Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match above 50% from Annual Bonus

No definition available.

Name:	tds_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentofMatchabove50fromAnnualBonus
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match up to 50% from Annual Bonus

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentofMatchupto50fromAnnualBonus
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested but were not issued.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodNotIssued
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. The equity award is vested but not issued.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueNotIssued
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Change in units based on approved performance factors

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinunitsbasedonapprovedperformancefactors
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Change in units based on approved performance factors, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	tds_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinunitsbasedonapprovedperformancefactorsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	tds_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period over which grantee's right to exercise award under share-based payment arrangement is no longer contingent on satisfaction of service or performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but is not limited to, combination of market, performance or service condition.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(1)(iv)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Per share or unit weighted-average fair value of nonvested award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes share and unit options.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value of share-based awards for which the grantee gained the right by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of vesting of award under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number, before forfeiture, of shares issued under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationNetofForfeituresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=tds_StockCompensationPlanDMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassBMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	tds_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=tds_NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=tds_USCellularSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Stock-Based Compensation - U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) - Common Shares - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Restricted Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, beginning of period - Number of shares (in shares)	1,569,000
Granted number of shares (in shares)	478,000
Vested number of shares (in shares)	(525,000)
Forfeited number of shares (in shares)	(61,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares (in shares)	1,461,000	1,569,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - beginning of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 39.74
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	46.81	$ 38.19	$ 38.04
Vested weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	42.99
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	39.38
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 40.90	$ 39.74
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 25,000,000	$ 16,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Award vesting period	3 years
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Performance Share Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, beginning of period - Number of shares (in shares)	768,000
Granted number of shares (in shares)	323,000
Vested number of shares (in shares)	(5,000)
Change in units based on approved performance factors number of shares	188,000
Forfeited number of shares (in shares)	(29,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares (in shares)	1,245,000	768,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - beginning of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 37.78
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	46.43	$ 38.81	$ 36.92
Vested weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	37.92
Change in units based on approved performance factors weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	38.81
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	38.55
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 40.16	$ 37.78
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Fair value of vested stock units		$ 0	$ 0
Award vesting period	3 years
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Performance Share Units \| Minimum
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Performance share awards target	50.00%
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Performance Share Units \| Maximum
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 1,000,000
Performance share awards target	200.00%
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Award vesting period	3 years
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 40.72	$ 36.02
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Percent of match up to 50% from annual bonus	25.00%
Percent of match above 50% from annual bonus	33.00%
Award vesting period	3 years
Vested number of shares, unissued	34,000
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$ 1,000,000
U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans \| Deferred Compensation Stock Units \| Maximum
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Non-Employee Directors' Plan \| U.S. Cellular
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Shares issued	13,000	18,000	15,000