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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Total | Series A Common and Common Shares | Additional Paid-In Capital | Treasury Shares | Retained Earnings | Total U.S. Cellular Shareholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interests
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011 | $ 3,675,917 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | $ 88,074 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | $ 1,387,341 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | $ (152,817)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | $ 2,297,363 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | $ 3,619,961 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | $ 55,956 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | 111,006 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss |  |  |  | 111,006 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 111,006 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | 30,019 usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests |  |  |  |  |  | 30,019 usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Repurchase of Common Shares | (20,045)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod |  |  | (20,045)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember |  | (20,045)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Incentive and compensation plans | (2,042)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  | 137 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 7,138 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | (9,317)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (2,042)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Stock-based compensation awards | 21,249 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue |  | 21,249 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | 21,249 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards | (1,518)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet |  | (1,518)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | (1,518)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (22,970)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders |  |  |  |  |  | (22,970)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases | 3,658 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions |  | 5,244 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | 5,244 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | (1,586)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Other | (27)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther |  |  |  |  |  | (27)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012 | 3,795,247 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 88,074 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 1,412,453 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | (165,724)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | 2,399,052 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 3,733,855 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | 61,392 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | 140,038 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss |  |  |  | 140,038 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 140,038 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | 4,251 usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests |  |  |  |  |  | 4,251 usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Common and Series A Common Shares dividends | (482,270)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock |  |  |  | (482,270)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (482,270)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Repurchase of Common Shares | (18,544)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod |  |  | (18,544)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember |  | (18,544)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Incentive and compensation plans | 6,073 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  | 222 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 19,576 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | (13,725)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 6,073 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Stock-based compensation awards | 15,467 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue |  | 15,467 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | 15,467 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards | (3,267)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet |  | (3,267)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | (3,267)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (3,576)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders |  |  |  |  |  | (3,576)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases | (52)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions |  | (146)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | (146)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | 94 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Deconsolidation of partnerships | (43,770)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation |  |  |  |  |  | (43,770)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | 3,409,597 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 88,074 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 1,424,729 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | (164,692)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | 2,043,095 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 3,391,206 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | 18,391 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Add (Deduct) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | (42,812)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss |  |  |  | (42,812)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (42,812)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity | (4,787)usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests |  |  |  |  |  | (4,787)usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Repurchase of Common Shares | (18,943)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod |  |  | (18,943)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember |  | (18,943)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Incentive and compensation plans | 978 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  |  | 14,496 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | (13,518)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | 978 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Stock-based compensation awards | 21,078 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue |  | 21,078 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | 21,078 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards | (1,161)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet |  | (1,161)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | (1,161)us-gaap_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensationNet / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (2,993)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders |  |  |  |  |  | (2,993)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Acquisition of licenses in common control transaction | (47,126)usm_EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction |  | 29,141 usm_EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  | (76,267)usm_EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (47,126)usm_EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases | (1,229)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions |  | (1,229)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  | (1,229)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember |
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | $ 3,312,602 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | $ 88,074 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | $ 1,472,558 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | $ (169,139)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember | $ 1,910,498 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | $ 3,301,991 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_ParentMember | $ 10,611 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember

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