Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total TDS Shareholders' Equity	Preferred Shares	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 4,455	$ 1	$ 2,337	$ (748)	$ 6	$ 2,330	$ 3,926	$ 1	$ 528
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	146					146	146
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	24								24
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(15)					(15)	(15)
Dividend reinvestment plan	2		1	1			2
Incentive and compensation plans				1		(1)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	4		5				5		(1)
Stock-based compensation awards	2		2				2
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	4,618	1	2,345	(746)	$ 6	2,460	4,066	1	551
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	4,704	1	2,365	(727)		2,487	4,126	1	577
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	8					8	8
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	1								1
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(16)					(16)	(16)
Repurchase of Common shares	(3)			(3)			(3)
Dividend reinvestment plan	3		1	2			3
Incentive and compensation plans	1		(1)	2			1
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	5		2				2		3
Stock-based compensation awards	4		4				4
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	1		1				1
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 4,708	$ 1	$ 2,372	$ (726)		$ 2,479	$ 4,126	$ 1	$ 581