Common Share Repurchases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Repurchase program
Amount		$ 62,294
Treasury Shares
Repurchase program
Amount		$ 62,294
Common Shares
Repurchase program
Number of shares acquired		1,276,000
Average cost per share		$ 48.82
Common share repurchase authorization	On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares	1,300,000
Repurchase expiration	does not have an expiration date