Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings per share
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (18,789)	$ 143,391	$ 693	$ 148,305
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share	84,341	83,845	84,277	83,842
Effects of dilutive securities:
Stock options		226	193	201
Restricted stock units		590	571	612
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share	84,341	84,661	85,041	84,655
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (0.22)	$ 1.71	$ 0.01	$ 1.77
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (0.22)	$ 1.69	$ 0.01	$ 1.75
Stock Options
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive securities	3,559	2,437	1,820	2,041
Restricted Stock Units
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive securities	1,191	208	141	221