Consolidated Statement Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating revenues
Service	$ 996,349	$ 1,023,820
Equipment sales	85,397	68,301
Total operating revenues	1,081,746	1,092,121
Operating expenses
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	216,299	233,164
Cost of equipment sold	241,691	187,036
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $23.5 million and $26.0 million, respectively )	420,080	442,244
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	189,845	146,685
Loss on asset disposals, net	5,434	2,003
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	6,931	(4,213)
Total operating expenses	1,080,280	1,006,919
Operating income	1,466	85,202
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	26,835	21,614
Interest and dividend income	903	1,043
Interest expense	(10,910)	(13,411)
Other, net	(215)	202
Total investment and other income (expense)	16,613	9,448
Income before income taxes	18,079	94,650
Income tax expense	7,369	25,638
Net income	10,710	69,012
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(5,796)	(6,520)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 4,914	$ 62,492
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	83,838	84,570
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 0.06	$ 0.74
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	84,403	85,133
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 0.06	$ 0.73