Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts and notes receivable, net
Trade	$ 3,239		$ 3,099
Unbilled trade and other	602		326
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(183)		(219)
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	3,658		3,206
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses	370		321
Deferred charges and other	330		170
Prepaid Expense And Other Assets, Current	700		491
Accounts payable(1)
Trade	2,521		1,887
Accrued interconnection costs	393		369
Construction obligations and other	573		92
Accounts Payable, Current	3,487	[1]	2,348	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Deferred revenues	1,540		1,770
Accrued taxes	303		334
Payroll and related	512		418
Accrued interest	328		331
Accrued capital expenditures, non-current	1,149		147
Other	1,176		1,143
Accrued expenses and other current liabilites	5,008		4,143
Other liabilities
Deferred rental income-communications towers	700		740
Deferred rent	1,431		1,347
Accrued taxes-unrecognized tax benefits	72		112
Deferred revenue	298		255
Post-retirement benefits and other non-current employee related liabilities	1,141		881
Other	958		870
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,600		4,205
Checks Issued In Excess Of Associated Bank Balances But Not Yet Presented For Collection	$ 117		$ 121

[1] Includes liabilities in the amounts of $117 million and $121 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for checks issued in excess of associated bank balances but not yet presented for collection.