Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity and cost method investments

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

Equity method investments, summarized financial position

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

Equity method investments, summarized results of operations

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