XML 18 R37.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.2.0.727
Common Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2014
Share repurchases    
Amount $ 2,302 $ 8,598
Treasury Shares    
Share repurchases    
Amount $ 2,302 $ 8,598
Common Shares | Treasury Shares    
Share repurchases    
Number of shares acquired 66,000 212,000
Average cost per share $ 34.77 $ 40.49
Amount $ 2,302 $ 8,598
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 conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.  
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares 1,300,000  
Repurchase expiration does not have an expiration date