The aggregate amount assigned to a major class of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets (in either an asset acquisition or business combination). A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The calculated weighted-average amortization period of a major class of finite-lived intangible assets acquired during the current period either individually or as part of a group of assets (in either an asset acquisition or business combination). A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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Aggregate amount of intangible asset amortization recognized as expense during the period.

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Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the remainder of the current fiscal year.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year one of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 6,416,473,000		$ 6,416,473,000		$ 6,292,194,000
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Other Intangibles	2,937,717,000		2,937,717,000		2,942,713,000
Less: Accumulated amortization	(842,497,000)		(842,497,000)		(451,518,000)
Total other intangibles, net	2,095,220,000		2,095,220,000		2,491,195,000
Amortization expense	125,200,000	128,700,000	391,000,000	156,800,000
Estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired in the Transaction	2,500,000,000		2,500,000,000
Estimated future amortization expense	515,000,000
Estimated future amortization expense, year 1	425,000,000
Customer base [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Other Intangibles	2,697,509,000		2,697,509,000		2,702,409,000
Software licenses [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Other Intangibles	104,923,000		104,923,000		105,019,000
Trade name and license [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Other Intangibles	135,285,000		135,285,000		135,285,000
Acquisition of defined assets and liabilities of Verizon Communications Inc. [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Amortization expense	111,100,000		348,800,000
Combined acquisitions of Commonwealth Telephone, Global Valley Networks and GVN Services [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 14,100,000	$ 42,200,000	$ 14,100,000	$ 42,200,000
Residential customer list [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Estimated useful life (in years)			9
Business customer list [Member]
Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Estimated useful life (in years)			12