Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 573,067	$ 830,014
Short-term investments	40,014	50,104
Accounts receivable
Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $41,129 and $63,690, respectively	500,168	551,611
Other, less allowances of $2,278 and $1,914, respectively	152,319	179,503
Inventory, net	193,694	244,560
Net deferred income tax asset	100,951	106,077
Prepaid expenses	89,243	87,920
Income taxes receivable	10,522	2,397
Other current assets	31,884	35,151
Total current assets	1,691,862	2,087,337
Assets held for sale	68,288	16,027
Investments
Licenses	1,400,808	1,423,779
Goodwill	783,280	836,843
Franchise rights	238,950	123,668
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $127,804 and $112,752, respectively	70,075	71,454
Investments in unconsolidated entities	335,448	301,772
Other investments	543	641
Total investments	2,829,104	2,758,157
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	11,333,716	11,239,804
Less: Accumulated depreciation	7,497,248	7,361,660
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,836,468	3,878,144
Other assets and deferred charges	214,826	164,482
Total assets	8,640,548	8,904,147
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	862	1,646
Accounts payable	469,193	496,069
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	330,789	289,445
Accrued interest	15,750	6,673
Accrued taxes	87,474	70,518
Accrued compensation	100,297	115,031
Other current liabilities	153,142	212,374
Total current liabilities	1,157,507	1,191,756
Deferred liabilities and credits
Net deferred income tax liability	823,172	862,975
Other deferred liabilities and credits	455,360	458,709
Long-term debt	1,718,701	1,720,074
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	1,007	536
TDS shareholders' equity
Series A Common and Common Shares	1,327	1,327
Capital in excess of par value	2,329,674	2,308,807
Treasury shares at cost	(746,660)	(721,354)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,307)	(569)
Retained earnings	2,366,237	2,529,626
Total TDS shareholders' equity	3,949,271	4,117,837
Preferred shares	824	824
Noncontrolling interests	534,706	551,436
Total equity	4,484,801	4,670,097
Total liabilities and equity	$ 8,640,548	$ 8,904,147