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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] |
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations. 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 |
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 |
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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