Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 35	$ 27	$ 96	$ 86
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares			(18)	(43)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares			13	1
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(5)	(42)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 91	$ 44