United States Cellular Corporat (UZD) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
			Series A Common Shares	Common Shares
Entity Registrant Name	'United States Cellular Corporation	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000821130	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$475,196,295	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Trading Symbol	'USM	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	33,006,000	51,208,000

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Oper

Consolidated Statement Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenues	'	'	'
Service	$3,594,773	$4,098,856	$4,053,797
Equipment sales	324,063	353,228	289,549
Total operating revenues	3,918,836	4,452,084	4,343,346
Operating expenses	'	'	'
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	763,435	946,805	929,379
Cost of equipment sold	999,000	935,947	791,802
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $99.2 million, $104.3 million and $104.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011)	1,677,395	1,764,933	1,769,701
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	803,781	608,633	573,557
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,606	18,088	9,889
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-246,767	21,022	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
Total operating expenses	3,771,971	4,295,428	4,062,566
Operating income	146,865	156,656	280,780
Investment and other income (expense)	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	131,949	90,364	83,566
Interest and dividend income	3,961	3,644	3,395
Gain (loss) on investments	18,556	-3,718	11,373
Interest expense	-43,963	-42,393	-65,614
Other, net	288	500	-678
Total investment and other income (expense)	110,791	48,397	32,042
Income before income taxes	257,656	205,053	312,822
Income tax expense	113,134	63,977	114,078
Net income	144,522	141,076	198,744
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	4,484	30,070	23,703
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$140,038	$111,006	$175,041
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	83,968	84,645	84,877
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$1.67	$1.31	$2.06
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	84,730	85,230	85,448
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$1.65	$1.30	$2.05
Special dividend per share to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$5.75	'	'

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$144,522	$141,076	$198,744
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	803,781	608,633	573,557
Bad debts expense	98,864	67,372	62,157
Stock-based compensation expense	15,844	21,466	20,183
Deferred income taxes, net	-75,348	49,244	203,264
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	-131,949	-90,364	-83,566
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	125,660	84,417	91,768
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	30,606	18,088	9,889
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	-246,767	21,022	'
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	-255,479	'	-11,762
(Gain) loss on investments	-18,556	3,718	-11,373
Noncash interest expense	1,059	-1,822	10,040
Other operating activities	646	546	102
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-291,759	-64,816	-82,175
Inventory	-82,422	-28,786	-14,640
Accounts payable - trade	85,199	-4,977	28,410
Accounts payable - affiliate	147	-1,458	1,392
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	66,344	30,353	34,927
Accrued taxes	30,037	73,064	-39,984
Accrued interest	273	167	225
Other assets and liabilities	-9,805	-27,652	-3,296
Cash flows from operating activities	290,897	899,291	987,862
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment	-717,862	-826,400	-771,798
Cash paid for aquisitions and licenses	-16,540	-122,690	-23,773
Cash received from divestitures	811,120	49,932	'
Cash paid for investments	'	-120,000	-110,000
Cash received for investments	100,000	125,000	145,250
Other investing activities	-3,969	-2,453	718
Cash flows from investing activities	172,749	-896,611	-759,603
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-414	-145	-330,338
Issuance of long-term debt	'	'	342,000
Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	5,784	-2,205	1,935
Common shares repurchased	-18,544	-20,045	-62,294
Payment of debt issuance costs	-23	-514	-11,400
Dividends paid	-482,270	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-3,766	-22,970	-21,094
Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries	-1,005	-3,167	'
Other financing activities	299	569	172
Cash flows from financing activities	-499,939	-48,477	-81,019
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-36,293	-45,797	147,240
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'
Beginning of period	378,358	424,155	276,915
End of period	$342,065	$378,358	$424,155

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$342,065	$378,358
Short-term investments	50,104	100,676
Accounts receivable	'	'
Customers and agents, less allowances of $59,206 and $24,290, respectively	467,255	349,424
Roaming	30,136	31,782
Affiliated	980	375
Other, less allowances of $1,032 and $2,612, respectively	88,224	63,639
Inventory, net	238,188	155,886
Income taxes receivable	'	1,612
Prepaid expenses	65,596	62,560
Net deferred income tax asset	99,105	35,419
Other current assets	19,538	16,745
Total current assets	1,401,191	1,196,476
Assets held for sale	16,027	216,763
Investments	'	'
Licenses	1,401,126	1,456,794
Goodwill	387,524	421,743
Investments in unconsolidated entities	265,585	144,531
Long-term investments	'	50,305
Total investments	2,054,235	2,073,373
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
In service and under construction	7,717,512	7,478,428
Less: Accumulated depreciation	4,860,992	4,455,840
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,856,520	3,022,588
Other assets and deferred charges	117,735	78,250
Total assets	6,445,708	6,587,450
Current liabilities	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	166	92
Accounts payable	'	'
Affiliated	11,243	10,725
Trade	405,583	310,936
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	256,740	192,113
Accrued taxes	73,820	35,834
Accrued compensation	66,566	90,418
Other current liabilities	192,055	114,881
Total current liabilities	1,006,173	754,999
Liabilities held for sale	'	19,594
Deferred liabilities and credits	'	'
Net deferred income tax liability	836,297	849,818
Other deferred liabilities and credits	315,073	288,441
Long-term debt	878,032	878,858
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	536	493
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares	88,074	88,074
Additional paid-in capital	1,424,729	1,412,453
Treasury Shares at cost	-164,692	-165,724
Retained earnings	2,043,095	2,399,052
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	3,391,206	3,733,855
Noncontrolling interests	18,391	61,392
Total equity	3,409,597	3,795,247
Total liabilities and equity	$6,445,708	$6,587,450

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Customers and agents, allowances	$59,206	$24,290
Other, allowances	1,032	2,612
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	'	'
Authorized shares	190,000	190,000
Issued shares	88,074	88,074
Outstanding shares	84,205	84,168
Par value	88,074	88,074
Treasury shares	3,869	3,906
Common Shares	'	'
U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	'	'
Authorized shares	140,000	140,000
Issued shares	55,068	55,068
Outstanding shares	51,199	51,162
Par value per share	$1	$1
Par value	55,068	55,068
Treasury shares	3,869	3,906
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	$1
Par value	$33,006	$33,006

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Shares	Retained Earnings	Total U.S. Cellular Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$3,539,970	$88,074	$1,368,487	($105,616)	$2,135,507	$3,486,452	$53,518
Add (Deduct)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	175,041	'	'	'	175,041	175,041	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	23,532	'	'	'	'	'	23,532
Repurchase of Common Shares	-62,294	'	'	-62,294	'	-62,294	'
Incentive and compensation plans	1,965	'	57	15,093	-13,185	1,965	'
Stock-based compensation awards	20,183	'	20,183	'	'	20,183	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-1,386	'	-1,386	'	'	-1,386	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-21,094	'	'	'	'	'	-21,094
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,675,917	88,074	1,387,341	-152,817	2,297,363	3,619,961	55,956
Add (Deduct)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	111,006	'	'	'	111,006	111,006	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	30,019	'	'	'	'	'	30,019
Repurchase of Common Shares	-20,045	'	'	-20,045	'	-20,045	'
Incentive and compensation plans	-2,042	'	137	7,138	-9,317	-2,042	'
Stock-based compensation awards	21,249	'	21,249	'	'	21,249	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-1,518	'	-1,518	'	'	-1,518	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-22,970	'	'	'	'	'	-22,970
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	3,658	'	5,244	'	'	5,244	-1,586
Other	-27	'	'	'	'	'	-27
Ending 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	140,038	'	'	'	140,038	140,038	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	4,251	'	'	'	'	'	4,251
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	6,073	'	222	19,576	-13,725	6,073	'
Stock-based compensation awards	15,467	'	15,467	'	'	15,467	'
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	-3,267	'	-3,267	'	'	-3,267	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-3,576	'	'	'	'	'	-3,576
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	-52	'	-146	'	'	-146	94
Deconsolidation of partnerships	-43,770	'	'	'	'	'	-43,770
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,409,597	$88,074	$1,424,729	($164,692)	$2,043,095	$3,391,206	$18,391

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), a Delaware Corporation, is an 84%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”).
	Nature of Operations
	U.S. Cellular owns, operates and invests in wireless systems throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular served 4.8 million customers. U.S. Cellular operates as one reportable segment.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP.
	Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders, cash flows, assets, liabilities or equity for the years presented.
	Business Combinations
	U.S. Cellular accounts for business combinations at fair value in accordance with the acquisition method. This method requires that the acquirer recognize 100% of the acquiree's assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date for all acquisitions, whether full or partial. In addition, transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, depreciation, amortization and accretion, allowance for doubtful accounts, loyalty reward points, income taxes, stock based compensation and asset retirement obligations.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had $50.1 million and $100.7 million, respectively, in Short-term investments. At December 31, 2012, U.S. Cellular had $50.3 million in Long-term investments. Short-term and Long-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For these investments, U.S. Cellular's objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk. See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular's wireless systems.
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	26,902	$	23,537	$	25,816
		Additions, net of recoveries		98,864		67,372		62,157
		Deductions		-65,528		-64,007		-64,436
	Ending balance		$	60,238	$	26,902	$	23,537
	Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market determined by replacement costs or estimated net realizable value.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Under the provisions of GAAP, fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). The provisions also establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
	Goodwill
	U.S. Cellular has Goodwill as a result of its acquisitions of wireless businesses. Such Goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions.
	Licenses
	Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service.
	U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:
	Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.
	The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.
	U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.
	U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular's license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.
	Goodwill and Licenses Impairment Assessment
	Goodwill and Licenses must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill and Licenses as of November 1 of each year.
	U.S. Cellular may first assess qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step Goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of reporting unit Goodwill with the carrying amount of that Goodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of Goodwill in this second step, an enterprise allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of Goodwill. If the carrying amount of Goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of Goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference.
	The impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than Goodwill may consist of first assessing qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends. If determined to be necessary, the next step compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of an intangible asset or reporting unit and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. Other valuation techniques include present value analysis, multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. The use of these techniques involve assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate, and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
	U.S. Cellular tests Goodwill for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units. The four reporting units represent four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2012, U.S. Cellular identified five reporting units. The change in reporting units resulted from the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities.
	A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review by using value drivers and risks specific to the current industry and economic markets. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. Key assumptions made in this process were the discount rate, estimated expected revenue growth rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	U.S. Cellular tests Licenses for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its 2013 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. For purposes of its 2012 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into thirteen units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The change in units of accounting resulted from (i) the Divestiture Transaction and the Mississippi Valley non-operating market license sale, both of which are more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and (ii) the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. In both 2013 and 2012, seven of the units of accounting represented geographic groupings of licenses which, because they were not being utilized and, therefore, were not expected to generate cash flows from operating activities in the foreseeable future, were considered separate units of accounting for purposes of impairment testing.
	U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value of Licenses by calculating future cash flows from a hypothetical start-up wireless company and assuming that the only assets available upon formation are the underlying Licenses. To apply this method, a hypothetical build-out of U.S. Cellular's wireless network, infrastructure, and related costs are projected based on market participant information. Calculated cash flows, along with a terminal value, are discounted to the present and summed to determine the estimated fair value.
	For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, U.S. Cellular prepares estimates of fair value by reference to prices paid in recent auctions and market transactions where available. If such information is not available, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period.
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. U.S. Cellular follows the equity method of accounting for such investments in which its ownership interest is less than or equal to 50% but equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies, or for unconsolidated entities in which its ownership is greater than 50% but U.S. Cellular does not have a controlling financial interest. The cost method of accounting is followed for such investments in which U.S. Cellular's ownership interest is less than 20% for corporations and is less than 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies and for investments for which U.S. Cellular does not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
	For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	U.S. Cellular's Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.
	Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less any applicable accrued asset retirement obligations and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.
	Costs of developing new information systems are capitalized and amortized over their expected economic useful lives.
	Depreciation
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.
	U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets' economic lives or the specific lease terms.
	Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013 and 2012. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no other material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets
	U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. If necessary, the impairment test for tangible long-lived assets is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) with the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset (or asset group) life. If the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value (less cost to sell), an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices, network operations center and wide-area network. As a result, U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows generated by this single interdependent network.
Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of a tangible long-lived asset and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. A present value analysis of cash flow scenarios is often the best available valuation technique. The use of this technique involves assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
Agent Liabilities
U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had accrued $121.3 million and $88.2 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. This amount is included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges
Other assets and deferred charges include underwriters' and legal fees and other charges related to issuing U.S. Cellular's various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. The amounts for deferred charges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are shown net of accumulated amortization of $26.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations
U.S. Cellular operates cell sites, retail stores and office spaces in its operating markets. A majority of these sites, stores and office spaces are leased. Most of these leases contain terms which require or may require U.S. Cellular to return the leased property to its original condition at the lease expiration date.
U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, U.S. Cellular records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. The liability is accreted to its present value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Treasury Shares
Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. Treasury shares are reissued as part of U.S. Cellular's stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from wireless operations consist primarily of:
Charges for access, airtime, roaming, long distance, data and other value added services provided to U.S. Cellular's retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers;
Charges to carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular's systems when roaming;
Sales of equipment and accessories;
Amounts received from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) in states where U.S. Cellular has been designated an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”); and
Redemptions of loyalty reward points for products or services.
Revenues related to wireless services and other value added services are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate.
Revenues from sales of equipment and accessories are recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the agent or end-user customer.
U.S. Cellular allocates revenue to each element of multiple element service offerings using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration, which consists of the amounts billed to the customer net of any cash-based discounts, is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price on a stand-alone basis. Such stand-alone selling price is determined in accordance with the following hierarchy:
U.S. Cellular-specific objective evidence of stand-alone selling price, if available; otherwise
Third-party evidence of selling price, if it is determinable; otherwise
A best estimate of stand-alone selling price.
U.S. Cellular estimates stand-alone selling prices of the elements of its service offerings as follows:
Wireless services – Based on the actual selling price U.S. Cellular offers when such plan is sold on a stand-alone basis, or if the plan is not sold on a stand-alone basis, U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of such plan based on similar plans that are sold on a stand-alone basis.
Wireless devices – Based on the selling price of the respective wireless device when it is sold on a stand-alone basis.
Phone Replacement – Based on U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of this service if it were sold on a stand-alone basis, which was calculated by estimating the cost of this program plus a reasonable margin.
Loyalty reward points – By estimating the retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed and dividing such amount by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This is calculated on a weighted average basis and requires U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that will be redeemed for each product or service.
U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is deferred. Revenue is recognized at the time of customer redemption or when such points have been depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular periodically reviews and revises the redemption and depletion rates as appropriate based on history and related future expectations. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the inconvenience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular's recent billing system conversion. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and increased Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $116.2 million and $56.6 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as customers may redeem their reward points within the current period.
Cash-based discounts and incentives, including discounts to customers who pay their bills through the use of on-line bill payment methods, are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue, and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their respective relative selling price.
In order to provide better control over wireless device quality, U.S. Cellular sells wireless devices to agents. U.S. Cellular pays rebates to agents at the time an agent activates a new customer or retains an existing customer in a transaction involving a wireless device. U.S. Cellular accounts for these rebates by reducing revenues at the time of the wireless device sale to the agent rather than at the time the agent activates a new customer or retains a current customer. Similarly, U.S. Cellular offers certain wireless device sales rebates and incentives to its retail customers and records the revenue net of the corresponding rebate or incentive. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular's estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.
GAAP requires that activation fees charged with the sale of equipment and service be allocated to the equipment and service based upon the relative selling prices of each item. Device activation fees charged at agent locations, where U.S. Cellular does not also sell a wireless device to the customer, are deferred and recognized over the average device life. Device activation fees charged as a result of handset sales at Company-owned retail stores are recognized at the time the handset is delivered to the customer.
ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular's designation as an ETC in various states.
Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities
U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $114.7 million, $135.7 million and $125.2 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs
U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $199.9 million, $227.0 million and $257.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes
U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. TDS and U.S. Cellular are parties to a Tax Allocation Agreement which provides that U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries be included with the TDS affiliated group in a consolidated federal income tax return and in state income or franchise tax returns in certain situations. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under the Tax Allocation Agreement, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax payable balance with TDS of $34.8 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment.
Stock-Based Compensation
U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and previously had an employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. Also, U.S. Cellular employees were eligible to participate in the TDS employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. These plans are described more fully in Note 15 — Stock-based Compensation. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of compensation cost for grants made under these plans is required.
U.S. Cellular values its share-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. U.S. Cellular believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of U.S. Cellular's common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is zero because U.S. Cellular has never paid a dividend, except a special cash dividend in June 2013, and has expressed its intention to retain all future earnings in the business. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.
The fair value of options is recognized as compensation cost over the respective requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, on a straight-line basis for each separate vesting portion of the awards as if the awards were, in-substance, multiple awards (graded vesting attribution method).
Defined Contribution Plans
U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $10.4 million, $12.4 million and $11.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retirement savings plan (“401(k) plan”) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred from U.S. Cellular's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15.4 million, $17.1 million and $15.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Operating Leases
U.S. Cellular is a party to various lease agreements for office space, retail stores, cell sites and equipment that are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. U.S. Cellular accounts for certain operating leases that contain rent abatements, lease incentives and/or fixed rental increases by recognizing lease revenue and expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On July 18, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryfoward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 addresses the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. In such event, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, would be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to deferred tax assets unless the net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward at the reporting date is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 2 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. However, U.S. Cellular has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
				31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
			Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy	Book Value			Fair Value	Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	342,065	$	342,065	$	378,358	$	378,358
	Short-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		50,104		50,104		100,676		100,676
	Long-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		-		-		50,305		50,339
	Long-term debt
		6.95% Senior Notes	1		342,000		309,852		342,000		376,610
		6.7% Senior Notes	2		532,449		507,697		532,194		582,744
	Short-term investments are designated as held-to-maturity investments and recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations and the current portion of Long-term debt.
	The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair values of Long-term investments were estimated using quoted market prices for the individual issuances. The fair value of Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for the 6.95% Senior Notes, and discounted cash flow analysis using an estimated yield to maturity of 7.35% and 6.09% for the 6.7% Senior Notes at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular did not have nonfinancial assets or liabilities that required the application of fair value accounting for purposes of reporting such amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 3 INCOME TAXES
	U.S. Cellular's income taxes balances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Federal income taxes (payable)		$	-32,351		$	-1,614
	State income taxes receivable (payable)			-1,545			1,612
	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
		Federal		$	180,056		$	10,547		$	-90,235
		State			8,426			4,186			1,049
	Deferred
		Federal			-69,917			54,490			187,581
		State			-5,431			-5,246			15,683
				$	113,134		$	63,977		$	114,078
	A reconciliation of U.S. Cellular's income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to U.S. Cellular's effective income tax expense rate is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		2013						2012					2011
			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate		Amount		Rate
	(Dollars in millions)
	Statutory federal income tax expense and rate		$	90.2		35	%		$	71.8		35	%	$	109.5	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit (1)			5.2		2				3.7		1.8			4.5	1.4
	Effect of noncontrolling interests			-2.2		-0.9				-6.3		-3.1			-4.9	-1.6
	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets (2)			20.5		8				-		-			-	-
	Correction of deferred taxes (3)			-		-				-5.3		-2.6			6.1	2
	Other differences, net			-0.6		-0.2				0.1		0.1			-1.1	-0.3
	Total income tax expense and rate		$	113.1		43.9	%		$	64		31.2	%	$	114.1	36.5	%
	-1	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	-2	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
	-3	U.S. Cellular recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	U.S. Cellular's current Net deferred income tax asset totaled $99.1 million and $35.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and primarily represents the deferred tax effects of the deferred revenue for the loyalty reward points, the allowance for doubtful accounts on customer receivables and accrued liabilities.
	U.S. Cellular’s noncurrent deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the temporary differences that gave rise to them were as follows:
	December 31,			2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets
		Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards		$	61,294		$	63,240
		Stock-based compensation			19,028			22,411
		Compensation and benefits - other			3,746			13,673
		Deferred rent			19,462			15,822
		Other			24,604			25,432
					128,134			140,578
		Less valuation allowance			-40,392			-40,208
		Total noncurrent deferred tax assets			87,742			100,370
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
		Property, plant and equipment			503,491			527,547
		Licenses/intangibles			282,764			294,738
		Partnership investments			133,931			124,221
		Other			3,853			3,682
		Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			924,039			950,188
	Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	836,297		$	849,818
	At December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular and certain subsidiaries had $1,149.4 million of state NOL carryforwards (generating a $51.1 million deferred tax asset) available to offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2014 and 2033. Certain subsidiaries had federal NOL carryforwards (generating a $10.2 million deferred tax asset) available to offset their future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards expire between 2018 and 2033. A valuation allowance was established for certain state NOL carryforwards and federal NOL carryforwards since it is more likely than not that a portion of such carryforwards will expire before they can be used.
	A summary of U.S. Cellular’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1,			$	41,295		$	30,261		$	29,891
		Charged to income tax expense			-1,527			3,033			-1,450
		Charged to other accounts			3,607			8,001			1,820
	Balance at December 31,			$	43,375		$	41,295		$	30,261
	As of December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance reduced current deferred tax assets by $3.0 million and noncurrent deferred tax assets by $40.4 million.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1,			$	26,460		$	28,745		$	32,547
	Additions for tax positions of current year			5,925			6,656			4,487
	Additions for tax positions of prior years			1,501			854			332
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years			-45			-115			-1,104
	Reductions for settlements of tax positions			-576			-			-244
	Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations			-4,452			-9,680			-7,273
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31,			$	28,813		$	26,460		$	28,745
Unrecognized tax benefits are included in Accrued taxes and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If these benefits were recognized, they would have reduced income tax expense in 2013, 2012 and 2011 by $18.7 million, $17.2 million and $18.7 million, respectively, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next twelve months.
U.S. Cellular recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense. The amounts charged to Income tax expense related to interest and penalties resulted in an expense of $0.6 million in 2013, and a benefit of $2.2 million and $2.6 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net accrued interest and penalties were $12.3 million and $12.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
U.S. Cellular is included in TDS' consolidated federal income tax return. U.S. Cellular also files various state and local income tax returns. The TDS consolidated group remains subject to federal income tax audits for the tax years after 2011. With only a few exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to state income tax audits for years prior to 2009.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Earnings per Share	'
	NOTE 4 EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units.
	The amounts used in computing earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows:
	Year ended December 31,		2013			2012		2011
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share)
	Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	140,038		$	111,006	$	175,041
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share			83,968			84,645		84,877
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options		211			184		224
		Restricted stock units		551			401		347
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share			84,730			85,230		85,448
	Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	1.67		$	1.31	$	2.06
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	1.65		$	1.3	$	2.05
	Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded, if any, is shown in the table below.
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		2,010		2,123		1,591
	Restricted stock units		190		369		250
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options and restricted stock unit awards were equitably adjusted for the special cash dividend. The impact of such adjustments on the earnings per share calculation was fully reflected for all years presented.

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges	'
	NOTE 5 ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND EXCHANGES
	U.S. Cellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on investment. As part of this strategy, U.S. Cellular reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional operating markets and wireless spectrum. In addition, U.S. Cellular may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other wireless interests those interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.
	Acquisitions did not have a material impact on U.S. Cellular's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented and pro forma results, assuming acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.
	Divestiture Transaction
	On November 6, 2012, U.S. Cellular entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with subsidiaries of Sprint Corp., fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, on May 16, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred customers and certain PCS license spectrum to Sprint in U.S. Cellular's Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement collectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.”
	U.S. Cellular retained other assets and liabilities related to the Divestiture Markets, including network assets, retail stores and related equipment, and other buildings and facilities. The transaction did not affect spectrum licenses held by U.S. Cellular or variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that were not used in the operations of the Divestiture Markets. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular and Sprint also entered into certain other agreements, including customer and network transition services agreements, which require U.S. Cellular to provide customer, billing and network services to Sprint for a period of up to 24 months after the May 16, 2013 closing date. Sprint will reimburse U.S. Cellular for providing such services at an amount equal to U.S. Cellular's estimated costs, including applicable overhead allocations. In addition, these agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site lease rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees. It is estimated that up to $175 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement will be recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net and up to $25 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement will be recorded in System operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $10.6 million of the Sprint Cost Reimbursement had been received and recorded in Cash received from divestitures in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	Financial impacts of the Divestiture Transaction are classified in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within Operating income. The table below describes the amounts U.S. Cellular has recognized and expects to recognize in the Consolidated Statement of Operations between the date the Purchase and Sale Agreement was signed and the end of the transition services period.
	(Dollars in thousands)				Expected Period of Recognition	Projected Range				Cumulative Amount Recognized as of December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Year Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
		Proceeds from Sprint
			Purchase price		2013	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-	$	-
			Sprint Cost Reimbursement		2013-2014		-120,000		-175,000		-47,641		-47,641		-43,420		-
		Net assets transferred			2013		213,593		213,593		213,593		213,593		-		-
		Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets			2012-2014		10,000		14,000		10,675		3		-51		10,672
		Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement			2012-2014		12,000		18,000		14,262		1,653		-809		12,609
		Contract termination costs			2012-2014		110,000		160,000		59,584		59,525		40,744		59
		Transaction costs			2012-2014		5,000		6,000		5,565		4,428		347		1,137
			Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net			$	-249,407	$	-243,407	$	-223,962	$	-248,439	$	-3,189	$	24,477
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
		Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values			2012-2014		200,000		225,000		198,571		178,513		44,513		20,058
	(Increase) decrease in Operating income					$	-49,407	$	-18,407	$	-25,391	$	-69,926	$	41,324	$	44,535
	Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values represents anticipated amounts to be recorded in the specified time periods as a result of a change in estimate for the remaining useful life and salvage value of certain assets and a change in estimate which accelerated the settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations in conjunction with the Divestiture Transaction. Specifically, for the years indicated, this is estimated depreciation, amortization and accretion recorded on assets and liabilities of the Divestiture Markets after the November 6, 2012 transaction date less depreciation, amortization and accretion that would have been recorded on such assets and liabilities in the normal course, absent the Divestiture Transaction.
	As a result of the transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized the following amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
						Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance December 31, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	12,305	$	6,853	$	-11,905	$	-5,200	$	2,053
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	30	$	22,675	$	-8,713	$	-	$	13,992
	Other deferred liabilities and credits
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	34,283	$	-3,434	$	-	$	30,849
						Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance November 6, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2012
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	-	$	12,609	$	-304	$	-	$	12,305
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	59	$	-29	$	-	$	30
	-1		Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	-2		Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.
	Other Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
	On October 4, 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million. At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	On August 14, 2013 U.S. Cellular entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its St. Louis area unbuilt license for $92.3 million. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. In accordance with GAAP, the book value of the license has been accounted for and disclosed as “held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013.
	On November 20, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired seven 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin for $57.7 million.
	On August 15, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired four 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma for $34.0 million.
	On March 14, 2012, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of the assets and liabilities of a wireless market for $49.8 million in cash. At the time of the sale, a $4.2 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On May 9, 2011, pursuant to certain required terms of the partnership agreement, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in this wireless market in which it previously held a 49% noncontrolling interest. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining interest, a $13.4 million gain was recorded to adjust the carrying value of this 49% investment to its fair value of $25.7 million based on an income approach valuation method.  The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2011.
	On September 30, 2011, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received eighteen 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering portions of Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington in exchange for two PCS spectrum licenses covering portions of Illinois and Indiana.  The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with additional spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements in several of its markets.  No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange.  As a result of this transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized a gain of $11.8 million, representing the difference between the fair value of the licenses received, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the carrying value of the licenses surrendered.  This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	U.S. Cellular acquisitions in 2013 and 2012 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows:
						Allocation of Purchase Price
	(Dollars in thousands)			Purchase Price		Goodwill		Licenses		Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization		Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities)
	2013
	Licenses			$	16,540	$	-	$	16,540	$	-	$	-
	2012
	Licenses			$	122,690	$	-	$	122,690	$	-	$	-
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held for sale" and "Liabilities held for sale":
				Current Assets		Licenses		Goodwill		Property, Plant and Equipment		Loss on Assets Held for Sale (1)		Total Assets Held for Sale		Liabilities Held for Sale (2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2013
	Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses			$	-	$	16,027	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	16,027	$	-
	2012
	Divestiture Transaction			$	-	$	140,599	$	72,994	$	-	$	-	$	213,593	$	19,594
	Bolingbrook Customer Care Center (3)				-		-		-		4,275		-1,105		3,170		-
		Total		$	-	$	140,599	$	72,994	$	4,275	$	-1,105	$	216,763	$	19,594
	-1		Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
-2		Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.
-3		Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Intangible Assets	'
	NOTE 6 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Changes in U.S. Cellular's Licenses and Goodwill are presented below. See Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for information regarding transactions which affected Licenses and Goodwill during the periods.
	Licenses
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year		$	1,456,794	$	1,470,769
	Acquisitions			16,540		122,690
	Divestitures			-59,419		-
	Transferred to Assets held for sale			-16,027		-140,599
	Other			3,238		3,934
	Balance, end of year		$	1,401,126	$	1,456,794
	Goodwill
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assigned value at time of acquisition		$	494,737	$	494,737
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods		-		-
		Transferred to Assets held for sale		-72,994		-
	Balance, beginning of year			421,743		494,737
		Divestitures		-505		-
		Transferred to Assets held for sale		-		-72,994
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation		-33,714		-
	Balance, end of year		$	387,524	$	421,743

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method as shown in the following table:
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity method investments:
		Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	121,571	$	10,323
		Cumulative share of income		1,152,916		1,017,449
		Cumulative share of distributions		-1,010,513		-884,852
				263,974		142,920
	Cost method investments			1,611		1,611
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities		$	265,585	$	144,531
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities totaled $131.9 million, $90.4 million and $83.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; of those amounts, U.S. Cellular's investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (“LA Partnership”) contributed $78.4 million, $67.2 million and $55.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. U.S. Cellular held a 5.5% ownership interest in the LA Partnership throughout and at the end of each of these years.
	The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and the combined results of operations of U.S. Cellular's equity method investments:
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Current	$	489,659	$	444,100
		Due from affiliates		408,735		298,707
		Property and other		2,026,104		1,896,784
			$	2,924,498	$	2,639,591
	Liabilities and Equity
		Current liabilities	$	351,624	$	350,067
		Deferred credits		84,834		80,660
		Long-term liabilities		19,712		21,328
		Long-term capital lease obligations		707		405
		Partners' capital and shareholders' equity		2,467,621		2,187,131
			$	2,924,498	$	2,639,591
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Results of Operations
		Revenues	$	6,218,067	$	5,804,466	$	5,519,024
		Operating expenses		4,473,722		4,363,399		4,282,277
		Operating income		1,744,345		1,441,067		1,236,747
		Other income, net		4,842		4,003		4,976
		Net income	$	1,749,187	$	1,445,070	$	1,241,723
	NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation
	U.S. Cellular holds a 60.00% interest in St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership (“NY1”) and a 57.14% interest in New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership (“NY2”) (together with NY1, the “Partnerships”). The remaining interests in the Partnerships are held by Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (“Verizon Wireless”). The Partnerships are operated by Verizon Wireless under the Verizon Wireless brand. Prior to April 3, 2013, because U.S. Cellular owned a greater than 50% interest in each of these Partnerships and based on U.S. Cellular's rights under the Partnership Agreements, U.S. Cellular consolidated the financial results of these Partnerships in accordance with GAAP.
	On April 3, 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement relating to the Partnerships. The agreement amends the Partnership Agreements in several ways which provide Verizon Wireless with substantive participating rights that allow Verizon Wireless to make decisions that are in the ordinary course of business of the Partnerships and which are significant to directing and executing the activities of the business. Accordingly, as required by GAAP, U.S. Cellular deconsolidated the Partnerships effective as of April 3, 2013 and thereafter reported them as equity method investments in its consolidated financial statements (“NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation”). After the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, U.S. Cellular retained the same ownership percentages in the Partnerships and will continue to report the same percentages of income from the Partnerships, which will be recorded in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition to the foregoing described arrangements, U.S. Cellular has certain other arm's length, ordinary business relationships with Verizon Wireless and its affiliates.
	In accordance with GAAP, as a result of the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, U.S. Cellular's interest in the Partnerships was reflected in Investments in unconsolidated entities at a fair value of $114.8 million as of April 3, 2013. Recording U.S. Cellular's interest in the Partnerships required allocation of the excess of fair value over book value to customer lists, licenses, a favorable contract and goodwill of the Partnerships. Amortization expense related to customer lists and the favorable contract will be recognized over their respective useful lives and is included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, U.S. Cellular recognized a non-cash pre-tax gain of $18.5 million in the second quarter of 2013. The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	The Partnerships were valued using a discounted cash flow approach and a publicly-traded guideline company method. The discounted cash flow approach uses value drivers and risks specific to the industry and current economic factors and incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of U.S. Cellular specific assumptions.  The most significant assumptions made in this process were the revenue growth rate (shown as a simple average in the table below), the terminal revenue growth rate, discount rate and capital expenditures. The assumptions were as follows:
	Key assumptions
	Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)		2	%
	Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)		2	%
	Discount rate		10.5	%
	Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue		14.9-18.8	%
	The publicly-traded guideline company method develops an indication of fair value by calculating average market pricing multiples for selected publicly-traded companies using multiples of: Revenue and Earnings before Interest, Taxes, and Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA). The developed multiples were applied to applicable financial measures of the Partnerships to determine fair value. The discounted cash flow approach and publicly-traded guideline company method were weighted to arrive at the total fair value of the Partnerships.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	NOTE 8 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	December 31,	Useful Lives (Years)	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land	N/A	$	36,266	$	33,947
	Buildings	20		304,272		341,852
	Leasehold and land improvements	30-Jan		1,197,520		1,188,720
	Cell site equipment	25-Jun		3,306,575		3,100,916
	Switching equipment	8-Jan		1,161,976		1,155,114
	Office furniture and equipment	5-Mar		539,248		535,656
	Other operating assets and equipment	25-May		92,456		128,290
	System development	7-Mar		962,698		631,184
	Work in process	N/A		116,501		362,749
				7,717,512		7,478,428
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization			-4,860,992		-4,455,840
			$	2,856,520	$	3,022,588
	Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $791.1 million, $597.7 million and $565.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As a result of the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized incremental depreciation and amortization in 2012 and 2013. See Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional information.
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net included charges of $30.6 million, $18.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, related to disposals of assets, trade-ins of older assets for replacement assets and other retirements of assets from service in the normal course of business.

Asset_Retirement_Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Asset Retirement Obligation	'
	NOTE 9 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	U.S. Cellular is subject to asset retirement obligations associated with its leased cell sites, switching office sites, retail store sites and office locations in its operating markets. Asset retirement obligations generally include obligations to restore leased land and retail store and office premises to their pre-lease conditions. These obligations are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits and Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	In 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to its asset retirement obligations. The results of the reviews (identified as “Revisions in estimated cash outflows”) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2013 and 2012, including the Divestiture Transaction, were as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Balance, beginning of period		$	179,607	$	143,402
		Additional liabilities accrued		635		5,578
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows (1)		6,268		22,588
		Disposition of assets (2)		-3,534		-2,674
		Accretion expense (3)		12,592		10,713
	Balance, end of period (4)		$	195,568	$	179,607
	-1	Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.
	-2	Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
	-3	Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-4	In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Debt	'
	NOTE 10 DEBT
	Revolving Credit Facility
	At December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had a revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity. U.S. Cellular did not borrow under its current or previous revolving credit facilities in 2013, 2012 or 2011 except for letters of credit.
	U.S. Cellular's interest cost on its revolving credit facility is subject to increase if its current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies is lowered, and is subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. The credit facility would not cease to be available nor would the maturity date accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in U.S. Cellular's credit rating. However, a downgrade in U.S. Cellular's credit rating could adversely affect its ability to renew the credit facilities or obtain access to other credit facilities in the future.
	The maturity date of any borrowings under the U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility would accelerate in the event of a change in control.
	The following table summarizes the terms of the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)
	Maximum borrowing capacity			$	300
	Letters of credit outstanding (1)			$	17.6
	Amount borrowed			$	-
	Amount available for use			$	282.4
	Borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread (2)				1.67	%
		LIBOR			0.17	%
		Contractual spread			1.5	%
	Range of commitment fees on amount available for use (3)
		Low			0.13	%
		High			0.3	%
	Agreement date				Dec-10
	Maturity date				Dec-17
	Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows:
		Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013			0.25	%
		Fees incurred, amount
			2013	$	0.8
			2012	$	1.1
			2011	$	1.2
	-1	In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 16 — Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.
	-2	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
	-3	The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
	The continued availability of the revolving credit facility requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing. U.S. Cellular believes it was in compliance as of December 31, 2013 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the revolving credit facility.
	In connection with U.S. Cellular's revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular's revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105,000,000, and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250,000,000, will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular's revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.
	At December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had recorded $2.7 million of issuance costs related to the revolving credit facility which is included in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)					Issuance date	Maturity date	Call date	2013		2012
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.70%		December 2003 and June 2004	Dec-33	Dec-03	$	544,000	$	544,000
				Less: 6.7% Unamortized discount						-11,551		-11,806
										532,449		532,194
				6.95%		May-11	May-60	May-16		342,000		342,000
			Obligation on capital leases							3,749		4,756
	Total long-term debt								$	878,198	$	878,950
			Long-term debt, current						$	166	$	92
			Long-term debt, noncurrent						$	878,032	$	878,858
	U.S. Cellular may redeem the 6.7% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points. U.S. Cellular may redeem the 6.95% Senior Notes, in whole or in part at any time after the call date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Interest on the 6.7% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually, and on the 6.95% Senior Notes is payable quarterly.
	Capitalized debt issuance costs for Unsecured Senior Notes totaled $16.3 million and are included in Other assets and deferred charges (a long-term asset account). These costs are amortized over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.
	U.S. Cellular does not have any annual requirements for principal payments on long-term debt over the next five years (excluding capital lease obligations).
	The covenants associated with U.S. Cellular's long-term debt obligations, among other things, restrict U.S. Cellular's ability, subject to certain exclusions, to incur additional liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and sell, consolidate or merge assets.
	U.S. Cellular's long-term debt indentures do not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in U.S. Cellular's credit rating. However, a downgrade in U.S. Cellular's credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	NOTE 11 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Agreements
	As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  In July 2013, U.S. Cellular implemented B/OSS, pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated June 29, 2012. Total payments to Amdocs related to this implementation are estimated to be approximately $183.9 million (subject to certain potential adjustments) over the period from commencement of the SLMA through the first half of 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, $136.8 million had been paid to Amdocs.
	Lease Commitments
	U.S. Cellular is a party to various lease agreements, both as lessee and lessor, for office space, retail store sites, cell sites and equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term.
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:
		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	152,349	$	46,357
	2015		134,852		36,847
	2016		116,397		26,201
	2017		97,098		17,226
	2018		79,166		6,521
	Thereafter		783,730		227
	Total	$	1,363,592	$	133,379
	Rent expense totaled $162.1 million, $183.9 million and $171.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Rent revenue totaled $45.7 million, $41.7 million and $39.2 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Indemnifications
	U.S. Cellular enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties.  The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement.  The events or circumstances that would require U.S. Cellular to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require U.S. Cellular to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction.  U.S. Cellular is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time.  Historically, U.S. Cellular has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.
	Legal Proceedings
	U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts.  If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss.  If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued.  The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events.  The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures.  The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.
	U.S. Cellular has accrued $0.3 million and $1.7 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. U.S. Cellular has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss. U.S. Cellular does not believe that the amount of any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued would be material.
	Apple iPhone Products Purchase Commitment
	In March 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Based on current forecasts, U.S. Cellular estimates that the remaining contractual purchase commitment as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $950 million. At this time, U.S. Cellular expects to meet its contractual commitment with Apple.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	NOTE 12 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs)
	U.S. Cellular consolidates variable interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur.
	Consolidated VIEs
	As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular holds a variable interest in and consolidates the following VIEs under GAAP:
	Aquinas Wireless L.P. (“Aquinas Wireless”); and
	King Street Wireless L.P. (“King Street Wireless”) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
	The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless (collectively, the “limited partnerships”) is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships; however, the general partner of each partnership needs consent of the limited partner, a U.S. Cellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of the VIEs is shared, U.S. Cellular has a disproportionate level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated.
	The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs' assets and liabilities in U.S. Cellular's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,076	$	5,849
		Other current assets		1,184		120
		Licenses		310,475		308,091
		Property, plant and equipment, net		18,600		16,443
		Other assets and deferred charges		511		887
		Total assets	$	332,846	$	331,390
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities	$	46	$	1,013
		Deferred liabilities and credits		3,139		3,024
		Total liabilities	$	3,185	$	4,037
	Other Related Matters
	Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC licenses won in the auctions. As such, these entities have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in U.S. Cellular's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	U.S. Cellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for the development of licenses granted in various auctions.  U.S. Cellular may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/or long-term debt.  There is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.
	The limited partnership agreements of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership.  The general partner's put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless and Aquinas Wireless will become exercisable in 2019 and 2020, respectively.  The put option price is determined pursuant to a formula that takes into consideration fixed interest rates and the market value of U.S. Cellular's Common Shares.  Upon exercise of the put option, the general partner is required to repay borrowings due to U.S. Cellular.  If the general partner does not elect to exercise its put option, the general partner may trigger an appraisal process in which the limited partner (a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular) may have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the general partner's interest in the limited partnership at a price and on other terms and conditions specified in the limited partnership agreement.  In accordance with requirements under GAAP, U.S. Cellular is required to calculate a theoretical redemption value for all of the put options assuming they are exercisable at the end of each reporting period, even though such exercise is not contractually permitted.  Pursuant to GAAP, this theoretical redemption value, net of amounts payable to U.S. Cellular for loans and accrued interest thereon made by U.S. Cellular to the general partners the (“net put value”), was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net put value is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in U.S. Cellular's Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Also in accordance with GAAP, changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in U.S. Cellular's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	U.S. Cellular's capital contributions and advances made to Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless and/or their general partners totaled $10.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no capital contributions or advances made to Aquinas Wireless or King Street Wireless or their general partners in 2013.
	U.S. Cellular currently provides 4G LTE service in conjunction with King Street Wireless. Aquinas Wireless is still in the process of developing long-term business plans.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	NOTE 13 NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	U.S. Cellular's consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that meet the GAAP definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments.  These mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), where the terms of the underlying partnership or LLC agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the noncontrolling interest holders and U.S. Cellular in accordance with the respective partnership and LLC agreements.  The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2107.
	The estimated aggregate amount that would be due and payable to settle all of these noncontrolling interests assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs on December 31, 2013, net of estimated liquidation costs, is $24.8 million.  This amount excludes redemption amounts recorded in Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature.  Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount.  U.S. Cellular currently has no plans or intentions relating to the liquidation of any of the related partnerships or LLCs prior to their scheduled termination dates.  The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships and LLCs at December 31, 2013 was $15.4 million, and is included in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is due primarily to the unrecognized appreciation of the noncontrolling interest holders' share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships and LLCs.  Neither the noncontrolling interest holders' share, nor U.S. Cellular's share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Common_Shareholders_Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Common Shareholders' Equity	'
	NOTE 14 COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Tax-Deferred Savings Plan
	U.S. Cellular has reserved 67,215 Common Shares for issuance under the TDS Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, a qualified profit-sharing plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees have the option of investing their contributions in a U.S. Cellular Common Share fund, a TDS Common Share fund or certain unaffiliated funds.
	Series A Common Shares
	Series A Common Shares are convertible on a share-for-share basis into Common Shares. In matters other than the election of directors, each Series A Common Share is entitled to ten votes per share, compared to one vote for each Common Share. The Series A Common Shares are entitled to elect 75% of the directors (rounded down), and the Common Shares elect 25% of the directors (rounded up). As of December 31, 2013, a majority of U.S. Cellular's outstanding Common Shares and all of U.S. Cellular's outstanding Series A Common Shares were held by TDS.
	Common Share Repurchase Program
	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 prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
	Share repurchases made under this authorization were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		Number of Shares	Average Cost Per Share		Total Cost
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands)
	2013
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	499	$	37.19	$	18,544
	2012
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	571	$	35.11	$	20,045
	2011
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	1,276	$	48.82	$	62,294
	Pursuant to certain employee and non-employee benefit plans, U.S. Cellular reissued 535,578, 182,195, and 286,211 Treasury Shares in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Dividend
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	NOTE 15 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	U.S. Cellular has established the following stock-based compensation plans: long-term incentive plans and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and had an employee stock purchase plan that was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. In addition, U.S. Cellular employees were eligible to participate in the TDS employee stock purchase plan before that plan also was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.
	Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards.
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options, restricted stock unit awards and deferred compensation stock units were equitably adjusted for the special cash dividend. The impact of such adjustments are fully reflected for all years presented. See Note 4 – Earnings Per Share for additional information.
	At December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had reserved 10,139,000 Common Shares for equity awards granted and to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plans. No Common Shares were reserved for issuance to employees under any employee stock purchase plan since this plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.
	U.S. Cellular also has established a Non-Employee Director compensation plan under which it has reserved 212,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2013 for issuance as compensation to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of U.S. Cellular or TDS.
	U.S. Cellular uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for Common Shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans.
	Long-Term Incentive Plans—Stock Options—Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee's termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.
	U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.
		2013		2012		2011
	Expected life	4.6-9.0 years		4.5 years		4.3 years
	Expected volatility	29.2%-39.6%		40.7%-42.6%		43.4%-44.8%
	Dividend yield	0%		0%		0%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7%-2.4%		0.5%-0.9%		0.7%-2.0%
	Estimated annual forfeiture rate	0.0%-8.1%		0.0%-9.1%		0.0%-7.8%
	A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during the three years ended December 31, 2013, is presented in the table below:
	Common Share Options			Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			2,627,000		$	42.28
	(1,333,000 exercisable)						47.18
		Granted		694,000			44.34		$	16.66
		Exercised		-201,000			32.32				$	2,099,000
		Forfeited		-83,000			39.42
		Expired		-203,000			49.32
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			2,834,000		$	43.07
	(1,533,000 exercisable)						46.23
		Granted		677,000			34.91		$	12.61
		Exercised		-47,000			29.82				$	205,000
		Forfeited		-117,000			38.45
		Expired		-133,000			46.17
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			3,214,000		$	41.58
	(1,928,000 exercisable)					$	43.99
		Granted		1,213,000			32.45		$	11.53
		Exercised		-892,000			34.78				$	6,787,000
		Forfeited		-574,000			34.17
		Expired		-247,000			48.35
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,714,000		$	42.22				$	13,015,000	6.8
	(1,359,000 exercisable)					$	46.91				$	2,632,000	4.6
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between U.S. Cellular's closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that was received by the option holders upon exercise or that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2013.
	Long-Term Incentive Plans—Restricted Stock Units—U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees.
	U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.
	A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:
	Common Restricted Stock Units	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	1,139,000		$	38.4
	Granted	601,000			32.06
	Vested	-238,000			42.26
	Forfeited	-332,000			35.63
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,170,000		$	36.46
	The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $8.8 million, $8.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively, as of the respective vesting dates. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $32.06, $34.09 and $42.33, respectively.
	Long-Term Incentive Plans—Deferred Compensation Stock Units—Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular's matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units.
	The total fair value of deferred compensation stock units that vested was less than $0.1 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011. The weighted average grant date fair value of deferred compensation stock units granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $31.50, $36.34 and $41.79, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there were 12,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $0.5 million.
	Compensation of Non-Employee Directors—U.S. Cellular issued 13,000, 7,600 and 6,600 Common Shares in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under its Non-Employee Director compensation plan.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized during 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Year Ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock option awards	$	5,810		$	8,471		$	9,549
	Restricted stock unit awards		9,485			12,300			10,037
	Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards		2			240			12
	Awards under employee stock purchase plan		-			-			255
	Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan		547			455			330
	Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes		15,844			21,466			20,183
	Income tax benefit		-5,984			-8,121			-7,581
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	9,860		$	13,345		$	12,602
The following table provides a summary of the stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended:
December 31,			2013			2012			2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expense		$	12,933		$	18,437		$	17,538
System operations			2,911			3,029			2,645
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	15,844		$	21,466		$	20,183
At December 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation cost for all U.S. Cellular stock-based compensation awards was $24.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.
U.S. Cellular's tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and other awards totaled $6.1 million in 2013.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'
	NOTE 16 SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
	Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid.
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest paid	$	42,904	$	44,048	$	55,580
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	157,778	$	-58,609	$	-54,469
	Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, U.S. Cellular withholds shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. U.S. Cellular then pays the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		606,582		92,846		120,250
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	25,179	$	3,604	$	5,952
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		10,468		900		5,447
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-4,684		-3,105		-3,512
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	5,784	$	-2,205	$	1,935
	On September 27, 2012, the FCC conducted a single round, sealed bid, reverse auction to award up to $300 million in one-time Mobility Fund Phase I support to successful bidders that commit to provide 3G, or better, wireless service in areas designated as unserved by the FCC.  This auction was designated by the FCC as Auction 901. U.S. Cellular and several of its wholly-owned subsidiaries participated in Auction 901 and were winning bidders in eligible areas within 10 states and will receive up to $40.1 million in one-time support from the Mobility Fund. These funds will reduce the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate or will offset operating expenses. U.S. Cellular has received $13.4 million in support funds as of December 31, 2013, of which $10.3 million is included as a component of Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $3.1 million reduced the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate, which are included in Property, plant and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Related Parties	'
	NOTE 17 RELATED PARTIES
	U.S. Cellular is billed for all services it receives from TDS, pursuant to the terms of various agreements between it and TDS. These billings are included in U.S. Cellular's Selling, general and administrative expenses. Some of these agreements were established at a time prior to U.S. Cellular's initial public offering when TDS owned more than 90% of U.S. Cellular's outstanding capital stock and may not reflect terms that would be obtainable from an unrelated third party through arms-length negotiations. Billings from TDS to U.S. Cellular are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and on allocations of common expenses. Such allocations are based on the relationship of U.S. Cellular's assets, employees, investment in property, plant and equipment and expenses relative to all subsidiaries in the TDS consolidated group. Management believes the method TDS uses to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular are reflected in its financial statements. Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS totaled $99.2 million, $104.3 million and $104.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The Audit committee of the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular is responsible for the review and evaluation of all related party transactions as such term is defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

Certain_Relationships_and_Rela

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	'
	NOTE 18 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
	The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a director of U.S. Cellular, a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDS and a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of U.S. Cellular and certain other subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS, U.S. Cellular or their subsidiaries. U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $13.2 million in 2013, $10.7 million in 2012 and $9.2 million in 2011.
	The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the review and evaluation of all related-party transactions as such term is defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Significant Accounting Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	U.S. Cellular owns, operates and invests in wireless systems throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular served 4.8 million customers. U.S. Cellular operates as one reportable segment.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP.
	Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	'
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders, cash flows, assets, liabilities or equity for the years presented.
Business Combinations	'
	U.S. Cellular accounts for business combinations at fair value in accordance with the acquisition method. This method requires that the acquirer recognize 100% of the acquiree's assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date for all acquisitions, whether full or partial. In addition, transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed.
Use of Estimates	'
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, depreciation, amortization and accretion, allowance for doubtful accounts, loyalty reward points, income taxes, stock based compensation and asset retirement obligations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had $50.1 million and $100.7 million, respectively, in Short-term investments. At December 31, 2012, U.S. Cellular had $50.3 million in Long-term investments. Short-term and Long-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For these investments, U.S. Cellular's objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk. See Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular's wireless systems.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Inventory	'
	Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market determined by replacement costs or estimated net realizable value.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Under the provisions of GAAP, fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). The provisions also establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill
	U.S. Cellular has Goodwill as a result of its acquisitions of wireless businesses. Such Goodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions.
	Licenses
	Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service.
	U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:
	Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.
	The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.
	U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.
	U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular's license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.
	Goodwill and Licenses Impairment Assessment
	Goodwill and Licenses must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill and Licenses as of November 1 of each year.
	U.S. Cellular may first assess qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step Goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of reporting unit Goodwill with the carrying amount of that Goodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of Goodwill in this second step, an enterprise allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of Goodwill. If the carrying amount of Goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of Goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference.
	The impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than Goodwill may consist of first assessing qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends. If determined to be necessary, the next step compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of an intangible asset or reporting unit and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. Other valuation techniques include present value analysis, multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. The use of these techniques involve assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate, and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
	U.S. Cellular tests Goodwill for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2013, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units. The four reporting units represent four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. For purposes of its impairment testing of Goodwill in 2012, U.S. Cellular identified five reporting units. The change in reporting units resulted from the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities.
	A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review by using value drivers and risks specific to the current industry and economic markets. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. Key assumptions made in this process were the discount rate, estimated expected revenue growth rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate.
	U.S. Cellular tests Licenses for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its 2013 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. For purposes of its 2012 impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into thirteen units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The change in units of accounting resulted from (i) the Divestiture Transaction and the Mississippi Valley non-operating market license sale, both of which are more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and (ii) the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation more fully described in Note 7 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. In both 2013 and 2012, seven of the units of accounting represented geographic groupings of licenses which, because they were not being utilized and, therefore, were not expected to generate cash flows from operating activities in the foreseeable future, were considered separate units of accounting for purposes of impairment testing.
	U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value of Licenses by calculating future cash flows from a hypothetical start-up wireless company and assuming that the only assets available upon formation are the underlying Licenses. To apply this method, a hypothetical build-out of U.S. Cellular's wireless network, infrastructure, and related costs are projected based on market participant information. Calculated cash flows, along with a terminal value, are discounted to the present and summed to determine the estimated fair value.
	For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, U.S. Cellular prepares estimates of fair value by reference to prices paid in recent auctions and market transactions where available. If such information is not available, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. U.S. Cellular follows the equity method of accounting for such investments in which its ownership interest is less than or equal to 50% but equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies, or for unconsolidated entities in which its ownership is greater than 50% but U.S. Cellular does not have a controlling financial interest. The cost method of accounting is followed for such investments in which U.S. Cellular's ownership interest is less than 20% for corporations and is less than 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies and for investments for which U.S. Cellular does not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
	For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	U.S. Cellular's Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.
	Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less any applicable accrued asset retirement obligations and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.
	Costs of developing new information systems are capitalized and amortized over their expected economic useful lives.
Depreciation	'
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.
	U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets' economic lives or the specific lease terms.
	Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 5 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013 and 2012. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no other material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. If necessary, the impairment test for tangible long-lived assets is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) with the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset (or asset group) life. If the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value (less cost to sell), an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
	U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices, network operations center and wide-area network. As a result, U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows generated by this single interdependent network.
	Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of a tangible long-lived asset and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. A present value analysis of cash flow scenarios is often the best available valuation technique. The use of this technique involves assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
Agent Liabilities	'
	U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had accrued $121.3 million and $88.2 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. This amount is included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges	'
	Other assets and deferred charges include underwriters' and legal fees and other charges related to issuing U.S. Cellular's various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. The amounts for deferred charges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are shown net of accumulated amortization of $26.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	U.S. Cellular operates cell sites, retail stores and office spaces in its operating markets. A majority of these sites, stores and office spaces are leased. Most of these leases contain terms which require or may require U.S. Cellular to return the leased property to its original condition at the lease expiration date.
	U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, U.S. Cellular records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. The liability is accreted to its present value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Treasury Shares	'Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. Treasury shares are reissued as part of U.S. Cellular’s stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenues from wireless operations consist primarily of:
	Charges for access, airtime, roaming, long distance, data and other value added services provided to U.S. Cellular's retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers;
	Charges to carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular's systems when roaming;
	Sales of equipment and accessories;
	Amounts received from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) in states where U.S. Cellular has been designated an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”); and
	Redemptions of loyalty reward points for products or services.
	Revenues related to wireless services and other value added services are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate.
	Revenues from sales of equipment and accessories are recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the agent or end-user customer.
	U.S. Cellular allocates revenue to each element of multiple element service offerings using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration, which consists of the amounts billed to the customer net of any cash-based discounts, is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price on a stand-alone basis. Such stand-alone selling price is determined in accordance with the following hierarchy:
	U.S. Cellular-specific objective evidence of stand-alone selling price, if available; otherwise
	Third-party evidence of selling price, if it is determinable; otherwise
	A best estimate of stand-alone selling price.
	U.S. Cellular estimates stand-alone selling prices of the elements of its service offerings as follows:
	Wireless services – Based on the actual selling price U.S. Cellular offers when such plan is sold on a stand-alone basis, or if the plan is not sold on a stand-alone basis, U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of such plan based on similar plans that are sold on a stand-alone basis.
	Wireless devices – Based on the selling price of the respective wireless device when it is sold on a stand-alone basis.
	Phone Replacement – Based on U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of this service if it were sold on a stand-alone basis, which was calculated by estimating the cost of this program plus a reasonable margin.
	Loyalty reward points – By estimating the retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed and dividing such amount by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This is calculated on a weighted average basis and requires U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that will be redeemed for each product or service.
	U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is deferred. Revenue is recognized at the time of customer redemption or when such points have been depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular periodically reviews and revises the redemption and depletion rates as appropriate based on history and related future expectations. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the inconvenience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular's recent billing system conversion. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and increased Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $116.2 million and $56.6 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as customers may redeem their reward points within the current period.
	Cash-based discounts and incentives, including discounts to customers who pay their bills through the use of on-line bill payment methods, are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue, and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their respective relative selling price.
	In order to provide better control over wireless device quality, U.S. Cellular sells wireless devices to agents. U.S. Cellular pays rebates to agents at the time an agent activates a new customer or retains an existing customer in a transaction involving a wireless device. U.S. Cellular accounts for these rebates by reducing revenues at the time of the wireless device sale to the agent rather than at the time the agent activates a new customer or retains a current customer. Similarly, U.S. Cellular offers certain wireless device sales rebates and incentives to its retail customers and records the revenue net of the corresponding rebate or incentive. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular's estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.
	GAAP requires that activation fees charged with the sale of equipment and service be allocated to the equipment and service based upon the relative selling prices of each item. Device activation fees charged at agent locations, where U.S. Cellular does not also sell a wireless device to the customer, are deferred and recognized over the average device life. Device activation fees charged as a result of handset sales at Company-owned retail stores are recognized at the time the handset is delivered to the customer.
	ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular's designation as an ETC in various states.
Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities	'
	U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $114.7 million, $135.7 million and $125.2 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs	'
	U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $199.9 million, $227.0 million and $257.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes	'
	U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. TDS and U.S. Cellular are parties to a Tax Allocation Agreement which provides that U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries be included with the TDS affiliated group in a consolidated federal income tax return and in state income or franchise tax returns in certain situations. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under the Tax Allocation Agreement, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax payable balance with TDS of $34.8 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan, and previously had an employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. Also, U.S. Cellular employees were eligible to participate in the TDS employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. These plans are described more fully in Note 15 — Stock-based Compensation. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of compensation cost for grants made under these plans is required.
	U.S. Cellular values its share-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. U.S. Cellular believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of U.S. Cellular's common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is zero because U.S. Cellular has never paid a dividend, except a special cash dividend in June 2013, and has expressed its intention to retain all future earnings in the business. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.
	The fair value of options is recognized as compensation cost over the respective requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, on a straight-line basis for each separate vesting portion of the awards as if the awards were, in-substance, multiple awards (graded vesting attribution method).
Defined Contribution Plans	'
	U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $10.4 million, $12.4 million and $11.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retirement savings plan (“401(k) plan”) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred from U.S. Cellular's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15.4 million, $17.1 million and $15.5 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Operating Leases	'
	U.S. Cellular is a party to various lease agreements for office space, retail stores, cell sites and equipment that are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. U.S. Cellular accounts for certain operating leases that contain rent abatements, lease incentives and/or fixed rental increases by recognizing lease revenue and expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	On July 18, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryfoward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 addresses the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. In such event, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, would be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a reduction to deferred tax assets unless the net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward at the reporting date is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	U.S. Cellular consolidates variable interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur.
Legal proceedings	'
	U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts.  If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss.  If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued.  The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events.  The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures.  The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	'
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
			2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	26,902	$	23,537	$	25,816
		Additions, net of recoveries		98,864		67,372		62,157
		Deductions		-65,528		-64,007		-64,436
	Ending balance		$	60,238	$	26,902	$	23,537

Fair_Value_Measurements_Table

Fair Value Measurements (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Fair value measurements	'
				31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
			Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy	Book Value			Fair Value	Book Value		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	342,065	$	342,065	$	378,358	$	378,358
	Short-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		50,104		50,104		100,676		100,676
	Long-term investments
		U.S. Treasury Notes	1		-		-		50,305		50,339
	Long-term debt
		6.95% Senior Notes	1		342,000		309,852		342,000		376,610
		6.7% Senior Notes	2		532,449		507,697		532,194		582,744

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure	'
Income taxes receivable	'
	December 31,		2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Federal income taxes (payable)		$	-32,351		$	-1,614
	State income taxes receivable (payable)			-1,545			1,612
Income tax expense	'
	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,			2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Current
		Federal		$	180,056		$	10,547		$	-90,235
		State			8,426			4,186			1,049
	Deferred
		Federal			-69,917			54,490			187,581
		State			-5,431			-5,246			15,683
				$	113,134		$	63,977		$	114,078
Income tax reconciliation	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013						2012					2011
			Amount			Rate			Amount			Rate		Amount		Rate
	(Dollars in millions)
	Statutory federal income tax expense and rate		$	90.2		35	%		$	71.8		35	%	$	109.5	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit (1)			5.2		2				3.7		1.8			4.5	1.4
	Effect of noncontrolling interests			-2.2		-0.9				-6.3		-3.1			-4.9	-1.6
	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets (2)			20.5		8				-		-			-	-
	Correction of deferred taxes (3)			-		-				-5.3		-2.6			6.1	2
	Other differences, net			-0.6		-0.2				0.1		0.1			-1.1	-0.3
	Total income tax expense and rate		$	113.1		43.9	%		$	64		31.2	%	$	114.1	36.5	%
	-1	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	-2	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
	-3	U.S. Cellular recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Temporary income tax differences	'
	U.S. Cellular’s noncurrent deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the temporary differences that gave rise to them were as follows:
	December 31,			2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets
		Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards		$	61,294		$	63,240
		Stock-based compensation			19,028			22,411
		Compensation and benefits - other			3,746			13,673
		Deferred rent			19,462			15,822
		Other			24,604			25,432
					128,134			140,578
		Less valuation allowance			-40,392			-40,208
		Total noncurrent deferred tax assets			87,742			100,370
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
		Property, plant and equipment			503,491			527,547
		Licenses/intangibles			282,764			294,738
		Partnership investments			133,931			124,221
		Other			3,853			3,682
		Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			924,039			950,188
	Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	836,297		$	849,818
Deferred tax valuation allowance	'
	A summary of U.S. Cellular’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at January 1,			$	41,295		$	30,261		$	29,891
		Charged to income tax expense			-1,527			3,033			-1,450
		Charged to other accounts			3,607			8,001			1,820
	Balance at December 31,			$	43,375		$	41,295		$	30,261
	As of December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance reduced current deferred tax assets by $3.0 million and noncurrent deferred tax assets by $40.4 million.
Income tax unrecognized benefits summary	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1,			$	26,460		$	28,745		$	32,547
		Additions for tax positions of current year			5,925			6,656			4,487
		Additions for tax positions of prior years			1,501			854			332
		Reductions for tax positions of prior years			-45			-115			-1,104
		Reductions for settlements of tax positions			-576			-			-244
		Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations			-4,452			-9,680			-7,273
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31,			$	28,813		$	26,460		$	28,745

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings per share	'
	Year ended December 31,		2013			2012		2011
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share)
	Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	140,038		$	111,006	$	175,041
	Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share			83,968			84,645		84,877
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Stock options		211			184		224
		Restricted stock units		551			401		347
	Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share			84,730			85,230		85,448
	Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	1.67		$	1.31	$	2.06
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders		$	1.65		$	1.3	$	2.05
Summary of antidilutive shares	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Shares in thousands)
	Stock options		2,010		2,123		1,591
	Restricted stock units		190		369		250

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_1

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination	'
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges	'
	U.S. Cellular acquisitions in 2013 and 2012 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows:
						Allocation of Purchase Price
	(Dollars in thousands)			Purchase Price		Goodwill		Licenses		Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization		Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities)
	2013
	Licenses			$	16,540	$	-	$	16,540	$	-	$	-
	2012
	Licenses			$	122,690	$	-	$	122,690	$	-	$	-
Divestiture Financial Impacts	'
Business divestiture financial impacts	'
	(Dollars in thousands)				Expected Period of Recognition	Projected Range				Cumulative Amount Recognized as of December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Year Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months Ended December 31, 2013		Actual Amount Recognized Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
		Proceeds from Sprint
			Purchase price		2013	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-480,000	$	-	$	-
			Sprint Cost Reimbursement		2013-2014		-120,000		-175,000		-47,641		-47,641		-43,420		-
		Net assets transferred			2013		213,593		213,593		213,593		213,593		-		-
		Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets			2012-2014		10,000		14,000		10,675		3		-51		10,672
		Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement			2012-2014		12,000		18,000		14,262		1,653		-809		12,609
		Contract termination costs			2012-2014		110,000		160,000		59,584		59,525		40,744		59
		Transaction costs			2012-2014		5,000		6,000		5,565		4,428		347		1,137
			Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net			$	-249,407	$	-243,407	$	-223,962	$	-248,439	$	-3,189	$	24,477
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
		Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values			2012-2014		200,000		225,000		198,571		178,513		44,513		20,058
	(Increase) decrease in Operating income					$	-49,407	$	-18,407	$	-25,391	$	-69,926	$	41,324	$	44,535
	As a result of the transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized the following amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
						Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance December 31, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2013
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	12,305	$	6,853	$	-11,905	$	-5,200	$	2,053
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	30	$	22,675	$	-8,713	$	-	$	13,992
	Other deferred liabilities and credits
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	34,283	$	-3,434	$	-	$	30,849
						Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in thousands)			Balance November 6, 2012		Costs Incurred		Cash Settlements (1)		Adjustments (2)		Balance December 31, 2012
	Accrued compensation
			Employee related costs including severance, retention, outplacement	$	-	$	12,609	$	-304	$	-	$	12,305
	Other current liabilities
			Contract termination costs	$	-	$	59	$	-29	$	-	$	30
	-1		Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	-2		Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.
Assets and liabilities held for sale	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held for sale" and "Liabilities held for sale":
				Current Assets		Licenses		Goodwill		Property, Plant and Equipment		Loss on Assets Held for Sale (1)		Total Assets Held for Sale		Liabilities Held for Sale (2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2013
	Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses			$	-	$	16,027	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	16,027	$	-
	2012
	Divestiture Transaction			$	-	$	140,599	$	72,994	$	-	$	-	$	213,593	$	19,594
	Bolingbrook Customer Care Center (3)				-		-		-		4,275		-1,105		3,170		-
		Total		$	-	$	140,599	$	72,994	$	4,275	$	-1,105	$	216,763	$	19,594
	-1		Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	-2		Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.
	-3		Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Licenses	'
Licenses	'
	Licenses
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year		$	1,456,794	$	1,470,769
	Acquisitions			16,540		122,690
	Divestitures			-59,419		-
	Transferred to Assets held for sale			-16,027		-140,599
	Other			3,238		3,934
	Balance, end of year		$	1,401,126	$	1,456,794
Goodwill	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assigned value at time of acquisition		$	494,737	$	494,737
		Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods		-		-
		Transferred to Assets held for sale		-72,994		-
	Balance, beginning of year			421,743		494,737
		Divestitures		-505		-
		Transferred to Assets held for sale		-		-72,994
		NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation		-33,714		-
	Balance, end of year		$	387,524	$	421,743

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E1

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information	'
Equity and cost method investments	'
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity method investments:
		Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	121,571	$	10,323
		Cumulative share of income		1,152,916		1,017,449
		Cumulative share of distributions		-1,010,513		-884,852
				263,974		142,920
	Cost method investments			1,611		1,611
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities		$	265,585	$	144,531
Equity method investments, summarized financial position	'
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Current	$	489,659	$	444,100
		Due from affiliates		408,735		298,707
		Property and other		2,026,104		1,896,784
			$	2,924,498	$	2,639,591
	Liabilities and Equity
		Current liabilities	$	351,624	$	350,067
		Deferred credits		84,834		80,660
		Long-term liabilities		19,712		21,328
		Long-term capital lease obligations		707		405
		Partners' capital and shareholders' equity		2,467,621		2,187,131
			$	2,924,498	$	2,639,591
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations	'
	Year Ended December 31,		2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Results of Operations
		Revenues	$	6,218,067	$	5,804,466	$	5,519,024
		Operating expenses		4,473,722		4,363,399		4,282,277
		Operating income		1,744,345		1,441,067		1,236,747
		Other income, net		4,842		4,003		4,976
		Net income	$	1,749,187	$	1,445,070	$	1,241,723
Fair Value Key Assumptions	'
	Key assumptions
	Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)		2	%
	Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)		2	%
	Discount rate		10.5	%
	Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue		14.9-18.8	%

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	December 31,	Useful Lives (Years)	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land	N/A	$	36,266	$	33,947
	Buildings	20		304,272		341,852
	Leasehold and land improvements	30-Jan		1,197,520		1,188,720
	Cell site equipment	25-Jun		3,306,575		3,100,916
	Switching equipment	8-Jan		1,161,976		1,155,114
	Office furniture and equipment	5-Mar		539,248		535,656
	Other operating assets and equipment	25-May		92,456		128,290
	System development	7-Mar		962,698		631,184
	Work in process	N/A		116,501		362,749
				7,717,512		7,478,428
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization			-4,860,992		-4,455,840
			$	2,856,520	$	3,022,588

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]	'
Asset retirement obligations	'
	(Dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Balance, beginning of period		$	179,607	$	143,402
		Additional liabilities accrued		635		5,578
		Revisions in estimated cash outflows (1)		6,268		22,588
		Disposition of assets (2)		-3,534		-2,674
		Accretion expense (3)		12,592		10,713
	Balance, end of period (4)		$	195,568	$	179,607
	-1	Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.
	-2	Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
	-3	Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-4	In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.

Debt_Table

Debt (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Revolving credit facilities	'
	The following table summarizes the terms of the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)
	Maximum borrowing capacity			$	300
	Letters of credit outstanding (1)			$	17.6
	Amount borrowed			$	-
	Amount available for use			$	282.4
	Borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread (2)				1.67	%
		LIBOR			0.17	%
		Contractual spread			1.5	%
	Range of commitment fees on amount available for use (3)
		Low			0.13	%
		High			0.3	%
	Agreement date				Dec-10
	Maturity date				Dec-17
	Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows:
		Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013			0.25	%
		Fees incurred, amount
			2013	$	0.8
			2012	$	1.1
			2011	$	1.2
	-1	In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 16 — Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.
	-2	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
	-3	The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
Long term debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
	December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)					Issuance date	Maturity date	Call date	2013		2012
			Unsecured Senior Notes
				6.70%		December 2003 and June 2004	Dec-33	Dec-03	$	544,000	$	544,000
				Less: 6.7% Unamortized discount						-11,551		-11,806
										532,449		532,194
				6.95%		May-11	May-60	May-16		342,000		342,000
			Obligation on capital leases							3,749		4,756
	Total long-term debt								$	878,198	$	878,950
			Long-term debt, current						$	166	$	92
			Long-term debt, noncurrent						$	878,032	$	878,858

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Lease Commitments	'
		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	152,349	$	46,357
	2015		134,852		36,847
	2016		116,397		26,201
	2017		97,098		17,226
	2018		79,166		6,521
	Thereafter		783,730		227
	Total	$	1,363,592	$	133,379

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities VIEs	'
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities	'
	December 31,		2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,076	$	5,849
		Other current assets		1,184		120
		Licenses		310,475		308,091
		Property, plant and equipment, net		18,600		16,443
		Other assets and deferred charges		511		887
		Total assets	$	332,846	$	331,390
	Liabilities
		Current liabilities	$	46	$	1,013
		Deferred liabilities and credits		3,139		3,024
		Total liabilities	$	3,185	$	4,037

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Common Shareholders' Equity (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Shareholders' Equity	'
Share repurchases	'
	Year Ended December 31,		Number of Shares	Average Cost Per Share		Total Cost
	(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands)
	2013
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	499	$	37.19	$	18,544
	2012
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	571	$	35.11	$	20,045
	2011
		U.S. Cellular Common Shares	1,276	$	48.82	$	62,294

StockBased_Compensation_Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock based compensation	'
Stock-based compensation, fair value assumptions	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Expected life	4.6-9.0 years		4.5 years		4.3 years
	Expected volatility	29.2%-39.6%		40.7%-42.6%		43.4%-44.8%
	Dividend yield	0%		0%		0%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7%-2.4%		0.5%-0.9%		0.7%-2.0%
	Estimated annual forfeiture rate	0.0%-8.1%		0.0%-9.1%		0.0%-7.8%
Summary of stock options	'
	Common Share Options			Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			2,627,000		$	42.28
	(1,333,000 exercisable)						47.18
		Granted		694,000			44.34		$	16.66
		Exercised		-201,000			32.32				$	2,099,000
		Forfeited		-83,000			39.42
		Expired		-203,000			49.32
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			2,834,000		$	43.07
	(1,533,000 exercisable)						46.23
		Granted		677,000			34.91		$	12.61
		Exercised		-47,000			29.82				$	205,000
		Forfeited		-117,000			38.45
		Expired		-133,000			46.17
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			3,214,000		$	41.58
	(1,928,000 exercisable)					$	43.99
		Granted		1,213,000			32.45		$	11.53
		Exercised		-892,000			34.78				$	6,787,000
		Forfeited		-574,000			34.17
		Expired		-247,000			48.35
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,714,000		$	42.22				$	13,015,000	6.8
	(1,359,000 exercisable)					$	46.91				$	2,632,000	4.6
Summary of nonvested restricted stock units	'
	Common Restricted Stock Units	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	1,139,000		$	38.4
	Granted	601,000			32.06
	Vested	-238,000			42.26
	Forfeited	-332,000			35.63
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,170,000		$	36.46
Stock-based compensation	'
	Year Ended December 31,	2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock option awards	$	5,810		$	8,471		$	9,549
	Restricted stock unit awards		9,485			12,300			10,037
	Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards		2			240			12
	Awards under employee stock purchase plan		-			-			255
	Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan		547			455			330
	Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes		15,844			21,466			20,183
	Income tax benefit		-5,984			-8,121			-7,581
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	9,860		$	13,345		$	12,602
Stock-based compensation, allocation by financial statement line item	'
	December 31,			2013			2012			2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Selling, general and administrative expense		$	12,933		$	18,437		$	17,538
	System operations			2,911			3,029			2,645
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	15,844		$	21,466		$	20,183

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos1

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Interest paid	$	42,904	$	44,048	$	55,580
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	157,778	$	-58,609	$	-54,469
	Year Ended December 31,	2013		2012		2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Common Shares withheld		606,582		92,846		120,250
	Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	25,179	$	3,604	$	5,952
	Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options		10,468		900		5,447
	Cash disbursements for payment of taxes		-4,684		-3,105		-3,512
	Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	5,784	$	-2,205	$	1,935

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	number
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Number of customers	4,800,000	'	'
Short-term investments	$50,104,000	$100,676,000	'
Long-term investments	'	50,305,000	'
Agent liability	121,300,000	88,200,000	'
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	114,700,000	135,700,000	125,200,000
Advertising costs	199,900,000	227,000,000	257,800,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred charges	26,000,000	12,700,000	'
TDS	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	84.00%	'	'
Income taxes (payable)	-34,800,000	-1,100,000	'
401(k)	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Defined contribution cost	15,400,000	17,100,000	15,500,000
Pension	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Defined contribution cost	10,400,000	12,400,000	11,600,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance	26,902,000	23,537,000	25,816,000
Additions, net of recoveries	98,864,000	67,372,000	62,157,000
Deductions	-65,528,000	-64,007,000	-64,436,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance	60,238,000	26,902,000	23,537,000
Loyalty Rewards Program	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Change in accounting estimate, financial effect	'As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular estimated loyalty reward points breakage based on actuarial estimates and recorded a $7.4 million change in estimate, which reduced Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and increased Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.	'	'
Deferred revenue	116,200,000	56,600,000	'
Loyalty Rewards Program | Special issuance	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'	'	'
Deferred revenue	$43,500,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

6.7% Senior Notes

6.7% Senior Notes

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Book Value

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

U.S. Treasury Notes

U.S. Treasury Notes

6.95% Senior Notes

6.95% Senior Notes

6.7% Senior Notes

6.7% Senior Notes

U.S. Treasury Notes

U.S. Treasury Notes

6.95% Senior Notes

6.95% Senior Notes

6.7% Senior Notes

6.7% Senior Notes

Level 1

Level 1

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

$342,065

$378,358

$424,155

$276,915

'

'

$342,065

$378,358

'

'

'

'

'

'

$342,065

$378,358

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

50,104

100,676

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,104

100,676

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,104

100,676

Long-term investments

'

50,305

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,339

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,305

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$309,852

$376,610

$507,697

$582,744

'

'

'

'

$342,000

$342,000

$532,449

$532,194

'

'

Fair value assumption, interest rate

'

'

'

'

7.35%

6.09%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Receivable_Detail

Income Taxes, Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	$1,612
State	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	1,612
Income taxes (payable)	-1,545	'
Federal	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'
Income taxes (payable)	($32,351)	($1,614)

Income_Taxes_Expense_Details

Income Taxes, Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax expense	'	'	'
Current federal income tax expense	$180,056	$10,547	($90,235)
Current state income tax expense	8,426	4,186	1,049
Deferred federal income tax expense	-69,917	54,490	187,581
Deferred state income tax expense	-5,431	-5,246	15,683
Total income tax expense	$113,134	$63,977	$114,078

Income_Taxes_Expense_Reconcili

Income Taxes, Expense Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax expense reconciliation	'		'		'
Statutory federal income tax expense	$90,200,000		$71,800,000		$109,500,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	5,200,000	[1]	3,700,000	[1]	4,500,000	[1]
Effect of noncontrolling interests	-2,200,000		-6,300,000		-4,900,000
Gains (losses) on investments sales of assets	20,500,000	[2]	'		'
Correction of deferred taxes	'		-5,300,000	[3]	6,100,000	[3]
Other differences, net	-600,000		100,000		-1,100,000
Total income tax expense	$113,134,000		$63,977,000		$114,078,000
[1]	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
[2]	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
[3]	U.S. Cellular recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Rate_Reconciliati

Income Taxes, Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax rate reconciliation	'		'		'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
Effect of state income tax, net of federal benefit	2.00%	[1]	1.80%	[1]	1.40%	[1]
Effect of noncontrolling interests on income tax rate	-0.90%		-3.10%		-1.60%
Gains (losses) on investments and sales of assets on income tax rate	8.00%	[2]	'		'
Effect of correction of deferred taxes on income tax rate	'		-2.60%	[3]	2.00%	[3]
Other differences effect on income tax rate	-0.20%		0.10%		-0.30%
Total income tax rate	43.90%		31.20%		36.50%
[1]	Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. In addition, state tax benefits related to the settlement of state tax audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations are included in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
[2]	Represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction.
[3]	U.S. Cellular recorded immaterial adjustments to correct deferred tax balances in 2012 and 2011 related to tax basis and law changes that related to periods prior to 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes, Components of Deferred Income Tax (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Abstract	'	'
Net current deferred income tax asset	$99,105	$35,419
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	'	'
Net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards	61,294	63,240
Stock-based compensation	19,028	22,411
Compensation and benefits, other	3,746	13,673
Deferred rent	19,462	15,822
Other	24,604	25,432
Gross noncurrent deferred income tax assets	128,134	140,578
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance noncurrent	-40,392	-40,208
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	87,742	100,370
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	503,491	527,547
Licenses/intangibles	282,764	294,738
Partnership investments	133,931	124,221
Other	3,853	3,682
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	924,039	950,188
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability	$836,297	$849,818

Income_Taxes_Net_Operating_Los

Income Taxes, Net Operating Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
State	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
State NOL carryforwards	1,149.40
Deferred tax asset for State NOL carryforwards	51.1
State | Minimum	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-14
State | Maximum	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-33
Federal	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Deferred tax asset for Federal NOL carryforward (entities not on Federal return)	10.2
Federal | Minimum	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-18
Federal | Maximum	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	31-Dec-33

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Valu

Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, current	$3,000,000	'	'
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance noncurrent	40,392,000	40,208,000	'
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	'	'	'
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	41,295,000	30,261,000	29,891,000
Charged to income tax expense	-1,527,000	3,033,000	-1,450,000
Charged to other accounts	3,607,000	8,001,000	1,820,000
Balance at end of period	$43,375,000	$41,295,000	$30,261,000

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes, Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of unrecognized income tax benefits	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning balance	$26,460,000	$28,745,000	$32,547,000
Additions for tax positions of current year	5,925,000	6,656,000	4,487,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,501,000	854,000	332,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-45,000	-115,000	-1,104,000
Reductions for settlements of tax positions	-576,000	'	-244,000
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	-4,452,000	-9,680,000	-7,273,000
Unrecognized tax benefit, ending balance	28,813,000	26,460,000	28,745,000
Effect of unrecognized tax benefit on income tax expense	$18,700,000	$17,200,000	$18,700,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Disclo

Income Taxes, Additional Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Net accrued interest and penalties, total	$12.30	$12.80	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits	$0.60	($2.20)	($2.60)
State	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2009	'	'
Federal	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2011	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings per share	'	'	'
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$140,038	$111,006	$175,041
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	'	'	'
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	83,968	84,645	84,877
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'
Stock options	211	184	224
Restricted stock units	551	401	347
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	84,730	85,230	85,448
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$1.67	$1.31	$2.06
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$1.65	$1.30	$2.05
Dividend payable date	25-Jun-13	'	'
Dividend date of record	11-Jun-13	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$5.75	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	$482,270	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	2,010	2,123	1,591
Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Earnings per share, Other disclosures	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	190	369	250

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_2

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Business Acquisitions	Business Acquisitions	License Acquisitions	License Acquisitions	License Acquisitions	License Acquisitions	License Acquisitions	License Acquisitions
							700 MHz Acquisition 1	700 MHz Acquisition 1	700 MHz Acquisition 2	700 MHz Acquisition 2
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Licenses	$1,401,126,000	$1,456,794,000	'	'	$16,540,000	$122,690,000	'	$34,000,000	'	$57,700,000
Purchase price	'	'	'	24,600,000	16,540,000	122,690,000	'	'	'	'
Date of acquisition	'	'	'	9-May-11	'	'	'	15-Aug-12	'	20-Nov-12
Description of acquired entity	'	'	'On May 9, 2011, pursuant to certain required terms of the partnership agreement, U.S. Cellular paid $24.6 million in cash to purchase the remaining ownership interest in this wireless market in which it previously held a 49% noncontrolling interest. In connection with the acquisition of the remaining interest, a $13.4 million gain was recorded to adjust the carrying value of this 49% investment to its fair value of $25.7 million based on an income approach valuation method.  The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2011.	'	'	'	'On August 15, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired four 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma for $34.0 million.	'	'On November 20, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired seven 700 MHz licenses covering portions of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin for $57.7 million.	'
Fair value equity investment prior to acquisition	'	'	'	25,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on equity investment remeasurement	'	'	'	$13,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in equity method investment	'	'	'	49.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Valuation technique	'	'	'income approach valuation method	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_3

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

26 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

26 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Bolingbrook customer care center

Bolingbrook customer care center

Wireless market

Wireless market

Mississippi Valley

St. Louis

Expected event

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Purchase price

Purchase price

Purchase price

Purchase price

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Sprint Cost Reimbursement

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

Contract termination costs

Contract termination costs

Contract termination costs

Divestiture

St. Louis

Divestiture transaction

Expected event

Divestiture transaction

Expected event

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Minimum

Maximum

Divestiture transaction

Maximum

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

System operations

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities

Other deferred liabilities and credits

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Cash received from divestitures

Expected event

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Expected event

Expected event

Expected event

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestiture transaction

Divestitures

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'

Business divestiture date

'

'

'

'

16-May-13

'

'

'

1-Jan-13

'

14-Mar-12

4-Oct-13

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Business divestiture description

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'

'On November 6, 2012, U.S. Cellular entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with subsidiaries of Sprint Corp., fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, on May 16, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred customers and certain PCS license spectrum to Sprint in U.S. Cellular’s Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement collectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.” U.S. Cellular retained other assets and liabilities related to the Divestiture Markets, including network assets, retail stores and related equipment, and other buildings and facilities. The transaction did not affect spectrum licenses held by U.S. Cellular or variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that were not used in the operations of the Divestiture Markets. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular and Sprint also entered into certain other agreements, including customer and network transition services agreements, which require U.S. Cellular to provide customer, billing and network services to Sprint for a period of up to 24 months after the May 16, 2013 closing date. Sprint will reimburse U.S. Cellular for providing such services at an amount equal to U.S. Cellular’s estimated costs, including applicable overhead allocations. In addition, these agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site lease rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees.

'

'

'

'Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

'On March 14, 2012, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of the assets and liabilities of a wireless market for $49.8 million in cash. At the time of the sale, a $4.2 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

'

'On October 4, 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million. At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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Business divestiture agreement description

'

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'

'

'On August 14, 2013 U.S. Cellular entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its St. Louis area unbuilt license for $92.3 million. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. In accordance with GAAP, the book value of the license has been accounted for and disclosed as “held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013.

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business divestiture agreement date

'

'

'

'

6-Nov-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Aug-13

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

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'

Transition services agreement duration

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'24M

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Increase) decrease in Operating Income

($146,865)

($156,656)

($280,780)

$41,324

($69,926)

$44,535

($25,391)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($49,407)

'

($18,407)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges

-255,479

'

-11,762

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-250,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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Divestiture Financial Impacts

'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from divestitures

-811,120

-49,932

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,800

-308,000

'

-92,300

'

'

'

'

-480,000

-480,000

-480,000

-480,000

-10,600

-200,000

-43,420

-47,641

-47,641

-120,000

-175,000

-25,000

'

'

'

'

'

Net assets transferred

'

'

'

'

213,593

'

213,593

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

213,593

'

213,593

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash charges for the write-off and write-down of property under construction and related assets

'

'

'

-51

3

10,672

10,675

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000

'

14,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee related costs including severance, retention and outplacement

'

'

'

-809

1,653

12,609

14,262

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

'

18,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contract termination costs

'

'

'

40,744

59,525

59

59,584

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,000

'

160,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

'

'

'

347

4,428

1,137

5,565

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net

-246,767

21,022

'

-3,189

-248,439

24,477

-223,962

'

'

'

-4,200

'

'

'

'

-249,407

'

-243,407

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental depreciation, amortization and accretion, net of salvage values

803,781

608,633

573,557

44,513

178,513

20,058

198,571

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

225,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance Sheet rollforward

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,305

'

30

'

'

Costs incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,853

12,609

22,675

59

34,283

Cash settlements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,905

[1]

-304

[1]

-8,713

[1]

-29

[1]

-3,434

[1]

Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,200

[2]

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,053

12,305

13,992

30

30,849

Assets and liabilities held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Licenses

'

140,599

'

'

'

140,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,027

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

72,994

'

'

'

72,994

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

4,275

'

'

'

'

'

4,275

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on assets held for sale

'

-1,105

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

-1,105

[3],[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Assets held for sale

16,027

216,763

'

'

'

213,593

'

3,170

[3]

'

'

'

'

16,027

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities held for sale

'

$19,594

'

'

'

$19,594

[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Cash settlement amounts are included in either the Net income or changes in Other assets and liabilities line items as part of Cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

[2]

Adjustment to liability represents changes to previously accrued amounts.

[3]

Effective January 1, 2013, U.S. Cellular transferred its Bolingbrook Customer Care Center operations to an existing third party vendor.

[4]

Loss on assets held for sale was recorded in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

[5]

Liabilities held for sale primarily consisted of Customer deposits and deferred revenues.

Acquisitions_Divestitures_and_4

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, exchanges (Details) (Spectrum exchange, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Spectrum exchange	'	'
Exchanges	'	'
Agreement date	'	30-Sep-11
Asset exchange description	'On September 30, 2011, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received eighteen 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering portions of Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington in exchange for two PCS spectrum licenses covering portions of Illinois and Indiana.  The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with additional spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements in several of its markets.  No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange.  As a result of this transaction, U.S. Cellular recognized a gain of $11.8 million, representing the difference between the fair value of the licenses received, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the carrying value of the licenses surrendered.  This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.	'
Gain on asset exchange	'	$11.80
Asset exchange, valuation method	'market approach valuation method	'

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Licenses	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$1,456,794	$1,470,769
Acquisitions	16,540	122,690
Divestitures	-59,419	'
Transferred to Assets held for sale	-16,027	-140,599
Other	3,238	3,934
Balance, end of period	1,401,126	1,456,794
Goodwill	'	'
Assigned value at time of acquisition	494,737	494,737
Transferred to Assets held for sale	-72,994	'
Balance, beginning of period	421,743	494,737
Divestitures	-505	'
Transferred to Assets held for sale	'	-72,994
NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation	-33,714	'
Balance, end of period	$387,524	$421,743

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity and cost method investments	'	'	'
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$121,571	$10,323	'
Cumulative share of income	1,152,916	1,017,449	'
Cumulative share of distributions	-1,010,513	-884,852	'
Equity method investments	263,974	142,920	'
Cost method investments	1,611	1,611	'
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	265,585	144,531	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	131,949	90,364	83,566
Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Equity and cost method investments	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	78,400	67,200	55,300
Ownership interest in equity method investment	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Aggregate equity method investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments, combined assets	'	'	'
Current	489,659	444,100	'
Due from affiliates	408,735	298,707	'
Property and other	2,026,104	1,896,784	'
Total assets	2,924,498	2,639,591	'
Equity method investments, combined liabilities and equity	'	'	'
Current liabilities	351,624	350,067	'
Deferred credits	84,834	80,660	'
Long-term liabilities	19,712	21,328	'
Long-term capital lease obligations	707	405	'
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	2,467,621	2,187,131	'
Total liabilities and equity	2,924,498	2,639,591	'
Equity method investments, combined income statements	'	'	'
Revenues	6,218,067	5,804,466	5,519,024
Operating expenses	4,473,722	4,363,399	4,282,277
Operating income	1,744,345	1,441,067	1,236,747
Other income, net	4,842	4,003	4,976
Net income	$1,749,187	$1,445,070	$1,241,723

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_E2

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities, Deconsolidation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership	New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership and New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership and New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership	Discounted cash flow valuation approach	Discounted cash flow valuation approach	Discounted cash flow valuation approach
								Minimum	Maximum
Fair Value Inputs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Average expected revenue growth rate (next ten years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'
Terminal revenue growth rate (after year ten)	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'
Discount rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.50%	'	'
Capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14.90%	18.80%
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of deconsolidation	'	'	'	'	3-Apr-13	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in equity method investment	'	'	60.00%	57.14%	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$265,585,000	$144,531,000	'	'	'	$114,800,000	'	'	'
Deconsolidation description	'	'	'	'	'On April 3, 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement relating to the Partnerships. The agreement amends the Partnership Agreements in several ways which provide Verizon Wireless with substantive participating rights that allow Verizon Wireless to make decisions that are in the ordinary course of business of the Partnerships and which are significant to directing and executing the activities of the business. Accordingly, as required by GAAP, U.S. Cellular deconsolidated the Partnerships effective as of April 3, 2013 and thereafter reported them as equity method investments in its consolidated financial statements (“NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation”). After the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, U.S. Cellular retained the same ownership percentages in the Partnerships and will continue to report the same percentages of income from the Partnerships, which will be recorded in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition to the foregoing described arrangements, U.S. Cellular has certain other arm’s length, ordinary business relationships with Verizon Wireless and its affiliates.	'	'	'	'
Deconsolidation gain	'	'	'	'	$18,500,000	'	'	'	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Land	$36,266,000	$33,947,000	'
Buildings	304,272,000	341,852,000	'
Leasehold and land improvements	1,197,520,000	1,188,720,000	'
Cell site equipment	3,306,575,000	3,100,916,000	'
Switching equipment	1,161,976,000	1,155,114,000	'
Office furniture and equipment	539,248,000	535,656,000	'
Other operating assets and equipment	92,456,000	128,290,000	'
System development	962,698,000	631,184,000	'
Work in process	116,501,000	362,749,000	'
Property, plant and equpment, gross	7,717,512,000	7,478,428,000	'
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-4,860,992,000	-4,455,840,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,856,520,000	3,022,588,000	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	791,100,000	597,700,000	565,100,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	$30,606,000	$18,088,000	$9,889,000
Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'20 years	'	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'1 year	'	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'30 years	'	'
Cell site equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'6 years	'	'
Cell site equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'25 years	'	'
Switching equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'1 year	'	'
Switching equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'8 years	'	'
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
Other operating equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
Other operating equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'25 years	'	'
System development | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
System development | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Useful life	'7 years	'	'

Asset_Retirement_Obligaion_Det

Asset Retirement Obligaion (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - beginning balance	$179,607	[1]	$143,402
Additional liabilities accrued	635		5,578
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	6,268	[2]	22,588	[2]
Disposition of assets	-3,534	[3]	-2,674	[3]
Accretion expense	12,592	[4]	10,713	[4]
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	195,568	[1]	179,607	[1]
Divestiture transaction	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	'		14,900
Disposition of assets	-2,000		'
Accretion expense	1,100		200
Divestiture transaction | Other current liabilities	'		'
Asset retirement obligation	'		'
Asset retirement obligation - ending balance	$37,700		'
[1]	In 2013, as a result of the accelerated settlement dates of certain asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction, U.S. Cellular reclassified $37.7 million of its asset retirement obligations from Other deferred liabilities and credits to Other current liabilities.
[2]	Included increases of $14.9 million as a result of changes in expected settlement dates related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2012.
[3]	Included $2.0 million of incremental disposition costs related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013.
[4]	Included $1.1 million and $0.2 million of incremental accretion related to the Divestiture Transaction in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Debt_Revolving_Credit_Faciliti

Debt, Revolving Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Subordination agreement description	'In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105,000,000, and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250,000,000, will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.		'	'
U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$300		'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	17.6	[1]	'	'
Amount available for use	282.4		'	'
LIBOR	0.17%	[2]	'	'
Contractual spread	1.50%	[2]	'	'
Borrowing rate: One-month London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread	1.67%	[2]	'	'
Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2013	0.25%		'	'
Fees incurred, amount	0.8		1.1	1.2
Agreement date	17-Dec-10		'	'
Maturity date	17-Dec-17		'	'
Borrowing rate description	'Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.		'	'
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization	2.7		'	'
U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility | Letters of credit to the FCC	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Letters of credit outstanding	$17.40		'	'
U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility | Minimum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.13%	[3]	'	'
U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility | Maximum	'		'	'
Revolving credit	'		'	'
Range of commitment fees on amount available for use	0.30%	[3]	'	'
[1]	In June 2013, U.S. Cellular provided $17.4 million in letters of credit to the FCC in connection with U.S. Cellular's winning bids in Auction 901. See Note 16 b Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures for additional information on Auction 901.
[2]	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellularbs credit rating or, at U.S. Cellularbs option, an alternate bBase Rateb as defined in the revolving credit agreement. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). If U.S. Cellular provides notice of intent to borrow less than three business days in advance of a borrowing, interest on borrowing is at the Base Rate plus the contractual spread.
[3]	The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.

Debt_Fixed_Rate_Debt_Details

Debt, Fixed Rate Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long term debt	'	'
Debt issuance cost	$16,300,000	'
Obligation on capital leases	3,749,000	4,756,000
Total long-term debt	878,198,000	878,950,000
Long-term debt, current	166,000	92,000
Long-term debt, noncurrent	878,032,000	878,858,000
6.95% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.95%	'
Date of debt issuance	9-May-11	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-May-60	'
Call date of debt issued	15-May-16	'
Long term debt	342,000,000	342,000,000
6.7% Senior Notes	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Interest rate on debt	6.70%	'
Maturity date of debt issued	15-Dec-33	'
Call date of debt issued	31-Dec-03	'
Long term debt, face value	544,000,000	544,000,000
Unamortized discount	-11,551,000	-11,806,000
Long term debt	$532,449,000	$532,194,000
6.7% Senior Notes | Minimum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Date of debt issuance	15-Dec-03	'
6.7% Senior Notes | Maximum	'	'
Long term debt	'	'
Date of debt issuance	15-Jun-04	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies minimum lease obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Operating leases	'U.S. Cellular is a party to various lease agreements, both as lessee and lessor, for office space, retail store sites, cell sites and equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term.
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Abstract	'
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2014	$152,349
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2015	134,852
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2016	116,397
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2017	97,098
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments 2018	79,166
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments After 2018	783,730
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments Total	1,363,592
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Abstract	'
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2014	46,357
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2015	36,847
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2016	26,201
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2017	17,226
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts 2018	6,521
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts After 2018	227
Operating Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receipts Total	$133,379

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies, additional lease informaton (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense	$162.10	$183.90	$171.60
Rent revenue	$45.70	$41.70	$39.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies, purchase commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
BOSS Implementation	'
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
Purchase commitment agreement description	'As previously disclosed, on August 17, 2010, U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”) entered into a Software License and Maintenance Agreement (“SLMA”) and a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) (collectively, the “Amdocs Agreements”) to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”).  In July 2013, U.S. Cellular implemented B/OSS, pursuant to an updated Statement of Work dated June 29, 2012. Total payments to Amdocs related to this implementation are estimated to be approximately $183.9 million (subject to certain potential adjustments) over the period from commencement of the SLMA through the first half of 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, $136.8 million had been paid to Amdocs.
Purchase commitment period	'August 17, 2010 through the first half of 2014
Purchase commitment payments made	$136.80
Purchase commitment estimated payments	183.9
Apple Products	'
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'
Purchase commitment agreement description	'In March 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Based on current forecasts, U.S. Cellular estimates that the remaining contractual purchase commitment as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $950 million. At this time, U.S. Cellular expects to meet its contractual commitment with Apple.
Purchase commitment period	'three-year period beginning in November 2013
Purchase commitment remaining estimated payments	$950

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies, legal accruals and unasserted claims (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingency Estimate	'	'
Accrual for legal proceedings and unasserted claims	$0.30	$1.70

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE1

Variable Interest Entities VIEs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Variable Interest Entities (VIE's)	Variable Interest Entities (VIE's)
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$378,358,000	$342,065,000	$424,155,000	$276,915,000	$2,076,000	$5,849,000
Other current assets	16,745,000	19,538,000	'	'	1,184,000	120,000
Licenses	1,456,794,000	1,401,126,000	'	'	310,475,000	308,091,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,022,588,000	2,856,520,000	'	'	18,600,000	16,443,000
Other assets and deferred charges	78,250,000	117,735,000	'	'	511,000	887,000
Total assets	'	'	'	'	332,846,000	331,390,000
Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	754,999,000	1,006,173,000	'	'	46,000	1,013,000
Deferred liabilities and credits	'	'	'	'	3,139,000	3,024,000
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	3,185,000	4,037,000
Capital contributions and advances	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
VIE put options	'	'	'	'	'true	'
Put option exercisable dates	'	'	'	'	'The limited partnership agreements of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership.  The general partner’s put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless and Aquinas Wireless will become exercisable in 2019 and 2020, respectively.	'
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	$493,000	$536,000	'	'	'	'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	'
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - begin	'2085
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - end	'2107
Settlement value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$24.80
Carrying value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$15.40

Common_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Common Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Dividend payable date	25-Jun-13	'	'
Dividend date of record	11-Jun-13	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$5.75	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	$482,270	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Amount	18,544	20,045	62,294
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 prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.	'	'
Repurchase expiration	'This authorization does not have an expiration date.	'	'
Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Amount	18,544	20,045	62,294
Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Voting rights, board of directors	'25%	'	'
Share repurchases	'	'	'
Number of shares acquired	499,000	571,000	1,276,000
Average cost per share	$37.19	$35.11	$48.82
Amount	$18,544	$20,045	$62,294
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 prices and other conditions.	'	'
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares	1,300,000	'	'
Common Shares | 401(k)	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Shares reserved	67,215	'	'
Common Shares | Treasury Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Shares reissued	535,578	182,195	286,211
Series A Common Shares	'	'	'
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures	'	'	'
Voting rights, board of directors	'75%	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Overvi

Stock-Based Compensation Overview, Expense and Valuation Model (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$15,844,000	$21,466,000	$20,183,000
Income tax benefit	-5,984,000	-8,121,000	-7,581,000
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	9,860,000	13,345,000	12,602,000
Unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	24,500,000	'	'
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	'2 years 4 months	'	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and other awards	6,100,000	'	'
System operations	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,911,000	3,029,000	2,645,000
Selling, general and administrative expense	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	12,933,000	18,437,000	17,538,000
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of Award	'Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards.	'	'
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	5,810,000	8,471,000	9,549,000
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Stock options expiration date	29-Mar-14	'	'
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Stock options expiration date	18-Dec-23	'	'
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	9,485,000	12,300,000	10,037,000
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,000	240,000	12,000
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of Award	'The U.S. Cellular 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011.	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	255,000
Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$547,000	$455,000	$330,000
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of Award	'Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 expire between 2014 and 2023. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'	'4 years 6 months	'4 years 4 months
Expected annual volatility rate, minimum	29.20%	40.70%	43.40%
Expected annual volatility rate, maximum	39.60%	42.60%	44.80%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.70%	0.50%	0.70%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.40%	0.90%	2.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, maximum	8.10%	9.10%	7.80%
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum	'	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'4 years 5 months	'	'
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares reserved	10,139,000	'	'
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions	'	'	'
Expected life	'9 years 0 months	'	'
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of Award	'U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees. U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.	'	'
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, overview	'	'	'
Terms of Award	'Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular’s matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units.	'	'
Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares reserved	212,000	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Option

Stock-Based Compensation Option Rollforward (Details) (Common Shares, 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans, Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of options	'	'	'
Outstanding, begin of period	3,214,000	2,834,000	2,627,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	1,928,000	1,533,000	1,333,000
Granted options	1,213,000	677,000	694,000
Exercised options	-892,000	-47,000	-201,000
Forfeited options	-574,000	-117,000	-83,000
Expired options	-247,000	-133,000	-203,000
Outstanding, end of period	2,714,000	3,214,000	2,834,000
Exercisable options, end of period	1,359,000	1,928,000	1,533,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information	'	'	'
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$41.58	$43.07	$42.28
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$43.99	$46.23	$47.18
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	$32.45	$34.91	$44.34
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	$34.78	$29.82	$32.32
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	$34.17	$38.45	$39.42
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	$48.35	$46.17	$49.32
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$42.22	$41.58	$43.07
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price	$46.91	$43.99	$46.23
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$11.53	$12.61	$16.66
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	$6,787,000	$205,000	$2,099,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	13,015,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	$2,632,000	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	'6 years 7 months	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	'4 years 5 months	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Nonves

Stock-Based Compensation Nonvested Shares and Other (Details) (Common Shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares	1,139,000	'	'
Granted number of shares	601,000	'	'
Vested number of shares	-238,000	'	'
Forfeited number of shares	-332,000	'	'
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares	1,170,000	1,139,000	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value	$38.40	'	'
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$32.06	$34.09	$42.33
Vested weighted average grant date fair value	$42.26	'	'
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	$35.63	'	'
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value	$36.46	$38.40	'
Fair value of vested stock units	$8.80	$8.90	$9.50
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units	'	'	'
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$31.50	$36.34	$41.79
Fair value of vested stock units	0.1	0.1	0.1
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued	12,000	'	'
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$0.50	'	'
Non-Employee Directors' Plan	'	'	'
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans	'	'	'
Shares issued	13,000	7,600	6,600

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Disclos2

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'	'	'
Interest paid	$42,904,000	$44,048,000	$55,580,000
Income taxes paid (refunded)	157,778,000	-58,609,000	-54,469,000
Dividend payable date	25-Jun-13	'	'
Dividend date of record	11-Jun-13	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid	$5.75	'	'
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid	482,270,000	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	5,784,000	-2,205,000	1,935,000
Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction date	27-Sep-12	'	'
FCC auction amount received	13,400,000	'	'
FCC auction number of states won	10	'	'
Other assets and deferred charges | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount received	10,300,000	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount received	3,100,000	'	'
Maximum | Auction 901 Mobility Funds	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flow disclosures	'	'	'
FCC auction amount	300,000,000	'	'
FCC auction amount awarded	40,100,000	'	'
Common Shares	'	'	'
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation	'	'	'
Shares withheld	606,582	92,846	120,250
Aggregate value of shares withheld	25,179,000	3,604,000	5,952,000
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	10,468,000	900,000	5,447,000
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	-4,684,000	-3,105,000	-3,512,000
Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$5,784,000	($2,205,000)	$1,935,000

Related_Parties_Details

Related Parties (Details) (TDS, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
TDS	'	'	'
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Description of related transaction	'U.S. Cellular is billed for all services it receives from TDS, pursuant to the terms of various agreements between it and TDS. These billings are included in U.S. Cellular's Selling, general and administrative expenses. Some of these agreements were established at a time prior to U.S. Cellular's initial public offering when TDS owned more than 90% of U.S. Cellular's outstanding capital stock and may not reflect terms that would be obtainable from an unrelated third party through arms-length negotiations. Billings from TDS to U.S. Cellular are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and on allocations of common expenses. Such allocations are based on the relationship of U.S. Cellular's assets, employees, investment in property, plant and equipment and expenses relative to all subsidiaries in the TDS consolidated group. Management believes the method TDS uses to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular are reflected in its financial statements.	'	'
Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS	$99.20	$104.30	$104.10

Certain_Relationships_and_Rela1

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (Details) (Sidley Austin LLP, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sidley Austin LLP	'	'	'
Certain relationships and related transactions	'	'	'
Legal expense	$13.20	$10.70	$9.20
Description of related transaction	'The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a director of U.S. Cellular, a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDS and a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of U.S. Cellular and certain other subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS, U.S. Cellular or their subsidiaries.	'	'