Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 U.S. Cellular	Mar. 31, 2012 U.S. Cellular	Mar. 31, 2013 TDS Telecom CLEC	Dec. 31, 2012 TDS Telecom CLEC	Mar. 31, 2012 TDS Telecom CLEC	Dec. 31, 2011 TDS Telecom CLEC	Mar. 31, 2013 Non-Reportable Segment	Dec. 31, 2012 Non-Reportable Segment	Mar. 31, 2012 Non-Reportable Segment	Dec. 31, 2011 Non-Reportable Segment
Licenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,480,039	$ 1,494,014	$ 1,462,019	$ 1,475,994	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 15,220	$ 15,220	$ 15,220	$ 15,220
Acquisitions	14,150	11,096	14,150	11,096
Balance, end of period	$ 1,494,189	$ 1,505,110	$ 1,476,169	$ 1,487,090	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 15,220	$ 15,220	$ 15,220	$ 15,220