Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 37	$ 8
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	(1)	(2)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(1)	(2)
Change from net income attributable to TDS and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$ 36	$ 6