Changes in Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			$ 2,235
Other comprehensive income			16
Amounts reclassified to net income			(133)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon	124	110	(117)	(12)
Balance at September 30, 2013	2,118		2,118
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			793
Other comprehensive income			4
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon			4
Balance at September 30, 2013	797		797
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			88
Amounts reclassified to net income			(12)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon			(12)
Balance at September 30, 2013	76		76
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			101
Other comprehensive income			12
Amounts reclassified to net income			(13)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon			(1)
Balance at September 30, 2013	100		100
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2013			1,253
Amounts reclassified to net income			(108)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon			(108)
Balance at September 30, 2013	$ 1,145		$ 1,145