Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities    
Net income (loss) $ (24,013) $ 29,447
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and accretion 72,476 61,758
Amortization of financing costs 4,246 5,428
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 17,742 (5,687)
Stock-based compensation 3,128 0
Net gain on transactions (16,526) (7,200)
Deferred taxes (1,505) (6,801)
Equity in losses (earnings) in unconsolidated investments 21,238 (5,188)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Trade receivables (5,255) (7,935)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,139 (3,393)
Other assets (non-current) (503) (358)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 1,514 4,862
Related party receivable/payable (1,017) (291)
Income taxes payable 128  
Accrued interest payable (917) 857
Long-term liabilities 25 2,896
Net cash provided by operating activities 83,900 68,395
Investing activities    
Receipt of ITC Cash Grant   173,446
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (167,585)  
Proceeds from sale of investments   14,254
Decrease in restricted cash 23,861 63,732
Increase in restricted cash (10,406) (80,567)
Capital expenditures (18,615) (120,965)
Deferred development costs   (528)
Distribution from unconsolidated investments 17,104 10,463
Contribution to unconsolidated investments (2,320) (8,737)
Reimbursable interconnection receivable 1,418 49,715
Other assets (non-current) 2,472 1,740
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (154,071) 102,553
Financing activities    
Proceeds from public offering, net of expenses 287,107  
Repurchase of shares for employee tax withholding (380)  
Dividends paid (37,104)  
Capital contributions - Pattern Development   32,679
Capital contributions - noncontrolling interest 2,550  
Capital distributions - Pattern Development   (98,886)
Capital distributions - noncontrolling interest (1,470) (1,426)
Decrease in restricted cash 13,508 116,654
Increase in restricted cash (13,508) (126,475)
Payment for deferred financing costs (603) (294)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility   56,000
Repayment of short-term debt (14,840)  
Proceeds from short-term debt 1,087  
Repayment of long-term debt (38,245) (41,283)
Proceeds from long-term debt   138,620
Repayment of construction and grant loans   (114,056)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 198,102 (38,467)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (842) (966)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 127,089 131,515
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 103,569 17,574
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 230,658 149,089
Supplemental disclosure    
Cash payments for interest and commitment fees 42,084 45,178
Schedule of non-cash activities    
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps (18,541) 38,266
Change in fair value of contingent liabilities   8,001
Amortization of deferred financing costs   175
Capitalized interest 2,320 3,230
Capitalized commitment fee   39
Change in property, plant and equipment (97,051) (160,021)
Transfer of capitalized assets to South Kent joint venture   49,275
Non-cash distribution to Pattern Development   (5,748)
E1 Arrayan and Panhandle 1 [Member]
   
Supplemental disclosure    
Acquired PP&E for El Arrayán and Panhandle 1 674,743  
Class B Convertible Common Stock [Member]
   
Schedule of non-cash activities    
Non-cash deemed dividends on Class B convertible common stock $ 14,679