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Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]      
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders $ 43 $ 219 $ (136)
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 (16) (15) (12)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares 1 1 1
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from common control transaction     7
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests     (1)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests (15) (14) (5)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests $ 28 $ 205 $ (141)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest      
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - begin 2085    
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - end 2113    
Settlement value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 13    
Carrying value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 5