XML 116 R87.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Stock-Based Compensation - Performance and Deferred Stock Units (Details) - Common Shares - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Award vesting period | 3 years |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares |  |  |
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares (in shares) | 342,000 |  |
Granted number of shares (in shares) | 357,000 |  |
Change in units based on approved performance factors number of shares | 111,000 |  |
Forfeited number of shares (in shares) | (42,000) |  |
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares (in shares) | 768,000 | 342,000 |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share) | $ 36.92 |  |
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share) | 38.81 | $ 36.92 |
Change in units based on approved performance factors weighted average grant date fair value | 36.92 |  |
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share) | 37.37 |  |
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share) | $ 37.78 | $ 36.92 |
Fair value of vested stock units | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares | Minimum |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Performance share awards target | 50.00% |  |
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares | Maximum |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Performance share awards target | 200.00% |  |
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Award vesting period | 3 years |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share) | $ 40.72 | $ 36.02 | $ 41.31
Percent of match up to 50% from annual bonus | 25.00% |  |
Percent of employee contribution to get 33 percent match | 50.00% |  |
Percent of match above 50% from annual bonus | 33.00% |  |
Vested number of shares, unissued | 33,000 |  |
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value | $ 2,000,000 |  |
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units | Maximum |  |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Fair value of vested stock units | $ 1,000,000 | $ 1,000,000 | $ 1,000,000
U S Cellular | Non-Employee Directors' Plan |  |  |
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value |  |  |
Shares issued (in shares) | 18,000 | 15,000 | 13,000

X
- Definition Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(1)(iv)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of share-based awards for which the grantee gained the right by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109197908&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gross number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employee Contribution to Get 33 Percent Match + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentofEmployeeContributiontoGet33PercentMatch
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match above 50% from Annual Bonus + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentofMatchabove50fromAnnualBonus
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match up to 50% from Annual Bonus + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentofMatchupto50fromAnnualBonus
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested but were not issued. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodNotIssued
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. The equity award is vested but not issued. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueNotIssued
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Change in units based on approved performance factors + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinunitsbasedonapprovedperformancefactors
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Change in units based on approved performance factors, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinunitsbasedonapprovedperformancefactorsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=usm_StockCompensationPlanDMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | usm_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassBMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | usm_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=usm_USCellularSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=usm_NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |