Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 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

			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
			2012		2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	123,708	$	206,752
	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		(8,554)		(8,705)
		Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		-		(7,723)
		Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		(8,554)		(16,428)
		Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	115,154	$	190,324