Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 30, 2013 Wireless	Jun. 30, 2013 Wireless	Jul. 30, 2013 Wireless Paid by Verizon Wireless to Vodafone Group Plc
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Percentage of noncontrolling interest by Vodafone Group Plc in Verizon Wireless joint venture		45.00%
Authorized share buyback program, number of shares repurchased	3.5
Purchase of common stock for treasury	$ 200	$ 153
Authorized share buyback program, maximum number of shares to be repurchased		96.5
Dividends payable, date declared					2013-05
Distribution to partners		$ 3,150	$ 4,500	$ 7,000		$ 3,150