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	150,628				150,628	150,628
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	19,766						19,766
Incentive and compensation plans	(2,136)		137	6,958	(9,231)	(2,136)
Stock-based compensation awards	15,761		15,761			15,761
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	471		471			471
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,491)						(1,491)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	2,907		2,907			2,907
Other	(28)						(28)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012	3,861,795	88,074	1,406,617	(145,859)	2,438,760	3,787,592	74,203
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	138,446				138,446	138,446
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	6,292						6,292
Common and Series A Common Shares dividends	(482,270)				(482,270)	(482,270)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(18,544)			(18,544)		(18,544)
Incentive and compensation plans	3,062		222	15,814	(12,974)	3,062
Stock-based compensation awards	11,143		11,143			11,143
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(2,526)		(2,526)			(2,526)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,447)						(3,447)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	(31)		(31)			(31)
Deconsolidation of partnerships	(43,770)						(43,770)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 3,403,602	$ 88,074	$ 1,421,261	$ (168,454)	$ 2,042,254	$ 3,383,135	$ 20,467