10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2013

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 0-15658

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	47-0210602
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer
	Identification No.)
1025 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield, CO	80021-8869
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(720) 888-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number,

including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filerx	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filero	Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x

The number of shares outstanding of each class of the issuer’s common stock, as of November 1, 2013:

Common Stock: 223,605,574 shares.

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

		Page No.
	Part I - Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements:	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4
	Supplementary Stockholders' Equity Information	5
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	31
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	44
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	45
	Part II - Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	46
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	46
Item 6.	Exhibits	47
Signatures		48
Certifications

2

Part I - Financial Information

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
(dollars in millions, except per share data)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Revenue	$	1,569		$	1,590		$	4,711		$	4,762
Costs and Expenses Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization shown separately below:
Cost of Revenue	608			642			1,853			1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	203			185			596			563
Selling, General and Administrative	606			625			1,815			1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	1,417			1,452			4,264			4,375
Operating Income	152			138			447			387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			—			2
Interest expense	(165		)	(188		)	(501		)	(558		)
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	(17		)	(49		)	(17		)	(110		)
Other, net	23			(54		)	(13		)	(52		)
Total Other Expense	(159		)	(291		)	(531		)	(718		)
Loss Before Income Taxes	(7		)	(153		)	(84		)	(331		)
Income Tax Expense	(14		)	(13		)	(39		)	(35		)
Net Loss	$	(21	)	$	(166	)	$	(123	)	$	(366	)
Net Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.76	)	$	(0.56	)	$	(1.71	)
Shares Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share (in thousands)	222,679			217,301			221,198			214,498

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net Loss	$	(21	)	$	(166	)	$	(123	)	$	(366	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	41			48			(15		)	16
Holding Gain on Interest Rate Swaps	—			74			—			90
Other, net	1			—			(6		)	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Income Taxes	42			122			(21		)	108
Income Tax Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	—			—			—			—
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42			122			(21		)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	21		$	(44	)	$	(144	)	$	(258	)

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Supplementary Stockholders' Equity Information

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(unaudited)

(dollars in millions)	Net Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	56		$	(30	)	$	26
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(44		)	(9		)	(53		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			1			1
Balance at March 31, 2013	12			(38		)	(26		)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12		)	—			(12		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			1			1
Balance at June 30, 2013	—			(37		)	(37		)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	41			—			41
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			1			1
Balance at September 30, 2013	$	41		$	(36	)	$	5

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

	September 30,			December 31,
(dollars in millions, except share data)	2013			2012
Assets:
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	507		$	979
Restricted cash and securities	7			8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $33 and $31, respectively	738			714
Other	187			141
Total Current Assets	1,439			1,842
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,894 and $8,359, respectively	8,230			8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	23			35
Goodwill	2,567			2,565
Other Intangibles, net	223			268
Other Assets, net	370			398
Total Assets	$	12,852		$	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	633		$	779
Current portion of long-term debt	21			216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	212			211
Accrued interest	170			209
Current portion of deferred revenue	219			251
Other	175			136
Total Current Liabilities	1,430			1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	8,537			8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	896			887
Other Liabilities	842			931
Total Liabilities	11,705			12,136
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares: no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 343,333,333 shares in both periods; 222,838,992 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 218,380,070 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012	2			2
Additional paid-in capital	14,120			14,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5			26
Accumulated deficit	(12,980		)	(12,857		)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,147			1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	12,852		$	13,307

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(123	)	$	(366	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	596			563
Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards	115			102
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	17			110
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			60
Accretion of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs	27			33
Accrued interest on long-term debt, net	(39		)	(47		)
Deferred income taxes	—			18
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	(1		)	—
Other, net	(34		)	(16		)
Changes in working capital items:
Receivables	(34		)	(120		)
Other current assets	(34		)	(28		)
Payables	(152		)	(42		)
Deferred revenue	(18		)	(45		)
Other current liabilities	7			(44		)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	327			178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(571		)	(545		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	13			15
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	16			5
Other	(14		)	(13		)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(556		)	(538		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	590			3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(810		)	(3,088		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	—			5
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(220		)	234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23		)	1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(472		)	(125		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	979			918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	507		$	793

Continued

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash interest paid	$	513	$	572
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	24	$	25
Non-cash Financing Activities:
Capital lease obligations incurred	$	13	$	—
Note issued for property	$	12	$	—
Long-term debt conversion into equity	$	—	$	100
Premium on long-term debt conversion into equity	$	—	$	39
Accrued interest conversion into equity	$	—	$	2

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Level 3") is a facilities-based provider (that is, a provider that owns or leases a substantial portion of the plant, property and equipment necessary to provide its services) of a broad range of integrated communications services. The Company created its communications network by constructing its own assets and through a combination of purchasing other companies and purchasing or leasing facilities from others. Level 3's network is an international, facilities-based communications network. The Company designed its network to provide communications services that employ and take advantage of rapidly improving underlying optical, Internet Protocol, computing and storage technologies.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

As part of its consolidation policy, the Company considers its controlled subsidiaries, investments in businesses in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary or does not have effective control but has the ability to significantly influence operating and financial policies, and variable interests resulting from economic arrangements that give the Company rights to economic risks or rewards of a legal entity. The Company does not have variable interests in a variable interest entity.

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, which was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the opinion of the Company’s management, these financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the interim periods presented herein. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations expected for a full fiscal year.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and such differences could be material.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

8

Goodwill and Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Accounting guidance prohibits the amortization of goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. The Company reviews goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

In the second quarter of 2013, the Company changed the date of its annual assessment of goodwill impairment from December 31 to October 1. This was a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as the new date of the assessment provides additional time prior to the Company’s year-end to complete the goodwill impairment testing and report the results in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is more closely aligned with the Company’s strategic planning process. The change in the assessment date does not delay, accelerate or avoid a potential impairment charge.

For a more detailed description of the Company's goodwill impairment assessment process, please see Note 1 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The guidance in this ASU requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. Public companies are required to comply with the requirements of this ASU for all reporting periods (interim and annual) beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this amendment in the first quarter of 2013. The impact of its adoption was limited to disclosure requirements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under current GAAP, there is no explicit guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when such carryforwards exist, which has led to diversity in practice. ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

(2) Loss Per Share

The Company computes basic net loss per share by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and including the dilutive effect of common stock that would be issued assuming conversion or exercise of outstanding convertible notes and stock-based compensation awards.

The effect of approximately 28 million and 35 million shares issuable pursuant to the various series of convertible notes outstanding at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the

9

computation. In addition, the effect of the approximately 6 million and 7 million stock options, outperform stock appreciation rights ("OSOs"), restricted stock units ("RSUs") and warrants outstanding at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.

(3) Acquired Intangible Assets

Identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
September 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	786	$	(666	)	$	120
Trademarks	55		(28		)	27
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(114		)	44
	999		(808		)	191
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,031	$	(808	)	$	223
December 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	776	$	(633	)	$	143
Trademarks	55		(17		)	38
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(103		)	55
	989		(753		)	236
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,021	$	(753	)	$	268

Acquired finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense was $18 million and $54 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $21 million and $71 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

At September 30, 2013, the weighted average remaining useful lives of the Company's acquired finite-lived intangible assets was 2.5 years for customer contracts and relationships, 2 years for trademarks and 3.3 years for patents and developed technology.

As of September 30, 2013, estimated amortization expense for the Company’s finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets over the next five years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in millions):

10

2013 (remaining three months)	$	18
2014	64
2015	48
2016	31
2017	14
2018	13
Thereafter	3
	$	191

(4) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital leases, other liabilities, interest rate swaps and long-term debt (including the current portion). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital leases and other liabilities approximated their fair values at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The interest rate swaps are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value (see Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments).

GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements and disclosures for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as interest and foreign exchange rates, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

Fair Value Hierarchy

GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value measurement of each class of assets and liabilities is dependent upon its categorization within the fair value hierarchy, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement of each class of asset and liability. GAAP establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1— Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2— Unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3— Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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The table below presents the fair values for the Company’s interest rate swaps and long-term debt as well as the input levels used to determine these fair values as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

					Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets				Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Derivatives:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	$	2,604	$	2,603	$	2,607	$	2,631	$	—	$	—
Senior Notes	5,188		5,185		5,609		5,712		—		—
Convertible Notes	675		846		304		286		581		748
Capital Leases and Other	91		98		—		—		91		98
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	$	8,558	$	8,732	$	8,520	$	8,629	$	672	$	846

The Company does not have any assets or liabilities where the fair value is measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Derivatives

The fair value of interest rate swaps is estimated using discounted cash flow techniques that use observable market inputs, such as LIBOR-based forward yield curves, forward rates, non-performance risk adjustment and the specific swap rate stated in each of the swap agreements.

Term Loans

The fair value of the Term Loans referenced above was approximately $2.6 billion at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of each loan is based on quoted prices for identical terms and maturities. Each loan tranche is actively traded.

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The Term Loans are secured by a pledge of the equity interests in certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; 65% of the equity interests in each of Level 3 Financing, Inc.’s Canadian subsidiary and its Bermuda subsidiary that indirectly owns Global Crossing's non-U.S. subsidiaries; and liens on the assets of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc. In addition, Level 3 Communications, Inc. and certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc. have provided full and unconditional guarantees of the obligations under the Term Loans.

Senior Notes

The fair value of the Senior Notes referenced above was approximately $5.6 billion and $5.7 billion at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, based on quoted prices for identical terms and maturities. Each series of notes is actively traded.

The 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019 and the 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 were issued by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and are not guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries. The remaining Senior Notes are obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc. and are all fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and by Level 3 Communications, LLC.

Convertible Notes

The fair value of the Company’s actively traded 6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 was approximately $304 million and $286 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s actively traded Convertible Notes referenced above is based on the trading quotes for identical notes. The fair value of the Company’s Convertible Notes that are not actively traded, which includes the 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015, the 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015, Series B, and the 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 that were repaid in full at maturity during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, was approximately $581 million and $748 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes that are not actively traded is based on a Black-Scholes valuation model and an income approach using discounted cash flows. The most significant inputs affecting the valuation are the pricing quotes provided by market participants that incorporate spreads to the Treasury curve, security coupon (ranging from 7% to 15%), convertible optionality, corporate and security credit ratings, maturity date (ranging from 2013 to 2015), liquidity, and other equity option inputs, such as the risk-free rate, underlying stock price, strike price of the embedded derivative, estimated volatility and maturity inputs for the option component and for the bond component, among other security characteristics and relative value at both the borrower entity level and across other securities with similar terms. The fair value of each instrument is obtained by adding together the value derived by discounting the security’s coupon or interest payment using a risk-adjusted discount rate and the value calculated from the embedded equity option based on the estimated volatility of the Company’s stock price, conversion rate of the particular Convertible Note, remaining time to maturity, and risk-free rate. The Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Communications, Inc. No subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, Inc. has provided a guarantee of the Convertible Notes.

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(5) Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company has floating rate long-term debt (see Note 6 - Long-Term Debt). Such debt exposes the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, interest expense increases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense also generally decreases. The Company uses interest rate swaps in an attempt to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rate movements. The Company’s primary objective in managing interest rate risk is to decrease the volatility of its earnings and cash flows affected by changes in the underlying rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

In March 2007, Level 3 Financing, Inc. entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $1 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. The Company had designated these interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. The two interest rate swap agreements are with different counterparties and are for $500 million each. The arrangements began in April 2007 and mature in January 2014. Under the terms of these arrangements, the Company receives interest payments based on rolling three month LIBOR and pays interest at the fixed rate of 4.93% under one arrangement and approximately 4.92% under the other.

Interest Rate Derivative	Number of Instruments	Notional (dollars in millions)
Interest rate swaps	Two	$	1,000

On a quarterly basis through August 6, 2012, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the hedges by measuring the extent to which the change in the variable portion of the interest rate swaps offset the changes in interest expense paid due to fluctuations in the LIBOR-based interest rate. Prior to August 6, 2012, these derivatives were deemed effective cash flow hedges and hedge ineffectiveness was not material in any periods presented. As a result, the change in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI") and was subsequently reclassified into earnings through an interest expense yield adjustment, as interest expense on the hedged debt obligation was incurred.

As a result of the refinancing of the Tranche A Term Loan on August 6, 2012, the two interest rate swap agreements maturing in early 2014 that had effectively hedged changes in the interest rate on a portion of the Tranche A Term Loan were deemed "ineffective" under GAAP and cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued. The Company recognized a non-cash loss on these agreements of approximately $60 million (excluding accrued interest) in the third quarter of 2012, which represented the cumulative loss recorded in AOCI at the date the instruments ceased to qualify as hedges. After August 6, 2012, the Company has recorded the change in the fair value of the swaps in Other, net in its Consolidated Statement of Operations until maturity of the swaps in early 2014. The Company recognized a loss of less than $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and a loss of $3 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets (dollars in millions):

	Liability Derivatives
	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swap agreements	Other current liabilities	$	23	Other non-current liabilities	$	56

14

The amount of net gains (losses) recognized in AOCI, including reclassification gains (losses) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	74
Nine Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	90

The amount of gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings (effective portions) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Statement of Operations Location	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(4	)
Nine Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(26	)

The Company is exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The counterparties to the financial derivatives the Company has entered into are major institutions with investment grade credit ratings. The Company evaluates counterparty credit risk before entering into any hedge transaction and continues to closely monitor the financial market and the risk that its counterparties will default on their obligations. This credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized gains in such contracts, should any of these counterparties fail to perform as contracted.

15

(6) Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt was as follows:

(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Senior Secured Term Loan*	$	2,611		$	2,614
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2015 (4.146% as of September 30, 2013 and 4.469% as of December 31, 2012)	300			300
10% Senior Notes due 2018	640			640
11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	605			605
9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	500			500
8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	1,200			1,200
8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	300			300
8.625% Senior Notes due 2020	900			900
7% Senior Notes due 2020	775			775
15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	—			172
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	200			200
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B	275			275
6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	201			201
Capital Leases	78			86
Other	13			12
Total Debt Obligations	8,598			8,780
Unamortized Discount:
Discount on Senior Secured Term Loan	(7		)	(11		)
Discount on 10% Senior Notes due 2018	(8		)	(10		)
Discount on 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	(9		)	(9		)
Discount on 9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	(8		)	(8		)
Discount on 8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	(7		)	(8		)
Discount on 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	(1		)	(2		)
Total Unamortized Discount	(40		)	(48		)
Carrying Value of Debt	8,558			8,732
Less current portion	(21		)	(216		)
Long-term Debt, less current portion	$	8,537		$	8,516

* The $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019, the $815 million Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $595.5 million Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020 had interest rates of 4.75%, 4.00% and 4.00%, respectively, as of September 30, 2013. The $599 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan due 2016, the $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019 had interest rates of 4.75%, 5.25% and 4.75%, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

16

2013 Debt Issuances, Redemptions and Registrations

Senior Secured Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020

On August 16, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $595.5 million (the "Tranche B 2020 Term Loan"). The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was borrowed pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par. Debt issuance costs for the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan of approximately $7 million were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over its term.

The $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on August 1, 2016. The Tranche B 2016 Term Loan required repayment of 0.25% of the original $600 million aggregate principal amount on the last day of each March, June, September and December, beginning with December 31, 2012 and ending with such last day to occur prior to maturity. The Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8 million as of result of this transaction.

Senior Secured Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019

On August 12, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $815 million (the "Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan"). The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan was borrowed pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on August 1, 2019. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par. Debt issuance costs related to the Tranche B 2019 Term Loan of approximately $10 million continue to be amortized as interest expense using the new effective interest rate over its term.

The $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.75%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on August 1, 2019. The Company expensed debt issuance costs of approximately $9 million as of result of this transaction.

Total loss on modification and extinguishment of debt for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 was $17 million.

15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013

On January 15, 2013, Level 3 Communications, Inc. repaid at maturity approximately $172 million of its 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013.

8.875% Senior Notes due 2019

The 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 issued by Level 3 Communications, Inc. were not originally registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the second quarter of 2013, all of the originally placed notes were exchanged for a new issue of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 with identical terms and conditions, other than those related to registration rights, in a registered exchange offer and are now freely tradeable.

7% Senior Notes due 2020

The 7% Senior Notes due 2020 issued by Level 3 Financing, Inc. were not originally registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the second quarter of 2013, all of the originally placed notes were exchanged for a new issue of 7% Senior Notes due 2020 with identical terms and conditions, other than those related to registration rights, in a registered exchange offer and are now freely tradeable. The 7% Senior Notes due 2020 are guaranteed by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

17

Long-Term Debt Maturities

Aggregate future contractual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases (excluding discounts) were as follows as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):

2013 (remaining three months)	$	8
2014	28
2015	783
2016	208
2017	6
2018	646
Thereafter	6,919
	$	8,598

(7) Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
OSO	$	2		$	4		$	18		$	10
Restricted Stock Units and Shares	10			16			31			29
401(k) Match Expense	6			5			19			18
Restricted Stock Unit Bonus Grant	12			20			41			36
Management Incentive and Retention Plan	1			5			7			10
	31			50			116			103
Capitalized Non-Cash Compensation	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
	$	30		$	49		$	115		$	102

The Company capitalizes non-cash compensation for those employees directly involved in the construction of the network, installation of services for customers or the development of business support systems. As of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 2 million OSOs outstanding. As of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 4 million non-vested restricted stock and RSUs outstanding (including those related to the Management Incentive and Retention Plan). In addition, as of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 43 thousand non-qualified stock options outstanding.

(8) Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities that individually or in the aggregate could materially affect its financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. Amounts accrued for such contingencies aggregate to $248 million and are included in “Other” current liabilities and “Other

18

Liabilities” in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued may have no effect on the Company's results of operations but could materially adversely affect its cash flows for the affected period.

In accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, the Company accrues its estimate of a contingent liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred and there is a range of expected loss for which no amount in the range is more likely than any other amount, the Company accrues at the low end of the range. The Company reviews its accruals at least quarterly and adjusts them to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter.

Below is a description of material legal proceedings and other contingencies pending at September 30, 2013. Although the Company believes it has accrued for these matters in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, contingencies are inherently unpredictable and it is possible that results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected in any particular period by unfavorable developments in, or resolution or disposition of, one or more of these matters. For those contingencies in respect of which the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a loss may result that is materially in excess of the accrual (if any) established for the matter, the Company has either provided an estimate of such possible loss or range of loss or included a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. In addition to the contingencies described below, the Company is party to many other legal proceedings and contingencies the resolution of which is not expected to materially affect its financial condition or future results of operations beyond the amounts accrued.

Rights-of-Way Litigation

The Company is party to a number of purported class action lawsuits involving its right to install fiber optic cable network in railroad right-of-ways adjacent to plaintiffs' land. In general, the Company obtained the rights to construct its networks from railroads, utilities, and others, and has installed its networks along the rights-of-way so granted. Plaintiffs in the purported class actions assert that they are the owners of lands over which the fiber optic cable networks pass, and that the railroads, utilities, and others who granted the Company the right to construct and maintain its network did not have the legal authority to do so. The complaints seek damages on theories of trespass, unjust enrichment and slander of title and property, as well as punitive damages. The Company has also received, and may in the future receive, claims and demands related to rights-of-way issues similar to the issues in these cases that may be based on similar or different legal theories. The Company has defeated motions for class certification in a number of these actions but expects that, absent settlement of these actions, plaintiffs in the pending lawsuits will continue to seek certification of statewide or multi-state classes. The only lawsuit in which a class was certified against the Company, absent an agreed upon settlement, occurred in Koyle, et. al. v. Level 3 Communications, Inc., et. al., a purported two state class action filed in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. The Koyle lawsuit has been dismissed pursuant to a settlement reached in November 2010 as described further below.

The Company negotiated a series of class settlements affecting all persons who own or owned land next to or near railroad rights of way in which it has installed its fiber optic cable networks. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in  Kingsborough v. Sprint Communications Co. L.P. granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement; however, on September 10, 2009, the court denied a motion for final approval of the settlement on the basis that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction and dismissed the case.

In November 2010, the Company negotiated revised settlement terms for a series of state class settlements affecting all persons who own or owned land next to or near railroad rights of way in which the Company has installed its fiber optic cable networks. The Company is currently pursuing presentment of the settlement in applicable jurisdictions. The settlements, affecting current and former landowners, have received final federal court approval in multiple states and the parties are engaged in the claims process for those states. The settlement has also been presented to federal courts in additional states and approval is pending.

19

Management believes that the Company has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in all of these actions and intends to defend them vigorously if a satisfactory settlement is not ultimately approved for all affected landowners.

Peruvian Tax Litigation

Beginning in 2005, one of the Company's Peruvian subsidiaries received a number of assessments for tax, penalties and interest for calendar years 2001 and 2002. Peruvian tax authorities ("SUNAT") took the position that the Peruvian subsidiary incorrectly documented its importations resulting in additional income tax withholding and value-added taxes ("VAT"). The total amount of the asserted claims, including potential interest and penalties, was $26 million, consisting of $3 million for income tax withholding in connection with the import of services for calendar years 2001 and 2002, $7 million for VAT in connection with the import of services for calendar years 2001 and 2002, and $16 million in connection with the disallowance of VAT credits for periods beginning in 2005. Due to accrued interest and foreign exchange effects, and taking into account the developments described below, the total amount of exposure has increased to $89 million at September 30, 2013.

The Company challenged the tax assessments during 2005 by filing administrative claims before SUNAT. During August 2006 and June 2007, SUNAT rejected the Company's administrative claims, thereby confirming the assessments. Appeals were filed in September 2006 and July 2007 in the Tax Court, which is the highest administrative authority. In October 2011, the Tax Court issued a ruling regarding VAT, associated penalties and penalties associated with withholding taxes, adjudicating the central issue underlying the assessments in the government's favor, while confirming the assessment in part and denying a portion of the assessment on procedural grounds. Other than an immaterial amount, all assessed items dismissed by the Tax Court in this ruling remain open for reassessment by SUNAT. While this Tax Court ruling applies only to 2002, the Company believes the Tax Court will issue a similar ruling with respect to 2001, and all material amounts likely to be waived due to procedural defects similarly remain open for reassessment.

In November 2011, the Tax Court issued a ruling with respect to assessed 2001 withholding tax, holding that the statute of limitations had run prior to assessment by SUNAT. The Company believes that this adjudication of the withholding tax issue is likely to be final, and the Company expects to win a similar verdict with respect to assessed 2002 withholding tax. However, penalties with respect to withholding tax are not time-barred, and were confirmed in the Tax Court's October 2011 ruling.

The Company has appealed the Tax Court's October 2011 decision to the judicial court in Peru. The Company has not received Tax Court rulings for all periods, but it has received adjudications of each substantive issue for at least one period. As a result, the Company expects decisions for the remaining open periods to be consistent with decisions already rendered. The Company intends to appeal any Tax Court verdict with respect to 2001 to the extent consistent with the October 2011 decision in the government's favor and will protest any reassessment of amounts dismissed by the Tax Court on procedural grounds.

Employee Severance and Contractor Termination Disputes

A number of former employees and third-party contractors have asserted a variety of claims in litigation against certain Latin American subsidiaries of the Company for separation pay, severance, commissions, pension benefits, unpaid vacation pay, breach of employment contracts, unpaid performance bonuses, property damages, moral damages and related statutory penalties, fines, costs and expenses (including accrued interest, attorneys fees and statutorily mandated inflation adjustments) as a result of their separation from the Company or termination of service relationships. The Company is vigorously defending itself against the asserted claims, which aggregate to approximately $40 million at September 30, 2013.

20

Brazilian Tax Claims

In December 2004, March 2009 and April 2009, the São Paulo state tax authorities issued tax assessments against one of the Company's Brazilian subsidiaries for the Tax on Distribution of Goods and Services (“ICMS”) with respect to revenue from leasing movable properties (in the case of the December 2004 and March 2009 assessments) and revenue from the provision of Internet access services (in the case of the April 2009 assessment), by treating such activities as the provision of communications services, to which the ICMS tax applies. In September 2002, July 2009 and May 2012, the Rio de Janeiro state tax authorities issued tax assessments to the same Brazilian subsidiary on similar issues. The Company has filed objections to these assessments, arguing that the lease of assets and the provision of Internet access are not communication services subject to ICMS. The objections to the December 2004 and September 2002 assessments were rejected by the respective state administrative courts, and the Company has appealed those decisions to the judicial courts. In October 2012, the Company received a favorable ruling from the lower court on the December 2004 assessment regarding equipment leasing, but that ruling is subject to appeal by the state. No ruling has been obtained with respect to the September 2002 assessment. The objections to the March, April and July 2009 and May 2012 assessments are still pending final administrative decisions.

The Company is vigorously contesting all such assessments in both states, and in particular, views the assessment of ICMS on revenue from leasing movable properties to be without merit. Nevertheless, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that these assessments could result in a loss of up to $61 million in excess of the accruals established for these matters.

Letters of Credit

It is customary for Level 3 to use various financial instruments in the normal course of business. These instruments include letters of credit. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued on behalf of Level 3 in accordance with specified terms and conditions. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Level 3 had outstanding letters of credit or other similar obligations of approximately $28 million and $31 million, respectively, of which $25 million and $29 million are collateralized by cash that is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash. The Company does not believe exposure to loss related to its letters of credit is material.

(9) Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Level 3 Financing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has issued senior notes that are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; however, they are also fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

In conjunction with the registration of the senior notes, the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial statements of guarantors and affiliates whose securities collateralize an issue registered or being registered.”

The operating activities of the separate legal entities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are interdependent. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of each legal entity and, on an aggregate basis, the other non-guarantor subsidiaries based on amounts incurred by such entities, and is not intended to present the operating results of those legal entities on a stand-alone basis. Level 3 Communications, LLC leases equipment and certain facilities from other wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. These transactions are eliminated in the consolidated results of the Company.

21

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	711		$	919		$	(61	)	$	1,569
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			264			405			(61		)	608
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			73			130			—			203
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			385			219			—			606
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			722			754			(61		)	1,417
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(11		)	165			—			152
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(38		)	(123		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(165		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	274			429			(670		)	(33		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(255		)	(542		)	122			—			675			—
Other, net	—			(18		)	1			23			—			6
Total Other Expense	(19		)	(254		)	(548		)	(13		)	675			(159		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(20		)	(255		)	(559		)	152			675			(7		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(12		)	—			(14		)
Net Income (Loss)	(21		)	(255		)	(560		)	140			675			(21		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	42			42			—			42			(84		)	42
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	21		$	(213	)	$	(560	)	$	182		$	591		$	21

22

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	2,090		$	2,803		$	(182	)	$	4,711
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			781			1,254			(182		)	1,853
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			215			381			—			596
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,178			634			—			1,815
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,174			2,269			(182		)	4,264
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(84		)	534			—			447
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(114		)	(374		)	(2		)	(11		)	—			(501		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	819			1,284			(2,008		)	(95		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(825		)	(1,715		)	398			—			2,142			—
Other, net	—			(19		)	3			(14		)	—			(30		)
Total Other Expense	(120		)	(824		)	(1,609		)	(120		)	2,142			(531		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(122		)	(825		)	(1,693		)	414			2,142			(84		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(2		)	(36		)	—			(39		)
Net Income (Loss)	(123		)	(825		)	(1,695		)	378			2,142			(123		)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Income Taxes	(21		)	(21		)	—			(21		)	42			(21		)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(144	)	$	(846	)	$	(1,695	)	$	357		$	2,184		$	(144	)

23

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	672		$	981		$	(63	)	$	1,590
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			256			447			(61		)	642
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			63			122			—			185
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			410			215			(2		)	625
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			729			784			(63		)	1,452
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(57		)	197			—			138
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest expense	(43		)	(137		)	(1		)	(7		)	—			(188		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	244			400			(561		)	(83		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(365		)	(516		)	40			—			841			—
Other, net	—			(111		)	3			5			—			(103		)
Total Other Expense	(164		)	(364		)	(519		)	(85		)	841			(291		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(165		)	(365		)	(576		)	112			841			(153		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11		)	—			(13		)
Net Income (Loss)	(166		)	(365		)	(577		)	101			841			(166		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	122			122			—			48			(170		)	122
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(44	)	$	(243	)	$	(577	)	$	149		$	671		$	(44	)

24

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,957		$	2,995		$	(190	)	$	4,762
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			736			1,393			(182		)	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			196			367			—			563
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,207			663			(8		)	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,139			2,423			(190		)	4,375
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(182		)	572			—			387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			1			1			—			2
Interest expense	(123		)	(410		)	(2		)	(23		)	—			(558		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	734			1,202			(1,678		)	(258		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(935		)	(1,593		)	101			—			2,427			—
Other, net	(39		)	(133		)	6			4			—			(162		)
Total Other Expense	(363		)	(934		)	(1,572		)	(276		)	2,427			(718		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(365		)	(935		)	(1,754		)	296			2,427			(331		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(3		)	(31		)	—			(35		)
Net Income (Loss)	(366		)	(935		)	(1,757		)	265			2,427			(366		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	108			108			—			18			(126		)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(258	)	$	(827	)	$	(1,757	)	$	283		$	2,301		$	(258	)

25

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203	$	—		$	507
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			6		—			7
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			107			631		—			738
Due from affiliates	15,285			16,647			—			—		(31,932		)	—
Other	3			15			64			105		—			187
Total Current Assets	15,297			16,668			461			945		(31,932		)	1,439
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			3,004			5,226		—			8,230
Restricted Cash and Securities	3			—			17			3		—			23
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			404			2,386		—			2,790
Investment in Subsidiaries	(12,526		)	(22,242		)	3,921			—		30,847			—
Other Assets, net	13			107			11			239		—			370
Total Assets	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	1		$	51		$	581	$	—		$	633
Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			2			19		—			21
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			156			56		—			212
Accrued interest	53			116			—			1		—			170
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			104			115		—			219
Due to affiliates	—			—			31,511			421		(31,932		)	—
Other	1			24			76			74		—			175
Total Current Liabilities	54			141			31,900			1,267		(31,932		)	1,430
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,571			6,896			18			52		—			8,537
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			584			312		—			896
Other Liabilities	15			26			132			669		—			842
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147			(12,530		)	(24,816		)	6,499		30,847			1,147
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852

26

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	253		$	5		$	386		$	335	$	—		$	979
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			7		—			8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			93			621		—			714
Due from affiliates	14,446			15,709			—			7		(30,162		)	—
Other	3			16			49			73		—			141
Total Current Assets	14,702			15,730			529			1,043		(30,162		)	1,842
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			2,926			5,273		—			8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	12			—			17			6		—			35
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			429			2,404		—			2,833
Investment in Subsidiaries	(11,756		)	(20,470		)	3,242			—		28,984			—
Other Assets, net	16			119			11			252		—			398
Total Assets	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1		$	2		$	53		$	723	$	—		$	779
Current portion of long-term debt	172			6			6			32		—			216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			161			50		—			211
Accrued interest	45			163			—			1		—			209
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			109			142		—			251
Due to affiliates	—			—			30,162			—		(30,162		)	—
Other	1			1			29			105		—			136
Total Current Liabilities	219			172			30,520			1,053		(30,162		)	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,570			6,886			20			40		—			8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			602			285		—			887
Other Liabilities	14			81			75			761		—			931
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,171			(11,760		)	(24,063		)	6,839		28,984			1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307

27

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(105	)	$	(441	)	$	298		$	575		$	—	$	327
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(235		)	(336		)	—		(571		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	9			—			—			4			—		13
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			16			—		16
Other	—			—			—			(14		)	—		(14		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	9			—			(235		)	(330		)	—		(556		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	—			590			—			—			—		590
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(172		)	(607		)	(4		)	(27		)	—		(810		)
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	24			459			(156		)	(327		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(148		)	442			(160		)	(354		)	—		(220		)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(23		)	—		(23		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(244		)	1			(97		)	(132		)	—		(472		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	253			5			386			335			—		979
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203		$	—	$	507

28

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(48	)	$	(442	)	$	80		$	588		$	—	$	178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(199		)	(346		)	—		(545		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	3			—			1			11			—		15
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			5			—		5
Other	—			—			—			(13		)	—		(13		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	3			—			(198		)	(343		)	—		(538		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	293			3,024			—			—			—		3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	—			(2,960		)	—			(128		)	—		(3,088		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	5			—			—			—			—		5
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	41			377			(285		)	(133		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	339			441			(285		)	(261		)	—		234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			1			—		1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	294			(1		)	(403		)	(15		)	—		(125		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2			6			618			292			—		918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	296		$	5		$	215		$	277		$	—	$	793

29

(10) Subsequent Events

On October 4, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility by increasing the borrowings under the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan by an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount is $1.796 billion.

The $1.796 billion Tranche B 2020 Term Loan will continue to bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The additional portion of the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par, with the payment to the lenders of an upfront 0.25% fee at closing. The prior Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on October 4, 2019. As a result of this transaction, the Company expects to incur a loss on the refinancing of approximately $10 million in the fourth quarter 2013 and additional debt discount costs of $3 million that will be amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over its term.

On October 30, 2013, the Company announced that Level 3 Financing, Inc. has agreed to sell $640 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021 in a private offering to "qualified institutional buyers," as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933. The net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem or otherwise repay or retire all of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s outstanding 10% Senior Notes due 2018, including accrued interest and applicable premiums and expenses. The offering is expected to be completed on November 14, 2013, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Level 3 Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Level 3” or the “Company”) consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto), included elsewhere herein and the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This document contains forward looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this document. For a more detailed description of these risks and factors, please see the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Item 1A in Part II of this Form 10-Q.

Executive Summary

Overview

The Company is a facilities-based provider of a broad range of communications services. Revenue for communications services is generally recognized on a monthly basis as these services are provided. For contracts involving private line, wavelength and dark fiber services, Level 3 may receive upfront payments for services to be delivered for a period of generally up to 25 years. In these situations, Level 3 defers the revenue and amortizes it on a straight-line basis to earnings over the term of the contract.

Business Strategy and Objectives

The Company pursues the strategies discussed in Item 1. Business, "Business Overview and Strategy” as discussed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In particular, with respect to strategic financial objectives, the Company focuses its attention on the following:

• growing Core Network Services revenue by increasing sales;

• continually improving the customer experience to increase customer retention and reduce customer churn;

• completing the integration of acquired businesses;

• reducing network costs and operating expenses;

• achieving sustainable generation of positive cash flows from operations in excess of capital expenditures;

• continuing to show improvement in Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in this Item below) as a percentage of revenue;

• concentrating its capital expenditures on those technologies and assets that enable the Company to develop its Core Network Services or expand its addressable market;

• managing Wholesale Voice Services for margin contribution; and

• refinancing its future debt maturities.

The Company's management continues to review all existing lines of business and service offerings to determine how those lines of business and service offerings enhance the Company's focus on the delivery of communications services and meeting its financial objectives. To the extent that certain lines of business or service offerings are not considered to be compatible with the delivery of the Company's services or with meeting its financial objectives, Level 3 may exit those lines of business or stop offering those services in part or in whole.

The successful integration of acquired businesses is important to the success of Level 3. The Company must identify synergies and integrate acquired networks and support organizations, while maintaining the service quality

31

levels expected by customers to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition. Successful integration of any acquired businesses will depend on the Company’s ability to manage the operations, realize opportunities for revenue growth presented by strengthened service offerings and expanded geographic market coverage, and eliminate redundant and excess costs to fully realize the expected synergies. If the Company is not able to efficiently and effectively integrate any businesses or operations it acquires, the Company may experience material negative consequences to its business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company has also been focused on improving its liquidity and financial condition, and extending the maturity dates of certain debt, as described below and in greater detail in Note 6 - Long-Term Debt in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

In October 2013, the Company announced that it has agreed to sell $640 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021 in a private offering. The net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem or otherwise repay or retire all of the Company's outstanding 10% Senior Notes due 2018, including accrued interest and applicable premiums and expenses. The offering is expected to be completed on November 14, 2013, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

Also in October 2013, the Company refinanced its existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility by increasing the borrowings under the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan by an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount is $1.796 billion. See Note 10 - Subsequent Events in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional information.

In August 2013, the Company refinanced its $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new Tranche B 2020 Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount of $595.5 million. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The previous Tranche B 2016 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a a minimum LIBOR of 1.50%, and matured on August 1, 2016.

Also in August 2013, the Company refinanced its $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount of $815 million. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on August 1, 2019. The previous Tranche B 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.75%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50%, and matured on August 1, 2019.

In January 2013, the Company repaid at maturity approximately $172 million of its 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013.

The Company will continue to look for opportunities to improve its financial position and focus its resources on growing revenue and managing costs for the business.

32

Revenue by Channel:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013		2012		2013		2012
Core Network Services:
North America - Wholesale Channel	$	365	$	386	$	1,104	$	1,149
North America - Enterprise Channel	622		577		1,820		1,712
EMEA - Wholesale Channel	88		87		265		277
EMEA - Enterprise Channel	102		94		298		273
EMEA - U.K. Government Channel	32		42		102		133
Latin America - Wholesale Channel	39		40		119		115
Latin America - Enterprise Channel	149		139		440		413
Total Core Network Services	1,397		1,365		4,148		4,072
Wholesale Voice Services and Other	172		225		563		690
Total Revenue	$	1,569	$	1,590	$	4,711	$	4,762

Total revenue consists of:

• Core Network Services revenue from colocation and data center services; transport and fiber; IP and data services; and local and enterprise voice services.

• Wholesale Voice Services and Other revenue from sales of long distance voice services, revenue from managed modem and its related intercarrier compensation services and revenue from the "SBC Master Services Agreement," which was obtained through an acquisition in 2005.

Core Network Services revenue represents higher margin services and Wholesale Voice Services and Other revenue represents lower margin services. Core Network Services revenue requires different levels of investment and focus and provides different contributions to the Company's operating results than Wholesale Voice Services and Other revenue. Management of Level 3 believes that growth in revenue from its Core Network Services is critical to the long-term success of its business. The Company also believes it must continue to effectively manage gross margin contribution from the Wholesale Voice Services component and the positive cash flows from the Other revenue component. The Company believes that trends in its communications business are best gauged by analyzing revenue changes in Core Network Services.

Core Network Services

Colocation and data center services allow customers to place their network equipment and servers in suitable environments maintained by the Company with high-speed links providing on-net access to more than 55 countries. These services are secure, redundant and flexible to fit the varying needs of the Company's customers. Services, which vary by location, include hosting network equipment used to transport high speed data and voice over Level 3's global network; providing managed IT services, installation, maintenance, storage and monitoring of enterprise services; and providing comprehensive IT outsource solutions.

Growth in transport (such as private line and wavelengths) and fiber revenue is largely dependent on increased demand for bandwidth services and available capital of companies requiring communications capacity for their own use or in providing capacity as a service provider to their customers. These expenditures may be in the form of monthly payments or, in the case of private line, wavelength or dark fiber services, either monthly payments or upfront payments. The Company is focused on providing end-to-end transport and fiber services to its customers to directly connect customer locations with a private network. Pricing for end-to-end metropolitan transport services have been relatively stable. For intercity transport and fiber services, the Company continues to experience pricing

33

pressure in locations where a large number of carriers co-locate their facilities. An increase in demand may be offset by declines in unit pricing.

Internet Protocol ("IP") and data services primarily include the Company's high speed IP, Dedicated Internet Access ("DIA"), Virtual Private Network ("VPN"), Content Delivery Network ("CDN"), media delivery, Vyvx broadcast, Converged Business Network ("CBN"), Asynchronous Transfer mode ("ATM") and frame relay services. Level 3's IP and high speed IP service is high quality and is offered in a variety of capacities. The Company's VPN service permits businesses of any size to replace multiple networks with a single, cost-effective solution that greatly simplifies the converged transmission of voice, video, and data. This convergence to a single platform can be obtained without sacrificing the quality of service or security levels of traditional ATM and frame relay offerings. VPN service also permits customers to prioritize network application traffic so that high priority applications, such as voice and video, are not compromised in performance by the flow of low priority applications such as email.

Voice services comprise a broad range of local and enterprise voice services using Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") and traditional circuit-switch based technologies, including VoIP enhanced local service, SIP Trunking, local inbound service, Primary Rate Interface service, long distance service and toll-free service. The Company's voice services also include its comprehensive suite of audio, Web and video collaboration services.

The Company believes that one of the largest sources of future incremental demand for the Company's Core Network Services will be from customers that are seeking to distribute their feature rich content or video over the Internet. Revenue growth in this area is dependent on the continued increase in demand from customers and the pricing environment. An increase in the reliability and security of information transmitted over the Internet and declines in the cost to transmit data have resulted in increased utilization of e-commerce or Web-based services by businesses. Although the pricing for data services is currently relatively stable, the IP market is generally characterized by price compression and high unit growth rates depending upon the type of service. The Company experienced price compression in the high-speed IP and voice services markets in 2012, which has continued in 2013.

The following provides a discussion of the Company's Core Network Services revenue in terms of the enterprise and wholesale channels.

• The enterprise channel includes large, multi-national enterprises requiring large amounts of bandwidth to support their business operations, such as financial services companies, healthcare companies, content providers, and portal and search engine companies. It also includes medium sized enterprises, as well as government markets, including the U.S. federal government, the systems integrators supporting the U.S. federal government, U.S. state and local governments, academic consortia, and certain academic institutions. Included in the enterprise channel, but broken out separately in the table above, is the U.K. government channel, which includes revenue primarily from the government sector in the U.K.

• The wholesale channel includes revenue from incumbent and alternative carriers in each of the regions, global carriers, wireless carriers, cable companies, satellite companies, regional service providers and voice service providers.

The Company believes that the alignment of Core Network Services around channels should allow it to drive growth while enabling it to better focus on the needs of its customers. Each of these channels is supported by dedicated employees in sales. Each of these channels is also supported by non-dedicated, centralized service delivery and management, product management and development, corporate marketing, global network services, engineering, information technology, and corporate functions, including legal, finance, strategy and human resources.

Wholesale Voice Services and Other

The Company offers wholesale voice services that target large and existing markets. The revenue potential for wholesale voice services is large; however, pricing is expected to continue to decline over time as a result of the new

34

low-cost IP and optical-based technologies. In addition, the market for wholesale voice services is being targeted by many competitors, several of which are larger and have more financial resources than the Company.

The Company also has other revenue derived from mature services that are not critical areas of emphasis for the Company, including revenue from managed modem and its related intercarrier compensation services and SBC Contract Services, which includes revenue from the "SBC Master Services Agreement," obtained in the December 2005 acquisition of WilTel Communications Group, LLC. The Company and its customers continue to see consumers migrate from narrow band dial-up services to higher speed broadband services as the narrow band market matures. The Company is in the process of discontinuing managed modem services and has notified all current managed modem customers of this decision. The Company expects ongoing declines in the other revenue component of Wholesale Voice Services and Other similar to what has been experienced over the past several years.

The Company receives compensation from other carriers when it terminates traffic originating on those carriers' networks. This intercarrier compensation is based on interconnection agreements with the respective carriers or rates mandated by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). The Company has interconnection agreements in place for the majority of traffic subject to intercarrier compensation. Along with addressing other matters, on November 18, 2011, the FCC established a prospective intercarrier compensation framework for terminating switched access and VoIP traffic, with elements of it becoming effective beginning on December 29, 2011. Under the framework, most terminating switched access charges and all intercarrier compensation charges are capped at current levels, and will be reduced to zero over, as relevant to Level 3, a six year transition period which began July 1, 2012. Several states, industry groups, and other telecommunications carriers filed petitions in federal court for reconsideration of the framework with the FCC, although the outcome of those petitions is unpredictable. A majority of the Company's existing intercarrier compensation revenue is associated with agreements that have expired terms, but remain effective in evergreen status. As these and other interconnection agreements expire, the Company will continue to evaluate simply allowing them to continue in evergreen status (so long as the counterparty allows the same) or negotiating new agreements. The Company earns intercarrier compensation revenue from providing managed modem services, which are declining. The Company also receives intercarrier compensation from its voice services. In this case, intercarrier compensation is reported within Core Network Services revenue.

For a detailed description of the Company's broad range of communications services, please see Item 1. "Business - Our Service Offerings" of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting Policies

Refer to Item 7 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, for a description of the Company's critical accounting policies.

In the second quarter of 2013, the Company changed the date of its annual assessment of goodwill impairment from December 31 to October 1. This was a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as the new date of the assessment provides additional time prior to the Company’s year-end to complete the goodwill impairment testing and report the results in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is more closely aligned with the Company’s strategic planning process. The change in the assessment date does not delay, accelerate or avoid a potential impairment charge. For a more detailed description of the Company's goodwill impairment assessment process, please see Note 1 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

35

Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013 vs. 2012

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012			Change %		2013			2012			Change %
Revenue	$	1,569		$	1,590		(1	)%	$	4,711		$	4,762		(1	)%
Cost of Revenue	608			642			(5	)%	1,853			1,947			(5	)%
Depreciation and Amortization	203			185			10	%	596			563			6	%
Selling, General and Administrative	606			625			(3	)%	1,815			1,865			(3	)%
Total Costs and Expenses	1,417			1,452			(2	)%	4,264			4,375			(3	)%
Operating Income	152			138			10	%	447			387			16	%
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			NM		—			2			NM
Interest expense	(165		)	(188		)	(12	)%	(501		)	(558		)	(10	)%
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	(17		)	(49		)	(65	)%	(17		)	(110		)	(85	)%
Other, net	23			(54		)	NM		(13		)	(52		)	(75	)%
Total Other Expense	(159		)	(291		)	(45	)%	(531		)	(718		)	(26	)%
Loss Before Income Taxes	(7		)	(153		)	(95	)%	(84		)	(331		)	(75	)%
Income Tax Expense	(14		)	(13		)	8	%	(39		)	(35		)	11	%
Net Loss	$	(21	)	$	(166	)	(87	)%	$	(123	)	$	(366	)	(66	)%

___________________

NM — Not meaningful

Discussion of all significant variances:

Revenue by Service Offering:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013		2012		Change %		2013		2012		Change %
Core Network Services Revenue	$	1,397	$	1,365	2	%	$	4,148	$	4,072	2	%
Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue	172		225		(24	)%	563		690		(18	)%
Total Revenue	$	1,569	$	1,590	(1	)%	$	4,711	$	4,762	(1	)%

Revenue by Product Offering:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013		2012		Change %		2013		2012		Change %
Colocation and Data Center Services	$	144	$	139	4	%	$	431	$	416	4	%
Transport and Fiber	491		491		—	%	1,463		1,456		—	%
IP and Data Services	528		502		5	%	1,552		1,490		4	%
Voice Services (local and enterprise)	234		233		—	%	702		710		(1	)%
Total Core Network Services	1,397		1,365		2	%	4,148		4,072		2	%
Wholesale Voice Services and Other	172		225		(24	)%	563		690		(18	)%
Total Revenue	$	1,569	$	1,590	(1	)%	$	4,711	$	4,762	(1	)%

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Revenuedecreased1% to $1.569 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $1.590 billion in the same period of 2012 and decreased1% to $4.711 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $4.762 billion in the same period of 2012. The decrease was driven by declines in Wholesale Voice Services and Other revenue partially offset by growth in Core Network Services revenue from enterprise customers.

The Company experienced growth in its IP and data services and colocation and data center services during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 driven primarily by end user customer demand for content delivery over the Internet and enterprise bandwidth. The Company also experienced modest growth in transport and fiber services during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Core Network Services revenue for voice services declined during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to the anticipated attrition of certain U.K. Government channel voice services.

Core Network Services revenue increased in the North America and Latin America regions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, as a result of growth in services provided to the existing enterprise customer base and the acquisition of new customers in the enterprise channel. These increases were partially offset by (i) a decrease in the EMEA region's Core Network Services revenue primarily as a result of lower U.K. Government and wholesale channel revenue and (ii) a decrease in wholesale channel revenue.

Wholesale Voice Services and Other revenue decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 primarily as a result of declines in usage as customers transition to IP voice services. The Company continues to manage its combined wholesale voice services platform for margin contribution. In addition, the Company expects managed modem and SBC Contract Services revenue to continue to decline due to an increase in the number of subscribers migrating to broadband services and as a result of the migration of the SBC traffic to the AT&T network, respectively. The Company is in the process of discontinuing managed modem services and has notified all current managed modem customers of this decision.

Cost of Revenue includes leased capacity, right-of-way costs, access charges, satellite transponder lease costs, and other third-party costs directly attributable to the network, but excludes depreciation and amortization and related impairment expenses.

Cost of revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 39% in the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 40% in the same period of 2012 and was 39% in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 41% in the same period of 2012. The decreases are primarily due to an improving gross margin mix of higher margin on-net Core Network Services and a decrease in lower margin Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue. Additionally, the Company continues to implement initiatives to reduce both fixed and variable network expenses.

Depreciation and Amortizationincreased10% to $203 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013, from $185 million in the same period of 2012 and increased6% to $596 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $563 million in the same period of 2012. The increase is primarily attributable to capital expenditures with asset lives less than the average remaining life of existing assets.

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") includes salaries, wages and related benefits (including non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses), property taxes, travel, insurance, rent, contract maintenance, advertising, accretion expense on asset retirement obligations and other administrative expenses. SG&A expenses also include certain network related expenses such as network facility rent, utilities and maintenance costs.

SG&A decreased3% to $606 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $625 million in the same period of 2012 and decreased3% to $1.815 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $1.865 billion in the same period of 2012. The decreases are primarily due to lower employee cash compensation and other employee related costs, professional fees and vendor services and other discretionary costs. Employee cash compensation and other employee related costs decreased as the Company continued to achieve cost synergies as a result of the integration of the Global Crossing business through the reduction of headcount as well as the higher capitalization of labor costs related to the implementation of information technology systems, network

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deployment and customer installation activities. Professional fees and vendor services and other discretionary costs decreased primarily due to the rationalization and renegotiation of vendor services and lower travel and entertainment costs. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $18 million and $50 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 of integration costs related to the Global Crossing acquisition. The integration was substantially complete by the end of 2012.

Also included in SG&A in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, were $30 million and $115 million, respectively, and in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, $49 million and $102 million, respectively, of non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses related to grants of outperform stock options, restricted stock units, accruals for the Company’s annual discretionary bonus, incentive and retention plans and shares issued for the Company’s matching contribution for the 401(k) plan. The increase in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense is primarily due to additional stock grants subsequent to March 31, 2012 and accruing the annual discretionary bonus at a higher target rate in 2013 than in 2012, as well as the vesting of long-term incentive awards in connection with James Q. Crowe's departure from the Company, as described below.

On April 11, 2013, the Company announced that Jeff K. Storey had been appointed by the Board of Directors, effective immediately, to be the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. As a result of the departure of James Q. Crowe, the Company incurred an SG&A charge of approximately $23 million in the second quarter of 2013, consisting of $6 million of additional cash compensation expenses and $17 million in non-cash compensation expenses related to the vesting of certain of Mr. Crowe's long-term incentive awards payable under the terms of his employment agreement.

Additionally, in the third quarter of 2013, the Company implemented certain workforce reductions, resulting in approximately $30 million restructuring charges recorded in SG&A. Restructuring charges were $30 million and $46 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $6 million and $14 million in the same period of 2012.

Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by the Company, is net income (loss) from the consolidated statements of operations before (1) income tax benefit (expense), (2) total other income (expense), (3) non-cash impairment charges included within selling, general and administrative expenses, (4) depreciation and amortization expense and (5) non-cash stock compensation expense included within selling, general and administrative expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement under GAAP and may not be used in the same way by other companies. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important part of the Company’s internal reporting and is a key measure used by management to evaluate profitability and operating performance of the Company and to make resource allocation decisions. Management believes such measurement is especially important in a capital-intensive industry such as telecommunications. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA to compare the Company’s performance to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating items in order to consistently measure from period to period its ability to fund capital expenditures, fund growth, service debt and determine bonuses.

Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock compensation expense because of the non-cash nature of these items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes interest income, interest expense and income tax benefit (expense) because these items are associated with the Company’s capitalization and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these non-cash expenses reflect the effect of capital investments which management believes are better evaluated through cash flow measures. Adjusted EBITDA excludes net other income (expense) because these items are not related to the primary operations of the Company.

There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar performance measures whose calculations may differ from the Company’s calculations. Additionally, this financial measure does not include certain significant items such as interest income, interest expense, income tax benefit (expense), depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash stock compensation expense and net other income (expense).

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Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

The following information provides a reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA as defined by the Company:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net Loss	$	(21	)	$	(166	)	$	(123	)	$	(366	)
Income Tax Expense	14			13			39			35
Total Other Expense	159			291			531			718
Depreciation and Amortization	203			185			596			563
Non-Cash Compensation Expense	30			49			115			102
Adjusted EBITDA	$	385		$	372		$	1,158		$	1,052

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $385 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $372 million in the same period of 2012 and was $1,158 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $1,052 million in the same period of 2012. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily attributable to growth in the Company’s higher incremental margin Core Network Services revenue, continued improvements in cost of revenue and lower SG&A expenses.

Interest Expensedecreased12% to $165 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013, from $188 million in the same period of 2012 and decreased10% to $501 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from $558 million in the same period of 2012. Interest expense decreased as a result of lower cost of borrowing on refinanced debt for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 as well as the repayment of the Company's 15% Convertible Senior Notes in January 2013.

The Company expects annual interest expense in 2013 to approximate $665 million based on current interest rates on the Company's debt outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and taking into consideration the October 2013 incurrence of the $1.2 billion additional Tranche B 2020 Term Loan under the amended and restated credit agreement (along with the repayment of the existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan). See Note 6 - Long-Term Debt and Note 10 - Subsequent Events in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional information on Level 3's financing activities.

Loss on Modification and Extinguishment of Debt, net was $17 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to a loss of $49 million and $110 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The loss recorded during 2013 was a charge of approximately $17 million related to the refinancing of the $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 and the $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loans in August 2013. The loss recorded during 2012 was a charge of approximately $9 million related to the refinancing of the $1.4 billion Tranche A Term Loan in August 2012, a charge of approximately $40 million as a result of the redemption of the 8.75% Senior Notes due 2017 in August 2012, a charge of approximately $22 million related to the redemption of the 9.25% Senior Notes due 2014 in February 2012 and a charge of approximately $39 million as a result of the exchange of a portion of the 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 for approximately 5.4 million shares of Level 3 stock in March 2012. See Note 6 - Long-Term Debt in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other, net is primarily comprised of gains and losses on the sale of non-operating assets, foreign currency gains and losses and other income and expense.

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Other, net was $23 million of income and $13 million of expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $54 million and $52 million of expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The Other, net income in the third quarter 2013 is primarily due to foreign currency gains attributable to the appreciation of the local currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar for certain intercompany notes denominated in the local currency of foreign subsidiaries in EMEA that are not considered to be long-term in nature. The Other, net expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was incurred primarily due to foreign currency losses attributable to the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar as discussed below, partially offset by net foreign currency gains. The results in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were driven by a non-cash loss on the Company's interest rate swap agreements of approximately $60 million that were deemed "ineffective" under GAAP in connection with the refinancing of the $1.4 billion Tranche A Term Loan.

Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued the Venezuelan bolivar by increasing the official rate from 4.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar to 6.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar. This devaluation reduced the Company's net monetary assets by $22 million based on the bolivar balances as of February 13, 2013, resulting in a charge of $22 million which was recognized in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2013.

Income Tax Expense was $14 million and $39 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $13 million and $35 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The income tax expense in all periods is primarily related to taxes in foreign jurisdictions.

The Company incurs tax expense attributable to income in various Level 3 subsidiaries that are required to file state or foreign income tax returns on a separate legal entity basis. The Company also recognizes accrued interest and penalties in income tax expense related to uncertain tax benefits. Income tax for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2013 is not necessarily indicative of income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other things, the amount and source of income or loss, our ability to utilize foreign tax credits, changes in tax laws, and the movement of liabilities established for uncertain tax positions as statutes of limitations expire or positions are otherwise effectively settled.

Financial Condition— For the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013 and 2012

Cash flows provided by or used in operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012			Change
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	327		$	178		$	149
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(556		)	(538		)	(18		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(220		)	234			(454		)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23		)	1			(24		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	(472	)	$	(125	)	$	(347	)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $327 million in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $178 million in the same period of 2012. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to growth in earnings and lower interest payments.

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Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 primarily as a result of additional capital expenditures, which totaled $571 million in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 and $545 million in the same period of 2012. The increase is primarily due to additional investment in the network as well as higher capitalized labor.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities of $220 million in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 compared to $234 million provided by financing activities in the same period of 2012 relates to greater net payments of debt and capital leases during 2013 primarily as a result of the repayment at maturity of the 15% Convertible Notes due January 15, 2013 as compared to greater net borrowings in the same period of 2012. See Note 6 - Long-Term Debt in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for more details regarding the Company's debt transactions during 2013.

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents

The effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013, was primarily due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar. This devaluation reduced the Company's unrestricted cash and cash equivalents by $21 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company incurred a net loss of $123 million in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 and $366 million in the same period of 2012. The Company used cash of $571 million for capital expenditures and $220 million for financing activities in the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013. This compares to $545 million of cash used for capital expenditures and $234 million of cash flows provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Net cash interest payments are expected to decrease to approximately $645 million in 2013 from $695 million in 2012 based on current interest rates on the Company's debt outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and taking into consideration the October 2013 borrowing of the $1.2 billion additional Tranche B 2020 Term Loan under the amended and restated credit agreement (along with the repayment of the existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan).

Capital expenditures for 2013 are expected to remain relatively consistent as a percentage of revenue with 2012, as the Company invests in base capital expenditures (estimated capital required to keep the network operating efficiently and support new service development) with the remaining capital expenditures expected to be partly success-based, which is tied to a specific customer revenue opportunity, and partly project-based where capital is used to expand the network based on the Company's expectation that the project will eventually lead to incremental revenue.As of September 30, 2013, the Company had contractual debt obligations, including capital lease obligations, and excluding interest, discounts on debt issuance and fair value adjustments, of $8 million that mature in the remaining three months of 2013, $28 million in 2014 and $783 million in 2015.

In October 2013, the Company announced that it has agreed to sell $640 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021 in a private offering. The net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem or otherwise repay or retire all of the Company's outstanding 10% Senior Notes due 2018, including accrued interest and applicable premiums and expenses. The offering is expected to be completed on November 14, 2013, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

Also in October 2013, the Company refinanced its existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility by increasing the borrowings under the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan by an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount is $1.796 billion.

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The $1.796 billion Tranche B 2020 Term Loan will continue to bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The additional portion of the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par, with the payment to the lenders of an upfront 0.25% fee at closing. The prior Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on October 4, 2019.

In August 2013, the Company refinanced its $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new Tranche B 2020 Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount of $595.5 million. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The previous Tranche B 2016 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a a minimum LIBOR of 1.50%, and matured on August 1, 2016.

Also in August 2013, the Company refinanced its $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount of $815 million. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on August 1, 2019. The previous Tranche B 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.75%, with a a minimum LIBOR of 1.50%, and matured on August 1, 2019.

In January 2013, the Company repaid at maturity approximately $172 million of its 15% Convertible Senior Notes.

For information related to financing activities that occurred during 2012, see Item 7 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company had $507 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand at September 30, 2013. The Company also had $30 million of current and non-current restricted cash and securities used to collateralize outstanding letters of credit and certain performance and operating obligations of the Company and other deposits at September 30, 2013. In addition, $58 million of the Company's total cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2013 was held in Venezuelan bolivares by a Venezuelan subsidiary. In light of the Venezuelan exchange control regime, none of such $58 million may be transferred to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of the Venezuelan government. The $58 million value of the Company's bolivar balance reflects the February 13, 2013 devaluation of the bolivar that resulted from the increase in the official exchange rate from 4.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar to 6.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar. That devaluation reduced the Company's unrestricted cash and cash equivalents by $21 million, based on the bolivar balances as of February 13, 2013.

The Company currently has the ability to repatriate cash and cash equivalents into the United States without paying or accruing U.S. taxes. Level 3 does not currently intend to repatriate any of its foreign cash and cash equivalents from entities outside of Latin America. The Company has no restrictions on its ability to repatriate foreign cash and cash equivalents, other than conversion and repatriation restrictions in Venezuela, as needed to fund operations in the United States, including debt service.

Based on information available at this time, the Company believes that its current liquidity and anticipated future cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund its business for at least the next twelve months.

The Company may need to refinance all or a portion of its indebtedness at or before maturity and cannot provide assurances that it will be able to refinance any such indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the Company may elect to secure additional capital in the future, at acceptable terms, to improve its liquidity or fund acquisitions. In addition, in an effort to reduce future cash interest payments as well as future amounts due at maturity or to extend debt maturities, the Company may, from time to time, issue new debt, enter into debt for debt, debt for equity or cash transactions to purchase its outstanding debt securities in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company will evaluate any such transactions in light of the

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existing market conditions and the possible dilutive effect to stockholders. The amounts involved in any such transaction, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.

In addition to raising capital through the debt and equity markets, the Company may sell or dispose of existing businesses, investments or other non-core assets.

Consolidation of the communications industry may continue. The Company will continue to evaluate consolidation opportunities and could make additional acquisitions in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Level 3 has not entered into off-balance sheet arrangements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

Level 3 is subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had borrowed a total of approximately $2.9 billion primarily under a Senior Secured Term Loan (excluding discounts) and Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2015 that bear interest at LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin. As the LIBOR rates fluctuate, so too will the interest expense on amounts borrowed under the debt instruments, unless LIBOR rates are below the minimum LIBOR rate for a particular Senior Secured Term Loan. The weighted average interest rate on the variable rate instruments at September 30, 2013, was approximately 4.3%.

The Company's senior secured credit facility's variable interest rate is based on a fixed rate plus LIBOR, with a fixed minimum LIBOR rate of 1.5% for the $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and a fixed rate plus LIBOR, with a fixed minimum LIBOR rate of 1.0% for the $595.5 million Tranche B 2020 and the $815 million Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loans. The market LIBOR rate for the Company's senior secured credit facility was approximately 0.3% at September 30, 2013, which was below the fixed minimum rates. Declines in LIBOR below the fixed minimum rate or increases up to the fixed minimum rate do not affect the Company's annual interest expense. A hypothetical increase in the weighted average rate by 1% point would increase the Company's annual interest rate expense on all of its variable rate instruments by approximately $7 million as of September 30, 2013 (excluding any effect of interest rate swaps).

At September 30, 2013, the Company had $5.7 billion (excluding discounts) of fixed rate debt bearing a weighted average interest rate of 8.6%. A decline in interest rates in the future will not generally benefit the Company with respect to the fixed rate debt due to the terms and conditions of the indentures relating to that debt that would require the Company to repurchase the debt at specified premiums if redeemed early. Indicated changes in interest rates are based on hypothetical movements and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results that may occur. Future earnings and losses will be affected by actual fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company conducts a portion of its business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the currency in which the Company's consolidated financial statements are reported. Accordingly, the Company's operating results could be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate volatility relative to the U.S. dollar. The Company's European subsidiaries and certain Latin American subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency, as the majority of their revenue and purchases are transacted in their local currencies. Although the Company continues to evaluate strategies to mitigate risks related to the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the Company will likely recognize gains or losses from international transactions. Changes in foreign currency rates could adversely affect the Company's operating results.

Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued the Venezuelan bolivar by increasing the official rate from 4.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar to 6.30 Venezuelan bolivares to the U.S. Dollar. This devaluation reduced the Company's net monetary assets by $22 million, including unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $21 million, based on the bolivar balances as of February 13, 2013. The devaluation of the Company's net monetary assets resulted in a charge of $22 million which was recognized in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2013. The effects on revenue and operating income are not expected to be material in light of certain pricing adjustment mechanisms in many of the Company's contracts with Venezuelan customers and since most of the Company's costs in Venezuela are incurred in bolivares.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of September 30, 2013. Based upon such review, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal controls. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the third quarter of 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II - Other Information

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding legal proceedings in which we are involved, see Note 8, “Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items,” to our consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in Level 3's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which could materially affect Level 3's business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in Level 3's Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Level 3 or that it currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect Level 3's business, financial condition and/or operating results. There has not been a material change from the risk factors included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)	Exhibits incorporated by reference are indicated in parentheses.
10.1	Sixth Amendment Agreement to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2013, among Level 3 Communications, Inc., Level 3 Financing, Inc., the Lenders party thereto and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 13, 2013).
10.2	Amended and Restated Loan Proceeds Note, dated as of August 12, 2013, issued by Level 3 Communications, LLC to Level 3 Financing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 13, 2013).
10.3	Amended and Restated Loan Proceeds Note, dated as of August 12, 2013, issued by Level 3 Communications, LLC to Level 3 Financing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 13, 2013).
10.4	Seventh Amendment Agreement to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2013, among Level 3 Communications, Inc., Level 3 Financing, Inc., the Lenders party thereto and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2013).
10.5	Amended and Restated Loan Proceeds Note, dated as of August 16, 2013, issued by Level 3 Communications, LLC to Level 3 Financing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2013).
10.6	Amended and Restated Loan Proceeds Note, dated as of August 16, 2013, issued by Level 3 Communications, LLC to Level 3 Financing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2013).
12	Statements re computation of ratios.
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101	The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Level 3 Communications, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Supplementary Stockholders' Equity Information, (iv) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Dated:	November 5, 2013	/s/ Eric J. Mortensen
		Eric J. Mortensen
		Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

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EX-12

Exhibit 12

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)	2013			2012			2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	$	(84	)	$	(331	)	$	(374	)	$	(786	)	$	(712	)	$	(623	)	$	(312	)
Interest on Debt, Net of Capitalized Interest	501			558			733			716			586			595			570
Amortization of Capitalized Interest	—			—			—			—			—			—			48
Portion of rents deemed representative of the interest factor (1/3)	76			76			101			77			69			68			68
(Losses) Earnings Available for Fixed Charges	$	493		$	303		$	460		$	7		$	(57	)	$	40		$	374
Interest on Debt	501			558			733			716			586			595			570
Preferred Dividends	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest Expense Portion of Rental Expense	76			76			101			77			69			68			68
Total Fixed Charges	$	577		$	634		$	834		$	793		$	655		$	663		$	638
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Deficiency	$	(84	)	$	(331	)	$	(374	)	$	(786	)	$	(712	)	$	(623	)	$	(264	)

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS*

I, Jeff K. Storey, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Level 3 Communications, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 5, 2013

/s/ Jeff K. Storey

Jeff K. Storey

President and Chief Executive Officer

____________________________

* Provide a separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant. See Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS*

I, Sunit S. Patel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Level 3 Communications, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 5, 2013

/s/ Sunit S. Patel

Sunit S. Patel

Chief Financial Officer

____________________________

* Provide a separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant. See Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Form 10-Q of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeff K. Storey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Jeff K. Storey

Jeff K. Storey

President and Chief Executive Officer

November 5, 2013

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Form 10-Q of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Sunit S. Patel, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Sunit S. Patel

Sunit S. Patel

Chief Financial Officer

November 5, 2013

XML

Subsequent Events (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

On October 4, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility by increasing the borrowings under the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan by an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount is $1.796 billion.

The $1.796 billion Tranche B 2020 Term Loan will continue to bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The additional portion of the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par, with the payment to the lenders of an upfront 0.25% fee at closing. The prior Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on October 4, 2019. As a result of this transaction, the Company expects to incur a loss on the refinancing of approximately $10 million in the fourth quarter 2013 and additional debt discount costs of $3 million that will be amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over its term.

On October 30, 2013, the Company announced that Level 3 Financing, Inc. has agreed to sell $640 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021 in a private offering to "qualified institutional buyers," as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933. The net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem or otherwise repay or retire all of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s outstanding 10% Senior Notes due 2018, including accrued interest and applicable premiums and expenses. The offering is expected to be completed on November 14, 2013, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

XML

Supplementary Stockholders' Equity Information, Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Net Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 26	$ 56	$ (30)
Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(53)	(44)	(9)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	0	1
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	(26)	12	(38)
Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12)	(12)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	0	1
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	(37)	0	(37)
Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	41	41	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	0	1
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 5	$ 41	$ (36)

XML

Acquired Intangible Assets (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Acquired Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Acquired Intangible Assets

Acquired Intangible Assets

Identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
September 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	786	$	(666	)	$	120
Trademarks	55		(28		)	27
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(114		)	44
	999		(808		)	191
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,031	$	(808	)	$	223
December 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	776	$	(633	)	$	143
Trademarks	55		(17		)	38
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(103		)	55
	989		(753		)	236
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,021	$	(753	)	$	268

Acquired finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense was $18 million and $54 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $21 million and $71 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

At September 30, 2013, the weighted average remaining useful lives of the Company's acquired finite-lived intangible assets was 2.5 years for customer contracts and relationships, 2 years for trademarks and 3.3 years for patents and developed technology.

As of September 30, 2013, estimated amortization expense for the Company’s finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets over the next five years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in millions):

2013 (remaining three months)	$	18
2014	64
2015	48
2016	31
2017	14
2018	13
Thereafter	3
	$	191

XML

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Level 3 Financing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has issued senior notes that are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; however, they are also fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

In conjunction with the registration of the senior notes, the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial statements of guarantors and affiliates whose securities collateralize an issue registered or being registered.”

The operating activities of the separate legal entities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are interdependent. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of each legal entity and, on an aggregate basis, the other non-guarantor subsidiaries based on amounts incurred by such entities, and is not intended to present the operating results of those legal entities on a stand-alone basis. Level 3 Communications, LLC leases equipment and certain facilities from other wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. These transactions are eliminated in the consolidated results of the Company.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	711		$	919		$	(61	)	$	1,569
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			264			405			(61		)	608
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			73			130			—			203
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			385			219			—			606
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			722			754			(61		)	1,417
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(11		)	165			—			152
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(38		)	(123		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(165		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	274			429			(670		)	(33		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(255		)	(542		)	122			—			675			—
Other, net	—			(18		)	1			23			—			6
Total Other Expense	(19		)	(254		)	(548		)	(13		)	675			(159		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(20		)	(255		)	(559		)	152			675			(7		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(12		)	—			(14		)
Net Income (Loss)	(21		)	(255		)	(560		)	140			675			(21		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	42			42			—			42			(84		)	42
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	21		$	(213	)	$	(560	)	$	182		$	591		$	21

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	2,090		$	2,803		$	(182	)	$	4,711
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			781			1,254			(182		)	1,853
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			215			381			—			596
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,178			634			—			1,815
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,174			2,269			(182		)	4,264
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(84		)	534			—			447
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(114		)	(374		)	(2		)	(11		)	—			(501		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	819			1,284			(2,008		)	(95		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(825		)	(1,715		)	398			—			2,142			—
Other, net	—			(19		)	3			(14		)	—			(30		)
Total Other Expense	(120		)	(824		)	(1,609		)	(120		)	2,142			(531		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(122		)	(825		)	(1,693		)	414			2,142			(84		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(2		)	(36		)	—			(39		)
Net Income (Loss)	(123		)	(825		)	(1,695		)	378			2,142			(123		)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Income Taxes	(21		)	(21		)	—			(21		)	42			(21		)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(144	)	$	(846	)	$	(1,695	)	$	357		$	2,184		$	(144	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	672		$	981		$	(63	)	$	1,590
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			256			447			(61		)	642
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			63			122			—			185
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			410			215			(2		)	625
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			729			784			(63		)	1,452
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(57		)	197			—			138
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest expense	(43		)	(137		)	(1		)	(7		)	—			(188		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	244			400			(561		)	(83		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(365		)	(516		)	40			—			841			—
Other, net	—			(111		)	3			5			—			(103		)
Total Other Expense	(164		)	(364		)	(519		)	(85		)	841			(291		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(165		)	(365		)	(576		)	112			841			(153		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11		)	—			(13		)
Net Income (Loss)	(166		)	(365		)	(577		)	101			841			(166		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	122			122			—			48			(170		)	122
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(44	)	$	(243	)	$	(577	)	$	149		$	671		$	(44	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,957		$	2,995		$	(190	)	$	4,762
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			736			1,393			(182		)	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			196			367			—			563
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,207			663			(8		)	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,139			2,423			(190		)	4,375
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(182		)	572			—			387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			1			1			—			2
Interest expense	(123		)	(410		)	(2		)	(23		)	—			(558		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	734			1,202			(1,678		)	(258		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(935		)	(1,593		)	101			—			2,427			—
Other, net	(39		)	(133		)	6			4			—			(162		)
Total Other Expense	(363		)	(934		)	(1,572		)	(276		)	2,427			(718		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(365		)	(935		)	(1,754		)	296			2,427			(331		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(3		)	(31		)	—			(35		)
Net Income (Loss)	(366		)	(935		)	(1,757		)	265			2,427			(366		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	108			108			—			18			(126		)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(258	)	$	(827	)	$	(1,757	)	$	283		$	2,301		$	(258	)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203	$	—		$	507
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			6		—			7
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			107			631		—			738
Due from affiliates	15,285			16,647			—			—		(31,932		)	—
Other	3			15			64			105		—			187
Total Current Assets	15,297			16,668			461			945		(31,932		)	1,439
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			3,004			5,226		—			8,230
Restricted Cash and Securities	3			—			17			3		—			23
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			404			2,386		—			2,790
Investment in Subsidiaries	(12,526		)	(22,242		)	3,921			—		30,847			—
Other Assets, net	13			107			11			239		—			370
Total Assets	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	1		$	51		$	581	$	—		$	633
Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			2			19		—			21
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			156			56		—			212
Accrued interest	53			116			—			1		—			170
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			104			115		—			219
Due to affiliates	—			—			31,511			421		(31,932		)	—
Other	1			24			76			74		—			175
Total Current Liabilities	54			141			31,900			1,267		(31,932		)	1,430
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,571			6,896			18			52		—			8,537
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			584			312		—			896
Other Liabilities	15			26			132			669		—			842
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147			(12,530		)	(24,816		)	6,499		30,847			1,147
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	253		$	5		$	386		$	335	$	—		$	979
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			7		—			8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			93			621		—			714
Due from affiliates	14,446			15,709			—			7		(30,162		)	—
Other	3			16			49			73		—			141
Total Current Assets	14,702			15,730			529			1,043		(30,162		)	1,842
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			2,926			5,273		—			8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	12			—			17			6		—			35
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			429			2,404		—			2,833
Investment in Subsidiaries	(11,756		)	(20,470		)	3,242			—		28,984			—
Other Assets, net	16			119			11			252		—			398
Total Assets	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1		$	2		$	53		$	723	$	—		$	779
Current portion of long-term debt	172			6			6			32		—			216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			161			50		—			211
Accrued interest	45			163			—			1		—			209
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			109			142		—			251
Due to affiliates	—			—			30,162			—		(30,162		)	—
Other	1			1			29			105		—			136
Total Current Liabilities	219			172			30,520			1,053		(30,162		)	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,570			6,886			20			40		—			8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			602			285		—			887
Other Liabilities	14			81			75			761		—			931
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,171			(11,760		)	(24,063		)	6,839		28,984			1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(105	)	$	(441	)	$	298		$	575		$	—	$	327
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(235		)	(336		)	—		(571		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	9			—			—			4			—		13
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			16			—		16
Other	—			—			—			(14		)	—		(14		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	9			—			(235		)	(330		)	—		(556		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	—			590			—			—			—		590
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(172		)	(607		)	(4		)	(27		)	—		(810		)
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	24			459			(156		)	(327		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(148		)	442			(160		)	(354		)	—		(220		)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(23		)	—		(23		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(244		)	1			(97		)	(132		)	—		(472		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	253			5			386			335			—		979
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203		$	—	$	507

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(48	)	$	(442	)	$	80		$	588		$	—	$	178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(199		)	(346		)	—		(545		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	3			—			1			11			—		15
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			5			—		5
Other	—			—			—			(13		)	—		(13		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	3			—			(198		)	(343		)	—		(538		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	293			3,024			—			—			—		3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	—			(2,960		)	—			(128		)	—		(3,088		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	5			—			—			—			—		5
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	41			377			(285		)	(133		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	339			441			(285		)	(261		)	—		234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			1			—		1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	294			(1		)	(403		)	(15		)	—		(125		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2			6			618			292			—		918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	296		$	5		$	215		$	277		$	—	$	793

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	711		$	919		$	(61	)	$	1,569
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			264			405			(61		)	608
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			73			130			—			203
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			385			219			—			606
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			722			754			(61		)	1,417
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(11		)	165			—			152
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(38		)	(123		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(165		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	274			429			(670		)	(33		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(255		)	(542		)	122			—			675			—
Other, net	—			(18		)	1			23			—			6
Total Other Expense	(19		)	(254		)	(548		)	(13		)	675			(159		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(20		)	(255		)	(559		)	152			675			(7		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(12		)	—			(14		)
Net Income (Loss)	(21		)	(255		)	(560		)	140			675			(21		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	42			42			—			42			(84		)	42
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	21		$	(213	)	$	(560	)	$	182		$	591		$	21

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	2,090		$	2,803		$	(182	)	$	4,711
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			781			1,254			(182		)	1,853
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			215			381			—			596
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,178			634			—			1,815
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,174			2,269			(182		)	4,264
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(84		)	534			—			447
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(114		)	(374		)	(2		)	(11		)	—			(501		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	819			1,284			(2,008		)	(95		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(825		)	(1,715		)	398			—			2,142			—
Other, net	—			(19		)	3			(14		)	—			(30		)
Total Other Expense	(120		)	(824		)	(1,609		)	(120		)	2,142			(531		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(122		)	(825		)	(1,693		)	414			2,142			(84		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(2		)	(36		)	—			(39		)
Net Income (Loss)	(123		)	(825		)	(1,695		)	378			2,142			(123		)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Income Taxes	(21		)	(21		)	—			(21		)	42			(21		)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(144	)	$	(846	)	$	(1,695	)	$	357		$	2,184		$	(144	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	672		$	981		$	(63	)	$	1,590
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			256			447			(61		)	642
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			63			122			—			185
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			410			215			(2		)	625
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			729			784			(63		)	1,452
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(57		)	197			—			138
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest expense	(43		)	(137		)	(1		)	(7		)	—			(188		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	244			400			(561		)	(83		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(365		)	(516		)	40			—			841			—
Other, net	—			(111		)	3			5			—			(103		)
Total Other Expense	(164		)	(364		)	(519		)	(85		)	841			(291		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(165		)	(365		)	(576		)	112			841			(153		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11		)	—			(13		)
Net Income (Loss)	(166		)	(365		)	(577		)	101			841			(166		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	122			122			—			48			(170		)	122
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(44	)	$	(243	)	$	(577	)	$	149		$	671		$	(44	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,957		$	2,995		$	(190	)	$	4,762
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			736			1,393			(182		)	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			196			367			—			563
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,207			663			(8		)	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,139			2,423			(190		)	4,375
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(182		)	572			—			387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			1			1			—			2
Interest expense	(123		)	(410		)	(2		)	(23		)	—			(558		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	734			1,202			(1,678		)	(258		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(935		)	(1,593		)	101			—			2,427			—
Other, net	(39		)	(133		)	6			4			—			(162		)
Total Other Expense	(363		)	(934		)	(1,572		)	(276		)	2,427			(718		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(365		)	(935		)	(1,754		)	296			2,427			(331		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(3		)	(31		)	—			(35		)
Net Income (Loss)	(366		)	(935		)	(1,757		)	265			2,427			(366		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	108			108			—			18			(126		)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(258	)	$	(827	)	$	(1,757	)	$	283		$	2,301		$	(258	)

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203	$	—		$	507
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			6		—			7
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			107			631		—			738
Due from affiliates	15,285			16,647			—			—		(31,932		)	—
Other	3			15			64			105		—			187
Total Current Assets	15,297			16,668			461			945		(31,932		)	1,439
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			3,004			5,226		—			8,230
Restricted Cash and Securities	3			—			17			3		—			23
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			404			2,386		—			2,790
Investment in Subsidiaries	(12,526		)	(22,242		)	3,921			—		30,847			—
Other Assets, net	13			107			11			239		—			370
Total Assets	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	1		$	51		$	581	$	—		$	633
Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			2			19		—			21
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			156			56		—			212
Accrued interest	53			116			—			1		—			170
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			104			115		—			219
Due to affiliates	—			—			31,511			421		(31,932		)	—
Other	1			24			76			74		—			175
Total Current Liabilities	54			141			31,900			1,267		(31,932		)	1,430
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,571			6,896			18			52		—			8,537
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			584			312		—			896
Other Liabilities	15			26			132			669		—			842
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147			(12,530		)	(24,816		)	6,499		30,847			1,147
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	253		$	5		$	386		$	335	$	—		$	979
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			7		—			8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			93			621		—			714
Due from affiliates	14,446			15,709			—			7		(30,162		)	—
Other	3			16			49			73		—			141
Total Current Assets	14,702			15,730			529			1,043		(30,162		)	1,842
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			2,926			5,273		—			8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	12			—			17			6		—			35
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			429			2,404		—			2,833
Investment in Subsidiaries	(11,756		)	(20,470		)	3,242			—		28,984			—
Other Assets, net	16			119			11			252		—			398
Total Assets	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1		$	2		$	53		$	723	$	—		$	779
Current portion of long-term debt	172			6			6			32		—			216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			161			50		—			211
Accrued interest	45			163			—			1		—			209
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			109			142		—			251
Due to affiliates	—			—			30,162			—		(30,162		)	—
Other	1			1			29			105		—			136
Total Current Liabilities	219			172			30,520			1,053		(30,162		)	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,570			6,886			20			40		—			8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			602			285		—			887
Other Liabilities	14			81			75			761		—			931
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,171			(11,760		)	(24,063		)	6,839		28,984			1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(105	)	$	(441	)	$	298		$	575		$	—	$	327
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(235		)	(336		)	—		(571		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	9			—			—			4			—		13
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			16			—		16
Other	—			—			—			(14		)	—		(14		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	9			—			(235		)	(330		)	—		(556		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	—			590			—			—			—		590
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(172		)	(607		)	(4		)	(27		)	—		(810		)
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	24			459			(156		)	(327		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(148		)	442			(160		)	(354		)	—		(220		)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(23		)	—		(23		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(244		)	1			(97		)	(132		)	—		(472		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	253			5			386			335			—		979
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203		$	—	$	507

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(48	)	$	(442	)	$	80		$	588		$	—	$	178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(199		)	(346		)	—		(545		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	3			—			1			11			—		15
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			5			—		5
Other	—			—			—			(13		)	—		(13		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	3			—			(198		)	(343		)	—		(538		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	293			3,024			—			—			—		3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	—			(2,960		)	—			(128		)	—		(3,088		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	5			—			—			—			—		5
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	41			377			(285		)	(133		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	339			441			(285		)	(261		)	—		234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			1			—		1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	294			(1		)	(403		)	(15		)	—		(125		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2			6			618			292			—		918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	296		$	5		$	215		$	277		$	—	$	793

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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

As part of its consolidation policy, the Company considers its controlled subsidiaries, investments in businesses in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary or does not have effective control but has the ability to significantly influence operating and financial policies, and variable interests resulting from economic arrangements that give the Company rights to economic risks or rewards of a legal entity. The Company does not have variable interests in a variable interest entity.

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Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						0 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan	Dec. 31, 2012 Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan	Sep. 30, 2013 10% Senior Notes due 2018	Dec. 31, 2012 10% Senior Notes due 2018	Oct. 04, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan	Oct. 04, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event Tranche B 2020 Term Loan add-on	Oct. 04, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount	Oct. 30, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021	Oct. 30, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event 10% Senior Notes due 2018	Oct. 04, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan	Oct. 04, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Level 3 Financing, Inc. Subsequent Event Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount	Oct. 04, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Level 3 Financing, Inc. Minimum Subsequent Event Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan	Oct. 04, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Level 3 Financing, Inc. Minimum Subsequent Event Tranche B 2020 Term Loan new aggregate principal amount
Subsequent Event
Refinanced debt amount									$ 1,200.0
Aggregate principal amount										1,200.0	1,796.0	640.0
Basis (LIBOR)														LIBOR	LIBOR
Basis Spread on Variable Rate														3.25%	3.00%
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					4.75%	4.75%	10.00%	10.00%				6.125%	10.00%			1.50%	1.00%
Upfront fee at closing										0.25%
Loss on the refinancing	(17)	(49)	(17)	(110)					(10)
Additional debt discount costs										$ 3

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Liabilities, Recurring (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	$ 23	$ 56
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	23	56
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	2,604	2,603
Senior Notes	5,188	5,185
Convertible Notes	675	846
Capital Leases and Other	91	98
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	8,558	8,732
Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	0	0
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	0	0
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	2,607	2,631
Senior Notes	5,609	5,712
Convertible Notes	304	286
Capital Leases and Other	0	0
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	8,520	8,629
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	23	56
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	23	56
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	0	0
Senior Notes	0	0
Convertible Notes	581	748
Capital Leases and Other	91	98
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	$ 672	$ 846

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Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 999		$ 999		$ 989
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(808)		(808)		(753)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	191		191		236
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense	18	21	54	71
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Total identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,031		1,031		1,021
Total identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets, Net	223		223		268
Estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets
2013 (remaining three months)	18		18
2014	64		64
2015	48		48
2016	31		31
2017	14		14
2018	13		13
Thereafter	3		3
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	191		191		236
Vyvx Trade Name
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	32		32		32
Customer Contracts And Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	786		786		776
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(666)		(666)		(633)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	120		120		143
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets weighted average remaining useful lives (in years)	2 years 6 months
Estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	120		120		143
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	55		55		55
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(28)		(28)		(17)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	27		27		38
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets weighted average remaining useful lives (in years)	2 years
Estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	27		27		38
Patents and Developed Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	158		158		158
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(114)		(114)		(103)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	44		44		55
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets weighted average remaining useful lives (in years)	3 years 3 months
Estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 44		$ 44		$ 55

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Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items - Other Commitments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under letters of credit or other similar obligations	$ 28	$ 31
Collateralized by cash, that is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash	$ 25	$ 29

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Long-Term Debt - Textuals (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended					0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Tranche B 2016 Term Loan	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2016 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2016 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2016 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Minimum	Sep. 30, 2013 Tranche B 2020 Term Loan	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2020 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2020 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	Aug. 16, 2013 Tranche B 2020 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Minimum	Dec. 31, 2012 Tranche B 2019 Term Loan	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Minimum	Sep. 30, 2013 Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	Aug. 12, 2013 Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan Level 3 Financing, Inc. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Minimum	Sep. 30, 2013 15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	Dec. 31, 2012 15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	Jan. 15, 2013 15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 Level 3 Communications, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2013 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Dec. 31, 2012 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Sep. 30, 2013 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 Level 3 Communications, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2013 7.0% Senior Notes due 2020	Dec. 31, 2012 7.0% Senior Notes due 2020	Sep. 30, 2013 7.0% Senior Notes due 2020 Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Long-term debt
Repayments of debt							$ 595.5								$ 815.0									$ 172.0
Aggregate principal amount							600.0				595.5								815.0
Debt Issuance Cost											7				10
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	(17)	(49)	(17)	(110)			(8)								(9)
Tranche B 2016 Term Loan repayment of 0.25% of the original $600 million principal amount							0.25%
Basis (LIBOR)								LIBOR				LIBOR				LIBOR				LIBOR
Basis Spread on Variable Rate								3.25%				3.00%				3.75%				3.00%
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						4.75%			1.50%	4.00%			1.00%	5.25%			1.50%	4.00%			1.00%	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%	8.875%	8.875%	8.875%	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Total Debt Obligations	8,598.0		8,598.0		8,780.0	599.0				595.5				815.0				815.0				0	172.0		300.0	300.0		775.0	775.0
2013 (remaining three months)	8		8
2014	28		28
2015	783		783
2016	208		208
2017	6		6
2018	646		646
Thereafter	$ 6,919		$ 6,919

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Loss Per Share (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Convertible Senior Notes
Loss per share
Securities not included in computation of diluted loss per share (in millions of shares)	28	35
Stock options, outperform stock appreciation rights (OSOs), restricted stock units and warrants
Loss per share
Securities not included in computation of diluted loss per share (in millions of shares)	6	7

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Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 33	$ 31
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 8,894	$ 8,359
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	343,333,333	343,333,333
Common stock, shares issued	222,838,992	218,380,070
Common stock, shares outstanding	222,838,992	218,380,070

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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Level 3") is a facilities-based provider (that is, a provider that owns or leases a substantial portion of the plant, property and equipment necessary to provide its services) of a broad range of integrated communications services. The Company created its communications network by constructing its own assets and through a combination of purchasing other companies and purchasing or leasing facilities from others. Level 3's network is an international, facilities-based communications network. The Company designed its network to provide communications services that employ and take advantage of rapidly improving underlying optical, Internet Protocol, computing and storage technologies.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

As part of its consolidation policy, the Company considers its controlled subsidiaries, investments in businesses in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary or does not have effective control but has the ability to significantly influence operating and financial policies, and variable interests resulting from economic arrangements that give the Company rights to economic risks or rewards of a legal entity. The Company does not have variable interests in a variable interest entity.

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, which was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the opinion of the Company’s management, these financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the interim periods presented herein. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations expected for a full fiscal year.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and such differences could be material.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Goodwill and Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Accounting guidance prohibits the amortization of goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. The Company reviews goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

In the second quarter of 2013, the Company changed the date of its annual assessment of goodwill impairment from December 31 to October 1. This was a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as the new date of the assessment provides additional time prior to the Company’s year-end to complete the goodwill impairment testing and report the results in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is more closely aligned with the Company’s strategic planning process. The change in the assessment date does not delay, accelerate or avoid a potential impairment charge.

For a more detailed description of the Company's goodwill impairment assessment process, please see Note 1 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The guidance in this ASU requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. Public companies are required to comply with the requirements of this ASU for all reporting periods (interim and annual) beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this amendment in the first quarter of 2013. The impact of its adoption was limited to disclosure requirements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under current GAAP, there is no explicit guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when such carryforwards exist, which has led to diversity in practice. ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital leases, other liabilities, interest rate swaps and long-term debt (including the current portion). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital leases and other liabilities approximated their fair values at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The interest rate swaps are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value (see Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments).

GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements and disclosures for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as interest and foreign exchange rates, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

Fair Value Hierarchy

GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value measurement of each class of assets and liabilities is dependent upon its categorization within the fair value hierarchy, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement of each class of asset and liability. GAAP establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1— Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2— Unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3— Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The table below presents the fair values for the Company’s interest rate swaps and long-term debt as well as the input levels used to determine these fair values as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

					Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets				Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Derivatives:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	$	2,604	$	2,603	$	2,607	$	2,631	$	—	$	—
Senior Notes	5,188		5,185		5,609		5,712		—		—
Convertible Notes	675		846		304		286		581		748
Capital Leases and Other	91		98		—		—		91		98
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	$	8,558	$	8,732	$	8,520	$	8,629	$	672	$	846

The Company does not have any assets or liabilities where the fair value is measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Derivatives

The fair value of interest rate swaps is estimated using discounted cash flow techniques that use observable market inputs, such as LIBOR-based forward yield curves, forward rates, non-performance risk adjustment and the specific swap rate stated in each of the swap agreements.

Term Loans

The fair value of the Term Loans referenced above was approximately $2.6 billion at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of each loan is based on quoted prices for identical terms and maturities. Each loan tranche is actively traded.

The Term Loans are secured by a pledge of the equity interests in certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; 65% of the equity interests in each of Level 3 Financing, Inc.’s Canadian subsidiary and its Bermuda subsidiary that indirectly owns Global Crossing's non-U.S. subsidiaries; and liens on the assets of Level 3 Communications, Inc. and certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc. In addition, Level 3 Communications, Inc. and certain U.S.-based subsidiaries of Level 3 Financing, Inc. have provided full and unconditional guarantees of the obligations under the Term Loans.

Senior Notes

The fair value of the Senior Notes referenced above was approximately $5.6 billion and $5.7 billion at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, based on quoted prices for identical terms and maturities. Each series of notes is actively traded.

The 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019 and the 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 were issued by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and are not guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries. The remaining Senior Notes are obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc. and are all fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and by Level 3 Communications, LLC.

Convertible Notes

The fair value of the Company’s actively traded 6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 was approximately $304 million and $286 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s actively traded Convertible Notes referenced above is based on the trading quotes for identical notes. The fair value of the Company’s Convertible Notes that are not actively traded, which includes the 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015, the 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015, Series B, and the 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 that were repaid in full at maturity during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, was approximately $581 million and $748 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes that are not actively traded is based on a Black-Scholes valuation model and an income approach using discounted cash flows. The most significant inputs affecting the valuation are the pricing quotes provided by market participants that incorporate spreads to the Treasury curve, security coupon (ranging from 7% to 15%), convertible optionality, corporate and security credit ratings, maturity date (ranging from 2013 to 2015), liquidity, and other equity option inputs, such as the risk-free rate, underlying stock price, strike price of the embedded derivative, estimated volatility and maturity inputs for the option component and for the bond component, among other security characteristics and relative value at both the borrower entity level and across other securities with similar terms. The fair value of each instrument is obtained by adding together the value derived by discounting the security’s coupon or interest payment using a risk-adjusted discount rate and the value calculated from the embedded equity option based on the estimated volatility of the Company’s stock price, conversion rate of the particular Convertible Note, remaining time to maturity, and risk-free rate. The Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Communications, Inc. No subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, Inc. has provided a guarantee of the Convertible Notes.

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Loss Per Share (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Loss Per Share

Loss Per Share

The Company computes basic net loss per share by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and including the dilutive effect of common stock that would be issued assuming conversion or exercise of outstanding convertible notes and stock-based compensation awards.

The effect of approximately 28 million and 35 million shares issuable pursuant to the various series of convertible notes outstanding at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation. In addition, the effect of the approximately 6 million and 7 million stock options, outperform stock appreciation rights ("OSOs"), restricted stock units ("RSUs") and warrants outstanding at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Liabilities, Additional Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified								9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 Term Loans	Sep. 30, 2013 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Dec. 31, 2012 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Sep. 30, 2013 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Dec. 31, 2012 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	Sep. 30, 2013 6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	Dec. 31, 2012 6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	Sep. 30, 2013 Not actively traded convertible notes	Sep. 30, 2013 7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	Dec. 31, 2012 7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	Sep. 30, 2013 7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B	Dec. 31, 2012 7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B	Sep. 30, 2013 15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	Dec. 31, 2012 15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	Sep. 30, 2013 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Term Loans	Dec. 31, 2012 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Term Loans	Sep. 30, 2013 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Actively traded convertible notes	Dec. 31, 2012 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Actively traded convertible notes	Sep. 30, 2013 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Not actively traded convertible notes	Dec. 31, 2012 Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Not actively traded convertible notes	Sep. 30, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Senior Notes	Dec. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Senior Notes
Liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Term Loans															$ 2,600	$ 2,600
Collateral for debt, Equity interest in Level 3 Financing, Inc's Canadian subsidiary (as a percent)	65.00%
Senior Notes																					5,600	5,700
Convertible Notes																	$ 304	$ 286	$ 581	$ 748
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		11.875%	11.875%	8.875%	8.875%	6.50%	6.50%		7.00%	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Security coupon rates used for valuation, lowest interest rate								7.00%
Security coupon rates used for valuation, highest interest rate								15.00%

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Stock-Based Compensation - Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs)	4,000,000		4,000,000
OSOs outstanding	2,000,000		2,000,000
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 31	$ 50	$ 116	$ 103
Capitalized Non-cash Compensation	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation	30	49	115	102
Outperform Stock Options
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	2	4	18	10
Restricted Stock Units and Shares
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	10	16	31	29
401(k) Match Expense
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	6	5	19	18
Restricted Stock Unit Bonus Grant
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	12	20	41	36
Management Incentive and Retention Plan
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1	$ 5	$ 7	$ 10
Non-qualified stock options
Non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation
OSOs outstanding	43,000		43,000

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Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 327	$ 178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(571)	(545)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	13	15
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	16	5
Other	(14)	(13)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(556)	(538)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	590	3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	(810)	(3,088)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0	5
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(220)	234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23)	1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(472)	(125)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	979	918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	507	793
Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(105)	(48)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	9	3
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	9	3
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	0	293
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	(172)	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised		5
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	24	41
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(148)	339
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(244)	294
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	253	2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	9	296
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(441)	(442)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	590	3,024
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	(607)	(2,960)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		0
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	459	377
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	442	441
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1	(1)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	5	6
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	6	5
Level 3 Communications, LLC
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	298	80
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(235)	(199)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	0	1
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(235)	(198)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	0	0
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	(4)	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised		0
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	(156)	(285)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(160)	(285)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(97)	(403)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	386	618
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	289	215
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	575	588
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(336)	(346)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	4	11
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	16	5
Other	(14)	(13)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(330)	(343)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	0	0
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	(27)	(128)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		0
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	(327)	(133)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(354)	(261)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23)	1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(132)	(15)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	335	292
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	203	277
Eliminations
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	0	0
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portions and refinancing costs	0	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised		0
Increase (decrease) due from-to affiliates, net	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	0	0
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 0	$ 0

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Loss	$ (21)	$ (166)	$ (123)	$ (366)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	41	48	(15)	16
Holding Gain on Interest Rate Swaps	0	74	0	90
Other, net	1	0	(6)	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Income Taxes	42	122	(21)	108
Income Tax Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42	122	(21)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 21	$ (44)	$ (144)	$ (258)

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Stock-Based Compensation (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Compensation and Retirement and Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments Disclosure [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
OSO	$	2		$	4		$	18		$	10
Restricted Stock Units and Shares	10			16			31			29
401(k) Match Expense	6			5			19			18
Restricted Stock Unit Bonus Grant	12			20			41			36
Management Incentive and Retention Plan	1			5			7			10
	31			50			116			103
Capitalized Non-Cash Compensation	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
	$	30		$	49		$	115		$	102

The Company capitalizes non-cash compensation for those employees directly involved in the construction of the network, installation of services for customers or the development of business support systems. As of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 2 million OSOs outstanding. As of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 4 million non-vested restricted stock and RSUs outstanding (including those related to the Management Incentive and Retention Plan). In addition, as of September 30, 2013, there were approximately 43 thousand non-qualified stock options outstanding.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 507	$ 979
Restricted cash and securities	7	8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $33 and $31, respectively	738	714
Other	187	141
Total Current Assets	1,439	1,842
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,894 and $8,359, respectively	8,230	8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	23	35
Goodwill	2,567	2,565
Other Intangibles, net	223	268
Other Assets, net	370	398
Total Assets	12,852	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	633	779
Current portion of long-term debt	21	216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	212	211
Accrued interest	170	209
Current portion of deferred revenue	219	251
Other	175	136
Total Current Liabilities	1,430	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	8,537	8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	896	887
Other Liabilities	842	931
Total Liabilities	11,705	12,136
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares: no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 343,333,333 shares in both periods; 222,838,992 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 218,380,070 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	14,120	14,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5	26
Accumulated deficit	(12,980)	(12,857)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,147	1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 12,852	$ 13,307

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue	$ 1,569	$ 1,590	$ 4,711	$ 4,762
Costs and Expenses Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization shown separately below:
Cost of Revenue	608	642	1,853	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	203	185	596	563
Selling, General and Administrative	606	625	1,815	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	1,417	1,452	4,264	4,375
Operating Income	152	138	447	387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	0	0	0	2
Interest expense	(165)	(188)	(501)	(558)
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	(17)	(49)	(17)	(110)
Other, net	23	(54)	(13)	(52)
Total Other Expense	(159)	(291)	(531)	(718)
Loss Before Income Taxes	(7)	(153)	(84)	(331)
Income Tax Expense	(14)	(13)	(39)	(35)
Net Loss	$ (21)	$ (166)	$ (123)	$ (366)
Net Loss per Share (Basic and Diluted)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.56)	$ (1.71)
Shares Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share (in thousands)	222,679	217,301	221,198	214,498

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2007 Level 3 Financing, Inc. derivatives	Sep. 30, 2013 Level 3 Financing, Inc. derivatives	Mar. 31, 2007 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Interest Rate Swap, Agreement One	Mar. 31, 2007 Level 3 Financing, Inc. Interest Rate Swap, Agreement Two	Sep. 30, 2013 Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2012 Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2013 Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2012 Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2013 Other current liabilities	Dec. 31, 2012 Other non-current liabilities
Derivative
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value													$ 23	$ 56
Interest rate swaps, number of instruments					2	2
Interest rate swaps, notional amount					1,000	1,000	500	500
Basis of interest payment					three month LIBOR	three month LIBOR	three month LIBOR	three month LIBOR
Fixed interest rate paid under agreement (as a percent)							4.93%	4.92%
Loss on interest rate swaps		(60)	0	(60)
Cash flow hedging contracts, net gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	74	0	90
Cash flow hedging contracts, amount of gains (losses) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Interest Expense									0	(4)	0	(26)
Loss on interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recognized in Other, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations	$ (1)	$ (3)	$ (2)	$ (3)

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Share-based Compensation

Schedule of non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation

The following table summarizes non-cash compensation expense and capitalized non-cash compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
OSO	$	2		$	4		$	18		$	10
Restricted Stock Units and Shares	10			16			31			29
401(k) Match Expense	6			5			19			18
Restricted Stock Unit Bonus Grant	12			20			41			36
Management Incentive and Retention Plan	1			5			7			10
	31			50			116			103
Capitalized Non-Cash Compensation	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
	$	30		$	49		$	115		$	102

XML

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	$ 1,569	$ 1,590	$ 4,711	$ 4,762
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	608	642	1,853	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	203	185	596	563
Selling, General and Administrative	606	625	1,815	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	1,417	1,452	4,264	4,375
Operating Income (Loss)	152	138	447	387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	0	0	0	2
Interest expense	(165)	(188)	(501)	(558)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	0	0	0	0
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Other, net	6	(103)	(30)	(162)
Total Other Expense	(159)	(291)	(531)	(718)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(7)	(153)	(84)	(331)
Income Tax Expense	(14)	(13)	(39)	(35)
Net Income (Loss)	(21)	(166)	(123)	(366)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42	122	(21)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	21	(44)	(144)	(258)
Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative	1	1	2	2
Total Costs and Expenses	1	1	2	2
Operating Income (Loss)	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		0		0
Interest expense	(38)	(43)	(114)	(123)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	274	244	819	734
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(255)	(365)	(825)	(935)
Other, net	0	0	0	(39)
Total Other Expense	(19)	(164)	(120)	(363)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(20)	(165)	(122)	(365)
Income Tax Expense	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Net Income (Loss)	(21)	(166)	(123)	(366)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42	122	(21)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	21	(44)	(144)	(258)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative	1	1	1	1
Total Costs and Expenses	1	1	1	1
Operating Income (Loss)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		0		0
Interest expense	(123)	(137)	(374)	(410)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	429	400	1,284	1,202
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(542)	(516)	(1,715)	(1,593)
Other, net	(18)	(111)	(19)	(133)
Total Other Expense	(254)	(364)	(824)	(934)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(255)	(365)	(825)	(935)
Income Tax Expense	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss)	(255)	(365)	(825)	(935)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42	122	(21)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(213)	(243)	(846)	(827)
Level 3 Communications, LLC
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	711	672	2,090	1,957
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	264	256	781	736
Depreciation and Amortization	73	63	215	196
Selling, General and Administrative	385	410	1,178	1,207
Total Costs and Expenses	722	729	2,174	2,139
Operating Income (Loss)	(11)	(57)	(84)	(182)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		0		1
Interest expense	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	(670)	(561)	(2,008)	(1,678)
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	122	40	398	101
Other, net	1	3	3	6
Total Other Expense	(548)	(519)	(1,609)	(1,572)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(559)	(576)	(1,693)	(1,754)
Income Tax Expense	(1)	(1)	(2)	(3)
Net Income (Loss)	(560)	(577)	(1,695)	(1,757)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(560)	(577)	(1,695)	(1,757)
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	919	981	2,803	2,995
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	405	447	1,254	1,393
Depreciation and Amortization	130	122	381	367
Selling, General and Administrative	219	215	634	663
Total Costs and Expenses	754	784	2,269	2,423
Operating Income (Loss)	165	197	534	572
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		0		1
Interest expense	(3)	(7)	(11)	(23)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	(33)	(83)	(95)	(258)
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Other, net	23	5	(14)	4
Total Other Expense	(13)	(85)	(120)	(276)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	152	112	414	296
Income Tax Expense	(12)	(11)	(36)	(31)
Net Income (Loss)	140	101	378	265
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	42	48	(21)	18
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	182	149	357	283
Eliminations
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Revenue	(61)	(63)	(182)	(190)
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Revenue	(61)	(61)	(182)	(182)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative	0	(2)	0	(8)
Total Costs and Expenses	(61)	(63)	(182)	(190)
Operating Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		0		0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	0	0	0	0
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	675	841	2,142	2,427
Other, net	0	0	0	0
Total Other Expense	675	841	2,142	2,427
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	675	841	2,142	2,427
Income Tax Expense	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss)	675	841	2,142	2,427
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes	(84)	(170)	42	(126)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 591	$ 671	$ 2,184	$ 2,301

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Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 507	$ 979	$ 793	$ 918
Restricted cash and securities	7	8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	738	714
Due from affiliates	0	0
Other	187	141
Total Current Assets	1,439	1,842
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	8,230	8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	23	35
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	2,790	2,833
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Other Assets, net	370	398
Total Assets	12,852	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	633	779
Current portion of long-term debt	21	216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	212	211
Accrued interest	170	209
Current portion of deferred revenue	219	251
Due to affiliates	0	0
Other	175	136
Total Current Liabilities	1,430	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	8,537	8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	896	887
Other Liabilities	842	931
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147	1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	12,852	13,307
Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	9	253	296	2
Restricted cash and securities	0	0
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	0	0
Due from affiliates	15,285	14,446
Other	3	3
Total Current Assets	15,297	14,702
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	0	0
Restricted Cash and Securities	3	12
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(12,526)	(11,756)
Other Assets, net	13	16
Total Assets	2,787	2,974
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	0	1
Current portion of long-term debt	0	172
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	0	0
Accrued interest	53	45
Current portion of deferred revenue	0	0
Due to affiliates	0	0
Other	1	1
Total Current Liabilities	54	219
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,571	1,570
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	0	0
Other Liabilities	15	14
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147	1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	2,787	2,974
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	6	5	5	6
Restricted cash and securities	0	0
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	0	0
Due from affiliates	16,647	15,709
Other	15	16
Total Current Assets	16,668	15,730
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	0	0
Restricted Cash and Securities	0	0
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(22,242)	(20,470)
Other Assets, net	107	119
Total Assets	(5,467)	(4,621)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	1	2
Current portion of long-term debt	0	6
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	0	0
Accrued interest	116	163
Current portion of deferred revenue	0	0
Due to affiliates	0	0
Other	24	1
Total Current Liabilities	141	172
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	6,896	6,886
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	0	0
Other Liabilities	26	81
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	(12,530)	(11,760)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	(5,467)	(4,621)
Level 3 Communications, LLC
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	289	386	215	618
Restricted cash and securities	1	1
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	107	93
Due from affiliates	0	0
Other	64	49
Total Current Assets	461	529
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	3,004	2,926
Restricted Cash and Securities	17	17
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	404	429
Investment in Subsidiaries	3,921	3,242
Other Assets, net	11	11
Total Assets	7,818	7,154
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	51	53
Current portion of long-term debt	2	6
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	156	161
Accrued interest	0	0
Current portion of deferred revenue	104	109
Due to affiliates	31,511	30,162
Other	76	29
Total Current Liabilities	31,900	30,520
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	18	20
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	584	602
Other Liabilities	132	75
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	(24,816)	(24,063)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	7,818	7,154
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	203	335	277	292
Restricted cash and securities	6	7
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	631	621
Due from affiliates	0	7
Other	105	73
Total Current Assets	945	1,043
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	5,226	5,273
Restricted Cash and Securities	3	6
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	2,386	2,404
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Other Assets, net	239	252
Total Assets	8,799	8,978
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	581	723
Current portion of long-term debt	19	32
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	56	50
Accrued interest	1	1
Current portion of deferred revenue	115	142
Due to affiliates	421	0
Other	74	105
Total Current Liabilities	1,267	1,053
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	52	40
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	312	285
Other Liabilities	669	761
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	6,499	6,839
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	8,799	8,978
Eliminations
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash and securities	0	0
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	0	0
Due from affiliates	(31,932)	(30,162)
Other	0	0
Total Current Assets	(31,932)	(30,162)
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	0	0
Restricted Cash and Securities	0	0
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets, net	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	30,847	28,984
Other Assets, net	0	0
Total Assets	(1,085)	(1,178)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	0	0
Accrued interest	0	0
Current portion of deferred revenue	0	0
Due to affiliates	(31,932)	(30,162)
Other	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	(31,932)	(30,162)
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	0	0
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	0	0
Other Liabilities	0	0
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	30,847	28,984
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	$ (1,085)	$ (1,178)

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Long-Term Debt (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt was as follows:

(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Senior Secured Term Loan*	$	2,611		$	2,614
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2015 (4.146% as of September 30, 2013 and 4.469% as of December 31, 2012)	300			300
10% Senior Notes due 2018	640			640
11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	605			605
9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	500			500
8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	1,200			1,200
8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	300			300
8.625% Senior Notes due 2020	900			900
7% Senior Notes due 2020	775			775
15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	—			172
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	200			200
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B	275			275
6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	201			201
Capital Leases	78			86
Other	13			12
Total Debt Obligations	8,598			8,780
Unamortized Discount:
Discount on Senior Secured Term Loan	(7		)	(11		)
Discount on 10% Senior Notes due 2018	(8		)	(10		)
Discount on 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	(9		)	(9		)
Discount on 9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	(8		)	(8		)
Discount on 8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	(7		)	(8		)
Discount on 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	(1		)	(2		)
Total Unamortized Discount	(40		)	(48		)
Carrying Value of Debt	8,558			8,732
Less current portion	(21		)	(216		)
Long-term Debt, less current portion	$	8,537		$	8,516

* The $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019, the $815 million Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $595.5 million Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020 had interest rates of 4.75%, 4.00% and 4.00%, respectively, as of September 30, 2013. The $599 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan due 2016, the $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019 had interest rates of 4.75%, 5.25% and 4.75%, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

2013 Debt Issuances, Redemptions and Registrations

Senior Secured Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020

On August 16, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $595.5 million (the "Tranche B 2020 Term Loan"). The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was borrowed pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on January 15, 2020. The Tranche B 2020 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par. Debt issuance costs for the Tranche B 2020 Term Loan of approximately $7 million were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over its term.

The $595.5 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on August 1, 2016. The Tranche B 2016 Term Loan required repayment of 0.25% of the original $600 million aggregate principal amount on the last day of each March, June, September and December, beginning with December 31, 2012 and ending with such last day to occur prior to maturity. The Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8 million as of result of this transaction.

Senior Secured Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019

On August 12, 2013, Level 3 Financing, Inc. refinanced its existing $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility through the creation of a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $815 million (the "Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan"). The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan was borrowed pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.00%, and will mature on August 1, 2019. The Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan was priced to lenders at par. Debt issuance costs related to the Tranche B 2019 Term Loan of approximately $10 million continue to be amortized as interest expense using the new effective interest rate over its term.

The $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan had an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.75%, with a minimum LIBOR of 1.50% and matured on August 1, 2019. The Company expensed debt issuance costs of approximately $9 million as of result of this transaction.

Total loss on modification and extinguishment of debt for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013 was $17 million.

15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013

On January 15, 2013, Level 3 Communications, Inc. repaid at maturity approximately $172 million of its 15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013.

8.875% Senior Notes due 2019

The 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 issued by Level 3 Communications, Inc. were not originally registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the second quarter of 2013, all of the originally placed notes were exchanged for a new issue of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 with identical terms and conditions, other than those related to registration rights, in a registered exchange offer and are now freely tradeable.

7% Senior Notes due 2020

The 7% Senior Notes due 2020 issued by Level 3 Financing, Inc. were not originally registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the second quarter of 2013, all of the originally placed notes were exchanged for a new issue of 7% Senior Notes due 2020 with identical terms and conditions, other than those related to registration rights, in a registered exchange offer and are now freely tradeable. The 7% Senior Notes due 2020 are guaranteed by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

Long-Term Debt Maturities

Aggregate future contractual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases (excluding discounts) were as follows as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):

2013 (remaining three months)	$	8
2014	28
2015	783
2016	208
2017	6
2018	646
Thereafter	6,919
	$	8,598

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Long-term debt
Total Debt Obligations	$ 8,598.0		$ 8,780.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(40)		(48)
Carrying Value of Debt	8,558		8,732
Less current portion	(21)		(216)
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	8,537		8,516
Senior Secured Term Loan
Long-term debt
Total Debt Obligations	2,611.0	[1]	2,614.0	[1]
Total Unamortized Discount	(7)		(11)
Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%		4.75%
Total Debt Obligations	1,200.0		1,200.0
Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Total Debt Obligations	815.0
Tranche B 2020 Term Loan
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Total Debt Obligations	595.5
Tranche B 2016 Term Loan
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.75%
Total Debt Obligations			599.0
Tranche B 2019 Term Loan
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.25%
Total Debt Obligations			815.0
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2015 (4.146% as of September 30, 2013 and 4.469% as of December 31, 2012)
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.146%		4.469%
Total Debt Obligations	300.0		300.0
10% Senior Notes due 2018
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	10.00%		10.00%
Total Debt Obligations	640.0		640.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(8)		(10)
11.875% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	11.875%		11.875%
Total Debt Obligations	605.0		605.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(9)		(9)
9.375% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	9.375%		9.375%
Total Debt Obligations	500.0		500.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(8)		(8)
8.125% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	8.125%		8.125%
Total Debt Obligations	1,200.0		1,200.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(7)		(8)
8.875% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	8.875%		8.875%
Total Debt Obligations	300.0		300.0
8.625% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	8.625%		8.625%
Total Debt Obligations	900.0		900.0
7.0% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.00%		7.00%
Total Debt Obligations	775.0		775.0
15.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	15.00%		15.00%
Total Debt Obligations	0		172.0
7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.00%		7.00%
Total Debt Obligations	200.0		200.0
Total Unamortized Discount	(1)		(2)
7.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.00%		7.00%
Total Debt Obligations	275.0		275.0
6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%		6.50%
Total Debt Obligations	201.0		201.0
Capital Leases
Long-term debt
Total Debt Obligations	78.0		86.0
Other
Long-term debt
Total Debt Obligations	$ 13.0		$ 12.0

[1] * The $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019, the $815 million Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $595.5 million Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020 had interest rates of 4.75%, 4.00% and 4.00%, respectively, as of September 30, 2013. The $599 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan due 2016, the $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019 had interest rates of 4.75%, 5.25% and 4.75%, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

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Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Level 3 Financing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has issued senior notes that are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; however, they are also fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

In conjunction with the registration of the senior notes, the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial statements of guarantors and affiliates whose securities collateralize an issue registered or being registered.”

The operating activities of the separate legal entities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are interdependent. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of each legal entity and, on an aggregate basis, the other non-guarantor subsidiaries based on amounts incurred by such entities, and is not intended to present the operating results of those legal entities on a stand-alone basis. Level 3 Communications, LLC leases equipment and certain facilities from other wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. These transactions are eliminated in the consolidated results of the Company.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	711		$	919		$	(61	)	$	1,569
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			264			405			(61		)	608
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			73			130			—			203
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			385			219			—			606
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			722			754			(61		)	1,417
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(11		)	165			—			152
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(38		)	(123		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(165		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	274			429			(670		)	(33		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(255		)	(542		)	122			—			675			—
Other, net	—			(18		)	1			23			—			6
Total Other Expense	(19		)	(254		)	(548		)	(13		)	675			(159		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(20		)	(255		)	(559		)	152			675			(7		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(12		)	—			(14		)
Net Income (Loss)	(21		)	(255		)	(560		)	140			675			(21		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	42			42			—			42			(84		)	42
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	21		$	(213	)	$	(560	)	$	182		$	591		$	21

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	2,090		$	2,803		$	(182	)	$	4,711
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			781			1,254			(182		)	1,853
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			215			381			—			596
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,178			634			—			1,815
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,174			2,269			(182		)	4,264
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(84		)	534			—			447
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense	(114		)	(374		)	(2		)	(11		)	—			(501		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	819			1,284			(2,008		)	(95		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(825		)	(1,715		)	398			—			2,142			—
Other, net	—			(19		)	3			(14		)	—			(30		)
Total Other Expense	(120		)	(824		)	(1,609		)	(120		)	2,142			(531		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(122		)	(825		)	(1,693		)	414			2,142			(84		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(2		)	(36		)	—			(39		)
Net Income (Loss)	(123		)	(825		)	(1,695		)	378			2,142			(123		)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Income Taxes	(21		)	(21		)	—			(21		)	42			(21		)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(144	)	$	(846	)	$	(1,695	)	$	357		$	2,184		$	(144	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	672		$	981		$	(63	)	$	1,590
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			256			447			(61		)	642
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			63			122			—			185
Selling, General and Administrative	1			1			410			215			(2		)	625
Total Costs and Expenses	1			1			729			784			(63		)	1,452
Operating Income (Loss)	(1		)	(1		)	(57		)	197			—			138
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest expense	(43		)	(137		)	(1		)	(7		)	—			(188		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	244			400			(561		)	(83		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(365		)	(516		)	40			—			841			—
Other, net	—			(111		)	3			5			—			(103		)
Total Other Expense	(164		)	(364		)	(519		)	(85		)	841			(291		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(165		)	(365		)	(576		)	112			841			(153		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(1		)	(11		)	—			(13		)
Net Income (Loss)	(166		)	(365		)	(577		)	101			841			(166		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	122			122			—			48			(170		)	122
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(44	)	$	(243	)	$	(577	)	$	149		$	671		$	(44	)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,957		$	2,995		$	(190	)	$	4,762
Costs and Expense:
Cost of Revenue	—			—			736			1,393			(182		)	1,947
Depreciation and Amortization	—			—			196			367			—			563
Selling, General and Administrative	2			1			1,207			663			(8		)	1,865
Total Costs and Expenses	2			1			2,139			2,423			(190		)	4,375
Operating Income (Loss)	(2		)	(1		)	(182		)	572			—			387
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	—			—			1			1			—			2
Interest expense	(123		)	(410		)	(2		)	(23		)	—			(558		)
Interest income (expense) affiliates, net	734			1,202			(1,678		)	(258		)	—			—
Equity in net earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	(935		)	(1,593		)	101			—			2,427			—
Other, net	(39		)	(133		)	6			4			—			(162		)
Total Other Expense	(363		)	(934		)	(1,572		)	(276		)	2,427			(718		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(365		)	(935		)	(1,754		)	296			2,427			(331		)
Income Tax Expense	(1		)	—			(3		)	(31		)	—			(35		)
Net Income (Loss)	(366		)	(935		)	(1,757		)	265			2,427			(366		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Taxes	108			108			—			18			(126		)	108
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(258	)	$	(827	)	$	(1,757	)	$	283		$	2,301		$	(258	)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

September 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203	$	—		$	507
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			6		—			7
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			107			631		—			738
Due from affiliates	15,285			16,647			—			—		(31,932		)	—
Other	3			15			64			105		—			187
Total Current Assets	15,297			16,668			461			945		(31,932		)	1,439
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			3,004			5,226		—			8,230
Restricted Cash and Securities	3			—			17			3		—			23
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			404			2,386		—			2,790
Investment in Subsidiaries	(12,526		)	(22,242		)	3,921			—		30,847			—
Other Assets, net	13			107			11			239		—			370
Total Assets	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	1		$	51		$	581	$	—		$	633
Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			2			19		—			21
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			156			56		—			212
Accrued interest	53			116			—			1		—			170
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			104			115		—			219
Due to affiliates	—			—			31,511			421		(31,932		)	—
Other	1			24			76			74		—			175
Total Current Liabilities	54			141			31,900			1,267		(31,932		)	1,430
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,571			6,896			18			52		—			8,537
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			584			312		—			896
Other Liabilities	15			26			132			669		—			842
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,147			(12,530		)	(24,816		)	6,499		30,847			1,147
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,787		$	(5,467	)	$	7,818		$	8,799	$	(1,085	)	$	12,852

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Total
	(dollars in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	253		$	5		$	386		$	335	$	—		$	979
Restricted cash and securities	—			—			1			7		—			8
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts	—			—			93			621		—			714
Due from affiliates	14,446			15,709			—			7		(30,162		)	—
Other	3			16			49			73		—			141
Total Current Assets	14,702			15,730			529			1,043		(30,162		)	1,842
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			—			2,926			5,273		—			8,199
Restricted Cash and Securities	12			—			17			6		—			35
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	—			—			429			2,404		—			2,833
Investment in Subsidiaries	(11,756		)	(20,470		)	3,242			—		28,984			—
Other Assets, net	16			119			11			252		—			398
Total Assets	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1		$	2		$	53		$	723	$	—		$	779
Current portion of long-term debt	172			6			6			32		—			216
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	—			—			161			50		—			211
Accrued interest	45			163			—			1		—			209
Current portion of deferred revenue	—			—			109			142		—			251
Due to affiliates	—			—			30,162			—		(30,162		)	—
Other	1			1			29			105		—			136
Total Current Liabilities	219			172			30,520			1,053		(30,162		)	1,802
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	1,570			6,886			20			40		—			8,516
Deferred Revenue, less current portion	—			—			602			285		—			887
Other Liabilities	14			81			75			761		—			931
Commitments and Contingencies	—			—			—			—		—			—
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	1,171			(11,760		)	(24,063		)	6,839		28,984			1,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$	2,974		$	(4,621	)	$	7,154		$	8,978	$	(1,178	)	$	13,307

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2013

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(105	)	$	(441	)	$	298		$	575		$	—	$	327
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(235		)	(336		)	—		(571		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	9			—			—			4			—		13
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			16			—		16
Other	—			—			—			(14		)	—		(14		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	9			—			(235		)	(330		)	—		(556		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	—			590			—			—			—		590
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(172		)	(607		)	(4		)	(27		)	—		(810		)
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	24			459			(156		)	(327		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(148		)	442			(160		)	(354		)	—		(220		)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(23		)	—		(23		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(244		)	1			(97		)	(132		)	—		(472		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	253			5			386			335			—		979
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	9		$	6		$	289		$	203		$	—	$	507

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2012

	Level 3 Communications, Inc.			Level 3 Financing, Inc.			Level 3 Communications, LLC			Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Total
	(dollars in millions)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$	(48	)	$	(442	)	$	80		$	588		$	—	$	178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	—			—			(199		)	(346		)	—		(545		)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	3			—			1			11			—		15
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	—			—			—			5			—		5
Other	—			—			—			(13		)	—		(13		)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	3			—			(198		)	(343		)	—		(538		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	293			3,024			—			—			—		3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	—			(2,960		)	—			(128		)	—		(3,088		)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	5			—			—			—			—		5
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	41			377			(285		)	(133		)	—		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	339			441			(285		)	(261		)	—		234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			1			—		1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	294			(1		)	(403		)	(15		)	—		(125		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2			6			618			292			—		918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	296		$	5		$	215		$	277		$	—	$	793

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company has floating rate long-term debt (see Note 6 - Long-Term Debt). Such debt exposes the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, interest expense increases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense also generally decreases. The Company uses interest rate swaps in an attempt to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rate movements. The Company’s primary objective in managing interest rate risk is to decrease the volatility of its earnings and cash flows affected by changes in the underlying rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

In March 2007, Level 3 Financing, Inc. entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $1 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. The Company had designated these interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. The two interest rate swap agreements are with different counterparties and are for $500 million each. The arrangements began in April 2007 and mature in January 2014. Under the terms of these arrangements, the Company receives interest payments based on rolling three month LIBOR and pays interest at the fixed rate of 4.93% under one arrangement and approximately 4.92% under the other.

Interest Rate Derivative	Number of Instruments	Notional (dollars in millions)
Interest rate swaps	Two	$	1,000

On a quarterly basis through August 6, 2012, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the hedges by measuring the extent to which the change in the variable portion of the interest rate swaps offset the changes in interest expense paid due to fluctuations in the LIBOR-based interest rate. Prior to August 6, 2012, these derivatives were deemed effective cash flow hedges and hedge ineffectiveness was not material in any periods presented. As a result, the change in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI") and was subsequently reclassified into earnings through an interest expense yield adjustment, as interest expense on the hedged debt obligation was incurred.

As a result of the refinancing of the Tranche A Term Loan on August 6, 2012, the two interest rate swap agreements maturing in early 2014 that had effectively hedged changes in the interest rate on a portion of the Tranche A Term Loan were deemed "ineffective" under GAAP and cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued. The Company recognized a non-cash loss on these agreements of approximately $60 million (excluding accrued interest) in the third quarter of 2012, which represented the cumulative loss recorded in AOCI at the date the instruments ceased to qualify as hedges. After August 6, 2012, the Company has recorded the change in the fair value of the swaps in Other, net in its Consolidated Statement of Operations until maturity of the swaps in early 2014. The Company recognized a loss of less than $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and a loss of $3 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets (dollars in millions):

	Liability Derivatives
	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swap agreements	Other current liabilities	$	23	Other non-current liabilities	$	56

The amount of net gains (losses) recognized in AOCI, including reclassification gains (losses) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	74
Nine Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	90

The amount of gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings (effective portions) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Statement of Operations Location	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(4	)
Nine Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(26	)

The Company is exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The counterparties to the financial derivatives the Company has entered into are major institutions with investment grade credit ratings. The Company evaluates counterparty credit risk before entering into any hedge transaction and continues to closely monitor the financial market and the risk that its counterparties will default on their obligations. This credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized gains in such contracts, should any of these counterparties fail to perform as contracted.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Loss	$ (123)	$ (366)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	596	563
Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards	115	102
Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt, net	17	110
Loss on interest rate swaps	0	60
Accretion of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs	27	33
Accrued interest on long-term debt, net	(39)	(47)
Deferred income taxes	0	18
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	(1)	0
Other, net	(34)	(16)
Changes in working capital items:
Receivables	(34)	(120)
Other current assets	(34)	(28)
Payables	(152)	(42)
Deferred revenue	(18)	(45)
Other current liabilities	7	(44)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	327	178
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(571)	(545)
Decrease in restricted cash and securities, net	13	15
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	16	5
Other	(14)	(13)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(556)	(538)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs	590	3,317
Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, including current portion and refinancing costs	(810)	(3,088)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0	5
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(220)	234
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23)	1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(472)	(125)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	979	918
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	507	793
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash interest paid	513	572
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	24	25
Non-cash Financing Activities:
Capital lease obligations incurred	13	0
Note issued for property	12	0
Long-term debt conversion into equity	0	100
Premium on long-term debt conversion into equity	0	39
Accrued interest conversion into equity	$ 0	$ 2

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Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items - Lawsuits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 248
Peruvian Tax Litigation | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	89
Peruvian Tax Litigation, Before Interest | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	26
Peruvian Tax Litigation, Income Tax witholding 2001 and 2002 | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	3
Peruvian Tax Litigation, VAT for 2001 and 2002 | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	7
Peruvian Tax Litigation, Disallowance of VAT in 2005 | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	16
Employee Severance and Contractor Termination Disputes | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Asserted Claim	40
up to | Brazilian Tax Claims | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 61

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Acquired Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Acquired Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of acquisition-related intangible assets

Identifiable acquisition-related intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
September 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	786	$	(666	)	$	120
Trademarks	55		(28		)	27
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(114		)	44
	999		(808		)	191
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,031	$	(808	)	$	223
December 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer Contracts and Relationships	$	776	$	(633	)	$	143
Trademarks	55		(17		)	38
Patents and Developed Technology	158		(103		)	55
	989		(753		)	236
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Vyvx Trade Name	32		—			32
	$	1,021	$	(753	)	$	268

Schedule of estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets

As of September 30, 2013, estimated amortization expense for the Company’s finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets over the next five years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in millions):

2013 (remaining three months)	$	18
2014	64
2015	48
2016	31
2017	14
2018	13
Thereafter	3
	$	191

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Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities that individually or in the aggregate could materially affect its financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. Amounts accrued for such contingencies aggregate to $248 million and are included in “Other” current liabilities and “Other Liabilities” in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued may have no effect on the Company's results of operations but could materially adversely affect its cash flows for the affected period.

In accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, the Company accrues its estimate of a contingent liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred and there is a range of expected loss for which no amount in the range is more likely than any other amount, the Company accrues at the low end of the range. The Company reviews its accruals at least quarterly and adjusts them to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter.

Below is a description of material legal proceedings and other contingencies pending at September 30, 2013. Although the Company believes it has accrued for these matters in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, contingencies are inherently unpredictable and it is possible that results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected in any particular period by unfavorable developments in, or resolution or disposition of, one or more of these matters. For those contingencies in respect of which the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a loss may result that is materially in excess of the accrual (if any) established for the matter, the Company has either provided an estimate of such possible loss or range of loss or included a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. In addition to the contingencies described below, the Company is party to many other legal proceedings and contingencies the resolution of which is not expected to materially affect its financial condition or future results of operations beyond the amounts accrued.

Rights-of-Way Litigation

The Company is party to a number of purported class action lawsuits involving its right to install fiber optic cable network in railroad right-of-ways adjacent to plaintiffs' land. In general, the Company obtained the rights to construct its networks from railroads, utilities, and others, and has installed its networks along the rights-of-way so granted. Plaintiffs in the purported class actions assert that they are the owners of lands over which the fiber optic cable networks pass, and that the railroads, utilities, and others who granted the Company the right to construct and maintain its network did not have the legal authority to do so. The complaints seek damages on theories of trespass, unjust enrichment and slander of title and property, as well as punitive damages. The Company has also received, and may in the future receive, claims and demands related to rights-of-way issues similar to the issues in these cases that may be based on similar or different legal theories. The Company has defeated motions for class certification in a number of these actions but expects that, absent settlement of these actions, plaintiffs in the pending lawsuits will continue to seek certification of statewide or multi-state classes. The only lawsuit in which a class was certified against the Company, absent an agreed upon settlement, occurred in Koyle, et. al. v. Level 3 Communications, Inc., et. al., a purported two state class action filed in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. The Koyle lawsuit has been dismissed pursuant to a settlement reached in November 2010 as described further below.

The Company negotiated a series of class settlements affecting all persons who own or owned land next to or near railroad rights of way in which it has installed its fiber optic cable networks. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in  Kingsborough v. Sprint Communications Co. L.P. granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement; however, on September 10, 2009, the court denied a motion for final approval of the settlement on the basis that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction and dismissed the case.

In November 2010, the Company negotiated revised settlement terms for a series of state class settlements affecting all persons who own or owned land next to or near railroad rights of way in which the Company has installed its fiber optic cable networks. The Company is currently pursuing presentment of the settlement in applicable jurisdictions. The settlements, affecting current and former landowners, have received final federal court approval in multiple states and the parties are engaged in the claims process for those states. The settlement has also been presented to federal courts in additional states and approval is pending.

Management believes that the Company has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in all of these actions and intends to defend them vigorously if a satisfactory settlement is not ultimately approved for all affected landowners.

Peruvian Tax Litigation

Beginning in 2005, one of the Company's Peruvian subsidiaries received a number of assessments for tax, penalties and interest for calendar years 2001 and 2002. Peruvian tax authorities ("SUNAT") took the position that the Peruvian subsidiary incorrectly documented its importations resulting in additional income tax withholding and value-added taxes ("VAT"). The total amount of the asserted claims, including potential interest and penalties, was $26 million, consisting of $3 million for income tax withholding in connection with the import of services for calendar years 2001 and 2002, $7 million for VAT in connection with the import of services for calendar years 2001 and 2002, and $16 million in connection with the disallowance of VAT credits for periods beginning in 2005. Due to accrued interest and foreign exchange effects, and taking into account the developments described below, the total amount of exposure has increased to $89 million at September 30, 2013.

The Company challenged the tax assessments during 2005 by filing administrative claims before SUNAT. During August 2006 and June 2007, SUNAT rejected the Company's administrative claims, thereby confirming the assessments. Appeals were filed in September 2006 and July 2007 in the Tax Court, which is the highest administrative authority. In October 2011, the Tax Court issued a ruling regarding VAT, associated penalties and penalties associated with withholding taxes, adjudicating the central issue underlying the assessments in the government's favor, while confirming the assessment in part and denying a portion of the assessment on procedural grounds. Other than an immaterial amount, all assessed items dismissed by the Tax Court in this ruling remain open for reassessment by SUNAT. While this Tax Court ruling applies only to 2002, the Company believes the Tax Court will issue a similar ruling with respect to 2001, and all material amounts likely to be waived due to procedural defects similarly remain open for reassessment.

In November 2011, the Tax Court issued a ruling with respect to assessed 2001 withholding tax, holding that the statute of limitations had run prior to assessment by SUNAT. The Company believes that this adjudication of the withholding tax issue is likely to be final, and the Company expects to win a similar verdict with respect to assessed 2002 withholding tax. However, penalties with respect to withholding tax are not time-barred, and were confirmed in the Tax Court's October 2011 ruling.

The Company has appealed the Tax Court's October 2011 decision to the judicial court in Peru. The Company has not received Tax Court rulings for all periods, but it has received adjudications of each substantive issue for at least one period. As a result, the Company expects decisions for the remaining open periods to be consistent with decisions already rendered. The Company intends to appeal any Tax Court verdict with respect to 2001 to the extent consistent with the October 2011 decision in the government's favor and will protest any reassessment of amounts dismissed by the Tax Court on procedural grounds.

Employee Severance and Contractor Termination Disputes

A number of former employees and third-party contractors have asserted a variety of claims in litigation against certain Latin American subsidiaries of the Company for separation pay, severance, commissions, pension benefits, unpaid vacation pay, breach of employment contracts, unpaid performance bonuses, property damages, moral damages and related statutory penalties, fines, costs and expenses (including accrued interest, attorneys fees and statutorily mandated inflation adjustments) as a result of their separation from the Company or termination of service relationships. The Company is vigorously defending itself against the asserted claims, which aggregate to approximately $40 million at September 30, 2013.

Brazilian Tax Claims

In December 2004, March 2009 and April 2009, the São Paulo state tax authorities issued tax assessments against one of the Company's Brazilian subsidiaries for the Tax on Distribution of Goods and Services (“ICMS”) with respect to revenue from leasing movable properties (in the case of the December 2004 and March 2009 assessments) and revenue from the provision of Internet access services (in the case of the April 2009 assessment), by treating such activities as the provision of communications services, to which the ICMS tax applies. In September 2002, July 2009 and May 2012, the Rio de Janeiro state tax authorities issued tax assessments to the same Brazilian subsidiary on similar issues. The Company has filed objections to these assessments, arguing that the lease of assets and the provision of Internet access are not communication services subject to ICMS. The objections to the December 2004 and September 2002 assessments were rejected by the respective state administrative courts, and the Company has appealed those decisions to the judicial courts. In October 2012, the Company received a favorable ruling from the lower court on the December 2004 assessment regarding equipment leasing, but that ruling is subject to appeal by the state. No ruling has been obtained with respect to the September 2002 assessment. The objections to the March, April and July 2009 and May 2012 assessments are still pending final administrative decisions.

The Company is vigorously contesting all such assessments in both states, and in particular, views the assessment of ICMS on revenue from leasing movable properties to be without merit. Nevertheless, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that these assessments could result in a loss of up to $61 million in excess of the accruals established for these matters.

Letters of Credit

It is customary for Level 3 to use various financial instruments in the normal course of business. These instruments include letters of credit. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued on behalf of Level 3 in accordance with specified terms and conditions. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Level 3 had outstanding letters of credit or other similar obligations of approximately $28 million and $31 million, respectively, of which $25 million and $29 million are collateralized by cash that is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash. The Company does not believe exposure to loss related to its letters of credit is material.

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Long-term debt

Schedule of long-term debt

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt was as follows:

(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Senior Secured Term Loan*	$	2,611		$	2,614
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2015 (4.146% as of September 30, 2013 and 4.469% as of December 31, 2012)	300			300
10% Senior Notes due 2018	640			640
11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	605			605
9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	500			500
8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	1,200			1,200
8.875% Senior Notes due 2019	300			300
8.625% Senior Notes due 2020	900			900
7% Senior Notes due 2020	775			775
15% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013	—			172
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	200			200
7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015 Series B	275			275
6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	201			201
Capital Leases	78			86
Other	13			12
Total Debt Obligations	8,598			8,780
Unamortized Discount:
Discount on Senior Secured Term Loan	(7		)	(11		)
Discount on 10% Senior Notes due 2018	(8		)	(10		)
Discount on 11.875% Senior Notes due 2019	(9		)	(9		)
Discount on 9.375% Senior Notes due 2019	(8		)	(8		)
Discount on 8.125% Senior Notes due 2019	(7		)	(8		)
Discount on 7% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015	(1		)	(2		)
Total Unamortized Discount	(40		)	(48		)
Carrying Value of Debt	8,558			8,732
Less current portion	(21		)	(216		)
Long-term Debt, less current portion	$	8,537		$	8,516

* The $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019, the $815 million Tranche B-III 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $595.5 million Tranche B 2020 Term Loan due 2020 had interest rates of 4.75%, 4.00% and 4.00%, respectively, as of September 30, 2013. The $599 million Tranche B 2016 Term Loan due 2016, the $815 million Tranche B 2019 Term Loan due 2019 and the $1.2 billion Tranche B-II 2019 Term Loan due 2019 had interest rates of 4.75%, 5.25% and 4.75%, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

Schedule of aggregate future contractual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases (excluding discounts)

Long-Term Debt Maturities

Aggregate future contractual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases (excluding discounts) were as follows as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):

2013 (remaining three months)	$	8
2014	28
2015	783
2016	208
2017	6
2018	646
Thereafter	6,919
	$	8,598

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis

The table below presents the fair values for the Company’s interest rate swaps and long-term debt as well as the input levels used to determine these fair values as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

					Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets				Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
(dollars in millions)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Derivatives:
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities (included in other current and non-current liabilities)	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Total Derivative Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements	$	23	$	56	$	—	$	—	$	23	$	56
Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
Long-term Debt, including the current portion:
Term Loans	$	2,604	$	2,603	$	2,607	$	2,631	$	—	$	—
Senior Notes	5,188		5,185		5,609		5,712		—		—
Convertible Notes	675		846		304		286		581		748
Capital Leases and Other	91		98		—		—		91		98
Total Long-term Debt, including the current portion:	$	8,558	$	8,732	$	8,520	$	8,629	$	672	$	846

The Company does not have any assets or liabilities where the fair value is measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000794323
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		223,605,574
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of outstanding interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

In March 2007, Level 3 Financing, Inc. entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $1 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. The Company had designated these interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. The two interest rate swap agreements are with different counterparties and are for $500 million each. The arrangements began in April 2007 and mature in January 2014. Under the terms of these arrangements, the Company receives interest payments based on rolling three month LIBOR and pays interest at the fixed rate of 4.93% under one arrangement and approximately 4.92% under the other.

Interest Rate Derivative	Number of Instruments	Notional (dollars in millions)
Interest rate swaps	Two	$	1,000

Schedule of fair value of derivative financial instruments

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets (dollars in millions):

	Liability Derivatives
	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swap agreements	Other current liabilities	$	23	Other non-current liabilities	$	56

Schedule of the amount of net gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The amount of net gains (losses) recognized in AOCI, including reclassification gains (losses) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	74
Nine Months Ended September 30,	$	—	$	90

Schedule of the amount of gains (losses) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Interest Expense

The amount of gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings (effective portions) consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Statement of Operations Location	2013		2012
Cash flow hedging contracts
Three Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(4	)
Nine Months Ended September 30,	Interest Expense	$	—	$	(26	)