Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]

Noncontrolling interests

Year Ended December 31,			2012		2011		2010
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	81,861	$	200,566	$	144,849
	Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests
		Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares		(8,854)		(8,555)		(7,180)
		Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		4,789		(7,723)		(2,964)
		Purchase of ownership in subsidiary from noncontrolling interest		4,397		-		(3,510)
		Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		332		(16,278)		(13,654)
	Change from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	82,193	$	184,288	$	131,195