Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 number	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Accounts receivable, Other	$ 190,558,000		$ 179,503,000
U.S. Cellular | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received	13,400,000
FCC auction number of states won	10
U.S. Cellular | Other assets and deferred charges | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received	9,400,000
U.S. Cellular | Property, plant and equipment, net | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received	4,000,000
U.S. Cellular | Maximum | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received	40,100,000
TDS Telecom | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Accounts receivable, Other	22,700,000		23,600,000
Recovery Act Grants Awarded	105,100,000
Recovery Act Projects Company Funds	30,900,000
Recovery Act Projects	44
Recovery Act Grants Received	3,700,000	19,900,000
Recovery Act Cumulative Grants Received	$ 67,300,000