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Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] |  |
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | $ 11 | $ 17

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

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- Definition The total Universal Service Funds and other surcharges recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration