Property, Plant and Equipment (Components of Property Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (35,124)	$ (34,291)
Property, plant and equipment, net	14,025	13,607
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	330	330
Network equipment, site costs and related software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	38,663	37,692
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	4,901	4,893
Non-network internal use software, office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	1,835	1,860
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in progress	$ 3,420	$ 3,123

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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