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Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Overview and Valuation model (Details) - U.S. Cellular - shares | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
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, 2015, 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 | Minimum |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Stock options expiration date | Apr. 03, 2016 |  |
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Stock options expiration date | Apr. 01, 2025 |  |
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. |  |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Shares reserved | 9,340,000 |  |
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected annual volatility rate, minimum | 30.10% | 28.00% | 29.20%
Expected annual volatility rate, maximum | 30.10% | 28.10% | 39.60%
Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum | 1.20% | 1.40% | 0.70%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum | 1.20% | 1.50% | 2.40%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, minimum | 9.70% | 9.40% | 0.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, maximum | 9.70% | 9.40% | 8.10%
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected life | 4 years 7 months | 4 years 6 months | 4 years 7 months
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum |  |  |
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions |  |  |
Expected life | 4 years 7 months | 4 years 6 months | 9 years
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan |  |  |
Stock-based compensation, overview |  |  |
Shares reserved | 183,000 |  |

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