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Common Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures      
Dividend payable date Jun. 25, 2013    
Dividend date of record Jun. 11, 2013    
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid $ 5.75    
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid $ 482,270    
Share repurchases      
Amount 18,544 20,045 62,294
Common share repurchase authorization On 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 expiration This authorization does not have an expiration date.    
Treasury Shares
      
Share repurchases      
Amount 18,544 20,045 62,294
Common Shares
      
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures      
Voting rights, board of directors 25%    
Share repurchases      
Number of shares acquired 499,000 571,000 1,276,000
Average cost per share $ 37.19 $ 35.11 $ 48.82
Amount $ 18,544 $ 20,045 $ 62,294
Common share repurchase authorization On 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.    
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares 1,300,000    
Common Shares | 401(k)
      
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures      
Shares reserved 67,215    
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
      
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures      
Shares reissued 535,578 182,195 286,211
Series A Common Shares
      
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures      
Voting rights, board of directors 75%