| Document and Entity Information Document | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001051512 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-14157 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-2669023 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60602 |
| City Area Code | (312) |
| Local Phone Number | 630-1900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Shares | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | TDS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.625% Senior Notes | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.625% Senior Notes due 2045 |
| Trading Symbol | TDI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.875% Senior Notes | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 |
| Trading Symbol | TDE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 7.0% Senior Notes | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.000% Senior Notes due 2060 |
| Trading Symbol | TDJ |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 5.875% Senior Notes | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2061 |
| Trading Symbol | TDA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
