Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			$ 52,376
Balance at January 1, 2013			85,533
Net income	2,246	1,825	4,198	3,511
Net income	2,952	2,460	5,855	4,680
Net Income	5,198	4,285	10,053	8,191
Other comprehensive loss	(62)	(251)	(241)	(122)
Other comprehensive loss	(3)	(8)	(15)	(5)
Other comprehensive loss			(256)
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	2,184	1,574	3,957	3,389
Comprehensive income	2,949	2,452	5,840	4,675
Total Comprehensive Income	5,133	4,026	9,797	8,064
Contributed capital			(95)
Dividends declared			(2,947)
Common stock in treasury			97
Distributions and other			(5,229)
Balance at June 30, 2013	53,095		53,095
Balance at June 30, 2013	87,156		87,156
Verizon
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			33,157
Net income			4,198
Other comprehensive loss			(241)
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon			3,957
Contributed capital			(95)
Dividends declared			(2,947)
Common stock in treasury			97
Distributions and other			(108)
Balance at June 30, 2013	34,061		34,061
Noncontrolling Interests
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			52,376
Net income			5,855
Other comprehensive loss			(15)
Comprehensive income			5,840
Distributions and other			(5,121)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$ 53,095		$ 53,095