Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Shares	Retained Earnings	Total U.S. Cellular Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 3,539,970	$ 88,074	$ 1,368,487	$ (105,616)	$ 2,135,507	$ 3,486,452	$ 53,518
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	35,161				35,161	35,161
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	5,230						5,230
Repurchase of Common Shares	(17,357)			(17,357)		(17,357)
Incentive and compensation plans	1,337		32	2,498	(1,193)	1,337
Stock-based compensation awards	5,792		5,792			5,792
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	12		12			12
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(186)						(186)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2011	3,569,959	88,074	1,374,323	(120,475)	2,169,475	3,511,397	58,562
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,675,917	88,074	1,387,341	(152,817)	2,297,363	3,619,961	55,956
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	62,492				62,492	62,492
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	6,460						6,460
Incentive and compensation plans	520		189	597	(266)	520
Stock-based compensation awards	5,344		5,344			5,344
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(29)		(29)			(29)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(218)						(218)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3,750,486	$ 88,074	$ 1,392,845	$ (152,220)	$ 2,359,589	$ 3,688,288	$ 62,198