Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Customers and agents, less allowances of $20,611 and $21,337, respectively	$ 20,611	$ 21,337
Other, less allowances of $2,131 and $2,200, respectively	2,131	2,200
Investments
Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $96,689 and $96,597, respectively	96,689	96,597
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Shares authorized	190,000	190,000
Shares issued	88,074	88,074
Shares outstanding	84,574	84,557
Par value	88,074	88,074
Treasury shares	3,500	3,517
Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Shares authorized	140,000	140,000
Shares issued	55,068	55,068
Shares outstanding	51,568	51,551
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	55,068	55,068
Treasury shares	3,500	3,517
Series A Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Shares issued	33,006	33,006
Shares outstanding	33,006	33,006
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	$ 33,006	$ 33,006