Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Maximum Maximum [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Member] Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings (loss) per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Book Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Pledged Status [Axis] Pledged Status [Axis] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 290,000 shares (25,000 Series A Common and 265,000 Common Shares) Issued 133,238 shares (7,543 Series A Common and 125,695 Common Shares) and 133,236 shares (7,541 Series A Common and 125,695 Common Shares), respectively Outstanding 115,116 shares (7,543 Series A Common and 107,573 Common Shares) and 113,783 shares (7,541 Series A Common and 106,242 Common Shares), respectively Par Value ($.01 per share) Common Stock, Value, Issued Gain on license sales and exchanges, net of tax Gain Loss On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Net of Tax Gain Loss On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Net of Tax Tax withholdings, net of cash receipts, for TDS stock-based compensation awards Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Interest expense Interest Expense, Operating and Nonoperating Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Transferred over time Transferred over Time [Member] Recourse Status [Axis] Recourse Status [Axis] Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Investments in unconsolidated entities Total investments in unconsolidated entities Investments in unconsolidated entities Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Cash received from divestitures Total consideration received Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Bad debts expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Assets held Assets Held [Member] Amount of consolidated variable interest entity's (VIE) assets that can only be used to settle obligations of VIE. Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Installation costs Installation Costs [Member] Costs incurred for installation in expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.000% Series VV Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value Series VV Preferred Shares PreferredStockMember2 [Member] TDS Series VV preferred shares may provide a preferential dividend to the dividend on common stock and may take precedence over common stock in the event of a liquidation. Preferred shares typically represent an ownership interest in the company. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Par value per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Capital expenditures Segment Reporting, Long-Lived Asset, Expenditure for Addition Deferred liabilities and credits Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Total current liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Continuing Operation Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Array dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders Payments of dividends common stock subsidiary The consolidated cash outflow from the distribution of subsidiary's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders. Leases - Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment and product sales Product [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $171,773 and $157,208, respectively Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, after Accumulated Amortization Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items] Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items] Used to group disclosures related to significant accounting policies. Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Dividends paid to TDS shareholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends Dividend reinvestment plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $171,773 and $157,208, respectively Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Accumulated Amortization Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Financial Instruments Additional Fair Value Elements [Abstract] Contract Cost Assets Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract] Call Option 2 Call Option 2 [Member] Financial contract between two parties, the buyer and the seller of the option, where the buyer has the right but not the obligation to buy an agreed quantity of a particular commodity or financial instrument (the underlying instrument) from the seller of the option for a certain price (the strike price). Seller is obligated to sell the asset to the buyer, if the buyer exercises the option. Accounting Policy Disclosures [Table] Accounting Policy Disclosures [Table] This table groups disclosures related to significant accounting policies. Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges [Abstract] Divestitures [Abstract] Divestitures [Abstract] TDS Preferred Share dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Continuing Operation Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Treasury shares, at cost, 18,122 and 19,453 Common Shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business segment information Segment Reporting [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net Gain (loss) on asset disposals, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Revenue from Contract with Customer Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Disposition Event [Domain] Disposition Event [Domain] Disposition Event [Domain] Amount repaid during the period Repayments of Lines of Credit Net income from discontinued operations attributable to TDS common shareholders Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Document Period End Date Document Period End Date AT&T License Purchase Agreement Wireless Spectrum Licenses 2 [Member] 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz wireless spectrum licenses. Changes in assets and liabilities from operations Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Outstanding shares (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Operating expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from Array's issuance of Array shares Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Issuance of Equity by Subsidiary to Noncontrolling Interests Less: Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Common Shares Common Class B [Member] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Noncontrolling interests with redemption features Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Other, Carrying Amount Short-term operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Total liabilities Liabilities Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current assets held for sale Asset, Held-for-Sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Current Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Array dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA 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). Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] TDS Preferred share dividends (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Type [Axis] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Type [Axis] Cash proceeds Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested TDS ownership of Array Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Cash flows from operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net Gain on license sales and exchanges, net Gain (loss) on license sales and exchanges, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets Interest and dividend income Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Amortization of contract cost assets Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Individual: Individual [Axis] Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Site rental Site Rental [Member] Site Rental Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Amount borrowed during the period Proceeds from Lines of Credit Discontinued operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Other, less allowances of $2,934 and $3,203, respectively Other Receivables Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Treasury shares Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Discontinued Operation Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Incentive and compensation plans APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Effects of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Net income from continuing operations Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Other allowances Allowance for Credit Loss, Receivable, Other, Current (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Proceeds from Dividends Received Proceeds from Dividends Received Retail service Retail Service Revenue [Member] Charges for access, airtime, roaming, recovery of regulatory costs and value added services, including data services and products. Par value per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Intersegment Revenues Intersegment Revenues [Member] Intersegment Revenues T-Mobile License Purchase Agreement Wireless Spectrum Licenses 3 [Member] 700 MHz wireless spectrum licenses. Earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Capital contributions, loans or advances Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Contract Cost Assets Capitalized Contract Cost [Table Text Block] Current portion of long-term debt Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Business Segment Information Segment Reporting [Text Block] Amount borrowed and outstanding Long-Term Line of Credit Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Sales commissions Sales Commissions [Member] Amount of commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts. Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] All Other Other Segment [Member] A component of an entity for which there is not an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Disaggregation of Revenues Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to TDS common shareholders Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to TDS common shareholders Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Total equity Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends Dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Total operating expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Authorized shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Security, Excluded EPS Calculation [Table] Other, net Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Total segment [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Represents the total segments. Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Noncash software license acquisitions Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired Cash flows from investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Segment Reporting [Line Items] Segment Reporting [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Discontinued operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Selling, general and administrative Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-Term Debt Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Divestitures Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Total TDS shareholders' equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Total other income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Discontinued Operation Accrued taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Assets Assets [Abstract] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Depreciation, amortization and accretion Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Customer and agent allowances Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Deferred purchase price Deferred proceeds from divestiture of business Deferred proceeds from divestiture of business Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract] Debt assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Adjust investment in subsidiaries for issuances, acquisitions and other compensation plans Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Array Array Total [Member] Represents Array total consolidated operations. Antidilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Cash paid for software license agreements Payments to Acquire Software Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Corporate, Eliminations and Other All Other Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Corporate Nonsegment [Member] Other operating activities Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Other Item Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. [Member] Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. TDS shareholders’ equity Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net TDS Preferred share dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] City Area Code City Area Code Equipment and product sales Equipment and Product Sales [Member] Revenue from equipment and product sales. Verizon License Purchase Agreement Wireless Spectrum Licenses [Member] AWS, Cellular and PCS wireless spectrum licenses. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Continuing Operation Recourse Status [Domain] Recourse Status [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Total assets Total assets Assets Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Call Option 1 Call Option [Member] Reduction of deferred decommissioning costs Contingent Decommission Liability Reduction Reduction of decommissioning costs for equipment Less: Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Operating segment Operating Segments [Member] Total operating revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Measurement alternative method investments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Loss on impairment of licenses Loss on impairment of licenses Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived, Impairment Loss PEO PEO [Member] Disposition Event [Axis] Disposition Event [Axis] Disposition Event Axis Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Other deferred liabilities and credits Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Tax withholdings, net of cash receipts, for Array stock-based compensation awards Payments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Subsidiary Amount of cash outflow to satisfy a subsidiary grantee's tax withholding obligation for award under share-based payment arrangement. Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Noncontrolling interest adjustment Noncontrolling Income Adjustment Earnings Per Share Adjustment to arrive at diluted income attributable to shareholders that reflects changes in net income attributable to shareholders caused by changes in controlling ownership interest due to hypothetical exercise of dilutive securities during the period. Other intangible assets Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, after Accumulated Amortization [Abstract] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Long-term operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Accrued taxes Taxes Payable, Current Total operating expenses Operating expenses Operating Expenses Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Deferred purchase price Deferred proceeds from sale of intangible assets The deferred cash inflow from disposal of asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill. Outstanding shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Array Array Segment [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Represents substantially all wireless operations. Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common shareholders Earnings Per Share, Diluted Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Net cash used in financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Business Divestiture Agreement Amount Business Divestiture Agreement Amount Amount of Business divestiture agreement. Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to TDS common shareholders Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] TDS export credit financing agreement TDS Export Credit Financing Agreement [Member] Financing agreement between TDS and Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) equipment imported from Canada. Revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $4,246,931 and $4,156,666, respectively Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant, and Equipment, after Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Cash flows from financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] TDS Telecom T D S Telecom Segment [Member] A component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Represents all wireline operations. Equity and measurement alternative method investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Preferred Shares Preferred Stock [Member] Other investing activities Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Used to group disclosures related to significant accounting policies. Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Array dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders (in dollars per share) Common Stock Dividends Per Share Cash Paid, Subsidiary Aggregate dividends paid by subsidiary during the period for each share of common stock outstanding. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Equity Method Investment [Table] Document Entity Information [Abstract] Document Entity Information [Abstract] Other current assets Other Assets, Current Wireless operations and select spectrum assets Wireless operations and select spectrum assets [Member] Wireless operations and select spectrum assets Licenses Indefinite-Lived License Agreements All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Fair value measurements Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Operating income (loss) Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Service Service [Member] Remaining performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value Series UU Preferred Shares PreferredStockMember1 [Member] TDS Series UU preferred shares may provide a preferential dividend to the dividend on common stock and may take precedence over common stock in the event of a liquidation. Preferred shares typically represent an ownership interest in the company. (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net Gain (loss) on sale of business and other exit costs, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (in dollars per share) Dividend Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity File Number Entity File Number Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Issued shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Measure: Measure [Axis] Wholesale Wholesale Revenue [Member] Revenue from wholesale customers. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Non-current assets held for sale Asset, Held-for-Sale, Not Part of Disposal Group Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Costs of goods and services sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Contract cost assets Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Series A Common Shares Common Class A [Member] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Deferred income tax liability, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Smaller Reporting Company Entity Small Business Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Net income from discontinued operations attributable to TDS shareholders Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Discontinued operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other assets and deferred charges Other Assets, Noncurrent Document Type Document Type Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two-Class Method [Table] Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Variable Interest Entities VIEs Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Put/Call Agreement Put/Call Option [Member] Financial contract between two parties, the buyer and the seller of the option where the buyer has the right but not the obligation to buy an agreed quantity of a particular commodity or financial instrument (the underlying instrument) from the seller of the option for a certain price (the strike price). Seller is obligated to sell the asset to the buyer, if the buyer exercises the option. No recourse Nonrecourse [Member] Pledged Status [Domain] Pledged Status [Domain] Income (loss) before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Restricted cash included in Other current assets Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Total operating revenues Revenues Revenues Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Discontinued Operation Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Investments recorded using the net asset value practical expedient Alternative Investment Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Expenses related to strategic alternatives review (included in Selling, general and administrative) ExpensesRelatedToStrategicAlternativesReview Expenses related to the company's strategic alternative review of Array. Customer deposits and deferred revenues Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Capitalized contract cost Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items] Transferred at point in time Transferred at Point in Time [Member] Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Inventory, net Inventory, net Inventory, Net All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] PEO Name PEO Name Income before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Operating Segments Excluding Intersegment Elimination Operating Segments Excluding Intersegment Elimination [Member] Operating Segments Excluding Intersegment Elimination Other segment items Segment Reporting, Other Segment Item, Amount Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Repurchase of Common Shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Beginning of period End of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to TDS common shareholders Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from Array's repurchases of Array shares Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Repurchase of Shares by Subsidiary Repurchase of Array Common Shares Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Subsidiary The cash outflow from a subsidiary to reacquire common stock of that subsidiary during the period Commercial Commercial Revenue [Member] Revenue from commercial customers. Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Contingent decommissioning costs Contingent decommissioning costs [Member] Contingent decommissioning costs Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS common shareholders Earnings Per Share, Basic Customer deposits and deferred revenues Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Repurchase of TDS Common Shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Total current assets Assets, Current Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Array export credit financing agreement Array Export Credit Financing Agreement [Member] Financing agreement between Array and Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) equipment imported from Canada. Residential Residential Revenue [Member] Revenue from residential customers. Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Award Type Award Type [Axis] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Customers, less allowances of $4,495 and $3,406, respectively Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Series A Common and Common shares Common Stock [Member] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Purchase price true-up Divestiture of business, purchase price true-up Divestiture of business, purchase price true-up Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital Cash paid for licenses Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Other, net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total TDS shareholders' equity Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Equity Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] License sale agreement amount Divestiture of Intangible Assets Agreement Amount Divestiture of Intangible Assets Agreement Amount Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, after Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Abstract] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Type [Domain] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Type [Domain] Preferred shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Shares, 279,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share, 44,400 shares outstanding (16,800 Series UU and 27,600 Series VV) Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Array Array [Member] Array [Member] Noncontrolling interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block] Short-term imputed spectrum lease income Short-term imputed spectrum lease income Short-term imputed spectrum lease income Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Long-term debt, net Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Name Measure Name Transition services income Transition services income Income from the transition services agreement with T-Mobile Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Other service Other Service Revenue [Member] Primarily amounts received from the Federal USF and imputed interest recognized on equipment installment plan contracts. Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity Minority Interest In Net Income Loss Equity Minority Interests The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent, excluding any portion of such amount attributable to noncontrolling interest that is not classified as equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Proceeds from sale of licenses Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Total other expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Nonoperating Income (Expense) Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Nonoperating Income (Expense) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Distributions from unconsolidated entities Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to TDS common shareholders Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Cost of goods and services Cost of Product and Service Sold Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Net income attributable to TDS shareholders Net income attributable to TDS shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Contingent decommissioning costs Contingent Decommission Liability Contingent Decommission Liability Contract with Customer, Assets and Liabilities Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations attributable to TDS shareholders Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Operating revenues Revenues [Abstract] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block]