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Common Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2014
Share repurchases    
Amount   $ 21,096
Treasury Shares    
Share repurchases    
Amount   $ 21,096
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company | Treasury Shares    
Share repurchases    
Number of shares acquired   809
Average cost per share   $ 26.09
Amount   $ 21,096
Common share repurchase authorization On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program for the purchase of TDS Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.  
Repurchase authorization, dollar value $ 250,000  
Repurchase expiration does not have an expiration date  
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | U.S. Cellular | Treasury Shares    
Share repurchases    
Number of shares acquired 66 212
Average cost per share $ 34.77 $ 40.49
Amount $ 2,302 $ 8,598
Common share repurchase authorization On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.  
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares 1,300  
Repurchase expiration does not have an expiration date