Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

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

			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2013		2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	1,419	$	52,254
	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		(1,012)		(428)
		Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		3,470		-
		Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		2,458		(428)
		Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	3,877	$	51,826