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, 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
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	3,645	88	1,522	(136)	2,160	3,634	11
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	26				26	26
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	1						1
Incentive and compensation plans	3			4	(1)	3
Stock-based compensation awards	7		7			7
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 3,682	$ 88	$ 1,529	$ (132)	$ 2,185	$ 3,670	$ 12