XML 84 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 31, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-14157    
Entity Registrant Name TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001051512    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-2669023    
Entity Address, Address Line One 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000    
Entity Address, City or Town Chicago    
Entity Address, State or Province IL    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 60602    
City Area Code (312)    
Local Phone Number 630-1900    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 3,000,000,000
Share Price     $ 30.40
Common Shares      
Title of 12(b) Security Common Shares, $.01 par value    
Trading Symbol TDS    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Public Float     $ 3,000,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   107,543,600  
6.625% Senior Notes      
Title of 12(b) Security 6.625% Senior Notes due 2045    
Trading Symbol TDI    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
6.875% Senior Notes      
Title of 12(b) Security 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059    
Trading Symbol TDE    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
7.0% Senior Notes      
Title of 12(b) Security 7.000% Senior Notes due 2060    
Trading Symbol TDJ    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
5.875% Senior Notes      
Title of 12(b) Security 5.875% Senior Notes due 2061    
Trading Symbol TDA    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Series A Common Shares      
Entity Public Float     $ 3,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   7,233,800