XML 80 R7.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total
Series A Common and Common Shares
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Treasury Common Shares
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Retained Earnings
Total TDS Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Shares
Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011 $ 4,602,679us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest $ 1,326us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
$ 2,268,711us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
$ (750,921)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
$ (8,854)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
$ 2,451,899us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ 3,962,161us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
$ 830us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
$ 639,688us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct)                  
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders 81,861us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss         81,861us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
81,861us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 40,739tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests               40,739tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments 49us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       49us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  49us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment 4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Changes related to retirement plan 669us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax       669us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  669us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (53,115)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock         (53,115)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(53,115)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Preferred dividend requirement (50)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock         (50)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(50)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Repurchase of Preferred Shares (22)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue         (17)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(17)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
(5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
 
Repurchase of Common Shares (20,026)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod     (20,026)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
    (20,026)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Dividend reinvestment plan 6,923us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan 1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,148us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
14,123us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
  (8,349)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
6,923us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Incentive and compensation plans (742)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation   444us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
6,725us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
  (7,911)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(742)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans (2,352)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance   12,572us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      12,572us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (14,924)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Stock-based compensation awards 20,030us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue   20,030us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      20,030us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards (3,179)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet   (3,179)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (3,179)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (20,856)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders               (20,856)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases 3,658us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions   4,396us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      4,396us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (738)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Other 57us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther               57us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012 4,656,327us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 1,327us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
2,304,122us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
(750,099)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
(8,132)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
2,464,318us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
4,011,536us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
825us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
643,966us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct)                  
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders 141,927us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss         141,927us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
141,927us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 24,661tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests               24,661tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments 51us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       51us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  51us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (34)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       (34)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  (34)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Changes related to retirement plan 7,546us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax       7,546us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  7,546us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (55,244)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock         (55,244)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(55,244)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Preferred dividend requirement (49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock         (49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders (75,235)tds_DividendsCommonStockSubsidiary               (75,235)tds_DividendsCommonStockSubsidiary
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Repurchase of Preferred Shares (6)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue         (5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
(1)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
 
Repurchase of Common Shares (9,692)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod     (9,692)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
    (9,692)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Dividend reinvestment plan 9,300us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan   1,619us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
13,647us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
  (5,966)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
9,300us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Incentive and compensation plans 10,090us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation   655us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
24,790us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
  (15,355)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
10,090us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans (270)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance   (290)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (290)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  20us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Stock-based compensation awards 14,430us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue   14,430us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      14,430us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards (1,311)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet   (1,311)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (1,311)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (3,576)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders               (3,576)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases (5,048)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions   (10,418)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (10,418)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  5,370us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Deconsolidation of partnerships (43,770)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation               (43,770)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013 4,670,097us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 1,327us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
2,308,807us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
(721,354)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
(569)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
2,529,626us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
4,117,837us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
824us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
551,436us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct)                  
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders (136,355)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss         (136,355)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(136,355)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity (11,614)tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests               (11,614)tds_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments 341us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       341us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  341us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment 48us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax       48us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  48us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Changes related to retirement plan 6,632us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax       6,632us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  6,632us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (57,991)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock         (57,991)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(57,991)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
TDS Preferred dividend requirement (49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock         (49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(49)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Repurchase of Common Shares (39,096)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod     (39,096)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
    (39,096)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Dividend reinvestment plan 9,795us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan   2,702us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
7,093us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
    9,795us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Incentive and compensation plans (1,466)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation   (1,580)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
5,158us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
  (5,044)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(1,466)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans 723us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance   12,072us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      12,072us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (11,349)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Stock-based compensation awards 14,182us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue   14,182us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      14,182us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards 328us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet   328us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      328us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
   
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (564)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders               (564)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014 $ 4,455,011us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest $ 1,327us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
$ 2,336,511us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
$ (748,199)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember
$ 6,452us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
$ 2,330,187us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ 3,926,278us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
$ 824us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
$ 527,909us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember