Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	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
Beginning 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	1,419					1,419	1,419
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	5,597								5,597
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	15				15		15
Change related to retirement plan	(186)				(186)		(186)
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(13,780)					(13,780)	(13,780)
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	(12)					(12)	(12)
Dividend reinvestment plan	1			3		(2)	1
Incentive and compensation plans	576		534	2,265		(2,223)	576
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(13,448)		6,561				6,561		(20,009)
Stock-based compensation awards	2,395		2,395				2,395
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(532)		(532)				(532)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(2,396)								(2,396)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	(4,996)		(10,295)				(10,295)		5,299
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2013	4,630,980	1,327	2,302,785	(747,831)	(8,303)	2,449,720	3,997,698	825	632,457
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)
Change 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