Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts and notes receivable, net
Trade	$ 3,099		$ 2,916
Unbilled trade and other	326		317
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(219)		(197)
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	3,206		3,036
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses	321		413
Deferred charges and other	170		103
Prepaid Expense And Other Assets, Current	491		516
Accounts payable(1)
Trade	1,887		2,131
Accrued interconnection costs	369		397
Construction obligations and other	239		134
Accounts Payable, Current	2,495	[1]	2,662	[1]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Deferred revenues	1,770		1,373
Accrued taxes	334		346
Payroll and related	418		426
Accrued interest	331		382
Other	1,143		1,046
Accrued expenses and other current liabilites	3,996		3,573
Other liabilities
Deferred rental income-communications towers	740		783
Deferred rent	1,347		1,265
Accrued taxes-unrecognized tax benefits	112		121
Deferred revenue	255		208
Post-retirement benefits and other non-current employee related liabilities	881		687
Other	870		816
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,205		3,880
Checks Issued In Excess Of Associated Bank Balances But Not Yet Presented For Collection	$ 121		$ 123

[1] Includes liabilities in the amounts of $121 million and $123 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for checks issued in excess of associated bank balances but not yet presented for collection.