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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Jan. 31, 2013
Series A Common Shares
Jan. 31, 2013
Common Shares
Entity Registrant Name United States Cellular Corporation      
Entity Central Index Key 0000821130      
Document Type 10-K      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012      
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 Large Accelerated Filer      
Entity Public Float   $ 534,562,206    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Trading Symbol USM      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     33,006,000 50,882,000