Property, Plant and Equipment (Components of Property Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (33,628)	$ (32,682)
Property, plant and equipment, net	13,108	14,009
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	330	333
Network equipment, site costs and related software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	37,152	37,600
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	4,886	4,895
Non-network internal use software, office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	1,846	2,111
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in progress	$ 2,522	$ 1,752

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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