Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nortel Networks Corporation	$ 3,670	$ (4,200)
Net (earnings) loss from discontinued operations - net of tax	1	(24)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures of businesses:
Amortization and depreciation	33	75
Equity in net loss of associated companies - net of tax		1
Equity in net loss of EMEA Subsidiaries (note 21)		50
Deferred income taxes	7	(6)
Pension and other accruals	55	101
Loss on sales of businesses and impairments of assets - net		2
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests - net of tax	21	14
Reorganization items - non cash	(4,276)	3,533
Other - net	11	422
Change in operating assets and liabilities	186	185
Net cash from (used in) operating activities - continuing operations	(292)	153
Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations		(385)
Net cash used in operating activities	(292)	(232)
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
Expenditures for plant and equipment		(9)
Proceeds on disposals of plant and equipment		203
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(4,353)	(1,213)
Decrease in short and long-term investments		24
Acquisitions of investments and businesses - net of cash acquired		(3)
Proceeds from the sales of investments, businesses and assets - net	4,602	994
Net cash from (used in) investing activities - continuing operations	249	(4)
Net cash from investing activities - discontinued operations		211
Net cash from investing activities	249	207
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
Dividends paid, including paid by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interests	(2)	(19)
Decrease in notes payable		(75)
Repayments of capital leases		(4)
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations	(2)	(98)
Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations		(77)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2)	(175)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11)	1
Reduction of cash and cash equivalents of deconsolidated subsidiaries		(992)
Net cash used in continuing operations	(56)	(940)
Net cash used in discontinued operations		(251)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(56)	(1,191)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year	807	1,998
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	751	807
Less cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of the year
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of the year	$ 751	$ 807