Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Customers and agents, allowances	$ 41,364	$ 37,654
Other, allowances	$ 741	$ 859
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	190,000	190,000
Issued shares	88,074	88,074
Outstanding shares	84,288	84,080
Par value	$ 88,074	$ 88,074
Treasury Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Treasury shares	3,786	3,994
Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	140,000	140,000
Issued shares	55,068	55,068
Outstanding shares	51,282	51,074
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	$ 55,068	$ 55,068
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Treasury shares	3,786	3,994
Series A Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	50,000	50,000
Issued shares	33,006	33,006
Outstanding shares	33,006	33,006
Par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Par value	$ 33,006	$ 33,006