Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (22,038)	$ 156,077	$ (3,784)	$ 157,496
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			(10,292)	(9,712)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares			242	3,470
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests				(27)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(10,050)	(6,269)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ (13,834)	$ 151,227