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Income Taxes, Rate Reconciliation (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Income tax rate reconciliation      
Statutory federal income tax rate 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
Effect of state income tax, net of federal benefit 1.70% [1] 2.10% [1] 0.10% [1]
Effect of noncontrolling interests on income tax rate (1.60%) (1.90%) (1.40%)
Effect of correction of deferred taxes on income tax rate 1.70% [2]    
Other differences effect on income tax rate (0.30%) (1.20%) 0.10%
Total income tax rate 36.50% 34.00% 33.80%
[1] Net state income taxes include changes in the valuation allowance. These changes primarily relate to the ability to utilize state net operating losses as a result of state income tax law changes.
[2] U.S. Cellular recorded an immaterial adjustment to correct deferred tax balances related to a difference in the tax basis of certain partnership investments for errors occurring prior to 2009.