Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$ 20	$ 22	$ 38	$ 45
Equipment Installment Plans Accounting Change
Service revenue	992	1,019	1,989	2,032
Interest and dividend income	4	3	8	5
Adjustment
Equipment Installment Plans Accounting Change
Service revenue	$ 17	12	$ 33	24
Interest and dividend income		$ (12)		$ (24)
U.S. Cellular
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	83.00%		83.00%