XML 64 R32.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.8.0.1

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information

Equity and cost method investments

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method as shown in the following table:

December 31,		2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments:
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments		$	105		$	108
Cumulative share of income			1,717			1,577
Cumulative share of distributions			(1,411)			(1,276)
Total equity method investments			411			409
Cost method investments			4			4
Total investments in unconsolidated entities		$	415		$	413

Equity method investments, summarized financial position

The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments:

December 31,		2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Current		$	668		$	739
Due from affiliates			323			387
Property and other			4,804			4,615
Total assets		$	5,795		$	5,741
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities		$	435		$	466
Deferred credits			176			184
Long-term liabilities			199			187
Long-term capital lease obligations			1			6
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity			4,984			4,898
Total liabilities and equity		$	5,795		$	5,741

Equity method investments, summarized results of operations

Year Ended December 31,	2017			2016			2015
(Dollars in millions)
Results of Operations
Revenues	$	6,562		$	6,747		$	6,958
Operating expenses		4,965			5,047			5,226
Operating income		1,597			1,700			1,732
Other income (expense), net		(1)			(11)			(7)
Net income	$	1,596		$	1,689		$	1,725

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2196965

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of equity method investments including, but not limited to, name of each investee or group of investments, percentage ownership, difference between recorded amount of an investment and the value of the underlying equity in the net assets, and summarized financial information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66011266&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Text block disclosure of the aggregated financial position of equity method investments. Aggregated financial position disclosures may include current assets, noncurrent assets, current liabilities, noncurrent liabilities and equity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationFinancialPositionTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix:	usm_
Data Type:	nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration