| Cover Page Document | Aug. 03, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 3, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Lumen Technologies, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | LA |
| Entity File Number | 001-7784 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 72-0651161 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 CenturyLink Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Monroe, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | LA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 71203 |
| City Area Code | 318 |
| Local Phone Number | 388-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000018926 |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | LUMN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | N/A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
