Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (116,030)	$ (9,512)	$ (119,814)	$ 147,984
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			(11,042)	(13,235)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares			858	3,370
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests			7,484	(27)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(2,700)	(9,892)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ (122,514)	$ 138,092