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Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation |  |
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | $ 21.2 usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities | $ 26.4 usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities
Debt issuance costs, net | $ 29.7 us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet |
TDS |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular | 84.00%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember |

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- Definition For an unclassified balance sheet, the carrying amount (net of accumulated amortization) as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments (for example, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs) that will be charged against earnings over the life of the debt instruments to which such costs pertain. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 + Details
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- Definition The total Universal Service Funds and other surcharges recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities. + References No definition available. + Details
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