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Common Share Repurchases (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Share repurchases  
Total cost$ 62,294$ 40,520
Common Shares
  
Share repurchases  
Number of shares acquired1,276970
Average cost per share$ 48.82$ 41.79
Repurchase programs  
Common share repurchase authorizationOn 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 authorization, additional number of shares1,300,000 
Repurchase expiration datedoes not have an expiration date