Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 number	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Accounts receivable, Other	$ 152,319,000		$ 179,503,000
TDS Telecom | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Accounts receivable, Other	13,800,000		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	14,700,000	34,800,000
Recovery Act Cumulative Grants Received	$ 78,200,000