Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (116,042)	$ (9,524)	$ (119,851)	$ 147,947
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings
Noncontrolling interest adjustment				(1,065)
Preferred dividend adjustment				37
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (116,042)	$ (9,524)	$ (119,851)	$ 146,919
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	108,252	108,571	108,650	108,405
Effects of dilutive securities:
Stock options				170
Restricted stock units				363
Preferred shares				55
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	108,252	108,571	108,650	108,993
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (1.07)	$ (0.09)	$ (1.10)	$ 1.36
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (1.07)	$ (0.09)	$ (1.10)	$ 1.35
Stock Options
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	9,207	9,199	8,922	7,225
Restricted Stock Units
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	992	883	823	187
Preferred Shares
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	52	55	52
Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	101,067	101,422	101,474	101,256
Series A Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	7,185	7,149	7,176	7,149