Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	85.00%
Agent liability	$ 63.9		$ 88.2
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$ 32.1	$ 35.3

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for sales commissions due to agents.Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

No definition available.

Name:	usm_AccruedAgentCommissionCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	usm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant