Name:	lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionMinimumGrossProceedsfromPrivateorPublicOffering
Namespace Prefix:	lvlt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the maximum redemption period for the entity to redeem the debt instrument following the receipt of cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at any time on or prior.

No definition available.

Name:	lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodMaximumFollowingReceiptOfProceedsFromEquityOfferings
Namespace Prefix:	lvlt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the maximum number of days' notice that the entity must provide if a redemption of the debt instrument is planned using cash proceeds from certain equity proceeds at any time on or prior to April 1, 2014.

No definition available.

Name:	lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMaximumNumberOfDays
Namespace Prefix:	lvlt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the minimum number of days' notice that the entity must provide if a redemption of the debt instrument is planned.

No definition available.

Name:	lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMinimumNumberOfDays
Namespace Prefix:	lvlt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the redemption price of the debt instrument as a percentage of the principal amount.

No definition available.

Name:	lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	lvlt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The number of shares converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4313-108586

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586

Name:	us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted into in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The number of shares issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or payments in the period.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount of the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20

-Article 5

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 9

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Percentage price of original principal amount of debt at which debt can be redeemed by the issuer.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph e

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of debt issuance costs (for example, but not limited to, legal, accounting, broker, and regulatory fees).

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the remainder of the fiscal year following the latest fiscal year ended.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Principal amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Name:	lvlt_RedemptionOptionByEffectivePeriodAxis=lvlt_PriortoFebruary12018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	lvlt_RedemptionOptionByEffectivePeriodAxis=lvlt_TwelveMonthsBeginningFebruary12018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	lvlt_RedemptionOptionByEffectivePeriodAxis=lvlt_TwelveMonthsBeginningFebruary12019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	lvlt_RedemptionOptionByEffectivePeriodAxis=lvlt_TwelveMonthsBeginningFebruary12020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=lvlt_PriortoFebruary12018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: