Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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

				Six Months Ended
				June 30,
				2012			2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders				$	94,591		$	135,458
	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		(8,318	)		(8,405	)
		Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from
			U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		—			(7,734	)
		Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(8,318	)		(16,139	)
	Change from net income attributable to TDS and
		transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	86,273		$	119,319