasts and other factors. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded losses related to inventory obsolescence of $40.8 million, $70.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which included $14.1 million in 2013 related to expected losses on firm purchase commitments. Property, Plant and Equipment. We record property, plant and equipment, including improvements that extend useful lives or enhance functionality, at cost, while we charge maintenance and repairs to operations as incurred. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software, which consist primarily of costs related to configuration, interfaces, installation and testing. We also capitalize internal and external costs incurred to develop specified upgrades and enhancements if they result in significant additional functionalities for our existing software. We expense all costs related to evaluation of software needs, data conversion, training, maintenance and other post-implementation operating activities. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 30 years for network equipment, communication towers and software and 3 to 10 years for office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and other, which includes non-network internal use software. We include depreciation expense on our capital leases in accumulated depreciation. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lease terms or the useful lives of the improvements. Construction in progress includes internal and external labor, materials, transmission and related equipment, engineering, site development, interest and other costs relating to the construction and development of our digital wireless networks. We do not depreciate assets under construction until they are ready for their intended use. We capitalize interest and other costs, including labor and software upgrades, which are applicable to the construction of, and significant improvements that enhance functionality to, our network equipment. We periodically review the depreciation method, useful lives and estimated salvage value of our property, plant and equipment and revise those estimates if current estimates are significantly different from previous estimates. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we reviewed the useful lives of our communication towers and determined that the useful lives of some of these towers should be increased to 30 years compared to the 10- or 15-year useful lives over which we were previously depreciating these sites. As a result of this change in useful lives, our depreciation expense decreased by approximately $80.0 million in 2014. Asset Retirement Obligations. We record an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost when we have a legal obligation in connection with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Our obligations arise from certain of our leases and relate primarily to the cost of removing our communication towers and network equipment from leased sites. We recognize an asset retirement obligation, and the associated asset retirement cost, in the period in which it is incurred at fair value computed using discounted cash flow techniques. The liability is then accreted over time until the obligation is settled and the asset retirement cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. We make adjustments for changes to either the timing or amount of the estimated future settlement obligation in the period incurred. We recognize increases in the present value of the asset retirement obligations as an additional liability and add this amount to the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. We record decreases as a reduction in both the recorded liability and the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. To the extent that the decrease in the recorded liability exceeds the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost, we record the excess as a component of operating income. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $75.9 million reduction to our asset retirement obligations as the result of a change in the timing and amount of estimated future settlements, of which $48.3 million represented the amount of the liability that was in excess of the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our asset retirement obligations were as follows (in thousands):
Derivative Financial Instruments. We enter into derivative transactions for risk management purposes only. We have not and will not enter into any derivative transactions for speculative or profit generating purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the values of our derivative instruments were not material. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. We review long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives, which include our licenses, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we recognize a loss, if any, for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset. Intangible Assets. Substantially all of our intangible assets are wireless telecommunications licenses. We amortize our intangible assets using the straight-line method over the estimated period benefited. We amortize licenses acquired after our emergence from reorganization in 2002 over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years. In the countries in which we operate, licenses are customarily issued conditionally for specified periods of time ranging from 10 to 40 years, including renewals. The licenses are generally renewable provided the licensee has complied with applicable rules and policies. We believe we have complied with these standards in all material respects. However, the political and regulatory environments in the markets we serve are continuously changing and, in many cases, the renewal fees could be significant. Therefore, we do not view the renewal of our licenses to be perfunctory. In addition, the wireless telecommunications industry is experiencing significant technological change, and the commercial life of any particular technology is difficult to predict. Our licenses in Mexico give us the right to use 800 MHz spectrum that is non-contiguous, and the iDEN technology is the only commercially available technology that operates on non-contiguous spectrum. As a result, our ability to deploy new technologies using 800 MHz spectrum in Mexico may be limited. In light of these uncertainties, we classify our licenses as definite lived intangible assets. Revenue Recognition. Operating revenues primarily consist of wireless service revenues and revenues generated from the sale of handsets and accessories. We present our operating revenues net of value-added taxes, but we include certain revenue-based taxes that are our primary obligation. Service revenues primarily consist of fixed monthly access charges. Other components of service revenue include revenues from calling party pays programs, where applicable, variable charges for airtime usage in excess of plan minutes, long-distance charges, international roaming revenues derived from calls placed by our subscribers on other carriers’ networks and revenues generated from broadband data services we provide on our WCDMA networks, net of credits and adjustments for service discounts and value-added taxes. We recognize excess usage, local, long distance and calling party pays revenue at contractual rates per minute as minutes are used. We record cash received in excess of revenues earned as deferred revenues. We recognize service revenue as service is provided. We recognize handset revenue when title and risk of loss passes to the customer. We bill excess usage to certain of our subscribers in arrears. In order to recognize the revenues originating from excess usage subsequent to subscriber invoicing, we estimate the unbilled portion based on the usage that the handset had during the part of the month already billed, and we use this actual usage to estimate the unbilled usage for the rest of the month taking into consideration working days and seasonality. Our estimates are based on our experience in each market. We periodically evaluate our estimates by comparing them to actual excess usage revenue billed the following month. While our estimates have been consistent with our actual results, actual usage in future periods could differ from our estimates. Other revenues primarily include amounts generated from our handset maintenance programs, roaming revenues generated from other companies’ subscribers that roam on our networks and co-location rental revenues from third party tenants that rent space on our towers. We recognize revenue generated from our handset maintenance programs on a monthly basis at fixed amounts over the service period. We recognize roaming revenues at contractual rates per minute as minutes are used. We recognize co-location revenues from third party tenants on a monthly basis based on the terms set by the underlying agreements. Revenue-Based Taxes. We record revenue-based taxes and other excise taxes on a gross basis as a component of both service and other revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had $120.6 million, $166.0 million and $211.5 million, respectively, in revenue-based taxes and other excise taxes. Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable represents amounts due from subscribers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, and includes amounts that have been billed to customers and amounts that have not yet been billed. Trade accounts receivable consists of fixed monthly charges, as well as charges for excess and roaming minutes used in arrears. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimated losses. We estimate this allowance based on historical experience, aging of accounts receivable and individual subscriber payment history. While we believe that the estimates we use are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates. Subscriber Related Direct Costs. We recognize all costs of handset sales when title and risk of loss passes upon delivery of the handset to the subscriber. Advertising Costs. We expense costs related to advertising and other promotional expenditures as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $146.9 million, $142.5 million and $159.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation. We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards based on estimated fair values. We account for share-based awards exchanged for employee services in accordance with the authoritative guidance for stock compensation. Under the guidance, stock compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award when settled in shares, and is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the employee's requisite service period. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award, which is generally the maximum vesting period of the award. Our stock options and restricted shares generally vest thirty-three percent per year over a three-year period. See Note 14 for more information. Net Loss Per Common Share, Basic and Diluted. Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing adjusted net loss attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could participate in our earnings, but not securities that are antidilutive, including stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of our common stock. Our unvested restricted stock awards, or RSAs, contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. As a result, our RSAs are considered participating securities because their holders have the right to participate in earnings with common stockholders. We use the two-class method to allocate net income between common shares and other participating securities. As presented for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our calculation of diluted net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include other potential common shares, including shares issuable upon the potential exercise of stock options under our stock-based employee compensation plans or restricted common shares issued under those plans. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we did not include 5.4 million, 10.8 million or 16.8 million stock options, respectively, and 0.9 million, 2.8 million or 2.0 million in restricted stock, respectively, in our calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect would have been antidilutive to our net loss per common share for those periods. Income Taxes. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which we recognize deferred income taxes for the tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, as well as for tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We provide a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based upon the weight of available evidence, we do not believe it is “more-likely-than-not” that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Reclassifications. We have reclassified some prior period amounts in our consolidated financial statements to conform to our current year presentation. New Accounting Pronouncements. On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued new authoritative guidance surrounding revenue recognition, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new authoritative guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017, and early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that the new revenue recognition guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance surrounding discontinued operations and disclosures of components of an entity, which updates the definition of discontinued operations. Going forward only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in a company's financial statements. The new standard is effective for disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and early adoption is permitted. We intend to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial statements. On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance surrounding the evaluation and disclosures of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to perform an assessment of going concern and, under certain circumstances, disclose information regarding this assessment in the footnotes to the financial statements. The new standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We intend to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial statements. |
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| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or the U.S., requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results to be reported in future periods could differ from our estimates. |
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| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NII Holdings and our subsidiaries. Our decision to consolidate an entity is based on our control of the entity through direct and indirect majority interest in the entity. We eliminate all significant intercompany transactions, including intercompany profits and losses, in consolidation. We refer to our subsidiaries by the countries in which they operate, such as Nextel Brazil, Nextel Mexico and Nextel Argentina. |
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| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentrations of Risk. All of our revenues are generated from our operations located in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Regulatory entities in each country regulate the licensing, construction, acquisition, ownership and operation of our networks, and certain other aspects of our business, including some of the rates we charge our subscribers. Changes in the current telecommunications statutes or regulations in any of these countries could adversely affect our business. In addition, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $4.7 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, of our assets were owned by Nextel Brazil and Nextel Mexico. Political, financial and economic developments in Brazil and Mexico could impact the recoverability of our assets. Motorola Solutions is the primary supplier for iDEN network equipment, and Motorola Mobility is the primary supplier of iDEN handsets. We expect to continue to rely on Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility for iDEN network equipment and handsets. The recent significant reduction in demand for iDEN network equipment and handsets may make it uneconomical for Motorola Solutions to continue to provide the same level of ongoing support for our iDEN networks and could also affect Motorola Mobility's ability or willingness to provide iDEN handsets. As a result, we may not be able to adequately service our existing iDEN subscribers or attract new iDEN subscribers. The impact of this transition is particularly significant in Argentina where we do not currently hold spectrum that supports the deployment of a WCDMA or LTE network. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant amounts of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents are deposited with high-quality financial institutions. At times, we maintain cash balances in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (or the foreign country equivalent institution) limits. Our short-term investments are composed of investments in U.S. treasury securities, investments in corporate bonds and certain investments made by Nextel Brazil and Nextel Argentina. See Note 10 for further information. Our accounts receivable are generally unsecured. In some cases, for certain higher risk subscribers, we require a subscriber deposit. We routinely assess the credit worthiness of our subscribers and maintain allowances for probable losses, where necessary. |
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| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency. We translate the results of operations for our non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates from the designated functional currency to the U.S. dollar using average exchange rates during the relevant period, while we translate assets and liabilities at the exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. We translate equity balances at historical rates. We report the resulting gains or losses from translating foreign currency financial statements as other comprehensive income or loss. In general, monetary assets and liabilities held by our operating subsidiaries that are denominated in U.S. dollars give rise to realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses, which we record in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as foreign currency transaction losses, net. We report the effects of changes in exchange rates associated with certain U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loans and advances to our foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term investment nature as other comprehensive income or loss in our consolidated financial statements. We have determined that certain U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loans and advances to Nextel Brazil are of a long-term investment nature. The authorities in some of our markets have, from time to time, used formal and informal restrictions to limit the convertibility of currency and our ability to repatriate capital from our market operations to their parent companies. For example, the Argentine government continues to impose formal and informal limitations on our ability to repatriate funds and repay intercompany contractual obligations. |
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| Restricted Cash Policy [Policy Text Block] | Restricted Cash. As of December 31, 2014, we had $107.8 million in restricted cash, the majority of which was included in other long-term assets and was comprised of cash held in escrow in connection with the sale of Nextel Peru, judicial deposits in Nextel Brazil and a debt service reserve account related to Nextel Mexico's equipment financing facility. As of December 31, 2013, we had $120.5 million in restricted cash, the majority of which was included in other long-term assets and was comprised of cash held in escrow in connection with the sale of Nextel Peru, a debt service reserve account related to Nextel Mexico's equipment financing facility, judicial deposits in Nextel Brazil, purchase commitments for handsets and cash collateral supporting the lease of our corporate headquarters. |
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| Short-Term Investments [Policy Text Block] | Short-Term Investments. We classify investments in debt securities as available-for-sale as of the balance sheet date and report them at fair value. We record unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax, as other comprehensive income or loss. We report realized gains or losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, and other-than-temporary declines in value, if any, in net other expense in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. We assess declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether the decline is other-than-temporary and thus the investment is impaired. We make these assessments by considering available evidence, including changes in general market conditions, specific industry and individual company data, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the individual company and our intent and ability to hold the investment. See Note 10 for additional information. |
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| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Handset and Accessory Inventory. We record handsets and accessories at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost by the weighted average costing method. We expense handset costs at the time of sale and classify such costs in cost of handsets and accessories. Inventory cost includes amounts associated with non-income based taxes. We analyze the net realizable value and replacement cost of handset and accessory inventory on a periodic basis. This analysis includes an assessment of the obsolescence of individual devices, our sales forecasts and other factors. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded losses related to inventory obsolescence of $40.8 million, $70.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which included $14.1 million in 2013 related to expected losses on firm purchase commitments. |
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| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property, Plant and Equipment. We record property, plant and equipment, including improvements that extend useful lives or enhance functionality, at cost, while we charge maintenance and repairs to operations as incurred. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software, which consist primarily of costs related to configuration, interfaces, installation and testing. We also capitalize internal and external costs incurred to develop specified upgrades and enhancements if they result in significant additional functionalities for our existing software. We expense all costs related to evaluation of software needs, data conversion, training, maintenance and other post-implementation operating activities. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 30 years for network equipment, communication towers and software and 3 to 10 years for office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and other, which includes non-network internal use software. We include depreciation expense on our capital leases in accumulated depreciation. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lease terms or the useful lives of the improvements. Construction in progress includes internal and external labor, materials, transmission and related equipment, engineering, site development, interest and other costs relating to the construction and development of our digital wireless networks. We do not depreciate assets under construction until they are ready for their intended use. We capitalize interest and other costs, including labor and software upgrades, which are applicable to the construction of, and significant improvements that enhance functionality to, our network equipment. We periodically review the depreciation method, useful lives and estimated salvage value of our property, plant and equipment and revise those estimates if current estimates are significantly different from previous estimates. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we reviewed the useful lives of our communication towers and determined that the useful lives of some of these towers should be increased to 30 years compared to the 10- or 15-year useful lives over which we were previously depreciating these sites. As a result of this change in useful lives, our depreciation expense decreased by approximately $80.0 million in 2014. |
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| Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Asset Retirement Obligations. We record an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost when we have a legal obligation in connection with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Our obligations arise from certain of our leases and relate primarily to the cost of removing our communication towers and network equipment from leased sites. We recognize an asset retirement obligation, and the associated asset retirement cost, in the period in which it is incurred at fair value computed using discounted cash flow techniques. The liability is then accreted over time until the obligation is settled and the asset retirement cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. We make adjustments for changes to either the timing or amount of the estimated future settlement obligation in the period incurred. We recognize increases in the present value of the asset retirement obligations as an additional liability and add this amount to the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. We record decreases as a reduction in both the recorded liability and the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. To the extent that the decrease in the recorded liability exceeds the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost, we record the excess as a component of operating income. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $75.9 million reduction to our asset retirement obligations as the result of a change in the timing and amount of estimated future settlements, of which $48.3 million represented the amount of the liability that was in excess of the carrying amount of the associated asset retirement cost. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our asset retirement obligations were as follows (in thousands):
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| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. We review long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives, which include our licenses, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we recognize a loss, if any, for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset. |
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Intangible Assets. Substantially all of our intangible assets are wireless telecommunications licenses. We amortize our intangible assets using the straight-line method over the estimated period benefited. We amortize licenses acquired after our emergence from reorganization in 2002 over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years. In the countries in which we operate, licenses are customarily issued conditionally for specified periods of time ranging from 10 to 40 years, including renewals. The licenses are generally renewable provided the licensee has complied with applicable rules and policies. We believe we have complied with these standards in all material respects. However, the political and regulatory environments in the markets we serve are continuously changing and, in many cases, the renewal fees could be significant. Therefore, we do not view the renewal of our licenses to be perfunctory. In addition, the wireless telecommunications industry is experiencing significant technological change, and the commercial life of any particular technology is difficult to predict. Our licenses in Mexico give us the right to use 800 MHz spectrum that is non-contiguous, and the iDEN technology is the only commercially available technology that operates on non-contiguous spectrum. As a result, our ability to deploy new technologies using 800 MHz spectrum in Mexico may be limited. In light of these uncertainties, we classify our licenses as definite lived intangible assets. |
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| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition. Operating revenues primarily consist of wireless service revenues and revenues generated from the sale of handsets and accessories. We present our operating revenues net of value-added taxes, but we include certain revenue-based taxes that are our primary obligation. Service revenues primarily consist of fixed monthly access charges. Other components of service revenue include revenues from calling party pays programs, where applicable, variable charges for airtime usage in excess of plan minutes, long-distance charges, international roaming revenues derived from calls placed by our subscribers on other carriers’ networks and revenues generated from broadband data services we provide on our WCDMA networks, net of credits and adjustments for service discounts and value-added taxes. We recognize excess usage, local, long distance and calling party pays revenue at contractual rates per minute as minutes are used. We record cash received in excess of revenues earned as deferred revenues. We recognize service revenue as service is provided. We recognize handset revenue when title and risk of loss passes to the customer. We bill excess usage to certain of our subscribers in arrears. In order to recognize the revenues originating from excess usage subsequent to subscriber invoicing, we estimate the unbilled portion based on the usage that the handset had during the part of the month already billed, and we use this actual usage to estimate the unbilled usage for the rest of the month taking into consideration working days and seasonality. Our estimates are based on our experience in each market. We periodically evaluate our estimates by comparing them to actual excess usage revenue billed the following month. While our estimates have been consistent with our actual results, actual usage in future periods could differ from our estimates. Other revenues primarily include amounts generated from our handset maintenance programs, roaming revenues generated from other companies’ subscribers that roam on our networks and co-location rental revenues from third party tenants that rent space on our towers. We recognize revenue generated from our handset maintenance programs on a monthly basis at fixed amounts over the service period. We recognize roaming revenues at contractual rates per minute as minutes are used. We recognize co-location revenues from third party tenants on a monthly basis based on the terms set by the underlying agreements. |
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| Revenue Based Taxes Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue-Based Taxes. We record revenue-based taxes and other excise taxes on a gross basis as a component of both service and other revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had $120.6 million, $166.0 million and $211.5 million, respectively, in revenue-based taxes and other excise taxes. |
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| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable represents amounts due from subscribers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, and includes amounts that have been billed to customers and amounts that have not yet been billed. Trade accounts receivable consists of fixed monthly charges, as well as charges for excess and roaming minutes used in arrears. |
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| Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimated losses. We estimate this allowance based on historical experience, aging of accounts receivable and individual subscriber payment history. While we believe that the estimates we use are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates. |
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| Subscriber Related Direct Costs [Policy Text Block] | Subscriber Related Direct Costs. We recognize all costs of handset sales when title and risk of loss passes upon delivery of the handset to the subscriber. |
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| Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Advertising Costs. We expense costs related to advertising and other promotional expenditures as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $146.9 million, $142.5 million and $159.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
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| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation. We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards based on estimated fair values. We account for share-based awards exchanged for employee services in accordance with the authoritative guidance for stock compensation. Under the guidance, stock compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award when settled in shares, and is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the employee's requisite service period. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award, which is generally the maximum vesting period of the award. Our stock options and restricted shares generally vest thirty-three percent per year over a three-year period. See Note 14 for more information. |
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| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Net Loss Per Common Share, Basic and Diluted. Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing adjusted net loss attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could participate in our earnings, but not securities that are antidilutive, including stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of our common stock. Our unvested restricted stock awards, or RSAs, contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. As a result, our RSAs are considered participating securities because their holders have the right to participate in earnings with common stockholders. We use the two-class method to allocate net income between common shares and other participating securities. As presented for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our calculation of diluted net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include other potential common shares, including shares issuable upon the potential exercise of stock options under our stock-based employee compensation plans or restricted common shares issued under those plans. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we did not include 5.4 million, 10.8 million or 16.8 million stock options, respectively, and 0.9 million, 2.8 million or 2.0 million in restricted stock, respectively, in our calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect would have been antidilutive to our net loss per common share for those periods. |
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| Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] | The components of our accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, are as follows:
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| Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications. We have reclassified some prior period amounts in our consolidated financial statements to conform to our current year presentation. |
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| New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | New Accounting Pronouncements. On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued new authoritative guidance surrounding revenue recognition, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new authoritative guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017, and early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that the new revenue recognition guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance surrounding discontinued operations and disclosures of components of an entity, which updates the definition of discontinued operations. Going forward only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in a company's financial statements. The new standard is effective for disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and early adoption is permitted. We intend to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial statements. On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance surrounding the evaluation and disclosures of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to perform an assessment of going concern and, under certain circumstances, disclose information regarding this assessment in the footnotes to the financial statements. The new standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We intend to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial statements. |
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