Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$ 19	$ 23
Equipment Installment Plans Accounting Change
Service revenue	997	1,011
Interest and dividend income	4	3
Adjustment
Equipment Installment Plans Accounting Change
Service revenue	$ 16	11
Interest and dividend income		$ (11)
U.S. Cellular
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	83.00%