XML 66 R43.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.0.1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) connection in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) connection unit segment asset_group | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | May 04, 1988
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of connections | connection |  | 5.0 |  |  |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | segment |  | 1 |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal |  | 12 years |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units | unit |  | 8 |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, built licenses | unit |  | 1 |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, unbuilt licenses | unit |  | 7 |  |  |  |  |
Asset groups | asset_group |  | 1 |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of accounting change |  | $ 2,849,000,000 | $ 2,739,000,000 |  |  |  |
Agent liability |  | 51,000,000 | 55,000,000 |  |  |  |
Advertising costs |  | 184,000,000 | 196,000,000 | $ 212,000,000 |  |  |
Amortization of implementation costs |  | $ 16,000,000 | 11,000,000 |  |  |  |
ASC 842 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of accounting change |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |
ASC 842 | Retained earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of accounting change |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |
Minimum | ASC 842 | Retained earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative effect of accounting change |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |
Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  | 1 year |  |  |  |  |
Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  | 30 years |  |  |  |  |
Pension |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined contribution cost |  | $ 12,000,000 | 12,000,000 | 11,000,000 |  |  |
401(k) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined contribution cost |  | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | $ 14,000,000 |  |  |
TDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income taxes receivable |  | 123,000,000 | 125,000,000 |  |  |  |
TDS | Subsequent Event |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Income taxes receivable | $ (123,000,000) |  |  |  |  |  |
Licenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Impairment of intangible assets |  | $ 0 | $ 0 |  |  |  |
UScellular | TDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of UScellular |  | 82.00% |  |  |  |  |
UScellular | TDS | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of UScellular |  |  |  |  |  |  | 90.00%

X
- Definition Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 720 -SubTopic 35 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cost for defined contribution plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 70 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170846&loc=d3e28014-114942 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for capitalized implementation cost from hosting arrangement that is service contract. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118198657&loc=SL118198666-228104 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_HostingArrangementServiceContractImplementationCostExpenseAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of impairment loss resulting from write-down of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit to fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16373-109275 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in income taxes receivable, which represents the amount due from tax authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes paid. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8672-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84165509&loc=d3e56426-112766 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 65 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (g)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121322162&loc=SL121327923-165333 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(a)(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&loc=SL117420844-207641 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(2)(i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&loc=SL117420844-207641 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of agent related liabilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_AccruedAgentCommissionCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Asset Groups + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_AssetGroups
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Remaining amortization period for implementation costs related to cloud-hosted arrangements, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_CloudHostedArrangementsRemainingAmortizationPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition FCC Licenses, Number of Accounting Units + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_FCCLicensesNumberofAccountingUnits
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition FCC Licenses, Number of Accounting Units, Built Licenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_FCCLicensesNumberofAccountingUnitsBuiltLicenses
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition FCC Licenses, Number of Accounting Units, Unbuilt Licenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_FCCLicensesNumberofAccountingUnitsUnbuiltLicenses
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition FCC Licenses, Period of Renewal + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_FCCLicensesPeriodofRenewal
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of connections + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | usm_NumberOfConnections
Namespace Prefix: | usm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
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: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis=usm_RetirementSavings401kPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=srt_AffiliatedEntityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_OwnershipAxis=usm_UnitedStatesCellularCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=usm_TelephoneandDataSystemsInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |