Employee Benefits (Details 4) (401(k) Plan, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011 Predecessor	Dec. 31, 2010 Predecessor	Dec. 31, 2012 CenturyLink	Dec. 31, 2011 CenturyLink
401(k) Plan
Number of Shares of Equity Securities Issued by Employer and Related Parties Included in Plan Assets					10	6
Expenses related to the 401(k) Plan	$ 39	$ 50	$ 14	$ 56