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Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Overview and Valuation model (Details) (U.S. Cellular) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Terms of award | Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2014, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards. |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Terms of award | Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 expire between 2015 and 2024. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant. |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Stock options expiration date | Mar. 31, 2015 |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Stock options expiration date | Jul. 14, 2024 |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Terms of award | U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees. U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Terms of award | Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular’s matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. |  |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Shares reserved | 9,782,000 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember |  |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected life | 4 years 6 months |  | 4 years 6 months
Expected annual volatility rate, minimum | 28.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 29.20%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 40.70%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Expected annual volatility rate, maximum | 28.10%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 39.60%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 42.60%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Dividend yield | 0.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.00%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Risk-free interest rate, minimum | 1.40%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.70%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.50%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Risk-free interest rate, maximum | 1.50%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 2.40%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.90%us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Estimated annual forfeiture rate | 9.40%tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRate / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember |  |
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, minimum |  | 0.00%tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 0.00%tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMinimum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, maximum |  | 8.10%tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember | 9.10%tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMaximum / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember / tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis = us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected life |  | 4 years 7 months |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected life |  | 9 years |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Shares reserved | 197,000 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_PlanNameAxis = tds_NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = tds_USCellularSegmentMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = tds_USCellularCommonSharesMember |  |

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- Definition Date the equity-based award expires, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (f)(2)(iii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 14.D.2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27013229&loc=d3e301413-122809 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (f)(2)(i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 14 -Section D -Subsection 2 + Details
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- Definition The estimated measure of the maximum percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The estimated measure of the minimum percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The maximum risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition Description of pertinent provisions of equity-based compensation awards that have actual or potential impact upon the company's financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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