Common Share Repurchases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share repurchases
Amount	$ 15,124	$ 18,544
Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Amount	15,124	18,544
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Number of shares acquired	384,000	499,000
Average cost per share	$ 39.37	$ 37.19
Amount	$ 15,124	$ 18,544
Common share repurchase authorization	On November 17, 2009, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. These purchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares	1,300,000
Repurchase expiration	does not have an expiration date