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	110,100				110,100	110,100
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	11,254						11,254
Repurchase of Common Shares	(62,308)			(62,308)		(62,308)
Incentive and compensation plans	1,294		79	14,399	(13,184)	1,294
Stock-based compensation awards	10,798		10,798			10,798
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(1,198)		(1,198)			(1,198)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(877)						(877)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2011	3,609,033	88,074	1,378,166	(153,525)	2,232,423	3,545,138	63,895
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	115,177				115,177	115,177
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	13,038						13,038
Incentive and compensation plans	(2,303)		165	6,760	(9,228)	(2,303)
Stock-based compensation awards	10,960		10,960			10,960
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	544		544			544
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(643)						(643)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 3,812,690	$ 88,074	$ 1,399,010	$ (146,057)	$ 2,403,312	$ 3,744,339	$ 68,351