Commitments and Contingencies, additional lease information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense, noncancellable long-term operating lease	$ 187.8	$ 204.1	$ 187.4
Rent expense, cancellable short-term operating lease	15.4	10.4	9.0
Rent revenue	$ 45.7	$ 41.6	$ 39.2

This element represents the long term portion of payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

No definition available.

Name:	tds_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNoncancellableLongTermLeases
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration