CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 754	$ 728
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,499	1,594
Deferred income taxes	(260)	(180)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	44	46
Net long-term debt premium amortization	(34)	(40)
Accrued interest on affiliate note	21	0
Impairment of asset	16	0
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(52)	(77)
Accounts payable	(31)	17
Accrued income and other taxes	0	3
Other current assets and other current liabilities, net	79	68
Other current assets and other current liabilities - affiliate	(17)	0
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	1	(6)
Changes in affiliates obligations, net	(54)	(130)
Other, net	8	9
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,008	2,032
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(799)	(956)
Changes in advances to affiliates	(567)	(119)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,366)	(1,075)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	483	752
Payments of long-term debt	(33)	(794)
Dividends paid to Qwest Services Corporation	(1,100)	(950)
Changes in note payable-affiliate	0	40
Net cash used in financing activities	(650)	(952)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(8)	5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	14	8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	6	13
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes (paid), net	(738)	(636)
Interest (paid) (net of capitalized interest of $13 and $12)	$ (343)	$ (344)