Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1051512
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	TDS
Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	100,853,104
Series A Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,188,071

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Oper

Consolidated Statement Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating revenues
Service	$1,073,091	$1,080,242
Equipment and product sales	178,502	115,720
Total operating revenues	1,251,593	1,195,962
Operating expenses
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	293,647	275,958
Cost of equipment and products	271,981	306,647
Selling, general and administrative	438,040	463,669
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	206,575	224,919
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,377	2,430
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-123,783	-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873	-91,446
Total operating expenses	968,964	1,175,277
Operating income	282,629	20,685
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	34,641	37,327
Interest and dividend income	8,385	2,486
Interest expense	-33,830	-28,707
Other, net	-4	160
Total investment and other income (expense)	9,192	11,266
Income before income taxes	291,821	31,951
Income tax expense	116,020	11,657
Net income	175,801	20,294
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	30,061	2,040
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	145,740	18,254
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-12	-12
Net income available to common shareholders	$145,728	$18,242
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	108,169	108,988
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.35	$0.17
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	108,946	109,672
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.33	$0.16
Dividends per share to TDS shareholders	$0.14	$0.13

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Comp

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$175,801	$20,294
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	36	-4
Change related to retirement plan
Amortization of prior service cost	-852	-911
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	64	322
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income before income tax benefit (expense)	-788	-589
Change in deferred income taxes	312	224
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	-476	-365
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income	-440	-369
Comprehensive income	175,361	19,925
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	30,061	2,040
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$145,300	$17,885

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$175,801	$20,294
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	206,575	224,919
Bad debts expense	29,849	21,559
Stock-based compensation expense	8,096	6,759
Deferred income taxes, net	-47,466	-14,510
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	-34,641	-37,327
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	12,988	12,820
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,377	2,430
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-123,783	-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873	-91,446
Noncash interest expense	670	506
Other operating activities		47
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	21,240	90,555
Equipment installment plans receivable	-36,498	2,394
Inventory	95,395	19,656
Accounts payable	-13,592	-53,403
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	13,319	-1,447
Accrued taxes	251,510	-1,634
Accrued interest	9,460	9,136
Other assets and liabilities	-96,121	-99,471
Cash flows from operating activities	355,306	104,937
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment	-166,461	-150,890
Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses	-280,710	-8,254
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	274,131	103,042
Cash received for investments		10,000
Other investing activities	2,765	1,623
Cash flows from investing activities	-170,275	-44,479
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	-247	-392
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	213	-50
U.S. Cellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	487	316
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares		-3,342
Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares	-2,302	-2,000
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	-15,232	-14,582
Payment of debt issuance costs	-3,018
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-225	-346
Other financing activities	-1,488	2,834
Cash flows from financing activities	-21,812	-17,562
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	163,219	42,896
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	471,901	830,014
End of period	$635,120	$872,910

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$635,120	$471,901
Accounts receivable
Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $42,737 and $41,431, respectively	549,146	548,537
Other, less allowances of $1,124 and $1,141, respectively	109,742	135,144
Inventory, net	178,313	273,707
Net deferred income tax asset	92,791	107,686
Prepaid expenses	97,707	86,506
Income taxes receivable	853	113,708
Other current assets	29,132	29,766
Total current assets	1,692,804	1,766,955
Assets held for sale	29,771	103,343
Investments
Licenses	1,837,238	1,453,574
Goodwill	771,674	771,352
Franchise rights	244,300	244,300
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $138,614 and $133,823, respectively	59,708	64,499
Investments in unconsolidated entities	343,382	321,729
Other investments	485	508
Total investments	3,256,787	2,855,962
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	11,189,882	11,194,044
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,443,048	7,347,919
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,746,834	3,846,125
Other assets and deferred charges	270,042	334,554
Total assets	8,996,238	8,906,939
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	805	808
Accounts payable	312,091	387,125
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	338,076	324,318
Accrued interest	17,376	7,919
Accrued taxes	174,043	46,734
Accrued compensation	68,838	114,549
Other current liabilities	145,871	181,803
Total current liabilities	1,057,100	1,063,256
Liabilities held for sale	406	21,643
Deferred liabilities and credits
Net deferred income tax liability	878,809	941,519
Other deferred liabilities and credits	441,745	430,774
Long-term debt	1,993,457	1,993,586
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	6,619	1,150
TDS shareholders' equity
Series A Common and Common Shares	1,327	1,327
Capital in excess of par value	2,344,274	2,336,511
Treasury shares at cost	-745,590	-748,199
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,012	6,452
Retained earnings	2,460,323	2,330,187
Total TDS shareholders' equity	4,066,346	3,926,278
Preferred shares	824	824
Noncontrolling interests	550,932	527,909
Total equity	4,618,102	4,455,011
Total liabilities and equity	$8,996,238	$8,906,939

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Due from customers and agents, allowances	$42,737	$41,431
Other, allowances	1,124	1,141
Investments
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	138,614	133,823
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	290,000	290,000
Issued shares	132,758	132,749
Outstanding shares	108,041	107,899
Par value	1,327	1,327
Treasury Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Treasury shares	24,717	24,850
Series A Common Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	25,000	25,000
Issued shares	7,188	7,179
Outstanding shares	7,188	7,179
Par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Par value	72	72
Common Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	265,000	265,000
Issued shares	125,570	125,570
Outstanding shares	100,853	100,720
Par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Par value	$1,255	$1,255
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Treasury shares	24,717	24,850

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Common 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, 2013	$4,670,097	$1,327	$2,308,807	($721,354)	($569)	$2,529,626	$4,117,837	$824	$551,436
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	18,254					18,254	18,254
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	2,011								2,011
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	-4				-4		-4
Changes related to retirement plan	-365				-365		-365
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	-14,570					-14,570	-14,570
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-12					-12	-12
Repurchase of Common Shares	-3,843			-3,843			-3,843
Dividend reinvestment plan	2,674		800	1,874			2,674
Incentive and compensation plans	381		-284	665			381
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	2,518		2,780				2,780		-262
Stock-based compensation awards	2,011		2,011				2,011
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-432		-432				-432
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-325								-325
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	4,678,395	1,327	2,313,682	-722,658	-938	2,533,298	4,124,711	824	552,860
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	4,455,011	1,327	2,336,511	-748,199	6,452	2,330,187	3,926,278	824	527,909
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	145,740					145,740	145,740
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	24,444								24,444
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	36				36		36
Changes related to retirement plan	-476				-476		-476
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	-15,220					-15,220	-15,220
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	-12					-12	-12
Dividend reinvestment plan	2,399		642	1,757			2,399
Incentive and compensation plans	401		-79	852		-372	401
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	3,390		4,734				4,734		-1,344
Stock-based compensation awards	2,468		2,468				2,468
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-2		-2				-2
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-77								-77
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$4,618,102	$1,327	$2,344,274	($745,590)	$6,012	$2,460,323	$4,066,346	$824	$550,932

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“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”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS' 84%-owned wireless telephone subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”) and TDS' wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that require consolidation under GAAP. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS' Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	TDS' business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 are U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom's Wireline, Cable, and Hosted and Managed Services (“HMS”) operations. TDS' non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS' wholly-owned subsidiaries Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”) and Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”). Suttle-Straus and Airadigm's financial results were not significant to TDS' operations. All of TDS' segments operate only in the United States, except for HMS, which includes an insignificant foreign operation. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the results of operations, cash flows, changes in comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This update has an effective date of January 1, 2017. However, on April 1, 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. If the proposal is adopted, TDS could elect to adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018. Under this proposal, early adoption as of January 1, 2017 also would be permissible. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.
	On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires TDS to assess its ability to continue as a going concern each interim and annual reporting period and provide certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, including management's plan to alleviate the substantial doubt. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-15 effective January 1, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to impact TDS' financial position or results of operations.
	On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 simplifies consolidation accounting by reducing the number of consolidation models. Additionally, ASU 2015-02 changes certain criteria for identifying variable interest entities. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2015-02 will have on its financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.
	On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as an offset to the related debt obligation. TDS is required to apply the standards of this update effective January 1, 2016 on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2015, TDS had $60.0 million in debt issuance costs classified as Other assets and deferred charges that, upon adoption of the new standard, would be reclassified as an offset to Long-term debt.
	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 Service 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 $26.1 million and $31.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Fair Value Measurements	2. Fair Value Measurements
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, TDS did not have any financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP.
	The provisions of GAAP 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.
	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-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
				Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	635,120	$	635,120	$	471,901	$	471,901
	Long-term debt
		Retail	2		1,453,250		1,468,689		1,453,250		1,414,105
		Institutional and other	2		537,362		530,975		537,471		518,322
	The fair value of Cash and cash equivalents approximates the book value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations and the current portion of Long-term debt. 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 and 7.25% Senior Notes. TDS' “Institutional” debt consists of 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 7.02% and 0.00% to 7.25% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Equipment_Installment_Plans

Equipment Installment Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Equipment Installment Plans	3. Equipment Installment Plans
	TDS offers customers the option to purchase certain devices under an equipment installment contract over a period of up to 24 months. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract.  TDS values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability.  The guarantee liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new device and the fair value of the device being traded-in at the time of trade-in. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the guarantee liability related to these plans was $67.8 million and $57.5 million respectively, and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	TDS equipment installment plans do not provide for explicit interest charges. For equipment installment plans with a duration of greater than twelve months, TDS imputes interest.
		The following table summarizes unbilled equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Such amounts are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accounts receivable – customers and agents and Other assets and deferred charges, as applicable.
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross		$	166,551	$	127,400
	Short-term portion of unbilled deferred interest			-17,739		-16,365
	Short-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses			-5,631		-3,686
	Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net		$	143,181	$	107,349
	Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross		$	83,215	$	89,435
	Long-term portion of unbilled deferred interest			-1,585		-2,791
	Long-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses			-5,805		-6,065
	Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net		$	75,825	$	80,579
	TDS assesses the collectability of the equipment installment plan receivables based on historical payment experience, account aging and other qualitative factors. The credit profiles of TDS customers on equipment installment plans are similar to those of TDS customers with traditional subsidized plans. Customers with a higher risk credit profile are required to make a deposit for equipment purchased through an installment contract.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Income Taxes	4. Income Taxes
	TDS' overall effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 39.8% and 36.5%, respectively.
	TDS incurred a federal net operating loss in 2014 largely attributable to 50% bonus depreciation applicable to qualified 2014 capital expenditures.  TDS carried back this federal net operating loss to prior tax years. As a result of the carryback, together with recovery of federal estimated taxes paid in 2014, TDS received a $99.7 million federal income tax refund in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Earnings per Share	5. 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:
						Three Months Ended
						March 31,
						2015		2014
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders:
		Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share				$	145,728	$	18,242
	Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
		Noncontrolling interest adjustment					-1,270		-165
		Preferred dividend adjustment					12		-
		Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share				$	144,470	$	18,077
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
			Common Shares				100,990		101,821
			Series A Common Shares				7,179		7,167
				Total			108,169		108,988
	Effects of dilutive securities:
		Stock options					368		303
		Restricted stock units					359		381
		Preferred shares					50		-
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share						108,946		109,672
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders					$	1.35	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders					$	1.33	$	0.16
	Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units or conversion of preferred shares were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded, if any, is shown in the table below.
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		6,480		6,915
	Preferred shares		-		57

Acquisitions_Divestures_And_Ex

Acquisitions Divestures And Exchanges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Acquisitions, Divestures and Exchanges	6. Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
	Divestiture Transaction
	On May 16, 2013, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular sold customers and certain PCS license spectrum to subsidiaries of Sprint Corp. fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“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.”
	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. As of March 31, 2015, U.S. Cellular had received a total of $97.4 million pursuant to the Sprint Cost Reimbursement. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $15.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement had been received and recorded in Cash received from divestitures and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, as a result of the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized gains of $4.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net.
	Other Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
	In March 2015, U.S. Cellular exchanged certain of its unbuilt PCS licenses for certain other PCS licenses located in U.S. Cellular's existing operating markets and $117.0 million of cash. The licenses received in the transaction have an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $43.5 million. A gain of $125.2 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2015.
	An FCC auction of AWS-3 spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 97, ended in January 2015. U.S. Cellular participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its limited partnership interest in Advantage Spectrum L.P. (“Advantage Spectrum”). Advantage Spectrum was the provisional winning bidder of 124 licenses for an aggregate winning bid of $338.3 million, after its designated entity discount of 25%. Advantage Spectrum's bid amount, less the initial deposit amount of $60.0 million paid in 2014, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses are expected to be granted by the FCC during 2015. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for additional information.
	In December 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to sell 595 towers and certain related contracts, assets, and liabilities for $159.0 million. This transaction was accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 and included the sale of 236 towers, without tenants, for $10.0 million. On this same date, U.S. Cellular received $7.5 million in earnest money. At the time of the first closing, a $4.7 million gain was recorded. The second closing for the remaining 359 towers, primarily with tenants, took place in January 2015, at which time U.S. Cellular received $141.5 million in additional cash proceeds and recorded a gain of $119.6 million in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net.
	In September 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to exchange certain PCS and AWS licenses for certain other PCS and AWS licenses and $28.0 million of cash. This license exchange will be accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 at which time U.S. Cellular received licenses with an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $51.5 million, recorded a $21.7 million gain and recorded an $18.3 million deferred credit in Other current liabilities. The second closing is expected to occur in the second half of 2015. A license with a $22.2 million book value will be transferred and has been classified as “Assets held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015. At the time of the second closing, TDS will recognize the deferred credit from the first closing and expects to record a gain on this part of the license exchange.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Intangible Assets	7. Intangible Assets
	Changes in Licenses at TDS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are presented below. There were no significant changes to Franchise rights, Goodwill or other intangible assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Licenses
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance December 31, 2014			$	1,453,574
		Acquisitions (1)			339,657
		Exchanges (2)			43,485
		Other			522
	Balance March 31, 2015			$	1,837,238
	-1		Amount includes payments totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum to the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for further information.
	-2		Amount represents licenses received in the PCS license exchange. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for further information. Licenses disposed of in the exchange were previously removed from the License balance and reflected in Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014.

Investments_In_Unconsolidated_

Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	8. 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.
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities totaled $34.6 million and $37.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively; of those amounts, TDS' investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $19.9 million and $21.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. TDS held a 5.5% ownership interest in the LA Partnership during these periods.
		The following table, which is based on information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Revenues		$	1,735,340	$	1,625,765
	Operating expenses			1,291,512		1,142,073
	Operating income			443,828		483,692
	Other income, net			4,470		1,835
	Net income		$	448,298	$	485,527

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Variable Interest Entities	9. 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 VIE losses and the 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 March 31, 2015, TDS holds a variable interest in and consolidates the following VIEs under GAAP:
	Advantage Spectrum and Frequency Advantage L.P., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum;
	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 Advantage Spectrum, 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 the 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.
	The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs' assets and liabilities in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet.
				31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	11,670	$	2,588
		Other current assets			234		278
		Licenses			651,281		312,977
		Property, plant and equipment, net			10,129		10,671
		Other assets and deferred charges			247		60,059
			Total assets	$	673,561	$	386,573
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities		$	3,634	$	110
		Deferred liabilities and credits			599		622
			Total liabilities	$	4,233	$	732
	Other Related Matters
	In March 2015, King Street Wireless, L.P. made a $60.0 million distribution to its investors. Of this distribution, $6.0 million was provided to King Street Wireless, Inc. and $54.0 million was provided to U.S. Cellular. This distribution has no impact on U.S. Cellular's consolidated cash flows as both King Street Wireless, L.P. and King Street Wireless, Inc. are consolidated VIEs.
	An FCC auction of AWS-3 spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 97, ended in January 2015. TDS participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its interest in Advantage Spectrum. A subsidiary of U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Advantage Spectrum. Advantage Spectrum qualified as a “designated entity,” and thereby was eligible for bid credits with respect to spectrum purchased in Auction 97. Advantage Spectrum was the winning bidder for 124 licenses for an aggregate bid of $338.3 million, after its designated entity discount of 25%. This amount is classified as Licenses in TDS' Consolidated Balance Sheet. Advantage Spectrum's bid amount, less the initial deposit of $60.0 million paid in 2014, plus certain other charges totaling $2.3 million, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. To help fund this payment, U.S. Cellular made loans and capital contributions to Advantage Spectrum and Frequency Advantage totaling $280.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no capital contributions, loans or advances made to TDS' VIEs during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Advantage Spectrum, 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' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to Advantage Spectrum, Aquinas Wireless or 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.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Noncontrolling Interests	10. 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:
				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2015		2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	145,740	$	18,254
		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		-486		-1,010
			Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		372		74
			Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests		240		-
			Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		126		-936
		Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	145,866	$	17,318

Common_Share_Repurchases

Common Share Repurchases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Common Share Repurchases	11. Common 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.
	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 conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
	Share repurchases made under these authorizations were as follows:
	Three Months Ended March 31,		Number of Shares	Average Cost Per Share		Amount
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data)
	2015
		TDS Common Shares	-	$	-	$	-
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	66	$	34.77	$	2,302
	2014
		TDS Common Shares	158	$	24.34	$	3,843
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	59	$	39.13	$	2,300

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Business Segment Information	12. Business Segment Information
	U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are billed for all services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting and finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified for 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 the three month periods ended, or as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information.
						TDS Telecom
	Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2015			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues
		Service		$	828,211	$	175,691	$	43,481	$	28,416	$	-680	$	246,908	$	-2,028	$	1,073,091
		Equipment and product sales			137,034		444		88		32,545		-		33,077		8,391		178,502
			Total operating revenues		965,245		176,135		43,569		60,961		-680		279,985		6,363		1,251,593
	Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)				190,677		62,427		19,948		20,028		-593		101,810		1,160		293,647
	Cost of equipment and products				238,301		563		60		27,130		-		27,753		5,927		271,981
	Selling, general and administrative				368,968		45,669		12,625		12,690		-87		70,897		-1,825		438,040
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				147,085		42,009		8,719		6,435		-		57,163		2,327		206,575
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				4,251		518		682		-70		-		1,130		-4		5,377
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-111,477		-		-		-		-		-		-12,306		-123,783
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-122,873		-		-		-		-		-		-		-122,873
	Operating income (loss)				250,313		24,949		1,535		-5,252		-		21,232		11,084		282,629
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities				34,471		4		-		-		-		4		166		34,641
	Interest and dividend income				7,566		455		5		14		-		474		345		8,385
	Interest expense				-19,964		301		100		-500		-		-99		-13,767		-33,830
	Other, net				105		-18		1		-93		-		-110		1		-4
	Income (loss) before income taxes				272,491		25,691		1,641		-5,831		-		21,501		-2,171		291,821
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				107,501										8,180		339		116,020
	Net income (loss)				164,990										13,321		-2,510		175,801
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				147,085		42,009		8,719		6,435		-		57,163		2,327		206,575
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				4,251		518		682		-70		-		1,130		-4		5,377
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-111,477		-		-		-		-		-		-12,306		-123,783
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-122,873		-		-		-		-		-		-		-122,873
	Interest expense				19,964		-301		-100		500		-		99		13,767		33,830
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				107,501		-		-		-		-		8,180		339		116,020
	Adjusted EBITDA (2)			$	209,441	$	67,917	$	10,942	$	1,034	$	-	$	79,893	$	1,613	$	290,947
	Investments in unconsolidated entities			$	304,501	$	3,805	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,805	$	35,076	$	343,382
	Total assets			$	6,606,378	$	1,366,467	$	566,105	$	274,690	$	-	$	2,207,262	$	182,598	$	8,996,238
	Capital expenditures			$	66,460	$	20,441	$	11,626	$	4,829	$	-	$	36,896	$	1,281	$	104,637
							TDS Telecom
	Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2014			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues
		Service		$	853,613	$	176,933	$	22,503	$	27,376	$	-681	$	226,131	$	498	$	1,080,242
		Equipment and product sales			72,198		553		-		35,732		-		36,285		7,237		115,720
			Total operating revenues		925,811		177,486		22,503		63,108		-681		262,416		7,735		1,195,962
	Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)				180,607		64,400		10,955		16,946		-645		91,656		3,695		275,958
	Cost of equipment and products				270,474		483		-		30,467		-		30,950		5,223		306,647
	Selling, general and administrative				395,564		46,520		6,378		14,835		-36		67,697		408		463,669
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				167,753		42,736		4,361		6,678		-		53,775		3,391		224,919
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				1,934		245		65		34		-		344		152		2,430
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-6,900		-		-		-		-		-		-		-6,900
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-91,446		-		-		-		-		-		-		-91,446
	Operating income (loss)				7,825		23,102		744		-5,852		-		17,994		-5,134		20,685
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities				37,075		-		-		-		-		-		252		37,327
	Interest and dividend income				884		685		1		20		-		706		896		2,486
	Interest expense				-14,862		664		5		-421		-		248		-14,093		-28,707
	Other, net				86		-54		-		134		-		80		-6		160
	Income (loss) before income taxes				31,008		24,397		750		-6,119		-		19,028		-18,085		31,951
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				12,604										7,545		-8,492		11,657
	Net income (loss)				18,404										11,483		-9,593		20,294
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				167,753		42,736		4,361		6,678		-		53,775		3,391		224,919
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				1,934		245		65		34		-		344		152		2,430
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-6,900		-		-		-		-		-		-		-6,900
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-91,446		-		-		-		-		-		-		-91,446
	Interest expense				14,862		-664		-5		421		-		-248		14,093		28,707
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				12,604										7,545		-8,492		11,657
Adjusted EBITDA (2)			$	117,211	$	66,714	$	5,171	$	1,014	$	-	$	72,899	$	-449	$	189,661
Investments in unconsolidated entities			$	289,842	$	3,807	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,807	$	32,630	$	326,279
Total assets			$	6,338,334	$	1,426,408	$	280,891	$	313,521	$	-	$	2,020,820	$	390,149	$	8,749,303
Capital expenditures			$	89,581	$	22,898	$	6,219	$	2,751	$	-	$	31,868	$	1,149	$	122,598
-1		Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates income tax expense for "TDS Telecom Total".
-2		Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value measurements			Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy	31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
				Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	635,120	$	635,120	$	471,901	$	471,901
	Long-term debt
		Retail	2		1,453,250		1,468,689		1,453,250		1,414,105
		Institutional and other	2		537,362		530,975		537,471		518,322

Equipment_Installment_Plans_Ta

Equipment Installment Plans (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equipment Installment Plans
Equipment installment plans		The following table summarizes unbilled equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Such amounts are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accounts receivable – customers and agents and Other assets and deferred charges, as applicable.
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross		$	166,551	$	127,400
	Short-term portion of unbilled deferred interest			-17,739		-16,365
	Short-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses			-5,631		-3,686
	Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net		$	143,181	$	107,349
	Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross		$	83,215	$	89,435
	Long-term portion of unbilled deferred interest			-1,585		-2,791
	Long-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses			-5,805		-6,065
	Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net		$	75,825	$	80,579

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share						Three Months Ended
						March 31,
						2015		2014
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders:
		Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share				$	145,728	$	18,242
	Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
		Noncontrolling interest adjustment					-1,270		-165
		Preferred dividend adjustment					12		-
		Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings per share				$	144,470	$	18,077
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
			Common Shares				100,990		101,821
			Series A Common Shares				7,179		7,167
				Total			108,169		108,988
	Effects of dilutive securities:
		Stock options					368		303
		Restricted stock units					359		381
		Preferred shares					50		-
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share						108,946		109,672
	Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders					$	1.35	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders					$	1.33	$	0.16
Summary of antidilutive shares			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		6,480		6,915
	Preferred shares		-		57

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Licenses
Licenses	Licenses
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance December 31, 2014			$	1,453,574
		Acquisitions (1)			339,657
		Exchanges (2)			43,485
		Other			522
	Balance March 31, 2015			$	1,837,238
	-1		Amount includes payments totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum to the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for further information.
	-2		Amount represents licenses received in the PCS license exchange. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for further information. Licenses disposed of in the exchange were previously removed from the License balance and reflected in Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations		The following table, which is based on information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Revenues		$	1,735,340	$	1,625,765
	Operating expenses			1,291,512		1,142,073
	Operating income			443,828		483,692
	Other income, net			4,470		1,835
	Net income		$	448,298	$	485,527

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities				31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	11,670	$	2,588
		Other current assets			234		278
		Licenses			651,281		312,977
		Property, plant and equipment, net			10,129		10,671
		Other assets and deferred charges			247		60,059
			Total assets	$	673,561	$	386,573
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities		$	3,634	$	110
		Deferred liabilities and credits			599		622
			Total liabilities	$	4,233	$	732

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2015		2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Net income attributable to TDS shareholders			$	145,740	$	18,254
		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		-486		-1,010
			Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares		372		74
			Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests		240		-
			Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		126		-936
		Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests		$	145,866	$	17,318

Common_Share_Repurchases_Table

Common Share Repurchases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Common Share Repurchases
Share repurchases	Three Months Ended March 31,		Number of Shares	Average Cost Per Share		Amount
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data)
	2015
		TDS Common Shares	-	$	-	$	-
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	66	$	34.77	$	2,302
	2014
		TDS Common Shares	158	$	24.34	$	3,843
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	59	$	39.13	$	2,300

Business_Segment_Tables

Business Segment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segment Information
Business segment information
						TDS Telecom
	Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2015			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues
		Service		$	828,211	$	175,691	$	43,481	$	28,416	$	-680	$	246,908	$	-2,028	$	1,073,091
		Equipment and product sales			137,034		444		88		32,545		-		33,077		8,391		178,502
			Total operating revenues		965,245		176,135		43,569		60,961		-680		279,985		6,363		1,251,593
	Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)				190,677		62,427		19,948		20,028		-593		101,810		1,160		293,647
	Cost of equipment and products				238,301		563		60		27,130		-		27,753		5,927		271,981
	Selling, general and administrative				368,968		45,669		12,625		12,690		-87		70,897		-1,825		438,040
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				147,085		42,009		8,719		6,435		-		57,163		2,327		206,575
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				4,251		518		682		-70		-		1,130		-4		5,377
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-111,477		-		-		-		-		-		-12,306		-123,783
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-122,873		-		-		-		-		-		-		-122,873
	Operating income (loss)				250,313		24,949		1,535		-5,252		-		21,232		11,084		282,629
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities				34,471		4		-		-		-		4		166		34,641
	Interest and dividend income				7,566		455		5		14		-		474		345		8,385
	Interest expense				-19,964		301		100		-500		-		-99		-13,767		-33,830
	Other, net				105		-18		1		-93		-		-110		1		-4
	Income (loss) before income taxes				272,491		25,691		1,641		-5,831		-		21,501		-2,171		291,821
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				107,501										8,180		339		116,020
	Net income (loss)				164,990										13,321		-2,510		175,801
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				147,085		42,009		8,719		6,435		-		57,163		2,327		206,575
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				4,251		518		682		-70		-		1,130		-4		5,377
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-111,477		-		-		-		-		-		-12,306		-123,783
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-122,873		-		-		-		-		-		-		-122,873
	Interest expense				19,964		-301		-100		500		-		99		13,767		33,830
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				107,501		-		-		-		-		8,180		339		116,020
	Adjusted EBITDA (2)			$	209,441	$	67,917	$	10,942	$	1,034	$	-	$	79,893	$	1,613	$	290,947
	Investments in unconsolidated entities			$	304,501	$	3,805	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,805	$	35,076	$	343,382
	Total assets			$	6,606,378	$	1,366,467	$	566,105	$	274,690	$	-	$	2,207,262	$	182,598	$	8,996,238
	Capital expenditures			$	66,460	$	20,441	$	11,626	$	4,829	$	-	$	36,896	$	1,281	$	104,637
							TDS Telecom
	Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2014			U.S. Cellular		Wireline		Cable		HMS		TDS Telecom Eliminations		TDS Telecom Total		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Operating revenues
		Service		$	853,613	$	176,933	$	22,503	$	27,376	$	-681	$	226,131	$	498	$	1,080,242
		Equipment and product sales			72,198		553		-		35,732		-		36,285		7,237		115,720
			Total operating revenues		925,811		177,486		22,503		63,108		-681		262,416		7,735		1,195,962
	Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)				180,607		64,400		10,955		16,946		-645		91,656		3,695		275,958
	Cost of equipment and products				270,474		483		-		30,467		-		30,950		5,223		306,647
	Selling, general and administrative				395,564		46,520		6,378		14,835		-36		67,697		408		463,669
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				167,753		42,736		4,361		6,678		-		53,775		3,391		224,919
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				1,934		245		65		34		-		344		152		2,430
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-6,900		-		-		-		-		-		-		-6,900
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-91,446		-		-		-		-		-		-		-91,446
	Operating income (loss)				7,825		23,102		744		-5,852		-		17,994		-5,134		20,685
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities				37,075		-		-		-		-		-		252		37,327
	Interest and dividend income				884		685		1		20		-		706		896		2,486
	Interest expense				-14,862		664		5		-421		-		248		-14,093		-28,707
	Other, net				86		-54		-		134		-		80		-6		160
	Income (loss) before income taxes				31,008		24,397		750		-6,119		-		19,028		-18,085		31,951
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				12,604										7,545		-8,492		11,657
	Net income (loss)				18,404										11,483		-9,593		20,294
	Add back:
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion				167,753		42,736		4,361		6,678		-		53,775		3,391		224,919
	(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net				1,934		245		65		34		-		344		152		2,430
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				-6,900		-		-		-		-		-		-		-6,900
	(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-91,446		-		-		-		-		-		-		-91,446
	Interest expense				14,862		-664		-5		421		-		-248		14,093		28,707
	Income tax expense (benefit) (1)				12,604										7,545		-8,492		11,657
	Adjusted EBITDA (2)			$	117,211	$	66,714	$	5,171	$	1,014	$	-	$	72,899	$	-449	$	189,661
Investments in unconsolidated entities			$	289,842	$	3,807	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	3,807	$	32,630	$	326,279
Total assets			$	6,338,334	$	1,426,408	$	280,891	$	313,521	$	-	$	2,020,820	$	390,149	$	8,749,303
Capital expenditures			$	89,581	$	22,898	$	6,219	$	2,751	$	-	$	31,868	$	1,149	$	122,598
-1		Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates income tax expense for "TDS Telecom Total".
-2		Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above.

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation
Business segments, additional information	TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 are U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom’s Wireline, Cable, and Hosted and Managed Services (“HMS”) operations. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiaries Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”) and Airadigm Communications, Inc. (“Airadigm”).
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$26.10	$31
Debt issuance costs, net	$60
U.S. Cellular
Basis of Presentation
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	84.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	635,120	471,901	$872,910	$830,014
Fair Value | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	635,120	471,901
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt	1,468,689	1,414,105
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional and Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt	530,975	518,322
Book Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Cash and cash equivalents	635,120	471,901
Book Value | Retail
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt	1,453,250	1,453,250
Book Value | Institutional and Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt	537,362	537,471
Institutional and Other | Minimum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value assumption, interest rate	0.00%	0.00%
Institutional and Other | Maximum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value assumption, interest rate	7.02%	7.25%

Equipment_Installment_Plans_De

Equipment Installment Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment installment plan receivables
Equipment installment plan payment period	24 months
Guarantee liability	$67,800,000	$57,500,000
Short-term
Equipment installment plan receivables
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross	166,551,000	127,400,000
Unbilled deferred interest	-17,739,000	-16,365,000
Unbilled allowance for credit losses	-5,631,000	-3,686,000
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net	143,181,000	107,349,000
Long-term
Equipment installment plan receivables
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross	83,215,000	89,435,000
Unbilled deferred interest	-1,585,000	-2,791,000
Unbilled allowance for credit losses	-5,805,000	-6,065,000
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net	$75,825,000	$80,579,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure
Effective income tax rate	39.80%	36.50%
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure
Income tax refund received	99.7

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings per share	$145,728	$18,242
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	-1,270	-165
Preferred dividend adjustment	12
Net income attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	$144,470	$18,077
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	108,169	108,988
Effects of dilutive securities:
Stock options	368	303
Restricted stock units	359	381
Preferred shares	50
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	108,946	109,672
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.35	$0.17
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$1.33	$0.16
Stock Options
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	6,480	6,915
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	100,990	101,821
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	7,179	7,167

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Total winning bid	338.3
U.S. Cellular | Auction 97
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity	An FCC auction of AWS-3 spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 97, ended in January 2015. U.S. Cellular participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its limited partnership interest in Advantage Spectrum L.P. (“Advantage Spectrum”). Advantage Spectrum was the provisional winning bidder of 124 licenses for an aggregate winning bid of $338.3 million, after its designated entity discount of 25%. Advantage Spectrum’s bid amount, less the initial deposit amount of $60.0 million paid in 2014, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses are expected to be granted by the FCC during 2015. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for additional information.
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions | Auction 97
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Federal Communications Commission deposit		60
Licenses won	124
Total winning bid	338.3
Designated entity auction discount	25.00%

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_1

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	36 Months Ended	29 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	16-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
				number	number
Divestitures
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income	($282,629,000)	($20,685,000)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873,000	-91,446,000
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	274,131,000	103,042,000
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-123,783,000	-6,900,000
Divestiture Transaction
Divestitures
Business divestiture description	On May 16, 2013, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular sold customers and certain PCS license spectrum to subsidiaries of Sprint Corp. fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“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.” 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.
U.S. Cellular
Divestitures
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income	-250,313,000	-7,825,000
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873,000	-91,446,000
Divestiture Financial Impacts
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-111,477,000	-6,900,000
U.S. Cellular | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges			480,000,000
Contract termination costs		37,100,000
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-4,400,000	-7,100,000
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale
Divestitures
Business divestiture description	In December 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to sell 595 towers and certain related contracts, assets, and liabilities for $159.0 million. This transaction was accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 and included the sale of 236 towers, without tenants, for $10.0 million. On this same date, U.S. Cellular received $7.5 million in earnest money. At the time of the first closing, a $4.7 million gain was recorded. The second closing for the remaining 359 towers, primarily with tenants, took place in January 2015, at which time U.S. Cellular received $141.5 million in additional cash proceeds and recorded a gain of $119.6 million in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net.
Number Of Towers				595
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	159,000,000
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - first closing
Divestitures
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-4,700,000
Number Of Towers				236
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges				10,000,000
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - second closing
Divestitures
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net					-119,600,000
Number Of Towers					359
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges					141,500,000
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Maximum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges						200,000,000
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Cash received from divestitures | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	15,700,000	11,300,000					97,400,000
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges		44,600,000
U.S. Cellular | Earnest money received | Tower sale - first closing
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges				$7,500,000

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_2

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, exchanges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	($122,873,000)	($91,446,000)
Carrying value	1,837,238,000		1,453,574,000	1,837,238,000
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	274,131,000	103,042,000
Other current liabilities	145,871,000		181,803,000	145,871,000
Assets held for sale	29,771,000		103,343,000	29,771,000
U.S. Cellular
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873,000	-91,446,000
U.S. Cellular | PCS and AWS license exchange
Exchanges
Asset exchange description	In September 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to exchange certain PCS and AWS licenses for certain other PCS and AWS licenses and $28.0 million of cash. This license exchange will be accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 at which time U.S. Cellular received licenses with an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $51.5 million, recorded a $21.7 million gain and recorded an $18.3 million deferred credit in Other current liabilities. The second closing is expected to occur in the second half of 2015. A license with a $22.2 million book value will be transferred and has been classified as “Assets held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015. At the time of the second closing, TDS will recognize the deferred credit from the first closing and expects to record a gain on this part of the license exchange.
Assets held for sale	22,200,000			22,200,000
U.S. Cellular | PCS and AWS license exchange - first closing
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			-21,700,000
Fair value			51,500,000
Other current liabilities			18,300,000
U.S. Cellular | PCS license exchange
Exchanges
Asset exchange description	In March 2015, U.S. Cellular exchanged certain of its unbuilt PCS licenses for certain other PCS licenses located in U.S. Cellular’s existing operating markets and $117.0 million of cash. The licenses received in the transaction have an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $43.5 million. A gain of $125.2 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2015.
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net				-125,200,000
Fair value	43,500,000			43,500,000
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges				117,000,000
U.S. Cellular | Expected event | PCS and AWS license exchange
Exchanges
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges					$28,000,000

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Total winning bid	$338,300,000
Licenses
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period	1,453,574,000
Acquisitions	339,657,000	[1]
Exchanges	43,485,000	[2]
Other	522,000
Balance, end of period	$1,837,238,000
[1]	Amount includes payments totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum to the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 b Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 9 b Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for further information.
[2]	Amount represents licenses received in the PCS license exchange. See Note 6 b Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for further information. Licenses disposed of in the exchange were previously removed from the License balance and reflected in Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E1

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$34,641	$37,327
Equity method investments, combined income statements
Revenues	1,735,340	1,625,765
Operating expenses	1,291,512	1,142,073
Operating income	443,828	483,692
Other income, net	4,470	1,835
Net income	448,298	485,527
Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$19,900	$21,200
Ownership interest in equity method investment	5.50%	5.50%

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE1

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$635,120,000	$471,901,000	$872,910,000	$830,014,000
Other current assets	29,132,000	29,766,000
Licenses	1,837,238,000	1,453,574,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,746,834,000	3,846,125,000
Other assets and deferred charges	270,042,000	334,554,000
Liabilities
Current liabilities	1,057,100,000	1,063,256,000
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Total winning bid	338,300,000
Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	11,670,000	2,588,000
Other current assets	234,000	278,000
Licenses	651,281,000	312,977,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,129,000	10,671,000
Other assets and deferred charges	247,000	60,059,000
Total assets	673,561,000	386,573,000
Liabilities
Current liabilities	3,634,000	110,000
Deferred liabilities and credits	599,000	622,000
Total liabilities	4,233,000	732,000
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Capital contributions, loans or advances	280,600,000
Advantage Spectrum L.P. | U.S. Cellular
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Federal Communications Commission deposit		60,000,000
Licenses won	124
Total winning bid	338,300,000
Designated entity auction discount	25.00%
Other auction charges	2,300,000
King Street Wireless L.P.
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Cash distributions paid	60,000,000
King Street Wireless, L.P. distribution paid to U.S. Cellular	54,000,000
King Street Wireless, Inc.
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
King Street Wireless, L.P. distribution paid to King Street Wireless, Inc.	$6,000,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$145,740	$18,254
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	-486	-1,010
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares	372	74
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests	240
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	126	-936
Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$145,866	$17,318

Common_Share_Repurchases_Detai

Common Share Repurchases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share repurchases
Amount		$3,843,000
Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Amount		3,843,000
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company
Share repurchases
Repurchase authorization, dollar value		250,000,000
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Number of shares acquired		158,000
Average cost per share		$24.34
Amount		3,843,000
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.
Repurchase expiration	does not have an expiration date
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | U.S. Cellular | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Number of shares acquired	66,000	59,000
Average cost per share	34.77	$39.13
Amount	2,302,000	$2,300,000
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 conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares	1,300,000
Repurchase expiration	does not have an expiration date

Business_Segment_Details

Business Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Information
Service	$1,073,091		$1,080,242
Equipment and product sales	178,502		115,720
Total operating revenues	1,251,593		1,195,962
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	293,647		275,958
Cost of equipment and products	271,981		306,647
Selling, general and administrative	438,040		463,669
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	206,575		224,919
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,377		2,430
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-123,783		-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873		-91,446
Operating income (loss)	282,629		20,685
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	34,641		37,327
Interest and dividend income	8,385		2,486
Interest expense	-33,830		-28,707
Other, net	-4		160
Income before income taxes	291,821		31,951
Income tax expense	116,020		11,657
Net income	175,801		20,294
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	206,575		224,919
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,377		2,430
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-123,783		-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873		-91,446
Interest expense	33,830		28,707
Income tax expense (benefit)	116,020		11,657
Adjusted EBITDA	290,947	[1]	189,661	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	343,382		326,279		321,729
Total assets	8,996,238		8,749,303		8,906,939
Capital expenditures	104,637		122,598
U.S. Cellular
Business Segment Information
Service	828,211		853,613
Equipment and product sales	137,034		72,198
Total operating revenues	965,245		925,811
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	190,677		180,607
Cost of equipment and products	238,301		270,474
Selling, general and administrative	368,968		395,564
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	147,085		167,753
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4,251		1,934
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-111,477		-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873		-91,446
Operating income (loss)	250,313		7,825
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	34,471		37,075
Interest and dividend income	7,566		884
Interest expense	-19,964		-14,862
Other, net	105		86
Income before income taxes	272,491		31,008
Income tax expense	107,501	[2]	12,604	[2]
Net income	164,990		18,404
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	147,085		167,753
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4,251		1,934
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-111,477		-6,900
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	-122,873		-91,446
Interest expense	19,964		14,862
Income tax expense (benefit)	107,501	[2]	12,604	[2]
Adjusted EBITDA	209,441	[1]	117,211	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	304,501		289,842
Total assets	6,606,378		6,338,334
Capital expenditures	66,460		89,581
TDS Telecom Wireline
Business Segment Information
Service	175,691		176,933
Equipment and product sales	444		553
Total operating revenues	176,135		177,486
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	62,427		64,400
Cost of equipment and products	563		483
Selling, general and administrative	45,669		46,520
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	42,009		42,736
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	518		245
Operating income (loss)	24,949		23,102
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	4
Interest and dividend income	455		685
Interest expense	301		664
Other, net	-18		-54
Income before income taxes	25,691		24,397
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	42,009		42,736
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	518		245
Interest expense	-301		-664
Adjusted EBITDA	67,917	[1]	66,714	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	3,805		3,807
Total assets	1,366,467		1,426,408
Capital expenditures	20,441		22,898
TDS Telecom Cable
Business Segment Information
Service	43,481		22,503
Equipment and product sales	88
Total operating revenues	43,569		22,503
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	19,948		10,955
Cost of equipment and products	60
Selling, general and administrative	12,625		6,378
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	8,719		4,361
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	682		65
Operating income (loss)	1,535		744
Interest and dividend income	5		1
Interest expense	100		5
Other, net	1
Income before income taxes	1,641		750
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	8,719		4,361
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	682		65
Interest expense	-100		-5
Adjusted EBITDA	10,942	[1]	5,171	[1]
Total assets	566,105		280,891
Capital expenditures	11,626		6,219
TDS Telecom HMS
Business Segment Information
Service	28,416		27,376
Equipment and product sales	32,545		35,732
Total operating revenues	60,961		63,108
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	20,028		16,946
Cost of equipment and products	27,130		30,467
Selling, general and administrative	12,690		14,835
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	6,435		6,678
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-70		34
Operating income (loss)	-5,252		-5,852
Interest and dividend income	14		20
Interest expense	-500		-421
Other, net	-93		134
Income before income taxes	-5,831		-6,119
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	6,435		6,678
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-70		34
Interest expense	500		421
Adjusted EBITDA	1,034	[1]	1,014	[1]
Total assets	274,690		313,521
Capital expenditures	4,829		2,751
TDS Telecom Eliminations
Business Segment Information
Service	-680		-681
Total operating revenues	-680		-681
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	-593		-645
Selling, general and administrative	-87		-36
TDS Telecom
Business Segment Information
Service	246,908		226,131
Equipment and product sales	33,077		36,285
Total operating revenues	279,985		262,416
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	101,810		91,656
Cost of equipment and products	27,753		30,950
Selling, general and administrative	70,897		67,697
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	57,163		53,775
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1,130		344
Operating income (loss)	21,232		17,994
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	4
Interest and dividend income	474		706
Interest expense	-99		248
Other, net	-110		80
Income before income taxes	21,501		19,028
Income tax expense	8,180	[2]	7,545	[2]
Net income	13,321		11,483
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	57,163		53,775
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1,130		344
Interest expense	99		-248
Income tax expense (benefit)	8,180	[2]	7,545	[2]
Adjusted EBITDA	79,893	[1]	72,899	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	3,805		3,807
Total assets	2,207,262		2,020,820
Capital expenditures	36,896		31,868
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Business Segment Information
Service	-2,028		498
Equipment and product sales	8,391		7,237
Total operating revenues	6,363		7,735
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	1,160		3,695
Cost of equipment and products	5,927		5,223
Selling, general and administrative	-1,825		408
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	2,327		3,391
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-4		152
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-12,306
Operating income (loss)	11,084		-5,134
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	166		252
Interest and dividend income	345		896
Interest expense	-13,767		-14,093
Other, net	1		-6
Income before income taxes	-2,171		-18,085
Income tax expense	339	[2]	-8,492	[2]
Net income	-2,510		-9,593
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	2,327		3,391
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	-4		152
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-12,306
Interest expense	13,767		14,093
Income tax expense (benefit)	339	[2]	-8,492	[2]
Adjusted EBITDA	1,613	[1]	-449	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	35,076		32,630
Total assets	182,598		390,149
Capital expenditures	$1,281		$1,149
[1]	Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (bAdjusted EBITDAb) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDSb operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above.
[2]	Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates income tax expense for "TDS Telecom Total".