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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] |
Equity and cost method investments | U.S. Cellular's Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments in 2018.
December 31, | 2018 |  | 2017
(Dollars in millions) |  |  |
Equity method investments: |  |  |
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments | $ | 105 |  |  | $ | 105 |
Cumulative share of income | 1,892 |  |  | 1,717 |
Cumulative share of distributions | (1,563 | ) |  | (1,411 | )
Total equity method investments | 434 |  |  | 411 |
Measurement alternative method investments | 7 |  |  | 4 |
Total investments in unconsolidated entities | $ | 441 |  |  | $ | 415 |
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, | 2018 |  | 2017
(Dollars in millions) |  |  |
Assets |  |  |
Current | $ | 882 |  |  | $ | 668 |
Due from affiliates | 379 |  |  | 323 |
Property and other | 4,962 |  |  | 4,804 |
Total assets | $ | 6,223 |  |  | $ | 5,795 |
Liabilities and Equity |  |  |
Current liabilities | $ | 434 |  |  | $ | 435 |
Deferred credits | 178 |  |  | 176 |
Long-term liabilities | 217 |  |  | 199 |
Long-term capital lease obligations | — |  |  | 1 |
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity | 5,394 |  |  | 4,984 |
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 6,223 |  |  | $ | 5,795 |
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations |
Year Ended December 31, | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in millions) |  |  |  |  |
Results of Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | $ | 6,777 |  |  | $ | 6,562 |  |  | $ | 6,747 |
Operating expenses | 4,965 |  |  | 4,965 |  |  | 5,047 |
Operating income | 1,812 |  |  | 1,597 |  |  | 1,700 |
Other income (expense), net | 11 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | (11 | )
Net income | $ | 1,823 |  |  | $ | 1,596 |  |  | $ | 1,689 |

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- 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2196965 + Details
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- 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of the financial position of the entity's unconsolidated investments which are recorded under the equity method of accounting. + References No definition available. + Details
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