Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 mHZ	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)			$ 0	$ (14,000,000)	[1]
MHz licenses utilized in iDEN network	800
MHz licenses utilized in the integrated digital enhanced network	900
Goodwill acquired from fourth quarter 2009 acquisitions		373,000,000
Reduction in carrying value and accumulated amortization of fully amortized intangible assets	$ 1,584,000,000

[1] (1)The net reduction to goodwill of $14 million was a result of purchase price allocation adjustments recognized in the first quarter of 2010 associated with the 2009 acquisitions of Virgin Mobile and iPCS primarily related to deferred tax assets and liabilities.