É mais útil como screen -dmS name command args - que iniciará uma sessão de tela chamada name em segundo plano (ou seja, desanexada) e executará command args dentro dessa sessão de tela.
Sem o command args , ele iniciará a sessão de tela em segundo plano.
Em ambos os casos, você pode anexar a essa sessão posteriormente com, por exemplo, screen -d -r name . De man screen :
-d|-D [pid.tty.host]
does not start screen, but detaches the elsewhere running screen session. It has the same effect as typing "C-a d" from screen's controlling terminal. -D is the equivalent to the power detach key. If no session can be detached, this option is ignored. In combination with the -r / -R option more powerful effects can be achieved:
-d -r Reattach a session and if necessary detach it first.
-d -R Reattach a session and if necessary detach or even create it first.
-d -RR Reattach a session and if necessary detach or create it. Use the first session if more than one session is available.
-D -r Reattach a session. If necessary detach and logout remotely first.
-D -R Attach here and now. In detail this means: If a session is running, then reattach. If necessary detach and logout remotely first. If it was not running create it and notify the user. This is the author's favorite.
-D -RR Attach here and now. Whatever that means, just do it.
Note: It is always a good idea to check the status of your sessions by means of screen -list.
Essa página do manual está faltando um detalhe importante aqui - ele deve ser:
-d|-D [pid.tty.host|session name]