XML 50 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 11,194,044,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross | $ 11,239,804,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (7,347,919,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment | (7,361,660,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 3,846,125,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet | 3,878,144,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet |
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 26,531,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment | 30,841,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment | 19,741,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
U.S. Cellular |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Land | 35,031,000 us-gaap_Land / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 36,266,000 us-gaap_Land / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Buildings | 296,502,000 us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 304,272,000 us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Leasehold and land improvements | 1,086,718,000 us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 1,197,520,000 us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Cell site equipment | 3,269,609,000 us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 3,306,575,000 us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Switching equipment | 960,377,000 tds_SwitchingEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 1,161,976,000 tds_SwitchingEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Office furniture and equipment | 553,630,000 us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 539,248,000 us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Other equipment | 89,663,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 92,456,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
System development | 1,042,195,000 tds_SystemDevelopmentEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 962,698,000 tds_SystemDevelopmentEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Work in process | 125,015,000 us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 116,501,000 us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 7,458,740,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 7,717,512,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (4,730,523,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | (4,860,992,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,728,217,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 2,856,520,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 593,200,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 791,100,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 597,700,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 21,469,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 30,606,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | 18,088,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember
U.S. Cellular | Buildings |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 20 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 1 year |  |
U.S. Cellular | Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 30 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Cell site equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 7 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Cell site equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 25 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Switching equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Switching equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 8 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Office furniture and equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 3 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Office furniture and equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Other operating assets and equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 3 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | Other operating assets and equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
U.S. Cellular | System development | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 1 year |  |
U.S. Cellular | System development | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 7 years |  |
TDS Telecom |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Land | 16,974,000 us-gaap_Land / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 12,794,000 us-gaap_Land / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Buildings | 172,963,000 us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 148,800,000 us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Cable and wire | 1,628,782,000 tds_CableAndWireEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 1,523,123,000 tds_CableAndWireEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Network electronic equipment | 1,278,799,000 tds_NetworkElectronicEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 1,229,941,000 tds_NetworkElectronicEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Office furniture and equipment | 79,666,000 us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 74,507,000 us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Other equipment | 102,540,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 94,438,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
System development | 241,153,000 tds_SystemDevelopmentEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 230,416,000 tds_SystemDevelopmentEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Work in process | 91,419,000 us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 88,614,000 us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 3,612,296,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 3,402,633,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (2,518,625,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | (2,417,999,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,093,671,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 984,634,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 195,100,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 182,600,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 177,300,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 4,754,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 283,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember | 1,128,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember
TDS Telecom | Buildings | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Buildings | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 40 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Cable and wire | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 15 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Cable and wire | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 35 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Network electronic equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Network electronic equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 13 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Office furniture and equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 7 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Office furniture and equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 10 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Other equipment | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 5 years |  |
TDS Telecom | Other equipment | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 12 years |  |
TDS Telecom | System development | Minimum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 3 years |  |
TDS Telecom | System development | Maximum |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Useful life | 7 years |  |
TDS Telecom Wireline |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Depreciation as a percent of depreciable property | 5.20%tds_DepreciationAsPercentOfDepreciableProperty / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember | 5.30%tds_DepreciationAsPercentOfDepreciableProperty / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember | 5.60%tds_DepreciationAsPercentOfDepreciableProperty / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | 2,091,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember | 130,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember | 1,020,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember
Other |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 123,008,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | 119,659,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (98,771,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | (82,669,000)us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 24,237,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | 36,990,000 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 9,300,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | 10,700,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | 10,300,000 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net | $ 308,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | $ (48,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember | $ 525,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_OtherSegmentMember

X
- Definition May refer to a number of different types of wires or groups of wires capable of carrying voice or data transmissions. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | tds_CableAndWireEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | tds_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Depreciation rate stated as a percent of depreciable property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | tds_DepreciationAsPercentOfDepreciableProperty
Namespace Prefix: | tds_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Processor controlled entities of the telecommunications network that primarily proivide switching and transport network functions and contain network operations functions. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | tds_NetworkElectronicEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | tds_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Premises equipment which performs the function of establishing and releasing connections on a per call basis between two or more circuts, services or communications systems. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | tds_SwitchingEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | tds_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Capitalized costs of purchased software applications and capitalized costs to develop software for long-term internal use. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | tds_SystemDevelopmentEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | tds_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization for physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.14) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 14 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of building structures held for productive use including addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, including, but not limited to, interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6812-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of structure or a modification to a structure under construction. Includes recently completed structures or modifications to structures that have not been placed into service. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of equipment commonly used in offices and stores that have no permanent connection to the structure of a building or utilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, desks, chairs, tables, and bookcases. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, including oil and gas property and timber property. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depletion of real estate held for productive use, excluding land held for sale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6812-107765 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Land
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of additions or improvements to assets held under a lease arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6812-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of tangible personal property used to produce goods and services, including, but is not limited to, tools, dies and molds, computer and office equipment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6812-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of other physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_OtherSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_USCellularSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |