Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
			Common Shares	Series A Common Shares
Entity Registrant Name	'TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC /DE/	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001051512	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$2,324,418,940	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Trading Symbol	'TDS	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	101,596,000	7,166,000

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Oper

Consolidated Statement Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$4,901,236	$5,345,277	$5,180,471
Operating expenses	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	2,225,316	2,272,570	2,050,644
Selling, general and administrative	1,947,778	2,033,901	2,002,359
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,018,077	813,626	765,776
Loss on impairment of assets	'	515	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,841	19,741	10,952
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-300,656	21,061	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Total operating expenses	4,665,877	5,161,414	4,817,969
Operating income	235,359	183,863	362,502
Investment and other income (expense)	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	132,714	92,867	82,538
Interest and dividend income	9,092	9,248	9,145
Gain (loss) on investments	14,547	-3,718	24,103
Interest expense	-98,811	-86,745	-118,201
Other, net	-37	720	3,658
Total investment and other income (expense)	57,505	12,372	1,243
Income before income taxes	292,864	196,235	363,745
Income tax expense	126,043	73,582	113,503
Net income	166,821	122,653	250,242
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	24,894	40,792	49,676
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	141,927	81,861	200,566
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-49	-50	-50
Net income available to common shareholders	$141,878	$81,811	$200,516
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	108,490	108,671	108,562
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.31	$0.75	$1.85
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	109,132	108,937	109,098
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.29	$0.75	$1.83
Dividends per share to TDS shareholders	$0.51	$0.49	$0.47

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Comp

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net income	$166,821	$122,653	$250,242
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized gain on equity investments	51	49	138
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-34	4	'
Change related to retirement plan	'	'	'
Net actuarial gains (losses)	13,345	90	-9,625
Amortization of prior service cost	-3,605	-3,735	-3,815
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	2,452	2,517	1,934
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income before income tax benefit (expense)	12,192	-1,128	-11,506
Change in deferred income taxes	-4,646	1,797	5,722
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	7,546	669	-5,784
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income	7,563	722	-5,646
Comprehensive income	174,384	123,375	244,596
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	24,894	40,792	49,676
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$149,490	$82,583	$194,920

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$166,821	$122,653	$250,242
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,018,077	813,626	765,776
Bad debts expense	105,629	74,695	68,611
Stock-based compensation expense	30,338	41,871	36,837
Deferred income taxes, net	-67,150	58,785	202,547
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	-132,714	-92,867	-82,538
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	127,929	84,884	92,231
Loss on impairment of assets	'	515	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,841	19,741	10,952
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-300,656	21,061	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
(Gain) loss on investments	-14,547	3,718	-24,103
Noncash interest expense	2,463	-572	18,849
Other operating activities	612	1,393	1,067
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-294,320	-81,107	-95,426
Inventory	-83,536	-29,917	-13,382
Accounts payable	86,028	-12,332	29,291
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	66,460	32,981	35,457
Accrued taxes	17,388	77,458	-27,871
Accrued interest	380	-891	3,351
Other assets and liabilities	-9,954	-30,523	-4,418
Cash flows from operating activities	494,610	1,105,172	1,255,711
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment	-883,797	-995,517	-971,759
Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses	-314,570	-163,382	-105,508
Cash received from divestitures	811,120	50,182	'
Cash paid for investments	'	-120,000	-180,920
Cash received for investments	115,000	243,444	393,246
Other investing activities	11,594	-12,796	-1,148
Cash flows from investing activities	-260,653	-998,069	-866,089
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Repayment of short-term debt	'	'	-32,671
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,581	-2,566	-614,639
Issuance of long-term debt	37	195,358	643,700
TDS Common Shares and Special Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	9,654	-1,119	32
U.S. Cellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	5,784	-2,205	1,935
Repurchase of TDS Common and Special Common Shares	-9,692	-20,026	-21,500
Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares	-18,544	-20,045	-62,294
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	-55,293	-53,165	-48,670
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders	-75,235	'	'
Payment of debt issuance costs	-23	-8,242	-21,657
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-3,766	-20,856	-16,236
Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries	-4,505	-3,167	'
Other financing activities	8,740	6,136	3,970
Cash flows from financing activities	-144,424	70,103	-168,030
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	89,533	177,206	221,592
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Beginning of period	740,481	563,275	341,683
End of period	$830,014	$740,481	$563,275

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$830,014	$740,481
Short-term investments	50,104	115,700
Accounts receivable	'	'
Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $63,690 and $28,152, respectively	551,611	409,720
Other, less allowances of $1,914 and $5,263, respectively	179,503	164,608
Inventory, net	244,560	160,692
Net deferred income tax asset	106,077	43,411
Prepaid expenses	87,920	86,385
Income taxes receivable	2,397	9,625
Other current assets	35,151	32,815
Total current assets	2,087,337	1,763,437
Assets held for sale	16,027	163,242
Investments	'	'
Licenses	1,423,779	1,480,039
Goodwill	836,843	797,194
Franchise rights	123,668	'
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $112,752 and $143,613, respectively	71,454	58,522
Investments in unconsolidated entities	301,772	179,921
Long-term investments	'	50,305
Other investments	641	824
Total investments	2,758,157	2,566,805
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
In service and under construction	11,239,804	10,808,499
Less: Accumulated depreciation	7,361,660	6,811,233
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,878,144	3,997,266
Other assets and deferred charges	164,482	133,150
Total assets	8,904,147	8,623,900
Current liabilities	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	1,646	1,233
Accounts payable	496,069	377,291
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	289,445	222,345
Accrued interest	6,673	6,565
Accrued taxes	70,518	48,237
Accrued compensation	115,031	134,932
Other current liabilities	212,374	134,005
Total current liabilities	1,191,756	924,608
Liabilities held for sale	'	19,594
Deferred liabilities and credits	'	'
Net deferred income tax liability	862,975	862,580
Other deferred liabilities and credits	458,709	438,727
Long-term debt	1,720,074	1,721,571
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	536	493
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares	1,327	1,327
Capital in excess of par value	2,308,807	2,304,122
Treasury shares at cost	-721,354	-750,099
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-569	-8,132
Retained earnings	2,529,626	2,464,318
Total TDS shareholders' equity	4,117,837	4,011,536
Preferred shares	824	825
Noncontrolling interests	551,436	643,966
Total equity	4,670,097	4,656,327
Total liabilities and equity	$8,904,147	$8,623,900

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Due from customers and agents, allowances	$63,690	$28,152
Other, allowances	1,914	5,263
Investments	'	'
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	112,752	143,613
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Authorized shares	290,000,000	290,000,000
Issued shares	132,711,000	132,672,000
Outstanding shares	108,757,000	108,031,000
Par value	1,327	1,327
Treasury Shares	'	'
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Treasury shares at cost	23,954,000	24,641,000
Series A Common Shares	'	'
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Authorized shares	25,000,000	25,000,000
Issued shares	7,166,000	7,160,000
Outstanding shares	7,166,000	7,160,000
Par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Par value	72	72
Common Shares	'	'
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Authorized shares	265,000,000	265,000,000
Issued shares	125,545,000	125,512,000
Outstanding shares	101,591,000	100,871,000
Par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Par value	$1,255	$1,255
Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'
TDS shareholders' equity	'	'
Treasury shares at cost	23,954,000	24,641,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Series A Common, Special Common and Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total TDS Shareholders' Equity	Preferred Shares	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$4,465,738	$1,270	$2,107,929	($738,695)	($3,208)	$2,450,599	$3,817,895	$830	$647,013
Add (Deduct)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	200,566	'	'	'	'	200,566	200,566	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	49,505	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,505
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments	138	'	'	'	138	'	138	'	'
Changes related to retirement plan	-5,784	'	'	'	-5,784	'	-5,784	'	'
TDS Common, Special Common and Series A Common Share dividends	-48,620	'	'	'	'	-48,620	-48,620	'	'
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-50	'	'	'	'	-50	-50	'	'
Repurchase of shares	-21,500	'	'	-21,500	'	'	-21,500	'	'
Dividend reinvestment plan	3,672	'	1,087	5,260	'	-2,675	3,672	'	'
Incentive and compensation plans	476	'	279	4,014	'	-3,817	476	'	'
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	-41,533	'	-572	'	'	'	-572	'	-40,961
Stock-based compensation awards	16,654	'	16,654	'	'	'	16,654	'	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-697	'	-697	'	'	'	-697	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-16,236	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,236
Impact of Share Consolidation	-17	56	144,031	'	'	-144,104	-17	'	'
Other	367	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	367
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	4,602,679	1,326	2,268,711	-750,921	-8,854	2,451,899	3,962,161	830	639,688
Add (Deduct)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	81,861	'	'	'	'	81,861	81,861	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	40,739	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,739
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments	49	'	'	'	49	'	49	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	4	'	'	'	4	'	4	'	'
Changes related to retirement plan	669	'	'	'	669	'	669	'	'
TDS Common, Special Common and Series A Common Share dividends	-53,115	'	'	'	'	-53,115	-53,115	'	'
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-50	'	'	'	'	-50	-50	'	'
Repurchase of Preferred Shares	-22	'	'	'	'	-17	-17	-5	'
Repurchase of shares	-20,026	'	'	-20,026	'	'	-20,026	'	'
Dividend reinvestment plan	6,923	1	1,148	14,123	'	-8,349	6,923	'	'
Incentive and compensation plans	-742	'	444	6,725	'	-7,911	-742	'	'
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	-2,352	'	12,572	'	'	'	12,572	'	-14,924
Stock-based compensation awards	20,030	'	20,030	'	'	'	20,030	'	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-3,179	'	-3,179	'	'	'	-3,179	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-20,856	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-20,856
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	3,658	'	4,396	'	'	'	4,396	'	-738
Other	57	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	57
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	4,656,327	1,327	2,304,122	-750,099	-8,132	2,464,318	4,011,536	825	643,966
Add (Deduct)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	141,927	'	'	'	'	141,927	141,927	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	24,661	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,661
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments	51	'	'	'	51	'	51	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-34	'	'	'	-34	'	-34	'	'
Changes related to retirement plan	7,546	'	'	'	7,546	'	7,546	'	'
TDS Common, Special Common and Series A Common Share dividends	-55,244	'	'	'	'	-55,244	-55,244	'	'
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-49	'	'	'	'	-49	-49	'	'
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders	-75,235	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-75,235
Repurchase of Preferred Shares	-6	'	'	'	'	-5	-5	-1	'
Repurchase of shares	-9,692	'	'	-9,692	'	'	-9,692	'	'
Dividend reinvestment plan	9,300	'	1,619	13,647	'	-5,966	9,300	'	'
Incentive and compensation plans	10,090	'	655	24,790	'	-15,355	10,090	'	'
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	-270	'	-290	'	'	'	-290	'	20
Stock-based compensation awards	14,430	'	14,430	'	'	'	14,430	'	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-1,311	'	-1,311	'	'	'	-1,311	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-3,576	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,576
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	-5,048	'	-10,418	'	'	'	-10,418	'	5,370
Deconsolidation of partnerships	-43,770	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43,770
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$4,670,097	$1,327	$2,308,807	($721,354)	($569)	$2,529,626	$4,117,837	$824	$551,436

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure	'
	Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Nature of Operations
	Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) is a diversified telecommunications company providing high-quality telecommunications services to approximately 4.8 million wireless customers and 1.1 million wireline and cable connections at December 31, 2013. TDS conducts substantially all of its wireless operations through its 84%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”). TDS provides wireline services, cable services and hosted and managed services (“HMS”) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”).
	TDS conducts printing and distribution services through its majority-owned subsidiary, Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”) and provides wireless services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”), a Wisconsin-based service provider (collectively, the “Non-Reportable Segment”). At this time, Airadigm operates independently from U.S. Cellular. Suttle-Straus and Airadigm's financial results were not significant to TDS' operations in 2013.
	Previously, TDS had reported the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom's incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”), its competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”), its HMS operations and the Non-Reportable Segment. As a result of recent acquisitions and changes in TDS' strategy, operations and internal reporting, TDS has reevaluated and changed its operating segments during the year ended December 31, 2013, which resulted in the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom's Wireline, Cable and HMS operations, and the Non-Reportable Segment. The Wireline segment consists of the former ILEC and CLEC segments. The Cable segment consists of Baja Broadband, LLC (“Baja”), which was acquired in August 2013. The HMS segment remains unchanged, except that it now uses a unified brand name, OneNeck IT Solutions (“OneNeck”), as a result of the consolidation of the HMS operations. Periods presented for comparative purposes have been re-presented to conform to the revised presentation described above. All of TDS' segments operate only in the United States, except for HMS, which includes an insignificant foreign operation. See Note 18 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which it has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which TDS is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP.
	Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income attributable to TDS shareholders, cash flows, assets, liabilities or equity for the years presented.
	Business Combinations
	TDS accounts for business combinations at fair value in accordance with the acquisition method. This method requires that the acquirer recognize 100% of the acquiree's assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date for all acquisitions, whether full or partial. In addition, transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, depreciation, amortization and accretion, allowance for doubtful accounts, loyalty reward points, income taxes, stock based compensation and asset retirement obligations.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, TDS had $50.1 million and $115.7 million, respectively, in Short-term investments. At December 31, 2012, TDS had $50.3 million in Long-term investments. Short-term and Long-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For these investments, TDS' objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk. See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	U.S. Cellular's accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular's wireless systems.
	TDS Telecom's accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services provided, by interexchange carriers for long-distance traffic which TDS Telecom carries on its network, and by interstate and intrastate revenue pools that distribute access charges.
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	33,415	$	31,071	$	35,007
		Additions, net of recoveries		105,629		74,695		68,611
		Deductions		-73,440		-72,351		-72,547
	Ending balance		$	65,604	$	33,415	$	31,071
	Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market determined by replacement costs or estimated net realizable value. TDS Telecom's materials and supplies are stated at average cost.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Under the provisions of GAAP, fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). The provisions also establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
	Goodwill
	TDS has Goodwill as a result of its acquisitions of wireless businesses, the acquisitions of ILEC, cable, and HMS companies and, under previous business combination guidance in effect prior to 2009, step acquisitions related to U.S. Cellular's repurchase of its common shares. Such Goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions.
	Licenses
	Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service.
	TDS has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:
	Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.
	The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.
	TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.
	TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of TDS' license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. TDS believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.
	Franchise rights
	TDS has Franchise rights as a result of its acquisition of a cable business. Franchise rights are intangible assets that provide their holder with the right to operate a business in a certain geographical location as sanctioned by the franchiser, usually a government agency. TDS has determined that Franchise rights are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization because TDS expects both the renewal by the granting authorities and the cash flows generated from the Franchise rights to continue indefinitely. Cable Franchise rights are generally granted for ten year periods and may be renewed for additional terms upon approval by the granting authority. TDS anticipates that future renewals of its Franchise rights will be granted.
	Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights Impairment Assessment
	Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. TDS performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights as of November 1 of each year.
	TDS may first assess qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step Goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of reporting unit Goodwill with the carrying amount of that Goodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of Goodwill in this second step, an enterprise allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of Goodwill. If the carrying amount of Goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of Goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference.
	The impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than Goodwill may consist of first assessing qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends. If determined to be necessary, the next step compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of an intangible asset or reporting unit and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. Other valuation techniques include present value analysis, multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. The use of these techniques involve assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate, and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
	U.S. Cellular
	U.S. Cellular tests Goodwill for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units. The four reporting units represent four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2012, U.S. Cellular identified five reporting units. The change in reporting units resulted from the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities.
	A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review by using value drivers and risks specific to the current industry and economic markets. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. Key assumptions made in this process were the discount rate, estimated expected revenue growth rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	U.S. Cellular tests Licenses for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its 2013 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. For purposes of its 2012 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into thirteen units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The change in units of accounting resulted from (i) the Divestiture Transaction and the Mississippi Valley non-operating market license sale, both of which are more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and (ii) the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. In both 2013 and 2012, seven of the units of accounting represented geographic groupings of licenses which, because they were not being utilized and, therefore, were not expected to generate cash flows from operating activities in the foreseeable future, were considered separate units of accounting for purposes of impairment testing.
	U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value of Licenses by calculating future cash flows from a hypothetical start-up wireless company and assuming that the only assets available upon formation are the underlying Licenses. To apply this method, a hypothetical build-out of U.S. Cellular's wireless network, infrastructure, and related costs are projected based on market participant information. Calculated cash flows, along with a terminal value, are discounted to the present and summed to determine the estimated fair value.
	For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, U.S. Cellular prepares estimates of fair value by reference to prices paid in recent auctions and market transactions where available. If such information is not available, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period.
	TDS Telecom
	TDS Telecom has recorded Goodwill as a result of the acquisition of ILEC, HMS and cable businesses. For purposes of the annual impairment testing, TDS Telecom has three reporting units: one ILEC reporting unit within its Wireline reportable operating segment, one reporting unit within its HMS reportable operating segment and one reporting unit within its Cable reportable operating segment. For purposes of its annual impairment testing of Goodwill, as of November 1, 2012, TDS Telecom identified four reporting units: one reporting unit within its ILEC reportable operating segment and three reporting units within its HMS reportable operating segment. TDS Telecom's change in reporting units resulted from additional acquisitions and TDS' reevaluation of its operating segments, more fully described above.
	For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, TDS Telecom performed a qualitative assessment of the Cable reporting unit, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends and determined the two-step Goodwill impairment test was not necessary since it was more likely than not that the fair value was at least equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit.
	The discounted cash flow approach and publicly-traded guideline company method were used to value the ILEC and HMS reporting units. The discounted cash flow approach uses value drivers and risks specific to the industry and current economic factors. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of TDS Telecom's specific assumptions. The most significant assumptions made in this process were the revenue growth rate, discount rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	The publicly-traded guideline company method develops an indication of fair value by calculating average market pricing multiples for selected publicly-traded companies using multiples of various financial measures. The developed multiples are applied to applicable financial measures of the respective reporting unit to determine fair value. Given the nature of this methodology, no specific consideration of the economic environment was considered since those factors would be inherent in the multiples used.
	TDS Telecom has recorded Franchise rights as a result of the acquisition of a cable business in August 2013. TDS Telecom tests Franchise rights for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its impairment testing of Franchise rights in 2013, TDS Telecom identified one Cable unit of accounting. TDS Telecom performed a qualitative assessment of the Cable unit of accounting, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends and determined no further testing was necessary since it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Franchise rights was at least equal to their carrying value.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS follows the equity method of accounting for such investments in which its ownership interest is less than or equal to 50% but equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies, or for unconsolidated entities in which its ownership is greater than 50% but TDS does not have a controlling financial interest. The cost method of accounting is followed for such investments in which TDS' ownership interest is less than 20% for corporations and is less than 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies and for investments for which TDS does not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.
Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to Cost of services and products or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less any applicable accrued asset retirement obligations and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.
Costs of developing new information systems are capitalized and amortized over their expected economic useful lives.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, except for certain Wireline segment assets, which use the group depreciation method. The group depreciation method develops a depreciation rate based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets, rather than each asset individually. TDS depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets' economic lives or the specific lease terms.
Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013 and 2012. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no other material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011. TDS Telecom did not materially change the useful lives of its property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
TDS reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. If necessary, the impairment test for tangible long-lived assets is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) with the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset (or asset group) life. If the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value (less cost to sell), an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices, network operations center and wide-area network. As a result, U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows generated by this single interdependent network.
TDS Telecom has five asset groups for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on their integrated network, assets and operations. The cash flows generated by each of these groups is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.
Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of a tangible long-lived asset and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. A present value analysis of cash flow scenarios is often the best available valuation technique. The use of this technique involves assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
Agent Liabilities
U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had accrued $121.3 million and $88.2 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. This amount is included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges
Other assets and deferred charges include underwriters' and legal fees and other charges related to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. The amounts for deferred charges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are shown net of accumulated amortization of $41.4 million and $30.0 million, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations
U.S. Cellular operates cell sites, retail stores and office spaces in its operating markets. A majority of these sites, stores and office spaces are leased. Most of these leases contain terms which require or may require U.S. Cellular to return the leased property to its original condition at the lease expiration date.
TDS Telecom owns poles, cable and wire and certain buildings and leases data center and office space and property used for housing central office switching equipment and fiber cable. These assets and leases often have removal or remediation requirements associated with them. For example, TDS Telecom's poles, cable and wire are often located on property that is not owned by TDS Telecom and are often subject to the provisions of easements, permits, or leasing arrangements. Pursuant to the terms of the permits, easements, or leasing arrangements, TDS Telecom is often required to remove these assets and return the property to its original condition at some defined date in the future.
TDS accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, TDS records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. The liability is accreted to its present value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Treasury Shares
Common Shares repurchased by TDS are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. Treasury shares are reissued as part of TDS' stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, TDS determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Capital in excess of par value or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition
U.S. Cellular
Revenues from wireless operations consist primarily of:
Charges for access, airtime, roaming, long distance, data and other value added services provided to U.S. Cellular's retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers;
Charges to carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular's systems when roaming;
Sales of equipment and accessories;
Amounts received from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) in states where U.S. Cellular has been designated an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”); and
Redemptions of loyalty reward points for products or services.
Revenues related to wireless services and other value added services are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate.
Revenues from sales of equipment and accessories are recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the agent or end-user customer.
U.S. Cellular allocates revenue to each element of multiple element service offerings using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration, which consists of the amounts billed to the customer net of any cash-based discounts, is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price on a stand-alone basis. Such stand-alone selling price is determined in accordance with the following hierarchy:
U.S. Cellular-specific objective evidence of stand-alone selling price, if available; otherwise
Third-party evidence of selling price, if it is determinable; otherwise
A best estimate of stand-alone selling price.
U.S. Cellular estimates stand-alone selling prices of the elements of its service offerings as follows:
Wireless services – Based on the actual selling price U.S. Cellular offers when such plan is sold on a stand-alone basis, or if the plan is not sold on a stand-alone basis, U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of such plan based on similar plans that are sold on a stand-alone basis.
Wireless devices – Based on the selling price of the respective wireless device when it is sold on a stand-alone basis.
Phone Replacement – Based on U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of this service if it were sold on a stand-alone basis, which was calculated by estimating the cost of this program plus a reasonable margin.
Loyalty reward points – By estimating the retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed and dividing such amount by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This is calculated on a weighted average basis and requires U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that will be redeemed for each product or service.
U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is deferred. Revenue is recognized at the time of customer redemption or when such points have been depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular periodically reviews and revises the redemption and depletion rates as appropriate based on history and related future expectations. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the inconvenience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular's recent billing system conversion. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and increased Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $116.2 million and $56.6 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as customers may redeem their reward points within the current period.
Cash-based discounts and incentives, including discounts to customers who pay their bills through the use of on-line bill payment methods, are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue, and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their respective relative selling price.
In order to provide better control over wireless device quality, U.S. Cellular sells wireless devices to agents. U.S. Cellular pays rebates to agents at the time an agent activates a new customer or retains an existing customer in a transaction involving a wireless device. U.S. Cellular accounts for these rebates by reducing revenues at the time of the wireless device sale to the agent rather than at the time the agent activates a new customer or retains a current customer. Similarly, U.S. Cellular offers certain wireless device sales rebates and incentives to its retail customers and records the revenue net of the corresponding rebate or incentive. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular's estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.
GAAP requires that activation fees charged with the sale of equipment and service be allocated to the equipment and service based upon the relative selling prices of each item. Device activation fees charged at agent locations, where U.S. Cellular does not also sell a wireless device to the customer, are deferred and recognized over the average device life. Device activation fees charged as a result of handset sales at Company-owned retail stores are recognized at the time the handset is delivered to the customer.
ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular's designation as an ETC in various states.
TDS Telecom
Revenue from Wireline operations consists primarily of charges for:
Providing telephone voice services;
Compensation for carrying long-distance voice and data traffic on TDS Telecom's local telephone networks, including compensation from inter-state and intra-state regulatory recovery mechanisms;
Leasing, selling, installing and maintaining customer premise equipment;
Providing broadband services;
Providing hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) solutions and other hosted services to business;
Reselling long-distance services; and
Selling Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) and satellite video service.
Cable operating revenues consist of charges for:
Providing basic and pay-per-view video services;
Providing broadband services; and
Providing Internet Protocol (“IP”) telephone voice services.
HMS operating revenues consist of charges for:
Providing colocation;
Providing dedicated hosting;
Providing hosted application management and cloud computing services; and
Planning, engineering, procurement, installation, sales and management of IT infrastructure hardware solutions.
Revenues related to services are recognized as services are rendered. Activation fees charged are deferred and recognized over the average customer's service period. Revenues related to products are recognized when title and risk of loss transfer from TDS Telecom to the customer.
TDS Telecom offers some products and services that are provided by third-party vendors, primarily satellite video service through its Wireline business, and third-party equipment maintenance contracts through its HMS business. TDS records these service revenues on a net basis.
TDS Telecom offers discounts and incentives to customers who receive certain groupings of products and services (bundled arrangements).  These discounts are recognized concurrently with the associated revenue and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their relative selling prices.
Discounts and cash incentives offered by TDS Telecom that are given directly to customers are recorded in the financial statements as a reduction of Operating revenues.
TDS Telecom earns Wholesale revenues in its Wireline segment as a result of its participation in revenue pools with other telephone companies for interstate revenue and for certain intrastate revenue. Such pools are funded by long distance revenue and/or access charges within state jurisdictions and by access charges in the interstate jurisdiction. Wholesale revenues earned through the various pooling processes are recorded based on estimates following the National Exchange Carrier Association's rules as approved by the FCC.
Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities
TDS records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon TDS, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Operating revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $131.0 million, $152.4 million and $141.3 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs
TDS expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $212.8 million, $240.9 million and $267.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes
TDS files a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. TDS evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment.
Stock-Based Compensation
TDS has established long-term incentive plans, dividend reinvestment plans, a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and previously had an employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. See Note 16 — Stock-based Compensation for additional information. The dividend reinvestment plan of TDS is not considered a compensatory plan and, therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under this plan is not required. All other plans are considered compensatory plans; therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under these plans is required.
TDS values its share-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. TDS believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of TDS' common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is equal to the dividends declared in the most recent year as a percentage of the share price on the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.
Beginning with grants in 2013, newly granted TDS stock option awards cliff vest in three years. TDS stock option awards granted prior to 2013 and U.S. Cellular stock option awards vest on an annual basis in three separate tranches. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which was generally the vesting period, for each separate vesting portion of the awards as if the awards were, in-substance, multiple awards (graded vesting attribution method).
Operating Leases
TDS is a party to various lease agreements for office space, retail stores, cell sites, certain telecommunication and data center facilities and equipment that are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. TDS accounts for certain operating leases that contain rent abatements, lease incentives and/or fixed rental increases by recognizing lease revenue and expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On July 18, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryfoward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 addresses the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. In such event, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, would be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to deferred tax assets unless the net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward at the reporting date is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 2 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, TDS did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. However, TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
			Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy	31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
				Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	830,014	$	830,014	$	740,481	$	740,481
	Short-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		50,104		50,104		115,700		115,700
	Long-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		-		-		50,305		50,339
	Long-term debt
		Retail	1		1,178,250		1,048,010		1,178,250		1,238,204
		Institutional and other	2		537,454		512,635		538,657		589,435
	Short-term investments are designated as held-to-maturity investments and recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations and the current portion of Long-term debt.
	The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair values of Long-term investments were estimated using quoted market prices for the individual issuances. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS' 7.0% Senior Notes, 6.875% Senior Notes, 6.625% Senior Notes and 5.875% Senior Notes, and U.S. Cellular's 6.95% Senior Notes. TDS' institutional debt includes U.S. Cellular's 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS estimated the fair value of its institutional and other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 0.00% to 7.35% at December 31, 2013 and 0.00% to 6.09% at December 31, 2012.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, TDS did not have nonfinancial assets or liabilities that required the application of fair value accounting for purposes of reporting such amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 3 INCOME TAXES
	TDS' income taxes balances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Federal income taxes (payable)		$	-20,288		$	-5,455
	State income taxes receivable			2,397			9,625
	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
		Federal		$	181,579		$	9,705		$	-94,627
		State			11,614			5,092			5,583
	Deferred
		Federal			-65,970			61,113			214,722
		State			-1,180			-2,328			-12,175
				$	126,043		$	73,582		$	113,503
	A reconciliation of TDS' income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to TDS' effective income tax expense rate is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		2013						2012					2011
			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate		Amount		Rate
	(Dollars in millions)
	Statutory federal income tax expense and rate		$	102.5		35	%		$	68.7		35	%	$	127.3	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit (1)			10.5		3.6				8.4		4.2			-20.9	-5.7
	Effect of noncontrolling interests			-1		-0.4				-		-			-3	-0.8
	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets (2)			14.9		5.1				-		-			-	-
	Correction of deferred taxes (3)			-		-				-6.1		-3.1			6	1.6
	Other differences, net			-0.9		-0.3				2.6		1.4			4.1	1.1
	Total income tax expense and rate		$	126		43	%		$	73.6		37.5	%	$	113.5	31.2	%
	-1	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. The 2011 benefit primarily relates to the ability to utilize net operating losses as a result of state income tax law changes. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	-2	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
	-3	TDS recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	TDS' current Net deferred income tax asset totaled $106.1 million and $43.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and primarily represents the deferred tax effects of the deferred revenue for the loyalty reward points, the allowance for doubtful accounts on customer receivables, and accrued liabilities.
	TDS' noncurrent deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the temporary differences that gave rise to them were as follows:
	December 31,			2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets
		Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards		$	121,651		$	121,111
		Stock-based compensation			50,563			53,330
		Compensation and benefits - other			12,681			32,484
		Deferred rent			20,500			16,862
		Other			32,444			32,654
					237,839			256,441
		Less valuation allowance			-70,609			-69,108
		Total noncurrent deferred tax assets			167,230			187,333
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
		Property, plant and equipment			637,090			666,201
		Licenses/intangibles			251,578			250,860
		Partnership investments			136,581			127,331
		Other			4,956			5,521
		Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			1,030,205			1,049,913
	Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	862,975		$	862,580
	At December 31, 2013, TDS and certain subsidiaries had $1,951.4 million of state NOL carryforwards (generating a $100.7 million deferred tax asset) available to offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2014 and 2033. Certain subsidiaries had federal NOL carryforwards (generating a $21.0 million deferred tax asset) available to offset their future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards expire between 2018 and 2033. A valuation allowance was established for certain state NOL carryforwards and federal NOL carryforwards since it is more likely than not that a portion of such carryforwards will expire before they can be used.
	A summary of TDS' deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1,			$	70,502		$	49,686		$	71,014
		Charged to income tax expense			1,954			5,268			-28,511
		Charged to other accounts			6,608			15,548			7,183
	Balance at December 31,			$	79,064		$	70,502		$	49,686
	As of December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance reduced current deferred tax assets by $8.5 million and noncurrent deferred tax assets by $70.6 million.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1,			$	28,420		$	28,841		$	34,002
	Additions for tax positions of current year			6,388			7,027			4,369
	Additions for tax positions of prior years			1,858			1,673			171
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years			-467			-7			-1,973
	Reductions for settlements of tax positions			-1,337			-21			-976
	Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations			-4,472			-9,093			-6,752
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31,			$	30,390		$	28,420		$	28,841
Unrecognized tax benefits are included in Accrued taxes and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If these benefits were recognized, they would have reduced income tax expense in 2013, 2012 and 2011 by $19.8 million, $18.6 million and $18.2 million, respectively, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. As of December 31, 2013, TDS does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next twelve months.
TDS recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense. The amounts charged to Income tax expense related to interest and penalties resulted in an expense of $0.7 million in 2013, and a benefit of $1.5 million and $2.5 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net accrued interest and penalties were $12.4 million and $13.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
TDS and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns. TDS remains subject to federal income tax audits for the tax years after 2011. With only a few exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to state income tax audits for years prior to 2009.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Earnings per Share	'
	NOTE 4 EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income available to common shareholders of TDS by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income available to common shareholders of TDS by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units.
	The amounts used in computing earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,				2013			2012		2011
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders:
	Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share				$	141,878		$	81,811	$	200,516
	Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
		Noncontrolling interest adjustment				-1,058			-640		-989
		Preferred dividend adjustment				49			-		49
	Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share				$	140,869		$	81,171	$	199,576
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share
			Common Shares			101,339			101,532		101,471
			Series A Common Shares			7,151			7,139		7,091
				Total		108,490			108,671		108,562
	Effects of dilutive securities:
		Stock options				209			11		262
		Restricted stock units				375			255		214
		Preferred shares				58			-		60
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share					109,132			108,937		109,098
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders				$	1.31		$	0.75	$	1.85
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders				$	1.29		$	0.75	$	1.83
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options and restricted stock unit awards were equitably adjusted for the special cash dividend. The impact of such adjustments on the earnings per share calculation was fully reflected for all years presented.
	Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units or conversion of convertible preferred shares were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded is shown in the table below.
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		7,120		8,130		3,785
	Restricted stock units		171		154		141
	Preferred shares		-		57		-

Acquisitions_Divestures_And_Ex

Acquisitions Divestures And Exchanges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Acquisitions, Divestures and Exchanges	'
	NOTE 5 ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND EXCHANGES
	TDS assesses its business interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on investment. As part of this strategy, TDS reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional wireless operating markets and wireless spectrum; and telecommunications, cable, HMS or other possible businesses. In addition, TDS may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other interests those interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.
	Acquisitions did not have a material impact on TDS' consolidated financial statements for the periods presented and pro forma results, assuming acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.
	Divestiture Transaction
	On November 6, 2012, U.S. Cellular entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with subsidiaries of Sprint Corp., fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, on May 16, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred customers and certain PCS license spectrum to Sprint in U.S. Cellular's Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement collectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.”
	U.S. Cellular retained other assets and liabilities related to the Divestiture Markets, including network assets, retail stores and related equipment, and other buildings and facilities. The transaction did not affect spectrum licenses held by U.S. Cellular or variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that were not used in the operations of the Divestiture Markets. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular and Sprint also entered into certain other agreements, including customer and network transition services agreements, which require U.S. Cellular to provide customer, billing and network services to Sprint for a period of up to 24 months after the May 16, 2013 closing date. Sprint will reimburse U.S. Cellular for providing such services at an amount equal to U.S. Cellular's estimated costs, including applicable overhead allocations. In addition, these agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site lease rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees. It is estimated that up to $175 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement will be recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net and up to $25 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement will be recorded in Cost of services and products in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $10.6 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement had been received and recorded in Cash received from divestitures in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	Financial impacts of the Divestiture Transaction are classified in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within Operating income. The table below describes the amounts TDS has recognized and expects to recognize in the Consolidated Statement of Operations between the date the Purchase and Sale Agreement was signed and the end of the transition services period.
	(Dollars in thousands)				Expected Period of Recognition	Projected Range				Cumulative Amount Recognized as of December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Year Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
		Proceeds from Sprint
			Purchase price		2013	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-	$	-
			Sprint Cost Reimbursement		2013-2014		-120,000		-175,000		-47,641		-47,641		-43,420		-
		Net assets transferred			2013		160,073		160,073		160,073		160,073		-		-
		Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets			2012-2014		10,000		14,000		10,675		3		-51		10,672
		Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement			2012-2014		12,000		18,000		14,262		1,653		-809		12,609
		Contract termination costs			2012-2014		110,000		160,000		59,584		59,525		40,744		59
		Transaction costs			2012-2014		5,000		6,000		5,565		4,428		347		1,137
			Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net			$	-302,927	$	-296,927	$	-277,482	$	-301,959	$	-3,189	$	24,477
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
		Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values			2012-2014		200,000		225,000		198,571		178,513		44,513		20,058
	(Increase) decrease in Operating income					$	-102,927	$	-71,927	$	-78,911	$	-123,446	$	41,324	$	44,535
	Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values represents anticipated amounts to be recorded in the specified time periods as a result of a change in estimate for the remaining useful life and salvage value of certain assets and a change in estimate which accelerated the settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations in conjunction with the Divestiture Transaction. Specifically, for the years indicated, this is estimated depreciation, amortization and accretion recorded on assets and liabilities of the Divestiture Markets after the November 6, 2012 transaction date less depreciation, amortization and accretion that would have been recorded on such assets and liabilities in the normal course, absent the Divestiture Transaction.
	As a result of the transaction, TDS recognized the following amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
						Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance December 31, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	12,305	$	6,853	$	-11,905	$	-5,200	$	2,053
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	30	$	22,675	$	-8,713	$	-	$	13,992
	Other deferred liabilities and credits
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	34,283	$	-3,434	$	-	$	30,849
						Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance November 6, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2012
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	-	$	12,609	$	-304	$	-	$	12,305
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	59	$	-29	$	-	$	30
	-1		Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	-2		Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.
	Other Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
	On October 4, 2013, TDS acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of MSN Communications, Inc. (“MSN”) for $43.6 million in cash. MSN is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of products. MSN is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.
	On October 4, 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million. At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	On August 14, 2013 U.S. Cellular entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its St. Louis area unbuilt license for $92.3 million. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. In accordance with GAAP, the book value of the license has been accounted for and disclosed as “held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013.
	On August 1, 2013, TDS Telecom acquired substantially all of the assets of Baja for $264.1 million in cash. Baja is a cable company that operates in markets primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah and offers video, broadband and voice services, which complement the TDS Telecom portfolio of products. Baja is included in the Cable segment for reporting purposes.
	On November 20, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired seven 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin for $57.7 million.
	On August 15, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired four 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma for $34.0 million.
	On June 11, 2012, TDS paid $46.1 million in cash to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of Vital Support Systems, LLC (“Vital”). Vital is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of products. Vital is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.
	On March 14, 2012, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of the assets and liabilities of a wireless market for $49.8 million in cash. At the time of the sale, a $4.2 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On May 9, 2011, pursuant to certain required terms of the partnership agreement, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in this wireless market in which it previously held a 49% noncontrolling interest. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining interest, a $13.4 million gain was recorded to adjust the carrying value of this 49% investment to its fair value of $25.7 million based on an income approach valuation method.  The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2011.
	On September 30, 2011, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received eighteen 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering portions of Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington in exchange for two PCS spectrum licenses covering portions of Illinois and Indiana.  The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with additional spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements in several of its markets.  No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange.  As a result of this transaction, TDS recognized a gain of $11.8 million, representing the difference between the fair value of the licenses received, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the carrying value of the licenses surrendered.  This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	On September 23, 2011, pursuant to a plan of reorganization in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, TDS acquired 63% of Airadigm and a note for $15.5 million in satisfaction of loans made by TDS to Airadigm and interests in Airadigm acquired by TDS from third-parties. Airadigm is a Wisconsin-based wireless service provider. The noncontrolling interest was valued at $0.4 million based on an income approach valuation method.  TDS recognized a gain of $12.7 million as a result of the transaction which was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for year ended December 31, 2011.  Pursuant to the plan of reorganization, at the acquisition date Airadigm owed $32.7 million to the FCC. This obligation was paid in September 2011. On March 13, 2013, TDS acquired the remaining 37% ownership interest in Airadigm for $3.5 million. At this time, Airadigm operates independently from U.S. Cellular.  Airadigm's financial results are included in “Non-Reportable segment” for reporting purposes.
	On July 1, 2011, TDS paid $95.9 million in cash to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of OneNeck IT Services Corporation (“OneNeck IT Services”).  OneNeck IT Services is a provider of hosted application management and managed IT hosting services to middle market businesses, which complements the HMS portfolio of products. OneNeck IT Services is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.
	TDS' acquisitions in 2013 and 2012 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows:
						Allocation of Purchase Price
				Purchase Price (1)		Goodwill (2)		Licenses		Franchise Rights		Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (3)		Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2013
	U.S. Cellular licenses			$	16,540	$	-	$	16,540	$	-	$	-	$	-
	TDS Telecom cable business				264,069		61,712		-		123,668		11,542		67,147
	TDS Telecom HMS business				43,557		15,203		-		-		17,183		11,171
		Total		$	324,166	$	76,915	$	16,540	$	123,668	$	28,725	$	78,318
	2012
	U.S. Cellular licenses			$	122,690	$	-	$	122,690	$	-	$	-	$	-
	TDS Telecom HMS business				46,126		20,364		-		-		20,300		5,462
	Total		$	168,816	$	20,364	$	122,690	$	-	$	20,300	$	5,462
-1		Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions.
-2		The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2013 and 2012 was amortizable for income tax purposes.
-3		At the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was as follows: 2013: 2.9 years for TDS Telecom cable business and 10 years for TDS Telecom HMS business; 2012: 8.1 years for TDS Telecom HMS business.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held for sale" and "Liabilities held for sale":
			Current Assets		Licenses		Goodwill		Property, Plant and Equipment		Loss on Assets Held for Sale (1)		Total Assets Held for Sale		Liabilities Held for Sale (2)
(Dollars in thousands)
2013
Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses			$	-	$	16,027	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	16,027	$	-
2012
Divestiture Transaction			$	-	$	140,599	$	19,474	$	-	$	-	$	160,073	$	19,594
Bolingbrook Customer Care Center (3)				-		-		-		4,274		-1,105		3,169		-
	Total		$	-	$	140,599	$	19,474	$	4,274	$	-1,105	$	163,242	$	19,594
-1		Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
-2		Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.
-3		Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Intangible Assets	'
	NOTE 6 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Changes in TDS' Licenses, Goodwill and Franchise rights are presented below. See Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for information regarding transactions which affected Licenses, Goodwill and Franchise rights during the periods. Previously under GAAP, TDS accounted for U.S. Cellular's share repurchases as step acquisitions, allocating a portion of the share repurchase value to TDS' Licenses and Goodwill. Consequently, U.S. Cellular's Licenses and Goodwill on a stand-alone basis do not equal the TDS consolidated Licenses and Goodwill related to U.S. Cellular.
	Licenses
	(Dollars in thousands)			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Non-Reportable Segment		Total
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	1,462,019	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,480,039
		Acquisitions			16,540		-		-		16,540
		Divestitures			-59,419		-		-		-59,419
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-16,027		-		-		-16,027
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation			-592		-		-		-592
		Other			3,238		-		-		3,238
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	1,405,759	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,423,779
	Balance December 31, 2011			$	1,475,994	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,494,014
		Acquisitions			122,690		-		-		122,690
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-140,599		-		-		-140,599
		Other			3,934		-		-		3,934
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	1,462,019	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,480,039
	Goodwill
	(Dollars in thousands)			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		Non-Reportable Segment		Total
	Assigned value at time of acquisition			$	622,681	$	449,898	$	-	$	103,627	$	4,317	$	1,180,523
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods			-333,900		-29,440		-		-		-515		-363,855
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-19,474		-		-		-		-		-19,474
	Balance December 31, 2012				269,307		420,458		-		103,627		3,802		797,194
		Acquisitions			-		-		61,712		15,203		-		76,915
		Divestitures			-135		-		-		-		-		-135
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation			-37,131		-		-		-		-		-37,131
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	232,041	$	420,458	$	61,712	$	118,830	$	3,802	$	836,843
	Assigned value at time of acquisition			$	622,681	$	450,156	$	-	$	83,263	$	4,317	$	1,160,417
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods			-333,900		-29,440		-		-		-		-363,340
	Balance December 31, 2011				288,781		420,716		-		83,263		4,317		797,077
		Acquisitions			-		-		-		20,364		-		20,364
		Impairment (1)			-		-		-		-		-515		-515
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-19,474		-		-		-		-		-19,474
		Other			-		-258		-		-		-		-258
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	269,307	$	420,458	$	-	$	103,627	$	3,802	$	797,194
	-1		During the second quarter of 2012, a sustained decrease in TDS' stock price resulted in a triggering event, as defined by GAAP, requiring an interim impairment test of Licenses and Goodwill as of June 30, 2012. Based on this test, TDS concluded that the entire amount of Goodwill related to Airadigm was impaired resulting in an impairment loss of $0.5 million and no impairment of Licenses.
	During the third quarter of 2013, TDS determined that an interim Goodwill impairment test was required for TDS Telecom's ILEC and HMS reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value, and accordingly no Goodwill impairment resulted.
	Franchise rights
	(Dollars in thousands)			Cable
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	-
		Acquisitions			123,668
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	123,668

Investments_In_Unconsolidated_

Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method as shown in the following table:
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity method investments:
		Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	132,629	$	21,543
		Cumulative share of income		1,186,900		1,050,618
		Cumulative share of distributions		-1,033,087		-907,509
				286,442		164,652
	Cost method investments			15,330		15,269
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities		$	301,772	$	179,921
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities totaled $132.7 million, $92.9 million and $82.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; of those amounts, TDS' investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $78.4 million, $67.2 million and $55.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. TDS held a 5.5% ownership interest in the LA Partnership throughout and at the end of each of these years.
	The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and the combined results of operations of TDS' equity method investments:
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Current	$	520,804	$	477,673
		Due from affiliates		408,735		298,707
		Property and other		2,080,436		1,951,887
			$	3,009,975	$	2,728,267
	Liabilities and Equity
		Current liabilities	$	355,167	$	353,044
		Deferred credits		89,198		84,672
		Long-term liabilities		31,605		33,856
		Long-term capital lease obligations		707		405
		Partners’ capital and shareholders’ equity		2,533,298		2,256,290
			$	3,009,975	$	2,728,267
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Results of Operations
		Revenues	$	6,239,200	$	5,825,150	$	5,540,220
		Operating expenses		4,492,372		4,381,731		4,301,758
		Operating income		1,746,828		1,443,419		1,238,462
		Other income, net		4,019		7,190		960
		Net income	$	1,750,847	$	1,450,609	$	1,239,422
	NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation
	U.S. Cellular holds a 60.00% interest in St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership (“NY1”) and a 57.14% interest in New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership (“NY2”) (together with NY1, the “Partnerships”). The remaining interests in the Partnerships are held by Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (“Verizon Wireless”). The Partnerships are operated by Verizon Wireless under the Verizon Wireless brand. Prior to April 3, 2013, because U.S. Cellular owned a greater than 50% interest in each of these Partnerships and based on U.S. Cellular's rights under the Partnership Agreements, TDS consolidated the financial results of these Partnerships in accordance with GAAP.
	On April 3, 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement relating to the Partnerships. The agreement amends the Partnership Agreements in several ways which provide Verizon Wireless with substantive participating rights that allow Verizon Wireless to make decisions that are in the ordinary course of business of the Partnerships and which are significant to directing and executing the activities of the business. Accordingly, as required by GAAP, TDS deconsolidated the Partnerships effective as of April 3, 2013 and thereafter reported them as equity method investments in its consolidated financial statements (“NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation”). After the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, TDS retained the same ownership percentages in the Partnerships and will continue to report the same percentages of income from the Partnerships, which will be recorded in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition to the foregoing described arrangements, TDS and U.S. Cellular have certain other arm's length, ordinary business relationships with Verizon Wireless and its affiliates.
	In accordance with GAAP, as a result of the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, TDS' interest in the Partnerships was reflected in Investments in unconsolidated entities at a fair value of $114.8 million as of April 3, 2013. Recording TDS' interest in the Partnerships required allocation of the excess of fair value over book value to customer lists, licenses, a favorable contract and goodwill of the Partnerships. Amortization expense related to customer lists and the favorable contract will be recognized over their respective useful lives and is included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, TDS recognized a non-cash pre-tax gain of $14.5 million in the second quarter of 2013. The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	The Partnerships were valued using a discounted cash flow approach and a publicly-traded guideline company method. The discounted cash flow approach uses value drivers and risks specific to the industry and current economic factors and incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of TDS specific assumptions.  The most significant assumptions made in this process were the revenue growth rate (shown as a simple average in the table below), the terminal revenue growth rate, discount rate and capital expenditures. The assumptions were as follows:
	Key assumptions
	Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)		2	%
	Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)		2	%
	Discount rate		10.5	%
	Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue		14.9-18.8	%
	The publicly-traded guideline company method develops an indication of fair value by calculating average market pricing multiples for selected publicly-traded companies using multiples of: Revenue and Earnings before Interest, Taxes, and Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA). The developed multiples were applied to applicable financial measures of the Partnerships to determine fair value. The discounted cash flow approach and publicly-traded guideline company method were weighted to arrive at the total fair value of the Partnerships.

Property_Plant_And_Equipment

Property Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	NOTE 8 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	U.S. Cellular's Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Useful Lives
	December 31,		(Years)	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land		N/A	$	36,266	$	33,947
	Buildings		20		304,272		341,852
	Leasehold and land improvements		30-Jan		1,197,520		1,188,720
	Cell site equipment		25-Jun		3,306,575		3,100,916
	Switching equipment		8-Jan		1,161,976		1,155,114
	Office furniture and equipment		5-Mar		539,248		535,656
	Other operating assets and equipment		25-May		92,456		128,290
	System development		7-Mar		962,698		631,184
	Work in process		N/A		116,501		362,749
					7,717,512		7,478,428
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization				-4,860,992		-4,455,840
				$	2,856,520	$	3,022,588
	U.S. Cellular's depreciation and amortization expense totaled $791.1 million, $597.7 million and $565.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As a result of the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized incremental depreciation and amortization in 2012 and 2013. See Note 5 – Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional information.
	TDS Telecom's (including Wireline, Cable, and HMS) Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Useful Lives
	December 31,		(Years)		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land		N/A	$	12,794	$	9,004
	Buildings		May-40		148,800		147,177
	Cable and wire		15-35		1,523,123		1,445,270
	Network electronic equipment		12-Mar		1,229,941		1,171,461
	Office furniture and equipment		10-May		74,507		71,887
	Other equipment		12-May		94,438		85,486
	System development		7-Mar		230,416		196,185
	Work in process		N/A		88,614		87,043
					3,402,633		3,213,513
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization				-2,417,999		-2,279,325
				$	984,634	$	934,188
	The provision for certain Wireline companies' depreciation as a percentage of depreciable property was 5.3% in 2013, 5.6% in 2012 and 5.7% in 2011. TDS Telecom's depreciation and amortization expense related to Property, plant and equipment totaled $182.6 million, $177.3 million and $168.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Corporate and other Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	December 31,	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	119,659	$	116,558
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-82,669		-76,068
	Total	$	36,990	$	40,490
	Corporate and other fixed assets consist of assets at the TDS corporate offices, Suttle-Straus and Airadigm. Corporate and other depreciation and amortization expense related to Property, plant and equipment totaled $10.7 million, $10.3 million and $8.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net included charges of $30.8 million, $19.7 million and $11.0 million, respectively, related to disposals of assets, trade-ins of older assets for replacement assets and other retirements of assets from service in the normal course of business.

Asset_Retirement_Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Asset Retirement Obligation	'
	NOTE 9 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	Asset retirement obligations are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits and Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	In 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to asset retirement obligations. The results of the reviews (identified as “Revisions in estimated cash outflows”) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2013 and 2012, including the Divestiture Transaction, were as follows:
				U.S.		TDS				TDS
	(Dollars in thousands)			Cellular		Telecom		Other		Consolidated
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	179,607	$	69,969	$	4,034	$	253,610
		Additional liabilities accrued			635		257		-		892
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows			6,268		-2,562		-		3,706
		Acquisition of assets			-		3,410		-		3,410
		Disposition of assets (1)			-3,534		-577		-		-4,111
		Accretion expense (2)			12,592		4,898		241		17,731
	Balance December 31, 2013 (3)			$	195,568	$	75,395	$	4,275	$	275,238
	Balance December 31, 2011			$	143,402	$	65,209	$	3,806	$	212,417
		Additional liabilities accrued			5,578		367		-		5,945
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows (4)			22,588		-		-		22,588
		Disposition of assets			-2,674		-298		-		-2,972
		Accretion expense (2)			10,713		4,691		228		15,632
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	179,607	$	69,969	$	4,034	$	253,610
	-1		Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
	-2		Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-3		In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, TDS reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.
	-4		Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Debt	'
	NOTE 10 DEBT
	Revolving Credit Facilities
	At December 31, 2013, TDS and U.S. Cellular had revolving credit facilities available for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the revolving credit facilities may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity. Neither TDS nor U.S. Cellular borrowed under their current or previous revolving credit facilities in 2013, 2012 or 2011 except for letters of credit.
	TDS' and U.S. Cellular's interest cost on their revolving credit facilities is subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and is subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The credit facilities would not cease to be available nor would the maturity date accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS' or U.S. Cellular's credit rating. However, a downgrade in TDS' or U.S. Cellular's credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the credit facilities or obtain access to other credit facilities in the future.
	The maturity date of any borrowings under the TDS and U.S. Cellular revolving credit facilities would accelerate in the event of a change in control.
	The following table summarizes the terms of such revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)			TDS			U.S. Cellular
	Maximum borrowing capacity			$	400		$	300
	Letters of credit outstanding (1)			$	0.3		$	17.6
	Amount borrowed			$	-		$	-
	Amount available for use			$	399.7		$	282.4
	Borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus contractual spread (2)				1.67	%		1.67	%
		LIBOR			0.17	%		0.17	%
		Contractual spread			1.5	%		1.5	%
	Range of commitment fees on amount available for use (3)
		Low			0.13	%		0.13	%
		High			0.3	%		0.3	%
	Agreement date				Dec-10			Dec-10
	Maturity date				Dec-17			Dec-17
	Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows:
		Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013			0.21	%		0.25	%
		Fees incurred, amount
			2013	$	0.9		$	0.8
			2012	$	1.3		$	1.1
			2011	$	1.5		$	1.2
	-1		In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 19 — Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.
	-2		Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TDS and U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If TDS or U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
	-3		The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
	The continued availability of the revolving credit facilities requires TDS and U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing. TDS and U.S. Cellular believe they were in compliance as of December 31, 2013 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the revolving credit facilities.
	In connection with U.S. Cellular's revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular's revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105,000,000, and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250,000,000, will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular's revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.
	At December 31, 2013, TDS had recorded $6.1 million of issuance costs related to the revolving credit facilities which is included in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)					Issuance date	Maturity date		Call date	2013		2012
	TDS:
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.63%		Mar-05	Mar-45		Mar-10	$	116,250	$	116,250
				6.88%		Nov-10	Nov-59		Nov-15		225,000		225,000
				7.00%		Mar-11	Mar-60		Mar-16		300,000		300,000
				5.88%		Nov-12	Dec-61		Dec-17		195,000		195,000
			Purchase contract at 6.0%			Oct-01	Oct-21				1,097		1,097
					Total Parent						837,347		837,347
	Subsidiaries:
		U.S. Cellular -
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.70%		December 2003 and June 2004	Dec-33		Dec-03		544,000		544,000
				Less: 6.7% Unamortized discount							-11,551		-11,806
											532,449		532,194
				6.95%		May-11	May-60		May-16		342,000		342,000
			Obligation on capital leases								3,749		4,756
		TDS Telecom -
			Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) and other notes								749		844
			Obligation on capital leases								779		-
		Non-Reportable Segment -
			Long-term notes, 3.7% to 4.8%				Through 2016				4,612		5,663
			Obligation on capital leases								35		-
					Total Subsidiaries						884,373		885,457
	Total long-term debt									$	1,721,720	$	1,722,804
			Long-term debt, current							$	1,646	$	1,233
			Long-term debt, noncurrent							$	1,720,074	$	1,721,571
	TDS may redeem its callable notes and U.S. Cellular may redeem its 6.95% Senior Notes, in whole or in part at any time after the respective call date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. U.S. Cellular may redeem the 6.7% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points.
	Interest on the notes is payable quarterly on Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013, with the exception of U.S. Cellular's 6.7% note in which interest is payable semi-annually.
	Capitalized debt issuance costs for Unsecured Senior Notes totaled $44.3 million and are included in Other assets and deferred charges (a long-term asset account). These costs are amortized over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.
The annual requirements for principal payments on long-term debt are approximately $1.6 million, $1.3 million, $3.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years 2014 through 2018, respectively.
The covenants associated with TDS and its subsidiaries' long-term debt obligations, among other things, restrict TDS' ability, subject to certain exclusions, to incur additional liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and sell, consolidate or merge assets.
TDS' long-term debt indentures do not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in TDS' credit rating. However, a downgrade in TDS' credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future.

Employee_Benefits_Plans

Employee Benefits Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	NOTE 11 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Contribution Plans
	TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for the employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular. Under this plan, pension costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded annually. Total pension costs were $16.2 million, $18.4 million and $17.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, TDS sponsors a defined contribution retirement savings plan (“401(k)”) plan. Total costs incurred from TDS' contributions to the 401(k) plan were $24.8 million, $25.0 million and $22.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	TDS also sponsors an unfunded nonqualified deferred supplemental executive retirement plan for certain employees to offset the reduction of benefits caused by the limitation on annual employee compensation under the tax laws.
	Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	TDS sponsors a defined benefit post-retirement plan that provides medical benefits and that covers most of the employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and the Wireline subsidiaries of TDS Telecom. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.
	The following amounts are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheet before affecting such amounts for income taxes:
	December 31,	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net prior service costs	$	18,833		$	22,438
	Net actuarial loss		-20,713			-36,510
		$	-1,880		$	-14,072
	The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost gain for the postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2014 are $2.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
	The following amounts are included in Comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Before-Tax			Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense)			Net-of-Tax
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net actuarial gains (losses)	$	13,345		$	-5,086		$	8,259
	Amortization of prior service costs		-3,605			1,374			-2,231
	Amortization of actuarial losses		2,452			-934			1,518
	Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive income	$	12,192		$	-4,646		$	7,546
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	Before-Tax			Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense)			Net-of-Tax
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net actuarial gains (losses)	$	90		$	-143		$	-53
	Amortization of prior service costs		-3,735			5,950			2,215
	Amortization of actuarial losses		2,517			-4,010			-1,493
	Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive income	$	-1,128		$	1,797		$	669
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the other post-retirement benefit plans.
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation
		Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	54,568		$	50,113
		Service cost		1,348			1,197
		Interest cost		2,137			2,297
		Actuarial (gain) loss		-9,437			3,179
		Prescription drug subsidy		-			542
		Benefits paid		-2,474			-2,760
		Benefit obligation at end of year		46,142			54,568
	Change in plan assets
		Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		45,047			41,267
		Actual return (loss) on plan assets		6,973			6,264
		Employer contribution		197			276
		Benefits paid		-2,474			-2,760
		Fair value of plan assets at end of year		49,743			45,047
	Funded status		$	3,601		$	-9,521
	Employee contributions are included with Benefits paid in the table above. The funded status identified above is recorded as a component of Other assets and deferred charges in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 and Other deferred liabilities and credits in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012.
	The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the plans' assets at fair value, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements for definitions of the levels in the fair value hierarchy.
	31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds
		Bond	$	12,697		$	-		$	-	$	12,697
		International equity		9,876			-			-		9,876
		Money market		1,798			-			-		1,798
		US large cap		20,861			-			-		20,861
		US small cap		4,500			-			-		4,500
	Other			-			11			-		11
	Total plan assets at fair value		$	49,732		$	11		$	-	$	49,743
	31-Dec-12
	(Dollars in thousands)			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds
		Bond	$	11,285		$	-		$	-	$	11,285
		International equity		8,868			-			-		8,868
		Money market		1,983			-			-		1,983
		US large cap		18,823			-			-		18,823
	US small cap		4,074			-			-		4,074
Other			-			14			-		14
Total plan assets at fair value		$	45,033		$	14		$	-	$	45,047
A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile, and therefore Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
Mutual funds are valued based on the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. The investment strategy for each type of mutual fund is identified below:
Bond - The funds seek to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities.
International equity - The funds seek to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation.
Money market - The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities.
US large cap - The funds seek to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices.
US small cap - The fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index.
The following table summarizes how plan assets are invested.
					Allocation of Plan Assets
					at December 31,
Investment		Target Asset
Category		Allocation			2013			2012
U.S. equities		50	%		51	%		50.8	%
International equities		20	%		19.9	%		19.7	%
Debt securities		30	%		29.1	%		29.5	%
The post-retirement benefit fund engages multiple asset managers to ensure proper diversification of the investment portfolio within each asset category. The investment objective is to meet or exceed the rate of return of a performance index comprised of 50% Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index, 20% FTSE All World (excluding U.S.) Stock Index, and 30% Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index. The three-year and five-year average rates of return for TDS' post-retirement benefit fund are 10.59% and 14.19%, respectively.
The post-retirement benefit fund does not hold any debt or equity securities issued by TDS, U.S. Cellular or any related parties.
TDS is not required to set aside current funds for its future retiree health and life insurance benefits. The decision to contribute to the plan assets is based upon several factors, including the funded status of the plan, market conditions, alternative investment opportunities, tax benefits and other circumstances. In accordance with applicable income tax regulations, total accumulated contributions to fund the costs of future retiree medical benefits are restricted to an amount not to exceed 25% of the total accumulated contributions to the trust. An additional contribution equal to a reasonable amortization of the past service cost may be made without regard to the 25% limitation. TDS has not determined whether it will make a contribution to the plan in 2014.
Net periodic benefit cost recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the following components:
Year Ended December 31,		2013			2012			2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost		$	1,348		$	1,197		$	1,116
Interest cost			2,137			2,297			2,368
Expected return on plan assets			-3,065			-2,995			-3,496
Amortization of prior service costs (1)			-3,605			-3,735			-3,815
Amortization of actuarial losses (2)			2,452			2,517			1,934
Net post-retirement cost		$	-733		$	-719		$	-1,893
-1	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits.
-2	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire.
The following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:
December 31,	2013			2012
Benefit obligations
Discount rate	5	%		4	%
Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4	%		4.7	%
Expected return on plan assets	7	%		7.5	%
The discount rate for 2013 and 2012 was determined using a hypothetical Aa spot yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from six months to 99 years. The spot rate curve was derived from a direct calculation of the implied forward rate curve based on the included bond cash flows. This yield curve, when populated with projected cash flows that represent the expected timing and amount of TDS plan benefit payments, produces a single effective interest discount rate that is used to measure the plan's liabilities.
The expected rate of return was determined using the target asset allocation for the TDS plan and rate of return expectations for each asset class.
The measurement date for actuarial determination was December 31, 2013. For measurement purposes, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2013 to be 7.5% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.9% for participants under age 65. For all participants the 2013 annual rate of increase is expected to decrease to 5.0% by 2021. The 2012 expected rate of increase was 7.3% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 8.1% for participants under age 65, decreasing to 5.0% for all participants by 2020.
A 1% increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	One Percent
	Increase			Decrease
(Dollars in thousands)
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	18		$	-17
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	$	301		$	-281
The following estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:
	Estimated Future
	Post-Retirement
Year	Benefit Payments
(Dollars in thousands)
2014	$	2,082
2015		2,059
2016		2,143
2017		2,117
2018		2,138
2019-2023		13,294

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	NOTE 12 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Agreements
	As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  In July 2013, U.S. Cellular implemented B/OSS, pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated June 29, 2012. Total payments to Amdocs related to this implementation are estimated to be approximately $183.9 million (subject to certain potential adjustments) over the period from commencement of the SLMA through the first half of 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, $136.8 million had been paid to Amdocs.
	Lease Commitments
	TDS and its subsidiaries have leases for certain plant facilities, office space, retail store sites, cell sites, data centers and data-processing equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term.
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:
		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	175,140	$	45,911
	2015		153,338		36,536
	2016		131,670		25,993
	2017		109,733		17,083
	2018		91,275		6,478
	Thereafter		849,015		227
	Total	$	1,510,171	$	132,228
	For 2013, 2012 and 2011, rent expense for noncancellable long-term leases was $187.8 million, $204.1 million and $187.4 million, respectively; and rent expense under cancellable short-term leases was $15.4 million, $10.4 million and $9.0 million, respectively.
	Rent revenue totaled $45.7 million, $41.6 million and $39.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Indemnifications
	TDS enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement. The events or circumstances that would require TDS to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require TDS to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction. TDS is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, TDS has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.
	Legal Proceedings
	TDS is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If TDS believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.
	TDS has accrued $0.3 million and $1.7 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. TDS has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss. TDS does not believe that the amount of any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued would be material.
	Apple iPhone Products Purchase Commitment
	In March 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Based on current forecasts, TDS estimates that the remaining contractual purchase commitment as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $950 million. At this time, TDS expects to meet its contractual commitment with Apple.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	NOTE 13 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs)
	TDS consolidates variable interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE.  TDS reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur.
	Consolidated VIEs
	As of December 31, 2013, TDS holds a variable interest in and consolidates the following VIEs under GAAP:
	Aquinas Wireless L.P. (“Aquinas Wireless”); and
	King Street Wireless L.P. (“King Street Wireless”) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
	The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless (collectively, the “limited partnerships”) is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships; however, the general partner of each partnership needs consent of the limited partner, a TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of the VIEs is shared, TDS has a disproportionate level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated.
	On March 13, 2013, TDS acquired the remaining 37% ownership interest in Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”) that it did not own for $3.5 million in cash. Prior to this acquisition, TDS consolidated Airadigm as a VIE. Subsequent to the acquisition date, Airadigm ceased to be a VIE but continues to be consolidated based on TDS' controlling financial interest in the entity.
	The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs' assets and liabilities in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	December 31,			2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,076	$	7,028
		Other current assets			1,184		3,267
		Licenses and other intangible assets			310,475		325,707
		Property, plant and equipment, net			18,600		31,544
		Other assets and deferred charges			511		3,026
			Total assets	$	332,846	$	370,572
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities		$	46	$	9,985
		Deferred liabilities and credits			3,139		6,213
			Total liabilities	$	3,185	$	16,198
	Other Related Matters
	Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC licenses won in the auctions. As such, these entities have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for the development of licenses granted in various auctions.  TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/or long-term debt.  There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.
	The limited partnership agreements of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner's put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless and Aquinas Wireless will become exercisable in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The put option price is determined pursuant to a formula that takes into consideration fixed interest rates and the market value of U.S. Cellular's Common Shares. Upon exercise of the put option, the general partner is required to repay borrowings due to U.S. Cellular. If the general partner does not elect to exercise its put option, the general partner may trigger an appraisal process in which the limited partner (a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular) may have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the general partner's interest in the limited partnership at a price and on other terms and conditions specified in the limited partnership agreement. In accordance with requirements under GAAP, TDS is required to calculate a theoretical redemption value for all of the put options assuming they are exercisable at the end of each reporting period, even though such exercise is not contractually permitted. Pursuant to GAAP, this theoretical redemption value, net of amounts payable to U.S. Cellular for loans and accrued interest thereon made by U.S. Cellular to the general partners the (“net put value”), was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net put value is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in TDS' Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	TDS' capital contributions and advances made to Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless and/or their general partners totaled $10.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no capital contributions or advances made to Aquinas Wireless or King Street Wireless or their general partners in 2013.
	U.S. Cellular currently provides 4G LTE service in conjunction with King Street Wireless. Aquinas Wireless is still in the process of developing long-term business plans.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	NOTE 14 NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS' ownership interest in U.S. Cellular on TDS' equity for 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Year Ended December 31,			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	141,927	$	81,861	$	200,566
		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		-14,135		-8,854		-8,555
			Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		3,370		4,789		-7,723
			Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests		-123		4,397		-
			Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		-10,888		332		-16,278
		Change from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	131,039	$	82,193	$	184,288
	Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Finite-Lived Subsidiaries
	TDS' consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that meet the GAAP definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. These mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), where the terms of the underlying partnership or LLC agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the noncontrolling interest holders and TDS in accordance with the respective partnership and LLC agreements. The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2107.
	The estimated aggregate amount that would be due and payable to settle all of these noncontrolling interests, assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs on December 31, 2013, net of estimated liquidation costs, is $14.0 million.  This amount excludes redemption amounts recorded in Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount. TDS currently has no plans or intentions relating to the liquidation of any of the related partnerships or LLCs prior to their scheduled termination dates. The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs at December 31, 2013 was $8.2 million, and is included in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is due primarily to the unrecognized appreciation of the noncontrolling interest holders' share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships and LLCs. Neither the noncontrolling interest holders' share, nor TDS' share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Common_Shareholders_Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Common Shareholders' Equity	'
	NOTE 15 COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Share Consolidation Amendment
	On January 13, 2012, TDS shareholders approved certain amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS (“Charter Amendments”).
	These approved Charter Amendments include (a) a Share Consolidation Amendment to reclassify (i) each Special Common Share as one Common Share, (ii) each Common Share as 1.087 Common Shares, and (iii) each Series A Common Share as 1.087 Series A Common Shares, (b) a Vote Amendment to fix the percentage voting power in certain matters and (c) amendments to eliminate obsolete and inoperative provisions as more fully described in TDS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 24, 2012.
	These approved Charter Amendments were effected on January 24, 2012 at which time each outstanding Special Common Share was reclassified as one Common Share and the Special Common Shares ceased to be outstanding and consequently ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TDS.S.”
	As of December 31, 2011, the holders of Common Shares and Special Common Shares were entitled to one vote per share. The holders of Common Shares had full voting rights; the holders of Special Common Shares had limited voting rights. Other than the election of directors, the Special Common Shares had no votes except as otherwise required by law. The holders of Series A Common Shares were entitled to ten votes per share. Pursuant to the Vote Amendment, the voting power of the Series A Common Shares and the Common Shares, are fixed at 56.7% and 43.3%, respectively, of the total voting power in matters other than the election of directors where voting power is subject to adjustment due to changes in the number of outstanding Series A Common Shares. The Series A Common Shares continue to have ten votes per share in such matters and the vote per share of the Common Shares floats and is determined each time there is a vote on matters other than the election of directors.
	As of January 24, 2012, immediately prior to the reclassification, there were outstanding 6,549,000 Series A Common Shares, 49,980,000 Common Shares, 47,012,000 Special Common Shares and 8,300 Preferred Shares. As of January 24, 2012 immediately following the reclassification, there were outstanding 7,119,000 Series A Common Shares, 101,340,000 Common Shares and 8,300 Preferred Shares.
	As a result of the share reclassification, shares outstanding at December 31, 2011, as well as average basic and diluted shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per share, as of the beginning of 2011 and all prior periods presented in this Form 10-K have been retroactively restated to reflect the impact of the increased shares outstanding.
	Common Stock
	As of December 31, 2013, Series A Common Shares were convertible, on a share for share basis, into Common Shares and 7,166,195 Common Shares were reserved for possible issuance upon conversion of Series A Common Shares.
	The following table summarizes the number of Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares issued and repurchased.
				Common Shares	Special Common Shares		Common Treasury Shares		Special Common Treasury Shares	Series A Common Shares
	(Shares in thousands)
	Balance December 31, 2010			57,093	63,442		7,198		15,911	6,510
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		-		748	-
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-86		-226	39
		Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment (1)		68,409	-63,442		17,053		-16,433	570
	Balance December 31, 2011			125,502	-		24,165		-	7,119
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		868		-	-
		Conversion of Series A Common Shares		10	-		-		-	-10
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-392		-	51
	Balance December 31, 2012			125,512	-		24,641		-	7,160
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		339		-	-
		Conversion of Series A Common Shares		33	-		-		-	-33
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-1,026		-	39
	Balance December 31, 2013			125,545	-		23,954		-	7,166
	-1		Reflects the impact of the Share Consolidation Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS, as approved by the TDS shareholders on January 13, 2012.
	Tax-Deferred Savings Plan
	TDS has reserved 90,341 Common Shares at December 31, 2013, for issuance under the TDS Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, a qualified profit-sharing plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees have the option of investing their contributions and TDS' contributions in a TDS Common Share fund, a U.S. Cellular Common Share fund or certain unaffiliated funds.
	Common Share Repurchases
	TDS and U.S. Cellular Share Repurchases
	On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program for the purchase of TDS Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date. In 2012, TDS had a prior share repurchase authorization for $250 million that expired on November 19, 2012.
	On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
	Share repurchases made under these authorizations and prior authorizations, were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			Number of	Average Cost
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands)			Shares	Per Share			Amount
	2013
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		499	$	37.19		$	18,544
		TDS Common Shares		339		28.6			9,692
	2012
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		571	$	35.11		$	20,045
		TDS Common Shares		868		23.08			20,026
	2011
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		1,276	$	48.82		$	62,294
		TDS Common Shares		-		-			-
		TDS Special Common Shares		748		28.73			21,500

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	NOTE 16 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	TDS Consolidated
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized during 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock option awards	$	12,973		$	20,884		$	20,443
	Restricted stock unit awards		15,535			19,025			14,905
	Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards		550			749			124
	Employee stock purchase plans		-			-			485
	Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan		1,280			1,213			880
	Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes		30,338			41,871			36,837
	Income tax benefit		-11,459			-15,848			-13,862
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	18,879		$	26,023		$	22,975
	At December 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards was $36.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
	The following table provides a summary of the stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended:
	December 31,		2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	27,130		$	38,563		$	33,949
	Cost of services and products		3,208			3,308			2,888
	Total stock-based compensation	$	30,338		$	41,871		$	36,837
	TDS' tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and other awards totaled $9.6 million in 2013.
	TDS (excluding U.S. Cellular)
	The information in this section relates to stock-based compensation plans using the equity instruments of TDS. Participants in these plans are employees of TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom and Non-employee Directors of TDS, although U.S. Cellular employees were eligible to participate in the TDS Employee Stock Purchase Plan before it was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. Information related to plans using the equity instruments of U.S. Cellular are shown in the U.S. Cellular section following the TDS section.
	Under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans, TDS may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. On January 13, 2012, TDS shareholders approved Amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS which included both a Share Consolidation Amendment and adoption of the TDS 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which replaced the TDS 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. See Note 15 — Common Shareholders' Equity for additional information.
	As a result of the effectiveness of the Share Consolidation Amendment on January 24, 2012, there are no longer any Special Common Shares authorized or outstanding. As a result, outstanding awards were adjusted to reflect the reclassification, and such awards will be settled only in Common Shares. Such adjustment was made consistent with the share consolidation.
	TDS had reserved 13,315,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2013 for equity awards granted and to be granted under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans in effect. At December 31, 2013, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards. As of December 31, 2013, there were no shares reserved under any employee stock purchase plan, since this plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.
	TDS has also established a Non-Employee Directors' compensation plan under which it has reserved 200,000 TDS Common Shares at December 31, 2013 for issuance as compensation to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of TDS.
	TDS uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans.
	Long-Term Incentive Plan—Stock Options—Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over periods up to three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee's termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of TDS common stock on the date of grant.
	TDS estimated the fair value of stock options granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below:
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected life	5.7 Years			5.5 Years			5.5 Years
	Expected annual volatility rate	41	%		41.1	%		37.6	%
	Dividend yield	2.3	%		2.4	%		1.6	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1	%		0.9	%		2.1	%
	Estimated annual forfeiture rate	2.9	%		2.9	%		3	%
	Until the time of the effectiveness of the Share Consolidation Amendment on January 24, 2012, any employee with stock options granted prior to the date of the TDS Special Common Share dividend on May 13, 2005, received one Common Share and one Special Common Share per tandem option exercised. Each tandem option was exercisable at its original exercise price. As a result of the Share Consolidation Amendment each Special Common Share was reclassified as a Common Share on a one-for-one basis and each Common Share was reclassified as 1.087 Common Shares. Consequently, each tandem option was adjusted to reflect the reclassification into 2.087 Common Shares upon exercise and the exercise price of the award was also adjusted to 1/2.087 of the original exercise price of the award.
	Any employee with TDS stock options granted after May 13, 2005 was entitled to receive one Special Common Share per option exercised. As a result of the Share Consolidation Amendment each Special Common option was reclassified into one Common Share option. The reclassification did not change the exercise price of these awards.
	A summary of TDS stock options (total and portion exercisable) and changes during the three years ended December 31, 2013, is presented in the tables and narrative below. The December 31, 2011 amounts in the tables below reflect the impact of the Share Consolidation Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS:
	Tandem Options			Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			651,000		$	69.6
	(651,000 exercisable)						69.6
		Exercised		-2,000			53.77					$	30,000
		Forfeited		-		-
		Expired		-78,000			99.23
		Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation		-571,000			65.64					$	158,000
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			-
	Special Common Share Options			Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Prices			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010				5,108,000		$	35.41
	(2,506,000 exercisable)							43.14
		Granted			1,034,000			29.94		$	9.59
		Exercised			-5,000			26.95					$	19,000
		Forfeited			-34,000			28.12
		Expired			-79,000			35
		Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation			-6,024,000		$	34.38					$	-
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011				-
														Weighted
														Average
					Weighted			Weighted						Remaining
					Average			Average			Aggregate			Contractual
			Number of		Exercise			Grant Date			Intrinsic			Life
	Common Share Options		Options		Prices			Fair Value			Value			(in years)
	Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation		1,192,000			31.45
Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation		6,024,000			34.38
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		7,216,000		$	33.89
(4,865,000 exercisable)					36.67
Granted		1,702,000			20.79		$	6.28
Exercised		-1,000			20.65					$	4,000
Forfeited		-106,000			23.81
Expired		-298,000			30.12
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		8,513,000		$	31.53
(5,782,000 exercisable)					35.12
Granted		1,259,000			22.6		$	7.01
Exercised		-683,000			25.33					$	2,450,000
Forfeited		-81,000			23.75
Expired		-228,000			34.1
Outstanding at December 31, 2013		8,780,000		$	30.74					$	11,483,000		6
(6,160,000 exercisable)				$	34.13					$	2,256,000		4.9
The aggregate intrinsic value in the tables above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between TDS' closing stock prices and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that was received by the option holders upon exercise or that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2013.
Long-Term Incentive Plans—Restricted Stock Units—TDS also grants restricted stock unit awards to key employees. As of December 31, 2011, each restricted stock unit outstanding was convertible into one Special Common Share upon the vesting of such restricted stock units. As a result of the Share Consolidation Amendment each outstanding restricted stock unit was reclassified and became convertible into one Common Share Award. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2012 and 2013 and will vest in December 2014 and May 2016, respectively.
TDS estimates the fair value of restricted stock units by reducing the grant-date price of TDS' shares by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate, since employees are not entitled to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock or RSU is unvested. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.
A summary of TDS nonvested restricted stock units and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented in the table below:
Common Restricted Stock Units		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		547,000		$	23.44
Granted		353,000		$	21.09
Vested		-213,000		$	28.94
Forfeited		-24,000		$	23.16
Nonvested at December 31, 2013		663,000		$	20.43
The total fair values as of the respective vesting dates of restricted stock units vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $5.8 million, $3.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $21.09, $19.62 and 28.73, respectively.
Long-Term Incentive Plans—Deferred Compensation Stock Units—Certain TDS employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in TDS Common Share units. The amount of TDS' matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% stock unit match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in TDS Common Share units.
The total fair values of deferred compensation stock units that vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $0.1 million, $0.1 million and 0.1 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of deferred compensation stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $21.99, $24.18 and $28.15, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there were 227,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $5.9 million.
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors—TDS issued 33,000, 22,000 and 19,000 Common Shares under its Non-Employee Director plan in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Dividend Reinvestment Plans (“DRIP”)—TDS had reserved 1,403,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2013, for issuance under Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plans and 179,000 Series A Common Shares for issuance under the Series A Common Share Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. These plans enabled holders of TDS' Common Shares and Preferred Shares to reinvest cash dividends in Common Shares and holders of Series A Common Shares to reinvest cash dividends in Series A Common Shares. The purchase price of the shares is 95% of the market value, based on the average of the daily high and low sales prices for TDS' Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the ten trading days preceding the date on which the purchase is made. These plans are considered non-compensatory plans, therefore no compensation expense is recognized for stock issued under these plans.
U.S. Cellular
The information in this section relates to stock-based compensation plans using the equity instruments of U.S. Cellular. Participants in these plans are employees of U.S. Cellular and Non-employee Directors of U.S. Cellular. Information related to plans using the equity instruments of TDS are shown in the previous section.
U.S. Cellular has established the following stock-based compensation plans: long-term incentive plans and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and had an employee stock purchase plan that was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. In addition, U.S. Cellular employees were eligible to participate in the TDS employee stock purchase plan before that plan also was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards.
On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options, restricted stock unit awards and deferred compensation stock units were equitably adjusted for the special cash dividend. The impact of such adjustments are fully reflected for all years presented. See Note 4 – Earnings Per Share for additional information.
At December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had reserved 10,139,000 Common Shares for equity awards granted and to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plans. No Common Shares were reserved for issuance to employees under any employee stock purchase plan since this plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.
U.S. Cellular also has established a Non-Employee Director compensation plan under which it has reserved 212,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2013 for issuance as compensation to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of U.S. Cellular or TDS.
U.S. Cellular uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for Common Shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans.
Long-Term Incentive Plans—Stock Options—Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee's termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.
U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.
		2013		2012		2011
Expected life		4.6-9.0 years		4.5 years		4.3 years
Expected volatility		29.2%-39.6%		40.7%-42.6%		43.4%-44.8%
Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7%-2.4%		0.5%-0.9%		0.7%-2.0%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate		0.0%-8.1%		0.0%-9.1%		0.0%-7.8%
The fair value of options is recognized as compensation cost using an accelerated attribution method over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.
A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during the three years ended December 31, 2013, is presented in the table below:
													Weighted
													Average
				Weighted			Weighted						Remaining
				Average			Average			Aggregate			Contractual
		Number of		Exercise			Grant Date			Intrinsic			Life
Common Share Options		Options		Price			Fair Value			Value			(in years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2,627,000		$	42.28
(1,333,000 exercisable)					47.18
Granted		694,000			44.34		$	16.66
Exercised		-201,000			32.32					$	2,099,000
Forfeited		-83,000			39.42
Expired		-203,000			49.32
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		2,834,000		$	43.07
(1,533,000 exercisable)					46.23
Granted		677,000			34.91		$	12.61
Exercised		-47,000			29.82					$	205,000
Forfeited		-117,000			38.45
Expired		-133,000			46.17
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,214,000		$	41.58
(1,928,000 exercisable)					43.99
Granted		1,213,000			32.45		$	11.53
Exercised		-892,000			34.78					$	6,787,000
Forfeited		-574,000			34.17
Expired		-247,000			48.35
Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,714,000		$	42.22					$	13,015,000		6.8
(1,359,000 exercisable)				$	46.91					$	2,632,000		4.6
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between U.S. Cellular's closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that was received by the option holders upon exercise or that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2013.
Long-Term Incentive Plans—Restricted Stock Units—U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees.
U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.
A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:
Common Restricted Stock Units		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		1,139,000		$	38.4
Granted		601,000			32.06
Vested		-238,000			42.26
Forfeited		-332,000			35.63
Nonvested at December 31, 2013		1,170,000		$	36.46
The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $8.8 million, $8.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively, as of the respective vesting dates. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $32.06, $34.09 and $42.33, respectively.
Long-Term Incentive Plans—Deferred Compensation Stock Units—Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular's matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units.
The total fair value of deferred compensation stock units that vested was less than $0.1 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011. The weighted average grant date fair value of deferred compensation stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $31.50, $36.34 and $41.79, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there were 12,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $0.5 million.
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors—U.S. Cellular issued 13,000, 7,600 and 6,600 Common Shares in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under its Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Reclassification_Adjustments_O

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Reclassification adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	NOTE 17 RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes amounts related to TDS' defined benefit post-retirement plan. During 2013, reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Operating expenses, related to the retirement plan, were approximately $0.8 million (net of income tax of $0.4 million). Of this amount, $0.5 million was recorded as a decrease to Cost of services and products and $0.3 million was recorded as a decrease to Selling, general and administrative expense.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Business Segment Information	'
	NOTE 18 BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
	U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are billed for all services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis.
	Financial data for TDS' reportable segments for 2013, 2012 and 2011, is as follows. During the year ended December 31, 2013, TDS reevaluated and changed its operating segments, which resulted in the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular; TDS Telecom Wireline, Cable, HMS; and the Non-Reportable Segment. Periods presented for comparative purposes have been re-presented to conform to the revised presentation. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information.
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2013	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	3,918,836	$	726,567	$	35,883	$	185,616	$	-1,063	$	947,003	$	59,703	$	-24,306	$	4,901,236
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,762,435		270,466		17,274		136,414		-1,000		423,154		43,049		-3,322		2,225,316
	Selling, general and administrative		1,677,395		220,097		11,054		44,945		-63		276,033		14,526		-20,176		1,947,778
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		803,781		170,868		7,571		24,262		-		202,701		5,980		5,615		1,018,077
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		30,606		130		28		125		-		283		-8		-40		30,841
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		-246,767		-		-		-		-		-		-		-53,889		-300,656
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-255,479		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-255,479
	Operating income (loss)		146,865		65,006		-44		-20,130		-		44,832		-3,844		47,506		235,359
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		131,949		19		-		-		-		19		-		746		132,714
	Interest and dividend income		3,961		1,759		2		63		-		1,824		4		3,303		9,092
	Gain (loss) on investments		18,556		830		-		-		-		830		-		-4,839		14,547
	Interest expense		-43,963		3,265		-74		-1,626		-		1,565		-4,062		-52,351		-98,811
	Other, net		288		-214		-		29		-		-185		-161		21		-37
	Income (loss) before income taxes		257,656		70,665		-116		-21,664		-		48,885		-8,063		-5,614		292,864
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		803,781		170,868		7,571		24,262		-		202,701		5,980		5,615		1,018,077
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		-246,767		-		-		-		-		-		-		-53,889		-300,656
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-255,479		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-255,479
	Gain (loss) on investments		-18,556		-830		-		-		-		-830		-		4,839		-14,547
	Interest expense		43,963		-3,265		74		1,626		-		-1,565		4,062		52,351		98,811
	Adjusted income before income taxes	$	584,598	$	237,438	$	7,529	$	4,224	$	-	$	249,191	$	1,979	$	3,302	$	839,070
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	265,585	$	3,809	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,809	$	-	$	32,378	$	301,772
	Total assets	$	6,445,708	$	1,188,433	$	543,038	$	328,397	$	-	$	2,059,868	$	58,275	$	340,296	$	8,904,147
	Capital expenditures	$	737,501	$	140,009	$	8,375	$	16,474	$	-	$	164,858	$	866	$	6,435	$	909,660
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2012	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	4,452,084	$	741,748	$	113,010	$	-252	$	854,506	$	60,830	$	-22,143	$	5,345,277
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,882,752		274,065		75,781		-252		349,594		42,150		-1,926		2,272,570
	Selling, general and administrative		1,764,933		235,716		34,193		-		269,909		16,189		-17,130		2,033,901
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		608,633		172,526		20,568		-		193,094		6,102		5,797		813,626
	Loss on impairment of assets		-		-		-		-		-		515		-		515
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		18,088		1,020		108		-		1,128		-1		526		19,741
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		21,022		39		-		-		39		-		-		21,061
	Operating income (loss)		156,656		58,382		-17,640		-		40,742		-4,125		-9,410		183,863
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		90,364		10		-		-		10		-		2,493		92,867
	Interest and dividend income		3,644		3,085		25		-		3,110		8		2,486		9,248
	Gain (loss) on investments		-3,718		-		-		-		-		-		-		-3,718
	Interest expense		-42,393		2,674		-1,160		-		1,514		-3,938		-41,928		-86,745
	Other, net		500		-353		-1		-		-354		575		-1		720
	Income (loss) before income taxes		205,053		63,798		-18,776		-		45,022		-7,480		-46,360		196,235
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		608,633		172,526		20,568		-		193,094		6,102		5,797		813,626
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		21,022		39		-		-		39		-		-		21,061
	Gain (loss) on investments		3,718		-		-		-		-		-		-		3,718
	Interest expense		42,393		-2,674		1,160		-		-1,514		3,938		41,928		86,745
	Adjusted income before income taxes	$	880,819	$	233,689	$	2,952	$	-	$	236,641	$	2,560	$	1,365	$	1,121,385
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	144,531	$	3,809	$	-	$	-	$	3,809	$	-	$	31,581	$	179,921
	Total assets	$	6,587,450	$	1,519,698	$	267,798	$	-	$	1,787,496	$	62,931	$	186,023	$	8,623,900
	Capital expenditures	$	836,748	$	158,580	$	15,344	$	-	$	173,924	$	1,789	$	-7,840	$	1,004,621
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2011	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	4,343,346	$	768,208	$	47,180	$	-	$	815,388	$	45,133	$	-23,396	$	5,180,471
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,721,181		274,701		23,502		-		298,203		32,952		-1,692		2,050,644
	Selling, general and administrative		1,769,701		221,114		15,647		-		236,761		8,609		-12,712		2,002,359
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		573,557		167,663		12,867		-		180,530		3,021		8,668		765,776
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		9,889		1,128		115		-		1,243		-197		17		10,952
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-11,762		-		-		-		-		-		-		-11,762
Operating income (loss)		280,780		103,602		-4,951		-		98,651		748		-17,677		362,502
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		83,566		8		-		-		8		-		-1,036		82,538
Interest and dividend income		3,395		3,548		-		-		3,548		2		2,200		9,145
Gain (loss) on investments		11,373		-		-		-		-		-		12,730		24,103
Interest expense		-65,614		2,702		-78		-		2,624		-1,359		-53,852		-118,201
Other, net		-678		2,719		-9		-		2,710		650		976		3,658
Income (loss) before income taxes		312,822		112,579		-5,038		-		107,541		41		-56,659		363,745
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		573,557		167,663		12,867		-		180,530		3,021		8,668		765,776
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-11,762		-		-		-		-		-		-		-11,762
Gain (loss) on investments		-11,373		-		-		-		-		-		-12,730		-24,103
Interest expense		65,614		-2,702		78		-		-2,624		1,359		53,852		118,201
Adjusted income before income taxes	$	928,858	$	277,540	$	7,907	$	-	$	285,447	$	4,421	$	-6,869	$	1,211,857
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	138,096	$	3,808	$	-	$	-	$	3,808	$	-	$	31,806	$	173,710
Total assets	$	6,327,976	$	1,494,362	$	209,109	$	-	$	1,703,471	$	68,870	$	100,688	$	8,201,005
Capital expenditures	$	782,526	$	164,163	$	26,999	$	-	$	191,162	$	3,206	$	10,324	$	987,218
Adjusted income before income taxes is a segment measure reported to the principal operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted income before income taxes is defined as Income (loss) before income taxes, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted income before income taxes excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. In addition, TDS may also exclude other items from adjusted income before income taxes if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such amounts that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such amounts may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted income before income taxes is a useful measure of TDS' operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses and financing charges (Interest expense).

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'
	NOTE 19 SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
	Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid.
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest paid	$	96,241	$	88,208	$	96,174
	Income taxes paid (refunded)		175,629		-62,042		-66,994
	Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, TDS and U.S. Cellular withhold shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. TDS and U.S. Cellular then pay the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.
	TDS:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		265,748		49,840		-
	Special Common Shares withheld		-		1,381		65,638
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	7,639	$	1,102	$	-
	Aggregate value of Special Common Shares withheld	$	-	$	33	$	1,537
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		12,092		16		1,463
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-2,438		-1,135		-1,431
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	9,654	$	-1,119	$	32
	U.S. Cellular:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		606,582		92,846		120,250
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	25,179	$	3,604	$	5,952
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		10,468		900		5,447
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-4,684		-3,105		-3,512
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	5,784	$	-2,205	$	1,935
	Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“the Recovery Act”), TDS Telecom was awarded $105.1 million in federal grants and will provide $30.9 million of its own funds to complete 44 projects to provide broadband access in unserved areas. TDS Telecom received $41.9 million, $16.7 million, and $4.9 million in grants during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. TDS Telecom has received cumulative grants of $63.6 million as of December 31, 2013. These funds reduced the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate. TDS Telecom had recorded $23.6 million and $27.6 million in grants receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts were included as a component of Accounts receivable, Other, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	On September 27, 2012, the FCC conducted a single round, sealed bid, reverse auction to award up to $300 million in one-time Mobility Fund Phase I support to successful bidders that commit to provide 3G, or better, wireless service in areas designated as unserved by the FCC.  This auction was designated by the FCC as Auction 901. U.S. Cellular and several of its wholly-owned subsidiaries participated in Auction 901 and were winning bidders in eligible areas within 10 states and will receive up to $40.1 million in one-time support from the Mobility Fund. These funds will reduce the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate or will offset operating expenses. U.S. Cellular has received $13.4 million in support funds as of December 31, 2013, of which $10.3 million is included as a component of Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $3.1 million reduced the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate, which are included in Property, plant and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	TDS declared and paid dividends on Series A Common and Common Shares of $55.2 million or $0.51 per share during 2013 and $53.1 million or $0.49 per share during 2012. TDS declared and paid dividends on Series A Common, Common and Special Common Shares of $48.6 million or $0.47 per share during 2011.
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Of the $482.3 million paid, TDS received $407.1 million while noncontrolling public shareholders received $75.2 million. The cash paid to noncontrolling public shareholders is presented as U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Certain_Relationships_And_Rela

Certain Relationships And Related Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	'
	NOTE 20 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
	The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of TDS and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS, the non-executive Chairman of the Board and member of the Board of Directors of TDS and a director of U.S. Cellular, a subsidiary of TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS or its subsidiaries. TDS, U.S. Cellular and their subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $17.6 million in 2013, $13.6 million in 2012 and $13.7 million in 2011.
	The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the review and evaluation of all related-party transactions as such term is defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Significant Accounting Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) is a diversified telecommunications company providing high-quality telecommunications services to approximately 4.8 million wireless customers and 1.1 million wireline and cable connections at December 31, 2013. TDS conducts substantially all of its wireless operations through its 84%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”). TDS provides wireline services, cable services and hosted and managed services (“HMS”) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”).
	TDS conducts printing and distribution services through its majority-owned subsidiary, Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”) and provides wireless services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”), a Wisconsin-based service provider (collectively, the “Non-Reportable Segment”). At this time, Airadigm operates independently from U.S. Cellular. Suttle-Straus and Airadigm's financial results were not significant to TDS' operations in 2013.
	Previously, TDS had reported the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom's incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”), its competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”), its HMS operations and the Non-Reportable Segment. As a result of recent acquisitions and changes in TDS' strategy, operations and internal reporting, TDS has reevaluated and changed its operating segments during the year ended December 31, 2013, which resulted in the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom's Wireline, Cable and HMS operations, and the Non-Reportable Segment. The Wireline segment consists of the former ILEC and CLEC segments. The Cable segment consists of Baja Broadband, LLC (“Baja”), which was acquired in August 2013. The HMS segment remains unchanged, except that it now uses a unified brand name, OneNeck IT Solutions (“OneNeck”), as a result of the consolidation of the HMS operations. Periods presented for comparative purposes have been re-presented to conform to the revised presentation described above. All of TDS' segments operate only in the United States, except for HMS, which includes an insignificant foreign operation. See Note 18 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	The accounting policies of TDS conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which it has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which TDS is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP.
	Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	'
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income attributable to TDS shareholders, cash flows, assets, liabilities or equity for the years presented.
Business Combinations	'
	TDS accounts for business combinations at fair value in accordance with the acquisition method. This method requires that the acquirer recognize 100% of the acquiree's assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date for all acquisitions, whether full or partial. In addition, transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed.
Use of Estimates	'
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, depreciation, amortization and accretion, allowance for doubtful accounts, loyalty reward points, income taxes, stock based compensation and asset retirement obligations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, TDS had $50.1 million and $115.7 million, respectively, in Short-term investments. At December 31, 2012, TDS had $50.3 million in Long-term investments. Short-term and Long-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For these investments, TDS' objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk. See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments.
Accounts Receivable	'
	U.S. Cellular's accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular's wireless systems.
	TDS Telecom's accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services provided, by interexchange carriers for long-distance traffic which TDS Telecom carries on its network, and by interstate and intrastate revenue pools that distribute access charges.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Inventory	'
	Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market determined by replacement costs or estimated net realizable value. TDS Telecom's materials and supplies are stated at average cost.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Under the provisions of GAAP, fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). The provisions also establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill
	TDS has Goodwill as a result of its acquisitions of wireless businesses, the acquisitions of ILEC, cable, and HMS companies and, under previous business combination guidance in effect prior to 2009, step acquisitions related to U.S. Cellular's repurchase of its common shares. Such Goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions.
	Licenses
	Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service.
	TDS has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:
	Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.
	The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.
	TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.
	TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of TDS' license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. TDS believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.
	Franchise rights
	TDS has Franchise rights as a result of its acquisition of a cable business. Franchise rights are intangible assets that provide their holder with the right to operate a business in a certain geographical location as sanctioned by the franchiser, usually a government agency. TDS has determined that Franchise rights are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization because TDS expects both the renewal by the granting authorities and the cash flows generated from the Franchise rights to continue indefinitely. Cable Franchise rights are generally granted for ten year periods and may be renewed for additional terms upon approval by the granting authority. TDS anticipates that future renewals of its Franchise rights will be granted.
	Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights Impairment Assessment
	Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. TDS performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill, Licenses and Franchise rights as of November 1 of each year.
	TDS may first assess qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step Goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of reporting unit Goodwill with the carrying amount of that Goodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of Goodwill in this second step, an enterprise allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of Goodwill. If the carrying amount of Goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of Goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference.
	The impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than Goodwill may consist of first assessing qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends. If determined to be necessary, the next step compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of an intangible asset or reporting unit and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. Other valuation techniques include present value analysis, multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. The use of these techniques involve assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate, and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
	U.S. Cellular
	U.S. Cellular tests Goodwill for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units. The four reporting units represent four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2012, U.S. Cellular identified five reporting units. The change in reporting units resulted from the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities.
	A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review by using value drivers and risks specific to the current industry and economic markets. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. Key assumptions made in this process were the discount rate, estimated expected revenue growth rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	U.S. Cellular tests Licenses for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its 2013 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. For purposes of its 2012 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into thirteen units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The change in units of accounting resulted from (i) the Divestiture Transaction and the Mississippi Valley non-operating market license sale, both of which are more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and (ii) the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. In both 2013 and 2012, seven of the units of accounting represented geographic groupings of licenses which, because they were not being utilized and, therefore, were not expected to generate cash flows from operating activities in the foreseeable future, were considered separate units of accounting for purposes of impairment testing.
	U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value of Licenses by calculating future cash flows from a hypothetical start-up wireless company and assuming that the only assets available upon formation are the underlying Licenses. To apply this method, a hypothetical build-out of U.S. Cellular's wireless network, infrastructure, and related costs are projected based on market participant information. Calculated cash flows, along with a terminal value, are discounted to the present and summed to determine the estimated fair value.
	For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, U.S. Cellular prepares estimates of fair value by reference to prices paid in recent auctions and market transactions where available. If such information is not available, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period.
	TDS Telecom
	TDS Telecom has recorded Goodwill as a result of the acquisition of ILEC, HMS and cable businesses. For purposes of the annual impairment testing, TDS Telecom has three reporting units: one ILEC reporting unit within its Wireline reportable operating segment, one reporting unit within its HMS reportable operating segment and one reporting unit within its Cable reportable operating segment. For purposes of its annual impairment testing of Goodwill, as of November 1, 2012, TDS Telecom identified four reporting units: one reporting unit within its ILEC reportable operating segment and three reporting units within its HMS reportable operating segment. TDS Telecom's change in reporting units resulted from additional acquisitions and TDS' reevaluation of its operating segments, more fully described above.
	For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, TDS Telecom performed a qualitative assessment of the Cable reporting unit, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends and determined the two-step Goodwill impairment test was not necessary since it was more likely than not that the fair value was at least equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit.
	The discounted cash flow approach and publicly-traded guideline company method were used to value the ILEC and HMS reporting units. The discounted cash flow approach uses value drivers and risks specific to the industry and current economic factors. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of TDS Telecom's specific assumptions. The most significant assumptions made in this process were the revenue growth rate, discount rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	The publicly-traded guideline company method develops an indication of fair value by calculating average market pricing multiples for selected publicly-traded companies using multiples of various financial measures. The developed multiples are applied to applicable financial measures of the respective reporting unit to determine fair value. Given the nature of this methodology, no specific consideration of the economic environment was considered since those factors would be inherent in the multiples used.
	TDS Telecom has recorded Franchise rights as a result of the acquisition of a cable business in August 2013. TDS Telecom tests Franchise rights for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its impairment testing of Franchise rights in 2013, TDS Telecom identified one Cable unit of accounting. TDS Telecom performed a qualitative assessment of the Cable unit of accounting, which analyzed company, industry and economic trends and determined no further testing was necessary since it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Franchise rights was at least equal to their carrying value.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS follows the equity method of accounting for such investments in which its ownership interest is less than or equal to 50% but equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies, or for unconsolidated entities in which its ownership is greater than 50% but TDS does not have a controlling financial interest. The cost method of accounting is followed for such investments in which TDS' ownership interest is less than 20% for corporations and is less than 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies and for investments for which TDS does not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
	For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.
	Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to Cost of services and products or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less any applicable accrued asset retirement obligations and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.
	Costs of developing new information systems are capitalized and amortized over their expected economic useful lives.
Depreciation	'
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, except for certain Wireline segment assets, which use the group depreciation method. The group depreciation method develops a depreciation rate based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets, rather than each asset individually. TDS depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets' economic lives or the specific lease terms.
	Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013 and 2012. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no other material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011. TDS Telecom did not materially change the useful lives of its property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	TDS reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. If necessary, the impairment test for tangible long-lived assets is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) with the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset (or asset group) life. If the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value (less cost to sell), an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices, network operations center and wide-area network. As a result, U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows generated by this single interdependent network.
	TDS Telecom has five asset groups for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on their integrated network, assets and operations. The cash flows generated by each of these groups is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of a tangible long-lived asset and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. A present value analysis of cash flow scenarios is often the best available valuation technique. The use of this technique involves assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
Agent Liabilities	'
	U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had accrued $121.3 million and $88.2 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. This amount is included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges	'
	Other assets and deferred charges include underwriters' and legal fees and other charges related to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. The amounts for deferred charges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are shown net of accumulated amortization of $41.4 million and $30.0 million, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	U.S. Cellular operates cell sites, retail stores and office spaces in its operating markets. A majority of these sites, stores and office spaces are leased. Most of these leases contain terms which require or may require U.S. Cellular to return the leased property to its original condition at the lease expiration date.
	TDS Telecom owns poles, cable and wire and certain buildings and leases data center and office space and property used for housing central office switching equipment and fiber cable. These assets and leases often have removal or remediation requirements associated with them. For example, TDS Telecom's poles, cable and wire are often located on property that is not owned by TDS Telecom and are often subject to the provisions of easements, permits, or leasing arrangements. Pursuant to the terms of the permits, easements, or leasing arrangements, TDS Telecom is often required to remove these assets and return the property to its original condition at some defined date in the future.
	TDS accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, TDS records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. The liability is accreted to its present value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Treasury Shares	'Common Shares repurchased by TDS are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. Treasury shares are reissued as part of TDS’ stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, TDS determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Capital in excess of par value or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition	'
	U.S. Cellular
	Revenues from wireless operations consist primarily of:
	Charges for access, airtime, roaming, long distance, data and other value added services provided to U.S. Cellular's retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers;
	Charges to carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular's systems when roaming;
	Sales of equipment and accessories;
	Amounts received from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) in states where U.S. Cellular has been designated an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”); and
	Redemptions of loyalty reward points for products or services.
	Revenues related to wireless services and other value added services are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate.
	Revenues from sales of equipment and accessories are recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the agent or end-user customer.
	U.S. Cellular allocates revenue to each element of multiple element service offerings using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration, which consists of the amounts billed to the customer net of any cash-based discounts, is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price on a stand-alone basis. Such stand-alone selling price is determined in accordance with the following hierarchy:
	U.S. Cellular-specific objective evidence of stand-alone selling price, if available; otherwise
	Third-party evidence of selling price, if it is determinable; otherwise
	A best estimate of stand-alone selling price.
	U.S. Cellular estimates stand-alone selling prices of the elements of its service offerings as follows:
	Wireless services – Based on the actual selling price U.S. Cellular offers when such plan is sold on a stand-alone basis, or if the plan is not sold on a stand-alone basis, U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of such plan based on similar plans that are sold on a stand-alone basis.
	Wireless devices – Based on the selling price of the respective wireless device when it is sold on a stand-alone basis.
	Phone Replacement – Based on U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of this service if it were sold on a stand-alone basis, which was calculated by estimating the cost of this program plus a reasonable margin.
	Loyalty reward points – By estimating the retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed and dividing such amount by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This is calculated on a weighted average basis and requires U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that will be redeemed for each product or service.
	U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is deferred. Revenue is recognized at the time of customer redemption or when such points have been depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular periodically reviews and revises the redemption and depletion rates as appropriate based on history and related future expectations. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the inconvenience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular's recent billing system conversion. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and increased Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $116.2 million and $56.6 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as customers may redeem their reward points within the current period.
	Cash-based discounts and incentives, including discounts to customers who pay their bills through the use of on-line bill payment methods, are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue, and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their respective relative selling price.
	In order to provide better control over wireless device quality, U.S. Cellular sells wireless devices to agents. U.S. Cellular pays rebates to agents at the time an agent activates a new customer or retains an existing customer in a transaction involving a wireless device. U.S. Cellular accounts for these rebates by reducing revenues at the time of the wireless device sale to the agent rather than at the time the agent activates a new customer or retains a current customer. Similarly, U.S. Cellular offers certain wireless device sales rebates and incentives to its retail customers and records the revenue net of the corresponding rebate or incentive. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular's estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.
	GAAP requires that activation fees charged with the sale of equipment and service be allocated to the equipment and service based upon the relative selling prices of each item. Device activation fees charged at agent locations, where U.S. Cellular does not also sell a wireless device to the customer, are deferred and recognized over the average device life. Device activation fees charged as a result of handset sales at Company-owned retail stores are recognized at the time the handset is delivered to the customer.
	ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular's designation as an ETC in various states.
	TDS Telecom
	Revenue from Wireline operations consists primarily of charges for:
	Providing telephone voice services;
	Compensation for carrying long-distance voice and data traffic on TDS Telecom's local telephone networks, including compensation from inter-state and intra-state regulatory recovery mechanisms;
	Leasing, selling, installing and maintaining customer premise equipment;
	Providing broadband services;
	Providing hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) solutions and other hosted services to business;
	Reselling long-distance services; and
	Selling Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) and satellite video service.
	Cable operating revenues consist of charges for:
	Providing basic and pay-per-view video services;
	Providing broadband services; and
	Providing Internet Protocol (“IP”) telephone voice services.
	HMS operating revenues consist of charges for:
	Providing colocation;
	Providing dedicated hosting;
	Providing hosted application management and cloud computing services; and
	Planning, engineering, procurement, installation, sales and management of IT infrastructure hardware solutions.
	Revenues related to services are recognized as services are rendered. Activation fees charged are deferred and recognized over the average customer's service period. Revenues related to products are recognized when title and risk of loss transfer from TDS Telecom to the customer.
	TDS Telecom offers some products and services that are provided by third-party vendors, primarily satellite video service through its Wireline business, and third-party equipment maintenance contracts through its HMS business. TDS records these service revenues on a net basis.
	TDS Telecom offers discounts and incentives to customers who receive certain groupings of products and services (bundled arrangements).  These discounts are recognized concurrently with the associated revenue and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their relative selling prices.
	Discounts and cash incentives offered by TDS Telecom that are given directly to customers are recorded in the financial statements as a reduction of Operating revenues.
	TDS Telecom earns Wholesale revenues in its Wireline segment as a result of its participation in revenue pools with other telephone companies for interstate revenue and for certain intrastate revenue. Such pools are funded by long distance revenue and/or access charges within state jurisdictions and by access charges in the interstate jurisdiction. Wholesale revenues earned through the various pooling processes are recorded based on estimates following the National Exchange Carrier Association's rules as approved by the FCC.
Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities	'
	TDS records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon TDS, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Operating revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $131.0 million, $152.4 million and $141.3 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs	'
	TDS expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $212.8 million, $240.9 million and $267.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes	'
	TDS files a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. TDS evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	TDS has established long-term incentive plans, dividend reinvestment plans, a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and previously had an employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. See Note 16 — Stock-based Compensation for additional information. The dividend reinvestment plan of TDS is not considered a compensatory plan and, therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under this plan is not required. All other plans are considered compensatory plans; therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under these plans is required.
	TDS values its share-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. TDS believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of TDS' common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is equal to the dividends declared in the most recent year as a percentage of the share price on the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.
	Beginning with grants in 2013, newly granted TDS stock option awards cliff vest in three years. TDS stock option awards granted prior to 2013 and U.S. Cellular stock option awards vest on an annual basis in three separate tranches. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which was generally the vesting period, for each separate vesting portion of the awards as if the awards were, in-substance, multiple awards (graded vesting attribution method).
Operating Leases	'
	TDS is a party to various lease agreements for office space, retail stores, cell sites, certain telecommunication and data center facilities and equipment that are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. TDS accounts for certain operating leases that contain rent abatements, lease incentives and/or fixed rental increases by recognizing lease revenue and expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	On July 18, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryfoward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 addresses the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. In such event, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, would be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to deferred tax assets unless the net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward at the reporting date is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	TDS consolidates variable interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE.  TDS reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur.
Legal proceedings	'
	TDS is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If TDS believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	'
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	33,415	$	31,071	$	35,007
		Additions, net of recoveries		105,629		74,695		68,611
		Deductions		-73,440		-72,351		-72,547
	Ending balance		$	65,604	$	33,415	$	31,071

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Fair value measurements	'
			Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy	31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
				Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	830,014	$	830,014	$	740,481	$	740,481
	Short-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		50,104		50,104		115,700		115,700
	Long-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		-		-		50,305		50,339
	Long-term debt
		Retail	1		1,178,250		1,048,010		1,178,250		1,238,204
		Institutional and other	2		537,454		512,635		538,657		589,435

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Income taxes receivable (payable)	'
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Federal income taxes (payable)		$	-20,288		$	-5,455
	State income taxes receivable			2,397			9,625
Income tax expense (benefit)	'
	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
		Federal		$	181,579		$	9,705		$	-94,627
		State			11,614			5,092			5,583
	Deferred
		Federal			-65,970			61,113			214,722
		State			-1,180			-2,328			-12,175
				$	126,043		$	73,582		$	113,503
Income tax reconciliation	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013						2012					2011
			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate		Amount		Rate
	(Dollars in millions)
	Statutory federal income tax expense and rate		$	102.5		35	%		$	68.7		35	%	$	127.3	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit (1)			10.5		3.6				8.4		4.2			-20.9	-5.7
	Effect of noncontrolling interests			-1		-0.4				-		-			-3	-0.8
	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets (2)			14.9		5.1				-		-			-	-
	Correction of deferred taxes (3)			-		-				-6.1		-3.1			6	1.6
	Other differences, net			-0.9		-0.3				2.6		1.4			4.1	1.1
	Total income tax expense and rate		$	126		43	%		$	73.6		37.5	%	$	113.5	31.2	%
	-1	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. The 2011 benefit primarily relates to the ability to utilize net operating losses as a result of state income tax law changes. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	-2	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
	-3	TDS recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Temporary income tax differences	'
	December 31,			2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets
		Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards		$	121,651		$	121,111
		Stock-based compensation			50,563			53,330
		Compensation and benefits - other			12,681			32,484
		Deferred rent			20,500			16,862
		Other			32,444			32,654
					237,839			256,441
		Less valuation allowance			-70,609			-69,108
		Total noncurrent deferred tax assets			167,230			187,333
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
		Property, plant and equipment			637,090			666,201
		Licenses/intangibles			251,578			250,860
		Partnership investments			136,581			127,331
		Other			4,956			5,521
		Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			1,030,205			1,049,913
	Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	862,975		$	862,580
Deferred tax valuation allowance	'
	A summary of TDS' deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1,			$	70,502		$	49,686		$	71,014
		Charged to income tax expense			1,954			5,268			-28,511
		Charged to other accounts			6,608			15,548			7,183
	Balance at December 31,			$	79,064		$	70,502		$	49,686
	As of December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance reduced current deferred tax assets by $8.5 million and noncurrent deferred tax assets by $70.6 million.
Income tax unrecognized benefits summary	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1,			$	28,420		$	28,841		$	34,002
		Additions for tax positions of current year			6,388			7,027			4,369
		Additions for tax positions of prior years			1,858			1,673			171
		Reductions for tax positions of prior years			-467			-7			-1,973
		Reductions for settlements of tax positions			-1,337			-21			-976
		Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations			-4,472			-9,093			-6,752
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31,			$	30,390		$	28,420		$	28,841

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings per share	'
	Year Ended December 31,				2013			2012		2011
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders:
	Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share				$	141,878		$	81,811	$	200,516
	Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
		Noncontrolling interest adjustment				-1,058			-640		-989
		Preferred dividend adjustment				49			-		49
	Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share				$	140,869		$	81,171	$	199,576
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share
			Common Shares			101,339			101,532		101,471
			Series A Common Shares			7,151			7,139		7,091
				Total		108,490			108,671		108,562
	Effects of dilutive securities:
		Stock options				209			11		262
		Restricted stock units				375			255		214
		Preferred shares				58			-		60
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share					109,132			108,937		109,098
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders				$	1.31		$	0.75	$	1.85
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders				$	1.29		$	0.75	$	1.83
Summary of antidilutive shares	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		7,120		8,130		3,785
	Restricted stock units		171		154		141
	Preferred shares		-		57		-

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_

Acquisitions Divestitures and Exchanges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination	'
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges	'
	TDS' acquisitions in 2013 and 2012 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows:
						Allocation of Purchase Price
				Purchase Price (1)		Goodwill (2)		Licenses		Franchise Rights		Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (3)		Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2013
	U.S. Cellular licenses			$	16,540	$	-	$	16,540	$	-	$	-	$	-
	TDS Telecom cable business				264,069		61,712		-		123,668		11,542		67,147
	TDS Telecom HMS business				43,557		15,203		-		-		17,183		11,171
		Total		$	324,166	$	76,915	$	16,540	$	123,668	$	28,725	$	78,318
	2012
	U.S. Cellular licenses			$	122,690	$	-	$	122,690	$	-	$	-	$	-
	TDS Telecom HMS business				46,126		20,364		-		-		20,300		5,462
		Total		$	168,816	$	20,364	$	122,690	$	-	$	20,300	$	5,462
	-1		Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions.
	-2		The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2013 and 2012 was amortizable for income tax purposes.
	-3		At the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was as follows: 2013: 2.9 years for TDS Telecom cable business and 10 years for TDS Telecom HMS business; 2012: 8.1 years for TDS Telecom HMS business.
Divestiture Financial Impacts	'
Business divestiture financial impacts	'
	(Dollars in thousands)				Expected Period of Recognition	Projected Range				Cumulative Amount Recognized as of December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Year Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
		Proceeds from Sprint
			Purchase price		2013	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-	$	-
			Sprint Cost Reimbursement		2013-2014		-120,000		-175,000		-47,641		-47,641		-43,420		-
		Net assets transferred			2013		160,073		160,073		160,073		160,073		-		-
		Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets			2012-2014		10,000		14,000		10,675		3		-51		10,672
		Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement			2012-2014		12,000		18,000		14,262		1,653		-809		12,609
		Contract termination costs			2012-2014		110,000		160,000		59,584		59,525		40,744		59
		Transaction costs			2012-2014		5,000		6,000		5,565		4,428		347		1,137
			Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net			$	-302,927	$	-296,927	$	-277,482	$	-301,959	$	-3,189	$	24,477
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
		Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values			2012-2014		200,000		225,000		198,571		178,513		44,513		20,058
	(Increase) decrease in Operating income					$	-102,927	$	-71,927	$	-78,911	$	-123,446	$	41,324	$	44,535
	As a result of the transaction, TDS recognized the following amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
						Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance December 31, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	12,305	$	6,853	$	-11,905	$	-5,200	$	2,053
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	30	$	22,675	$	-8,713	$	-	$	13,992
	Other deferred liabilities and credits
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	34,283	$	-3,434	$	-	$	30,849
						Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance November 6, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2012
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	-	$	12,609	$	-304	$	-	$	12,305
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	59	$	-29	$	-	$	30
	-1		Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	-2		Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.
Assets and Liabilities held for sale	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held for sale" and "Liabilities held for sale":
				Current Assets		Licenses		Goodwill		Property, Plant and Equipment		Loss on Assets Held for Sale (1)		Total Assets Held for Sale		Liabilities Held for Sale (2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2013
	Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses			$	-	$	16,027	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	16,027	$	-
	2012
	Divestiture Transaction			$	-	$	140,599	$	19,474	$	-	$	-	$	160,073	$	19,594
	Bolingbrook Customer Care Center (3)				-		-		-		4,274		-1,105		3,169		-
		Total		$	-	$	140,599	$	19,474	$	4,274	$	-1,105	$	163,242	$	19,594
	-1		Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	-2		Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.
	-3		Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Licenses and Franchise Rights	'
Licenses and Franchise Rights	'
	Licenses
	(Dollars in thousands)			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Non-Reportable Segment		Total
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	1,462,019	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,480,039
		Acquisitions			16,540		-		-		16,540
		Divestitures			-59,419		-		-		-59,419
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-16,027		-		-		-16,027
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation			-592		-		-		-592
		Other			3,238		-		-		3,238
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	1,405,759	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,423,779
	Balance December 31, 2011			$	1,475,994	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,494,014
		Acquisitions			122,690		-		-		122,690
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-140,599		-		-		-140,599
		Other			3,934		-		-		3,934
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	1,462,019	$	2,800	$	15,220	$	1,480,039
	Franchise rights
	(Dollars in thousands)			Cable
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	-
		Acquisitions			123,668
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	123,668
Goodwill	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	(Dollars in thousands)			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		Non-Reportable Segment		Total
	Assigned value at time of acquisition			$	622,681	$	449,898	$	-	$	103,627	$	4,317	$	1,180,523
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods			-333,900		-29,440		-		-		-515		-363,855
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-19,474		-		-		-		-		-19,474
	Balance December 31, 2012				269,307		420,458		-		103,627		3,802		797,194
		Acquisitions			-		-		61,712		15,203		-		76,915
		Divestitures			-135		-		-		-		-		-135
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation			-37,131		-		-		-		-		-37,131
	Balance December 31, 2013			$	232,041	$	420,458	$	61,712	$	118,830	$	3,802	$	836,843
	Assigned value at time of acquisition			$	622,681	$	450,156	$	-	$	83,263	$	4,317	$	1,160,417
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods			-333,900		-29,440		-		-		-		-363,340
	Balance December 31, 2011				288,781		420,716		-		83,263		4,317		797,077
		Acquisitions			-		-		-		20,364		-		20,364
		Impairment (1)			-		-		-		-		-515		-515
		Transferred to Assets held for sale			-19,474		-		-		-		-		-19,474
		Other			-		-258		-		-		-		-258
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	269,307	$	420,458	$	-	$	103,627	$	3,802	$	797,194
	-1		During the second quarter of 2012, a sustained decrease in TDS' stock price resulted in a triggering event, as defined by GAAP, requiring an interim impairment test of Licenses and Goodwill as of June 30, 2012. Based on this test, TDS concluded that the entire amount of Goodwill related to Airadigm was impaired resulting in an impairment loss of $0.5 million and no impairment of Licenses.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information	'
Equity and cost method investments	'
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity method investments:
		Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	132,629	$	21,543
		Cumulative share of income		1,186,900		1,050,618
		Cumulative share of distributions		-1,033,087		-907,509
				286,442		164,652
	Cost method investments			15,330		15,269
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities		$	301,772	$	179,921
Equity method investments, summarized financial position	'
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Current	$	520,804	$	477,673
		Due from affiliates		408,735		298,707
		Property and other		2,080,436		1,951,887
			$	3,009,975	$	2,728,267
	Liabilities and Equity
		Current liabilities	$	355,167	$	353,044
		Deferred credits		89,198		84,672
		Long-term liabilities		31,605		33,856
		Long-term capital lease obligations		707		405
		Partners’ capital and shareholders’ equity		2,533,298		2,256,290
			$	3,009,975	$	2,728,267
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Results of Operations
		Revenues	$	6,239,200	$	5,825,150	$	5,540,220
		Operating expenses		4,492,372		4,381,731		4,301,758
		Operating income		1,746,828		1,443,419		1,238,462
		Other income, net		4,019		7,190		960
		Net income	$	1,750,847	$	1,450,609	$	1,239,422
Fair Value Key Assumptions	'
	Key assumptions
	Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)		2	%
	Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)		2	%
	Discount rate		10.5	%
	Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue		14.9-18.8	%

Property_Plant_and_Equpment_Ta

Property, Plant and Equpment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Cellular	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
			Useful Lives
	December 31,		(Years)	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land		N/A	$	36,266	$	33,947
	Buildings		20		304,272		341,852
	Leasehold and land improvements		30-Jan		1,197,520		1,188,720
	Cell site equipment		25-Jun		3,306,575		3,100,916
	Switching equipment		8-Jan		1,161,976		1,155,114
	Office furniture and equipment		5-Mar		539,248		535,656
	Other operating assets and equipment		25-May		92,456		128,290
	System development		7-Mar		962,698		631,184
	Work in process		N/A		116,501		362,749
					7,717,512		7,478,428
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization				-4,860,992		-4,455,840
				$	2,856,520	$	3,022,588
TDS Telecom	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
			Useful Lives
	December 31,		(Years)		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land		N/A	$	12,794	$	9,004
	Buildings		May-40		148,800		147,177
	Cable and wire		15-35		1,523,123		1,445,270
	Network electronic equipment		12-Mar		1,229,941		1,171,461
	Office furniture and equipment		10-May		74,507		71,887
	Other equipment		12-May		94,438		85,486
	System development		7-Mar		230,416		196,185
	Work in process		N/A		88,614		87,043
					3,402,633		3,213,513
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization				-2,417,999		-2,279,325
				$	984,634	$	934,188
Corporate and Non-Reportable segment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	December 31,	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	119,659	$	116,558
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-82,669		-76,068
	Total	$	36,990	$	40,490

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_Ta

Asset Retirement Obligation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]	'
Asset retirement obligations	'
				U.S.		TDS				TDS
	(Dollars in thousands)			Cellular		Telecom		Other		Consolidated
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	179,607	$	69,969	$	4,034	$	253,610
		Additional liabilities accrued			635		257		-		892
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows			6,268		-2,562		-		3,706
		Acquisition of assets			-		3,410		-		3,410
		Disposition of assets (1)			-3,534		-577		-		-4,111
		Accretion expense (2)			12,592		4,898		241		17,731
	Balance December 31, 2013 (3)			$	195,568	$	75,395	$	4,275	$	275,238
	Balance December 31, 2011			$	143,402	$	65,209	$	3,806	$	212,417
		Additional liabilities accrued			5,578		367		-		5,945
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows (4)			22,588		-		-		22,588
		Disposition of assets			-2,674		-298		-		-2,972
		Accretion expense (2)			10,713		4,691		228		15,632
	Balance December 31, 2012			$	179,607	$	69,969	$	4,034	$	253,610
	-1		Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
	-2		Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-3		In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, TDS reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.
	-4		Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Revolving credit facilities	'
	The following table summarizes the terms of such revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)			TDS			U.S. Cellular
	Maximum borrowing capacity			$	400		$	300
	Letters of credit outstanding (1)			$	0.3		$	17.6
	Amount borrowed			$	-		$	-
	Amount available for use			$	399.7		$	282.4
	Borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus contractual spread (2)				1.67	%		1.67	%
		LIBOR			0.17	%		0.17	%
		Contractual spread			1.5	%		1.5	%
	Range of commitment fees on amount available for use (3)
		Low			0.13	%		0.13	%
		High			0.3	%		0.3	%
	Agreement date				Dec-10			Dec-10
	Maturity date				Dec-17			Dec-17
	Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows:
		Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013			0.21	%		0.25	%
		Fees incurred, amount
			2013	$	0.9		$	0.8
			2012	$	1.3		$	1.1
			2011	$	1.5		$	1.2
	-1		In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 19 — Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.
	-2		Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TDS and U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If TDS or U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
	-3		The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
Long term debt	'
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)					Issuance date	Maturity date		Call date	2013		2012
	TDS:
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.63%		Mar-05	Mar-45		Mar-10	$	116,250	$	116,250
				6.88%		Nov-10	Nov-59		Nov-15		225,000		225,000
				7.00%		Mar-11	Mar-60		Mar-16		300,000		300,000
				5.88%		Nov-12	Dec-61		Dec-17		195,000		195,000
			Purchase contract at 6.0%			Oct-01	Oct-21				1,097		1,097
					Total Parent						837,347		837,347
	Subsidiaries:
		U.S. Cellular -
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.70%		December 2003 and June 2004	Dec-33		Dec-03		544,000		544,000
				Less: 6.7% Unamortized discount							-11,551		-11,806
											532,449		532,194
				6.95%		May-11	May-60		May-16		342,000		342,000
			Obligation on capital leases								3,749		4,756
		TDS Telecom -
			Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) and other notes								749		844
			Obligation on capital leases								779		-
		Non-Reportable Segment -
			Long-term notes, 3.7% to 4.8%				Through 2016				4,612		5,663
			Obligation on capital leases								35		-
					Total Subsidiaries						884,373		885,457
	Total long-term debt									$	1,721,720	$	1,722,804
			Long-term debt, current							$	1,646	$	1,233
			Long-term debt, noncurrent							$	1,720,074	$	1,721,571

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	'
	December 31,	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net prior service costs	$	18,833		$	22,438
	Net actuarial loss		-20,713			-36,510
		$	-1,880		$	-14,072
Amounts included in comprehensive income	'
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Before-Tax			Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense)			Net-of-Tax
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net actuarial gains (losses)	$	13,345		$	-5,086		$	8,259
	Amortization of prior service costs		-3,605			1,374			-2,231
	Amortization of actuarial losses		2,452			-934			1,518
	Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive income	$	12,192		$	-4,646		$	7,546
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	Before-Tax			Deferred Income Tax Benefit (Expense)			Net-of-Tax
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net actuarial gains (losses)	$	90		$	-143		$	-53
	Amortization of prior service costs		-3,735			5,950			2,215
	Amortization of actuarial losses		2,517			-4,010			-1,493
	Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive income	$	-1,128		$	1,797		$	669
Funded status of post-retirement benefit plans	'
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation
		Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	54,568		$	50,113
		Service cost		1,348			1,197
		Interest cost		2,137			2,297
		Actuarial (gain) loss		-9,437			3,179
		Prescription drug subsidy		-			542
		Benefits paid		-2,474			-2,760
		Benefit obligation at end of year		46,142			54,568
	Change in plan assets
		Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		45,047			41,267
		Actual return (loss) on plan assets		6,973			6,264
		Employer contribution		197			276
		Benefits paid		-2,474			-2,760
		Fair value of plan assets at end of year		49,743			45,047
	Funded status		$	3,601		$	-9,521
Fair value of plan assets	'
	31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds
		Bond	$	12,697		$	-		$	-	$	12,697
		International equity		9,876			-			-		9,876
		Money market		1,798			-			-		1,798
		US large cap		20,861			-			-		20,861
		US small cap		4,500			-			-		4,500
	Other			-			11			-		11
	Total plan assets at fair value		$	49,732		$	11		$	-	$	49,743
	31-Dec-12
	(Dollars in thousands)			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Mutual funds
		Bond	$	11,285		$	-		$	-	$	11,285
		International equity		8,868			-			-		8,868
		Money market		1,983			-			-		1,983
		US large cap		18,823			-			-		18,823
		US small cap		4,074			-			-		4,074
	Other			-			14			-		14
	Total plan assets at fair value		$	45,033		$	14		$	-	$	45,047
Plan asset investment allocation	'
						Allocation of Plan Assets
						at December 31,
	Investment		Target Asset
	Category		Allocation			2013			2012
	U.S. equities		50	%		51	%		50.8	%
	International equities		20	%		19.9	%		19.7	%
	Debt securities		30	%		29.1	%		29.5	%
Net periodic benefit cost	'
	Net periodic benefit cost recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the following components:
	Year Ended December 31,		2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost		$	1,348		$	1,197		$	1,116
	Interest cost			2,137			2,297			2,368
	Expected return on plan assets			-3,065			-2,995			-3,496
	Amortization of prior service costs (1)			-3,605			-3,735			-3,815
	Amortization of actuarial losses (2)			2,452			2,517			1,934
	Net post-retirement cost		$	-733		$	-719		$	-1,893
	-1	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits.
	-2	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire.
Assumptions used to calculate net periodic benefit cost	'
	The following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:
	December 31,	2013			2012
	Benefit obligations
	Discount rate	5	%		4	%
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Discount rate	4	%		4.7	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7	%		7.5	%
Change in health care cost trend rate	'
		One Percent
		Increase			Decrease
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	18		$	-17
	Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	$	301		$	-281
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments	'
		Estimated Future
		Post-Retirement
	Year	Benefit Payments
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	2,082
	2015		2,059
	2016		2,143
	2017		2,117
	2018		2,138
	2019-2023		13,294

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Lease commitments	'
		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	175,140	$	45,911
	2015		153,338		36,536
	2016		131,670		25,993
	2017		109,733		17,083
	2018		91,275		6,478
	Thereafter		849,015		227
	Total	$	1,510,171	$	132,228

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities VIEs	'
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities	'
	December 31,			2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,076	$	7,028
		Other current assets			1,184		3,267
		Licenses and other intangible assets			310,475		325,707
		Property, plant and equipment, net			18,600		31,544
		Other assets and deferred charges			511		3,026
			Total assets	$	332,846	$	370,572
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities		$	46	$	9,985
		Deferred liabilities and credits			3,139		6,213
			Total liabilities	$	3,185	$	16,198

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling interests	'
Noncontrolling interests	'
	Year Ended December 31,			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	141,927	$	81,861	$	200,566
		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		-14,135		-8,854		-8,555
			Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		3,370		4,789		-7,723
			Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests		-123		4,397		-
			Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		-10,888		332		-16,278
		Change from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	131,039	$	82,193	$	184,288

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Common Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Shareholders' Equity	'
Schedule of common shares, rollforward	'
	The following table summarizes the number of Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares issued and repurchased.
				Common Shares	Special Common Shares		Common Treasury Shares		Special Common Treasury Shares	Series A Common Shares
	(Shares in thousands)
	Balance December 31, 2010			57,093	63,442		7,198		15,911	6,510
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		-		748	-
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-86		-226	39
		Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment (1)		68,409	-63,442		17,053		-16,433	570
	Balance December 31, 2011			125,502	-		24,165		-	7,119
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		868		-	-
		Conversion of Series A Common Shares		10	-		-		-	-10
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-392		-	51
	Balance December 31, 2012			125,512	-		24,641		-	7,160
		Repurchase of shares		-	-		339		-	-
		Conversion of Series A Common Shares		33	-		-		-	-33
		Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans		-	-		-1,026		-	39
	Balance December 31, 2013			125,545	-		23,954		-	7,166
	-1		Reflects the impact of the Share Consolidation Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS, as approved by the TDS shareholders on January 13, 2012.
Share repurchases	'
	Share repurchases made under these authorizations and prior authorizations, were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			Number of	Average Cost
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands)			Shares	Per Share			Amount
	2013
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		499	$	37.19		$	18,544
		TDS Common Shares		339		28.6			9,692
	2012
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		571	$	35.11		$	20,045
		TDS Common Shares		868		23.08			20,026
	2011
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares		1,276	$	48.82		$	62,294
		TDS Common Shares		-		-			-
		TDS Special Common Shares		748		28.73			21,500

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock based compensation	'
Stock-based compensation	'
	Year Ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock option awards	$	12,973		$	20,884		$	20,443
	Restricted stock unit awards		15,535			19,025			14,905
	Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards		550			749			124
	Employee stock purchase plans		-			-			485
	Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan		1,280			1,213			880
	Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes		30,338			41,871			36,837
	Income tax benefit		-11,459			-15,848			-13,862
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	18,879		$	26,023		$	22,975
Stock-based compensation, allocation by financial statement line item	'
	December 31,		2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	27,130		$	38,563		$	33,949
	Cost of services and products		3,208			3,308			2,888
	Total stock-based compensation	$	30,338		$	41,871		$	36,837
Stock-based compensation, fair value assumptions	'
	TDS estimated the fair value of stock options granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below:
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected life	5.7 Years			5.5 Years			5.5 Years
	Expected annual volatility rate	41	%		41.1	%		37.6	%
	Dividend yield	2.3	%		2.4	%		1.6	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1	%		0.9	%		2.1	%
	Estimated annual forfeiture rate	2.9	%		2.9	%		3	%
	U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.
			2013		2012		2011
	Expected life		4.6-9.0 years		4.5 years		4.3 years
	Expected volatility		29.2%-39.6%		40.7%-42.6%		43.4%-44.8%
	Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.7%-2.4%		0.5%-0.9%		0.7%-2.0%
	Estimated annual forfeiture rate		0.0%-8.1%		0.0%-9.1%		0.0%-7.8%
Summary of stock options	'
	Tandem Options			Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			651,000		$	69.6
	(651,000 exercisable)						69.6
		Exercised		-2,000			53.77					$	30,000
		Forfeited		-		-
		Expired		-78,000			99.23
		Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation		-571,000			65.64					$	158,000
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			-
	Special Common Share Options			Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Prices			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010				5,108,000		$	35.41
	(2,506,000 exercisable)							43.14
		Granted			1,034,000			29.94		$	9.59
		Exercised			-5,000			26.95					$	19,000
		Forfeited			-34,000			28.12
		Expired			-79,000			35
		Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation			-6,024,000		$	34.38					$	-
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011				-
														Weighted
														Average
					Weighted			Weighted						Remaining
					Average			Average			Aggregate			Contractual
			Number of		Exercise			Grant Date			Intrinsic			Life
	Common Share Options		Options		Prices			Fair Value			Value			(in years)
	Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation		1,192,000			31.45
	Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation		6,024,000			34.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		7,216,000		$	33.89
	(4,865,000 exercisable)					36.67
	Granted		1,702,000			20.79		$	6.28
	Exercised		-1,000			20.65					$	4,000
	Forfeited		-106,000			23.81
	Expired		-298,000			30.12
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		8,513,000		$	31.53
	(5,782,000 exercisable)					35.12
	Granted		1,259,000			22.6		$	7.01
	Exercised		-683,000			25.33					$	2,450,000
	Forfeited		-81,000			23.75
	Expired		-228,000			34.1
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		8,780,000		$	30.74					$	11,483,000		6
	(6,160,000 exercisable)				$	34.13					$	2,256,000		4.9
														Weighted
														Average
					Weighted			Weighted						Remaining
					Average			Average			Aggregate			Contractual
			Number of		Exercise			Grant Date			Intrinsic			Life
	Common Share Options		Options		Price			Fair Value			Value			(in years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2,627,000		$	42.28
	(1,333,000 exercisable)					47.18
	Granted		694,000			44.34		$	16.66
	Exercised		-201,000			32.32					$	2,099,000
	Forfeited		-83,000			39.42
	Expired		-203,000			49.32
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		2,834,000		$	43.07
	(1,533,000 exercisable)					46.23
	Granted		677,000			34.91		$	12.61
	Exercised		-47,000			29.82					$	205,000
	Forfeited		-117,000			38.45
	Expired		-133,000			46.17
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,214,000		$	41.58
	(1,928,000 exercisable)					43.99
	Granted		1,213,000			32.45		$	11.53
	Exercised		-892,000			34.78					$	6,787,000
	Forfeited		-574,000			34.17
	Expired		-247,000			48.35
Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,714,000		$	42.22					$	13,015,000		6.8
(1,359,000 exercisable)				$	46.91					$	2,632,000		4.6
Summary of nonvested restricted stock units	'
	A summary of TDS nonvested restricted stock units and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented in the table below:
	Common Restricted Stock Units		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		547,000		$	23.44
	Granted		353,000		$	21.09
	Vested		-213,000		$	28.94
	Forfeited		-24,000		$	23.16
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		663,000		$	20.43
	A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:
	Common Restricted Stock Units		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		1,139,000		$	38.4
	Granted		601,000			32.06
	Vested		-238,000			42.26
	Forfeited		-332,000			35.63
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		1,170,000		$	36.46

Business_Segment_Tables

Business Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information	'
Business segment information	'
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2013	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	3,918,836	$	726,567	$	35,883	$	185,616	$	-1,063	$	947,003	$	59,703	$	-24,306	$	4,901,236
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,762,435		270,466		17,274		136,414		-1,000		423,154		43,049		-3,322		2,225,316
	Selling, general and administrative		1,677,395		220,097		11,054		44,945		-63		276,033		14,526		-20,176		1,947,778
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		803,781		170,868		7,571		24,262		-		202,701		5,980		5,615		1,018,077
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		30,606		130		28		125		-		283		-8		-40		30,841
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		-246,767		-		-		-		-		-		-		-53,889		-300,656
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-255,479		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-255,479
	Operating income (loss)		146,865		65,006		-44		-20,130		-		44,832		-3,844		47,506		235,359
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		131,949		19		-		-		-		19		-		746		132,714
	Interest and dividend income		3,961		1,759		2		63		-		1,824		4		3,303		9,092
	Gain (loss) on investments		18,556		830		-		-		-		830		-		-4,839		14,547
	Interest expense		-43,963		3,265		-74		-1,626		-		1,565		-4,062		-52,351		-98,811
	Other, net		288		-214		-		29		-		-185		-161		21		-37
	Income (loss) before income taxes		257,656		70,665		-116		-21,664		-		48,885		-8,063		-5,614		292,864
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		803,781		170,868		7,571		24,262		-		202,701		5,980		5,615		1,018,077
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		-246,767		-		-		-		-		-		-		-53,889		-300,656
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-255,479		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-255,479
	Gain (loss) on investments		-18,556		-830		-		-		-		-830		-		4,839		-14,547
	Interest expense		43,963		-3,265		74		1,626		-		-1,565		4,062		52,351		98,811
	Adjusted income before income taxes	$	584,598	$	237,438	$	7,529	$	4,224	$	-	$	249,191	$	1,979	$	3,302	$	839,070
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	265,585	$	3,809	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,809	$	-	$	32,378	$	301,772
	Total assets	$	6,445,708	$	1,188,433	$	543,038	$	328,397	$	-	$	2,059,868	$	58,275	$	340,296	$	8,904,147
	Capital expenditures	$	737,501	$	140,009	$	8,375	$	16,474	$	-	$	164,858	$	866	$	6,435	$	909,660
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2012	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	4,452,084	$	741,748	$	113,010	$	-252	$	854,506	$	60,830	$	-22,143	$	5,345,277
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,882,752		274,065		75,781		-252		349,594		42,150		-1,926		2,272,570
	Selling, general and administrative		1,764,933		235,716		34,193		-		269,909		16,189		-17,130		2,033,901
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		608,633		172,526		20,568		-		193,094		6,102		5,797		813,626
	Loss on impairment of assets		-		-		-		-		-		515		-		515
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		18,088		1,020		108		-		1,128		-1		526		19,741
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		21,022		39		-		-		39		-		-		21,061
	Operating income (loss)		156,656		58,382		-17,640		-		40,742		-4,125		-9,410		183,863
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		90,364		10		-		-		10		-		2,493		92,867
	Interest and dividend income		3,644		3,085		25		-		3,110		8		2,486		9,248
	Gain (loss) on investments		-3,718		-		-		-		-		-		-		-3,718
	Interest expense		-42,393		2,674		-1,160		-		1,514		-3,938		-41,928		-86,745
	Other, net		500		-353		-1		-		-354		575		-1		720
	Income (loss) before income taxes		205,053		63,798		-18,776		-		45,022		-7,480		-46,360		196,235
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		608,633		172,526		20,568		-		193,094		6,102		5,797		813,626
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		21,022		39		-		-		39		-		-		21,061
	Gain (loss) on investments		3,718		-		-		-		-		-		-		3,718
	Interest expense		42,393		-2,674		1,160		-		-1,514		3,938		41,928		86,745
	Adjusted income before income taxes	$	880,819	$	233,689	$	2,952	$	-	$	236,641	$	2,560	$	1,365	$	1,121,385
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	144,531	$	3,809	$	-	$	-	$	3,809	$	-	$	31,581	$	179,921
	Total assets	$	6,587,450	$	1,519,698	$	267,798	$	-	$	1,787,496	$	62,931	$	186,023	$	8,623,900
	Capital expenditures	$	836,748	$	158,580	$	15,344	$	-	$	173,924	$	1,789	$	-7,840	$	1,004,621
				TDS Telecom
	Year Ended or as of December 31, 2011	U.S. Cellular		Wireline		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Non- Reportable Segment		Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues	$	4,343,346	$	768,208	$	47,180	$	-	$	815,388	$	45,133	$	-23,396	$	5,180,471
	Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)		1,721,181		274,701		23,502		-		298,203		32,952		-1,692		2,050,644
	Selling, general and administrative		1,769,701		221,114		15,647		-		236,761		8,609		-12,712		2,002,359
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		573,557		167,663		12,867		-		180,530		3,021		8,668		765,776
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		9,889		1,128		115		-		1,243		-197		17		10,952
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-11,762		-		-		-		-		-		-		-11,762
	Operating income (loss)		280,780		103,602		-4,951		-		98,651		748		-17,677		362,502
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		83,566		8		-		-		8		-		-1,036		82,538
Interest and dividend income		3,395		3,548		-		-		3,548		2		2,200		9,145
Gain (loss) on investments		11,373		-		-		-		-		-		12,730		24,103
Interest expense		-65,614		2,702		-78		-		2,624		-1,359		-53,852		-118,201
Other, net		-678		2,719		-9		-		2,710		650		976		3,658
Income (loss) before income taxes		312,822		112,579		-5,038		-		107,541		41		-56,659		363,745
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		573,557		167,663		12,867		-		180,530		3,021		8,668		765,776
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		-11,762		-		-		-		-		-		-		-11,762
Gain (loss) on investments		-11,373		-		-		-		-		-		-12,730		-24,103
Interest expense		65,614		-2,702		78		-		-2,624		1,359		53,852		118,201
Adjusted income before income taxes	$	928,858	$	277,540	$	7,907	$	-	$	285,447	$	4,421	$	-6,869	$	1,211,857
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	138,096	$	3,808	$	-	$	-	$	3,808	$	-	$	31,806	$	173,710
Total assets	$	6,327,976	$	1,494,362	$	209,109	$	-	$	1,703,471	$	68,870	$	100,688	$	8,201,005
Capital expenditures	$	782,526	$	164,163	$	26,999	$	-	$	191,162	$	3,206	$	10,324	$	987,218

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos1

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest paid	$	96,241	$	88,208	$	96,174
	Income taxes paid (refunded)		175,629		-62,042		-66,994
	TDS:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		265,748		49,840		-
	Special Common Shares withheld		-		1,381		65,638
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	7,639	$	1,102	$	-
	Aggregate value of Special Common Shares withheld	$	-	$	33	$	1,537
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		12,092		16		1,463
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-2,438		-1,135		-1,431
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	9,654	$	-1,119	$	32
	U.S. Cellular:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		606,582		92,846		120,250
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	25,179	$	3,604	$	5,952
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		10,468		900		5,447
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-4,684		-3,105		-3,512
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	5,784	$	-2,205	$	1,935

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	number
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Number of wireless customers	4,800,000	'	'
Wireline and Cable connections	1,100,000	'	'
Short-term investments	$50,104,000	$115,700,000	'
Long-term investments	'	50,305,000	'
Number of business segments	5	'	'
Business segments, additional information	'Previously, TDS had reported the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”), its competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”), its HMS operations and the Non-Reportable Segment. As a result of recent acquisitions and changes in TDS’ strategy, operations and internal reporting, TDS has reevaluated and changed its operating segments during the year ended December 31, 2013, which resulted in the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom’s Wireline, Cable and HMS operations, and the Non-Reportable Segment. The Wireline segment consists of the former ILEC and CLEC segments. The Cable segment consists of Baja Broadband, LLC (“Baja”), which was acquired in August 2013. The HMS segment remains unchanged, except that it now uses a unified brand name, OneNeck IT Solutions (“OneNeck”), as a result of the consolidation of the HMS operations.	'	'
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	131,000,000	152,400,000	141,300,000
Advertising costs	212,800,000	240,900,000	267,700,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred charges	41,400,000	30,000,000	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance	33,415,000	31,071,000	35,007,000
Additions, net of recoveries	105,629,000	74,695,000	68,611,000
Deductions	-73,440,000	-72,351,000	-72,547,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance	65,604,000	33,415,000	31,071,000
U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
TDS ownership	84.00%	'	'
Agent liability	121,300,000	88,200,000	'
U.S. Cellular | Loyalty Rewards Program	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Change in accounting estimate, financial effect	'As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.	'	'
Deferred revenue	116,200,000	56,600,000	'
U.S. Cellular | Loyalty Rewards Program | Special issuance	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Deferred revenue	$43,500,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Institutional and Other

Institutional and Other

Institutional and Other

Institutional and Other

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

U.S. Treasury Notes

U.S. Treasury Notes

Retail

Retail

Institutional and Other

Institutional and Other

U.S. Treasury Notes

U.S. Treasury Notes

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Retail

Retail

Institutional and Other

Institutional and Other

Level 1

Level 1

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

$830,014

$740,481

$563,275

$341,683

$830,014

$740,481

'

'

'

'

'

'

$830,014

$740,481

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

50,104

115,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,104

115,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,104

115,700

'

'

'

'

Long-term investments

'

50,305

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,339

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,305

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,048,010

$1,238,204

$512,635

$589,435

'

'

'

'

$1,178,250

$1,178,250

$537,454

$538,657

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value assumption, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

7.35%

6.09%

Income_Taxes_income_taxes_rece

Income Taxes, income taxes receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes receivable	$2,397	$9,625
Federal	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes (payable)	-20,288	-5,455
State	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes receivable	$2,397	$9,625

Income_Taxes_federal_and_state

Income Taxes, federal and state income tax expense reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'
Current federal income tax expense	$181,579	$9,705	($94,627)
Current state income tax expense	11,614	5,092	5,583
Deferred federal income tax expense	-65,970	61,113	214,722
Deferred state income tax expense	-1,180	-2,328	-12,175
Total income tax expense	$126,043	$73,582	$113,503

Income_Taxes_income_tax_expens

Income Taxes, income tax expense reconciliation by item (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax expense reconciliation	'		'		'
Statutory federal income tax expense	$102,500,000		$68,700,000		$127,300,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	10,500,000	[1]	8,400,000	[1]	-20,900,000	[1]
Effect of noncontrolling interests	-1,000,000		'		-3,000,000
Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets	14,900,000	[2]	'		'
Correction of deferred taxes	'		-6,100,000	[3]	6,000,000	[3]
Other differences, net	-900,000		2,600,000		4,100,000
Total income tax expense	$126,043,000		$73,582,000		$113,503,000
[1]	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. The 2011 benefit primarily relates to the ability to utilize net operating losses as a result of state income tax law changes. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
[2]	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
[3]	TDS recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income_Taxes_income_tax_rate_r

Income Taxes, income tax rate reconciliation by item (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax rate reconciliation	'		'		'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
Effect of state income tax rate, net of federal benefit on income tax rate	3.60%	[1]	4.20%	[1]	-5.70%	[1]
Effect of noncontrolling interests on income tax rate	-0.40%		'		-0.80%
Effect of gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets on income tax rate	5.10%	[2]	'		'
Effect of correction of deferred taxes on income tax rate	'		-3.10%	[3]	1.60%	[3]
Other differences effect on income tax rate	-0.30%		1.40%		1.10%
Total income tax rate	43.00%		37.50%		31.20%
[1]	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. The 2011 benefit primarily relates to the ability to utilize net operating losses as a result of state income tax law changes. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
[2]	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
[3]	TDS recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income_Taxes_components_of_def

Income Taxes, components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Abstract	'	'
Net current deferred income tax asset	$106,077	$43,411
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	'	'
Net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards	121,651	121,111
Stock-based compensation	50,563	53,330
Compensation and benefits, other	12,681	32,484
Deferred rent	20,500	16,862
Other	32,444	32,654
Gross	237,839	256,441
Less valuation allowance	-70,609	-69,108
Total noncurrent deferred income tax assets	167,230	187,333
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	637,090	666,201
Licenses/intangibles	251,578	250,860
Partnership investments	136,581	127,331
Other	4,956	5,521
Total noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	1,030,205	1,049,913
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability	$862,975	$862,580

Income_Taxes_income_tax_expens1

Income Taxes, income tax expense net operating losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
State	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
NOL carryforwards	1,951.40
Deferred income tax asset for State NOL carryforwards	100.7
State | Minimum	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-14
State | Maximum	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-33
Federal	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Deferred income tax asset for Federal NOL carryforwards (entities not on Federal return)	21
Federal | Minimum	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-18
Federal | Maximum	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-33

Income_Taxes_deferred_tax_valu

Income Taxes, deferred tax valuation allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, current	$8,500,000	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, noncurrent	70,609,000	69,108,000	'
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	'	'	'
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	70,502,000	49,686,000	71,014,000
Charged to income tax expense	1,954,000	5,268,000	-28,511,000
Charged to other accounts	6,608,000	15,548,000	7,183,000
Balance at end of period	$79,064,000	$70,502,000	$49,686,000

Income_Taxes_unrecognized_inco

Income Taxes, unrecognized income tax benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of unrecognized income tax benefits	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$28,420,000	$28,841,000	$34,002,000
Additions for tax positions of current year	6,388,000	7,027,000	4,369,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,858,000	1,673,000	171,000
Reduction for tax positions of prior years	-467,000	-7,000	-1,973,000
Reductions for settlements of tax positions	-1,337,000	-21,000	-976,000
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	-4,472,000	-9,093,000	-6,752,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	30,390,000	28,420,000	28,841,000
Effect of unrecognized tax benefit on income tax expense	$19,800,000	$18,600,000	$18,200,000

Income_Taxes_additional_income

Income Taxes, additional income tax expense disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Range of potential change in unrecognized tax benefits due to state income tax positions and their resolution and expiration of statutes of limitations within the next year	$0.20	'	'
Net accrued interest and penalties, total	12.4	13.2	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits	$0.70	($1.50)	($2.50)
Federal	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Open tax years	'2011	'	'
State	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Open tax years	'2009	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	'	'	'
Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share	$141,878,000	$81,811,000	$200,516,000
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	-1,058,000	-640,000	-989,000
Preferred dividend adjustment	49,000	'	49,000
Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share	140,869,000	81,171,000	199,576,000
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	108,490	108,671	108,562
Effects of dilutive securities:	'	'	'
Stock options	209	11	262
Restricted stock units	375	255	214
Preferred shares	58	'	60
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	109,132	108,937	109,098
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.31	$0.75	$1.85
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.29	$0.75	$1.83
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$0.51	$0.49	$0.47
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	55,200,000	53,100,000	48,600,000
U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Dividend payable date	25-Jun-13	'	'
Dividend date of record	11-Jun-13	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$5.75	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	$482,300,000	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares	7,120	8,130	3,785
Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares	171	154	141
Preferred Shares	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares	'	57	'
Common Shares	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	101,339	101,532	101,471
Series A Common Shares	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	7,151	7,139	7,091

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_1

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	$836,843,000		$797,194,000		$797,077,000
Licenses	1,423,779,000		1,480,039,000		'
Franchise rights	123,668,000		'		'
Gain (loss) on investments	14,547,000		-3,718,000		24,103,000
Acquisitions	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	76,915,000	[1]	20,364,000	[1]	'
Licenses	16,540,000		122,690,000		'
Franchise rights	123,668,000		'		'
Intangible assets subject to amortization	28,725,000	[2]	20,300,000	[2]	'
Net tangible assets (liabilities)	78,318,000		5,462,000		'
Purchase price	324,166,000	[3]	168,816,000	[3]	'
U.S. Cellular	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	232,041,000		269,307,000		288,781,000
Gain (loss) on investments	18,556,000		-3,718,000		11,373,000
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Licenses	16,540,000		122,690,000		'
Purchase price	16,540,000	[3]	122,690,000	[3]	'
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions | 700 Mhz Acquisition1	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Licenses	'		34,000,000		'
Date of acquisition	'		15-Aug-12		'
Description of acquired entity	'On August 15, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired four 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma for $34.0 million.		'		'
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions | 700 Mhz Acquisition 2	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Licenses	'		57,700,000		'
Date of acquisition	'		20-Nov-12		'
Description of acquired entity	'On November 20, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired seven 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin for $57.7 million.		'		'
U.S. Cellular | Business Acquisitions | Wireless market	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Purchase price	'		'		24,600,000
Valuation technique	'income approach valuation method		'		'
Date of acquisition	'		'		9-May-11
Description of acquired entity	'On May 9, 2011, pursuant to certain required terms of the partnership agreement, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in this wireless market in which it previously held a 49% noncontrolling interest. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining interest, a $13.4 million gain was recorded to adjust the carrying value of this 49% investment to its fair value of $25.7 million based on an income approach valuation method.  The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2011.		'		'
Ownership interest in equity method investment	'		'		49.00%
Gain on equity investment remeasurement	'		'		13,400,000
Fair value equity investment prior to acquisition	'		'		25,700,000
TDS Telecom Wireline	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	420,458,000		420,458,000		420,716,000
Gain (loss) on investments	830,000		'		'
TDS Telecom Cable	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	61,712,000		'		'
TDS Telecom Cable | Business Acquisitions	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	61,712,000	[1]	'		'
Franchise rights	123,668,000		'		'
Intangible assets subject to amortization	11,542,000	[2]	'		'
Net tangible assets (liabilities)	67,147,000		'		'
Purchase price	264,069,000	[3]	'		'
TDS Telecom Cable | Business Acquisitions | Baja Broadband, LLC	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Purchase price	264,100,000		'		'
Acquired entity	'Baja Broadband, LLC ("Baja")		'		'
Date of acquisition	1-Aug-13		'		'
Description of acquired entity	'On August 1, 2013, TDS Telecom acquired substantially all of the assets of Baja for $264.1 million in cash. Baja is a cable company that operates in markets primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah and offers video, broadband and voice services, which complement the TDS Telecom portfolio of products. Baja is included in the Cable segment for reporting purposes.		'		'
Weighted average useful life, acquired finite lived intangibles	'2 years 11 months		'		'
TDS Telecom HMS	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	118,830,000		103,627,000		83,263,000
TDS Telecom HMS | Business Acquisitions	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	15,203,000	[1]	20,364,000	[1]	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization	17,183,000	[2]	20,300,000	[2]	'
Net tangible assets (liabilities)	11,171,000		5,462,000		'
Purchase price	43,557,000	[3]	46,126,000	[3]	'
TDS Telecom HMS | Business Acquisitions | MSN Communications, Inc.	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Purchase price	43,600,000		'		'
Acquired entity	'MSN Communications, Inc. ("MSN")		'		'
Date of acquisition	4-Oct-13		'		'
Voting stock acquired	100.00%		'		'
Description of acquired entity	'On October 4, 2013, TDS acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of MSN Communications, Inc. (“MSN”) for $43.6 million in cash. MSN is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of products. MSN is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.		'		'
Weighted average useful life, acquired finite lived intangibles	'10 years		'		'
TDS Telecom HMS | Business Acquisitions | Vital Support Systems, LLC	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Purchase price	'		46,100,000		'
Acquired entity	'Vital Support Systems, LLC ("Vital")		'		'
Date of acquisition	'		11-Jun-12		'
Voting stock acquired	'		100.00%		'
Description of acquired entity	'On June 11, 2012, TDS paid $46.1 million in cash to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of Vital Support Systems, LLC (“Vital”). Vital is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of products. Vital is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.		'		'
Weighted average useful life, acquired finite lived intangibles	'		'8 years 1 month		'
TDS Telecom HMS | Business Acquisitions | OneNeck IT Services	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Purchase price	'		'		95,900,000
Acquired entity	'OneNeck IT Services Corporation ("OneNeck IT Services")		'		'
Date of acquisition	'		'		1-Jul-11
Voting stock acquired	'		'		100.00%
Description of acquired entity	'On July 1, 2011, TDS paid $95.9 million in cash to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of OneNeck IT Services Corporation (“OneNeck IT Services”).  OneNeck IT Services is a provider of hosted application management and managed IT hosting services to middle market businesses, which complements the HMS portfolio of products. OneNeck IT Services is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.		'		'
Non-Reportable Segment	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Goodwill	3,802,000		3,802,000		4,317,000
Non-Reportable Segment | Business Acquisitions | Airadigm Communications, Inc.	'		'		'
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'		'		'
Valuation technique	'income approach valuation method		'		'
Acquired entity	'Airadigm Communications, Inc. ("Airadigm")		'		'
Date of acquisition	13-Mar-13		'		23-Sep-11
Voting stock acquired	37.00%		'		63.00%
Description of acquired entity	'On September 23, 2011, pursuant to a plan of reorganization in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, TDS acquired 63% of Airadigm and a note for $15.5 million in satisfaction of loans made by TDS to Airadigm and interests in Airadigm acquired by TDS from third-parties. Airadigm is a Wisconsin-based wireless service provider. The noncontrolling interest was valued at $0.4 million based on an income approach valuation method.  TDS recognized a gain of $12.7 million as a result of the transaction which was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for year ended December 31, 2011.  Pursuant to the plan of reorganization, at the acquisition date Airadigm owed $32.7 million to the FCC. This obligation was paid in September 2011.		'		'
Cash paid to acquire	3,500,000		'		'
Intercompany note	'		'		15,500,000
Gain (loss) on investments	'		'		12,700,000
Fair value, noncontrolling interest of acquired entity	'		'		400,000
Debt assumed from acquisition	'		'		$32,700,000
[1]	The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2013 and 2012 was amortizable for income tax purposes.
[2]	At the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was as follows: 2013: 2.9 years for TDS Telecom cable business and 10 years for TDS Telecom HMS business; 2012: 8.1 years for TDS Telecom HMS business.
[3]	Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions.

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_2

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

26 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

26 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

Divestiture Transaction

Divestiture Transaction

Divestiture Transaction

Divestiture Transaction

Bolingbrook Customer Care Center

Bolingbrook Customer Care Center

Wireless Market

Wireless Market

Mississippi Valley

St. Louis

Expected event

Minimum

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Purchase price

Purchase price

Purchase price

Purchase price

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

Contract termination costs

Contract termination costs

Contract termination costs

Divestiture

St. Louis

Divestiture Transaction

Expected event

Divestiture Transaction

Expected event

Divestiture Transaction

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Cash received from divestitures

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

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(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

Cost of services and products

Divestiture Transaction

Divestiture Transaction

Other current liabilities

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Other deferred liabilities and credits

Divestiture Transaction

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Divestiture Transaction

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Divestiture Transaction

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Divestitures

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'

'

'On November 6, 2012, U.S. Cellular entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with subsidiaries of Sprint Corp., fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, on May 16, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred customers and certain PCS license spectrum to Sprint in U.S. Cellular’s Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement collectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.” U.S. Cellular retained other assets and liabilities related to the Divestiture Markets, including network assets, retail stores and related equipment, and other buildings and facilities. The transaction did not affect spectrum licenses held by U.S. Cellular or variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that were not used in the operations of the Divestiture Markets. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular and Sprint also entered into certain other agreements, including customer and network transition services agreements, which require U.S. Cellular to provide customer, billing and network services to Sprint for a period of up to 24 months after the May 16, 2013 closing date. Sprint will reimburse U.S. Cellular for providing such services at an amount equal to U.S. Cellular’s estimated costs, including applicable overhead allocations. In addition, these agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site lease rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees.

'

'

'

'Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transitioned its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing vendor partner.

'On March 14, 2012, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of the assets and liabilities of a wireless market for $49.8 million in cash. At the time of the sale, a $4.2 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

'

'On October 4, 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million. At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business divestiture agreement description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'On August 14, 2013 U.S. Cellular entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its St. Louis area unbuilt license for $92.3 million. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. In accordance with GAAP, the book value of the license has been accounted for and disclosed as “held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business divestiture agreement date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6-Nov-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Aug-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transition services agreement duration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'24M

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Increase) decrease in Operating Income

($235,359)

($183,863)

($362,502)

($146,865)

($156,656)

($280,780)

$41,324

($123,446)

$44,535

($78,911)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($102,927)

'

($71,927)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges

-255,479

'

-11,762

-255,479

'

-11,762

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-250,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Divestiture Financial Impacts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from divestitures

-811,120

-50,182

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,800

-308,000

'

-92,300

'

'

'

'

-480,000

-480,000

-480,000

-480,000

-200,000

-10,600

-43,420

-47,641

-47,641

-120,000

-175,000

-25,000

'

'

'

'

'

Net assets transferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

160,073

'

160,073

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

160,073

'

160,073

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

-51

3

10,672

10,675

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000

'

14,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

'

'

'

'

'

'

-809

1,653

12,609

14,262

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

'

18,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contract termination costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,744

59,525

59

59,584

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,000

'

160,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

347

4,428

1,137

5,565

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

-300,656

21,061

'

-246,767

21,022

'

-3,189

-301,959

24,477

-277,482

'

'

'

-4,200

'

'

'

'

-302,927

'

-296,927

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values

1,018,077

813,626

765,776

803,781

608,633

573,557

44,513

178,513

20,058

198,571

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

225,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance Sheet rollforward

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,305

'

30

'

'

Costs incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,853

12,609

22,675

59

34,283

Cash settlements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,905

[1]

-304

[1]

-8,713

[1]

-29

[1]

-3,434

[1]

Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,200

[2]

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,053

12,305

13,992

30

30,849

Assets and liabilities held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Licenses

'

140,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,027

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

19,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

4,274

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,274

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on assets held for sale

'

-1,105

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,105

[3],[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Assets held for sale

16,027

163,242

'

'

'

'

'

'

160,073

'

3,169

[3]

'

'

'

'

16,027

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities held for sale

'

$19,594

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19,594

[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

[2]

Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.

[3]

Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

[4]

Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

[5]

Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_3

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, exchanges (Details) (U.S. Cellular, Spectrum exchange, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Cellular | Spectrum exchange	'	'
Exchanges	'	'
Agreement date	'	30-Sep-11
Asset exchange description	'On September 30, 2011, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received eighteen 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering portions of Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington in exchange for two PCS spectrum licenses covering portions of Illinois and Indiana.  The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with additional spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements in several of its markets.  No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange.  As a result of this transaction, TDS recognized a gain of $11.8 million, representing the difference between the fair value of the licenses received, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the carrying value of the licenses surrendered.  This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.	'
Gain on asset exchange	'	$11.80
Asset exchange, valuation method	'market approach valuation method	'

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Licenses

Licenses

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular

Wireline

Wireline

Wireline

Wireline

Wireline

Cable

Cable

HMS

HMS

Non-Reportable Segment

Non-Reportable Segment

Non-Reportable Segment

Non-Reportable Segment

Non-Reportable Segment

Licenses

Licenses

Licenses

Licenses

Licenses

Franchise rights

Licenses

Licenses

Licenses

Licenses and Franchise Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

'

'

$1,480,039

$1,494,014

'

'

$1,462,019

$1,475,994

'

'

$2,800

$2,800

$2,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,220

$15,220

$15,220

Acquisitions

'

'

16,540

122,690

'

'

16,540

122,690

'

'

'

'

'

'

123,668

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Divestitures

'

'

-59,419

'

'

'

-59,419

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transferred to Assets held for sale

'

'

-16,027

-140,599

'

'

-16,027

-140,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation

'

'

-592

'

'

'

-592

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

'

'

3,238

3,934

'

'

3,238

3,934

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of period

'

'

1,423,779

1,480,039

'

'

1,405,759

1,462,019

'

'

2,800

2,800

2,800

'

123,668

'

'

'

'

15,220

15,220

15,220

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assigned value at time of acquisition

1,180,523

1,160,417

'

'

622,681

622,681

'

'

450,156

449,898

'

'

'

'

'

103,627

83,263

4,317

4,317

'

'

'

Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods

-363,855

-363,340

'

'

-333,900

-333,900

'

'

-29,440

-29,440

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-515

'

'

'

Transferred to Assets held for sale

-19,474

'

'

'

-19,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

797,194

797,077

'

'

269,307

288,781

'

'

420,716

420,458

'

'

'

'

'

103,627

83,263

4,317

3,802

'

'

'

Acquisitions

76,915

20,364

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,712

'

15,203

20,364

'

'

'

'

'

Divestitures

-135

'

'

'

-135

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment

'

-515

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-515

[1]

'

'

'

'

Transferred to Assets held for sale

'

-19,474

'

'

'

-19,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation

-37,131

'

'

'

-37,131

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

'

-258

'

'

'

'

'

'

-258

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of period

$836,843

$797,194

'

'

$232,041

$269,307

'

'

$420,458

$420,458

'

'

'

$61,712

'

$118,830

$103,627

$3,802

$3,802

'

'

'

[1]

During the second quarter of 2012, a sustained decrease in TDS' stock price resulted in a triggering event, as defined by GAAP, requiring an interim impairment test of Licenses and Goodwill as of June 30, 2012. Based on this test, TDS concluded that the entire amount of Goodwill related to Airadigm was impaired resulting in an impairment loss of $0.5 million and no impairment of Licenses.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E1

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity and cost method investments	'	'	'
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$132,629	$21,543	'
Cumulative share of income	1,186,900	1,050,618	'
Cumulative share of distributions	-1,033,087	-907,509	'
Equity method investments	286,442	164,652	'
Cost method investments	15,330	15,269	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	301,772	179,921	173,710
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	132,714	92,867	82,538
Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Equity and cost method investments	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	78,400	67,200	55,300
Ownership interest in equity method investment	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Aggregate equity method investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments, combined assets	'	'	'
Current assets	520,804	477,673	'
Due from affiliates	408,735	298,707	'
Property and other	2,080,436	1,951,887	'
Total assets	3,009,975	2,728,267	'
Equity method investments, combined liabilities and equity	'	'	'
Current liabilities	355,167	353,044	'
Deferred credits	89,198	84,672	'
Long-term liabilities	31,605	33,856	'
Long-term capital lease obligations	707	405	'
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	2,533,298	2,256,290	'
Total liabilities and equity	3,009,975	2,728,267	'
Equity method investments, combined income statements	'	'	'
Revenues	6,239,200	5,825,150	5,540,220
Operating expenses	4,492,372	4,381,731	4,301,758
Operating income	1,746,828	1,443,419	1,238,462
Other income, net	4,019	7,190	960
Net income	$1,750,847	$1,450,609	$1,239,422

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E2

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities, Deconsolidation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership	New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership and New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership and New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	Discounted cash flow valuation approach	Discounted cash flow valuation approach	Discounted cash flow valuation approach
									Minimum	Maximum
Fair Value Inputs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'
Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'
Discount Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.50%	'	'
Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14.90%	18.80%
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date Of Deconsolidation	'	'	'	'	'	3-Apr-13	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in equity method investment	'	'	'	60.00%	57.14%	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$301,772,000	$179,921,000	$173,710,000	'	'	'	$114,800,000	'	'	'
Deconsolidation description	'	'	'	'	'	'On April 3, 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement relating to the Partnerships. The agreement amends the Partnership Agreements in several ways which provide Verizon Wireless with substantive participating rights that allow Verizon Wireless to make decisions that are in the ordinary course of business of the Partnerships and which are significant to directing and executing the activities of the business. Accordingly, as required by GAAP, TDS deconsolidated the Partnerships effective as of April 3, 2013 and thereafter reported them as equity method investments in its consolidated financial statements (“NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation”). After the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, TDS retained the same ownership percentages in the Partnerships and will continue to report the same percentages of income from the Partnerships, which will be recorded in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition to the foregoing described arrangements, TDS and U.S. Cellular have certain other arm’s length, ordinary business relationships with Verizon Wireless and its affiliates.	'	'	'	'
Deconsolidation gain	'	'	'	'	'	$14,500,000	'	'	'	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$11,239,804,000	$10,808,499,000	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-7,361,660,000	-6,811,233,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,878,144,000	3,997,266,000	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,841,000	19,741,000	10,952,000
U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Land	36,266,000	33,947,000	'
Buildings	304,272,000	341,852,000	'
Leasehold and land improvements	1,197,520,000	1,188,720,000	'
Cell site equipment	3,306,575,000	3,100,916,000	'
Switching equipment	1,161,976,000	1,155,114,000	'
Office furniture and equipment	539,248,000	535,656,000	'
Other equipment	92,456,000	128,290,000	'
System development	962,698,000	631,184,000	'
Work in process	116,501,000	362,749,000	'
Property, plant and equipment	7,717,512,000	7,478,428,000	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-4,860,992,000	-4,455,840,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,856,520,000	3,022,588,000	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	791,100,000	597,700,000	565,100,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,606,000	18,088,000	9,889,000
U.S. Cellular | Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'20 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'1 year	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'30 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Cell site equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'6 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Cell site equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'25 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Switching equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'1 year	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Switching equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'8 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Office furniture and equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Office furniture and equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Other operating assets and equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Other operating assets and equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'25 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | System development | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
U.S. Cellular | System development | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'7 years	'	'
TDS Telecom	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Land	12,794,000	9,004,000	'
Buildings	148,800,000	147,177,000	'
Cable and wire	1,523,123,000	1,445,270,000	'
Network electronic equipment	1,229,941,000	1,171,461,000	'
Office furniture and equipment	74,507,000	71,887,000	'
Other equipment	94,438,000	85,486,000	'
System development	230,416,000	196,185,000	'
Work in process	88,614,000	87,043,000	'
Property, plant and equipment	3,402,633,000	3,213,513,000	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-2,417,999,000	-2,279,325,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	984,634,000	934,188,000	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	182,600,000	177,300,000	168,200,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	283,000	1,128,000	1,243,000
TDS Telecom | Buildings | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Buildings | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'40 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Cable and wire | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'15 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Cable and wire | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'35 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Network electronic equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Network electronic equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'12 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Office furniture and equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Office furniture and equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'10 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Other equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | Other equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'12 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | System development | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
TDS Telecom | System development | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'7 years	'	'
Corporate and Non-Reportable segment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	119,659,000	116,558,000	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-82,669,000	-76,068,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	36,990,000	40,490,000	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	10,700,000	10,300,000	8,300,000
TDS Telecom Wireline	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation as a percent of depreciable property	5.30%	5.60%	5.70%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	$130,000	$1,020,000	$1,128,000

Asset_Retirement_Obligation_De

Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - beginning balance	$253,610		$212,417
Additional liabilities accrued	892		5,945
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	3,706		22,588	[1]
Acquisitions of assets	3,410		'
Disposition of assets	-4,111	[2]	-2,972
Accretion expense	17,731	[3]	15,632	[3]
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	275,238	[4]	253,610
U.S. Cellular	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - beginning balance	179,607		143,402
Additional liabilities accrued	635		5,578
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	6,268		22,588	[1]
Disposition of assets	-3,534	[2]	-2,674
Accretion expense	12,592	[3]	10,713	[3]
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	195,568	[4]	179,607
U.S. Cellular | Divestiture Transaction	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	'		14,900
Disposition of assets	-2,000		'
Accretion expense	1,100		200
U.S. Cellular | Divestiture Transaction | Other current liabilities	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	37,700		'
TDS Telecom	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - beginning balance	69,969		65,209
Additional liabilities accrued	257		367
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	-2,562		'
Acquisitions of assets	3,410		'
Disposition of assets	-577	[2]	-298
Accretion expense	4,898	[3]	4,691	[3]
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	75,395	[4]	69,969
Non-Reportable Segment	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - beginning balance	4,034		3,806
Accretion expense	241	[3]	228	[3]
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	$4,275	[4]	$4,034
[1]	Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.
[2]	Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
[3]	Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[4]	In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, TDS reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.

Debt_revolving_credit_faciliti

Debt, revolving credit facilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Borrowing rate description	'Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS’ credit rating or, at TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s option, respectively, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreements. TDS may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by TDS and approved by the lenders). If TDS or U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.		'	'
Subordination agreement description	'In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105,000,000, and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250,000,000, will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.		'	'
TDS Revolving credit facility | TDS Parent Company	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$400		'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	0.3		'	'
Letters of credit available for use	399.7		'	'
LIBOR	0.17%	[1]	'	'
Contractural spread	1.50%	[1]	'	'
Borrowing rate: One-month London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread	1.67%	[1]	'	'
Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013	0.21%		'	'
Fees incurred, amount	0.9		1.3	1.5
Agreement date	17-Dec-10		'	'
Maturity date	17-Dec-17		'	'
Debt issuance cost, net of accumulated amortization	6.1		'	'
TDS Revolving credit facility | TDS Parent Company | Minimum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.13%	[2]	'	'
TDS Revolving credit facility | TDS Parent Company | Maximum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.30%	[2]	'	'
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | U.S. Cellular	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	300		'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	17.6	[3]	'	'
Letters of credit available for use	282.4		'	'
LIBOR	0.17%	[1]	'	'
Contractural spread	1.50%	[1]	'	'
Borrowing rate: One-month London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread	1.67%	[1]	'	'
Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013	0.25%		'	'
Fees incurred, amount	0.8		1.1	1.2
Agreement date	17-Dec-10		'	'
Maturity date	17-Dec-17		'	'
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | U.S. Cellular | Letters of credit to the FCC	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	$17.40		'	'
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | U.S. Cellular | Minimum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.13%	[2]	'	'
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | U.S. Cellular | Maximum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.30%	[2]	'	'
[1]	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellularbs credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellularbs option, an alternate bBase Rateb as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TDS and U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If TDS or U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
[2]	The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
[3]	In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 19 b Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.

Debt_longterm_debt_Details

Debt, long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long term debt	'	'
Total long-term debt	$1,721,720,000	$1,722,804,000
Long-term debt, current	1,646,000	1,233,000
Long-term debt, noncurrent	1,720,074,000	1,721,571,000
Debt issuance cost	44,300,000	'
TDS Parent Company	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Long term debt	837,347,000	837,347,000
Long term debt maturities	'	'
Scheduled principal payments 2014	1,600,000	'
Scheduled principal payments 2015	1,300,000	'
Scheduled principal payments 2016	3,100,000	'
Scheduled principal payments 2017	200,000	'
Scheduled principal payments 2018	200,000	'
TDS Parent Company | 7% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	7.00%	'
Date of debt issuance	21-Mar-11	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-Mar-60	'
Call date of debt issued	15-Mar-16	'
Long term debt	300,000,000	300,000,000
TDS Parent Company | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.63%	'
Date of debt issuance	31-Mar-05	'
Maturity date of debt issued	31-Mar-45	'
Call date of debt issued	31-Mar-10	'
Long term debt	116,250,000	116,250,000
TDS Parent Company | 6.875% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.88%	'
Date of debt issuance	16-Nov-10	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-Nov-59	'
Call date of debt issued	15-Nov-15	'
Long term debt	225,000,000	225,000,000
TDS Parent Company | 5.875% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	5.88%	'
Date of debt issuance	26-Nov-12	'
Maturity date of debt issued	1-Dec-61	'
Call date of debt issued	1-Dec-17	'
Long term debt	195,000,000	195,000,000
TDS Parent Company | Long term notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.00%	'
Date of debt issuance	3-Oct-01	'
Maturity date of debt issued	3-Oct-21	'
Purchase contracts	1,097,000	1,097,000
U.S. Cellular	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Obligation on capital leases	3,749,000	4,756,000
U.S. Cellular | 6.95% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.95%	'
Date of debt issuance	9-May-11	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-May-60	'
Call date of debt issued	15-May-16	'
Long term debt	342,000,000	342,000,000
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.70%	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-Dec-33	'
Call date of debt issued	31-Dec-03	'
Long term debt, face value	544,000,000	544,000,000
Unamortized discount	-11,551,000	-11,806,000
Long term debt	532,449,000	532,194,000
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes | Maximum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Date of debt issuance	21-Jun-04	'
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes | Minimum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Date of debt issuance	3-Dec-03	'
TDS Telecom	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Obligation on capital leases	779,000	'
TDS Telecom | Rural Utility Service and other notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Long term debt	749,000	844,000
Non-Reportable Segment	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Obligation on capital leases	35,000	'
Non-Reportable Segment | Long term notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Long term debt	4,612,000	5,663,000
Non-Reportable Segment | Long term notes | Maximum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	4.80%	'
Maturity date of debt issued	2-Dec-16	'
Non-Reportable Segment | Long term notes | Minimum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	3.70%	'
Total Subsidiaries	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Total long-term debt	$884,373,000	$885,457,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_defined

Employee Benefit Plans, defined Contribution Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Description of defined contribution plan	'Defined Contribution Plans TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for the employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular. Under this plan, pension costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded annually. Total pension costs were $16.2 million, $18.4 million and $17.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, TDS sponsors a defined contribution retirement savings plan (“401(k)”) plan. Total costs incurred from TDS’ contributions to the 401(k) plan were $24.8 million, $25.0 million and $22.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. TDS also sponsors an unfunded nonqualified deferred supplemental executive retirement plan for certain employees to offset the reduction of benefits caused by the limitation on annual employee compensation under the tax laws.	'	'
Pension	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined contribution cost	$16.20	$18.40	$17.50
401(k)	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Defined contribution cost	$24.80	$25	$22.10

Employee_Benefit_Plans_other_P

Employee Benefit Plans, other Post-Retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts included in Comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	'		'		'
Net actuarial gains (losses) before income tax benefit (expense)	$13,345,000		$90,000		($9,625,000)
Amortization of prior service costs before income tax benefit (expense)	-3,605,000		-3,735,000		-3,815,000
Amortization of actuarial losses before income tax benefit (expense)	2,452,000		2,517,000		1,934,000
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income before income tax benefit (expense)	12,192,000		-1,128,000		-11,506,000
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income deferred tax benefit (expense)	-4,646,000		1,797,000		5,722,000
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	7,546,000		669,000		-5,784,000
Post Retirement Medical Benefits	'		'		'
Amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, before tax	'		'		'
Net prior service costs	18,833,000		22,438,000		'
Net actuarial loss	-20,713,000		-36,510,000		'
Sum net prior service cost and net actuarial loss	-1,880,000		-14,072,000		'
Amounts to be amortized to net benefit cost	'		'		'
Estimated net actuarial loss amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost next year	2,400,000		'		'
Estimated prior service cost gain amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost next year	3,600,000		'		'
Amounts included in Comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	'		'		'
Net actuarial gains (losses) before income tax benefit (expense)	13,345,000		90,000		'
Net actuarial gains (losses) deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-5,086,000		-143,000		'
Net actuarial gains (losses) net of income tax benefit (expense)	8,259,000		-53,000		'
Amortization of prior service costs before income tax benefit (expense)	-3,605,000		-3,735,000		'
Amortization of prior service costs deferred income tax (expense) benefit	1,374,000		5,950,000		'
Amortization of prior service costs net of income tax benefit (expense)	-2,231,000		2,215,000		'
Amortization of actuarial losses before income tax benefit (expense)	2,452,000		2,517,000		'
Amortization of actuarial losses deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-934,000		-4,010,000		'
Amortization of actuarial losses net of income tax benefit (expense)	1,518,000		-1,493,000		'
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income before income tax benefit (expense)	12,192,000		-1,128,000		'
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income deferred tax benefit (expense)	-4,646,000		1,797,000		'
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	7,546,000		669,000		'
Change in benefit obligation	'		'		'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	54,568,000		50,113,000		'
Service cost	1,348,000		1,197,000		1,116,000
Interest cost	2,137,000		2,297,000		2,368,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	-9,437,000		3,179,000		'
Prescription drug subsidy	'		542,000		'
Benefits paid	-2,474,000		-2,760,000		'
Benefit obligation at end of year	46,142,000		54,568,000		50,113,000
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	45,047,000		41,267,000		'
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	6,973,000		6,264,000		'
Employer contribution	197,000		276,000		'
Benefits paid	2,474,000		2,760,000		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	49,743,000		45,047,000		41,267,000
Funded status	3,601,000		-9,521,000		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Three year return	10.59%		'		'
Five year return	14.19%		'		'
Net periodic benefit cost	'		'		'
Service cost	1,348,000		1,197,000		1,116,000
Interest cost	2,137,000		2,297,000		2,368,000
Expected return on plan assets	-3,065,000		-2,995,000		-3,496,000
Amortization of prior service costs	-3,605,000	[1]	-3,735,000	[1]	-3,815,000	[1]
Amortization of actuarial losses	2,452,000	[2]	2,517,000	[2]	1,934,000	[2]
Net post-retirement cost	-733,000		-719,000		-1,893,000
Benefit obligations	'		'		'
Discount rate	5.00%		4.00%		'
Net periodic benefit cost assumptions	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.00%		4.70%		'
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%		7.50%		'
Discount rate assumptions	'The discount rate for 2013 and 2012 was determined using a hypothetical Aa spot yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from six months to 99 years. The spot rate curve was derived from a direct calculation of the implied forward rate curve based on the included bond cash flows. This yield curve, when populated with projected cash flows that represent the expected timing and amount of TDS plan benefit payments, produces a single effective interest discount rate that is used to measure the plan’s liabilities. The expected rate of return was determined using the target asset allocation for the TDS plan and rate of return expectations for each asset class. The measurement date for actuarial determination was December 31, 2013. For measurement purposes, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2013 to be 7.5% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.9% for participants under age 65. For all participants the 2013 annual rate of increase is expected to decrease to 5.0% by 2021. The 2012 expected rate of increase was 7.3% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 8.1% for participants under age 65, decreasing to 5.0% for all participants by 2020. A 1% increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013:		'		'
Health care trend rates	'		'		'
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%		5.00%		'
One percent increase effect on total service and interest cost components	18,000		'		'
One percent decrease effect on total service and interest cost components	-17,000		'		'
One percent increase effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	301,000		'		'
One percent decrease effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	-281,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments	'		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - next twelve months	2,082,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 2 years	2,059,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 3 years	2,143,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 4 years	2,117,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 5 years	2,138,000		'		'
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 6-10 years	13,294,000		'		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | 65 and older	'		'		'
Health care trend rates	'		'		'
Health care cost trend rate	7.50%		7.30%		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Under 65	'		'		'
Health care trend rates	'		'		'
Health care cost trend rate	7.90%		8.10%		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	49,732,000		45,033,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Level 2	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,000		14,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Bond Mutual Funds	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,285,000		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,697,000		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Investment strategy of mutual fund	'The funds seek to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities.		'		'
Target asset allocation	30.00%		'		'
Actual asset allocation	29.10%		29.50%		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Bond Mutual Funds | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,697,000		11,285,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Large Cap	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	18,823,000		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,861,000		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Investment strategy of mutual fund	'The funds seek to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices.		'		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Large Cap | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,861,000		18,823,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Small Cap	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,074,000		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4,500,000		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Investment strategy of mutual fund	'The fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index.		'		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Small Cap | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4,500,000		4,074,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | International	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,868,000		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	9,876,000		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Investment strategy of mutual fund	'The funds seek to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation.		'		'
Target asset allocation	20.00%		'		'
Actual asset allocation	19.90%		19.70%		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | International | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	9,876,000		8,868,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Equity Mutual Funds | United States	'		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Target asset allocation	50.00%		'		'
Actual asset allocation	51.00%		50.80%		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Money Market Mutual Funds	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,983,000		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,798,000		'		'
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation	'		'		'
Investment strategy of mutual fund	'The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities.		'		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Money Market Mutual Funds | Level 1	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,798,000		1,983,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Other	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,000		14,000		'
Post Retirement Medical Benefits | Other | Level 2	'		'		'
Change in plan assets	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$11,000		$14,000		'
[1]	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits.
[2]	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies, minimum lease obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Operating leases	'TDS and its subsidiaries have leases for certain plant facilities, office space, retail store sites, cell sites, data centers and data-processing equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term.
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Abstract	'
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2014	$175,140
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2015	153,338
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2016	131,670
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2017	109,733
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2018	91,275
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments After 2018	849,015
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments Total	1,510,171
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Abstract	'
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2014	45,911
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2015	36,536
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2016	25,993
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2017	17,083
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2018	6,478
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts After 2018	227
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts Total	$132,228

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies, additional lease information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense, noncancellable long-term operating lease	$187.80	$204.10	$187.40
Rent expense, cancellable short-term operating lease	15.4	10.4	9
Rent revenue	$45.70	$41.60	$39.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies, purchase commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
BOSS Implementation	'
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
Purchase commitment agreement description	'As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  In July 2013, U.S. Cellular implemented B/OSS, pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated June 29, 2012. Total payments to Amdocs related to this implementation are estimated to be approximately $183.9 million (subject to certain potential adjustments) over the period from commencement of the SLMA through the first half of 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, $136.8 million had been paid to Amdocs.
Purchase commitment period	'August 17, 2010 through the first half of 2014
Purchase commitment payments made	$136.80
Purchase commitment estimated payments	183.9
Apple Products	'
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
Purchase commitment agreement description	'In March 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Based on current forecasts, TDS estimates that the remaining contractual purchase commitment as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $950 million. At this time, TDS expects to meet its contractual commitment with Apple.
Purchase commitment period	'three-year period beginning in November 2013
Purchase commitment remaining estimated payments	$950

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies, legal accruals and unasserted claims (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingency, Estimate	'	'
Accrual for legal proceedings and unasserted claims	$0.30	$1.70

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE1

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
					U.S. Cellular	U.S. Cellular	Variable Interest Entities (VIE's)	Variable Interest Entities (VIE's)	Airadigm Communications, Inc.
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$740,481,000	$830,014,000	$563,275,000	$341,683,000	'	'	$2,076,000	$7,028,000	'
Other current assets	32,815,000	35,151,000	'	'	'	'	1,184,000	3,267,000	'
Licenses and other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	310,475,000	325,707,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,997,266,000	3,878,144,000	'	'	2,856,520,000	3,022,588,000	18,600,000	31,544,000	'
Other assets and deferred charges	133,150,000	164,482,000	'	'	'	'	511,000	3,026,000	'
Total assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	332,846,000	370,572,000	'
Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	924,608,000	1,191,756,000	'	'	'	'	46,000	9,985,000	'
Deferred liabilities and credits	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,139,000	6,213,000	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,185,000	16,198,000	'
Capital contributions and advances	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
VIE put options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'true	'	'
Put option, exercisable dates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'The limited partnership agreements of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless and Aquinas Wireless will become exercisable in 2019 and 2020, respectively.	'	'
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	493,000	536,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Preexisting Relationship	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13-Mar-13
Voting stock acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37.00%
Cash paid to acquire	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,500,000
Acquired entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Airadigm Communications, Inc.
Acquisition description	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'On March 13, 2013, TDS acquired the 37% ownership interest in Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”) that it did not own for $3.5 million, and now owns 100%. Prior to this acquisition, TDS consolidated Airadigm as a VIE. Subsequent to the acquisition date, Airadigm ceased to be a VIE but continues to be consolidated based on TDS’ controlling financial interest in the entity.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$141,927,000	$81,861,000	$200,566,000
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	-14,135,000	-8,854,000	-8,555,000
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares	3,370,000	4,789,000	-7,723,000
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests	-123,000	4,397,000	'
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	-10,888,000	332,000	-16,278,000
Change from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	131,039,000	82,193,000	184,288,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	'	'
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - begin	'2085	'	'
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - end	'2107	'	'
Settlement value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	14,000,000	'	'
Carrying value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$8,200,000	'	'

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Sha

Common Shareholders' Equity, Share Consolidation (Details)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 13, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Shareholder Vote Share Consolidation Amendment

Share Consolidation Amendment

Share Consolidation Amendment

Before Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

Common Shares

Common Shares

Common Shares

Common Shares

Common Shares

Common Shares

Special Common Shares

Special Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Preferred shares

Preferred shares

Share Consolidation Amendment

Before Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

Share Consolidation Amendment

Before Share Consolidation

Share Consolidation Amendment

Before Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

Before Share Consolidation

After Share Consolidation

Conversion of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share consolidation description

'

'

'

'These approved Charter Amendments include (a) a Share Consolidation Amendment to reclassify (i) each Special Common Share as one Common Share, (ii) each Common Share as 1.087 Common Shares, and (iii) each Series A Common Share as 1.087 Series A Common Shares, (b) a Vote Amendment to fix the percentage voting power in certain matters and (c) amendments to eliminate obsolete and inoperative provisions as more fully described in TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 24, 2012.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant event, date

'

'

'2012-01-13

'

'2012-01-24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share conversion ratio, Common shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.087

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

1.087

'

'

'

'

'

Voting rights

'

'

'

'

'

'As of December 31, 2011, the holders of Common Shares and Special Common Shares were entitled to one vote per share. The holders of Common Shares had full voting rights; the holders of Special Common Shares had limited voting rights. Other than the election of directors, the Special Common Shares had no votes except as otherwise required by law. The holders of Series A Common Shares were entitled to ten votes per share.

'The Series A Common Shares continue to have ten votes per share in such matters and the vote per share of the Common Shares floats and is determined each time there is a vote on matters other than the election of directors.

'

'

'

'

'43.3%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'56.7%

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding

108,757,000

108,031,000

'

'

'

'

'

101,591,000

100,871,000

'

49,980,000

'

101,340,000

'

47,012,000

7,166,000

7,160,000

'

6,549,000

'

7,119,000

'

'

Preferred stock, shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,300

8,300

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Equ

Common Shareholders' Equity, Equity Rollforward (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	132,711,000	132,672,000	'
Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Treasury shares, ending balance	23,954,000	24,641,000	'
Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	125,512,000	125,502,000	57,093,000
Conversion of Series A Common Shares	33,000	10,000	'
Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment	'	'	68,409,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	125,545,000	125,512,000	125,502,000
Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Treasury shares, beginning balance	24,641,000	24,165,000	7,198,000
Repurchase of shares	339,000	868,000	'
Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans - Treasury shares	-1,026,000	-392,000	-86,000
Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment	'	'	17,053,000	[1]
Treasury shares, ending balance	23,954,000	24,641,000	24,165,000
Common Shares | Series A Share Conversion	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Shares reserved	7,166,195	'	'
Common Shares | Tax-Deferred Savings Plan	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Shares reserved	90,341	'	'
Special Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	'	'	63,442,000
Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment	'	'	-63,442,000	[1]
Special Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Treasury shares, beginning balance	'	'	15,911,000
Repurchase of shares	'	'	748,000
Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans - Treasury shares	'	'	-226,000
Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment	'	'	16,433,000	[1]
Series A Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward	'	'	'
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	7,160,000	7,119,000	6,510,000
Conversion of Series A Common Shares	-33,000	-10,000	'
Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans	39,000	51,000	39,000
Reclassification as a result of Share Consolidation Amendment	'	'	-570,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	7,166,000	7,160,000	7,119,000
[1]	Reflects the impact of the Share Consolidation Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS, as approved by the TDS shareholders on January 13, 2012.

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Equ1

Common Shareholders' Equity, Equity Repurchase (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Amount	$9,692,000	$20,026,000	$21,500,000
Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Amount	9,692,000	20,026,000	21,500,000
Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	339,000	868,000	'
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	339,000	868,000	'
Average cost per share	$28.60	$23.08	'
Amount	9,692,000	20,026,000	'
Common share repurchase authorization	'On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program for the purchase of TDS Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date. In 2012, TDS had a prior share repurchase authorization for $250 million that expired on November 19, 2012.	'	'
Repurchase authorization, dollar value	250,000,000	'	'
Repurchase expiration	'This authorization does not have an expiration date.	'	'
Special Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	'	'	748,000
Special Common Shares | TDS Parent Company | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	'	'	748,000
Average cost per share	'	'	$28.73
Amount	'	'	21,500,000
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | U.S. Cellular | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	499,000	571,000	1,276,000
Average cost per share	$37.19	$35.11	$48.82
Amount	$18,544,000	$20,045,000	$62,294,000
Common share repurchase authorization	'On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions.	'	'
Repurchase authorization, number of shares	1,300,000	'	'
Repurchase expiration	'This authorization does not have an expiration date.	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_TDS_Co

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS Consolidated (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Share Consolidation Amendment

Cost of services and products

Cost of services and products

Cost of services and products

Selling, general and administrative expense

Selling, general and administrative expense

Selling, general and administrative expense

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

Non-Employee Directors' Plan

Non-Employee Directors' Plan

Non-Employee Directors' Plan

Common Shares

Special Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

TDS Parent Company

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock Units

Deferred Compensation Stock Units

Deferred Compensation Stock Units

Deferred Compensation Stock Units

Share Consolidation Amendment

Share Consolidation Amendment

Share Consolidation Amendment

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

Common Shares

Common Shares

Common Shares

Series A Common Shares

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units

Deferred Compensation Stock Units

2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans

Non-Employee Directors' Plan

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plans

Series A Common Share Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Minimum

Maximum

Stock-based compensation, overview

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Terms of award

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'Under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans, TDS may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. On January 13, 2012, TDS shareholders approved Amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TDS which included both a Share Consolidation Amendment and adoption of the TDS 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which replaced the TDS 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

'Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over periods up to three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of TDS common stock on the date of grant.

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'TDS also grants restricted stock unit awards to key employees. As of December 31, 2011, each restricted stock unit outstanding was convertible into one Special Common Share upon the vesting of such restricted stock units. As a result of the Share Consolidation Amendment each outstanding restricted stock unit was reclassified and became convertible into one Common Share Award. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2012 and 2013 and will vest in December 2014 and May 2016, respectively.

'Certain TDS employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in TDS Common Share units. The amount of TDS’ matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% stock unit match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in TDS Common Share units.

'The TDS 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.

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Stock options expiration date

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29-Mar-14

10-May-23

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Shares reserved for equity awards granted and to be granted

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13,315,000

200,000

1,403,000

179,000

Share conversion ratio, Common shares

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1.087

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1.087

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Share conversion ratio, Tandem Options

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2.087

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Stock based compensation

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Stock-based compensation expense

$30,338,000

$41,871,000

$36,837,000

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$3,208,000

$3,308,000

$2,888,000

$27,130,000

$38,563,000

$33,949,000

$12,973,000

$20,884,000

$20,443,000

$15,535,000

$19,025,000

$14,905,000

$550,000

$749,000

$124,000

$485,000

$1,280,000

$1,213,000

$880,000

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Income tax benefit

-11,459,000

-15,848,000

-13,862,000

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Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes

18,879,000

26,023,000

22,975,000

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Unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards

36,800,000

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Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards

'2 years 2 months

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Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and other awards

$9,600,000

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StockBased_Compensation_TDS_ex

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Valuation model (Details) (TDS Parent Company, 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans, Stock Options)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'5 years 8 months	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months
Expected annual volatility rate	41.00%	41.10%	37.60%
Dividend yield	2.30%	2.40%	1.60%
Risk-free interest rate	1.00%	0.90%	2.10%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate	2.90%	2.90%	3.00%

StockBased_Compensation_TDS_ex1

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Stock option rollforward schedules (Details) (TDS Parent Company, 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tandem Options	'	'	'
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, begin of period	'	'	651,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	'	'	651,000
Exercised options	'	'	-2,000
Expired options	'	'	-78,000
Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation	'	'	-571,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information	'	'	'
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	'	'	$69.60
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	'	'	$69.60
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$53.77
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$99.23
Options, reclassification of Tandem Options, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$65.64
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	'	'	$30,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, impact of Share Consolidation	'	'	158,000
Common Shares | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, begin of period	8,513,000	7,216,000	'
Exercisable options, begin of period	5,782,000	4,865,000	'
Granted options	1,259,000	1,702,000	'
Exercised options	-683,000	-1,000	'
Forfeited options	-81,000	-106,000	'
Expired options	-228,000	-298,000	'
Reclassification of Tandem Options due to Share Consolidation	'	'	1,192,000
Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation	'	'	6,024,000
Outstanding, end of period	8,780,000	8,513,000	7,216,000
Exercisable options, end of period	6,160,000	5,782,000	4,865,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information	'	'	'
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$31.53	$33.89	'
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$35.12	$36.67	'
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	$22.60	$20.79	'
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	$25.33	$20.65	'
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	$23.75	$23.81	'
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	$34.10	$30.12	'
Options, reclassification of Tandem Options, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$31.45
Options, reclassification of Special Common Options, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$34.38
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$30.74	$31.53	$33.89
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$34.13	$35.12	$36.67
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$7.01	$6.28	'
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	2,450,000	4,000	'
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	11,483,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	2,256,000	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	'6 years 0 months	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	'4 years 11 months	'	'
Special Common Shares | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, begin of period	'	'	5,108,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	'	'	2,506,000
Granted options	'	'	1,034,000
Exercised options	'	'	-5,000
Forfeited options	'	'	-34,000
Expired options	'	'	-79,000
Reclassification of Special Common Options due to Share Consolidation	'	'	-6,024,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information	'	'	'
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	'	'	$35.41
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	'	'	$43.14
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$29.94
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$26.95
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$28.12
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$35
Options, reclassification of Special Common Options, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$34.38
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	$9.59
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	'	'	$19,000

StockBased_Compensation_TDS_ex2

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) (TDS Parent Company, Common Shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Fair value of vested stock units	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10
Weighted average grant date fair value	$21.99	$24.18	$28.15
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued	227,000	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	5.9	'	'
Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares	547,000	'	'
Granted number of shares	353,000	'	'
Vested number of shares	-213,000	'	'
Forfeited number of shares	-24,000	'	'
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares	663,000	547,000	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value	$23.44	'	'
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$21.09	$19.62	$28.73
Vested weighted average grant date fair value	$28.94	'	'
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	$23.16	'	'
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value	$20.43	$23.44	'
Fair value of vested stock units	$5.80	$3.40	$4.10
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Granted number of shares	353,000	'	'
Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Shares issued	33,000	22,000	19,000

StockBased_Compensation_US_Cel

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Overview and Valuation model (Details) (U.S. Cellular)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of award	'Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards.	'	'
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of award	'Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.	'	'
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Stock options expiration date	29-Mar-14	'	'
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Stock options expiration date	18-Dec-23	'	'
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of award	'U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees. U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.	'	'
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of award	'Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular’s matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units.	'	'
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of award	'The U.S. Cellular 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.	'	'
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Shares reserved for equity awards granted and to be granted	10,139,000	'	'
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'	'4 years 6 months	'4 years 4 months
Expected annual volatility rate, minimum	29.20%	40.70%	43.40%
Expected annual volatility rate, maximum	39.60%	42.60%	44.80%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.70%	0.50%	0.70%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.40%	0.90%	2.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, maximum	8.10%	9.10%	7.80%
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum	'	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'4 years 7 months	'	'
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum	'	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'9 years 0 months	'	'
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Shares reserved for equity awards granted and to be granted	212,000	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_US_Cel1

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Stock option rollforward schedules (Details) (U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular Common Shares, 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans, Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Cellular | U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, begin of period	3,214,000	2,834,000	2,627,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	1,928,000	1,533,000	1,333,000
Granted options	1,213,000	677,000	694,000
Exercised options	-892,000	-47,000	-201,000
Forfeited options	-574,000	-117,000	-83,000
Expired options	-247,000	-133,000	-203,000
Outstanding, end of period	2,714,000	3,214,000	2,834,000
Exercisable options, end of period	1,359,000	1,928,000	1,533,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information	'	'	'
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$41.58	$43.07	$42.28
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$43.99	$46.23	$47.18
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	$32.45	$34.91	$44.34
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	$34.78	$29.82	$32.32
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	$34.17	$38.45	$39.42
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	$48.35	$46.17	$49.32
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$11.53	$12.61	$16.66
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$42.22	$41.58	$43.07
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$46.91	$43.99	$46.23
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	$6,787,000	$205,000	$2,099,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	13,015,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	$2,632,000	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	'6 years 10 months	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	'4 years 7 months	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_US_Cel2

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) (U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular Common Shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares	1,139,000	'	'
Granted number of shares	601,000	'	'
Vested number of shares	238,000	'	'
Forfeited number of shares	332,000	'	'
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares	1,170,000	1,139,000	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value	$38.40	'	'
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$32.06	$34.09	$42.33
Vested weighted average grant date fair value	$42.26	'	'
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	$35.63	'	'
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value	$36.46	$38.40	'
Fair value of vested stock units	$8.80	$8.90	$9.50
2013 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$31.50	$36.34	$41.79
Fair value of vested stock units	0.1	0.1	0.1
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued	12,000	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$0.50	'	'
Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Shares issued	13,000	7,600	6,600

Reclassification_Adjustments_O1

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Reclassifications (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$126,043,000	$73,582,000	$113,503,000
Cost of services and products	2,225,316,000	2,272,570,000	2,050,644,000
Selling, general and administrative	1,947,778,000	2,033,901,000	2,002,359,000
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retirement plan	'	'	'
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to operating expenses	-800,000	'	'
Income tax expense	-400,000	'	'
Cost of services and products	-500,000	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	($300,000)	'	'

Business_Segment_Details

Business Segment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$4,901,236	$5,345,277	$5,180,471
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	2,225,316	2,272,570	2,050,644
Selling, general and administrative	1,947,778	2,033,901	2,002,359
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,018,077	813,626	765,776
Loss on impairment of assets	'	515	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,841	19,741	10,952
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-300,656	21,061	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Operating income (loss)	235,359	183,863	362,502
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	132,714	92,867	82,538
Interest and dividend income	9,092	9,248	9,145
Gain (loss) on investments	14,547	-3,718	24,103
Interest expense	-98,811	-86,745	-118,201
Other, net	-37	720	3,658
Income before income taxes	292,864	196,235	363,745
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,018,077	813,626	765,776
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-300,656	21,061	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Gain (loss) on investments	-14,547	3,718	-24,103
Interest expense	98,811	86,745	118,201
Adjusted income before income taxes	839,070	1,121,385	1,211,857
Investments in unconsolidated entities	301,772	179,921	173,710
Total assets	8,904,147	8,623,900	8,201,005
Capital expenditures	909,660	1,004,621	987,218
U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	3,918,836	4,452,084	4,343,346
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	1,762,435	1,882,752	1,721,181
Selling, general and administrative	1,677,395	1,764,933	1,769,701
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	803,781	608,633	573,557
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,606	18,088	9,889
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-246,767	21,022	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Operating income (loss)	146,865	156,656	280,780
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	131,949	90,364	83,566
Interest and dividend income	3,961	3,644	3,395
Gain (loss) on investments	18,556	-3,718	11,373
Interest expense	-43,963	-42,393	-65,614
Other, net	288	500	-678
Income before income taxes	257,656	205,053	312,822
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	803,781	608,633	573,557
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-246,767	21,022	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Gain (loss) on investments	-18,556	3,718	-11,373
Interest expense	43,963	42,393	65,614
Adjusted income before income taxes	584,598	880,819	928,858
Investments in unconsolidated entities	265,585	144,531	138,096
Total assets	6,445,708	6,587,450	6,327,976
Capital expenditures	737,501	836,748	782,526
TDS Telecom Wireline	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	726,567	741,748	768,208
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	270,466	274,065	274,701
Selling, general and administrative	220,097	235,716	221,114
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170,868	172,526	167,663
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	130	1,020	1,128
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	'	39	'
Operating income (loss)	65,006	58,382	103,602
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	19	10	8
Interest and dividend income	1,759	3,085	3,548
Gain (loss) on investments	830	'	'
Interest expense	3,265	2,674	2,702
Other, net	-214	-353	2,719
Income before income taxes	70,665	63,798	112,579
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170,868	172,526	167,663
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	'	39	'
Gain (loss) on investments	-830	'	'
Interest expense	-3,265	-2,674	-2,702
Adjusted income before income taxes	237,438	233,689	277,540
Investments in unconsolidated entities	3,809	3,809	3,808
Total assets	1,188,433	1,519,698	1,494,362
Capital expenditures	140,009	158,580	164,163
TDS Telecom Cable	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	35,883	'	'
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	17,274	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	11,054	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,571	'	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	28	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-44	'	'
Interest and dividend income	2	'	'
Interest expense	-74	'	'
Income before income taxes	-116	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,571	'	'
Interest expense	74	'	'
Adjusted income before income taxes	7,529	'	'
Total assets	543,038	'	'
Capital expenditures	8,375	'	'
TDS Telecom HMS	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	185,616	113,010	47,180
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	136,414	75,781	23,502
Selling, general and administrative	44,945	34,193	15,647
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	24,262	20,568	12,867
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	125	108	115
Operating income (loss)	-20,130	-17,640	-4,951
Interest and dividend income	63	25	'
Interest expense	-1,626	-1,160	-78
Other, net	29	-1	-9
Income before income taxes	-21,664	-18,776	-5,038
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	24,262	20,568	12,867
Interest expense	1,626	1,160	78
Adjusted income before income taxes	4,224	2,952	7,907
Total assets	328,397	267,798	209,109
Capital expenditures	16,474	15,344	26,999
TDS Telecom Eliminations	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	-1,063	-252	'
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	-1,000	-252	'
Selling, general and administrative	-63	'	'
TDS Telecom	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	947,003	854,506	815,388
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	423,154	349,594	298,203
Selling, general and administrative	276,033	269,909	236,761
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	202,701	193,094	180,530
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	283	1,128	1,243
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	'	39	'
Operating income (loss)	44,832	40,742	98,651
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	19	10	8
Interest and dividend income	1,824	3,110	3,548
Gain (loss) on investments	830	'	'
Interest expense	1,565	1,514	2,624
Other, net	-185	-354	2,710
Income before income taxes	48,885	45,022	107,541
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	202,701	193,094	180,530
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	'	39	'
Gain (loss) on investments	-830	'	'
Interest expense	-1,565	-1,514	-2,624
Adjusted income before income taxes	249,191	236,641	285,447
Investments in unconsolidated entities	3,809	3,809	3,808
Total assets	2,059,868	1,787,496	1,703,471
Capital expenditures	164,858	173,924	191,162
Non-Reportable Segment	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	59,703	60,830	45,133
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	43,049	42,150	32,952
Selling, general and administrative	14,526	16,189	8,609
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5,980	6,102	3,021
Loss on impairment of assets	'	515	'
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-8	-1	-197
Operating income (loss)	-3,844	-4,125	748
Interest and dividend income	4	8	2
Interest expense	-4,062	-3,938	-1,359
Other, net	-161	575	650
Income before income taxes	-8,063	-7,480	41
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5,980	6,102	3,021
Interest expense	4,062	3,938	1,359
Adjusted income before income taxes	1,979	2,560	4,421
Total assets	58,275	62,931	68,870
Capital expenditures	866	1,789	3,206
Corporate, Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items	'	'	'
Business Segment Information	'	'	'
Operating revenues	-24,306	-22,143	-23,396
Cost of services and products (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below)	-3,322	-1,926	-1,692
Selling, general and administrative	-20,176	-17,130	-12,712
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5,615	5,797	8,668
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-40	526	17
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-53,889	'	'
Operating income (loss)	47,506	-9,410	-17,677
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	746	2,493	-1,036
Interest and dividend income	3,303	2,486	2,200
Gain (loss) on investments	-4,839	'	12,730
Interest expense	-52,351	-41,928	-53,852
Other, net	21	-1	976
Income before income taxes	-5,614	-46,360	-56,659
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5,615	5,797	8,668
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-53,889	'	'
Gain (loss) on investments	4,839	'	-12,730
Interest expense	52,351	41,928	53,852
Adjusted income before income taxes	3,302	1,365	-6,869
Investments in unconsolidated entities	32,378	31,581	31,806
Total assets	340,296	186,023	100,688
Capital expenditures	$6,435	($7,840)	$10,324

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos2

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, Other	$179,503,000	$164,608,000	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$0.51	$0.49	$0.47
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	55,200,000	53,100,000	48,600,000
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to TDS	407,100,000	'	'
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders	75,235,000	'	'
Interest paid	96,241,000	88,208,000	96,174,000
Income taxes paid (refunded)	175,629,000	-62,042,000	-66,994,000
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	9,654,000	-1,119,000	32,000
U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$5.75	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	482,300,000	'	'
Dividend payable date	25-Jun-13	'	'
Dividend date of record	11-Jun-13	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	10,468,000	900,000	5,447,000
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	-4,684,000	-3,105,000	-3,512,000
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	5,784,000	-2,205,000	1,935,000
U.S. Cellular | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction date	27-Sep-12	'	'
FCC auction amount received	13,400,000	'	'
FCC auction number of states won	10	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Other assets and deferred charges | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount received	10,300,000	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Property, plant and equipment, net | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount received	3,100,000	'	'
U.S. Cellular | Maximum | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount	300,000,000	'	'
FCC auction amount awarded	40,100,000	'	'
TDS Parent Company	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	12,092,000	16,000	1,463,000
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	-2,438,000	-1,135,000	-1,431,000
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	9,654,000	-1,119,000	32,000
TDS Telecom	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants Awarded	105,100,000	'	'
Recovery Act Projects Company Funds	30,900,000	'	'
Recovery Act Projects	44	'	'
Recovery Act Grants Received	41,900,000	16,700,000	4,900,000
Recovery Act Cumulative Grants Received	63,600,000	'	'
TDS Telecom | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, Other	23,600,000	27,600,000	'
Common Shares | U.S. Cellular	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares withheld	606,582	92,846	120,250
Aggregate value of shares withheld	25,179,000	3,604,000	5,952,000
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares withheld	265,748	49,840	'
Aggregate value of shares withheld	7,639,000	1,102,000	'
Special Common Shares | TDS Parent Company	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares withheld	'	1,381	65,638
Aggregate value of shares withheld	'	$33,000	$1,537,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (Details) (Sidley Austin LLP, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sidley Austin LLP	'	'	'
Certain relationships and related transactions	'	'	'
Legal expense	$17.60	$13.60	$13.70
Description of related transaction	'The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of TDS and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS, the non-executive Chairman of the Board and member of the Board of Directors of TDS and a director of U.S. Cellular, a subsidiary of TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS or its subsidiaries. TDS, U.S. Cellular and their subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $17.6 million in 2013, $13.6 million in 2012 and $13.7 million in 2011.	'	'