Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 years	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 2,000,000,000	$ 1,900,000,000	$ 1,800,000,000
Minimum spectrum reconfiguration obligations	2,800,000,000
Letter of Credit, Minimum	850,000,000
Total Payments directly attributable to performance under Report and Order	3,200,000,000
Payments directly attributable to performance under report and order, net change	196,000,000
Licensees reimbursed share of costs	0	(135,000,000)	0
General initial term of operating lease, minimum	5 years
General initial term of operating lease, maximum	12 years
Number of renewal options	5 years
Years for each renewal option for cell site leases	5 years
Noncancelable Portion Of Leases Range Maximum	15
Letter Of Credit Required By The FCCs Report And Order [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Original Letter of Credit Required by FCC Report and Order	2,500,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 859,000,000