contingent liabilities NTD - legal edits not reflected (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020 CAD ($)
Claims and lawsuits \| Area Code 867 blocking claim
Claims and lawsuits
Damages sought	$ 135

The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter.

No definition available.

Name:	tu_IfrsLossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue
Namespace Prefix:	tu_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration