CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 753	$ 754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,392	1,499
Deferred income taxes	(242)	(260)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	59	44
Net long-term debt premium amortization	(15)	(34)
Accrued interest on affiliate note	31	21
Impairment of assets	0	16
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(25)	(52)
Accounts payable	34	(31)
Accrued income and other taxes	13	0
Other current assets and liabilities, net	57	79
Other current assets and liabilities - affiliates, net	9	17
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(26)	1
Change in affiliates obligations, net	(5)	(54)
Other, net	5	8
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,040	2,008
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(899)	(799)
Changes in advances to affiliates	(571)	(567)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,470)	(1,366)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	495	483
Payments of long-term debt	(112)	(33)
Dividends paid to Qwest Services Corporation	(950)	(1,100)
Net cash used in financing activities	(567)	(650)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3	(8)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	6	14
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	9	6
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	(732)	(738)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $14 and $13)	$ (347)	$ (343)