Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 52,376
Balance at beginning of period	85,533
Net income	1,952	1,686
Net income	(2,903)	(2,220)
Net Income	4,855	3,906
Other comprehensive loss	(179)	129
Other comprehensive loss	(12)	3
Other comprehensive loss	(191)
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	1,773	1,815
Comprehensive income	(2,891)	(2,223)
Total Comprehensive Income	4,664	4,038
Contributed capital	(96)
Dividends declared	(1,474)
Common stock in treasury	77
Distributions and other	(1,116)
Balance at end of period	54,278
Balance at end of period	87,588
Verizon
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	33,157
Net income	1,952
Other comprehensive loss	(179)
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	1,773
Contributed capital	(96)
Dividends declared	(1,474)
Common stock in treasury	77
Distributions and other	(127)
Balance at end of period	33,310
Noncontrolling Interest
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	52,376
Net income	2,903
Other comprehensive loss	(12)
Comprehensive income	2,891
Distributions and other	(989)
Balance at end of period	$ 54,278