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Commitments and Contingencies, purchase commitments (Details) (BOSS Installation, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012
BOSS Installation |
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] |
Purchase commitment required payments | $ 162.2
Purchase commitment required payments made | $ 83.9

X
- Definition The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount already paid by the entity under a long-term purchase commitment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountPaid
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration