Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 28	$ 23	$ 36	$ 169
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			(15)	(13)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(15)	(13)
Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 21	$ 156