Spectrum Hosting Arrangement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 years market mHZ gHZ
Spectrum Hosting Arrangement [Abstract]
MHz licenses utilized in iDEN network		800
Gigahertz (GHz) licenses utilized in the code division multiple access network		1.9
Term of Arrangement		15
Expected period for staggered activation of 4G LTE markets - low range		2
Expected period for staggered activation of 4G LTE markets - high range		3
Estimated period of Sprint's initial performance obligation		8
Cash received for Spectrum Hosting Agreement	$ 20	$ 290