XML 29 R24.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular | 84.00% |  | 84.00% |
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | $ 25.4 | $ 28.1 | $ 51.8 | $ 60.2
Equipment installment plans |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
Maximum installment period under equipment installment plans |  |  | 24 |
Equipment installment plans | Customer deposits and deferred revenue |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
Current guarantee liability and imputed interest | 15.3 |  | 15.3 |
Equipment installment plans | Other deferred liabilities and credits |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
Long-term imputed interest | 0.7 |  | 0.7 |
Equipment installment plans | Accounts receivable customer and agent |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
Current equipment installment plan receivables | 23.9 |  | 23.9 |
Equipment installment plans | Other assets and deferred charges |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation |  |  |  |
Long-term equipment installment plan receivables | $ 19.8 |  | $ 19.8 |

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

X
- Definition Financing receivables that are current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28368275&loc=SL6953401-111524 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Specifies the time period covered by the arrangement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTimePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Net amount of the investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, credit card receivables, notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets. Excludes trade accounts receivable with contractual maturity of one year or less and arose from the sale of goods or services. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations and noncurrent portion of deferred revenue not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is not expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAndDeferredRevenueNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total Universal Service Funds and other surcharges recorded gross in revenues taht are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations and current portion of deferred revenue not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year. Deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not been recognized, and is expected to be recognized within the next twelve months. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_OtherLiabilitiesAndDeferredRevenueCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant