Supplemental Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$ (2,299)		$ 1,755
Common Shares
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Shares withheld	78	[1]	120	[1]
Aggregate value of shares withheld	3,076		5,942
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	793		5,258
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	(3,092)	[2]	(3,503)	[2]
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$ (2,299)		$ 1,755

[1] Such shares were withheld to cover the exercise price of stock options, if applicable, and required tax withholdings.

[2] In certain situations, U.S. Cellular withholds shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. U.S. Cellular then pays the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.