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Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Stock option rollforward schedules (Details) - TDS Parent Company - Common Shares - Stock Options - TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares |  |  |
Outstanding, beginning of period | 9,135,000 |  |
Exercisable options, beginning of period | 6,009,000 |  |
Granted options | 694,000 |  |
Exercised options | (562,000) |  |
Forfeited options | (67,000) |  |
Expired options | (523,000) |  |
Outstanding, end of period | 8,677,000 | 9,135,000 |
Exercisable options, end of period | 6,167,000 | 6,009,000 |
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information |  |  |
Options outstanding, beginning of period - weighted average exercise price | $ 30.29 |  |
Options exercisable, beginning of period - weighted average exercise price | 32.54 |  |
Options granted, weighted average exercise price | 29.45 |  |
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price | 22.92 |  |
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price | 28.13 |  |
Options expired, weighted average exercise price | 42.56 |  |
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price | 29.98 | $ 30.29 |
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price | $ 30.59 | 32.54 |
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding | $ 19 |  |
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable | $ 17 |  |
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding | 4 years 10 months |  |
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable | 3 years 4 months |  |
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value | $ 7.24 | $ 7.66 | $ 8.66
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised | $ 4 | $ 4 |
Maximum |  |  |
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information |  |  |
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised |  |  | $ 1

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- Definition The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(1)(iii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(1)(iii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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