Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 276,675	$ 225,222
Verizon Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	148,328	142,485
Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	86,593	84,815
Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	234,921	227,300
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 41,754	$ (2,078)