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Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) - TDS Parent Company - Common Shares - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Compensation Stock Units |  |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Fair value of vested stock units | $ 0.1 | $ 0.1 | $ 0.1
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ 25.36 | $ 23.27 | $ 21.99
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans |  |  |
Vested number of shares, unissued | 261,000 |  |
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value | $ 6.8 |  |
Restricted Stock Units |  |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares |  |  |
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares | 692,000 |  |
Granted number of shares | 368,000 |  |
Forfeited number of shares | (16,000) |  |
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares | 1,044,000 | 692,000 |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value | $ 23.20 |  |
Granted weighted average grant date fair value | 27.57 | $ 25.26 | $ 21.09
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value | 25.60 |  |
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value | $ 24.70 | $ 23.20 |
Fair value of vested stock units |  | $ 7.5 | $ 5.8
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans |  |  |
Granted number of shares | 368,000 |  |
Non-Employee Directors' Plan |  |  |
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans |  |  |
Shares issued | 28,000 | 33,000 | 33,000

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- Definition The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. The equity award is vested but not issued. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period. + 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 (c)(1)(iv)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. + 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 (c)(2)(iii)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). + 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 (c)(2)(iii)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). + 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 (c)(2)(iii)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. + 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 (c)(2)(i)-(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. + 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 (c)(2)(i)-(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition Gross number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References No definition available. + Details
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