Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings per share
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (9,859)	$ 35,451	$ 138,446	$ 150,628
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	84,005	84,737	83,897	84,671
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		171	209	197
Restricted stock units		440	570	393
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	84,005	85,348	84,676	85,261
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ 1.65	$ 1.78
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ 1.64	$ 1.77
Common Shares | Stock Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Antidilutive securities	3,416	2,434	2,126	2,088
Common Shares | Restricted Stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Antidilutive securities	1,243		305	329