Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive compensation programs
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance [Line Items]
Unissued shares of CenturyLink common stock	27
Business acquisitions
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance [Line Items]
Unissued shares of CenturyLink common stock	4

Aggregate number of common shares reserved for future issuance.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant