Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Customers and agents, less allowances of $24,784 and $21,337, respectively	$ 24,784	$ 21,337
Other, less allowances of $3,127 and $2,200, respectively	3,127	2,200
Investments
Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $96,776 and $96,597, respectively	96,776	96,597
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Shares authorized	190,000	190,000
Shares issued	88,074	88,074
Shares outstanding	84,735	84,557
Par value	88,074	88,074
Treasury shares, at cost, 3,339 and 3,517 Common Shares, respectively	3,339	3,517
Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Shares authorized	140,000	140,000
Shares issued	55,068	55,068
Shares outstanding	51,729	51,551
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	55,068	55,068
Treasury shares, at cost, 3,339 and 3,517 Common Shares, respectively	3,339	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