Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basis of Presentation
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	84.00%		84.00%
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$ 27.4	$ 32.3	$ 87.6	$ 102.2

The total Universal Service Funds and other surcharges recorded gross in revenues taht are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

No definition available.

Name:	usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities
Namespace Prefix:	usm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration