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Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 26 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 38 Months Ended | 36 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 10, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Oct. 31, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jan. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 number | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income | $ 189,864,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  | $ (235,359,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  | $ (183,863,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges | (112,993,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges |  | (255,479,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures | (187,645,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses |  | (811,120,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses |  | (50,182,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | (15,846,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness |  | (300,656,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness |  | 21,061,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values | 836,532,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet |  | 1,018,077,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet |  | 813,626,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets | 1,687,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 1,687,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 1,687,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent |  |  |
Other assets and deferred charges | 775,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets |  |  |  |  |  | 775,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets |  |  |  |  |  | 775,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets |  |  |
Licenses | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent |  |  |
Goodwill | 8,444,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 8,444,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 8,444,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment | 35,628,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 35,628,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 35,628,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent |  |  |
Total assets held for sale | 103,343,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  | 16,027,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |  | 103,343,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 103,343,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |
Liabilities held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities | 3,825,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities |  |  |  |  |  | 3,825,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities |  |  |  |  |  | 3,825,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities |  |  |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 17,818,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 17,818,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 17,818,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent |  |  |
Total liabilities held for sale | 21,643,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 21,643,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |  |  |  | 21,643,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent |  |  |
Non-operating Market Licenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Licenses | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  | 16,027,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |
Total assets held for sale | 56,809,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |  |  |  | 56,809,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMember |  |  |
Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | On May 23, 2014 (the “Signing Date”), U.S. Cellular entered into a License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement with Airadigm. Pursuant to the License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement, on September 10, 2014, Airadigm transferred to U.S. Cellular Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) spectrum licenses and certain tower assets in certain markets in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan, in consideration for $91.5 million in cash. Since both parties to this transaction are controlled by TDS, upon closing, U.S. Cellular recorded the transferred assets at Airadigm’s net book value. The transaction also impacts the expected realization of Airadigm’s federal net operating loss carryforwards and therefore TDS reduced its valuation allowance by $10.8 million upon the transaction closing and recognized an income tax benefit for this same amount. See Note 4 — Income Taxes. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  | (10,800,000)us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  | (91,500,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Charges for the impairment and decomissioning of various operating assets | 8,467,000 tds_ImpairmentAndDecomissioningOfOperatingAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | 676,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contract termination costs | 11,099,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | 20,242,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Wireline Markets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets | 215,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 215,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 215,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |
Other assets and deferred charges | 2,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 2,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 2,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |
Goodwill | 4,100,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 4,100,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 4,100,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |
Property, plant and equipment | 3,858,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 3,858,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 3,858,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |
Total assets held for sale | 8,175,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 8,175,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |  |  |  | 8,175,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember | [1] |  |
Liabilities held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities | 218,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 218,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 218,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 177,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 177,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 177,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |
Total liabilities held for sale | 395,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 395,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |  |  |  | 395,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelineMarketsMember |  |  |
Tower sale - second closing |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets | 1,472,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 1,472,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 1,472,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Other assets and deferred charges | 773,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 773,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 773,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Goodwill | 4,344,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 4,344,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 4,344,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwillCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment | 31,770,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 31,770,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 31,770,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Total assets held for sale | 38,359,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 38,359,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 38,359,000 us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Liabilities held for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities | 3,607,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 3,607,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 3,607,000 us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Other deferred liabilities and credits | 17,641,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 17,641,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 17,641,000 tds_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Total liabilities held for sale | 21,248,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 21,248,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |  |  |  | 21,248,000 us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member |  |  |
Minimum | Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Charges for the impairment and decomissioning of various operating assets | 8,000,000 tds_ImpairmentAndDecomissioningOfOperatingAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | 500,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contract termination costs | 10,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | 18,500,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Charges for the impairment and decomissioning of various operating assets | 12,000,000 tds_ImpairmentAndDecomissioningOfOperatingAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | 1,500,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contract termination costs | 15,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | 28,500,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs incurred | 676,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash settlements | (523,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 153,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember |  |  |  |  |  | 153,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember |  |  |  |  |  | 153,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember |  |  |
Contract termination costs | Other current liabilities | Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs incurred | 7,475,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash settlements | (4,291,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | 1,043,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 4,227,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  | 4,227,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  | 4,227,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |
Contract termination costs | Other deferred liabilities and credits | Airadigm Communications, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs incurred | 3,975,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | (1,396,000)us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 2,579,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  | 2,579,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |  |  |  | 2,579,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_AiradigmMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income | 143,390,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (146,865,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (156,656,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges | (112,993,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (255,479,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | (32,830,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (246,767,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 21,022,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values | 605,997,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 803,781,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 608,633,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | On November 6, 2012, U.S. Cellular entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with subsidiaries of Sprint Corp., fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, on May 16, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred customers and certain PCS license spectrum to 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 other agreements included customer and network transition services agreements, which required U.S. Cellular to provide customer, billing and network services to Sprint for a period of up to 24 months after the May 16, 2013 closing date. Sprint reimbursed U.S. Cellular for providing such services at an amount equal to U.S. Cellular’s estimated costs, including applicable overhead allocations. These services were substantially complete as of March 31, 2014. In addition, 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. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income | (12,776,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (123,446,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 44,535,000 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (91,687,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net assets transferred |  |  | 160,073,000 tds_BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | 160,073,000 tds_BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets | 9,735,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 3,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 10,672,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 20,410,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | (115,000)us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 1,653,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 12,609,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 14,147,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contract termination costs | 24,736,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 59,525,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 59,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 84,320,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Transaction costs | 719,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 4,428,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 1,137,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 6,284,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | (29,254,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (301,959,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 24,477,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (306,736,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values | 16,478,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 178,513,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 20,058,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 215,049,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Wireless Market |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | In March 2012, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of the assets and liabilities of a wireless market for $49.8 million in cash. At the time of the sale, a $4.2 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (49,800,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelessMarketMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,200,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_WirelessMarketMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Mississippi Valley |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | In October 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million. At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (250,600,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMississippiValleyMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (308,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesMississippiValleyMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | St. Louis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | In March 2014, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its St. Louis area non-operating market spectrum license for $92.3 million. A gain of $75.8 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2014. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (75,800,000)tds_GainLossOnLicenseSalesAndExchanges / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesStLouisMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (92,300,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_NonOperatingLicensesStLouisMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Towers | 595 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 595 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 595 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale | Divestiture |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (159,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = tds_DivestitureMember |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - first closing |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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 approximately $159 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 in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Towers | 236 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 236 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 236 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,700,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - second closing |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business divestiture description | 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 approximately $119 million. The assets and liabilities subject to the second closing have been classified as “held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - second closing | Divestiture |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Towers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 359 tds_NumberOfTowers / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = tds_DivestitureMember |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (141,500,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = tds_DivestitureMember |  |  |  |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (119,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose2Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = tds_DivestitureMember |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Asset retirement obligation remediation | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values | 3,400,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioActualMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Minimum | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net assets transferred |  |  | 160,073,000 tds_BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values |  |  |  |  |  |  | 215,049,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Minimum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (116,878,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20,000,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,000,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Contract termination costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 70,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Transaction costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,000,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (331,927,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
U.S. Cellular | Maximum | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Transition services agreement duration | 24 months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net assets transferred |  |  | 160,073,000 tds_BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values |  |  |  |  |  |  | 215,049,000 us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Maximum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Increase) decrease in Operating Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (134,878,000)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22,000,000 tds_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,000,000 us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Contract termination costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1 / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Transaction costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (349,927,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |
U.S. Cellular | Purchase price | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  | (480,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_PurchasePriceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | (480,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_PurchasePriceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Purchase price | Minimum | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  | (480,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_PurchasePriceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Purchase price | Maximum | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  | (480,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_PurchasePriceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Maximum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (200,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Cash received from divestitures | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures | (71,100,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / tds_CashFlowLocationAxis = tds_CashReceievedFromDivestituresMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (10,600,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / tds_CashFlowLocationAxis = tds_CashReceievedFromDivestituresMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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 | (64,329,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | (47,641,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | (111,970,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | Minimum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (120,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net | Maximum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (175,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Cost of services | Maximum | Expected event | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (25,000,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis = tds_SystemOperationsMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
U.S. Cellular | Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, beginning of period | 2,053,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 12,305,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,305,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember
Costs incurred | 127,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 6,853,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash settlements | (1,223,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] | (11,905,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | (242,000)us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [3] | (5,200,000)us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 715,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 2,053,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | 715,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 715,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Contract termination costs | Other current liabilities | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, beginning of period | 13,992,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 30,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember
Costs incurred | 12,703,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 22,675,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash settlements | (22,210,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] | (8,713,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | 3,747,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 8,232,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 13,992,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | 8,232,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 8,232,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Contract termination costs | Other deferred liabilities and credits | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, beginning of period | 30,849,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs incurred | 24,171,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 34,283,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash settlements | (3,569,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] | (3,434,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [2] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | (30,411,000)us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 21,040,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  | 30,849,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  | 21,040,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 21,040,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = tds_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Contract termination costs | Accounts payable | Divestiture Transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance Sheet rollforward |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs incurred | 4,018,000 us-gaap_RestructuringCharges / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustments | (1,190,000)us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember | [3] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance, end of period | 2,828,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 2,828,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |  | 2,828,000 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_DivestitureTransactionMember / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
U.S. Cellular | Earnest money received | Tower sale - first closing |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture Financial Impacts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash received from divestitures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (7,500,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses / tds_BusinessDivestitureAxis = tds_TowerSaleClose1Member / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = tds_EarnestMoneyReceivedMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember |  |  |
[1] | On December 30, 2014, TDS Telecom entered into an agreement with a third party to sell certain Wireline markets.
[2] | Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
[3] | Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.

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