Investments (Investee Summarized Financial Information) (Details) (Clearwire [Member], USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Clearwire [Member]
Revenues	$ 323	$ 117	$ 559	$ 218
Operating Expenses	(1,234)	(628)	(2,118)	(1,124)
Operating loss	(911)	(511)	(1,559)	(906)
Net loss from continuing operations before non-controlling interests	(940)	(537)	(1,733)	(964)
Net loss from discontinued operations before non-controlling interests	$ (33)	$ (10)	$ (74)	$ (23)

This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations before non-controlling interest reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

Name:	s_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeNonControllingInterests
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax before non-controlling interests reported by an equity method investment.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

The amount of operating expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration