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, 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 (loss) 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
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,409,597	88,074	1,424,729	(164,692)	2,043,095	3,391,206	18,391
Add (Deduct)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	19,482				19,482	19,482
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	(1,107)						(1,107)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(2,300)			(2,300)		(2,300)
Incentive and compensation plans	399			1,415	(1,016)	399
Stock-based compensation awards	4,576		4,576			4,576
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(157)		(157)			(157)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(324)						(324)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 3,430,166	$ 88,074	$ 1,429,148	$ (165,577)	$ 2,061,561	$ 3,413,206	$ 16,960