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	138,446				138,446	138,446
Net income (loss) 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
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	(21,472)				(21,472)	(21,472)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	(3,738)						(3,738)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(15,124)			(15,124)		(15,124)
Incentive and compensation plans	1,040			12,755	(11,715)	1,040
Stock-based compensation awards	15,474		15,474			15,474
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(563)		(563)			(563)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(517)						(517)
Acquisition of licenses in common control transaction	(47,126)		29,141		(76,267)	(47,126)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 3,337,571	$ 88,074	$ 1,468,781	$ (167,061)	$ 1,933,641	$ 3,323,435	$ 14,136