Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 13	$ 51	$ 49	$ 220
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)	(14)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares				1
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(15)	(13)
Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 34	$ 207