Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Apr. 02, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011 6.75% Notes Due 2021 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 8.875% Notes Due 2012 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 7.50% Notes Due 2051 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 7.375% Senior Notes Due 2051 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 7.25% Notes Due 2011 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 7.875% Notes Due 2011 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 CenturyLink [Member]	Jan. 31, 2011 CenturyLink [Member]	Jan. 31, 2011 Line Of Credit [Member]
Aggregate principal amount of note extinguished								$ 179
Notes interest rate				6.75%	8.875%	7.50%	7.375%	7.25%	7.875%
Notes maturity year				2021	2012	2051	2051	2011	2011
Senior notes issued				950		575	661
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes				927		557	643
Repayment of indebtedness					1,500				825
Credit agreement termination date		April 1, 2011
Redemption percentage on notes	100.00%					100.00%
Redemption on notes minimum date	June 1, 2016					September 15, 2016
Amount available under credit facility			1,035								1,700
Amount available under credit facility												400
Minimum per annum interest rate charged above LIBOR for letters of credit		0.50%
Maximum per annum interest rate charged above LIBOR for letters of credit		2.50%
Letters of credit outstanding										$ 0
Debt instrument, covenant compliance		September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with the provisions and covenants contained in our debt agreements.
Discount rate basis spread on variable rate, basis points				50