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	148,305				148,305	148,305
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	6,061						6,061
Common and Series A Common Shares dividends	(482,270)				(482,270)	(482,270)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(18,425)			(18,425)		(18,425)
Incentive and compensation plans	(1,984)		222	6,976	(9,182)	(1,984)
Stock-based compensation awards	6,530		6,530			6,530
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(746)		(746)			(746)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,292)						(3,292)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	(31)		(31)			(31)
Deconsolidation of partnerships	(43,770)						(43,770)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2013	3,405,625	88,074	1,418,428	(177,173)	2,055,905	3,385,234	20,391
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	693				693	693
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	(2,136)						(2,136)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(8,598)			(8,598)		(8,598)
Incentive and compensation plans	720			12,153	(11,433)	720
Stock-based compensation awards	9,845		9,845			9,845
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(529)		(529)			(529)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(459)						(459)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$ 3,409,133	$ 88,074	$ 1,434,045	$ (161,137)	$ 2,032,355	$ 3,393,337	$ 15,796