Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Shares	Retained Earnings	Total U.S. Cellular Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 3,675,917	$ 88,074	$ 1,387,341	$ (152,817)	$ 2,297,363	$ 3,619,961	$ 55,956
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	62,492				62,492	62,492
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	6,460						6,460
Incentive and compensation plans	520		189	597	(266)	520
Stock-based compensation awards	5,344		5,344			5,344
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(29)		(29)			(29)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(218)						(218)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2012	3,750,486	88,074	1,392,845	(152,220)	2,359,589	3,688,288	62,198
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,795,247	88,074	1,412,453	(165,724)	2,399,052	3,733,855	61,392
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	4,914				4,914	4,914
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	5,822						5,822
Repurchase of Common Shares	(18,425)			(18,425)		(18,425)
Incentive and compensation plans	123			764	(641)	123
Stock-based compensation awards	5,036		5,036			5,036
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(181)		(181)			(181)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(2,396)						(2,396)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 3,790,140	$ 88,074	$ 1,417,308	$ (183,385)	$ 2,403,325	$ 3,725,322	$ 64,818