Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Customers and agents, less allowances of $24,106 and $24,290, respectively	$ 24,106	$ 24,290
Other, less allowances of $1,692 and $2,612, respectively	1,692	2,612
Investments
Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $96,843 and $96,809, respectively	96,843	96,809
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	190,000	190,000
Issued shares	88,074	88,074
Outstanding shares	83,691	84,168
Par value	88,074	88,074
Treasury shares, at cost, 4,383 and 3,906 Common Shares, respectively	4,383	3,906
Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	140,000	140,000
Issued shares	55,068	55,068
Outstanding shares	50,685	51,162
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	55,068	55,068
Treasury shares, at cost, 4,383 and 3,906 Common Shares, respectively	4,383	3,906
Series A Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	50,000	50,000
Issued shares	33,006	33,006
Outstanding shares	33,006	33,006
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	$ 33,006	$ 33,006