Employee Benefits (Details 3) (401(k) Plan, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 CenturyLink, Inc.	Dec. 31, 2013 CenturyLink, Inc.	Dec. 31, 2012 CenturyLink, Inc.	Mar. 31, 2011 Predecessor QCII
401(k) Plan
Expenses related to the 401(k) Plan	$ 36	$ 49	$ 46	$ 12