CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, allowance (in dollars)	$ 75	$ 62
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1	1
Common stock, shares issued and owned by CenturyLink, Inc.	1	1