CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance (in dollars)	$ 69	$ 76
Customer relationships, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	2,426	1,736
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$ 1,067	$ 828
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares issued, owned by CenturyLink, Inc. (in shares)	1,000	1,000