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Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Jan. 31, 2016
Subsequent events          
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges   $ 342,870 $ 187,645 $ 811,120  
Subsequent event          
Subsequent events          
Subsequent Event Description   In January 2016, TDS entered into an agreement to purchase a 700 MHz A Block license for $36.0 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016 pending regulatory approval. In February 2016, TDS entered into multiple agreements with third parties that provide for the transfer of certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses and approximately $30 million in cash to U.S. Cellular, in exchange for U.S. Cellular transferring certain AWS, PCS and 700 MHz licenses to the third parties. The transactions are subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and are expected to close in 2016. Upon closing of the transactions, TDS expects to recognize a gain.      
License acquisition agreement amount         $ 36,000
Subsequent event | Expected event          
Subsequent events          
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges $ 30,000