Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (22,050)	$ 156,065	$ (3,809)	$ 157,471
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings
Noncontrolling interest adjustment		(1,173)	(5)	(1,209)
Preferred dividend adjustment		12		25
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (22,050)	$ 154,904	$ (3,814)	$ 156,287
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	108,719	108,385	108,853	108,320
Effects of dilutive securities:
Stock options		110		108
Restricted stock units		364		345
Preferred shares		54		54
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	108,719	108,913	108,853	108,827
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (0.20)	$ 1.44	$ (0.04)	$ 1.45
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ (0.20)	$ 1.42	$ (0.04)	$ 1.44
Stock Options
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	8,883	7,348	8,777	7,012
Restricted Stock Units
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	824	200	737	102
Preferred Shares
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares	56		56
Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	101,543	101,246	101,682	101,171
Series A Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	7,176	7,139	7,171	7,149