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: