Lumen (LUMN) 10-K 24 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CENTURYLINK, INC
Entity Central Index Key	18926
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$18
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		566,483,129
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$18,031		$18,095		$18,376
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	7,846		7,507		7,639
Selling, general and administrative	3,347		3,502		3,244
Depreciation and amortization	4,428		4,541		4,780
Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)	0		1,092		0
Total operating expenses	15,621		16,642		15,663
OPERATING INCOME	2,410		1,453		2,713
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	-1,311		-1,298		-1,319
Net gain (loss) on early retirement of debt	0		10		-179
Other income, net	11		59		35
Total other (expense) income	-1,300		-1,229		-1,463
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	1,110		224		1,250
Income tax expense	338		463		473
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$772		($239)		$777
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.36		($0.40)		$1.25
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.36	[1]	($0.40)	[1]	$1.25	[1]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
BASIC (in shares)	568,435		600,892		620,205
DILUTED (in shares)	569,739		600,892		622,285
[1]	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss)$772 (239) 777Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock— — (1)Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share772 (239) 776Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share$772 (239) 776Shares (Denominator): Weighted average number of shares: Outstanding during period572,748 604,404 622,139Non-vested restricted stock(4,313) (3,512) (2,796)Non-vested restricted stock units— — 862Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share568,435 600,892 620,205Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities10 — 12Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans1,294 — 2,068Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share569,739 600,892 622,285Basic earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$772	($239)	$777
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), AOCI, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, Reclassification Adjustment for Net Gain (Loss) and Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-1,200	981	-694
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization Adjustment and Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-1	-84	-6
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:
Auction rate securities marked to market, net of $—, $— and $(1) tax	0	0	2
Auction rate securities settlements reclassified to net income, net of $—, $— and $(1) tax	0	0	3
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, net of $(1), $- and $- tax	-14	2	6
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,215	899	-689
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	($443)	$660	$88

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), AOCI, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, Reclassification Adjustment for Net Gain (Loss) and Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$742	($606)	$432
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization Adjustment and Arising During Period, Tax	1	52	4
Auction rate securities marked to market, tax	0	0	1
Auction rate securities settlements reclassified to net income, tax	-1	0	1
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, tax	$1	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$128	$168
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $162 and $155	1,988	1,977
Deferred income taxes, net	880	1,165
Other	580	597
Total current assets	3,576	3,907
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment	36,718	34,307
Accumulated depreciation	-18,285	-15,661
Net property, plant and equipment	18,433	18,646
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	20,755	20,674
Customer relationships, net	4,893	5,935
Other intangible assets, net	1,647	1,802
Other, net	843	823
Total goodwill and other assets	28,138	29,234
TOTAL ASSETS	50,147	51,787
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	550	785
Accounts payable	1,226	1,111
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	641	650
Taxes Payable, Current	309	339
Interest	256	273
Other	210	514
Advance billings and customer deposits	726	737
Total current liabilities	3,918	4,409
LONG-TERM DEBT	20,121	20,181
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes, net	4,030	4,753
Benefit plan obligations, net	5,808	4,049
Other	1,247	1,204
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	11,085	10,006
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock — non-redeemable, $25.00 par value, authorized 2,000 shares, issued and outstanding 7 and 7 shares	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 1,600,000 and 1,600,000 shares, issued and outstanding 568,517 and 583,637 shares	569	584
Additional paid-in capital	16,324	17,343
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,017	-802
Retained earnings	147	66
Total stockholders' equity	15,023	17,191
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$50,147	$51,787

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$162	$155
Preferred stock- non-redeemable, par value (in dollars per share)	$25	$25
Preferred stock- non-redeemable, authorized shares (shares)	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock- non-redeemable, issued shares (shares)	7	7
Preferred stock- non-redeemable, outstanding shares (shares)	7	7
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized shares (shares)	1,600,000	1,600,000
Common stock, issued shares (shares)	568,517	583,637
Common stock, outstanding shares (shares)	568,517	583,637

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$772	($239)	$777
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,428	4,541	4,780
Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)	0	1,092	0
Impairment of assets	32	0	0
Deferred income taxes	291	391	394
Provision for uncollectible accounts	159	152	187
Gain on sale of intangible assets	0	-32	0
Net long-term debt premium amortization	-33	-57	-88
Net (gain) loss on early retirement of debt	0	-10	179
Share-based Compensation	79	71	110
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-163	-212	-154
Accounts payable	70	-76	-72
Accrued income and other taxes	-84	28	-14
Other current assets and liabilities, net	-270	263	16
Retirement benefits	-184	-342	-169
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	99	19	161
Other, net	-8	-30	-42
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,188	5,559	6,065
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	3,047	3,048	2,919
Cash paid for acquisitions	93	160	0
Proceeds from sale of property and intangible assets	63	80	191
Other, net	0	-20	38
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,077	-3,148	-2,690
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	483	2,481	3,362
Payments of long-term debt	-800	-2,010	-5,118
Net (payments) borrowings on credit facility	4	95	-543
Early retirement of debt costs	0	-31	-346
Dividends paid	-1,228	-1,301	-1,811
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	50	73	110
Repurchase of common stock	-650	-1,586	-37
Other, net	-2	15	2
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,151	-2,454	-3,295
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	3
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-40	-43	83
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	168	211	128
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	128	168	211
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	-27	-48	-82
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $47, $41 and $43)	($1,338)	($1,333)	($1,405)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest (paid) capitalized interest	$47	$41	$43

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	COMMON STOCK	ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	RETAINED EARNINGS
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011		$619	$18,901	($1,012)	$2,319
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		8	102
Repurchase of common stock		0	0
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings		-1	-34
Share-based compensation and other, net			-110
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-689			-689
Net income (loss)	777				777
Dividends declared			0		-1,811
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	19,289	626	19,079	-1,701	1,285
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		4	69
Repurchase of common stock		46	1,551
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings		0	-18
Share-based compensation and other, net			-85
Other comprehensive (loss) income	899			899
Net income (loss)	-239				-239
Dividends declared			-321		-980
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	17,191	584	17,343	-802	66
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		4	46
Repurchase of common stock		19	591
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings		0	-16
Share-based compensation and other, net			-82
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,215			-1,215
Net income (loss)	772				772
Dividends declared			-540		-691
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$15,023	$569	$16,324	($2,017)	$147

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	We are an integrated communications company engaged primarily in providing an array of communications services to our residential, business, governmental and wholesale customers. Our communications services include local and long-distance, broadband, private line (including special access), Multi-Protocol Label Switching ("MPLS"), data integration, managed hosting (including cloud hosting), colocation, Ethernet, network access, public access, wireless, video and other ancillary services.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated.
	To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income (expense), (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.
	We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenues and our segment reporting. See Note 12—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total revenues, total operating expenses or net income (loss) for any period.
	In January 2013, we sold $43 million of our wireless spectrum assets held for sale. The sale resulted in a gain of $32 million, which is recorded as other income on our consolidated statements of operations.
	Changes in Estimates
	As a result of our annual reviews to evaluate the reasonableness of the depreciable lives for our property, plant and equipment, effective January 2014, we changed the estimates of the remaining economic lives of certain switch and circuit network equipment. These changes resulted in a net increase in depreciation expense of approximately $78 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This net increase in depreciation expense, net of tax, reduced consolidated net income by approximately $48 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Additionally, during the third quarter of 2014, we developed a plan to migrate customers from one of our networks to another between the fourth quarter of 2014 through the fourth quarter of 2015. As a result, we implemented changes in estimates that reduced the remaining economic lives of certain network assets. These changes increased depreciation expense of approximately $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is expected to increase depreciation expense by approximately $48 million for 2015. The increase in depreciation expense, net of tax, reduced consolidated net income by approximately $7 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	During the fourth quarter 2013, we changed the estimates of the remaining economic lives of certain intangible assets, specifically, the Savvis trade name, which is no longer being utilized, and certain Savvis cloud software, which has been replaced by cloud software acquired through our more recent acquisitions. These changes resulted in an increase in amortization expense of approximately $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase in amortization expense, net of tax, reduced consolidated net income by approximately $14 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Savvis trade name and the Savvis cloud software were fully amortized.
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions we make when accounting for items and matters such as, but not limited to, investments, long-term contracts, customer retention patterns, allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation, amortization, asset valuations, internal labor capitalization rates, recoverability of assets (including deferred tax assets), impairment assessments, pension, post-retirement and other post-employment benefits, taxes, certain liabilities and other provisions and contingencies are reasonable, based on information available at the time they were made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and components of stockholders' equity as of the dates of the consolidated balance sheets, as well as the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and components of cash flows during the periods presented in our consolidated statements of operations, our consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and our consolidated statements of cash flows. We also make estimates in our assessments of potential losses in relation to threatened or pending tax and legal matters. See Note 11—Income Taxes and Note 14—Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.
	For matters not related to income taxes, if a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we recognize an expense for the estimated loss. If we have the potential to recover a portion of the estimated loss from a third party, we make a separate assessment of recoverability and reduce the estimated loss if recovery is also deemed probable.
	For matters related to income taxes, if we determine that the impact of an uncertain tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority, then we recognize a benefit for the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained. No portion of an uncertain tax position will be recognized if the position has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Interest is recognized on the amount of unrecognized benefit from uncertain tax positions.
	For all of these and other matters, actual results could differ from our estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue for services when the related services are provided. Recognition of certain payments received in advance of services being provided is deferred until the service is provided. These advance payments include activation and installation charges, which we recognize as revenue over the expected customer relationship period, which ranges from eighteen months to over ten years depending on the service. We also defer costs for customer activations and installations. The deferral of customer activation and installation costs is limited to the amount of revenue deferred on advance payments. Costs in excess of advance payments are recorded as expense in the period such costs are incurred. Expected customer relationship periods are estimated using historical experience. Termination fees or other fees on existing contracts that are negotiated in conjunction with new contracts are deferred and recognized over the new contract term.
	We offer bundle discounts to our customers who receive certain groupings of services. These bundle discounts are recognized concurrently with the associated revenue and are allocated to the various services in the bundled offering based on the estimated selling price of services included in each bundled combination.
	Customer arrangements that include both equipment and services are evaluated to determine whether the elements are separable. If the elements are deemed separable and separate earnings processes exist, the revenue associated with the customer arrangement is allocated to each element based on the relative estimated selling price of the separate elements. We have estimated the selling prices of each element by reference to vendor-specific objective evidence of selling prices when the elements are sold separately. The revenue associated with each element is then recognized as earned. For example, if we receive an advance payment when we sell equipment and continuing service together, we immediately recognize as revenue the amount allocated to the equipment as long as all the conditions for revenue recognition have been satisfied. The portion of the advance payment allocated to the service based upon its relative selling price is recognized ratably over the longer of the contractual period or the expected customer relationship period.
	We periodically transfer optical capacity assets on our network to other telecommunications service carriers. These transactions are structured as indefeasible rights of use, commonly referred to as IRUs, which are the exclusive right to use a specified amount of capacity or fiber for a specified term, typically 20 years. We account for the cash consideration received on transfers of optical capacity assets and on all of the other elements deliverable under an IRU, as revenue ratably over the term of the agreement. We have not recognized revenue on any contemporaneous exchanges of our optical capacity assets for other optical capacity assets.
	In connection with offering products and services provided by third-party vendors, we review the relationship between us, the vendor and the end customer to assess whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis. In assessing whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis, we consider whether we act as a principal in the transaction, take title to the products, have risk and rewards of ownership or act as an agent or broker. Based on our agreements with DIRECTV and Verizon Wireless, we offer these services through sales agency relationships which are reported on a net basis.
	For our hosting operations, we have service level commitments pursuant to contracts with certain of our clients. To the extent that such service levels are not achieved or are otherwise disputed due to performance or service issues or other service interruptions or conditions, we will estimate the amount of credits to be issued and record a reduction to revenues, with a corresponding increase in the credit reserve.
	USF, Gross Receipts Taxes and Other Surcharges
	In determining whether to include in our revenues and expenses the taxes and surcharges collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, including USF charges, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes, we assess, among other things, whether we are the primary obligor or principal taxpayer for the taxes assessed in each jurisdiction where we do business. In jurisdictions where we determine that we are the principal taxpayer, we record the surcharges on a gross basis and include them in our revenues and costs of services and products. In jurisdictions where we determine that we are merely a collection agent for the government authority, we record the taxes on a net basis and do not include them in our revenues and costs of services and products.
	Advertising Costs
	Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Our advertising expense was $214 million, $210 million and $189 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Legal Costs
	In the normal course of our business, we incur costs to hire and retain external legal counsel to advise us on regulatory, litigation and other matters. We expense these costs as the related services are received.
	Income Taxes
	We file a consolidated federal income tax return with our eligible subsidiaries. The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently payable, an amount for tax consequences deferred to future periods, adjustments to our liabilities for uncertain tax positions and amortization of investment tax credits. We record deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflecting future tax consequences attributable to tax net operating losses ("NOLs"), tax credit carryforwards and differences between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are computed using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts that we believe are more likely than not to be recovered. A significant portion of our net deferred tax assets relate to tax benefits attributable to NOLs. Each quarter we evaluate the need to retain all or a portion of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. See Note 11—Income Taxes for additional information.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and are not subject to significant risk from fluctuations in interest rates. As a result, the value at which cash and cash equivalents are reported in our consolidated financial statements approximates their fair value. In evaluating investments for classification as cash equivalents, we require that individual securities have original maturities of ninety days or less and that individual investment funds have dollar-weighted average maturities of ninety days or less. To preserve capital and maintain liquidity, we invest with financial institutions we deem to be of sound financial condition and in high quality and relatively risk-free investment products. Our cash investment policy limits the concentration of investments with specific financial institutions or among certain products and includes criteria related to credit worthiness of any particular financial institution.
	Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued but have not been presented to our controlled disbursement bank accounts for payment. Disbursement bank accounts allow us to delay funding of issued checks until the checks are presented for payment. Until the issued checks are presented for payment, the book overdrafts are included in accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheet. This activity is included in the operating activities section in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable are recognized based upon the amount due from customers for the services provided or at cost for purchased and other receivables less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in our receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available evidence. We generally consider our accounts past due if they are outstanding over 30 days. Our collection process varies by the customer segment, amount of the receivable, and our evaluation of the customer's credit risk. Our past due accounts are written off against our allowance for doubtful accounts when collection is considered to be not probable. Any recoveries of accounts previously written off are generally recognized as a reduction in bad debt expense in the period received. The carrying value of accounts receivable net of the allowance for doubtful accounts approximates fair value.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment acquired in connection with our acquisitions was recorded based on its estimated fair value as of its acquisition date plus the estimated value of any associated legally or contractually required retirement obligations. Purchased and constructed property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, plus the estimated value of any associated legally or contractually required retirement obligations. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated primarily using the straight-line group method. Under the straight-line group method, assets dedicated to providing telecommunications services (which comprise the majority of our property, plant and equipment) that have similar physical characteristics, use and expected useful lives are pooled for purposes of depreciation and tracking. The equal life group procedure is used to establish each pool's average remaining useful life. Generally, under the straight-line group method, when an asset is sold or retired in the course of normal business activities, the cost is deducted from property, plant and equipment and charged to accumulated depreciation without recognition of a gain or loss. A gain or loss is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations only if a disposal is abnormal or unusual. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful lives of the assets or the expected lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest is capitalized during the construction phase of network and other internal-use capital projects. Employee-related costs for construction of network and other internal use assets are also capitalized during the construction phase. Property, plant and equipment supplies used internally are carried at average cost, except for significant individual items for which cost is based on specific identification.
	We perform annual internal reviews to evaluate the reasonableness of the depreciable lives for our property, plant and equipment. Our reviews utilize models that take into account actual usage, physical wear and tear, replacement history, assumptions about technology evolution and, in certain instances, actuarially determined probabilities to estimate the remaining useful life of our asset base. Our remaining useful life assessments anticipate the loss in service value of assets that may precede the physical retirement. Assets shared among many customers may lose service value as those customers leave the network. However, the asset is not retired until all customers no longer utilize the asset.
	We have asset retirement obligations associated with the legally or contractually required removal of a limited group of property, plant and equipment assets from leased properties and the disposal of certain hazardous materials present in our owned properties. When an asset retirement obligation is identified, usually in association with the acquisition of the asset, we record the fair value of the obligation as a liability. The fair value of the obligation is also capitalized as property, plant and equipment and then amortized over the estimated remaining useful life of the associated asset. Where the removal obligation is not legally binding, the net cost to remove assets is expensed in the period in which the costs are actually incurred.
	We review long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. For assessment purposes, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, absent a material change in operations. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Recoverability of the asset group to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value. We determine fair values by using a combination of comparable market values and discounted cash flows, as appropriate.
	Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets arising from business combinations, such as goodwill, customer relationships, capitalized software, trademarks and trade names, are initially recorded at estimated fair value. We amortize customer relationships primarily over an estimated life of 10 to 15 years, using either the sum-of-the-years-digits or the straight-line methods, depending on the type of customer. We amortize capitalized software using the straight-line method over estimated lives ranging up to 7 years, except for approximately $237 million of our capitalized software costs, which represents costs to develop an integrated billing and customer care system which is amortized using the straight-line method over a 20 year period. We amortize our other intangible assets predominantly using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over an estimated life of 4 years. Other intangible assets not arising from business combinations are initially recorded at cost. Where there are no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of an intangible asset, we classify the intangible asset as indefinite-lived and such intangible assets are not amortized.
	Internally used software, whether purchased or developed by us, is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. We have capitalized certain costs associated with software such as costs of employees devoting time to the projects and external direct costs for materials and services. Costs associated with software to be used for internal purposes are expensed until the point at which the project has reached the development stage. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance, data conversion and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. We review the remaining economic lives of our capitalized software annually. Capitalized software is included in other intangible assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Our long-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment annually, or, under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or circumstances indicate there may be an impairment. These assets are carried at the estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and assets not acquired in acquisitions are recorded at historical cost. However, if their estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, other indefinite-lived intangible assets are reduced to their estimated fair value through an impairment charge to our consolidated statements of operations.
	We annually review the estimated lives and methods used to amortize our other intangible assets. The actual amounts of amortization expense may differ materially from our estimates, depending on the results of our annual review.
	We are required to assess goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or a change in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. We are required to write-down the value of goodwill in periods in which the recorded amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. Our reporting units are not discrete legal entities with discrete financial statements. Our assets and liabilities are employed in and relate to the operations of multiple reporting units. Therefore, the equity carrying value and future cash flows must be estimated each time a goodwill impairment assessment is performed on a reporting unit. As a result, our assets, liabilities and cash flows are assigned to reporting units using reasonable and consistent allocation methodologies. Certain estimates, judgments and assumptions are required to perform these assignments. We believe these estimates, judgments and assumptions to be reasonable, but changes in many of these can significantly affect each reporting unit's equity carrying value and future cash flows utilized for our goodwill impairment assessment.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we elected to change the date of our annual assessment of goodwill impairment from September 30 to October 31. This is a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as the new date of the assessment is more closely aligned with our strategic planning process. The change in the assessment date did not delay, accelerate or avoid a potential impairment charge in 2013. We performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment at September 30, 2013, prior to the change in our annual assessment date. We then performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill as of October 31, 2013 and concluded that our goodwill for consumer, wholesale and business reporting units was not impaired and our goodwill for hosting reporting unit was not further impaired as of that date.
	We are required to reassign goodwill to reporting units each time we reorganize our internal reporting structure which causes a change in the composition of our reporting units. Goodwill is reassigned to the reporting units using a relative fair value approach. We utilize the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as our allocation methodology as it represents a reasonable proxy for the fair value of the operations being reorganized.
	See Note 2—Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets for additional information.
	Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
	We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit and post-retirement plans as an asset or a liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Each year's actuarial gains or losses are a component of our other comprehensive (loss) income, which is then included in our accumulated other comprehensive loss. Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses are recognized over the period in which the employee renders service and becomes eligible to receive benefits. We make significant assumptions (including the discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, mortality and health care trend rates) in computing the pension and post-retirement benefits expense and obligations. See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information.
	Foreign Currency
	Our results of operations include foreign subsidiaries, which are translated from the applicable functional currency to the United States Dollar using the average exchange rates during the reporting period, while assets and liabilities are translated at the reporting date. We include gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries designate the local currency as their functional currency, and we record the translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date as translation adjustments and include them as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Common Stock
	At December 31, 2014, we had 4 million unissued shares of CenturyLink common stock reserved for acquisitions. In addition, we had 27 million shares authorized for future issuance under our equity incentive plans.
	Preferred stock
	Holders of outstanding CenturyLink preferred stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends, receive preferential distributions equal to $25 per share plus unpaid dividends upon CenturyLink's liquidation and vote as a single class with the holders of common stock.
	Dividends
	We pay dividends out of retained earnings to the extent we have retained earnings on the date the dividend is declared. If the dividend is in excess of our retained earnings on the declaration date, then the excess is drawn from our additional paid-in capital.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09” or “new standard”). The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption is prohibited. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of the new standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt.
The new standard replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred.
We are studying the new standard and are in the early stages of assessing the impact the new standard will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. We cannot, however, provide any estimate of the impact of adopting the new standard at this time.
Out-of-Period Adjustments
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we discovered and corrected an error that resulted in an overstatement of depreciation expense in 2011. We evaluated the error considering both quantitative and qualitative factors and concluded that the error was immaterial to our previously issued and current period consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we recognized a $30 million reduction in depreciation expense during the year ended December 31, 2012. The correction of the error resulted in an increase in net income of $19 million, or approximately $0.03 per basic and diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Goodwill	$	20,755	20,674
	Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $4,682 and $3,641	4,893		5,935
	Indefinite-life intangible assets	268		321
	Other intangible assets subject to amortization
	Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $1,533 and $1,193	1,338		1,415
	Trade names and patents, less accumulated amortization of $196 and $208	41		66
	Total other intangible assets, net	$	1,647	1,802
	Total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.470 billion, $1.589 billion and $1.710 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the gross carrying amount of goodwill, customer relationships, indefinite-life and other intangible assets was $33.706 billion.
	We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 will be as follows:
		(Dollars in millions)
	2015	$	1,244
	2016	1,145
	2017	1,036
	2018	922
	2019	805
	Our goodwill was derived from numerous acquisitions where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired.
	During the first quarter of 2013, we reorganized our operating segments to support our then operating structure. As a result, we reassigned goodwill to our reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. As of January 3, 2013, we assigned our aggregate goodwill balance to our then four reportable segments as follows.
		As of
		3-Jan-13
		(Dollars in millions)
	Business	6,363
	Consumer	10,348
	Wholesale	3,274
	Hosting	1,642
	Total goodwill	$	21,627
	We assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or, under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. We are required to write down the value of goodwill only when our assessment determines the recorded amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value. For 2014, our annual goodwill impairment assessment date was October 31, at which date we assessed goodwill at our reporting units, which were our then four reportable segments (consumer, business, wholesale and hosting). See Note 1—Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for information about the change in our goodwill impairment assessment date. Our annual impairment assessment date for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill is December 31.
	Our reporting units are not discrete legal entities with discrete financial statements. Our assets and liabilities are employed in and relate to the operations of multiple reporting units. For each reporting unit, we compare its estimated fair value of equity to its carrying value of equity that we assign to the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the carrying value, we conclude that no impairment exists. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second calculation is required in which the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of goodwill that we assigned to the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, goodwill must be written down to its implied fair value.
	As of October 31, 2014, we estimated the fair value of our then consumer, business and wholesale reporting units by considering both a market approach and a discounted cash flow method and our then hosting reporting unit by considering only a discounted cash flow method, which resulted in a Level 3 fair value measurement. The market approach method includes the use of comparable multiples of publicly traded companies whose services are comparable to ours. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows and a terminal value, which represents the expected normalized cash flows of the reporting units beyond the cash flows from the discrete projection period. We discounted the estimated cash flows for our then consumer, wholesale and business reporting units using a rate that represents our estimated weighted average cost of capital, which we determined to be approximately 6.0% as of the assessment date (which was comprised of an after-tax cost of debt of 2.9% and a cost of equity of 8.2%). We discounted the estimated cash flows of our then hosting reporting unit using a rate that represents our estimated weighted average cost of capital, which we determined to be approximately 11.0% as of the assessment date (which was comprised of an after-tax cost of debt of 2.9% and a cost of equity of 12.4%). We also reconciled the estimated fair values of the reporting units to our market capitalization as of October 31, 2014 and concluded that the indicated implied control premium of approximately 4.3% was reasonable based on recent transactions in the market place.
	As of October 31, 2014, based on our assessment performed with respect to these reporting units as described above, we concluded that our goodwill for our then four reporting units was not impaired as of that date. During 2013, our then hosting reporting unit experienced slower than previously projected revenues and margin growth and greater than anticipated competitive pressures and as a result, we recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $1.092 billion for goodwill assigned to our then hosting reporting unit.
	The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segments from the January 3, 2013 reorganization through December 31, 2014.
		Business		Consumer		Wholesale		Hosting		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	As of January 3, 2013	$	6,363	10,348		3,274		1,642		21,627
	Acquisitions	—		—		—		139		139
	Impairment	—		—		—		(1,092	)	(1,092	)
	As of December 31, 2013	$	6,363	10,348		3,274		689		20,674
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—		—		—		(11	)	(11	)
	November 1, 2014 reorganization	4,022		(70	)	(3,274	)	(678	)	—
	Acquisitions	92		—		—		—		92
	As of December 31, 2014	$	10,477	10,278		—		—		20,755
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of two companies for total consideration of $95 million, net of $2 million acquired cash and including immaterial future cash payments of which $92 million was attributed to goodwill and the remainder to various assets and liabilities. The valuation for both acquisitions is preliminary and subject to change during the measurement period which ends in December of 2015. The acquisitions were consummated to expand the product offerings of our business segment and therefore the goodwill has been assigned to that segment. The goodwill is attributed primarily to expected future increases in business segment revenue from the sale of new products. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of two companies for total cash consideration of $160 million, of which $139 million was attributed to goodwill and the remainder to various other assets and liabilities. During 2014, we finalized the valuation for one entity resulting in an increase in other intangibles assets of $19 million with a corresponding reduction in goodwill of $11 million and deferred taxes of $8 million. The acquisitions were consummated to expand the product offerings of our business segment and therefore the goodwill has been assigned to that segment. The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected future increases in business segment revenue from the sale of new products to existing customers as well as the acquisition of new customers due to the products acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The acquisitions did not materially impact the consolidated results of operations from the dates of the acquisitions in either 2014 or 2013 and would not materially impact pro forma results of operations.
	For additional information on the reorganization of our segments see Note 12—Segment Information.
	We completed our qualitative assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill as of December 31, 2014 and concluded it is more likely than not that our indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired; thus, no impairment charge was recorded in 2014.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities
	Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums, consisted of borrowings by CenturyLink, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Qwest Corporation ("QC"), Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. and Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries ("Embarq"), were as follows:
					As of December 31,
		Interest Rates		Maturities	2014				2013
					(Dollars in millions)
	CenturyLink, Inc.
	Senior notes	5.000% - 7.650%		2015 - 2042	$	7,825			7,825
	Credit facility (1)	1.910% - 4.000%		2019	725				725
	Term loan	2.42%		2019	380				402
	Subsidiaries
	Qwest Corporation
	Senior notes	6.125% - 8.375%		2015 - 2054	7,311				7,411
	Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
	Senior notes	6.500% - 7.750%		2018 - 2031	981				981
	Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries
	Senior notes	7.082% - 7.995%		2016 - 2036	2,669				2,669
	First mortgage bonds	7.125% - 8.770%		2017 - 2025	232				262
	Other	9.00%		2019	150				150
	Capital lease and other obligations	Various		Various	509				619
	Unamortized discounts, net				(111		)		(78	)
	Total long-term debt				20,671				20,966
	Less current maturities				(550		)		(785	)
	Long-term debt, excluding current maturities				$	20,121			20,181
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	The outstanding amount of our Credit Facility borrowings at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $725 million, with weighted average interest rates of 2.270% and 2.176%, respectively. These amounts change on a regular basis.
	New Issuances
	2014
	On September 29, 2014, QC issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Notes due 2054, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of $483 million. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on or after October 1, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
	2013
	On November 27, 2013, CenturyLink, Inc. issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Notes due 2023, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of approximately $742 million. The Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of par or a "make-whole" rate specified in the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, at any time on or prior to December 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings. Under certain circumstances, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price of 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date.
	On May 23, 2013, QC issued $775 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes due 2053, including $25 million principal amount that was sold pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters for the offering, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of approximately $752 million. The Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on or after June 1, 2018 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
	On March 21, 2013, CenturyLink, Inc. issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Notes due 2020 in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of approximately $988 million. The Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of par or a "make-whole" rate specified in the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, at any time on or prior to April 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings. Under certain circumstances, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price of 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date.
	Repayments
	2014
	On October 1, 2014, QC paid at maturity the $600 million principal amount of its 7.50% Notes.
	On April 1, 2014, a subsidiary of Embarq paid at maturity the $30 million principal amount of its 7.46% first mortgage bonds.
	2013
	On December 27, 2013, Qwest Communications International Inc. ("QCII") redeemed $186 million of its 7.125% Notes due 2018 for $196 million including premium, fees and accrued interest, which resulted in a $3 million gain.
	On November 27, 2013, QCII completed a cash tender offer with respect to $800 million of its 7.125% Notes due 2018. QCII received and accepted tenders of approximately $614 million aggregate principal amount of these notes, or 77%, for $646 million including premium, fees and accrued interest, which resulted in a $7 million gain.
	On August 15, 2013, a subsidiary of Embarq paid at maturity the $50 million principal amount of its 6.75% Notes.
	On July 15, 2013, a subsidiary of Embarq paid at maturity the $59 million principal amount of its 6.875% Notes.
	On June 17, 2013, QC paid at maturity the $750 million principal amount of its floating rate Notes.
	On April 1, 2013, CenturyLink, Inc. paid at maturity the $176 million principal amount of its 5.50% Notes.
	Credit Facilities
	On December 3, 2014, we amended our existing $2 billion revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date to December 3, 2019. The amended Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") has 16 lenders, with commitments ranging from $3.5 million to $198.5 million and allows us to obtain revolving loans and to issue up to $400 million of letters of credit, which upon issuance reduce the amount available for other extensions of credit. Interest is assessed on borrowings using either the LIBOR or the base rate (each as defined in the Credit Facility) plus an applicable margin between 1.00% and 2.25% per annum for LIBOR loans and 0.00% and 1.25% per annum for base rate loans depending on our then current senior unsecured long-term debt rating. Our obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by nine of our subsidiaries.
	In April 2011, we entered into a $160 million uncommitted revolving letter of credit facility which enables us to provide letters of credit under terms that may be more favorable than those under the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our outstanding letters of credit totaled $124 million and $132 million, respectively, under this facility.
	In January 2015, we entered into a $100 million uncommitted revolving line of credit with one of the lenders under the Credit Facility.
	Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt
	Aggregate maturities of our long-term debt (excluding unamortized premiums, discounts and other, net):
		(Dollars in millions)(1)
	2015	$	550
	2016	1,494
	2017	1,497
	2018	248
	2019	1,474
	2020 and thereafter	15,519
	Total long-term debt	$	20,782
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Actual principal paid in all years may differ due to the possible future refinancing of outstanding debt or the issuance of new debt.
	Interest Expense
	Interest expense includes interest on long-term debt. The following table presents the amount of gross interest expense, net of capitalized interest:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
Interest expense:
Gross interest expense	$	1,358		1,339			1,362
Capitalized interest	(47		)	(41	)		(43	)
Total interest expense	$	1,311		1,298			1,319
Covenants
Certain of our loan agreements contain various restrictions, as described more fully below. Under current circumstances, we believe the covenants currently in place result in no significant restriction to the transfer of funds from our consolidated subsidiaries to CenturyLink.
The senior notes of CenturyLink were issued under an indenture dated March 31, 1994. This indenture does not contain any financial covenants, but does include restrictions that limit our ability to (i) incur, issue or create liens upon our property and (ii) consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to any other party. The indenture does not contain any provisions that are impacted by our credit ratings or that restrict the issuance of new securities in the event of a material adverse change to us. However, if the credit ratings relating to certain of our long-term debt securities issued under this indenture are downgraded in the manner specified thereunder in connection with a "change of control" of CenturyLink, then we will be required to offer to repurchase such debt securities.
The senior notes of QC were issued under indentures dated April 15, 1990 and October 15, 1999. These indentures do not contain any financial covenants, but do contain restrictions on the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain transactions substantially similar to the above-described covenants in CenturyLink's March 31, 1994 indenture. The senior notes of Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. were issued under an indenture dated June 29, 1998 containing terms substantially similar to those set forth in QC's indentures.
Embarq's senior notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of May 17, 2006. While Embarq is generally prohibited from creating liens on its property unless its senior notes are secured equally and ratably, Embarq can create liens on its property without equally and ratably securing its senior notes so long as the sum of all indebtedness so secured does not exceed 15% of Embarq's consolidated net tangible assets. The indenture contains customary events of default, none of which are impacted by Embarq's credit rating. None of the above-listed indentures contain any financial covenants or restrictions on the ability to issue new securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
Several of our Embarq subsidiaries have outstanding first mortgage bonds. Each issue of these first mortgage bonds is secured by substantially all of the property, plant and equipment of the issuing subsidiary. Approximately 10% of our net property, plant and equipment is pledged to secure the long-term debt of subsidiaries.
Under the Credit Facility, we, and our indirect subsidiary, Qwest Corporation, must maintain a debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in our Credit Facility) ratio of not more than 4.0:1.0 and 2.85:1.0, respectively, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the four quarters then ended. The Credit Facility also contains a negative pledge covenant, which generally requires us to secure equally and ratably any advances under the Credit Facility if we pledge assets or permit liens on our property for the benefit of other debtholders. The Credit Facility also has a cross payment default provision, and the Credit Facility and certain of our debt securities also have cross acceleration provisions. When present, these provisions could have a wider impact on liquidity than might otherwise arise from a default or acceleration of a single debt instrument. To the extent that our EBITDA (as defined in our Credit Facility) is reduced by cash settlements or judgments, including in respect of any of the matters discussed in Note 14—Commitments and Contingencies, our debt to EBITDA ratios under certain debt agreements will be adversely affected. This could reduce our financing flexibility due to potential restrictions on incurring additional debt under certain provisions of our debt agreements or, in certain circumstances, could result in a default under certain provisions of such agreements.
At December 31, 2014, we believe we were in compliance with all of the provisions and covenants contained in our Credit Facility and other material debt agreements.
Subsequent Event
On February 17, 2015, CenturyLink paid at maturity the $350 million principal and amount due under its Series M 5.00% Notes.
On February 20, 2015, QC entered into a new credit agreement with several lenders that allows QC to borrow up to $100 million under a term loan. Under this new credit agreement, QC borrowed $100 million under a ten-year term note that expires on February 20, 2025.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	The following table presents details of our accounts receivable balances:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Trade and purchased receivables	$	1,821		1,862
	Earned and unbilled receivables	307			252
	Other	22			18
	Total accounts receivable	2,150			2,132
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(162		)	(155	)
	Accounts receivable, less allowance	$	1,988		1,977
	We are exposed to concentrations of credit risk from residential and business customers within our local service area, business customers outside of our local service area and from other telecommunications service providers. We generally do not require collateral to secure our receivable balances. We have agreements with other telecommunications service providers whereby we agree to bill and collect on their behalf for services rendered by those providers to our customers within our local service area. We purchase accounts receivable from other telecommunications service providers primarily on a recourse basis and include these amounts in our accounts receivable balance. We have not experienced any significant loss associated with these purchased receivables.
	The following table presents details of our allowance for doubtful accounts:
		Beginning			Additions		Deductions		Ending
		Balance							Balance
		(Dollars in millions)
	2014	$	155		159		(152	)	162
	2013	$	158		152		(155	)	155
	2012	$	145		187		(174	)	158

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Net property, plant and equipment is composed of the following:
		Depreciable		As of December 31,
		Lives		2014				2013
				(Dollars in millions)
	Land	n/a		$	575			585
	Fiber, conduit and other outside plant (1)	15-45		15,151				14,187
	Central office and other network electronics (2)	10-Mar		13,248				12,178
	Support assets (3)	30-Mar		6,578				6,420
	Construction in progress (4)	n/a		1,166				937
	Gross property, plant and equipment			36,718				34,307
	Accumulated depreciation			(18,285		)		(15,661	)
	Net property, plant and equipment			$	18,433			18,646
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Fiber, conduit and other outside plant consists of fiber and metallic cable, conduit, poles and other supporting structures.
	(2)	Central office and other network electronics consists of circuit and packet switches, routers, transmission electronics and electronics providing service to customers.
	(3)	Support assets consist of buildings, data centers, computers and other administrative and support equipment.
	(4)	Construction in progress includes inventory held for construction and property of the aforementioned categories that has not been placed in service as it is still under construction.
	We recorded depreciation expense of $2.958 billion, $2.952 billion and $3.070 billion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In 2014, we recorded an impairment charge of $17 million in connection with a sale-leaseback transaction involving an office building which closed in the fourth quarter of 2014. This impairment charge is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	In the second quarter of 2014, we entered into a separate definitive agreement to sell an office building for $12 million, which closed during the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	At December 31, 2014, our asset retirement obligations balance was primarily related to estimated future costs of removing equipment from leased properties and estimated future costs of properly disposing of asbestos and other hazardous materials upon remodeling or demolishing buildings. Asset retirement obligations are included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table provides asset retirement obligation activity:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	106			106			109
	Accretion expense	7				7			7
	Liabilities incurred	6				—			1
	Liabilities settled and other	(2		)		(4	)		(1	)
	Change in estimate	(10		)		(3	)		(10	)
	Balance at end of year	$	107			106			106
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012 we revised our estimates for the cost of removal of network equipment, asbestos remediation, and other obligations by $10 million, $3 million and $10 million, respectively. These revisions resulted in a reduction of the asset retirement obligation and offsetting reduction to gross property, plant and equipment and revisions to assets specifically identified are recorded as a reduction to accretion expense.

Severance_and_Leased_Real_Esta

Severance and Leased Real Estate	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance and Leased Real Estate	Severance and Leased Real Estate
	Periodically, we have reductions in our workforce and have accrued liabilities for the related severance costs. These workforce reductions resulted primarily from the progression or completion of our post-acquisition integration plans, increased competitive pressures, cost reduction initiatives and reduced workload demands due to the loss of customers purchasing certain legacy services.
	We report severance liabilities within accrued expenses and other liabilities-salaries and benefits in our consolidated balance sheets and report severance expenses in cost of services and products and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. As noted in Note 12—Segment Information, we do not allocate these severance expenses to our segments.
	We have recognized liabilities to reflect our estimates of the fair values of the existing lease obligations for real estate for which we have ceased using, net of estimated sublease rentals. Our fair value estimates were determined using discounted cash flow methods. We recognize expense to reflect accretion of the discounted liabilities and periodically, we adjust the expense when our actual subleasing experience differs from our initial estimates. We report the current portion of liabilities for ceased-use real estate leases in accrued expenses and other liabilities-other and report the noncurrent portion in deferred credits and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We report the related expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2014, the current and noncurrent portions of our leased real estate accrual were $14 million and $82 million, respectively. The remaining lease terms range from 0.3 years to 11.0 years, with a weighted average of 8.5 years.
	Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate were as follows:
		Severance			Real Estate
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	17		131
	Accrued to expense	31			—
	Payments, net	(31		)	(16	)
	Reversals and adjustments	—			(2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	17			113
	Accrued to expense	87			1
	Payments, net	(78		)	(16	)
	Reversals and adjustments	—			(2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	26		96

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits
	Pension, Post-Retirement and Other Post-Employment Benefits
	We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified), which in the aggregate cover a substantial portion of our employees including legacy CenturyLink, legacy Qwest and legacy Embarq employees. On December 31, 2014, we merged our existing qualified pension plans, which included merging the Qwest Pension Plan and Embarq Retirement Pension Plan into the CenturyLink Retirement Plan. The CenturyLink Retirement Plan was renamed the CenturyLink Combined Pension Plan ("Combined Plan"). Pension benefits for participants of the new Combined Plan who are represented by a collective bargaining agreement are based on negotiated schedules. All other participants' pension benefits are based on each individual participant's years of service and compensation. We use a December 31 measurement date for all our plans. We also maintain non-qualified pension plans for certain current and former highly compensated employees. We maintain post-retirement benefit plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for certain eligible retirees. We also provide other post-employment benefits for eligible former employees.
	Pension Benefits
	Current funding laws require a company with a plan shortfall to fund the annual cost of benefits earned in addition to a seven-year amortization of the shortfall. Our funding policy for our Combined Plan is to make contributions with the objective of accumulating sufficient assets to pay all qualified pension benefits when due under the terms of the plans. The accounting unfunded status of our qualified pension plans was $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2014.
	In 2014, we made cash contributions of approximately $157 million to our qualified pension plans and paid approximately $6 million of benefits directly to participants of our non-qualified pension plans. Based on current laws and circumstances, we are not required to make any contributions to our qualified pension plans in 2015, but we estimate that we will pay approximately $6 million of benefits to participants of our non-qualified pension plans.
	Our pension plans contain provisions that allow us, from time to time, to offer lump sum payment options to certain employees in settlement of their future retirement benefits. We record these payments as a settlement only if, in the aggregate, they exceed the sum of the annual service and interest costs for the plan’s net periodic pension benefit cost, which represents the settlement threshold. On December 8, 2014, lump sum pension settlement payments to terminated, but not-yet-retired participants in our Qwest qualified pension plan amounted to $460 million, which exceeded the settlement threshold of $418 million. As a result, we were required to recognize a non-cash settlement charge of $63 million in 2014 to accelerate the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses in the qualified pension plan, which has been allocated and reflected in cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and selling, general and administrative in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. This non-cash charge reduced our recorded net income and retained earnings, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. The amount of any future non-cash settlement charges will be dependent on the level of lump sum benefit payments made in 2015 and beyond.
	Post-Retirement Benefits
	Our post-retirement health care plans provide post-retirement benefits to qualified retirees. The post-retirement health care plans we assumed as part of our acquisitions of Qwest and Embarq provide post-retirement benefits to qualified retirees and allow (i) eligible employees retiring before certain dates to receive benefits at no or reduced cost and (ii) eligible employees retiring after certain dates to receive benefits on a shared cost basis. The post-retirement health care plans are primarily funded by us and we expect to continue funding these post-retirement obligations as benefits are paid.
	No contributions were made to the post-retirement trusts in 2014, and we do not expect to make a contribution in 2015. However, in 2014 we paid approximately $88 million of benefits (net of participant contributions and direct subsidies) that were not payable by the trusts, and we estimate that in 2015, we will pay approximately $139 million of benefits (net of participant contributions and direct subsidies) that are not payable by the trusts.
	We expect our health care cost trend rate to decrease between 0.25% to 0.15% per year from 6.00% in 2015 to an ultimate rate of 4.50% in 2024. Our post-retirement health care expense, for certain eligible Legacy Qwest retirees and certain eligible Legacy CenturyLink retirees, is capped at a set dollar amount. Therefore, those health care benefit obligations are not subject to increasing health care trends after the effective date of the caps.
	A change of 100 basis points in the assumed initial health care cost trend rate would have had the following effects in 2014:
		100 Basis
		Points Change
		Increase				(Decrease)
		(Dollars in millions)
	Effect on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit expense (consolidated statement of operations)	$	4			(3	)
	Effect on benefit obligation (consolidated balance sheet)	92				(82	)
	Expected Cash Flows
	The qualified pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement health care benefit payments and premiums and life insurance premium payments are paid by us or distributed from plan assets. The estimated benefit payments provided below are based on actuarial assumptions using the demographics of the employee and retiree populations and have been reduced by estimated participant contributions.
		Pension Plans				Post-Retirement			Medicare Part D
						Benefit Plans			Subsidy Receipts
		(Dollars in millions)
	Estimated future benefit payments:
	2015	$	1,061			309			(7	)
	2016	1,011				300			(7	)
	2017	996				292			(7	)
	2018	980				285			(7	)
	2019	965				279			(7	)
	2020 - 2024	4,568				1,276			(31	)
	Net Periodic Benefit Expense
	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic benefit expense for our qualified pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.
		Pension Plans									Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
	Discount rate	4.20% - 5.10%			3.50% - 4.20%			4.25% - 5.10%			4.5	%		3.6	%		4.60% - 4.80%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.25	%		3.25	%		3.25	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		6.00% - 7.50%			6.00% - 7.30%			6.00% - 7.50%
	Initial health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			N/A			6.00% - 6.50%			6.50% - 7.00%			8	%
	Ultimate health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			N/A			4.5	%		4.5	%		5	%
	Year ultimate trend rate is reached	N/A			N/A			N/A			2024			2022			2018
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	N/A-Not applicable
	Net periodic (income) expense for our qualified and non-qualified pension plans include the following components:
		Pension Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Service cost	$	77			91			87
	Interest cost	602				544			625
	Expected return on plan assets	(891		)		(896	)		(847	)
	Settlements	63				—			—
	Recognition of prior service cost	5				5			4
	Recognition of actuarial loss	22				84			35
	Net periodic pension benefit income	$	(122	)		(172	)		(96	)
	Net periodic expense (income) for our post-retirement benefit plans include the following components:
		Post-Retirement Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Service cost	$	22			24			22
	Interest cost	159				140			173
	Expected return on plan assets	(33		)		(39	)		(45	)
	Recognition of prior service cost	20				—			—
Recognition of actuarial loss	—				4			—
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense	$	168			129			150
We report net periodic benefit (income) expense for our qualified pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans in both cost of services and products and selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Benefit Obligations
The actuarial assumptions used to compute the funded status for the plans are based upon information available as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and are as follows:
	Pension Plans						Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
	December 31,						December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Discount rate	3.50% - 4.10%			4.20% - 5.10%			3.8	%		4.5	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.25	%		3.25	%		N/A			N/A
Initial health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			6.00% / 6.50%			6.50% / 7.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			4.5	%		4.5	%
Year ultimate trend rate is reached	N/A			N/A			2024			2022 / 2024
_______________________________________________________________________________
N/A-Not applicable
For our defined benefit plans, we adopted a new mortality rate table in 2014 to better reflect the expected lifetimes of our plan participants. The table used is based on Society of Actuaries tables and increases the projected benefit obligation by approximately $1.3 billion. The increase in the projected obligation was recognized as part of the net actuarial loss and is included in the other comprehensive loss, a portion of which is subject to be amortized over the remaining estimated life of plan participants (approximately 8 years).
The following tables summarize the change in the benefit obligations for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
	Pension Plans
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
	(Dollars in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	13,401			14,881			13,596
Service cost	77				91			87
Interest cost	602				544			625
Plan amendments	4				—			14
Actuarial loss (gain)	2,269				(1,179	)		1,565
Settlements	(460		)		—			—
Benefits paid by company	(6		)		(5	)		(5	)
Benefits paid from plan assets	(845		)		(931	)		(1,001	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,042			13,401			14,881
	Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
	(Dollars in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	3,688			4,075			3,930
Service cost	22				24			22
Interest cost	159				140			173
Participant contributions	69				96			86
Plan amendments	23				141			—
Direct subsidy receipts	9				13			19
Actuarial loss (gain)	245				(399	)		260
Benefits paid by company	(166		)		(266	)		(268	)
Benefits paid from plan assets	(219		)		(136	)		(147	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	3,830			3,688			4,075
Our aggregate benefit obligation as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $18.872 billion, $17.089 billion and $18.956 billion, respectively.
Plan Assets
We maintain plan assets for our qualified pension plans and certain post-retirement benefit plans. The qualified pension plan assets are used for the payment of pension benefits and certain eligible plan expenses. The post-retirement benefit plan's assets are used to pay health care benefits and premiums on behalf of eligible retirees and to pay certain eligible plan expenses. The expected rate of return on plan assets is the long-term rate of return we expect to earn on the plans' assets. The rate of return is determined by the strategic allocation of plan assets and the long-term risk and return forecast for each asset class. The forecasts for each asset class are generated primarily from an analysis of the long-term expectations of various third party investment management organizations. The expected rate of return on plan assets is reviewed annually and revised, as necessary, to reflect changes in the financial markets and our investment strategy.
The following tables summarize the change in the fair value of plan assets for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
	Pension Plans
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
	(Dollars in millions)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	12,346			12,321			11,814
Return on plan assets	1,373				810			1,476
Employer contributions	157				146			32
Settlements	(460		)		—			—
Benefits paid from plan assets	(845		)		(931	)		(1,001	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	12,571			12,346			12,321
	Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
	(Dollars in millions)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	535			626			693
Return on plan assets	37				45			80
Benefits paid from plan assets	(219		)		(136	)		(147	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	353			535			626
Pension Plans: Our investment objective for the pension plan assets is to achieve an attractive risk-adjusted return over time that will provide for the payment of benefits and minimize the risk of large losses. Our pension plan investment strategy is designed to meet this objective by broadly diversifying plan assets across numerous strategies with differing expected returns, volatilities and correlations. The pension plan assets have target allocations of 41.5% to interest rate sensitive investments and 58.5% to investments designed to provide higher expected returns than the interest rate sensitive investments. Interest rate sensitive investments include 26% of plan assets targeted primarily to long-duration investment grade bonds, 10.5% targeted to high yield and emerging market bonds and 5% targeted to diversified strategies, which primarily have exposures to global bonds, as well as some exposures to global stocks and commodities. Assets expected to provide higher returns than the interest rate sensitive assets include broadly diversified equity investments with targets of approximately 14.5% to U.S. stocks and 14.5% to developed and emerging market non-U.S. stocks. Approximately 11% is targeted to broadly diversified multi-asset class strategies that have the flexibility to adjust exposures to different asset classes. Approximately 10.5% is allocated to private markets investments including funds primarily invested in private equity, private debt and hedge funds. Real estate investments are targeted at 8% of plan assets. At the beginning of 2015, our expected annual long-term rate of return on pension assets is assumed to be 7.5%.
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans: Our investment objective for the post-retirement benefit plan assets is to achieve an attractive risk-adjusted return and minimize the risk of large losses over the expected life of the assets. Investment risk is managed by broadly diversifying assets across numerous strategies with differing expected returns, volatilities and correlations. Our investment strategy is designed to be consistent with the investment objective, with particular focus on providing liquidity for the reimbursement of our union-represented employees' post-retirement health care costs. The post-retirement benefit plan assets have target allocations of 30% to equities and 70% to non-equity investments. Specific target allocations within these broad categories are allowed to vary to provide liquidity in order to meet reimbursement requirements. Equity investments are broadly diversified with exposure to publicly traded U.S., non-U.S. and emerging market stocks and private market investments. While no new private market investments have been made in recent years, the percent allocation to existing private market investments is expected to increase as liquid, publicly traded stocks are drawn down for the reimbursement of health care costs. The 70% non-equity allocation includes investment grade bonds, real estate, hedge funds and diversified strategies. At the beginning of 2015, our expected annual long-term rate of return on post-retirement benefit plan assets is assumed to be 7.5%.
Permitted investments: Plan assets are managed consistent with the restrictions set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which requires diversification of assets and also generally prohibits defined benefit and welfare plans from investing more than 10% of their assets in securities issued by the sponsor company. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the pension and post-retirement benefit plans did not directly own any shares of our common stock or any of our debt.
Derivative instruments: Derivative instruments are used to reduce risk as well as provide return. The pension and post-retirement benefit plans use exchange traded futures to gain exposure to equity and Treasury markets consistent with target asset allocations. Interest rate swaps are used in the pension plans to reduce risk relative to measurement of the benefit obligation, which is sensitive to interest rate changes. Foreign exchange forward contracts are used to manage currency exposures. Credit default swaps are used to manage credit risk exposures in a cost effective and targeted manner relative to transacting with physical corporate fixed income securities. Options are currently used to manage interest rate exposure taking into account the implied volatility and current pricing of the specific underlying market instrument. Some derivative instruments subject the plans to counterparty risk. The external investment managers, along with Plan Management, monitor counterparty exposure and mitigate this risk by diversifying the exposure among multiple high credit quality counterparties, requiring collateral and limiting exposure by periodically settling contracts.
The gross notional exposure of the derivative instruments directly held by the plans is shown below. The notional amount of the derivatives corresponds to market exposure but does not represent an actual cash investment.
	Gross Notional Exposure
	Pension Plans							Post-Retirement
								Benefit Plans
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2014			2013
	(Dollars in millions)
Derivative instruments:
Exchange-traded U.S. equity futures	$	134			95			7			16
Exchange-traded non-U.S. equity futures	—				—			—			—
Exchange-traded Treasury futures	2,451				3,011			—			—
Interest rate swaps	579				556			—			—
Credit default swaps	382				253			—			—
Foreign exchange forwards	1,195				938			13			29
Options	529				261			—			—
Fair Value Measurements: Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs used following the fair value hierarchy set forth by the FASB. For additional information on the fair value hierarchy, see Note 10—Fair Value Disclosure.
At December 31, 2014, we used the following valuation techniques to measure fair value for assets. There were no changes to these methodologies during 2014:
•	Level 1—Assets were valued using the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual security was traded.
•	Level 2—Assets were valued using quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker dealer quotations, net asset value of shares held by the plans and other methods by which all significant input were observable at the measurement date.
•	Level 3—Assets were valued using unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists as reported by the respective institutions at the measurement date.
The tables below present the fair value of plan assets by category and the input levels used to determine those fair values at December 31, 2014. It is important to note that the asset allocations do not include market exposures that are gained with derivatives. Investments include dividend and interest receivables, pending trades and accrued expenses.
	Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets at December 31, 2014
	Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Investment grade bonds (a)	$	1,013			1,480			—			$	2,493
High yield bonds (b)	—				1,480			33			1,513
Emerging market bonds (c)	208				434			—			642
Convertible bonds (d)	—				14			—			14
Diversified strategies (e)	—				718			—			718
U.S. stocks (f)	1,389				87			—			1,476
Non-U.S. stocks (g)	1,169				384			—			1,553
Emerging market stocks (h)	—				102			—			102
Private equity (i)	—				—			673			673
Private debt (j)	—				—			395			395
Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				928			100			1,028
Directional hedge funds (k)	—				530			28			558
Real estate (l)	—				483			216			699
Derivatives (m)	—				17			—			17
Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				690			—			690
Total investments	$	3,779			7,347			1,445			12,571
Total pension plan assets											$	12,571
	Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets
	at December 31, 2014
	Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Investment grade bonds (a)	$	5			72			—			$	77
High yield bonds (b)	—				15			—			15
Emerging market bonds (c)	—				1			—			1
Diversified strategies (e)	—				89			—			89
U.S. stocks (f)	35				—			—			35
Non-U.S. stocks (g)	33				—			—			33
Emerging market stocks (h)	6				—			—			6
Private equity (i)	—				—			28			28
Private debt (j)	—				—			3			3
Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				25			—			25
Directional hedge funds (k)	—				1			—			1
Real estate (l)	—				24			4			28
Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				12			—			12
Total investments	$	79			239			35			353
Total post-retirement plan assets											$	353
The tables below present the fair value of plan assets by category and the input levels used to determine those fair values at December 31, 2013. It is important to note that the asset allocations do not include market exposures that are gained with derivatives. Investments include dividend and interest receivable, pending trades and accrued expenses.
	Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets at December 31, 2013
	Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Investment grade bonds (a)	$	813			1,504			—			$	2,317
High yield bonds (b)	—				1,265			26			1,291
Emerging market bonds (c)	196				367			—			563
Convertible bonds (d)	—				389			—			389
Diversified strategies (e)	—				723			—			723
U.S. stocks (f)	1,408				92			—			1,500
Non-U.S. stocks (g)	1,159				299			—			1,458
Emerging market stocks (h)	—				110			—			110
Private equity (i)	—				—			721			721
Private debt (j)	—				—			436			436
Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				867			99			966
Directional hedge funds (k)	—				582			32			614
Real estate (l)	—				306			265			571
Derivatives (m)	—				(34	)		—			(34		)
Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				721			—			721
Total investments	$	3,576			7,191			1,579			12,346
Total pension plan assets											$	12,346
	Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets
	at December 31, 2013
	Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Investment grade bonds (a)	$	21			56			—			$	77
High yield bonds (b)	—				56			—			56
Emerging market bonds (c)	—				37			—			37
Diversified strategies (e)	—				86			—			86
U.S. stocks (f)	56				—			—			56
Non-U.S. stocks (g)	58				—			—			58
Emerging market stocks (h)	—				12			—			12
Private equity (i)	—				—			40			40
Private debt (j)	—				—			5			5
Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				35			—			35
Directional hedge funds (k)	—				14			—			14
Real estate (l)	—				22			12			34
Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				24			—			24
Total investments	$	135			342			57			534
Contribution receivable											1
Total post-retirement plan assets											$	535
The plans' assets are invested in various asset categories utilizing multiple strategies and investment managers. For several of the investments in the tables above and discussed below, the plans own units in commingled funds and limited partnerships that invest in various types of assets. Interests in commingled funds are valued using the net asset value ("NAV") per unit of each fund. The NAV reported by the fund manager is based on the market value of the underlying investments owned by each fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. Commingled funds held by the plans that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are generally classified as Level 2. Investments in limited partnerships represent long-term commitments with a fixed maturity date, typically ten years. Valuation inputs for these limited partnership interests are generally based on assumptions and other information not observable in the market and are classified as Level 3 investments. The assumptions and valuation methodologies of the pricing vendors, account managers, fund managers and partnerships are monitored and evaluated for reasonableness. Below is an overview of the asset categories, the underlying strategies and valuation inputs used to value the assets in the preceding tables:
(a) Investment grade bonds represent investments in fixed income securities as well as commingled bond funds comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Treasury securities are valued at the bid price reported in the active market in which the security is traded and are classified as Level 1. The valuation inputs of other investment grade bonds primarily utilize observable market information and are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. The primary observable inputs include references to the new issue market for similar securities, the secondary trading markets and dealer quotes. Option adjusted spread models are utilized to evaluate securities such as asset backed securities that have early redemption features. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying fixed income securities using the same valuation inputs described above. The commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
(b) High yield bonds represent investments in below investment grade fixed income securities as well as commingled high yield bond funds. The valuation inputs for the securities primarily utilize observable market information and are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying high yield instruments using the same valuation inputs described above. Commingled funds that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Commingled funds that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
(c) Emerging market bonds represent investments in securities issued by governments and other entities located in developing countries as well as registered mutual funds and commingled emerging market bond funds. The valuation inputs for the securities utilize observable market information and are primarily based on dealer quotes or a spread relative to the local government bonds. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying emerging market bonds using the same valuation inputs described above. The commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2. The registered mutual funds trade at the daily NAV, as determined by the market value of the underlying investments, and are classified as Level 1.
(d) Convertible bonds primarily represent investments in corporate debt securities that have features that allow the debt to be converted into equity securities under certain circumstances. The valuation inputs for the individual convertible bonds primarily utilize observable market information including a spread to U.S. Treasuries and the value and volatility of the underlying equity security. Convertible bonds are classified as Level 2.
(e) Diversified strategies represent an investment in a commingled fund that primarily has exposures to global government, corporate and inflation linked bonds, global stocks and commodities. The commingled fund is valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments. The valuation inputs utilize observable market information including published prices for exchange traded securities, bid prices for government bonds, and spreads and yields available for comparable fixed income securities with similar credit ratings. This fund can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and is classified as Level 2.
(f) U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of U.S. based companies as well as commingled U.S. stock funds. The valuation inputs for U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
(g) Non-U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of companies based in developed countries outside the U.S. as well as commingled funds. The valuation inputs for non-U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
(h) Emerging market stocks represent investments in a registered mutual fund and commingled funds comprised of stocks of companies located in developing markets. Registered mutual funds trade at the daily NAV, as determined by the market value of the underlying investments, and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described previously for individual stocks. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
(i) Private equity represents non-public investments in domestic and foreign buy out and venture capital funds. Private equity funds are structured as limited partnerships and are valued according to the valuation policy of each partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The partnerships use valuation methodologies that give consideration to a range of factors, including but not limited to the price at which investments were acquired, the nature of the investments, market conditions, trading values on comparable public securities, current and projected operating performance, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investments. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment. Private equity investments are classified as Level 3.
(j) Private debt represents non-public investments in distressed or mezzanine debt funds. Mezzanine debt instruments are debt instruments that are subordinated to other debt issues and may include embedded equity instruments such as warrants. Private debt funds are structured as limited partnerships and are valued according to the valuation policy of each partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The valuation of underlying fund investments are based on factors including the issuer's current and projected credit worthiness, the security's terms, reference to the securities of comparable companies, and other market factors. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment. Private debt investments are classified as Level 3.
(k) Market neutral hedge funds hold investments in a diversified mix of instruments that are intended in combination to exhibit low correlations to market fluctuations. These investments are typically combined with futures to achieve uncorrelated excess returns over various markets. Directional hedge funds—This asset category represents investments that may exhibit somewhat higher correlations to market fluctuations than the market neutral hedge funds. Investments in hedge funds include both direct investments and investments in diversified funds of funds. Hedge Funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments which include publicly traded equity and fixed income securities and privately negotiated debt securities. The hedge funds are valued by third party administrators using the same valuation inputs previously described. Hedge funds that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Hedge fund investments that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
(l) Real estate represents investments in commingled funds and limited partnerships that invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate properties. These investments are valued at NAV according to the valuation policy of each fund or partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The valuation inputs of the underlying properties are generally based on third-party appraisals that use comparable sales or a projection of future cash flows to determine fair value. Real estate investments that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Real estate investments that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
(m) Derivatives include exchange traded futures contracts, as well as privately negotiated over-the-counter swaps and options that are valued based on the change in interest rates or a specific market index and are classified as Level 2. The market values represent gains or losses that occur due to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, security prices, or other factors.
(n) Cash equivalents and short-term investments represent investments that are used in conjunction with derivatives positions or are used to provide liquidity for the payment of benefits or other purposes. The valuation inputs of securities are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury Bills, the Federal Funds Rate, or London Interbank Offered Rate and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings and are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
Concentrations of Risk: Investments, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as significant world events, interest rate, credit, foreign currency and overall market volatility risk. These risks are managed by broadly diversifying assets across numerous asset classes and strategies with differing expected returns, volatilities and correlations. Risk is also broadly diversified across numerous market sectors and individual companies. Financial instruments that potentially subject the plans to concentrations of counterparty risk consist principally of investment contracts with high quality financial institutions. These investment contracts are typically collateralized obligations and/or are actively managed, limiting the amount of counterparty exposure to any one financial institution. Although the investments are well diversified, the value of plan assets could change materially depending upon the overall market volatility, which could affect the funded status of the plans.
The table below presents a rollforward of the pension plan assets valued using Level 3 inputs:
	Pension Plan Assets Valued Using Level 3 Inputs
	High				Private			Private			Market			Directional			Real		Total
	Yield				Equity			Debt			Neutral			Hedge			Estate
	Bonds										Hedge			Funds
											Fund
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	59			711			465			—			194			337		1,766
Net transfers	—				—			—			—			(165	)		—		(165	)
Acquisitions	5				82			71			100			—			9		267
Dispositions	(43		)		(179	)		(144	)		—			(1	)		(97	)	(464	)
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	12				68			18			—			—			11		109
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	(7		)		39			26			(1	)		4			5		66
Balance at December 31, 2013	26				721			436			99			32			265		1,579
Net transfers	6				4			—			—			—			(4	)	6
Acquisitions	14				125			109			—			—			5		253
Dispositions	(16		)		(246	)		(111	)		—			—			(61	)	(434	)
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	8				115			25			—			—			3		151
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	(5		)		(46	)		(64	)		1			(4	)		8		(110	)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	33			673			395			100			28			216		1,445
The table below presents a rollforward of the post-retirement plan assets valued using Level 3 inputs:
	Post-Retirement Plan Assets Valued Using Level 3 Inputs
	Private				Private			Real			Total
	Equity				Debt			Estate
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	45			6			28			79
Acquisitions	1				—			—			1
Dispositions	(11		)		(1	)		(18	)		(30	)
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	4				—			(1	)		3
Gains relating to assets still held at year-end	1				—			3			4
Balance at December 31, 2013	40				5			12			57
Acquisitions	1				—			—			1
Dispositions	(15		)		(2	)		(8	)		(25	)
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	7				1			—			8
Losses relating to assets still held at year-end	(5		)		(1	)		—			(6	)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	28			3			4			35
Certain gains and losses are allocated between assets sold during the year and assets still held at year-end based on transactions and changes in valuations that occurred during the year. These allocations also impact our calculation of net acquisitions and dispositions.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the investment program produced actual gains on qualified pension and post-retirement plan assets of $1.410 billion as compared to the expected returns of $924 million for a difference of $486 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the investment program produced actual gains on pension and post-retirement plan assets of $855 million as compared to the expected returns of $935 million for a difference of $80 million. The short-term annual returns on plan assets will almost always be different from the expected long-term returns and the plans could experience net gains or losses, due primarily to the volatility occurring in the financial markets during any given year.
Unfunded Status
The following table presents the unfunded status of the pensions and post-retirement benefit plans:
	Pension Plans							Post-Retirement
								Benefit Plans
	Years Ended December 31,							Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2014			2013
	(Dollars in millions)
Benefit obligation	$	(15,042	)		(13,401	)		(3,830	)		(3,688	)
Fair value of plan assets	12,571				12,346			353			535
Unfunded status	(2,471		)		(1,055	)		(3,477	)		(3,153	)
Current portion of unfunded status	$	(6	)		(5	)		(134	)		(154	)
Non-current portion of unfunded status	$	(2,465	)		(1,050	)		(3,343	)		(2,999	)
The current portion of our post-retirement benefit obligations is recorded on our consolidated balance sheets in accrued expenses and other current liabilities-salaries and benefits.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss-Recognition and Deferrals
The following tables present cumulative items not recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense as of December 31, 2013, items recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense in 2014, additional items deferred during 2014 and cumulative items not recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense as of December 31, 2014. The items not recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense have been recorded on our consolidated balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
	2013				Recognition			Deferrals			Net			2014
					of Net						Change in
					Periodic						AOCL
					Benefits
					Expense
	(Dollars in millions)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Pension plans:
Net actuarial (loss) gain	$	(1,058	)		85			(1,787	)		(1,702	)		(2,760	)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(33		)		5			(4	)		1			(32	)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	422				(34	)		684			650			1,072
Total pension plans	(669		)		56			(1,107	)		(1,051	)		(1,720	)
Post-retirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial (loss) gain	(37		)		—			(240	)		(240	)		(277	)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(163		)		20			(23	)		(3	)		(166	)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	78				(8	)		101			93			171
Total post-retirement benefit plans	(122		)		12			(162	)		(150	)		(272	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(791	)		68			(1,269	)		(1,201	)		(1,992	)
The following table presents estimated items to be recognized in 2015 as a component of net periodic benefit expense of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
	Pension				Post-Retirement
	Plans				Plans
	(Dollars in millions)
Estimated recognition of net periodic benefit expense in 2015:
Net actuarial loss	$	(148	)		—
Prior service cost	(5		)		(19	)
Deferred income tax benefit	58				7
Estimated net periodic benefit expense to be recorded in 2015 as a component of other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(95	)		(12	)
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
We sponsor post-retirement health care plans with several benefit options that provide prescription drug benefits that we deem actuarially equivalent to or exceeding Medicare Part D. We recognize the impact of the federal subsidy received under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the calculation of our post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic post-retirement benefit expense.
Other Benefit Plans
Health Care and Life Insurance
We provide health care and life insurance benefits to essentially all of our active employees. We are largely self-funded for the cost of the health care plan. Our health care benefit expenses for current employees was $381 million, $362 million and $360 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Union-represented employee benefits are based on negotiated collective bargaining agreements. Employees contributed $136 million, $117 million and $113 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our group basic life insurance plans are fully insured and the premiums are paid by us.
401(k) Plan
We sponsor qualified defined contribution benefit plans covering substantially all of our employees. Under these plans, employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation up to certain maximums, as defined by the plans and by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). Currently, we match a percentage of employee contributions in cash. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the assets of the plans included approximately 8 million and 9 million shares of our common stock, respectively, as a result of the combination of previous employer match and participant directed contributions. We recognized expenses related to these plans of $81 million, $89 million and $76 million and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plans
We sponsored non-qualified unfunded deferred compensation plans for various groups that included certain of our current and former highly compensated employees. The value of assets and liabilities related to these plans was not significant.

Sharebased_Compensation

Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation
	We maintain equity programs that allow our Board of Directors (through its Compensation Committee or our Chief Executive Officer as its delegate) to grant incentives to certain employees and our outside directors in any one or a combination of several forms, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and market and performance shares. Stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Until June 30, 2014, we offered an employee stock purchase plan, which allowed eligible employees to purchase our common stock at a 15% discount based on the lower of the beginning or ending stock price during recurring six month offering periods.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes activity involving stock option awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-
		Options		Average
				Exercise
				Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2013	5,325		$	35.95
	Exercised	(1,065	)	28.57
	Forfeited/Expired	(154	)	32.68
	Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2014	4,106		37.99
	The aggregate intrinsic value of our options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $23 million. The weighted average remaining contractual term for such options was 2.7 years.
	During 2014, we received net cash proceeds of $30 million in connection with our option exercises. The tax benefit realized from these exercises was $4 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9 million, $11 million and $49 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	For equity based awards that contain only service conditions for vesting, we calculate the award fair value based on the closing stock price on the accounting grant date. For equity based restricted stock awards that contain market conditions, the award fair value is calculated through Monte-Carlo simulations.
	During the first quarter of 2014, we granted approximately 440 thousand shares of restricted stock to certain executive-level employees as part of our long-term incentive program, of which approximately 250 thousand contained only service conditions and will vest on a straight-line basis on February 20, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The remaining awards contain market and service conditions and are scheduled to vest on February 20, 2017. These shares, with market and service conditions, represent only the target for the award, as each recipient has the opportunity to ultimately receive a number of shares between 0% and 200% of the target restricted stock award depending on our total shareholder return versus that of selected peer companies for 2014, 2015 and 2016.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we granted approximately 1.5 million shares to certain key employees as part of our annual equity compensation program. These awards contained only service conditions and will vest on a straight-line basis on March 26, 2015, 2016 and 2017. During the third quarter of 2014 we granted shares to certain key employees as part of our long-term equity retention program. These awards will vest over a three to seven year period with approximately 105 thousand, 325 thousand and 220 thousand vesting on August 4, 2017, 2019 and 2021, respectively.
	The remaining awards granted throughout the year to certain other key employees and our outside directors were made as part of our equity compensation and retention programs. These awards require only service conditions for vesting and typically vest equally over a three year period.
	During the second quarter of 2013, we granted approximately 335 thousand shares of restricted stock to certain executive-level employees as part of our long-term incentive program, of which approximately 223 thousand contained only service conditions and are scheduled to vest on a straight-line basis on May 23, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The remaining awards contain market and service conditions and will vest on May 23, 2016. These shares, with market and service conditions, represent only the target for the award as each recipient has the opportunity to ultimately receive a number of shares between 0% and 200% of the target restricted stock award depending on, our total shareholder return versus that of selected peer companies for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
	In addition, during the first and second quarter of 2013, we granted approximately 1.2 million shares to certain key employees as part of our annual equity compensation program. These awards contained only service conditions. The remaining awards granted throughout the year to certain other key employees and our outside directors were made as part of our equity compensation and retention programs. These awards require only service conditions for vesting and typically vest equally over a three year period.
	During the first quarter of 2012, we granted approximately 402 thousand shares of restricted stock to certain executive-level employees as part of our long-term incentive program, of which approximately 201 thousand contained only service conditions and will vest on a straight-line basis on February 20, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The remaining awards contain market and service conditions and will vest on February 20, 2015. These shares, with market and service conditions, represent only the target for the award as each recipient has the opportunity to ultimately receive between 0% and 200% of the target restricted stock award depending on our total shareholder return for 2012, 2013 and 2014 in relation to that of the S&P 500 Index. As of December 31, 2014, none of the 2012 awards with market and service conditions are expected to vest.
	In addition, during the first quarter of 2012, we granted restricted stock to certain key employees as part of our annual equity compensation program. These awards contained only service conditions. Approximately 519 thousand shares of awards will vest on a straight-line basis on January 9, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Approximately 873 thousand shares of awards will vest on a straight-line basis on March 15, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The remaining awards granted throughout the year to certain other key employees and our outside directors were made as part of our equity compensation and retention programs. These awards require only service conditions for vesting and typically vest an equal portion annually over a three year period.
	The following table summarizes activity involving restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	3,625		$	37.33
	Granted	2,851		35.87
	Vested	(1,561	)	36.48
	Forfeited	(515	)	38.1
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	4,400		36.59
	During 2013, we granted 1.9 million shares of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards at a weighted-average price of $35.63. During 2012, we granted 2.1 million shares of restricted stock at a weighted-average price of $39.13. The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $53 million, $52 million and $102 million, respectively.
	Compensation Expense and Tax Benefit
	We recognize compensation expense related to our market and performance share-based awards with graded vesting that only have a service condition on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Total compensation expense for all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $75 million, $63 million and $78 million, respectively. Our tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for our share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $29 million, $25 million and $31 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, there was $112 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to our share-based payment arrangements, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
(Loss) Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were calculated as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
	Income (Loss) (Numerator):
	Net income (loss)	$	772		(239	)	777
	Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock	—			—		(1	)
	Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share	772			(239	)	776
	Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	772		(239	)	776
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average number of shares:
	Outstanding during period	572,748			604,404		622,139
	Non-vested restricted stock	(4,313		)	(3,512	)	(2,796	)
	Non-vested restricted stock units	—			—		862
	Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share	568,435			600,892		620,205
	Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
	Shares issuable under convertible securities	10			—		12
	Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans	1,294			—		2,068
	Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share	569,739			600,892		622,285
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.36		(0.40	)	1.25
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.36		(0.40	)	1.25
	Our calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share excludes shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options when the exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock during the periods reflected in the table above. Such potentially issuable shares averaged 2.5 million, 2.7 million and 2.2 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the net loss position, we excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share 1.3 million shares which were potentially issuable under incentive compensation plans or convertible securities, as their effect, if included, would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair_Value_Disclosure

Fair Value Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	Fair Value Disclosure
	Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values.
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs used following the fair value hierarchy set forth by the FASB.
	We determined the fair values of our long-term debt, including the current portion, based on quoted market prices where available or, if not available, based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates.
	The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:
	Input Level	Description of Input
	Level 1	Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
	Level 2	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input levels used to determine the fair values indicated below:
			As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
		Input	Carrying		Fair Value	Carrying	Fair Value
		Level	Amount			Amount
			(Dollars in millions)
	Liabilities-Long-term debt excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	20,162	21,255	20,347	20,413

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Income tax expense was as follows:
	Federal
	Current	$	18			1			57
	Deferred	305				403			361
	State
	Current	26				62			15
	Deferred	(14		)		(8	)		33
	Foreign
	Current	3				9			7
	Deferred	—				(4	)		—
	Total income tax expense	$	338			463			473
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Income tax expense was allocated as follows:
	Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations:
	Attributable to income	$	338			463			473
	Stockholders' equity:
	Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	(5		)		(14	)		(18	)
	Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(744		)		554			(434	)
	The following is a reconciliation from the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Percentage of pre-tax income)
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.7	%		2.8	%		2.5	%
	Impairment of goodwill	—	%		188.5	%		—	%
	Reversal of liability for unrecognized tax position	0.4	%		(24.5	)%		—	%
	Foreign income taxes	0.4	%		2.7	%		0.3	%
	Nondeductible accounting adjustment for life insurance	—	%		3.1	%		—	%
	Release state valuation allowance	—	%		(2.3	)%		—	%
	Loss on worthless investment in foreign subsidiary	(5.4	)%		—	%		—	%
	Other, net	(2.6	)%		1.4	%		—	%
	Effective income tax rate	30.5	%		206.7	%		37.8	%
	The 2014 effective tax rate is 30.5% compared to 206.7% for 2013. The 2014 rate reflects a $60 million benefit for a worthless stock deduction for tax basis in a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary as a result of developments in bankruptcy proceedings involving its sole asset and a $13 million tax decrease due to changes in the state taxes caused by apportionment changes, state tax rate changes and the changes in the expected utilization of NOLs. The 2013 rate reflects the tax effect of a $1.092 billion non-deductible goodwill impairment charge, a favorable settlement with the Internal Revenue Service of $33 million, a $22 million reduction due to the reversal of an uncertain tax position and the tax effect of a $17 million unfavorable accounting adjustment for non-deductible life insurance costs. Also in 2013, the tax rate was decreased by a $5 million reduction to the valuation allowance due to the estimated ability to utilize more state NOLs than previously expected. The 2012 rate reflects the $16 million reversal of a valuation allowance related to the auction rate securities we sold in 2012.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Deferred tax assets
	Post-retirement and pension benefit costs	$	2,276			1,618
	Net operating loss carryforwards	1,091				1,532
	Other employee benefits	214				182
	Other	602				782
	Gross deferred tax assets	4,183				4,114
	Less valuation allowance	(409		)		(435	)
	Net deferred tax assets	3,774				3,679
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment, primarily due to depreciation differences	(3,869		)		(3,904	)
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	(2,908		)		(3,226	)
	Other	(147		)		(137	)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	(6,924		)		(7,267	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,150	)		(3,588	)
	Of the $3.150 billion and $3.588 billion net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, $4.030 billion and $4.753 billion is reflected as a long-term liability and $880 million and $1.165 billion is reflected as a net current deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, we had federal NOLs of $1.6 billion and state NOLs of $12 billion. If unused, the NOLs will expire between 2015 and 2032; however, no significant amounts expire until 2020. At December 31, 2014, we had $51 million ($33 million net of federal income tax) of state investment tax credit carryforwards that will expire between 2015 and 2024 if not utilized. In addition, at December 31, 2014 we had $110 million of federal alternative minimum tax, or AMT, credits. Our acquisitions of Qwest and Savvis caused "ownership changes" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 382"). As a result, our ability to use these NOLs and AMT credits are subject to annual limits imposed by Section 382. Despite this, we expect to use substantially all of these tax attributes to reduce our future federal tax liabilities, although the timing of that use will depend upon our future earnings and future tax circumstances.
	We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to amounts we expect to realize. As of December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance of $409 million was established as it is more likely than not that this amount of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will not be utilized prior to expiration. Our valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is primarily related to state NOL carryforwards. This valuation allowance decreased by $26 million during 2014.
	A reconciliation of the change in our gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding both interest and any related federal benefit) from January 1 to December 31 for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	14			78
Increase in tax positions taken in the prior year	9				—
Decrease due to the reversal of tax positions taken in a prior year	(2		)		—
Decrease from the lapse of statute of limitations	(1		)		(36	)
Settlements	(3		)		(28	)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	17			14
During 2012, we entered into negotiations with the IRS to resolve a claim that was filed by Qwest for 1999. Based on the status of the negotiations at year end 2012, we partially reversed an unrecognized tax benefit that was assumed as part of the Qwest acquisition. When the negotiations were settled in 2013, we fully reversed the amount of the unrecognized tax position and recorded a receivable for the anticipated refund, which was received in the second quarter of 2014.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate was $32 million and $29 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Our policy is to reflect interest expense associated with unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We had accrued interest (presented before related tax benefits) of approximately $30 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.
We file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state and local jurisdictions. Our uncertain income tax positions are related to tax years that are currently under or remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities.
In 2012, Qwest filed an amended 2008 federal income tax return primarily to report the carryforward impact of prior year settlements. A refund was received for the amended 2008 federal income tax return in 2013. In 2013, Qwest filed an amended 2009 federal income tax return primarily to report the carryforward impact of prior year settlements. The refund for the 2009 amended return filed in 2013 was received in 2014. In 2014, Qwest filed an amended federal income tax return for 2010. The refund claim filed for 2010 was accepted by the IRS and the refund is expected to be received in 2015. The 2010 amended return released certain general business credits that were required to be carried back to 2009. As a result, a subsequent 2009 federal amended return was filed by Qwest in 2014 to reflect the carrybacks from 2010. The 2009 refund claim filed in 2014 was accepted by the IRS and the refund is expected to be received in 2015.
Beginning with the 2010 tax year, our federal consolidated returns are subject to annual examination by the IRS. Qwest's federal consolidated returns for the 2010 and pre-merger 2011 tax years are open to examination by the IRS. Federal consolidated returns for Savvis for tax years 2010 and pre-merger 2011 are under examination by the IRS.
In years prior to 2011, Qwest filed amended federal income tax returns for 2002-2007 to make protective claims with respect to items reserved in their audit settlements and to correct items not addressed in prior audits. The examination of those amended federal income tax returns by the IRS was completed in 2012.
Our open income tax years by major jurisdiction are as follows at December 31, 2014:
Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
Federal		2010—current
State
Florida		2010—current
Minnesota		2011—current
Other states		2010—current
Since the period for assessing additional liability typically begins upon the filing of a return, it is possible that certain jurisdictions could assess tax for years prior to the open tax years disclosed above. Additionally, it is possible that certain jurisdictions in which we do not believe we have an income tax filing responsibility, and accordingly did not file a return, may attempt to assess a liability, or that other jurisdictions to which we pay taxes may attempt to assert that we owe additional taxes.
Based on our current assessment of various factors, including (i) the potential outcomes of these ongoing examinations, (ii) the expiration of statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions, (iii) the negotiated settlement of certain disputed issues, and (iv) the administrative practices of applicable taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions previously taken may decrease by up to $8 million within the next 12 months. The actual amount of such decrease, if any, will depend on several future developments and events, many of which are outside our control.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Effective November 1, 2014, we implemented a new organizational structure designed to strengthen our ability to attain our operational, strategic and financial goals. Prior to this reorganization, we operated and reported as four segments: consumer, business, wholesale and hosting. As a result of this reorganization, we now operate and report the following two segments in our consolidated financial statements:
	•	Business. Consists generally of providing strategic, legacy and data integration products and services to enterprise, wholesale and governmental customers, including other communication providers. Our strategic products and services offered to these customers include our private line (including special access), broadband, Ethernet, MPLS, Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP"), network management services, colocation, managed hosting and cloud hosting services. Our legacy services offered to these customers primarily include switched access, long-distance, and local services, including the sale of unbundled network elements ("UNEs") which allow our wholesale customers to use our network or a combination of our network and their own networks to provide voice and data services to their customers; and
	•	Consumer. Consists generally of providing strategic and legacy products and services to residential customers. Our strategic products and services offered to these customers include our broadband, wireless and video services, including our Prism TV services. Our legacy services offered to these customers include local and long-distance services.
	We have restated previously reported segment results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the above-described organizational restructure on November 1, 2014. The following table summarizes our segment results for 2014, 2013 and 2012 based on the segment categorization we were operating under at December 31, 2014.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment revenues	$	17,028		17,095		17,320
	Total segment expenses	8,509			8,167		8,147
	Total segment income	$	8,519		8,928		9,173
	Total margin percentage	50		%	52	%	53	%
	Business:
	Revenues	$	11,034		11,091		11,156
	Expenses	6,089			5,808		5,729
	Income	$	4,945		5,283		5,427
	Margin percentage	45		%	48	%	49	%
	Consumer:
	Revenues	$	5,994		6,004		6,164
	Expenses	2,420			2,359		2,418
	Income	$	3,574		3,645		3,746
	Margin percentage	60		%	61	%	61	%
	Recent Changes in Segment Reporting
	We have recast our previously reported segment results due to the reorganization of our business. The segment recast resulted in increases in consumer segment expenses and decreases in business segment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The nature of the most significant changes to segment expenses are as follows:
	•	Certain business segment expenses were reassigned to consumer segment expense; and
	•	Certain business segment expenses were reassigned to corporate overhead.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the segment recast resulted in an increase in consumer expenses of $28 million and $32 million, respectively, and a decrease in business expenses of $45 million and $59 million, respectively.
	During 2014, we adopted several changes with respect to the assignment of certain expenses to our then segments. We have restated our previously reported segment results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to conform to the current presentation. The nature of the most significant changes to segment expenses are as follows:
	•	The method for allocating certain shared costs of consumer sales and care, including bad debt expense and credit card fees, was revised, which resulted in an increase in consumer segment expenses with a corresponding decrease in business segment expenses; and
	•	The progress of our integration efforts and centralization of certain administrative functions enabled us to discontinue the inclusion of finance, information technology, legal and human resources expenses in our then hosting segment, which resulted in a decrease in business segment expenses.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the reassignments of expenses resulted in an increase in consumer expenses of $100 million and $95 million, respectively, and a decrease in business expenses of $165 million for both years.
	Product and Service Categories
	We categorize our products, services and revenues among the following four categories:
	•	Strategic services, which include primarily broadband, private line (including special access), MPLS (which is a data networking technology that can deliver the quality of service required to support real-time voice and video), hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting), colocation, Ethernet, video (including resold satellite and our facilities-based video services), VoIP and Verizon Wireless services;
	•	Legacy services, which include primarily local, long-distance, switched access, Integrated Services Digital Network ("ISDN") (which uses regular telephone lines to support voice, video and data applications), and traditional wide area network ("WAN") services (which allow a local communications network to link to networks in remote locations);
	•	Data integration, which includes the sale of telecommunications equipment located on customers' premises and related professional services, such as network management, installation and maintenance of data equipment and building of proprietary fiber-optic broadband networks for our governmental and business customers; and
	•	Other revenues, which consist primarily of Universal Service Fund ("USF") revenue and surcharges. Unlike the first three revenue categories, other revenues are not included in our segment revenues.
	Our operating revenues for our products and services consisted of the following categories for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Strategic services	$	9,200		8,823		8,427
	Legacy services	7,138			7,616		8,221
	Data integration	690			656		672
	Other	1,003			1,000		1,056
	Total operating revenues	$	18,031		18,095		18,376
	Other operating revenues include revenues from universal service funds, which allow us to recover a portion of our costs under federal and state cost recovery mechanisms, and certain surcharges to our customers, including billings for our required contributions to several USF programs. We also generate other operating revenues from leasing and subleasing of space in our office buildings, warehouses and other properties. Because we centrally manage the activities that generate these other operating revenues, we do not allocate these revenues to any of our two segments presented above.
	We recognize revenues in our consolidated statements of operations for certain USF surcharges and transaction taxes that we bill to our customers. Our consolidated statements of operations also reflects the related expense for the amounts we remit to the government agencies. The total amount of such surcharges that we included in revenues aggregated approximately $526 million, $489 million and $531 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Those USF surcharges, where we record revenue, are included in the "other" operating revenues and transaction tax surcharges are included in "legacy services" revenues. We also act as a collection agent for certain other USF and transaction taxes that we are required by government agencies to include in our bills to customers, for which we do not record any revenue or expense because we only act as a pass-through agent.
	Allocations of Revenues and Expenses
	Our segment revenues include all revenues from our strategic, legacy and data integration operations as described in more detail above. Segment revenues are based upon each customer's classification to an individual segment. We report our segment revenues based upon all services provided to that segment's customers. Our segment expenses for our two segments include specific expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers, along with selling, general and administrative expenses that are directly associated with specific segment customers or activities; and allocated expenses which include network expenses, facilities expenses and other expenses such as fleet and real estate expenses. We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense or impairments to our segments, as the related assets and capital expenditures are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") by segment. Similarly, severance expenses, restructuring expenses and certain centrally managed administrative functions (such as finance, information technology, legal and human resources) are not assigned to our segments. Interest expense is also excluded from segment results because we manage our financing on a total company basis and have not allocated assets or debt to specific segments. Other income (expense) is not monitored as a part of our segment operations and is therefore excluded from our segment results.
	The following table reconciles segment income to net income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment income	$	8,519		8,928		9,173
	Other operating revenues	1,003			1,000		1,056
	Depreciation and amortization	(4,428		)	(4,541	)	(4,780	)
	Impairment of goodwill	—			(1,092	)	—
	Other unassigned operating expenses	(2,684		)	(2,842	)	(2,736	)
	Other expenses, net	(1,300		)	(1,229	)	(1,463	)
	Income tax expense	(338		)	(463	)	(473	)
	Net income (loss)	$	772		(239	)	777
	We do not have any single customer that provides more than 10% of our total consolidated operating revenues. Substantially all of our consolidated revenues come from customers located in the United States.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		First		Second	Third		Fourth	Total
		Quarter		Quarter	Quarter		Quarter
		(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Operating revenues	$	4,538	4,541	4,514		4,438	18,031
	Operating income	653		655	619		483	2,410
	Net income	203		193	188		188	772
	Basic earnings per common share	0.35		0.34	0.33		0.33	1.36
	Diluted earnings per common share	0.35		0.34	0.33		0.33	1.36
	2013
	Operating revenues	$	4,513	4,525	4,515		4,542	18,095
	Operating income (loss)	782		715	(685	)	641	1,453
	Net income (loss)	298		269	(1,045	)	239	(239	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	0.48		0.45	(1.76	)	0.41	(0.40	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	0.48		0.44	(1.76	)	0.41	(0.40	)
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recognized a $60 million tax benefit associated with a worthless stock deduction for the tax basis in a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary as a result of developments in bankruptcy proceedings involving its sole asset that occurred in the first quarter of 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we also recognized a pension settlement charge of $63 million. The net loss of $1.045 billion in the third quarter of 2013 is primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of $1.1 billion and a charge of $233 million in connection with a then tentative settlement in a litigation matter.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	We are vigorously defending against all of the matters described below. As a matter of course, we are prepared both to litigate the matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. In this Note, when we refer to a class action as "putative" it is because a class has been alleged, but not certified in that matter. We have established accrued liabilities for the matters described below where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable.
	Pending Matters
	In William Douglas Fulghum, et al. v. Embarq Corporation, et al., filed on December 28, 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, a group of retirees filed a class action lawsuit challenging the decision to make certain modifications in retiree benefits programs relating to life insurance, medical insurance and prescription drug benefits, generally effective January 1, 2006 and January 1, 2008 (which, at the time of the modifications, was expected to reduce estimated future expenses for the subject benefits by more than $300 million). Defendants include Embarq, certain of its benefit plans, its Employee Benefits Committee and the individual plan administrator of certain of its benefits plans. Additional defendants include Sprint Nextel and certain of its benefit plans. The Court certified a class on certain of plaintiffs' claims, but rejected class certification as to other claims. On October 14, 2011, the Fulghum lawyers filed a new, related lawsuit, Abbott et al. v. Sprint Nextel et al. In Abbott, approximately 1,500 plaintiffs allege breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the changes in retiree benefits that also are at issue in the Fulghum case. The Abbott plaintiffs are all members of the class that was certified in Fulghum on claims for allegedly vested benefits (Counts I and III), and the Abbott claims are similar to the Fulghum breach of fiduciary duty claim (Count II), on which the Fulghum court denied class certification. The Court has stayed proceedings in Abbott indefinitely, except for limited discovery and motion practice as to approximately 80 of the plaintiffs. On February 14, 2013, the Fulghum court dismissed the majority of the plaintiffs' claims in that case. On July 16, 2013, the Fulghum court granted plaintiffs' request to seek interlocutory review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Embarq and the other defendants are defending the appeal, continue to vigorously contest any remaining claims in Fulghum and seek to have the claims in the Abbott case dismissed on similar grounds. We have not accrued a liability for these matters because we believe it is premature (i) to determine whether an accrual is warranted and (ii) if so, to determine a reasonable estimate of probable liability.
	In December 2009, subsidiaries of CenturyLink filed two lawsuits against subsidiaries of Sprint Nextel to recover terminating access charges for VoIP traffic owed under various interconnection agreements and tariffs which originally approximated $34 million in the aggregate. In connection with the first lawsuit, a federal court in Virginia issued a ruling in our favor, which resulted in Sprint paying us approximately $24 million. The other lawsuit is pending in federal court in Louisiana. In that case, in early 2011 the Court dismissed certain of CenturyLink's claims, referred other claims to the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), and stayed the litigation. In April 2012, Sprint Nextel filed a petition with the FCC, seeking a declaratory ruling that CenturyLink's access charges do not apply to VoIP originated calls, and earlier this year, CenturyLink filed a complaint with the Missouri Public Service Commission to collect the portion of the remaining unpaid charges arising in that state. We have not deferred any revenue recognition related to these matters.
	On July 16, 2013, Comcast MO Group, Inc. ("Comcast") filed a lawsuit in Colorado state court against Qwest Communications International Inc. ("Qwest"). Comcast alleges Qwest breached the parties' 1998 tax sharing agreement ("TSA") when it refused to partially indemnify Comcast for a tax liability settlement Comcast reached with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a dispute to which we were not a party. Comcast seeks approximately $80 million in damages, excluding interest. Qwest and Comcast are parties to the TSA in their capacities as successors to the TSA's original parties, U S WEST, Inc., a telecommunications company, and MediaOne Group, Inc., a cable television company, respectively. In October 2014, the state court granted summary judgment in Qwest's favor. In November 2014, Comcast filed a Notice of Appeal. We have not accrued a liability for this matter because we do not believe that liability is probable.
	On September 13, 2006, Cargill Financial Markets, Plc ("Cargill") and Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank") filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, against Qwest, Koninklijke KPN N.V., KPN Telecom B.V., and other former officers, employees or supervisory board members of KPNQwest N.V. ("KPNQwest"), some of whom were formerly affiliated with Qwest. The lawsuit alleges that defendants misrepresented KPNQwest's financial and business condition in connection with the origination of a credit facility and wrongfully allowed KPNQwest to borrow funds under that facility. Plaintiffs allege damages of approximately €219 million (or approximately $266 million based on the exchange rate on December 31, 2014). The value of this claim will be reduced to the degree plaintiffs receive recovery from a distribution of assets from the bankruptcy estate of KPNQwest. The extent of such expected recovery is not yet known. On April 25, 2012, the court issued its judgment denying the claims asserted by Cargill and Citibank in their lawsuit. Cargill and Citibank have appealed that decision. We do not believe that liability is probable in this matter.
	The terms and conditions of applicable bylaws, certificates or articles of incorporation, agreements or applicable law may obligate Qwest to indemnify its former directors, officers or employees with respect to the Cargill matter described above, and Qwest has been advancing legal fees and costs to certain former directors, officers or employees in connection with that matter.
	Several putative class actions relating to the installation of fiber optic cable in certain rights-of-way were filed against Qwest on behalf of landowners on various dates and in courts located in 34 states in which Qwest has such cable (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.) For the most part, the complaints challenge our right to install our fiber optic cable in railroad rights-of-way. The complaints allege that the railroads own the right-of-way as an easement that did not include the right to permit us to install our cable in the right-of-way without the plaintiffs' consent. In general, the complaints seek damages on theories of trespass and unjust enrichment, as well as punitive damages. After previous attempts to enter into a single nationwide settlement in a single court proved unsuccessful, the parties proceeded to seek court approval of settlements on a state-by-state basis. To date, the parties have received final approval of such settlements in 31 states. The settlement administration process, including claim submission and evaluation, is continuing in relation to a number of these settlements. The parties have not yet received final approval in two states (Texas and New Mexico). There is one state where an action was at one time, but is not currently, pending (Arizona). We have accrued an amount that we believe is probable for resolving these matters; however, the amount is not material to our consolidated financial statements.
	CenturyLink and certain of its affiliates are defendants in one consolidated securities and four shareholder derivative actions. The actions are pending in federal court in the Western District of Louisiana. Plaintiffs in these actions have variously alleged, among other things, that CenturyLink and certain of its current and former officers and directors violated federal securities laws and/or breached fiduciary duties owed to the Company and its shareholders. Plaintiffs' complaints focus on alleged material misstatements or omissions concerning CenturyLink's financial condition and changes in CenturyLink's capital allocation strategy in early 2013. These matters are in preliminary phases and the Company intends to defend against the filed actions vigorously. We have not accrued a liability for these matters as it is premature (i) to determine whether an accrual is warranted and (ii) if so, to determine a reasonable estimate of probable liability.
	The local exchange carrier subsidiaries of CenturyLink are among hundreds of defendants nationwide in dozens of lawsuits filed over the past year by Sprint Communications Company and affiliates of Verizon Communications Inc. The plaintiffs in these suits have challenged the right of local exchange carriers to bill interexchange carriers for switched access charges for certain calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an interexchange carrier. In the lawsuits, the plaintiffs are seeking refunds of access charges previously paid and relief from future access charges. In addition, these and some other interexchange carriers have ceased paying switched access charges on these calls. Recently the lawsuits involving our local exchange carriers and many other carriers have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in the United States District Court for the District of Northern Texas. Some of the defendants, including our affiliated carriers, have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to address these issues on an industry-wide basis.
	As both an interexchange carrier and a local exchange carrier, we both pay and assess significant amounts of the access charges in question. The outcome of these disputes and suits, as well as any related regulatory proceedings that could ensue, are currently not predictable. If we are required to stop assessing these charges or to pay refunds of any such charges, our financial results could be negatively affected.
	Other Proceedings and Disputes
	From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, administrative hearings of state public utility commissions relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies, and miscellaneous third party tort actions. The outcome of these other proceedings is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial in the coming 24 months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared both to litigate the matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities.
	Capital Leases
	We lease certain facilities and equipment under various capital lease arrangements. Depreciation of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Payments on capital leases are included in repayments of long-term debt, including current maturities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
	The tables below summarize our capital lease activity:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013	2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	$	37		12	209
	Depreciation expense	126			136	150
	Cash payments towards capital leases	118			119	113
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Assets included in property, plant and equipment	$	850		877
	Accumulated depreciation	393			338
	The future annual minimum payments under capital lease arrangements as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Future Minimum
		Payments
		(Dollars in millions)
	Capital lease obligations:
	2015	$	104
	2016	76
	2017	74
	2018	72
	2019	61
	2020 and thereafter	284
	Total minimum payments	671
	Less: amount representing interest and executory costs	(182		)
	Present value of minimum payments	489
	Less: current portion	(73		)
	Long-term portion	$	416
	Operating Leases
	CenturyLink leases various equipment, office facilities, retail outlets, switching facilities, and other network sites. These leases, with few exceptions, provide for renewal options and escalations that are either fixed or based on the consumer price index. Any rent abatements, along with rent escalations, are included in the computation of rent expense calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term for most leases includes the initial non-cancelable term plus any term under renewal options that are reasonably assured. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our gross rental expense was $446 million, $455 million and $445 million, respectively. We also received sublease rental income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $14 million, $16 million and $18 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows:
		Future Minimum
		Payments
		(Dollars in millions)
	2015	$	311
	2016	280
	2017	257
	2018	233
	2019	202
	2020 and thereafter	974
	Total future minimum payments (1)	$	2,257
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $91 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
	Purchase Obligations
	We have several commitments primarily for marketing activities and support services from a variety of vendors to be used in the ordinary course of business totaling $407 million at December 31, 2014. Of this amount, we expect to purchase $141 million in 2015, $154 million in 2016 through 2017, $50 million in 2018 through 2019 and $62 million in 2020 and thereafter. These amounts do not represent our entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items for which we were contractually committed as of December 31, 2014.

Other_Financial_Information

Other Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Other financial information	Other Financial Information
	Other Current Assets
	The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Prepaid expenses	$	260	266
	Materials, supplies and inventory	132		167
	Assets held for sale	14		26
	Deferred activation and installation charges	103		94
	Other	71		44
	Total other current assets	$	580	597
	Assets held for sale includes several assets that we expect to sell within the next twelve months. During 2014, we sold our remaining 700 MHz A-Block wireless spectrum licenses, which we purchased in 2008 but never placed into service. As a result of changes in market conditions and prevailing spectrum prices, we recorded an impairment charge of $14 million, which is included in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations for the for the year ended December 31, 2014. The sale closed on November 3, 2014, and we received $39 million in cash in the aggregate.
	Selected Current Liabilities
	Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable and other current liabilities as follows:
		As of December 31
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Accounts payable	$	1,226	1,111
	Other current liabilities:
	Accrued rent	$	34	52
	Legal reserves	27		273
	Other	149		189
	Total other current liabilities	$	210	514
	Included in accounts payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $80 million and $88 million, respectively, representing book overdrafts and $185 million and $140 million, respectively, associated with capital expenditures. Included in legal reserves at December 31, 2013, was $235 million related to the then tentative settlement agreement with the trustees in the KPNQwest Dutch bankruptcy proceeding. In February 2014, we paid approximately €171 million (or approximately $235 million) to settle this proceeding.

Labor_Union_Contracts

Labor Union Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Labor Union Contracts
Labor Union Contracts	Labor Union Contracts
	Approximately 36% of our employees are members of various bargaining units represented by the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). As of December 31, 2014, approximately two thousand or 4% of our employees are subject to additional collective bargaining agreements that expired in 2014. We believe that relations with our employees continue to be generally good. We are currently negotiating the terms of new agreements covering these employees. Additionally, approximately two thousand, or 4%, of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expire in 2015.

Repurchase_of_CenturyLink_Comm

Repurchase of CenturyLink Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Repurchase of CenturyLink Common Stock	Repurchase of CenturyLink Common Stock
	In February 2013, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $2 billion of our outstanding common stock. On May 29, 2014, we completed the 2013 stock repurchase program, repurchasing over the course of the program a total of 59.5 million shares in the open market at an average purchase price of $33.63 per share. Of those aggregate amounts, we repurchased 13.7 million shares in the open market during the first half of 2014 for an aggregate market price of $433 million, or an average purchase price of $31.54 per share. All shares of common stock repurchased under our 2013 stock repurchase program have been retired.
	In February 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a 24-month program to repurchase up to an aggregate of $1 billion of our outstanding common stock. This 2014 stock repurchase program took effect on May 29, 2014, immediately upon the completion of our predecessor 2013 stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 5.2 million shares of our outstanding common stock in the open market. These shares were repurchased for an aggregate market price of $200 million, or an average purchase price of $38.40 per share. The repurchased common stock has been retired. These repurchased shares exclude shares that, as of December 31, 2014, we had agreed to purchase under this program for an aggregate of $6 million, or an average purchase price of $40.22 per share, in transactions that settled early in the first quarter of 2015. The $6 million in shares excluded from the repurchase is included in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $800 million in stock remaining available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program. As of February 20, 2015, we had repurchased 7.7 million shares for $298 million, or an average purchase price of $38.57 per share.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Earnings	Other Comprehensive Loss
	The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Pension Plans				Post-Retirement		Foreign Currency		Total
						Benefit Plans		Translation
								Adjustment
								and Other
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(669	)		(122	)	(11	)	(802	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,107		)		(162	)	(15	)	(1,284	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	56				12		1		69
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,051		)		(150	)	(14	)	(1,215	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(1,720	)		(272	)	(25	)	(2,017	)
	The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		Decrease (Increase)				Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of
			in Net Income				Operations or Footnote Where Additional
							Information is Presented If The Amount is not
							Recognized in Net Income in Total
			(Dollars in millions)
	Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	85			See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Prior service cost		25				See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Total before tax		110
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(42		)		Income tax expense
	Insignificant items		1
	Net of tax		$	69
	The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Pension Plans				Post-Retirement		Foreign Currency		Total
						Benefit Plans		Translation
								Adjustment
								and Other
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(1,399	)		(289	)	(13	)	(1,701	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	675				164		1		840
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	55				3		1		59
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	730				167		2		899
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(669	)		(122	)	(11	)	(802	)
	The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Year Ended December 31, 2013		Decrease (Increase)				Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of
			in Net Loss				Operations or Footnote Where Additional
							Information is Presented If The Amount is not
							Recognized in Net Income in Total
			(Dollars in millions)
	Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	(88	)		See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Prior service cost		(5		)		See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Total before tax		(93		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)		35				Income tax expense
	Insignificant items		(1		)
	Net of tax		$	(59	)

Dividends

Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Dividends
Dividends	Dividends
	Our Board of Directors declared the following dividends payable in 2014 and 2013:
	Date Declared	Record Date	Dividend		Total Amount		Payment Date
			Per Share
					(in millions)
	November 11, 2014	11/24/14	$	0.54	$	307	12/5/14
	August 19, 2014	8/29/14	$	0.54	$	308	9/12/14
	May 28, 2014	6/9/14	$	0.54	$	307	6/20/14
	February 24, 2014	3/10/14	$	0.54	$	309	3/21/14
	November 12, 2013	11/25/13	$	0.54	$	321	12/6/13
	August 27, 2013	9/6/13	$	0.54	$	321	9/19/13
	May 22, 2013	6/3/13	$	0.54	$	320	6/14/13
	February 27, 2013	3/11/13	$	0.54	$	339	3/22/13

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09” or “new standard”). The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption is prohibited. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of the new standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt.
	The new standard replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred.
	We are studying the new standard and are in the early stages of assessing the impact the new standard will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. We cannot, however, provide any estimate of the impact of adopting the new standard at this time.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated.
	To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income (expense), (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions we make when accounting for items and matters such as, but not limited to, investments, long-term contracts, customer retention patterns, allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation, amortization, asset valuations, internal labor capitalization rates, recoverability of assets (including deferred tax assets), impairment assessments, pension, post-retirement and other post-employment benefits, taxes, certain liabilities and other provisions and contingencies are reasonable, based on information available at the time they were made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and components of stockholders' equity as of the dates of the consolidated balance sheets, as well as the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and components of cash flows during the periods presented in our consolidated statements of operations, our consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and our consolidated statements of cash flows. We also make estimates in our assessments of potential losses in relation to threatened or pending tax and legal matters. See Note 11—Income Taxes and Note 14—Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.
	For matters not related to income taxes, if a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we recognize an expense for the estimated loss. If we have the potential to recover a portion of the estimated loss from a third party, we make a separate assessment of recoverability and reduce the estimated loss if recovery is also deemed probable.
	For matters related to income taxes, if we determine that the impact of an uncertain tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority, then we recognize a benefit for the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained. No portion of an uncertain tax position will be recognized if the position has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Interest is recognized on the amount of unrecognized benefit from uncertain tax positions.
	For all of these and other matters, actual results could differ from our estimates.
Revenue recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue for services when the related services are provided. Recognition of certain payments received in advance of services being provided is deferred until the service is provided. These advance payments include activation and installation charges, which we recognize as revenue over the expected customer relationship period, which ranges from eighteen months to over ten years depending on the service. We also defer costs for customer activations and installations. The deferral of customer activation and installation costs is limited to the amount of revenue deferred on advance payments. Costs in excess of advance payments are recorded as expense in the period such costs are incurred. Expected customer relationship periods are estimated using historical experience. Termination fees or other fees on existing contracts that are negotiated in conjunction with new contracts are deferred and recognized over the new contract term.
	We offer bundle discounts to our customers who receive certain groupings of services. These bundle discounts are recognized concurrently with the associated revenue and are allocated to the various services in the bundled offering based on the estimated selling price of services included in each bundled combination.
	Customer arrangements that include both equipment and services are evaluated to determine whether the elements are separable. If the elements are deemed separable and separate earnings processes exist, the revenue associated with the customer arrangement is allocated to each element based on the relative estimated selling price of the separate elements. We have estimated the selling prices of each element by reference to vendor-specific objective evidence of selling prices when the elements are sold separately. The revenue associated with each element is then recognized as earned. For example, if we receive an advance payment when we sell equipment and continuing service together, we immediately recognize as revenue the amount allocated to the equipment as long as all the conditions for revenue recognition have been satisfied. The portion of the advance payment allocated to the service based upon its relative selling price is recognized ratably over the longer of the contractual period or the expected customer relationship period.
	We periodically transfer optical capacity assets on our network to other telecommunications service carriers. These transactions are structured as indefeasible rights of use, commonly referred to as IRUs, which are the exclusive right to use a specified amount of capacity or fiber for a specified term, typically 20 years. We account for the cash consideration received on transfers of optical capacity assets and on all of the other elements deliverable under an IRU, as revenue ratably over the term of the agreement. We have not recognized revenue on any contemporaneous exchanges of our optical capacity assets for other optical capacity assets.
	In connection with offering products and services provided by third-party vendors, we review the relationship between us, the vendor and the end customer to assess whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis. In assessing whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis, we consider whether we act as a principal in the transaction, take title to the products, have risk and rewards of ownership or act as an agent or broker. Based on our agreements with DIRECTV and Verizon Wireless, we offer these services through sales agency relationships which are reported on a net basis.
	For our hosting operations, we have service level commitments pursuant to contracts with certain of our clients. To the extent that such service levels are not achieved or are otherwise disputed due to performance or service issues or other service interruptions or conditions, we will estimate the amount of credits to be issued and record a reduction to revenues, with a corresponding increase in the credit reserve.
USF, Gross Receipts Taxes and Other Surcharges	USF, Gross Receipts Taxes and Other Surcharges
	In determining whether to include in our revenues and expenses the taxes and surcharges collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, including USF charges, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes, we assess, among other things, whether we are the primary obligor or principal taxpayer for the taxes assessed in each jurisdiction where we do business. In jurisdictions where we determine that we are the principal taxpayer, we record the surcharges on a gross basis and include them in our revenues and costs of services and products. In jurisdictions where we determine that we are merely a collection agent for the government authority, we record the taxes on a net basis and do not include them in our revenues and costs of services and products.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
Legal Costs	Legal Costs
	In the normal course of our business, we incur costs to hire and retain external legal counsel to advise us on regulatory, litigation and other matters. We expense these costs as the related services are received.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We file a consolidated federal income tax return with our eligible subsidiaries. The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently payable, an amount for tax consequences deferred to future periods, adjustments to our liabilities for uncertain tax positions and amortization of investment tax credits. We record deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflecting future tax consequences attributable to tax net operating losses ("NOLs"), tax credit carryforwards and differences between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are computed using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts that we believe are more likely than not to be recovered. A significant portion of our net deferred tax assets relate to tax benefits attributable to NOLs. Each quarter we evaluate the need to retain all or a portion of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. See Note 11—Income Taxes for additional information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and are not subject to significant risk from fluctuations in interest rates. As a result, the value at which cash and cash equivalents are reported in our consolidated financial statements approximates their fair value. In evaluating investments for classification as cash equivalents, we require that individual securities have original maturities of ninety days or less and that individual investment funds have dollar-weighted average maturities of ninety days or less. To preserve capital and maintain liquidity, we invest with financial institutions we deem to be of sound financial condition and in high quality and relatively risk-free investment products. Our cash investment policy limits the concentration of investments with specific financial institutions or among certain products and includes criteria related to credit worthiness of any particular financial institution.
	Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued but have not been presented to our controlled disbursement bank accounts for payment. Disbursement bank accounts allow us to delay funding of issued checks until the checks are presented for payment. Until the issued checks are presented for payment, the book overdrafts are included in accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheet. This activity is included in the operating activities section in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable are recognized based upon the amount due from customers for the services provided or at cost for purchased and other receivables less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in our receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available evidence. We generally consider our accounts past due if they are outstanding over 30 days. Our collection process varies by the customer segment, amount of the receivable, and our evaluation of the customer's credit risk. Our past due accounts are written off against our allowance for doubtful accounts when collection is considered to be not probable. Any recoveries of accounts previously written off are generally recognized as a reduction in bad debt expense in the period received. The carrying value of accounts receivable net of the allowance for doubtful accounts approximates fair value.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment acquired in connection with our acquisitions was recorded based on its estimated fair value as of its acquisition date plus the estimated value of any associated legally or contractually required retirement obligations. Purchased and constructed property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, plus the estimated value of any associated legally or contractually required retirement obligations. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated primarily using the straight-line group method. Under the straight-line group method, assets dedicated to providing telecommunications services (which comprise the majority of our property, plant and equipment) that have similar physical characteristics, use and expected useful lives are pooled for purposes of depreciation and tracking. The equal life group procedure is used to establish each pool's average remaining useful life. Generally, under the straight-line group method, when an asset is sold or retired in the course of normal business activities, the cost is deducted from property, plant and equipment and charged to accumulated depreciation without recognition of a gain or loss. A gain or loss is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations only if a disposal is abnormal or unusual. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful lives of the assets or the expected lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest is capitalized during the construction phase of network and other internal-use capital projects. Employee-related costs for construction of network and other internal use assets are also capitalized during the construction phase. Property, plant and equipment supplies used internally are carried at average cost, except for significant individual items for which cost is based on specific identification.
	We perform annual internal reviews to evaluate the reasonableness of the depreciable lives for our property, plant and equipment. Our reviews utilize models that take into account actual usage, physical wear and tear, replacement history, assumptions about technology evolution and, in certain instances, actuarially determined probabilities to estimate the remaining useful life of our asset base. Our remaining useful life assessments anticipate the loss in service value of assets that may precede the physical retirement. Assets shared among many customers may lose service value as those customers leave the network. However, the asset is not retired until all customers no longer utilize the asset.
	We have asset retirement obligations associated with the legally or contractually required removal of a limited group of property, plant and equipment assets from leased properties and the disposal of certain hazardous materials present in our owned properties. When an asset retirement obligation is identified, usually in association with the acquisition of the asset, we record the fair value of the obligation as a liability. The fair value of the obligation is also capitalized as property, plant and equipment and then amortized over the estimated remaining useful life of the associated asset. Where the removal obligation is not legally binding, the net cost to remove assets is expensed in the period in which the costs are actually incurred.
	We review long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable. For assessment purposes, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, absent a material change in operations. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Recoverability of the asset group to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value. We determine fair values by using a combination of comparable market values and discounted cash flows, as appropriate.
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets arising from business combinations, such as goodwill, customer relationships, capitalized software, trademarks and trade names, are initially recorded at estimated fair value. We amortize customer relationships primarily over an estimated life of 10 to 15 years, using either the sum-of-the-years-digits or the straight-line methods, depending on the type of customer. We amortize capitalized software using the straight-line method over estimated lives ranging up to 7 years, except for approximately $237 million of our capitalized software costs, which represents costs to develop an integrated billing and customer care system which is amortized using the straight-line method over a 20 year period. We amortize our other intangible assets predominantly using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over an estimated life of 4 years. Other intangible assets not arising from business combinations are initially recorded at cost. Where there are no legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that would reasonably limit the useful life of an intangible asset, we classify the intangible asset as indefinite-lived and such intangible assets are not amortized.
	Internally used software, whether purchased or developed by us, is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. We have capitalized certain costs associated with software such as costs of employees devoting time to the projects and external direct costs for materials and services. Costs associated with software to be used for internal purposes are expensed until the point at which the project has reached the development stage. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance, data conversion and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. We review the remaining economic lives of our capitalized software annually. Capitalized software is included in other intangible assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Our long-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment annually, or, under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or circumstances indicate there may be an impairment. These assets are carried at the estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and assets not acquired in acquisitions are recorded at historical cost. However, if their estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, other indefinite-lived intangible assets are reduced to their estimated fair value through an impairment charge to our consolidated statements of operations.
	We annually review the estimated lives and methods used to amortize our other intangible assets. The actual amounts of amortization expense may differ materially from our estimates, depending on the results of our annual review.
	We are required to assess goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or a change in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. We are required to write-down the value of goodwill in periods in which the recorded amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. Our reporting units are not discrete legal entities with discrete financial statements. Our assets and liabilities are employed in and relate to the operations of multiple reporting units. Therefore, the equity carrying value and future cash flows must be estimated each time a goodwill impairment assessment is performed on a reporting unit. As a result, our assets, liabilities and cash flows are assigned to reporting units using reasonable and consistent allocation methodologies. Certain estimates, judgments and assumptions are required to perform these assignments. We believe these estimates, judgments and assumptions to be reasonable, but changes in many of these can significantly affect each reporting unit's equity carrying value and future cash flows utilized for our goodwill impairment assessment.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we elected to change the date of our annual assessment of goodwill impairment from September 30 to October 31. This is a change in method of applying an accounting principle which management believes is a preferable alternative as the new date of the assessment is more closely aligned with our strategic planning process. The change in the assessment date did not delay, accelerate or avoid a potential impairment charge in 2013. We performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment at September 30, 2013, prior to the change in our annual assessment date. We then performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill as of October 31, 2013 and concluded that our goodwill for consumer, wholesale and business reporting units was not impaired and our goodwill for hosting reporting unit was not further impaired as of that date.
	We are required to reassign goodwill to reporting units each time we reorganize our internal reporting structure which causes a change in the composition of our reporting units. Goodwill is reassigned to the reporting units using a relative fair value approach. We utilize the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as our allocation methodology as it represents a reasonable proxy for the fair value of the operations being reorganized.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
	We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit and post-retirement plans as an asset or a liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Each year's actuarial gains or losses are a component of our other comprehensive (loss) income, which is then included in our accumulated other comprehensive loss. Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses are recognized over the period in which the employee renders service and becomes eligible to receive benefits. We make significant assumptions (including the discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, mortality and health care trend rates) in computing the pension and post-retirement benefits expense and obligations. See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency
	Our results of operations include foreign subsidiaries, which are translated from the applicable functional currency to the United States Dollar using the average exchange rates during the reporting period, while assets and liabilities are translated at the reporting date. We include gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries designate the local currency as their functional currency, and we record the translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date as translation adjustments and include them as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock	Preferred stock
	Holders of outstanding CenturyLink preferred stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends, receive preferential distributions equal to $25 per share plus unpaid dividends upon CenturyLink's liquidation and vote as a single class with the holders of common stock.
	Dividends
	We pay dividends out of retained earnings to the extent we have retained earnings on the date the dividend is declared. If the dividend is in excess of our retained earnings on the declaration date, then the excess is drawn from our additional paid-in capital.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenues and our segment reporting. See Note 12—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total revenues, total operating expenses or net income (loss) for any period.

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship1

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014											Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Goodwill	$	20,755	20,674
	Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $4,682 and $3,641	4,893		5,935
	Indefinite-life intangible assets	268		321
	Other intangible assets subject to amortization
	Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $1,533 and $1,193	1,338		1,415
	Trade names and patents, less accumulated amortization of $196 and $208	41		66
	Total other intangible assets, net	$	1,647	1,802
Schedule of estimated amortization expense for intangible assets	We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 will be as follows:
		(Dollars in millions)
	2015	$	1,244
	2016	1,145
	2017	1,036
	2018	922
	2019	805
Schedule of goodwill attributable to segments	The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segments from the January 3, 2013 reorganization through December 31, 2014.											As of January 3, 2013, we assigned our aggregate goodwill balance to our then four reportable segments as follows.
		Business		Consumer		Wholesale		Hosting		Total			As of
		(Dollars in millions)											3-Jan-13
	As of January 3, 2013	$	6,363	10,348		3,274		1,642		21,627			(Dollars in millions)
												Business	6,363
	Acquisitions	—		—		—		139		139
												Consumer	10,348
	Impairment	—		—		—		(1,092	)	(1,092	)
												Wholesale	3,274
	As of December 31, 2013	$	6,363	10,348		3,274		689		20,674
												Hosting	1,642
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—		—		—		(11	)	(11	)
												Total goodwill	$	21,627
	November 1, 2014 reorganization	4,022		(70	)	(3,274	)	(678	)	—
	Acquisitions	92		—		—		—		92
	As of December 31, 2014	$	10,477	10,278		—		—		20,755

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt including unamortized discounts and premiums	Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums, consisted of borrowings by CenturyLink, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Qwest Corporation ("QC"), Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. and Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries ("Embarq"), were as follows:
					As of December 31,
		Interest Rates		Maturities	2014				2013
					(Dollars in millions)
	CenturyLink, Inc.
	Senior notes	5.000% - 7.650%		2015 - 2042	$	7,825			7,825
	Credit facility (1)	1.910% - 4.000%		2019	725				725
	Term loan	2.42%		2019	380				402
	Subsidiaries
	Qwest Corporation
	Senior notes	6.125% - 8.375%		2015 - 2054	7,311				7,411
	Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
	Senior notes	6.500% - 7.750%		2018 - 2031	981				981
	Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries
	Senior notes	7.082% - 7.995%		2016 - 2036	2,669				2,669
	First mortgage bonds	7.125% - 8.770%		2017 - 2025	232				262
	Other	9.00%		2019	150				150
	Capital lease and other obligations	Various		Various	509				619
	Unamortized discounts, net				(111		)		(78	)
	Total long-term debt				20,671				20,966
	Less current maturities				(550		)		(785	)
	Long-term debt, excluding current maturities				$	20,121			20,181
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	The outstanding amount of our Credit Facility borrowings at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $725 million, with weighted average interest rates of 2.270% and 2.176%, respectively. These amounts change on a regular basis.
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	Aggregate maturities of our long-term debt (excluding unamortized premiums, discounts and other, net):
		(Dollars in millions)(1)
	2015	$	550
	2016	1,494
	2017	1,497
	2018	248
	2019	1,474
	2020 and thereafter	15,519
	Total long-term debt	$	20,782
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Actual principal paid in all years may differ due to the possible future refinancing of outstanding debt or the issuance of new debt.
Schedule of amount of gross interest expense, net of capitalized interest	Interest expense includes interest on long-term debt. The following table presents the amount of gross interest expense, net of capitalized interest:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Interest expense:
	Gross interest expense	$	1,358		1,339			1,362
	Capitalized interest	(47		)	(41	)		(43	)
	Total interest expense	$	1,311		1,298			1,319

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of components of accounts receivable	The following table presents details of our accounts receivable balances:
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Trade and purchased receivables	$	1,821		1,862
	Earned and unbilled receivables	307			252
	Other	22			18
	Total accounts receivable	2,150			2,132
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(162		)	(155	)
	Accounts receivable, less allowance	$	1,988		1,977
Schedule of details of allowance for doubtful accounts	The following table presents details of our allowance for doubtful accounts:
		Beginning			Additions		Deductions		Ending
		Balance							Balance
		(Dollars in millions)
	2014	$	155		159		(152	)	162
	2013	$	158		152		(155	)	155
	2012	$	145		187		(174	)	158

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of net property, plant and equipment	Net property, plant and equipment is composed of the following:
		Depreciable		As of December 31,
		Lives		2014				2013
				(Dollars in millions)
	Land	n/a		$	575			585
	Fiber, conduit and other outside plant (1)	15-45		15,151				14,187
	Central office and other network electronics (2)	10-Mar		13,248				12,178
	Support assets (3)	30-Mar		6,578				6,420
	Construction in progress (4)	n/a		1,166				937
	Gross property, plant and equipment			36,718				34,307
	Accumulated depreciation			(18,285		)		(15,661	)
	Net property, plant and equipment			$	18,433			18,646
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Fiber, conduit and other outside plant consists of fiber and metallic cable, conduit, poles and other supporting structures.
	(2)	Central office and other network electronics consists of circuit and packet switches, routers, transmission electronics and electronics providing service to customers.
	(3)	Support assets consist of buildings, data centers, computers and other administrative and support equipment.
	(4)	Construction in progress includes inventory held for construction and property of the aforementioned categories that has not been placed in service as it is still under construction.
Schedule of changes to asset retirement obligations	The following table provides asset retirement obligation activity:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	106			106			109
	Accretion expense	7				7			7
	Liabilities incurred	6				—			1
	Liabilities settled and other	(2		)		(4	)		(1	)
	Change in estimate	(10		)		(3	)		(10	)
	Balance at end of year	$	107			106			106

Severance_and_Leased_Real_Esta1

Severance and Leased Real Estate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate	Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate were as follows:
		Severance			Real Estate
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	17		131
	Accrued to expense	31			—
	Payments, net	(31		)	(16	)
	Reversals and adjustments	—			(2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	17			113
	Accrued to expense	87			1
	Payments, net	(78		)	(16	)
	Reversals and adjustments	—			(2	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	26		96

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014																					Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefits
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments	The estimated benefit payments provided below are based on actuarial assumptions using the demographics of the employee and retiree populations and have been reduced by estimated participant contributions.
		Pension Plans				Post-Retirement			Medicare Part D
						Benefit Plans			Subsidy Receipts
		(Dollars in millions)
	Estimated future benefit payments:
	2015	$	1,061			309			(7	)
	2016	1,011				300			(7	)
	2017	996				292			(7	)
	2018	980				285			(7	)
	2019	965				279			(7	)
	2020 - 2024	4,568				1,276			(31	)
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute net periodic benefit expense	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic benefit expense for our qualified pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans are based upon information available as of the beginning of the year, as presented in the following table.
		Pension Plans									Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
	Discount rate	4.20% - 5.10%			3.50% - 4.20%			4.25% - 5.10%			4.5	%		3.6	%		4.60% - 4.80%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.25	%		3.25	%		3.25	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		6.00% - 7.50%			6.00% - 7.30%			6.00% - 7.50%
	Initial health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			N/A			6.00% - 6.50%			6.50% - 7.00%			8	%
	Ultimate health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			N/A			4.5	%		4.5	%		5	%
	Year ultimate trend rate is reached	N/A			N/A			N/A			2024			2022			2018
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	N/A-Not applicable
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to compute the funded status for the plans	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the funded status for the plans are based upon information available as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and are as follows:
		Pension Plans						Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
	Discount rate	3.50% - 4.10%			4.20% - 5.10%			3.8	%		4.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.25	%		3.25	%		N/A			N/A
	Initial health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			6.00% / 6.50%			6.50% / 7.00%
	Ultimate health care cost trend rate	N/A			N/A			4.5	%		4.5	%
	Year ultimate trend rate is reached	N/A			N/A			2024			2022 / 2024
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	N/A-Not applicable
Schedule of change in plan assets	The following tables summarize the change in the fair value of plan assets for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
		Pension Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	12,346			12,321			11,814
	Return on plan assets	1,373				810			1,476
	Employer contributions	157				146			32
	Settlements	(460		)		—			—
	Benefits paid from plan assets	(845		)		(931	)		(1,001	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	12,571			12,346			12,321
Schedule of gross notional exposure of the derivative instruments directly held by the plans	The gross notional exposure of the derivative instruments directly held by the plans is shown below. The notional amount of the derivatives corresponds to market exposure but does not represent an actual cash investment.
		Gross Notional Exposure
		Pension Plans							Post-Retirement
									Benefit Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Derivative instruments:
	Exchange-traded U.S. equity futures	$	134			95			7			16
	Exchange-traded non-U.S. equity futures	—				—			—			—
	Exchange-traded Treasury futures	2,451				3,011			—			—
	Interest rate swaps	579				556			—			—
	Credit default swaps	382				253			—			—
	Foreign exchange forwards	1,195				938			13			29
	Options	529				261			—			—
Schedule of the unfunded status of the benefit plans	The following table presents the unfunded status of the pensions and post-retirement benefit plans:
		Pension Plans							Post-Retirement
									Benefit Plans
		Years Ended December 31,							Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Benefit obligation	$	(15,042	)		(13,401	)		(3,830	)		(3,688	)
	Fair value of plan assets	12,571				12,346			353			535
	Unfunded status	(2,471		)		(1,055	)		(3,477	)		(3,153	)
	Current portion of unfunded status	$	(6	)		(5	)		(134	)		(154	)
	Non-current portion of unfunded status	$	(2,465	)		(1,050	)		(3,343	)		(2,999	)
Schedule of items not recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense	The items not recognized as a component of net periodic benefits expense have been recorded on our consolidated balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
		As of and for the Years Ended December 31,
		2013				Recognition			Deferrals			Net			2014
						of Net						Change in
						Periodic						AOCL
						Benefits
						Expense
		(Dollars in millions)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Pension plans:
	Net actuarial (loss) gain	$	(1,058	)		85			(1,787	)		(1,702	)		(2,760	)
	Prior service (cost) benefit	(33		)		5			(4	)		1			(32	)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	422				(34	)		684			650			1,072
	Total pension plans	(669		)		56			(1,107	)		(1,051	)		(1,720	)
	Post-retirement benefit plans:
	Net actuarial (loss) gain	(37		)		—			(240	)		(240	)		(277	)
	Prior service (cost) benefit	(163		)		20			(23	)		(3	)		(166	)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	78				(8	)		101			93			171
	Total post-retirement benefit plans	(122		)		12			(162	)		(150	)		(272	)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(791	)		68			(1,269	)		(1,201	)		(1,992	)
Schedule of estimated items to be recognized in 2013 as a component of net periodic benefit expense	The following table presents estimated items to be recognized in 2015 as a component of net periodic benefit expense of the pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
		Pension				Post-Retirement
		Plans				Plans
		(Dollars in millions)
	Estimated recognition of net periodic benefit expense in 2015:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(148	)		—
	Prior service cost	(5		)		(19	)
	Deferred income tax benefit	58				7
	Estimated net periodic benefit expense to be recorded in 2015 as a component of other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(95	)		(12	)
Pension Plans
Employee Benefits
Schedule of components of net periodic pension income and post-retirement benefit expense	Net periodic (income) expense for our qualified and non-qualified pension plans include the following components:
		Pension Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Service cost	$	77			91			87
	Interest cost	602				544			625
	Expected return on plan assets	(891		)		(896	)		(847	)
	Settlements	63				—			—
	Recognition of prior service cost	5				5			4
	Recognition of actuarial loss	22				84			35
	Net periodic pension benefit income	$	(122	)		(172	)		(96	)
Schedule of change in benefit obligation	The following tables summarize the change in the benefit obligations for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
		Pension Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	13,401			14,881			13,596
	Service cost	77				91			87
	Interest cost	602				544			625
	Plan amendments	4				—			14
	Actuarial loss (gain)	2,269				(1,179	)		1,565
	Settlements	(460		)		—			—
	Benefits paid by company	(6		)		(5	)		(5	)
	Benefits paid from plan assets	(845		)		(931	)		(1,001	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,042			13,401			14,881
Schedule of change in plan assets
		Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	535			626			693
	Return on plan assets	37				45			80
	Benefits paid from plan assets	(219		)		(136	)		(147	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	353			535			626
Schedule of fair value of the plans' assets by asset category	The tables below present the fair value of plan assets by category and the input levels used to determine those fair values at December 31, 2014. It is important to note that the asset allocations do not include market exposures that are gained with derivatives. Investments include dividend and interest receivables, pending trades and accrued expenses.																					The tables below present the fair value of plan assets by category and the input levels used to determine those fair values at December 31, 2013. It is important to note that the asset allocations do not include market exposures that are gained with derivatives. Investments include dividend and interest receivable, pending trades and accrued expenses.
		Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets at December 31, 2014																					Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets at December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total											Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total
		(Dollars in millions)																					(Dollars in millions)
	Investment grade bonds (a)	$	1,013			1,480			—			$	2,493									Investment grade bonds (a)	$	813	1,504		—	$	2,317
	High yield bonds (b)	—				1,480			33			1,513										High yield bonds (b)	—		1,265		26	1,291
	Emerging market bonds (c)	208				434			—			642										Emerging market bonds (c)	196		367		—	563
	Convertible bonds (d)	—				14			—			14										Convertible bonds (d)	—		389		—	389
	Diversified strategies (e)	—				718			—			718										Diversified strategies (e)	—		723		—	723
	U.S. stocks (f)	1,389				87			—			1,476										U.S. stocks (f)	1,408		92		—	1,500
	Non-U.S. stocks (g)	1,169				384			—			1,553										Non-U.S. stocks (g)	1,159		299		—	1,458
	Emerging market stocks (h)	—				102			—			102										Emerging market stocks (h)	—		110		—	110
	Private equity (i)	—				—			673			673										Private equity (i)	—		—		721	721
	Private debt (j)	—				—			395			395										Private debt (j)	—		—		436	436
	Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				928			100			1,028										Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—		867		99	966
	Directional hedge funds (k)	—				530			28			558										Directional hedge funds (k)	—		582		32	614
	Real estate (l)	—				483			216			699										Real estate (l)	—		306		265	571
	Derivatives (m)	—				17			—			17										Derivatives (m)	—		(34	)	—	(34		)
	Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				690			—			690										Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—		721		—	721
	Total investments	$	3,779			7,347			1,445			12,571										Total investments	$	3,576	7,191		1,579	12,346
	Total pension plan assets											$	12,571									Total pension plan assets						$	12,346
Summary of changes in fair value of defined benefit plans' Level 3 assets	The table below presents a rollforward of the pension plan assets valued using Level 3 inputs:
		Pension Plan Assets Valued Using Level 3 Inputs
		High				Private			Private			Market			Directional			Real		Total
		Yield				Equity			Debt			Neutral			Hedge			Estate
		Bonds										Hedge			Funds
												Fund
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	59			711			465			—			194			337		1,766
	Net transfers	—				—			—			—			(165	)		—		(165	)
	Acquisitions	5				82			71			100			—			9		267
	Dispositions	(43		)		(179	)		(144	)		—			(1	)		(97	)	(464	)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Gains relating to assets sold during the year	12				68			18			—			—			11		109
	(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	(7		)		39			26			(1	)		4			5		66
	Balance at December 31, 2013	26				721			436			99			32			265		1,579
	Net transfers	6				4			—			—			—			(4	)	6
	Acquisitions	14				125			109			—			—			5		253
	Dispositions	(16		)		(246	)		(111	)		—			—			(61	)	(434	)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Gains relating to assets sold during the year	8				115			25			—			—			3		151
	(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	(5		)		(46	)		(64	)		1			(4	)		8		(110	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	33			673			395			100			28			216		1,445
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Employee Benefits
Schedule of effects of a 100 basis point change in assumed health care cost rates	A change of 100 basis points in the assumed initial health care cost trend rate would have had the following effects in 2014:
		100 Basis
		Points Change
		Increase				(Decrease)
		(Dollars in millions)
	Effect on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit expense (consolidated statement of operations)	$	4			(3	)
	Effect on benefit obligation (consolidated balance sheet)	92				(82	)
Schedule of components of net periodic pension income and post-retirement benefit expense	Net periodic expense (income) for our post-retirement benefit plans include the following components:
		Post-Retirement Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Service cost	$	22			24			22
	Interest cost	159				140			173
	Expected return on plan assets	(33		)		(39	)		(45	)
	Recognition of prior service cost	20				—			—
	Recognition of actuarial loss	—				4			—
	Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense	$	168			129			150
Schedule of change in benefit obligation
		Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	3,688			4,075			3,930
	Service cost	22				24			22
	Interest cost	159				140			173
	Participant contributions	69				96			86
	Plan amendments	23				141			—
	Direct subsidy receipts	9				13			19
	Actuarial loss (gain)	245				(399	)		260
	Benefits paid by company	(166		)		(266	)		(268	)
	Benefits paid from plan assets	(219		)		(136	)		(147	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	3,830			3,688			4,075
Schedule of fair value of the plans' assets by asset category
		Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets																					Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets
		at December 31, 2014																					at December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total											Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total
		(Dollars in millions)																					(Dollars in millions)
	Investment grade bonds (a)	$	5			72			—			$	77									Investment grade bonds (a)	$	21	56		—	$	77
	High yield bonds (b)	—				15			—			15										High yield bonds (b)	—		56		—	56
	Emerging market bonds (c)	—				1			—			1										Emerging market bonds (c)	—		37		—	37
	Diversified strategies (e)	—				89			—			89										Diversified strategies (e)	—		86		—	86
	U.S. stocks (f)	35				—			—			35										U.S. stocks (f)	56		—		—	56
	Non-U.S. stocks (g)	33				—			—			33										Non-U.S. stocks (g)	58		—		—	58
	Emerging market stocks (h)	6				—			—			6										Emerging market stocks (h)	—		12		—	12
	Private equity (i)	—				—			28			28										Private equity (i)	—		—		40	40
	Private debt (j)	—				—			3			3										Private debt (j)	—		—		5	5
	Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—				25			—			25										Market neutral hedge funds (k)	—		35		—	35
	Directional hedge funds (k)	—				1			—			1										Directional hedge funds (k)	—		14		—	14
	Real estate (l)	—				24			4			28										Real estate (l)	—		22		12	34
	Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—				12			—			12										Cash equivalents and short-term investments (n)	—		24		—	24
	Total investments	$	79			239			35			353										Total investments	$	135	342		57	534
	Total post-retirement plan assets											$	353									Contribution receivable						1
																						Total post-retirement plan assets						$	535
Summary of changes in fair value of defined benefit plans' Level 3 assets	The table below presents a rollforward of the post-retirement plan assets valued using Level 3 inputs:
		Post-Retirement Plan Assets Valued Using Level 3 Inputs
		Private				Private			Real			Total
		Equity				Debt			Estate
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	45			6			28			79
	Acquisitions	1				—			—			1
	Dispositions	(11		)		(1	)		(18	)		(30	)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	4				—			(1	)		3
	Gains relating to assets still held at year-end	1				—			3			4
	Balance at December 31, 2013	40				5			12			57
	Acquisitions	1				—			—			1
	Dispositions	(15		)		(2	)		(8	)		(25	)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Gains relating to assets sold during the year	7				1			—			8
	Losses relating to assets still held at year-end	(5		)		(1	)		—			(6	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	28			3			4			35

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock option awards activity	The following table summarizes activity involving stock option awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-
		Options		Average
				Exercise
				Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2013	5,325		$	35.95
	Exercised	(1,065	)	28.57
	Forfeited/Expired	(154	)	32.68
	Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2014	4,106		37.99
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards activity	The following table summarizes activity involving restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	3,625		$	37.33
	Granted	2,851		35.87
	Vested	(1,561	)	36.48
	Forfeited	(515	)	38.1
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	4,400		36.59

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share1

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per common share	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were calculated as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
	Income (Loss) (Numerator):
	Net income (loss)	$	772		(239	)	777
	Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock	—			—		(1	)
	Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share	772			(239	)	776
	Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	772		(239	)	776
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average number of shares:
	Outstanding during period	572,748			604,404		622,139
	Non-vested restricted stock	(4,313		)	(3,512	)	(2,796	)
	Non-vested restricted stock units	—			—		862
	Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share	568,435			600,892		620,205
	Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
	Shares issuable under convertible securities	10			—		12
	Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans	1,294			—		2,068
	Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share	569,739			600,892		622,285
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.36		(0.40	)	1.25
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.36		(0.40	)	1.25
	Our calculation of diluted

Fair_Value_Disclosure_Tables

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of the three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements	The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:
	Input Level	Description of Input
	Level 1	Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
	Level 2	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.
Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, and input levels to determine fair values	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input levels used to determine the fair values indicated below:
			As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
		Input	Carrying		Fair Value	Carrying	Fair Value
		Level	Amount			Amount
			(Dollars in millions)
	Liabilities-Long-term debt excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	20,162	21,255	20,347	20,413

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014										Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of provision for income tax
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Income tax expense was as follows:
	Federal
	Current	$	18			1			57
	Deferred	305				403			361
	State
	Current	26				62			15
	Deferred	(14		)		(8	)		33
	Foreign
	Current	3				9			7
	Deferred	—				(4	)		—
	Total income tax expense	$	338			463			473
Schedule of income tax expense allocation
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Income tax expense was allocated as follows:
	Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations:
	Attributable to income	$	338			463			473
	Stockholders' equity:
	Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	(5		)		(14	)		(18	)
	Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(744		)		554			(434	)
Schedule of reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to effective income tax rate	The following is a reconciliation from the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Percentage of pre-tax income)
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.7	%		2.8	%		2.5	%
	Impairment of goodwill	—	%		188.5	%		—	%
	Reversal of liability for unrecognized tax position	0.4	%		(24.5	)%		—	%
	Foreign income taxes	0.4	%		2.7	%		0.3	%
	Nondeductible accounting adjustment for life insurance	—	%		3.1	%		—	%
	Release state valuation allowance	—	%		(2.3	)%		—	%
	Loss on worthless investment in foreign subsidiary	(5.4	)%		—	%		—	%
	Other, net	(2.6	)%		1.4	%		—	%
	Effective income tax rate	30.5	%		206.7	%		37.8	%
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
		As of December 31,
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Deferred tax assets
	Post-retirement and pension benefit costs	$	2,276			1,618
	Net operating loss carryforwards	1,091				1,532
	Other employee benefits	214				182
	Other	602				782
	Gross deferred tax assets	4,183				4,114
	Less valuation allowance	(409		)		(435	)
	Net deferred tax assets	3,774				3,679
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment, primarily due to depreciation differences	(3,869		)		(3,904	)
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	(2,908		)		(3,226	)
	Other	(147		)		(137	)
	Gross deferred tax liabilities	(6,924		)		(7,267	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,150	)		(3,588	)
Summary of the reconciliation of the change in gross unrecognized tax benefits											A reconciliation of the change in our gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding both interest and any related federal benefit) from January 1 to December 31 for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
												2014			2013
												(Dollars in millions)
											Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	14		78
											Increase in tax positions taken in the prior year	9			—
											Decrease due to the reversal of tax positions taken in a prior year	(2		)	—
											Decrease from the lapse of statute of limitations	(1		)	(36	)
											Settlements	(3		)	(28	)
											Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	17		14
Schedule of open income tax years by major jurisdiction	Our open income tax years by major jurisdiction are as follows at December 31, 2014:
	Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
	Federal		2010—current
	State
	Florida		2010—current
	Minnesota		2011—current
	Other states		2010—current

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment information	The following table summarizes our segment results for 2014, 2013 and 2012 based on the segment categorization we were operating under at December 31, 2014.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment revenues	$	17,028		17,095		17,320
	Total segment expenses	8,509			8,167		8,147
	Total segment income	$	8,519		8,928		9,173
	Total margin percentage	50		%	52	%	53	%
	Business:
	Revenues	$	11,034		11,091		11,156
	Expenses	6,089			5,808		5,729
	Income	$	4,945		5,283		5,427
	Margin percentage	45		%	48	%	49	%
	Consumer:
	Revenues	$	5,994		6,004		6,164
	Expenses	2,420			2,359		2,418
	Income	$	3,574		3,645		3,746
	Margin percentage	60		%	61	%	61	%
Schedule of operating revenues by products and services	Our operating revenues for our products and services consisted of the following categories for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Strategic services	$	9,200		8,823		8,427
	Legacy services	7,138			7,616		8,221
	Data integration	690			656		672
	Other	1,003			1,000		1,056
	Total operating revenues	$	18,031		18,095		18,376
Schedule of reconciliation from segment income to consolidated net income	The following table reconciles segment income to net income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment income	$	8,519		8,928		9,173
	Other operating revenues	1,003			1,000		1,056
	Depreciation and amortization	(4,428		)	(4,541	)	(4,780	)
	Impairment of goodwill	—			(1,092	)	—
	Other unassigned operating expenses	(2,684		)	(2,842	)	(2,736	)
	Other expenses, net	(1,300		)	(1,229	)	(1,463	)
	Income tax expense	(338		)	(463	)	(473	)
	Net income (loss)	$	772		(239	)	777

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information
		First		Second	Third		Fourth	Total
		Quarter		Quarter	Quarter		Quarter
		(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Operating revenues	$	4,538	4,541	4,514		4,438	18,031
	Operating income	653		655	619		483	2,410
	Net income	203		193	188		188	772
	Basic earnings per common share	0.35		0.34	0.33		0.33	1.36
	Diluted earnings per common share	0.35		0.34	0.33		0.33	1.36
	2013
	Operating revenues	$	4,513	4,525	4,515		4,542	18,095
	Operating income (loss)	782		715	(685	)	641	1,453
	Net income (loss)	298		269	(1,045	)	239	(239	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	0.48		0.45	(1.76	)	0.41	(0.40	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	0.48		0.44	(1.76	)	0.41	(0.40	)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of capital lease activity	The tables below summarize our capital lease activity:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013	2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	$	37		12	209
	Depreciation expense	126			136	150
	Cash payments towards capital leases	118			119	113
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Assets included in property, plant and equipment	$	850		877
	Accumulated depreciation	393			338
Schedule of future annual minimum payments under capital lease arrangements	The future annual minimum payments under capital lease arrangements as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Future Minimum
		Payments
		(Dollars in millions)
	Capital lease obligations:
	2015	$	104
	2016	76
	2017	74
	2018	72
	2019	61
	2020 and thereafter	284
	Total minimum payments	671
	Less: amount representing interest and executory costs	(182		)
	Present value of minimum payments	489
	Less: current portion	(73		)
	Long-term portion	$	416
Schedule of future rental commitments for operating leases	At December 31, 2014, our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows:
		Future Minimum
		Payments
		(Dollars in millions)
	2015	$	311
	2016	280
	2017	257
	2018	233
	2019	202
	2020 and thereafter	974
	Total future minimum payments (1)	$	2,257
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)	Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $91 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

Other_Financial_Information_Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of other current assets	The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Prepaid expenses	$	260	266
	Materials, supplies and inventory	132		167
	Assets held for sale	14		26
	Deferred activation and installation charges	103		94
	Other	71		44
	Total other current assets	$	580	597
Schedule of current liabilities including accounts payable and other current liabiities	Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable and other current liabilities as follows:
		As of December 31
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Accounts payable	$	1,226	1,111
	Other current liabilities:
	Accrued rent	$	34	52
	Legal reserves	27		273
	Other	149		189
	Total other current liabilities	$	210	514

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Summary of the entity's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Pension Plans				Post-Retirement		Foreign Currency		Total
						Benefit Plans		Translation
								Adjustment
								and Other
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(669	)		(122	)	(11	)	(802	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,107		)		(162	)	(15	)	(1,284	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	56				12		1		69
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,051		)		(150	)	(14	)	(1,215	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(1,720	)		(272	)	(25	)	(2,017	)
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		Decrease (Increase)				Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of
			in Net Income				Operations or Footnote Where Additional
							Information is Presented If The Amount is not
							Recognized in Net Income in Total
			(Dollars in millions)
	Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
	Net actuarial loss		$	85			See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Prior service cost		25				See Note 7—Employee Benefits
	Total before tax		110
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(42		)		Income tax expense
	Insignificant items		1
	Net of tax		$	69

Dividends_Tables

Dividends (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Dividends
Schedule of cash dividends declared
	Date Declared	Record Date	Dividend		Total Amount		Payment Date
			Per Share
					(in millions)
	November 11, 2014	11/24/14	$	0.54	$	307	12/5/14
	August 19, 2014	8/29/14	$	0.54	$	308	9/12/14
	May 28, 2014	6/9/14	$	0.54	$	307	6/20/14
	February 24, 2014	3/10/14	$	0.54	$	309	3/21/14
	November 12, 2013	11/25/13	$	0.54	$	321	12/6/13
	August 27, 2013	9/6/13	$	0.54	$	321	9/19/13
	May 22, 2013	6/3/13	$	0.54	$	320	6/14/13
	February 27, 2013	3/11/13	$	0.54	$	339	3/22/13

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ2

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Gain on sale of intangible assets	$0	$32	$0
Wireless spectrum licenses
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, intangible assets, current				43
Gain on sale of intangible assets				$32

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ3

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2015
Change in accounting estimates
Depreciation									$2,958		$2,952		$3,070
Amortization of intangible assets									1,470		1,589		1,710
Net income (loss)	188	188	193	203	239	-1,045	269	298	772		-239		777
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.45	$0.48	$1.36		($0.40)		$1.25
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.36	[1]	($0.40)	[1]	$1.25	[1]
Service life | Switch, circuit and cable network equipment
Change in accounting estimates
Depreciation									78
Net income (loss)									48
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.08
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.08
Service life | Network assets, future abandonment
Change in accounting estimates
Depreciation									12
Net income (loss)									7
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.01
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.01
Service life | Network assets, future abandonment | Forecast
Change in accounting estimates
Depreciation															48
Intangible assets, amortization period
Change in accounting estimates
Amortization of intangible assets									23
Net income (loss)									$14
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.02
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)									$0.02
[1]	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss)$772 (239) 777Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock— — (1)Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share772 (239) 776Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share$772 (239) 776Shares (Denominator): Weighted average number of shares: Outstanding during period572,748 604,404 622,139Non-vested restricted stock(4,313) (3,512) (2,796)Non-vested restricted stock units— — 862Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share568,435 600,892 620,205Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities10 — 12Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans1,294 — 2,068Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share569,739 600,892 622,285Basic earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ4

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue Recognition
Term of indefeasible rights of use (in years)	20 years
Advertising Costs
Advertising expense	$214	$210	$189
Preferred stock
Preferential preferred stock distribution (in dollars per share)	$25
Minimum
Revenue Recognition
Customer relationship period for revenue recognition (from eighteen months to over ten years)	18 months
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Period of accounts past due	30 days
Maximum
Revenue Recognition
Customer relationship period for revenue recognition (from eighteen months to over ten years)	10 years
Customer relationship | Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Estimated useful life	10 years
Customer relationship | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Estimated useful life	15 years
Capitalized software | Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Estimated useful life	7 years
Integrated billing and customer care system
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Estimated useful life	20 years
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$237
Other
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Estimated useful life	4 years

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ5

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Incentive compensation programs
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance [Line Items]
Unissued shares of CenturyLink common stock	27
Business acquisitions
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance [Line Items]
Unissued shares of CenturyLink common stock	4

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ6

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Immaterial Error Correction [Line Items]
Depreciation									$2,958		$2,952		$3,070
Net income (loss)	188	188	193	203	239	-1,045	269	298	772		-239		777
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.45	$0.48	$1.36		($0.40)		$1.25
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.36	[1]	($0.40)	[1]	$1.25	[1]
Correction of immaterial error of overstatement of depreciation
Immaterial Error Correction [Line Items]
Depreciation													30
Net income (loss)													$19
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)													$0.03
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)													$0.03
[1]	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss)$772 (239) 777Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock— — (1)Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share772 (239) 776Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share$772 (239) 776Shares (Denominator): Weighted average number of shares: Outstanding during period572,748 604,404 622,139Non-vested restricted stock(4,313) (3,512) (2,796)Non-vested restricted stock units— — 862Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share568,435 600,892 620,205Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities10 — 12Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans1,294 — 2,068Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share569,739 600,892 622,285Basic earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship2

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 03, 2013
Intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill	$1,100	$0	$1,092	$0
Goodwill		20,755	20,674		21,627	21,627
Indefinite-life intangible assets		268	321
Other intangible assets, net		1,647	1,802
Amortization of intangible assets		1,470	1,589	1,710
Customer relationships
Intangible assets
Finite lived intangible assets, net		4,893	5,935
Accumulated amortization		4,683	3,641
Capitalized software
Intangible assets
Finite lived intangible assets, net		1,338	1,415
Accumulated amortization		1,533	1,193
Tradenames and patents
Intangible assets
Finite lived intangible assets, net		41	66
Accumulated amortization		$196	$208

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship3

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Expected amortization expense
2015	$1,244
2016	1,145
2017	1,036
2018	922
2019	$805

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship4

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 03, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		$20,755	$20,674		$21,627	$21,627
Discount rate (percent)		6.00%
Fair value inputs after tax cost of debt rate (percent)		2.90%
Fair value inputs cost of equity rate (percent)		8.20%
Percentage of reasonable implied control premium (percent)		4.30%
Impairment of goodwill	1,100	0	1,092	0
Business
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		10,477	6,363			6,363
Impairment of goodwill			0
Consumer
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		10,278	10,348			10,348
Impairment of goodwill			0
Wholesale
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		0	3,274			3,274
Impairment of goodwill			0
Hosting
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		0	689			1,642
Discount rate (percent)		11.00%
Fair value inputs after tax cost of debt rate (percent)		2.90%
Fair value inputs cost of equity rate (percent)		12.40%
Impairment of goodwill			$1,092

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship5

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 01, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 03, 2013
Goodwill [rollforward]
Goodwill at the beginning of the period		$20,674				$21,627	$21,627
Acquisitions		92	139
Impairment	-1,100	0	-1,092	0
Purchase accounting adjustments		-11
November 1, 2014 reorganization					0
Goodwill at the end of the period		20,755	20,674			21,627	21,627
Business
Goodwill [rollforward]
Goodwill at the beginning of the period		6,363					6,363
Acquisitions		92	0
Impairment			0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
November 1, 2014 reorganization					4,022
Goodwill at the end of the period		10,477	6,363				6,363
Consumer
Goodwill [rollforward]
Goodwill at the beginning of the period		10,348					10,348
Acquisitions		0	0
Impairment			0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
November 1, 2014 reorganization					-70
Goodwill at the end of the period		10,278	10,348				10,348
Wholesale
Goodwill [rollforward]
Goodwill at the beginning of the period		3,274					3,274
Acquisitions		0	0
Impairment			0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
November 1, 2014 reorganization					-3,274
Goodwill at the end of the period		0	3,274				3,274
Hosting
Goodwill [rollforward]
Goodwill at the beginning of the period		689					1,642
Acquisitions		0	139
Impairment			-1,092
Purchase accounting adjustments		-11
November 1, 2014 reorganization					-678
Goodwill at the end of the period		$0	$689				$1,642

Goodwill_Customer_Relationship6

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, gross	$93	$160	$0
Goodwill acquired during period	92	139
Goodwill purchase accounting adjustment	-11
Cognilytics and Data Gardens
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	95
Cash acquired from business acquisition	2
Goodwill acquired during period	92
AppFog and Tier 3
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, gross		160
Goodwill acquired during period		139
Tier 3
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived intangible assets purchase accounting adjustment	19
Goodwill purchase accounting adjustment	-11
Deferred tax assets purchase accounting adjustment	($8)

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 20, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Capital lease and other obligations	$509		$619
Total long-term debt	20,782	[1]
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other, net	111		78
Total long-term debt	20,671		20,966
Current maturities of long-term debt	-550		-785
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	20,121		20,181
CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	7,825		7,825
CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit facility
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	725		725
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	2.27%		2.18%
CenturyLink, Inc. | Term loan
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	380		402
Term loan interest rate at period end (as a percent)	2.42%
Qwest Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	7,311		7,411
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	981		981
Embarq Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	2,669		2,669
Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	232		262
Embarq Corporation | Other
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Total long-term debt	150		150
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	9.00%
Minimum | CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	5.00%
Minimum | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit facility
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Credit facility interest rate at period end (as a percent)	1.91%
Minimum | Qwest Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	6.13%
Minimum | Qwest Capital Funding, Inc | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	6.50%
Minimum | Embarq Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	7.08%
Minimum | Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	7.13%
Maximum | CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	7.65%
Maximum | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit facility
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Credit facility interest rate at period end (as a percent)	4.00%
Maximum | Qwest Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	8.38%
Maximum | Qwest Capital Funding, Inc | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	7.75%
Maximum | Embarq Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	8.00%
Maximum | Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	8.77%
Subsequent Event | Qwest Corporation | Term loan
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance				$100
[1]	Actual principal paid in all years may differ due to the possible future refinancing of outstanding debt or the issuance of new debt.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil3

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2014

23-May-13

Oct. 02, 2014

Nov. 27, 2013

Apr. 02, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 03, 2014

Apr. 02, 2014

Jun. 17, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Aug. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2015

Feb. 20, 2015

Apr. 30, 2011

Oct. 01, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Repayments of notes

$800,000,000

$2,010,000,000

$5,118,000,000

Net loss (gain) on early retirement of debt

0

-10,000,000

179,000,000

Interest expense:

Interest Costs Incurred

1,358,000,000

1,339,000,000

1,362,000,000

Capitalized interest

-47,000,000

-41,000,000

-43,000,000

Total interest expense

1,311,000,000

1,298,000,000

1,319,000,000

Qwest Corporation | Revolving credit facility

Interest expense:

Debt to EBITDA ratio to be maintained under the Credit Facility

2.85

CenturyLink, Inc. | Revolving credit facility

Interest expense:

Debt to EBITDA ratio to be maintained under the Credit Facility

4

CenturyLink, Inc. | Letter of credit

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Maximum borrowing capacity

160,000,000

Letters of credit outstanding

124,000,000

132,000,000

CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Letter of credit

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Maximum borrowing capacity

400,000,000

Senior notes | Qwest Corporation | Minimum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.13%

Senior notes | Qwest Corporation | Maximum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

8.38%

Senior notes | Qwest Corporation | 6.875% Notes due 2054

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

500,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.88%

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

483,000,000

Senior notes | Qwest Corporation | 6.125% Notes due 2053

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

775,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.13%

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

752,000,000

Principal amount of debt that was sold pursuant to an over allotment option granted to the underwriters

25,000,000

Senior notes | Qwest Corporation | Notes, 7.500 percent due 2014

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.50%

Repayments of notes

600,000,000

Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | Minimum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

5.00%

Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | Maximum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.65%

Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | 6.750% Notes due 2023

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

750,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.75%

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

742,000,000

Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | 5.50% Notes

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Repayments of notes

176,000,000

Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | 5.625% Notes due 2020

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

1,000,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

5.63%

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

988,000,000

Senior notes | QCII | 7.125% Notes due 2018

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

800,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.13%

7.13%

Repayments of long-term debt, including extinguishment fees and accrued interest

646,000,000

196,000,000

Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount

614,000,000

186,000,000

Net loss (gain) on early retirement of debt

-7,000,000

-3,000,000

Percentage of principal amount of notes for which tender offer was received and accepted (percent)

77.00%

Senior notes | Embarq Corporation | Minimum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.08%

Senior notes | Embarq Corporation | Maximum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

8.00%

Interest expense:

Percentage of net tangible assets allowed to secure senior notes (percent)

15.00%

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Revolving credit facility

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Revolving Credit Facility, Subsidiary Guarantors, Number

9

Maximum borrowing capacity

2,000,000,000

Number of lenders of Credit Facility

16

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Minimum | Revolving credit facility

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Lender commitment

3,500,000

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Minimum | Revolving credit facility | Base Rate

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

0.00%

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Minimum | Revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

1.00%

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Maximum | Revolving credit facility

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Lender commitment

198,500,000

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Maximum | Revolving credit facility | Base Rate

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

1.25%

Line of credit | CenturyLink, Inc. | Credit Facility | Maximum | Revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

2.25%

First mortgage bonds | Embarq Corporation

Interest expense:

Percentage of subsidiary property, plant and equipment securing debt, (percent)

10.00%

First mortgage bonds | Embarq Corporation | Minimum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.13%

First mortgage bonds | Embarq Corporation | Maximum

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

8.77%

First mortgage bonds | Embarq Corporation | Notes, 7.460 Percent Due 2014

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

7.46%

Repayments of notes

30,000,000

Other | Qwest Corporation | Floating interest rate notes

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Repayments of notes

750,000,000

Other | CenturyLink, Inc. | 5.50% Notes

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

5.50%

Other | Embarq Corporation

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

9.00%

Other | Embarq Corporation | 6.875% Notes

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.88%

Repayments of notes

59,000,000

Other | Embarq Corporation | Notes 6.75 Percent

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

6.75%

Repayments of notes

50,000,000

Subsequent Event | CenturyLink, Inc. | Line of credit

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Maximum borrowing capacity

100,000,000

Number of lenders of revolving line of credit

1

Subsequent Event | Senior notes | CenturyLink, Inc. | Series M 5.00% Notes

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)

5.00%

Repayments of notes

350,000,000

Subsequent Event | Term loan | Qwest Corporation

Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Aggregate principal amount of debt issuance

100,000,000

Interest expense:

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

$100,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil4

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details 3) (Senior notes)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 27, 2013	23-May-13	Mar. 21, 2013
6.750% Notes due 2023 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | CenturyLink, Inc.
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	106.75%
6.125% Notes due 2053 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Qwest Corporation
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
5.625% Notes due 2020 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | CenturyLink, Inc.
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount	35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			105.63%
5.625% Notes due 2020 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | CenturyLink, Inc.
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	101.00%

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil5

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$550	[1]
2016	1,494	[1]
2017	1,497	[1]
2018	248	[1]
2019	1,474	[1]
2020 and thereafter	15,519	[1]
Total long-term debt	$20,782	[1]
[1]	Actual principal paid in all years may differ due to the possible future refinancing of outstanding debt or the issuance of new debt.

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts receivable
Trade and purchased receivables	$1,821	$1,862
Earned and unbilled receivables	307	252
Other	22	18
Total accounts receivable	2,150	2,132
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-162	-155
Accounts receivable, less allowance	1,988	1,977
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts
Ending Balance		155
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning Balance	155	158	145
Additions	159	152	187
Deductions	-152	-155	-174
Ending Balance	$162	$155	$158

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$36,718		$34,307
Accumulated depreciation	-18,285		-15,661
Net property, plant and equipment	18,433		18,646
Depreciation expense	2,958		2,952		3,070
Land
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	575		585
Fiber, conduit and other outside plant
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	15,151	[1]	14,187	[1]
Fiber, conduit and other outside plant | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	15 years
Fiber, conduit and other outside plant | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	45 years
Central office and other network electronics
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	13,248	[2]	12,178	[2]
Central office and other network electronics | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Central office and other network electronics | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	10 years
Support assets
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	6,578	[3]	6,420	[3]
Support assets | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Support assets | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciable Lives	30 years
Construction in progress
Property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,166	[4]	937	[4]
Qwest Corporation | Office building
Property, plant and equipment
Impairment of office building	17
CenturyLink, Inc. | Office building
Property, plant and equipment
Sale price specified in sales agreement	$12
[1]	Fiber, conduit and other outside plant consists of fiber and metallic cable, conduit, poles and other supporting structures.
[2]	Central office and other network electronics consists of circuit and packet switches, routers, transmission electronics and electronics providing service to customers.
[3]	Support assets consist of buildings, data centers, computers and other administrative and support equipment.
[4]	Construction in progress includes inventory held for construction and property of the aforementioned categories that has not been placed in service as it is still under construction.

Property_Plant_and_EquipmentAs

Property, Plant and Equipment-Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation
Balance at beginning of year	$106	$106	$109
Accretion expense	7	7	7
Liabilities incurred	6	0	1
Liabilities settled and other	-2	-4	-1
Change in estimate	-10	-3	-10
Balance at end of year	$107	$106	$106

Severance_and_Leased_Real_Esta2

Severance and Leased Real Estate (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Severance
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	$17	$17
Accrued to expense	87	31
Reversals and adjustments	-78	-31
Reversals and adjustments	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	26	17
Qwest Communications International Inc | Leased real estate
Severance and Leased Real Estate
Current portion of leased real estate accrual	-14
Noncurrent portion of leased real estate accrual	-82
Weighted average lease terms (in years)	8 years 5 months 14 days
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	113	131
Accrued to expense	1	0
Reversals and adjustments	-16	-16
Reversals and adjustments	2	-2
Balance at the end of the period	$96	$113
Qwest Communications International Inc | Leased real estate | Minimum
Severance and Leased Real Estate
Remaining lease terms	4 months
Qwest Communications International Inc | Leased real estate | Maximum
Severance and Leased Real Estate
Remaining lease terms	11 years

Employee_Benefits_Details

Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
	Dec. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2013
Employee Benefits
Benefit obligation		$18,872,000,000		$17,089,000,000		$18,956,000,000
Projected benefit obligation increase due to adoption of new mortality table		1,300,000,000
Remaining estimated life of plan participants		8 years
Effect of change of 100 basis points in the assumed initial health care cost trend rate
Effect on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit expense (statements of operations) - Increase		4,000,000
Effect on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit expense (statements of operations) - Decrease		-3,000,000
Effect of one-percentage point increase on postretirement benefit obligation		92,000,000
Effect of one-percentage point decrease on postretirement benefit obligation		-82,000,000
Healthcare cost increase trend rates (as a percent)
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%
Components of net periodic benefit (income) expense
Expected return on plan assets		-924,000,000		-935,000,000
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		17,089,000,000		18,956,000,000				18,956,000,000
Benefit obligation at end of year		18,872,000,000		17,089,000,000		18,956,000,000
Change in plan assets
Return on plan assets		1,410,000,000		855,000,000
Settlements	460,000,000			0		0
Target allocation of plan assets
Permitted investment in securities issued by the sponsor company (as a percent)		10.00%
Pension Plans
Employee Benefits
Unfunded status		-2,471,000,000		-1,055,000,000
Employer contributions		157,000,000		146,000,000		32,000,000
Benefits paid directly to participants by company		6,000,000		5,000,000		5,000,000
Fair value of plan assets		12,571,000,000		12,346,000,000		12,321,000,000
Benefit obligation		15,042,000,000		13,401,000,000		14,881,000,000
Estimated future benefit payments:
2015		1,061,000,000
2016		1,011,000,000
2017		996,000,000
2018		980,000,000
2019		965,000,000
2020 - 2024		4,568,000,000
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)		3.25%		3.25%		3.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%		7.50%		7.50%
Components of net periodic benefit (income) expense
Service cost		77,000,000		91,000,000		87,000,000
Interest cost		602,000,000		544,000,000		625,000,000
Expected return on plan assets		-891,000,000		-896,000,000		-847,000,000
Settlements		63,000,000		0		0
Recognition of prior service cost		5,000,000		5,000,000		4,000,000
Recognition of actuarial loss		22,000,000		84,000,000		35,000,000
Net periodic pension benefit income		-122,000,000		-172,000,000		-96,000,000
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)		3.25%		3.25%
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		13,401,000,000		14,881,000,000		13,596,000,000		14,881,000,000
Service cost		77,000,000		91,000,000		87,000,000
Interest cost		602,000,000		544,000,000		625,000,000
Plan amendments		4,000,000		0		14,000,000
Actuarial loss (gain)		2,269,000,000		-1,179,000,000		1,565,000,000
Benefits paid by company		-6,000,000		-5,000,000		-5,000,000
Benefits paid from plan assets		-845,000,000	[1]	-931,000,000	[1]	-1,001,000,000	[1]
Benefit obligation at end of year		15,042,000,000		13,401,000,000		14,881,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		12,346,000,000		12,321,000,000		11,814,000,000		12,321,000,000
Return on plan assets		1,373,000,000		810,000,000		1,476,000,000
Employer contributions		157,000,000		146,000,000		32,000,000
Benefits paid from plan assets		-845,000,000	[1]	-931,000,000	[1]	-1,001,000,000	[1]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		12,571,000,000		12,346,000,000		12,321,000,000
Target allocation of plan assets
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%		7.50%		7.50%
Pension Plans | Interest rate sensitive investments
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		41.50%
Pension Plans | Investment grade bonds
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		2,493,000,000	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		2,317,000,000	[2]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		2,493,000,000	[2]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		26.00%
Pension Plans | High yield and emerging market bonds
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		10.50%
Pension Plans | Convertible bonds
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		14,000,000	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		389,000,000	[3]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		14,000,000	[3]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		13.50%
Pension Plans | Diversified strategies
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		718,000,000	[4]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		723,000,000	[4]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		718,000,000	[4]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		5.00%
Pension Plans | Interest rate investments with higher returns
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		58.50%
Pension Plans | U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		1,476,000,000	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		1,500,000,000	[5]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		1,476,000,000	[5]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		14.50%
Pension Plans | Developed market Non-U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		1,553,000,000	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		1,458,000,000	[1]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		1,553,000,000	[1]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		14.50%
Pension Plans | Diversified multi-asset classes
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		11.00%
Pension Plans | Other
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		10.50%
Pension Plans | Real estate
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		699,000,000	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		571,000,000	[6]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		699,000,000	[6]
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		8.00%
Pension Plans | Minimum
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		4.20%		3.50%		4.25%
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		3.50%		4.20%
Pension Plans | Maximum
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		5.10%		4.20%		5.10%
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		4.10%		5.10%
Qualified Pension Plans
Employee Benefits
Amortization period of the plan shortfall		7 years
Unfunded status		-2,400,000,000
Employer contributions		157,000,000
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions		157,000,000
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
Employee Benefits
Benefits paid directly to participants by company		6,000,000
Estimated future benefit payments:
2015		6,000,000
Change in benefit obligation
Benefits paid by company		-6,000,000
Qwest Qualified Pension Plan
Employee Benefits
Termination settlement threshold	418,000,000
Estimated future benefit payments:
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	-460,000,000					0		0
Components of net periodic benefit (income) expense
Settlements		63,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Employee Benefits
Unfunded status		-3,477,000,000		-3,153,000,000
Employer contributions		0
Benefits paid directly to participants by company		166,000,000		266,000,000		268,000,000
Fair value of plan assets		353,000,000		535,000,000		626,000,000
Benefits paid, net of participant contributions and direct subsidy receipts		88,000,000
Expected future benefit payments not payable by the trust, net of participant contributions and direct subsidiaries		139,000,000
Benefit obligation		3,830,000,000		3,688,000,000		4,075,000,000
Healthcare cost increase trend rates (as a percent)
Health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		6.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%		4.50%		5.00%
Estimated future benefit payments:
2015		309,000,000
2016		300,000,000
2017		292,000,000
2018		285,000,000
2019		279,000,000
2020 - 2024		1,276,000,000
Medicare Part D Subsidy Receipts
2015		-7,000,000
2016		-7,000,000
2017		-7,000,000
2018		-7,000,000
2019		-7,000,000
2020 - 2024		-31,000,000
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		4.50%		3.60%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%		4.50%		5.00%
Components of net periodic benefit (income) expense
Service cost		22,000,000		24,000,000		22,000,000
Interest cost		159,000,000		140,000,000		173,000,000
Expected return on plan assets		-33,000,000		-39,000,000		-45,000,000
Recognition of prior service cost		20,000,000		0		0
Recognition of actuarial loss		0		4,000,000		0
Net periodic pension benefit income		168,000,000		129,000,000		150,000,000
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)		3.80%		4.50%
Initial health care cost trend rate (as a percent)						8.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		4.50%		4.50%		5.00%
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		3,688,000,000		4,075,000,000		3,930,000,000		4,075,000,000
Service cost		22,000,000		24,000,000		22,000,000
Interest cost		159,000,000		140,000,000		173,000,000
Participant contributions		69,000,000		96,000,000		86,000,000
Plan amendments		23,000,000		141,000,000		0
Direct subsidy receipts		9,000,000		13,000,000		19,000,000
Actuarial loss (gain)		245,000,000		-399,000,000		260,000,000
Benefits paid by company		-166,000,000		-266,000,000		-268,000,000
Benefits paid from plan assets		-219,000,000		-136,000,000		-147,000,000
Benefit obligation at end of year		3,830,000,000		3,688,000,000		4,075,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		535,000,000		626,000,000		693,000,000		626,000,000
Return on plan assets		37,000,000		45,000,000		80,000,000
Employer contributions		0
Benefits paid from plan assets		-219,000,000		-136,000,000		-147,000,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		353,000,000		535,000,000		626,000,000
Target allocation of plan assets
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Investment grade bonds
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		77,000,000	[2]	77,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		77,000,000	[2]	77,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Diversified strategies
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		89,000,000	[4]	86,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		89,000,000	[4]	86,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		35,000,000	[5]	56,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		35,000,000	[5]	56,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Developed market Non-U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		33,000,000	[1]	58,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		33,000,000	[1]	58,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Real estate
Employee Benefits
Fair value of plan assets		28,000,000	[6]	34,000,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$28,000,000	[6]	$34,000,000
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Equity Securities
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		30.00%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Non-equity investments
Target allocation of plan assets
Target asset allocation percentage (as a percent)		70.00%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Minimum
Healthcare cost increase trend rates (as a percent)
Annual decrease in health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		-0.25%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)				4.50%
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)						4.60%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)				4.50%
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Initial health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		6.00%		6.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)				4.50%
Target allocation of plan assets
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Maximum
Healthcare cost increase trend rates (as a percent)
Annual decrease in health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		-0.15%
Actuarial assumptions at beginning of year:
Discount rate (as a percent)						4.80%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%		7.30%		7.50%
Actuarial assumptions at end of year:
Initial health care cost trend rate (as a percent)		6.50%		7.00%
Target allocation of plan assets
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)		7.50%		7.30%		7.50%
[1]	Non-U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of companies based in developed countries outside the U.S. as well as commingled funds. The valuation inputs for non-U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[2]	Investment grade bonds represent investments in fixed income securities as well as commingled bond funds comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Treasury securities are valued at the bid price reported in the active market in which the security is traded and are classified as Level 1. The valuation inputs of other investment grade bonds primarily utilize observable market information and are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. The primary observable inputs include references to the new issue market for similar securities, the secondary trading markets and dealer quotes. Option adjusted spread models are utilized to evaluate securities such as asset backed securities that have early redemption features. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying fixed income securities using the same valuation inputs described above. The commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[3]	Convertible bonds primarily represent investments in corporate debt securities that have features that allow the debt to be converted into equity securities under certain circumstances. The valuation inputs for the individual convertible bonds primarily utilize observable market information including a spread to U.S. Treasuries and the value and volatility of the underlying equity security. Convertible bonds are classified as Level 2.
[4]	Diversified strategies represent an investment in a commingled fund that primarily has exposures to global government, corporate and inflation linked bonds, global stocks and commodities. The commingled fund is valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments. The valuation inputs utilize observable market information including published prices for exchange traded securities, bid prices for government bonds, and spreads and yields available for comparable fixed income securities with similar credit ratings. This fund can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and is classified as Level 2.
[5]	U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of U.S. based companies as well as commingled U.S. stock funds. The valuation inputs for U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[6]	Real estate represents investments in commingled funds and limited partnerships that invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate properties. These investments are valued at NAV according to the valuation policy of each fund or partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The valuation inputs of the underlying properties are generally based on third-party appraisals that use comparable sales or a projection of future cash flows to determine fair value. Real estate investments that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Real estate investments that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.

Employee_Benefits_Details_2

Employee Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2011
Actual return on plan assets:
Actual gains on pension and post retirement plan assets	$1,410		$855
Expected return	924		935
Difference between the actual and expected returns on pension and post-retirement plan assets	486		80
Unfunded Status
Benefit obligation	-18,872		-17,089		-18,956
Non-current portion of unfunded status	-5,808		-4,049
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the beginning of the period
Total	1,992		791
Recognition of Net Periodic Benefits Expense
Net periodic (income) expense	68
Deferrals
Total	-1,269
Net Change in AOCI
Total	-1,201
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the end of the period
Total	1,992		791
Health Care and Life Insurance
Active health care benefit expenses	381		362		360
Participating employees' contribution to health care plan	136		117		113
Pension Plans
Employee Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Including Settlements	85
Total investments	12,571		12,346
Total plan assets	12,571		12,346		12,321
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	12,346		12,321		11,814
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,571		12,346		12,321
Actual gains on pension and post retirement plan assets	1,373		810		1,476
Expected return	891		896		847
Unfunded Status
Benefit obligation	-15,042		-13,401		-14,881			-13,596
Fair value of plan assets	12,571		12,346		12,321
Unfunded status	-2,471		-1,055
Current portion of unfunded status	-6		-5
Non-current portion of unfunded status	-2,465		-1,050
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the beginning of the period
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-2,760		-1,058
Prior service (cost) benefit	33					32
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-1,072		-422
Total	1,720		669
Recognition of Net Periodic Benefits Expense
Net actuarial (loss) gain	22		84		35
Prior service (cost) benefit	-5		-5		-4
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-34
Net periodic (income) expense	56
Deferrals
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-1,787
Prior service (cost) benefit	-4
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	684
Total	-1,107
Net Change in AOCI
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-1,702
Prior service (cost) benefit	1
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	650
Total	-1,051
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the end of the period
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-2,760		-1,058
Prior service (cost) benefit	33					32
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-1,072		-422
Total	1,720		669
Estimated recognition of net periodic benefit expense in 2013:
Net actuarial loss	-148
Prior service cost	-5
Deferred income tax benefit	58
Total	-95
Pension Plans | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total investments	3,779		3,576			3,779
Pension Plans | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total investments	7,347		7,191			7,347
Pension Plans | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total investments	1,445		1,579
Total plan assets	1,445		1,579
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,579		1,766
Net transfers	6		-165
Acquisitions	253		267
Dispositions	434		464
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	151		109
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-110		66
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,445		1,579
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,445		1,579
Pension Plans | Exchange-traded U.S. equity futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	134		95			134
Pension Plans | Exchange-traded non-U.S. equity futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Pension Plans | Exchange-traded Treasury futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	2,451		3,011			2,451
Pension Plans | Interest rate swaps
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	579		556			579
Pension Plans | Credit default swaps
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	382		253			382
Pension Plans | Foreign exchange forwards
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	1,195		938			1,195
Pension Plans | Options
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	529		261			529
Pension Plans | Investment grade bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	2,493	[1]	2,317	[1]		2,493	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						2,493	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,493	[1]	2,317	[1]		2,493	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	2,493	[1]	2,317	[1]		2,493	[1]
Pension Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,013	[1]	813	[1]		1,013	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,013	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,013	[1]	813	[1]		1,013	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,013	[1]	813	[1]		1,013	[1]
Pension Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,480	[1]	1,504	[1]		1,480	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,480	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,480	[1]	1,504	[1]		1,480	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,480	[1]	1,504	[1]		1,480	[1]
Pension Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]		0	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[1]	0	[1]		0	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]		0	[1]
Pension Plans | High Yield Bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,513	[2]	1,291	[2]		1,513	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,513	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,513	[2]	1,291	[2]		1,513	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,513	[2]	1,291	[2]		1,513	[2]
Pension Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]		0	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]	0	[2]		0	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]		0	[2]
Pension Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,480	[2]	1,265	[2]		1,480	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,480	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,480	[2]	1,265	[2]		1,480	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,480	[2]	1,265	[2]		1,480	[2]
Pension Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	33	[2]	26	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	26	[2]	59
Net transfers	6		0
Acquisitions	14		5
Dispositions	16		43
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	8		12
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-5		-7
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33	[2]	26	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	33	[2]	26	[2]
Pension Plans | Emerging market bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	642	[3]	563	[3]		642	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						642	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	642	[3]	563	[3]		642	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	642	[3]	563	[3]		642	[3]
Pension Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	208	[3]	196	[3]		208	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						208	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	208	[3]	196	[3]		208	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	208	[3]	196	[3]		208	[3]
Pension Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	434	[3]	367	[3]		434	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						434	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	434	[3]	367	[3]		434	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	434	[3]	367	[3]		434	[3]
Pension Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[3]	0	[3]		0	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]	0	[3]		0	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]	0	[3]		0	[3]
Pension Plans | Convertible bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						14	[4]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Pension Plans | Convertible bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[4]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Pension Plans | Convertible bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						14	[4]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	14	[4]	389	[4]		14	[4]
Pension Plans | Convertible bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[4]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[4]	0	[4]		0	[4]
Pension Plans | Diversified strategies
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						718	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Pension Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Pension Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						718	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	718	[5]	723	[5]		718	[5]
Pension Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]		0	[5]
Pension Plans | U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,476	[6]	1,500	[6]		1,476	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,476	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,476	[6]	1,500	[6]		1,476	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,476	[6]	1,500	[6]		1,476	[6]
Pension Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,389	[6]	1,408	[6]		1,389	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,389	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,389	[6]	1,408	[6]		1,389	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,389	[6]	1,408	[6]		1,389	[6]
Pension Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	87	[6]	92	[6]		87	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						87	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	87	[6]	92	[6]		87	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	87	[6]	92	[6]		87	[6]
Pension Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[6]	0	[6]		0	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[6]	0	[6]		0	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[6]	0	[6]		0	[6]
Pension Plans | Non-U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,553	[7]	1,458	[7]		1,553	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,553	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,553	[7]	1,458	[7]		1,553	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,553	[7]	1,458	[7]		1,553	[7]
Pension Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,169	[7]	1,159	[7]		1,169	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,169	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,169	[7]	1,159	[7]		1,169	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,169	[7]	1,159	[7]		1,169	[7]
Pension Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	384	[7]	299	[7]		384	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						384	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	384	[7]	299	[7]		384	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	384	[7]	299	[7]		384	[7]
Pension Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[7]	0	[7]		0	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[7]	0	[7]		0	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[7]	0	[7]		0	[7]
Pension Plans | Emerging market stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						102	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Pension Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Pension Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						102	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	102	[8]	110	[8]		102	[8]
Pension Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[8]	0	[8]		0	[8]
Pension Plans | Private Equity
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	673	[9]	721	[9]		673	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						673	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	673	[9]	721	[9]		673	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	673	[9]	721	[9]		673	[9]
Pension Plans | Private Equity | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Pension Plans | Private Equity | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[9]	0	[9]		0	[9]
Pension Plans | Private Equity | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	673	[9]	721	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	721	[9]	711
Net transfers	4		0
Acquisitions	125		82
Dispositions	246		179
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	115		68
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-46		39
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	673	[9]	721	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	673	[9]	721	[9]
Pension Plans | Private Debt
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	395	[10]	436	[10]		395	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						395	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	395	[10]	436	[10]		395	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	395	[10]	436	[10]		395	[10]
Pension Plans | Private Debt | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Pension Plans | Private Debt | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[10]	0	[10]		0	[10]
Pension Plans | Private Debt | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	395	[10]	436	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	436	[10]	465
Net transfers	0		0
Acquisitions	109		71
Dispositions	111		144
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	25		18
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-64		26
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	395	[10]	436	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	395	[10]	436	[10]
Pension Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1,028	[11]	966	[11]		1,028	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1,028	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,028	[11]	966	[11]		1,028	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1,028	[11]	966	[11]		1,028	[11]
Pension Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Pension Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	928	[11]	867	[11]		928	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						928	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	928	[11]	867	[11]		928	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	928	[11]	867	[11]		928	[11]
Pension Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	100	[11]	99	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	99	[11]	0
Net transfers	0		0
Acquisitions	0		100
Dispositions	0		0
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	0		0
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	1		-1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	100	[11]	99	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	100	[11]	99	[11]
Pension Plans | Directional Hedge Funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	558	[11]	614	[11]		558	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						558	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	558	[11]	614	[11]		558	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	558	[11]	614	[11]		558	[11]
Pension Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0	[11]		0	[11]
Pension Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	530	[11]	582	[11]		530	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						530	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	530	[11]	582	[11]		530	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	530	[11]	582	[11]		530	[11]
Pension Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	28	[11]	32	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	32	[11]	194
Net transfers	0		-165
Acquisitions	0		0
Dispositions	0		1
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	0		0
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-4		4
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28	[11]	32	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	28	[11]	32	[11]
Pension Plans | Real Estate
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	699	[12]	571	[12]		699	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						699	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	699	[12]	571	[12]		699	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	699	[12]	571	[12]		699	[12]
Pension Plans | Real Estate | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[12]	0	[12]		0	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[12]	0	[12]		0	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[12]	0	[12]		0	[12]
Pension Plans | Real Estate | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	483	[12]	306	[12]		483	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						483	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	483	[12]	306	[12]		483	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	483	[12]	306	[12]		483	[12]
Pension Plans | Real Estate | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	216	[12]	265	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	265	[12]	337
Net transfers	-4		0
Acquisitions	5		9
Dispositions	61		97
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	3		11
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	8		5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	216	[12]	265	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	216	[12]	265	[12]
Pension Plans | Derivatives
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						17	[13]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Pension Plans | Derivatives | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[13]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Pension Plans | Derivatives | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						17	[13]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	17	[13]	-34	[13]		17	[13]
Pension Plans | Derivatives | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[13]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[13]	0	[13]		0	[13]
Pension Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						690	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Pension Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Pension Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						690	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	690	[14]	721	[14]		690	[14]
Pension Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[14]	0	[14]		0	[14]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Employee Benefits
Total investments	353		534
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets			1
Total plan assets	353		535		626
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	535		626		693
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	353		535		626
Actual gains on pension and post retirement plan assets	37		45		80
Expected return	33		39		45
Unfunded Status
Benefit obligation	-3,830		-3,688		-4,075			-3,930
Fair value of plan assets	353		535		626
Unfunded status	-3,477		-3,153
Current portion of unfunded status	-134		-154
Non-current portion of unfunded status	-3,343		-2,999
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the beginning of the period
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-277		-37
Prior service (cost) benefit	163					166
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-171		-78
Total	272		122
Recognition of Net Periodic Benefits Expense
Net actuarial (loss) gain	0		4		0
Prior service (cost) benefit	-20		0		0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-8
Net periodic (income) expense	12
Deferrals
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-240
Prior service (cost) benefit	-23
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	101
Total	-162
Net Change in AOCI
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-240
Prior service (cost) benefit	-3
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	93
Total	-150
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at the end of the period
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-277		-37
Prior service (cost) benefit	163					166
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	-171		-78
Total	272		122
Estimated recognition of net periodic benefit expense in 2013:
Net actuarial loss	0
Prior service cost	-19
Deferred income tax benefit	7
Total	-12
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total investments	79		135			79
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total investments	239		342			239
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total investments	35		57
Total plan assets	35		57
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	57		79
Acquisitions	1		1
Dispositions	25		30
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	8		3
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-6		4
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35		57
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	35		57
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Exchange-traded U.S. equity futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	7		16			7
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Exchange-traded non-U.S. equity futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Exchange-traded Treasury futures
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Interest rate swaps
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Credit default swaps
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Foreign exchange forwards
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	13		29			13
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Options
Employee Benefits
Gross notional exposure	0		0			0
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Investment grade bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	77	[1]	77			77	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						77	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	77	[1]	77			77	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	77	[1]	77			77	[1]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	5	[1]	21			5	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						5	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5	[1]	21			5	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	5	[1]	21			5	[1]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	72	[1]	56			72	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						72	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	72	[1]	56			72	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	72	[1]	56			72	[1]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Investment grade bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[1]	0			0	[1]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[1]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[1]	0			0	[1]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0			0	[1]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | High Yield Bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						15	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						15	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	15	[2]	56			15	[2]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | High Yield Bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[2]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0			0	[2]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market bonds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1	[3]	37			1	[3]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market bonds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[3]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]	0			0	[3]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Diversified strategies
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						89	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						89	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	89	[5]	86			89	[5]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Diversified strategies | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[5]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0			0	[5]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						35	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						35	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	35	[6]	56			35	[6]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | U.S. stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[6]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[6]	0			0	[6]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Non-U.S. stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						33	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						33	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	33	[7]	58			33	[7]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Non-U.S. stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[7]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[7]	0			0	[7]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market stocks
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	6	[8]	12			6	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						6	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6	[8]	12			6	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	6	[8]	12			6	[8]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	6	[8]	0			6	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						6	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6	[8]	0			6	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	6	[8]	0			6	[8]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[8]	12			0	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[8]	12			0	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[8]	12			0	[8]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Emerging market stocks | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[8]	0			0	[8]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[8]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[8]	0			0	[8]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[8]	0			0	[8]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Equity
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	28	[9]	40			28	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						28	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28	[9]	40			28	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	28	[9]	40			28	[9]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Equity | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Equity | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[9]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[9]	0			0	[9]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Equity | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	28	[9]	40
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	40		45
Acquisitions	1		1
Dispositions	15		11
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	7		4
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-5		1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28	[9]	40
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	28	[9]	40
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Debt
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	3	[10]	5			3	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						3	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3	[10]	5			3	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	3	[10]	5			3	[10]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Debt | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Debt | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[10]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[10]	0			0	[10]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Private Debt | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	3	[10]	5
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5		6
Acquisitions	0		0
Dispositions	2		1
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	1		0
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	-1		0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3	[10]	5
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	3	[10]	5
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						25	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						25	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	25	[11]	35			25	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Market Neutral Hedge Funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Directional Hedge Funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						1	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	1	[11]	14			1	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Directional Hedge Funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[11]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[11]	0			0	[11]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Real Estate
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	28	[12]	34			28	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						28	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28	[12]	34			28	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	28	[12]	34			28	[12]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Real Estate | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[12]	0			0	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[12]	0			0	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[12]	0			0	[12]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Real Estate | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	24	[12]	22			24	[12]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						24	[12]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	24	[12]	22			24	[12]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	24	[12]	22			24	[12]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Real Estate | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	4	[12]	12
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	12		28
Acquisitions	0		0
Dispositions	8		18
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets sold during the year	0		-1
(Losses) gains relating to assets still held at year-end	0		3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4	[12]	12
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	4	[12]	12
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						12	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 1
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[14]	0			0	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[14]	0			0	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	0	[14]	0			0	[14]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 2
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						12	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	12	[14]	24			12	[14]
Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | Cash equivalents and short-term investment funds | Level 3
Employee Benefits
Total plan assets	0	[14]	0			0	[14]
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						0	[14]
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[14]	0			0	[14]
Unfunded Status
Fair value of plan assets	$0	[14]	$0			$0	[14]
[1]	Investment grade bonds represent investments in fixed income securities as well as commingled bond funds comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Treasury securities are valued at the bid price reported in the active market in which the security is traded and are classified as Level 1. The valuation inputs of other investment grade bonds primarily utilize observable market information and are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. The primary observable inputs include references to the new issue market for similar securities, the secondary trading markets and dealer quotes. Option adjusted spread models are utilized to evaluate securities such as asset backed securities that have early redemption features. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying fixed income securities using the same valuation inputs described above. The commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[2]	High yield bonds represent investments in below investment grade fixed income securities as well as commingled high yield bond funds. The valuation inputs for the securities primarily utilize observable market information and are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying high yield instruments using the same valuation inputs described above. Commingled funds that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Commingled funds that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
[3]	Emerging market bonds represent investments in securities issued by governments and other entities located in developing countries as well as registered mutual funds and commingled emerging market bond funds. The valuation inputs for the securities utilize observable market information and are primarily based on dealer quotes or a spread relative to the local government bonds. These securities are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying emerging market bonds using the same valuation inputs described above. The commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2. The registered mutual funds trade at the daily NAV, as determined by the market value of the underlying investments, and are classified as Level 1.
[4]	Convertible bonds primarily represent investments in corporate debt securities that have features that allow the debt to be converted into equity securities under certain circumstances. The valuation inputs for the individual convertible bonds primarily utilize observable market information including a spread to U.S. Treasuries and the value and volatility of the underlying equity security. Convertible bonds are classified as Level 2.
[5]	Diversified strategies represent an investment in a commingled fund that primarily has exposures to global government, corporate and inflation linked bonds, global stocks and commodities. The commingled fund is valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments. The valuation inputs utilize observable market information including published prices for exchange traded securities, bid prices for government bonds, and spreads and yields available for comparable fixed income securities with similar credit ratings. This fund can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and is classified as Level 2.
[6]	U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of U.S. based companies as well as commingled U.S. stock funds. The valuation inputs for U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[7]	Non-U.S. stocks represent investments in stocks of companies based in developed countries outside the U.S. as well as commingled funds. The valuation inputs for non-U.S. stocks are based on the last published price reported on the major stock market on which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[8]	Emerging market stocks represent investments in a registered mutual fund and commingled funds comprised of stocks of companies located in developing markets. Registered mutual funds trade at the daily NAV, as determined by the market value of the underlying investments, and are classified as Level 1. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described previously for individual stocks. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.
[9]	Private equity represents non-public investments in domestic and foreign buy out and venture capital funds. Private equity funds are structured as limited partnerships and are valued according to the valuation policy of each partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The partnerships use valuation methodologies that give consideration to a range of factors, including but not limited to the price at which investments were acquired, the nature of the investments, market conditions, trading values on comparable public securities, current and projected operating performance, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investments. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment. Private equity investments are classified as Level 3.
[10]	Private debt represents non-public investments in distressed or mezzanine debt funds. Mezzanine debt instruments are debt instruments that are subordinated to other debt issues and may include embedded equity instruments such as warrants. Private debt funds are structured as limited partnerships and are valued according to the valuation policy of each partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The valuation of underlying fund investments are based on factors including the issuer's current and projected credit worthiness, the security's terms, reference to the securities of comparable companies, and other market factors. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment. Private debt investments are classified as Level 3.
[11]	Market neutral hedge funds hold investments in a diversified mix of instruments that are intended in combination to exhibit low correlations to market fluctuations. These investments are typically combined with futures to achieve uncorrelated excess returns over various markets. Directional hedge funds—This asset category represents investments that may exhibit somewhat higher correlations to market fluctuations than the market neutral hedge funds. Investments in hedge funds include both direct investments and investments in diversified funds of funds. Hedge Funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments which include publicly traded equity and fixed income securities and privately negotiated debt securities. The hedge funds are valued by third party administrators using the same valuation inputs previously described. Hedge funds that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Hedge fund investments that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
[12]	Real estate represents investments in commingled funds and limited partnerships that invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate properties. These investments are valued at NAV according to the valuation policy of each fund or partnership, subject to prevailing accounting and other regulatory guidelines. The valuation inputs of the underlying properties are generally based on third-party appraisals that use comparable sales or a projection of future cash flows to determine fair value. Real estate investments that can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 2. Real estate investments that cannot be redeemed at NAV or that cannot be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date are classified as Level 3.
[13]	Derivatives include exchange traded futures contracts, as well as privately negotiated over-the-counter swaps and options that are valued based on the change in interest rates or a specific market index and are classified as Level 2. The market values represent gains or losses that occur due to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, security prices, or other factors.
[14]	Cash equivalents and short-term investments represent investments that are used in conjunction with derivatives positions or are used to provide liquidity for the payment of benefits or other purposes. The valuation inputs of securities are based on a spread to U.S. Treasury Bills, the Federal Funds Rate, or London Interbank Offered Rate and consider yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings and are classified as Level 2. The commingled funds are valued at NAV based on the market value of the underlying investments using the same valuation inputs described above. These commingled funds can be redeemed at NAV within a year of the financial statement date and are classified as Level 2.

Employee_Benefits_Details_3

Employee Benefits (Details 3) (Qualified Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Qualified Defined Contribution Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company common stock included in the assets of the 401(k) Plan (in shares)	8	9
Expenses related to the 401(k) Plan	$81	$89	$76

Sharebased_Compensation_Detail

Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Compensation cost	$75	$63	$78
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures
Tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based payment arrangements	29	25	31
Unrecognized compensation cost	112
Weighted-average recognition period	2 years 2 months
Stock option awards
Share-based compensation
Option expiration term (in years)	10 years
Summary of stock option awards activity
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in shares)	5,325			5,325
Exercised (in shares)	-1,065
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-154
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	4,106	5,325
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	4,106
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in dollars per share)	$35.95			35.95
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$28.57
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	$32.68
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)		$35.95
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$37.99
Aggregate Intrinsic value
Outstanding at the end of the period	23
Net cash proceeds received in connection with option exercises	30
Tax benefit realized from option exercises	4
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	9	11	49
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Outstanding at the end of the period	2 years 8 months 15 days
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,625			3,625
Granted (in shares)	2,851	1,900	2,100
Vested (in shares)	-1,561
Forfeited (in shares)	-515
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	4,400	3,625
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$37.33			37.33
Granted (in dollars per share)	$35.87	$35.63	$39.13
Vested (in dollars per share)	$36.48
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$38.10
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$36.59	$37.33
Restricted Stock
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total fair value of awards vested during the period	$53	$52	$102
Restricted Stock | Executive Officers And Other Key Employees
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)				440	335	402
Service based restricted stock | Executive Officers And Other Key Employees
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)				250	223	201
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees And Outside Directors
Restricted stock awards
Period over which total shareholder return will be considered for determining satisfaction of specific performance conditions	3 years		3 years				3 years
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)							1,200	1,500
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Awards vesting on January 9, 2013, 2014 and 2015
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)						519
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Awards vesting on March 15, 2013, 2014 and 2015
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)						873
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Awards vesting on August 4, 2017
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)									105
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Awards Vesting on August 4, 2019
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)									325
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Awards Vesting on August 4, 2021
Summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)									220
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Minimum
Restricted stock awards
Period over which total shareholder return will be considered for determining satisfaction of specific performance conditions									3 years
Service based restricted stock | Key Employees | Maximum
Restricted stock awards
Period over which total shareholder return will be considered for determining satisfaction of specific performance conditions									7 years
Performance based restricted stock | Executive Officers And Other Key Employees | Minimum
Restricted stock awards
Percentage of target award (as a percent)				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Performance based restricted stock | Executive Officers And Other Key Employees | Maximum
Restricted stock awards
Percentage of target award (as a percent)				200.00%	200.00%	200.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based compensation
Discount given to employees on common stock (as a percent)	15.00%
Period during which lower of beginning and ending stock price is considered for purchase of common stock at discount (in months)	6 months

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share2

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) (Numerator):
Net income (loss)	$188	$188	$193	$203	$239	($1,045)	$269	$298	$772		($239)		$777
Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock									0		0		-1
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share									772		-239		776
Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share									$772		($239)		$776
Weighted average number of shares:
Outstanding during period (in shares)									572,748,000		604,404,000		622,139,000
Non-vested restricted stock (in shares)									-4,313,000		-3,512,000		-2,796,000
Non-vested restricted stock units (in shares)									0		0		862,000
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share (in shares)									568,435,000		600,892,000		620,205,000
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities (in shares)									10,000		0		12,000
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans (in shares)									1,294,000		0		2,068,000
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in shares)									569,739,000		600,892,000		622,285,000
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.45	$0.48	$1.36		($0.40)		$1.25
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.36	[1]	($0.40)	[1]	$1.25	[1]
Stock option awards
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share									2,500,000		2,700,000		2,200,000
Share-based payments and convertible debt securities
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share									1,300,000
[1]	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss)$772 (239) 777Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock— — (1)Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share772 (239) 776Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share$772 (239) 776Shares (Denominator): Weighted average number of shares: Outstanding during period572,748 604,404 622,139Non-vested restricted stock(4,313) (3,512) (2,796)Non-vested restricted stock units— — 862Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share568,435 600,892 620,205Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities10 — 12Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans1,294 — 2,068Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share569,739 600,892 622,285Basic earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25

Fair_Value_Disclosure_Details

Fair Value Disclosure (Details) (Fair Value Measurements valued on recurring basis, Fair value, Level 2, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Liabilities
Liabilities-Long-term debt excluding capital lease and other obligations	$20,162	$20,347
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Liabilities
Liabilities-Long-term debt excluding capital lease and other obligations	$21,255	$20,413

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
NOLs
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions		$9	$0
Federal
Current		18	1	57
Deferred		305	403	361
State
Current		26	62	15
Deferred		-14	-8	33
Foreign
Current		3	9	7
Deferred		0	-4	0
Total income tax expense		338	463	473
Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations:
Attributable to income		338	463	473
Stockholders' equity:
Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes		-5	-14	-18
Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss		-744	554	-434
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Statutory federal income tax rate (as a percent)		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (as a percent)		2.70%	2.80%	2.50%
Impairments of goodwill (as a percent)		0.00%	188.50%	0.00%
Reversal of liability for unrecognized tax position (as a percent)		0.40%	-24.50%	0.00%
Foreign income taxes (as a percent)		0.40%	2.70%	0.30%
Nondeductible accounting adjustment for life insurance (as a percent)		0.00%	3.10%	0.00%
Release state valuation allowance (as a percent)		0.00%	-2.30%	0.00%
Effective income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Subsidiary Investment Write-Off		-5.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent		-2.60%	1.40%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)		30.50%	206.70%	37.80%
Write-off of investment in foreign subsidiary		60
Impairment of goodwill	1,100	0	1,092	0
Valuation Allowance Reversal			-22
Expense on reversal of valuation allowance on auction rate securities				-16
Deferred tax assets
Post-retirement and pension benefit costs		2,276	1,618
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards		1,091	1,532
Other employee benefits		214	182
Other		602	782
Gross deferred tax assets		4,183	4,114
Less valuation allowance		-409	-435
Net deferred tax assets		3,774	3,679
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment, primarily due to depreciation differences		-3,869	-3,904
Goodwill and other intangible assets		-2,908	-3,226
Other		-147	-137
Gross deferred tax liabilities		-6,924	-7,267
Net deferred tax liabilities		-3,150	-3,588
Long-term deferred tax liability		4,030	4,753
Deferred income taxes, net		880	1,165
Summary of reconciliation of the change in gross unrecognized tax benefits activity
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year		14	78
Increase in tax positions taken in the prior year			17
Decrease due to the reversal of tax positions taken in a prior year		-2	0
Decrease from the lapse of statute of limitations		-1	-36
Settlements		-3	-28
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year		17	14	78
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount		26	-5
State
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount		13
Federal
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Refund from taxing authority			$33

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income taxes
Significant operating loss carryforwards expiring prior to 2020	$0
Valuation allowance	409,000,000	435,000,000
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment	-26,000,000	5,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	32,000,000	29,000,000
Interest on income taxes accrued	30,000,000	30,000,000
Amount of unrecorded benefit	8,000,000
Federal
Income taxes
Operating loss carryforward	1,600,000,000
State
Income taxes
Operating loss carryforward	12,000,000,000
Investment tax credits
Income taxes
Tax credit carryforwards, net of federal income tax	33,000,000
Investment tax credits | State
Income taxes
Tax credit carryforwards	51,000,000
Alternative minimum tax credits
Income taxes
Tax credit carryforwards	$110,000,000

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segment									segment
Segment information
Operating revenues		$4,438	$4,514	$4,541	$4,538	$4,542	$4,515	$4,525	$4,513		$18,031	$18,095	$18,376
Expenses											15,621	16,642	15,663
OPERATING INCOME		483	619	655	653	641	-685	715	782		2,410	1,453	2,713
Number of reportable segments (segments)	2									4
Operating segments (segments)
Segment information
Operating revenues											17,028	17,095	17,320
Expenses											8,509	8,167	8,147
OPERATING INCOME											8,519	8,928	9,173
Margin percentage (percent)											50.00%	52.00%	53.00%
Business
Segment information
Operating revenues											11,034	11,091	11,156
Expenses											6,089	5,808	5,729
OPERATING INCOME											4,945	5,283	5,427
Margin percentage (percent)											45.00%	48.00%	49.00%
Consumer
Segment information
Operating revenues											5,994	6,004	6,164
Expenses											2,420	2,359	2,418
OPERATING INCOME											3,574	3,645	3,746
Margin percentage (percent)											60.00%	61.00%	61.00%
Structural reorganization | Business
Segment information
Prior period reclassification adjustment of segment expenses												-45	-59
Structural reorganization | Consumer
Segment information
Prior period reclassification adjustment of segment expenses												28	32
Segment expense reassignment | Business
Segment information
Prior period reclassification adjustment of segment expenses												-165	165
Segment expense reassignment | Consumer
Segment information
Prior period reclassification adjustment of segment expenses												$100	$95

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
									category
Operating revenues by products and services
Operating revenues	$4,438	$4,514	$4,541	$4,538	$4,542	$4,515	$4,525	$4,513	$18,031	$18,095	$18,376
Surcharge amount on customers' bills									526	489	531
Number of categories of products and services (categories)									4
Number of categories of products and services included in segment revenue (categories)									3
Strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Operating revenues									9,200	8,823	8,427
Legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Operating revenues									7,138	7,616	8,221
Data integration
Operating revenues by products and services
Operating revenues									690	656	672
Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Operating revenues									$1,003	$1,000	$1,056

Segment_Information_Details_3

Segment Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment income	$483	$619	$655	$653	$641	($685)	$715	$782	$2,410	$1,453	$2,713
Other operating revenues	4,438	4,514	4,541	4,538	4,542	4,515	4,525	4,513	18,031	18,095	18,376
Depreciation and amortization									-4,428	-4,541	-4,780
Impairment of goodwill		1,100							0	1,092	0
Other unassigned operating expenses									-3,347	-3,502	-3,244
Income tax expense									-338	-463	-473
Other expenses, net									-1,300	-1,229	-1,463
Net income (loss)	188	188	193	203	239	-1,045	269	298	772	-239	777
Operating segments (segments)
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment income									8,519	8,928	9,173
Unallocated amount to segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Other operating revenues									1,003	1,000	1,056
Depreciation and amortization									-4,428	-4,541	-4,780
Impairment of goodwill									0	1,092	0
Other unassigned operating expenses									-2,684	-2,842	-2,736
Income tax expense									-338	-463	-473
Other expenses, net									($1,300)	($1,229)	($1,463)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$4,438	$4,514	$4,541	$4,538	$4,542	$4,515	$4,525	$4,513	$18,031		$18,095		$18,376
OPERATING INCOME	483	619	655	653	641	-685	715	782	2,410		1,453		2,713
Net income (loss)	188	188	193	203	239	-1,045	269	298	772		-239		777
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.45	$0.48	$1.36		($0.40)		$1.25
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33	$0.34	$0.35	$0.41	($1.76)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.36	[1]	($0.40)	[1]	$1.25	[1]
Write-off of investment in foreign subsidiary									60
Impairment of goodwill		1,100							0		1,092		0
KPNQwest
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Litigation tentative settlement, expense		233
Pension Plans
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Settlements									$63		$0		$0
[1]	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss)$772 (239) 777Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock— — (1)Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share772 (239) 776Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share$772 (239) 776Shares (Denominator): Weighted average number of shares: Outstanding during period572,748 604,404 622,139Non-vested restricted stock(4,313) (3,512) (2,796)Non-vested restricted stock units— — 862Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings (loss) per common share568,435 600,892 620,205Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities10 — 12Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans1,294 — 2,068Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share569,739 600,892 622,285Basic earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$1.36 (0.40) 1.25

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2007	Oct. 14, 2011	Jul. 16, 2013	Feb. 27, 2014	Feb. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CenturyLink, Inc.	Pending litigation related to Federal Communications Act	Pending litigation related to Federal Communications Act	William Douglas Fulghum, et al. v. Embarq Corporation	Abbott et al. v. Sprint Nextel et al.	Comcast MO Group, Inc.	KPNQwest	KPNQwest	KPNQwest	Cargill Financial Markets, Plc and Citibank, N.A.	Cargill Financial Markets, Plc and Citibank, N.A.	Fiber-optic cable installation
				security	CenturyLink, Inc.	CenturyLink, Inc.	USD ($)	plaintiff	Qwest Communications International Inc	Qwest Communications International Inc	Qwest Communications International Inc	Qwest Communications International Inc	USD ($)	EUR (€)	state
				shareholder_derivative_action	USD ($)	USD ($)			USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of lawsuits filed (lawsuits)						2
Charges claimed against Sprint Nextel						$34
Proceeds from legal settlements					24
Effect of modifications made to Embarq's benefits program, greater than							300
Number of plaintiffs have alleged breach of fiduciary duty (plaintiffs)								1,500
Number of Plaintiffs, Limited Discovery								80
Litigation Matters Assumed in Qwest Acquisition
Damages sought by plaintiff									80				266	219
Payments for legal settlements										235	171
Legal reserve, KPNQwest litigation settlement												235
Number of states in which service is provided (states)															34
Number of states in which final approval of settlements received (states)															31
Number of states where an action is pending (states)															2
Number of states in which actions are not currently pending															1
Number of securities actions in which the company is the defendant (securities)				1
Number of shareholder derivative actions in which the company is the defendant (shareholder derivative actions)				4
Capital lease activity
Assets acquired through capital leases	37	12	209
Depreciation expense	126	136	150
Cash payments towards capital leases	118	119	113
Assets included in property, plant and equipment	850	877
Accumulated depreciation	393	338
Future annual minimum payments under capital lease arrangements
2015	104
2016	76
2017	74
2018	72
2019	61
2020 and thereafter	284
Total minimum payments	671
Less: amount representing interest and executory costs	-182
Present value of minimum payments	489
Less: current portion	-73
Long-term portion	416
Operating Leases
Rent expense	446	455	445
Sublease rental income	14	16	18
Future rental commitments
2015	311
2016	280
2017	257
2018	233
2019	202
2020 and thereafter	974
Total future minimum payments	2,257
Minimum sublease rentals due in the future under non-cancelable subleases	91
Purchase obligations
Total purchase commitments	407
2015	141
2016 and 2017	154
2018 and 2019	50
2020 and thereafter	$62

Other_Financial_Information_Ot

Other Financial Information Other Financial Information (Details) (Wireless spectrum licenses, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Wireless spectrum licenses
Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held for Sale [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill)	($14)
Disposed long-lived assets, contract sales price		$39

Other_Financial_Information_De

Other Financial Information (Details 2) (Qwest Communications International Inc, KPNQwest)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 27, 2014	Feb. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies
Payments for legal settlements	$235	€ 171
Legal reserve, KPNQwest litigation settlement			$235

Other_Financial_Information_Ot1

Other Financial Information Other Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$260	$266
Materials, supplies and inventory	132	167
Assets held for sale	14	26
Deferred activation and installation charges	103	94
Other	71	44
Other Assets, Current	580	597
Selected Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable	1,226	1,111
Other current liabilities:
Accrued rent	34	52
Legal reserves	27	273
Other	149	189
Total other current liabilities	210	514
Current liabilities
Book overdraft balance	80	88
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$185	$140

Labor_Union_Contracts_Details

Labor Union Contracts (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
Employees covered under collective bargaining agreements
Labor Union Contracts
Percentage of employees who are members of bargaining units (percent)	36.00%
Employees covered under expired collective bargaining agreements
Labor Union Contracts
Percentage of employees who are members of bargaining units (percent)	4.00%
Number of employees covered under the agreement (employees)	2,000
Employees subject to collective bargaining arrangements expiring within one year
Labor Union Contracts
Percentage of employees who are members of bargaining units (percent)	4.00%
Number of employees covered under the agreement (employees)	2,000

Repurchase_of_CenturyLink_Comm1

Repurchase of CenturyLink Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	16 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 20, 2015	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
Share Repurchase Program Authorized February 2013 [Member]
Schedule of Stock Repurchases [Line Items]
Stock repurchases, aggregate authorized amount				$2,000,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during program period (shares)		59.5
Stock repurchased and retired during program period, average cost per share	$33.63
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	13.7
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	433,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, average cost per share	$31.54
Share Repurchase Program Authorized February 2014 [Member]
Schedule of Stock Repurchases [Line Items]
Stock repurchases, aggregate authorized amount					1,000,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	5.2
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	200,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, average cost per share	$38.40
Stock repurchase program shares unsettled amount	6,000,000
Stock repurchase program shares unsettled average cost per share	$40.22
Stock repurchase program, period in force	24 months
Stock repurchases, remaining authorized amount	800,000,000
Subsequent Event | Share Repurchase Program Authorized February 2014 [Member]
Schedule of Stock Repurchases [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during program period (shares)			7.7
Stock repurchased and retired during program period, value			$298,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during program period, average cost per share			$38.57

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at December 31, 2013	($802)	($1,701)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,284	840
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	69	59
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,215	899	-689
Balance at December 31, 2014	-2,017	-802	-1,701
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at December 31, 2013	-11	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-15	1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1	1
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-14	2
Balance at December 31, 2014	-25	-11
Defined Benefit Plans | Pension Plans
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at December 31, 2013	-669	-1,399
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,107	675
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	56	55
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,051	730
Balance at December 31, 2014	-1,720	-669
Defined Benefit Plans | Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at December 31, 2013	-122	-289
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-162	164
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	12	3
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-150	167
Balance at December 31, 2014	($272)	($122)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE									($1,110)	($224)	($1,250)
Income tax expense									-338	-463	-473
Other income, net									11	59	35
NET INCOME (LOSS)	188	188	193	203	239	-1,045	269	298	772	-239	777
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss									85	88
Prior service cost									25	5
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE									-110	-93
Income tax expense									-42	-35
Other income, net									1	-1
NET INCOME (LOSS)									$69	($59)

Dividends_Details

Dividends (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 11, 2014	Aug. 19, 2014	28-May-14	Feb. 24, 2014	Nov. 12, 2013	Aug. 27, 2013	23-May-13	Feb. 26, 2013
Dividends
Dividend per share (usd per share)	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54	$0.54
Total amount declared	$307,000,000	$308,000,000	$307,000,000	$309,000,000	$320,536,173.38	$321,000,000	$320,000,000	$339,000,000