Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 32	$ 26	$ 42	$ 202
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments	1		1
Change related to retirement plan
Amortization of prior service cost	(1)	(1)	(1)	(2)
Change in deferred income taxes				1
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income		(1)		(1)
Comprehensive income	32	25	42	201
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	4	3	6	33
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 28	$ 22	$ 36	$ 168