Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 10	$ 28	$ 47	$ 36
Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares			(11)	(15)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(11)	(15)
Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 36	$ 21

This element represents the total net income attributable to the parent for the period and the effect of net changes during the period impacting the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary as it relates to the total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The changes to the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary represented by this element did not result in a deconsolidation of the subsidiary from the consolidated financial statements.

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Represents a sale (new stock issuance) by a subsidiary to noncontrolling interests (third parties, parties directly or indirectly unrelated to parent) during the period. The capital transaction by subsidiary does not result in a loss of control by the parent, but does effect a change in total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent.

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The increase (decrease) during the period impacting the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary as it relates to the total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The changes to the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary represented by this element did not arise in a deconsolidation of the subsidiary from the consolidated financial statements.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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