Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax share and non-share based compensation charges	$ 17	$ 18
Tax-related benefits	4	5
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested incentive awards	72
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested incentive awards, years	2.00
RSUs with Future Performance and Service Required [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 2.23
RSUs with Future Service Required Only [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 0.00
Plan 2007 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized and available	135
Number of shares canceled or forfeited that were added back to available shares	6
Outstanding restricted stock and options	82
Plan 1997 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding restricted stock and options	8
Nextel Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding restricted stock and options	2
ESPP Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized and available	76
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of restricted stock units vested		$ 12
Restricted stock units weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 2.23	$ 4.20

Number of shares canceled or forfeited that were added back to available for grant during the reporting period

No definition available.

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- Definition

Outstanding restricted stock and options

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Pre Tax Share And Non Share Based Compensation Charges

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years.

+ References

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- Definition

The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(c)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph c(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

+ References

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- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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