Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 site	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 site	Sep. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of cell sites to take off-air	9,600		9,600
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 52	$ 103	$ 269	$ 304
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions			900
Weighted Average [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			8 years
iDEN and CDMA [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 400		$ 1,700