Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Wireless Licenses
Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013	$ 75,825	$ 77,744	$ 77,744
Acquisitions			43
Capitalized interest on wireless licenses			275
Reclassifications, adjustments and other			(2,237)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$ 75,825	$ 77,744	$ 75,825

Amount of increase in assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with an indefinite life, resulting from a business combination.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275

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- Definition

Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the capitalized costs to acquire rights under a license arrangement (for example, to sell specified products in a specified territory) having an indefinite period of benefit.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount of interest capitalized during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391

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