Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 766,700	$ 740,481
Short-term investments	125,595	115,700
Accounts receivable
Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $27,413 and $28,152, respectively	374,715	409,720
Other, less allowances of $3,670 and $5,263, respectively	131,995	164,608
Inventory	143,832	160,692
Net deferred income tax asset	44,288	43,411
Prepaid expenses	86,879	86,385
Income taxes receivable	11,301	9,625
Other current assets	30,498	32,815
Total current assets	1,715,803	1,763,437
Assets held for sale	160,073	163,242
Investments
Licenses	1,494,189	1,480,039
Goodwill	797,194	797,194
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $146,578 and $143,613, respectively	55,557	58,522
Investments in unconsolidated entities	201,171	179,921
Long-term investments	40,142	50,305
Other investments	778	824
Total investments	2,589,031	2,566,805
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	10,917,301	10,808,499
Less: Accumulated depreciation	7,010,706	6,811,233
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,906,595	3,997,266
Other assets and deferred charges	130,321	133,150
Total assets	8,501,823	8,623,900
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	1,318	1,233
Accounts payable	335,065	377,291
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	231,478	222,345
Accrued interest	15,774	6,565
Accrued taxes	55,944	48,237
Accrued compensation	75,324	134,932
Other current liabilities	102,208	134,005
Total current liabilities	817,111	924,608
Liabilities held for sale	18,360	19,594
Deferred liabilities and credits
Net deferred income tax liability	867,954	862,580
Other deferred liabilities and credits	445,614	438,727
Long-term debt	1,721,338	1,721,571
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	466	493
TDS shareholders' equity
Series A Common and Common Shares	1,327	1,327
Capital in excess of par value	2,302,785	2,304,122
Treasury shares at cost:	(747,831)	(750,099)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,303)	(8,132)
Retained earnings	2,449,720	2,464,318
Total TDS shareholders' equity	3,997,698	4,011,536
Preferred shares	825	825
Noncontrolling interests	632,457	643,966
Total equity	4,630,980	4,656,327
Total liabilities and equity	$ 8,501,823	$ 8,623,900