Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	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, 2014	$ 3,313	$ 88	$ 1,473	$ (169)	$ 1,910	$ 3,302	$ 11
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	160				160	160
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	(1)						(1)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(2)			(2)		(2)
Stock-based compensation awards	6		6			6
Acquisition of assets in common control transaction	(2)		1		(3)	(2)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	3,474	88	1,480	(171)	2,067	3,464	10
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	3,571	88	1,497	(157)	2,133	3,561	10
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	9				9	9
Repurchase of Common Shares	(2)			(2)		(2)
Incentive and compensation plans	2			4	(2)	2
Stock-based compensation awards	5		5			5
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(1)		(1)			(1)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 3,584	$ 88	$ 1,501	$ (155)	$ 2,140	$ 3,574	$ 10