XML 96 R64.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.2

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 1,261		$ 1,255	$ 2,518		$ 2,480
Selling, general and administrative	421		417	819		813
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	234		220	460		441
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		2	0		3
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0		0	(2)		0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	0		(11)	(2)		(17)
Operating income	48		61	142		141
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	41		40	85		78
Interest and dividend income	9		6	17		11
Interest expense	(43)		(43)	(86)		(86)
Other, net	0		1	1		2
Income before income taxes	55		65	159		146
Income tax expense (benefit)	16		21	50		45
Net income	39		44	109		101
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	234		220	460		441
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		2	0		3
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0		0	(2)		0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	0		(11)	(2)		(17)
Interest expense	43		43	86		86
Income tax expense	16		21	50		45
Adjusted EBITDA	337		319	701		659
Investments in unconsolidated entities	490		477	490		477	$ 480
Total assets	10,795	[1]	9,498	10,795	[1]	9,498	$ 9,783	[1]
Capital expenditures	264		138	411		253
Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,013		993	2,008		1,970
Cost of goods and services	304		300	588		587
Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	248		262	510		510
Cost of goods and services	249		266	513		512
U.S. Cellular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	973		974	1,939		1,915
Selling, general and administrative	344		342	669		668
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		159	345		317
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		1	7		2
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			(11)	(2)		(17)
Operating income	30		56	95		121
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	40		40	84		78
Interest and dividend income	5		3	11		7
Interest expense	(29)		(29)	(58)		(58)
Other, net			0	(1)		(1)
Income before income taxes	46		70	131		147
Income tax expense (benefit)	14		18	41		40
Net income	32		52	90		107
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		159	345		317
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		1	7		2
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				(2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			(11)	(2)		(17)
Interest expense	29		29	58		58
Income tax expense	14		18	41		40
Adjusted EBITDA	257		248	537		507
Investments in unconsolidated entities	450		439	450		439
Total assets	8,223		7,075	8,223		7,075
Capital expenditures	195		86	297		155
U.S. Cellular | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	757		741	1,498		1,465
Cost of goods and services	193		187	369		365
U.S. Cellular | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	216		233	441		450
Cost of goods and services	224		240	458		459
TDS Telecom Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	233		230	464		461
Selling, general and administrative	64		64	125		124
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	50		53	100		107
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	(1)		1	(8)		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Operating income	29		18	66		43
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0		0
Interest and dividend income	3		2	6		3
Interest expense	1		0	1		1
Other, net			1	0		1
Income before income taxes	33		21	74		48
Income tax expense (benefit)	8		5	18		12
Net income	25		16	56		37
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	50		53	100		107
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	(1)		1	(8)		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Interest expense	(1)		0	(1)		(1)
Income tax expense	8		5	18		12
Adjusted EBITDA	82		75	165		156
Investments in unconsolidated entities	4		4	4		4
Total assets	2,009		1,893	2,009		1,893
Capital expenditures	70		46	112		87
TDS Telecom Total | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	233		230	463		460
Cost of goods and services	91		93	179		183
TDS Telecom Total | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0		1	1		1
Cost of goods and services	0		0	1		1
TDS Telecom Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	172		174	343		349
Selling, general and administrative	49		50	96		97
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	33		36	66		72
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	(1)		1	(8)		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Operating income	27		21	61		47
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0		0
Interest and dividend income	3		2	5		3
Interest expense	1		0	1		1
Other, net			1	0		1
Income before income taxes	30		24	68		52
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	33		36	66		72
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	(1)		1	(8)		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Interest expense	(1)		0	(1)		(1)
Adjusted EBITDA	62		59	125		124
Investments in unconsolidated entities	4		4	4		4
Total assets	1,377		1,260	1,377		1,260
Capital expenditures	55		33	84		62
TDS Telecom Wireline | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	172		173	342		348
Cost of goods and services	64		67	127		131
TDS Telecom Wireline | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0		0	1		1
Cost of goods and services	0		0	1		1
TDS Telecom Cable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	62		57	121		112
Selling, general and administrative	15		15	30		28
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	17		18	34		35
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0	1		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Operating income	2		(3)	5		(4)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0		0
Interest and dividend income	0		0	1		0
Interest expense	0		0	0		0
Other, net			0	0		0
Income before income taxes	3		(2)	6		(4)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	17		18	34		35
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0	1		1
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Interest expense	0		0	0		0
Adjusted EBITDA	20		16	40		32
Investments in unconsolidated entities	0		0	0		0
Total assets	641		643	641		643
Capital expenditures	15		13	28		24
TDS Telecom Cable | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	62		57	121		112
Cost of goods and services	27		27	52		52
TDS Telecom Cable | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0		0	0		0
Cost of goods and services	0		0	0		0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	55		51	115		104
Selling, general and administrative	13		11	25		21
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7		8	15		17
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1		0	1		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Operating income	(11)		(13)	(19)		(23)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	1		0	1		0
Interest and dividend income	1		1	0		1
Interest expense	(15)		(14)	(29)		(29)
Other, net			0	2		2
Income before income taxes	(24)		(26)	(46)		(49)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6)		(2)	(9)		(7)
Net income	(18)		(24)	(37)		(43)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7		8	15		17
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1		0	1		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net			0	0		0
Interest expense	15		14	29		29
Income tax expense	(6)		(2)	(9)		(7)
Adjusted EBITDA	(2)		(4)	(1)		(4)
Investments in unconsolidated entities	36		34	36		34
Total assets	563		530	563		530
Capital expenditures	(1)		6	2		11
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	23		22	47		45
Cost of goods and services	20		20	40		39
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	32		28	68		59
Cost of goods and services	$ 25		$ 26	$ 54		$ 52
[1] The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $903 million and $848 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $21 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

X

- Definition

This element represents a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance.The amount is calculated as Income before income taxes, adjusted for: Depreciation, amortization and accretion; net Gain or loss on asset disposals (if any); net Gain or loss on sale of business and other exit costs (if any); net Gain or loss on license sales and exchanges (if any); Interest expense; and Income tax expense (benefit).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_AdjustedEbitda
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(12))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to financial services rendered and other revenue generating activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a),(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of intangible assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) from sale and disposal of integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for purpose of providing return in form of dividend, lower cost, or other economic benefit to investor, owner, member and participant.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4582445-111684

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, including oil and gas property and timber property.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 940
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68072869&loc=d3e41242-110953

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(8))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873790&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873765&loc=SL114874048-224260

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(12))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873790&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873765&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (g)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109237563&loc=d3e33749-111570

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (h)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109238882&loc=d3e38679-109324

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28555-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (210.5-03(11))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873765&loc=SL114874048-224260

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income and dividend income on nonoperating securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(a),(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of investment in equity method investee and investment in and advance to affiliate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of income (expense) related to nonoperating activities, classified as other.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669625-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3000-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4591552-111686

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section 30
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68048583&loc=d3e3636-108311

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_ServiceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_ProductMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_USCellularSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_TDSTelecomSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_TDSTelecomWirelineSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_TDSTelecomCableSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_OtherSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: