Verizon Communications (VZ) 10-Q 29 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1
Trading Symbol	'VZ
Entity Registrant Name	'VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	'0000732712
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	4,141,148,976

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Revenues	$30,818	$29,420
Operating Expenses	'	'
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of items shown below)	11,189	10,932
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,332	8,148
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,137	4,118
Total Operating Expenses	23,658	23,198
Operating Income	7,160	6,222
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses	1,902	-5
Other income and (expense), net	-894	39
Interest expense	-1,214	-537
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	6,954	5,719
Provision for income taxes	-968	-864
Net Income	5,986	4,855
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,039	2,903
Net income attributable to Verizon	3,947	1,952
Net Income	$5,986	$4,855
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	'	'
Net income attributable to Verizon	$1.15	$0.68
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	3,425	2,866
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'	'
Net income attributable to Verizon	$1.15	$0.68
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	3,430	2,872
Dividends declared per common share	$0.53	$0.52

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Income	$5,986	$4,855
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-949	-148
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	-83	-6
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	1	11
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans	-37	-36
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	-1,068	-179
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-23	-12
Total Comprehensive Income	4,895	4,664
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,016	2,891
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	2,879	1,773
Total Comprehensive Income	$4,895	$4,664

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,907	$53,528
Short-term investments	637	601
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $614 and $645	12,131	12,439
Inventories	881	1,020
Prepaid expenses and other	6,716	3,406
Total current assets	23,272	70,994
Plant, property and equipment	223,841	220,865
Less accumulated depreciation	134,785	131,909
Plant, property and equipment, net	89,056	88,956
Investments in unconsolidated businesses	889	3,432
Wireless licenses	72,713	75,747
Goodwill	24,647	24,634
Other intangible assets, net	5,839	5,800
Other assets	5,146	4,535
Total assets	221,562	274,098
Current liabilities	'	'
Debt maturing within one year	2,152	3,933
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	14,984	16,453
Other	8,217	6,664
Total current liabilities	25,353	27,050
Long-term debt	107,617	89,658
Employee benefit obligations	26,977	27,682
Deferred income taxes	41,597	28,639
Other liabilities	6,167	5,653
Equity	'	'
Series preferred stock ($.10 par value; none issued)	'	'
Common stock ($.10 par value; 4,242,374,240 and 2,967,610,119 shares issued in each period, respectively)	424	297
Contributed capital	10,976	37,939
Reinvested earnings	3,534	1,782
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,290	2,358
Common stock in treasury, at cost	-3,794	-3,961
Deferred compensation - employee stock ownership plans and other	281	421
Noncontrolling interests	1,140	56,580
Total equity	13,851	95,416
Total liabilities and equity	$221,562	$274,098

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowances	$614	$645
Series preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Series preferred stock, issued	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares issued	4,242,374,240	2,967,610,119

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'
Net Income	$5,986	$4,855
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,137	4,118
Employee retirement benefits	281	295
Deferred income taxes	-155	878
Provision for uncollectible accounts	231	260
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received	-1,894	14
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses	-1,626	-1,491
Other, net	179	-1,398
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,139	7,531
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'
Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)	-4,150	-3,602
Acquisitions of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired	-157	-21
Acquisitions of wireless licenses, net	-213	-117
Other, net	-11	141
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,531	-3,599
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	16,952	500
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-7,951	-73
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	252	581
Dividends paid	-1,517	-1,472
Proceeds from sale of common stock	34	56
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	-153
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-58,886	'
Other, net	-2,113	-989
Net cash used in financing activities	-53,229	-1,550
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-50,621	2,382
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,528	3,093
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$2,907	$5,475

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	1	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, you should refer to the financial statements included in the Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon or the Company) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. We have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Effective January 1, 2014, we have also reclassified the results of certain businesses, such as development stage businesses that support our strategic initiatives, from our Wireline segment to Corporate, eliminations and other. The impact of this reclassification was not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	During the first quarter of 2014, we adopted the accounting standard update relating to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The standard update provides that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit should be offset against same jurisdiction deferred tax assets for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. The adoption of this standard update did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Leasing Arrangements
	At each reporting period, we monitor the credit quality of the various lessees in our portfolios. Regarding the leveraged lease portfolio, we use external credit reports where available and where not available we use internally developed indicators. These indicators or internal credit risk grades factor historic loss experience, the value of the underlying collateral, delinquency trends, and industry and general economic conditions. The credit quality of our lessees primarily varies from AAA to CCC+. For each reporting period the leveraged leases within the portfolio are reviewed for indicators of impairment where it is probable the rent due according to the contractual terms of the lease will not be collected. All significant accounts, individually or in the aggregate, are current and none are classified as impaired.
	Earnings Per Common Share
	There were a total of approximately 5 million and 6 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Outstanding options to purchase shares that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the period were not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
	On January 28, 2014, at a special meeting of our shareholders, we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized shares of common stock by 2 billion shares to an aggregate 6.25 billion authorized shares of common stock. On February 4, 2014, this authorization became effective.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisitions and Divestitures	'
	2	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Wireless
	Wireless Transaction
	On September 2, 2013, Verizon entered into a stock purchase agreement (the Stock Purchase Agreement) with Vodafone Group Plc (Vodafone) and Vodafone 4 Limited (Seller), pursuant to which Verizon agreed to acquire Vodafone’s indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (the Partnership, and such interest, the Vodafone Interest) for aggregate consideration of approximately $130 billion.
	On February 21, 2014, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement, Verizon acquired (the Wireless Transaction) from Seller all of the issued and outstanding capital stock (the Transferred Shares) of Vodafone Americas Finance 1 Inc., a subsidiary of Seller (VF1 Inc.), which indirectly through certain subsidiaries (together with VF1 Inc., the Purchased Entities) owned the Vodafone Interest. In consideration for the Transferred Shares, upon completion of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon (i) paid approximately $58.89 billion in cash, (ii) issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of Verizon’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the Stock Consideration), which was valued at approximately $61.3 billion at the closing of the Wireless Transaction, (iii) issued senior unsecured Verizon notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 billion (the Verizon Notes), (iv) sold Verizon’s indirectly owned 23.1% interest in Vodafone Omnitel N.V. (Omnitel, and such interest, the Omnitel Interest), valued at $3.5 billion and (v) provided other consideration, which included the assumption of preferred stock valued at approximately $1.7 billion. The total cash paid to Vodafone and the other costs of the Wireless Transaction, including financing, legal and bank fees, were financed through the incurrence of third-party indebtedness. See Note 4 for additional information.
	In accordance with the accounting standard on consolidation, a change in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains a controlling financial interest in its subsidiary is accounted for as an equity transaction and remeasurement of assets and liabilities of previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is not permitted. As a result, we accounted for the Wireless Transaction by adjusting the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest to reflect the change in Verizon’s ownership interest in the Partnership. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest is adjusted has been recognized in equity attributable to Verizon.
	Omnitel Transaction
	On February 21, 2014, Verizon and Vodafone also consummated the sale of the Omnitel Interest (the Omnitel Transaction) by a subsidiary of Verizon to a subsidiary of Vodafone in connection with the Wireless Transaction pursuant to a separate share purchase agreement. As a result, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.9 billion on the disposal of the Omnitel interest in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses on our condensed consolidated statement of income.
	Verizon Notes
	The Verizon Notes were issued to Vodafone pursuant to Verizon’s existing indenture. The Verizon Notes were issued in two separate series, with $2.5 billion due February 21, 2022 (the eight-year Verizon Notes) and $2.5 billion due February 21, 2025 (the eleven-year Verizon Notes). The Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate, which will be reset quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears, beginning May 21, 2014. The eight-year Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus 1.222%, and the eleven-year Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%. The indenture that governs the Verizon Notes contains certain negative covenants, including a negative pledge covenant and a merger or similar transaction covenant, affirmative covenants and events of default that are customary for companies maintaining an investment grade credit rating. An event of default for either series of the Verizon Notes may result in acceleration of the entire principal amount of all debt securities of that series. Beginning two years after the closing of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon may redeem all or any portion of the outstanding Verizon Notes held by Vodafone or any of its affiliates for a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Verizon Notes may only be transferred by Vodafone to third parties in specified amounts during specified periods, commencing January 1, 2017. Any Verizon Notes held by third parties will not be redeemable by Verizon prior to their maturity dates. Verizon has agreed to file a registration statement with respect to the Verizon Notes at least three months prior to the Verizon Notes becoming transferable.
	Other Consideration
	Included in the other consideration provided to Vodafone is the indirect assumption of long-term obligations with respect to 5.143% Class D and Class E cumulative preferred stock (Preferred Stock) issued by one of the Purchased Entities. Both the Class D shares (825,000 shares outstanding) and Class E shares (825,000 shares outstanding) are mandatorily redeemable in April 2020 at $1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends accrue at 5.143% per annum and will be treated as interest expense. Both the Class D and Class E shares have been classified as liability instruments and were recorded at fair value as determined at the closing of the Wireless Transaction.
	Deferred Tax Liabilities
	Certain deferred taxes directly attributable to the Wireless Transaction have been calculated based on an analysis of taxes attributable to the difference between the tax basis of the investment in the noncontrolling interest that is assumed compared to Verizon’s book basis. As a result, Verizon recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $13.5 billion.
	Spectrum License Transactions
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into license exchange agreements with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile USA) to exchange certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) and Personal Communication Services (PCS) licenses. These non-cash exchanges, which are subject to customary closing conditions, are expected to close in the first half of 2014. The exchange includes a number of swaps that we expect will result in more efficient use of the AWS and PCS bands. As a result of these agreements, $0.9 billion of Wireless licenses are classified as held for sale and included in Prepaid expenses and other on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Upon completion of the transaction, we expect to record a gain which will be determined upon the closing of the transaction.
	Subsequent to the transaction with T-Mobile USA in the fourth quarter of 2013, on January 6, 2014, we announced two agreements with T-Mobile USA with respect to our remaining 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses. Under one agreement, we will sell certain of these licenses to T-Mobile USA in exchange for cash consideration of approximately $2.4 billion, and under the second agreement we will exchange the remainder of these licenses for AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result of these agreements, $3.3 billion of Wireless licenses are classified as held for sale and included in Prepaid expenses and other on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2014. These transactions are subject to customary closing conditions. These transactions are expected to close in the middle of 2014. Upon completion of these transactions, we expect to record a gain which will be determined upon the closing of these transactions.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we acquired various wireless licenses for cash consideration that was not significant.
	Other
	During February 2014, Verizon acquired a business dedicated to the development of Internet Protocol (IP) television for cash consideration that was not significant. The transaction is expected to accelerate the availability of next-generation video services.

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	3	Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Wireless Licenses
	Changes in the carrying amount of Wireless licenses are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	75,747
	Acquisitions (Note 2)			136
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses			79
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other			(3,249	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	72,713
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other includes $3.3 billion of Wireless licenses that are classified as held for sale and included in Prepaid expenses and other on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2014. See Note 2 for additional details.
	At March 31, 2014, approximately $5.5 billion of Wireless licenses were under development for commercial service for which we were capitalizing interest costs.
	Goodwill
	Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Wireless			Wireline			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	18,376		$	6,258		$	24,634
	Acquisitions (Note 2)			–			13			13
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	18,376		$	6,271		$	24,647
	Other Intangible Assets
	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:
			At March 31, 2014								At December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
			Amount			Amortization			Amount		Amount		Amortization			Amount
	Customer lists (5 to 13 years)		$	3,640		$	(2,735	)	$	905	$	3,639	$	(2,660	)	$	979
	Non-network internal-use			12,183			(7,600	)		4,583		11,770		(7,317	)		4,453
	software (3 to 7 years)
	Other (2 to 25 years)			662			(311	)		351		691		(323	)		368
	Total		$	16,485		$	(10,646	)	$	5,839	$	16,100	$	(10,300	)	$	5,800
	The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	2014			$       394
	2013			386
	The estimated future amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows:
	Years		(dollars in millions)
	Remainder of 2014			$    1,137
	2015			1,280
	2016			1,039
	2017			852
	2018			688

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt	'
	4	Debt
	Changes to debt during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Debt Maturing			Long-term			Total
			within One Year			Debt
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	3,933		$	89,658		$	93,591
	Proceeds from long-term borrowings			–			16,952			16,952
	Verizon Notes			–			5,000			5,000
	Preferred Stock			–			1,650			1,650
	Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations			(2,500	)		(5,451	)		(7,951	)
	Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities			252			–			252
	Reclassifications of long-term debt			532			(532	)		–
	Other			(65	)		340			275
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	2,152		$	107,617		$	109,769
	During February 2014, we issued €1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.375% Notes due 2022, €1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Notes due 2026 and £0.85 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2034. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $5.4 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used, in part, to finance the Wireless Transaction. Net proceeds not used to finance the Wireless Transaction were used for general corporate purposes. Also, during February 2014, we issued $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.90% Notes due 2054 resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $0.5 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
	On March 10, 2014, we announced the commencement of a tender offer (the Tender Offer) to purchase for cash any and all of the series of notes listed in the following table:
	(dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Purchase		Principal
			Rate						Amount			Price (1)		Amount
									Outstanding					Purchased
	Verizon Communications			6.1	%		2018		$	1,500		$	1,170.07	$	748
				5.5	%		2018			1,500			1,146.91		763
				8.75	%		2018			1,300			1,288.35		564
				5.55	%		2016			1,250			1,093.62		652
				5.5	%		2017			750			1,133.22		353
	Cellco Partnership and			8.5	%		2018			1,000			1,279.63		619
	Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
	Alltel Corporation			7	%		2016			300			1,125.26		157
	GTE Corporation			6.84	%		2018			600			1,196.85		266
														$	4,122
	(1)	Per $1,000 principal amount of notes
	The Tender Offer for each series of notes was subject to a financing condition, which was either satisfied or waived with respect to all series. The Tender Offer expired on March 17, 2014 and settled on March 19, 2014. In addition to the purchase price, any accrued and unpaid interest on the purchased notes was paid to the date of purchase. During March 2014, we recorded early debt redemption costs in connection with the Tender Offer (see “Early Debt Redemption”).
	During March 2014, we issued $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed and floating rate notes resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $4.5 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The issuances consisted of the following: $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount Floating Rate Notes due 2019 that bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.77% which rate will be reset quarterly, $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.55% Notes due 2019, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.45% Notes due 2021, $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.15% Notes due 2024 and $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.05% Notes due 2034. During March 2014, the net proceeds were used to purchase notes in the Tender Offer described above.
	During March 2014, Verizon Wireless redeemed $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of the Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018 at 127.135% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (see “Early Debt Redemption”). Also, during March 2014, $1.0 billion of LIBOR plus 0.61% Verizon Communications Notes and $1.5 billion of 1.95% Verizon Communications Notes matured and were repaid.
	Term Loan Agreement
	During February 2014, we drew $6.6 billion pursuant to a term loan agreement with a group of major financial institutions to finance, in part, the Wireless Transaction. $3.3 billion of the loans under the term loan agreement have a maturity of three years and $3.3 billion of the loans under the term loan agreement have a maturity of five years (the 5-Year Loans). The 5-Year Loans provide for the partial amortization of principal during the last two years that they are outstanding. Loans under the term loan agreement bear interest at floating rates. The term loan agreement contains certain negative covenants, including a negative pledge covenant, a merger or similar transaction covenant and an accounting changes covenant, affirmative covenants and events of default that are customary for companies maintaining an investment grade credit rating. In addition, the term loan agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement) not in excess of 3.50:1.00, until our credit ratings are equal to or higher than A3 and A- at Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, respectively.
	Verizon Notes
	During February 2014, in connection with the Wireless Transaction, we issued $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes to Vodafone. These notes were issued in two separate series, with $2.5 billion due February 21, 2022 and $2.5 billion due February 21, 2025. The Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate, which will be reset quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears, beginning May 21, 2014 (see Note 2). The eight-year Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%, and the eleven-year Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%.
	Preferred Stock
	As a result of the Wireless Transaction, we assumed long-term obligations with respect to 5.143% Class D and Class E cumulative Preferred Stock issued by one of the Purchased Entities. Both the Class D shares (825,000 shares outstanding) and Class E shares (825,000 shares outstanding) are mandatorily redeemable in April 2020 at $1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends accrue at 5.143% per annum and will be treated as interest expense. Both the Class D and Class E shares have been classified as liability instruments and were recorded at fair value as determined at the closing of the Wireless Transaction.
	Other Credit Facilities
	As of March 31, 2014, the unused borrowing capacity under our $6.2 billion credit facility was approximately $6.1 billion and the unused borrowing capacity under our $2.0 billion 364-day revolving credit agreement was $2.0 billion.
	Early Debt Redemption
	During March 2014, we recorded net debt redemption costs of $0.9 billion in connection with the early redemption of $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, and the purchase of the following in the Tender Offer: $0.7 billion of the $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 6.10% Notes due 2018, $0.8 billion of the $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2018, $0.6 billion of the $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $0.7 billion of the $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion of the $0.75 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.6 billion of the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, $0.2 billion of the $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.3 billion of the $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation 6.84% Debentures due 2018.
	We recognized these costs in Other income and (expense), net on our condensed consolidated statement of income during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Guarantees
	We guarantee the debentures and first mortgage bonds of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2014, $3.1 billion principal amount of these obligations remain outstanding. Each guarantee will remain in place for the life of the obligation unless terminated pursuant to its terms, including the operating telephone company no longer being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon.
	We also guarantee the debt obligations of GTE Corporation that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003. As of March 31, 2014, $1.4 billion principal amount of these obligations remain outstanding.
	In 2013, we launched Verizon Edge, a program that provides eligible wireless customers with the ability to pay for their phone over 24 months and upgrade to a new phone after a minimum of 30 days, subject to certain conditions, including making at least 50% of the required device payments, trading in their phone in good working condition and signing a new contract with Verizon Wireless. Verizon values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability. The guarantee liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new phone, the customer’s estimated remaining installment balance at the time of trade-in and the fair value of the phone at the time of trade-in. As of March 31, 2014, the guarantee liability related to this program was approximately $0.3 billion.
	Debt Covenants
	We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements

'

5

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014:

(dollars in millions)

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

Total

Assets:

Short-term investments:

Equity securities

$

383

$

–

$

–

$

383

Fixed income securities

–

254

–

254

Other assets:

Fixed income securities

–

884

–

884

Cross currency swaps

–

262

–

262

Interest rate swaps

–

19

–

19

Total

$

383

$

1,419

$

–

$

1,802

Liabilities:

Other liabilities:

Cross currency swaps

$

–

$

13

$

–

$

13

Total

$

–

$

13

$

–

$

13

(1)

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

(2)

observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

(3)

no observable pricing inputs in the market

Equity securities consist of investments in common stock of domestic and international corporations measured using quoted prices in active markets.

Fixed income securities consist primarily of investments in municipal bonds that do not have quoted prices in active markets. For these securities, we use alternative matrix pricing resulting in these debt securities being classified as Level 2.

Derivative contracts are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of our derivative contracts and thus are classified within Level 2. We use mid-market pricing for fair value measurements of our derivative instruments. Our derivative instruments are recorded on a gross basis.

We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt

The fair value of our debt is determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical terms and maturities, which is a Level 1 measurement, as well as quoted prices for similar terms and maturities in inactive markets and future cash flows discounted at current rates, which are Level 2 measurements. The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding capital leases, was as follows:

At March 31, 2014

At December 31, 2013

(dollars in millions)

Carrying

Fair Value

Carrying

Fair Value

Amount

Amount

Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases

$

109,516

$

122,052

$

93,298

$

103,527

Derivative Instruments

We enter into derivative transactions to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity and commodity prices. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of a variety of derivatives including cross currency swaps, foreign currency and prepaid forwards and collars, interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap and forward agreements and interest rate locks. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.

We measure all derivatives, including derivatives embedded in other financial instruments, at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments not qualifying as hedges or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the effective portions of cash flow hedges are reported in Other comprehensive loss and recognized in earnings when the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

Interest Rate Swaps

We enter into domestic interest rate swaps to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We principally receive fixed rates and pay variable rates based on LIBOR, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against changes in the fair value of our debt portfolio. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. The fair value of these contracts was not material at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2014, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $1.8 billion. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

In order to manage our exposure to future interest rate changes, during the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $2.0 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. In March 2014, we settled these forward interest rate swaps and the pre-tax gain was not material. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $0.9 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges.

In April 2014, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $1.6 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges.

Cross Currency Swaps

Verizon Wireless previously entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $1.6 billion of British Pound Sterling and Euro-denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the effect of foreign currency transaction gains or losses.

During February 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $5.4 billion of Euro and British Pound Sterling denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses.

A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive loss was reclassified to Other income and (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations. The fair value of the outstanding swaps was $0.2 billion at March 31, 2014 and was not material at December 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, an immaterial pre-tax gain and a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive loss.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	6	Stock-Based Compensation
	Verizon Communications Long-Term Incentive Plan
	The Verizon Communications Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan) permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and other awards. The maximum number of shares available for awards from the Plan is 119.6 million shares.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Plan provides for grants of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. The RSUs are classified as equity awards because the RSUs will be paid in Verizon common stock upon vesting. The RSU equity awards are measured using the grant date fair value of Verizon common stock and are not remeasured at the end of each reporting period. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time the RSU award is paid, and in the same proportion as the RSU award.
	Performance Stock Units
	The Plan also provides for grants of Performance Stock Units (PSUs) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. As defined by the Plan, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors determines the number of PSUs a participant earns based on the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved over the three-year performance cycle. The PSUs are classified as liability awards because the PSU awards are paid in cash upon vesting. The PSU award liability is measured at its fair value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, will fluctuate based on the price of Verizon common stock as well as performance relative to the targets. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time that the PSU award is determined and paid, and in the same proportion as the PSU award.
	The following table summarizes the Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit activity:
	(shares in thousands)		Restricted			Performance
			Stock Units			Stock Units
	Outstanding, January 1, 2014			16,193			23,724
	Granted			4,514			6,578
	Payments			(6,116	)		(9,153	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited			(54	)		(77	)
	Outstanding, March 31, 2014			14,537			21,072
	As of March 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding RSUs and PSUs was approximately $0.7 billion and is expected to be recognized over approximately two years.
	The RSUs granted in 2014 have a weighted-average grant date fair value of $47.15 per unit.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Benefits	'
	7	Employee Benefits
	We maintain non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for many of our employees. In addition, we maintain postretirement health care and life insurance plans for our retirees and their dependents, which are both contributory and non-contributory, and include a limit on our share of the cost for certain recent and future retirees. In accordance with our accounting policy for pension and other postretirement benefits, operating expenses include pension and benefit related credits and/or charges based on actuarial assumptions, including projected discount rates and an estimated return on plan assets. These estimates are updated in the fourth quarter or upon a remeasurement event to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions. The adjustment will be recognized in the income statement during the fourth quarter or upon a remeasurement event pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses.
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	The following table summarizes the benefit (income) cost related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans:
	(dollars in millions)		Pension						Health Care and Life
	Three Months Ended March 31,		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost		$	81		$	99		$	65		$	80
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			(2	)		1			(63	)		(62	)
	Expected return on plan assets			(295	)		(311	)		(41	)		(36	)
	Interest cost			259			250			277			274
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	43		$	39		$	238		$	256
	Severance Payments
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we paid severance benefits of $0.2 billion. At March 31, 2014, we had a remaining severance liability of $0.6 billion, a portion of which includes future contractual payments to employees separated as of March 31, 2014.
	Employer Contributions
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we contributed $0.5 billion to our other postretirement benefit plans and $0.2 billion to our qualified pension plans. The contributions to our nonqualified pension plans were not material during the three months ended March 31, 2014. There have been no material changes with respect to the qualified and nonqualified pension contributions in 2014 as previously disclosed in Part II. Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	8	Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Equity
	Changes in the components of Total equity were as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Attributable			Noncontrolling			Total
			to Verizon			Interests			Equity
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	38,836		$	56,580		$	95,416
	Net income			3,947			2,039			5,986
	Other comprehensive loss			(1,068	)		(23	)		(1,091	)
	Comprehensive income			2,879			2,016			4,895
	Issuance of common stock			127			–			127
	Contributed capital			(26,963	)		–			(26,963	)
	Dividends declared			(2,195	)		–			(2,195	)
	Common stock in treasury			167			–			167
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest			–			(55,960	)		(55,960	)
	Distributions and other			(140	)		(1,496	)		(1,636	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	12,711		$	1,140		$	13,851
	The changes in Common stock, Contributed capital and Purchase of noncontrolling interest are primarily due to the completion of the Wireless Transaction on February 21, 2014. See Note 2 for additional information.
	Prior to the closing of the Wireless Transaction, noncontrolling interests included in our condensed consolidated financial statements primarily consisted of Vodafone’s 45% ownership interest in Verizon Wireless. The noncontrolling interests that remain after the completion of the Wireless Transaction primarily relate to wireless partnership entities.
	Common Stock
	As a result of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of Verizon common stock.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The changes in the balances of Accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Foreign currency			Unrealized			Unrealized			Defined benefit			Total
			translation			loss on cash			gain on			pension and
			adjustments			flow hedges			marketable			postretirement
									securities			plans
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	853		$	113		$	117		$	1,275		$	2,358
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			(38	)		25			6			–			(7	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income			(911	)		(108	)		(5	)		(37	)		(1,061	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(949	)		(83	)		1			(37	)		(1,068	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	(96	)	$	30		$	118		$	1,238		$	1,290
	The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive income (loss) are net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, which are not significant. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the amounts reclassified to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments are included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses on our condensed consolidated statement of income and are a result of the completion of the Omnitel Transaction. See Note 2 for additional details. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the amounts reclassified to net income related to defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative expense on our condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, all other amounts reclassified to net income are included in Other income and (expense), net on our condensed consolidated statements of income.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
	9	Segment Information
	Reportable Segments
	We have two reportable segments, which we operate and manage as strategic business units and organize by products and services. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment operating income, consistent with the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance.
	Corporate, eliminations and other includes unallocated corporate expenses, intersegment eliminations recorded in consolidation, the results of other businesses, such as our investments in unconsolidated businesses, pension and other employee benefit related costs, lease financing, as well as other adjustments and gains and losses that are not allocated in assessing segment performance due to their non-operational nature. Although such transactions are excluded from the business segment results, they are included in reported consolidated earnings. Gains and losses that are not individually significant are included in all segment results as these items are included in the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance. Effective January 1, 2014, we have also reclassified the results of certain businesses, such as development stage businesses that support our strategic initiatives, from our Wireline segment to Corporate, eliminations and other. The impact of this reclassification was not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations.
	Our segments and their principal activities consist of the following:
	Segment		Description
	Wireless		Wireless’ communications products and services include wireless voice and data services and equipment sales, which are provided to consumer, business and government customers across the United States.
	Wireline		Wireline’s voice, data and video communications products and enhanced services include broadband video and data, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services. We provide these products and services to consumers in the United States, as well as to carriers, businesses and government customers both in the United States and in over 150 other countries around the world.
	The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2014			2013
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service		$	17,233		$	16,155
	Other service			735			557
	Service revenue			17,968			16,712
	Equipment			1,869			1,809
	Other			1,014			975
	Total Wireless			20,851			19,496
	Wireline
	Consumer retail			3,846			3,616
	Small business			624			635
	Mass Markets			4,470			4,251
	Strategic services			2,101			2,073
	Core			1,500			1,691
	Global Enterprise			3,601			3,764
	Global Wholesale			1,345			1,443
	Other			153			101
	Total Wireline			9,569			9,559
	Total segments			30,420			29,055
	Corporate, eliminations and other			398			365
	Total consolidated – reported		$	30,818		$	29,420
	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless		$	28		$	27
	Wireline			221			271
	Total segments			249			298
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(249	)		(298	)
	Total consolidated – reported		$	–		$	–
	Total Operating Revenues
	Wireless		$	20,879		$	19,523
	Wireline			9,790			9,830
	Total segments			30,669			29,353
	Corporate, eliminations and other			149			67
	Total consolidated – reported		$	30,818		$	29,420
	Operating Income
	Wireless		$	7,318		$	6,418
	Wireline			147			13
	Total segments			7,465			6,431
	Reconciling items			(305	)		(209	)
	Total consolidated – reported		$	7,160		$	6,222
	(dollars in millions)		At March 31,			At December 31,
			2014			2013
	Assets
	Wireless		$	149,178		$	146,429
	Wireline			83,540			84,573
	Total segments			232,718			231,002
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(11,156	)		43,096
	Total consolidated – reported		$	221,562		$	274,098
	Corporate, eliminations and other at December 31, 2013 is primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents which were used to complete the Wireless Transaction on February 21, 2014.
	A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
(dollars in millions)		2014			2013
Total segment operating income		$	7,465		$	6,431
Corporate, eliminations and other			(305	)		(209	)
Total consolidated operating income			7,160			6,222
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses			1,902			(5	)
Other income and (expense), net			(894	)		39
Interest expense			(1,214	)		(537	)
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes		$	6,954		$	5,719
We generally account for intersegment sales of products and services and asset transfers at current market prices. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	10	Commitments and Contingencies
	In the ordinary course of business Verizon is involved in various commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings at the state and federal level. Where it is determined, in consultation with counsel based on litigation and settlement risks, that a loss is probable and estimable in a given matter, the Company establishes an accrual. In none of the currently pending matters is the amount of accrual material. An estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amounts already accrued cannot be made at this time due to various factors typical in contested proceedings, including (1) uncertain damage theories and demands; (2) a less than complete factual record; (3) uncertainty concerning legal theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; and (4) the unpredictable nature of the opposing party and its demands. We continuously monitor these proceedings as they develop and adjust any accrual or disclosure as needed. We do not expect that the ultimate resolution of any pending regulatory or legal matter in future periods, including the Hicksville matter described below, will have a material effect on our financial condition, but it could have a material effect on our results of operations for a given reporting period.
	During 2003, under a government-approved plan, remediation commenced at the site of a former Sylvania facility in Hicksville, New York that processed nuclear fuel rods in the 1950s and 1960s. Remediation beyond original expectations proved to be necessary and a reassessment of the anticipated remediation costs was conducted. A reassessment of costs related to remediation efforts at several other former facilities was also undertaken. In September 2005, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) accepted the Hicksville site into the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This may result in the ACE performing some or all of the remediation effort for the Hicksville site with a corresponding decrease in costs to Verizon. To the extent that the ACE assumes responsibility for remedial work at the Hicksville site, an adjustment to a reserve previously established for the remediation may be made. Adjustments to the reserve may also be made based upon actual conditions discovered during the remediation at this or any other site requiring remediation.
	Verizon is currently involved in approximately 50 federal district court actions alleging that Verizon is infringing various patents. Most of these cases are brought by non-practicing entities and effectively seek only monetary damages; a small number are brought by companies that have sold products and seek injunctive relief as well. These cases have progressed to various stages and a small number may go to trial in the coming 12 months if they are not otherwise resolved.
	In connection with the execution of agreements for the sales of businesses and investments, Verizon ordinarily provides representations and warranties to the purchasers pertaining to a variety of nonfinancial matters, such as ownership of the securities being sold, as well as indemnity from certain financial losses. From time to time, counterparties may make claims under these provisions, and Verizon will seek to defend against those claims and resolve them in the ordinary course of business.
	Subsequent to the sale of Verizon Information Services Canada in 2004, we continue to provide a guarantee to publish directories, which was issued when the directory business was purchased in 2001 and had a 30-year term (before extensions). The preexisting guarantee continues, without modification, despite the subsequent sale of Verizon Information Services Canada and the spin-off of our domestic print and Internet yellow pages directories business. The possible financial impact of the guarantee, which is not expected to be adverse, cannot be reasonably estimated as a variety of the potential outcomes available under the guarantee result in costs and revenues or benefits that may offset each other. We do not believe performance under the guarantee is likely.

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and1

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of Wireless licenses are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	75,747
	Acquisitions (Note 2)		136
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses		79
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other		(3,249	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	72,713
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)	Wireless			Wireline			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	18,376		$	6,258		$	24,634
	Acquisitions (Note 2)		–			13			13
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	18,376		$	6,271		$	24,647
Composition of Other Intangible Assets, Net	'
	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:
		At March 31, 2014								At December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)	Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Amount			Amortization			Amount		Amount		Amortization			Amount
	Customer lists (5 to 13 years)	$	3,640		$	(2,735	)	$	905	$	3,639	$	(2,660	)	$	979
	Non-network internal-use		12,183			(7,600	)		4,583		11,770		(7,317	)		4,453
	software (3 to 7 years)
	Other (2 to 25 years)		662			(311	)		351		691		(323	)		368
	Total	$	16,485		$	(10,646	)	$	5,839	$	16,100	$	(10,300	)	$	5,800
Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets	'
	The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows:
	(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	2014		$       394
	2013		386
Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets	'
	The estimated future amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows:
	Years	(dollars in millions)
	Remainder of 2014		$    1,137
	2015		1,280
	2016		1,039
	2017		852
	2018		688

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Combined Schedule of Current and Noncurrent Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Changes to debt during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Debt Maturing			Long-term			Total
			within One Year			Debt
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	3,933		$	89,658		$	93,591
	Proceeds from long-term borrowings			–			16,952			16,952
	Verizon Notes			–			5,000			5,000
	Preferred Stock			–			1,650			1,650
	Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations			(2,500	)		(5,451	)		(7,951	)
	Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities			252			–			252
	Reclassifications of long-term debt			532			(532	)		–
	Other			(65	)		340			275
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	2,152		$	107,617		$	109,769
Schedule of Notes Repurchased as part of a Tender Offer	'
	On March 10, 2014, we announced the commencement of a tender offer (the Tender Offer) to purchase for cash any and all of the series of notes listed in the following table:
	(dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Purchase		Principal
			Rate						Amount			Price (1)		Amount
									Outstanding					Purchased
	Verizon Communications			6.1	%		2018		$	1,500		$	1,170.07	$	748
				5.5	%		2018			1,500			1,146.91		763
				8.75	%		2018			1,300			1,288.35		564
				5.55	%		2016			1,250			1,093.62		652
				5.5	%		2017			750			1,133.22		353
	Cellco Partnership and			8.5	%		2018			1,000			1,279.63		619
	Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
	Alltel Corporation			7	%		2016			300			1,125.26		157
	GTE Corporation			6.84	%		2018			600			1,196.85		266
														$	4,122
	(1)	Per $1,000 principal amount of notes

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014:
	(dollars in millions)		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)				Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Equity securities		$	383	$	–	$	–			$	383
	Fixed income securities			–		254		–				254
	Other assets:
	Fixed income securities			–		884		–				884
	Cross currency swaps			–		262		–				262
	Interest rate swaps			–		19		–				19
	Total		$	383	$	1,419	$	–			$	1,802
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Cross currency swaps		$	–	$	13	$	–			$	13
	Total		$	–	$	13	$	–			$	13
	(1)	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	(2)	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
	(3)	no observable pricing inputs in the market
Schedule of Fair Value of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases	'
	The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding capital leases, was as follows:
			At March 31, 2014				At December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)		Carrying		Fair Value				Carrying				Fair Value
			Amount						Amount
	Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases		$	109,516	$	122,052			$	93,298			$	103,527

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Restricted and Performance Stock Unit Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit activity:
	(shares in thousands)	Restricted			Performance
		Stock Units			Stock Units
	Outstanding, January 1, 2014		16,193			23,724
	Granted		4,514			6,578
	Payments		(6,116	)		(9,153	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited		(54	)		(77	)
	Outstanding, March 31, 2014		14,537			21,072

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Benefit or (Income) Cost Related to Pension and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance	'
	The following table summarizes the benefit (income) cost related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans:
	(dollars in millions)	Pension						Health Care and Life
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	81		$	99		$	65		$	80
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(2	)		1			(63	)		(62	)
	Expected return on plan assets		(295	)		(311	)		(41	)		(36	)
	Interest cost		259			250			277			274
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	43		$	39		$	238		$	256

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C1

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Changes in Components of Total Equity	'
	Changes in the components of Total equity were as follows:
	(dollars in millions)	Attributable			Noncontrolling			Total
		to Verizon			Interests			Equity
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	38,836		$	56,580		$	95,416
	Net income		3,947			2,039			5,986
	Other comprehensive loss		(1,068	)		(23	)		(1,091	)
	Comprehensive income		2,879			2,016			4,895
	Issuance of common stock		127			–			127
	Contributed capital		(26,963	)		–			(26,963	)
	Dividends declared		(2,195	)		–			(2,195	)
	Common stock in treasury		167			–			167
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest		–			(55,960	)		(55,960	)
	Distributions and other		(140	)		(1,496	)		(1,636	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	12,711		$	1,140		$	13,851
Schedule of Components in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The changes in the balances of Accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:
	(dollars in millions)	Foreign currency			Unrealized			Unrealized			Defined benefit			Total
		translation			loss on cash			gain on			pension and
		adjustments			flow hedges			marketable			postretirement
								securities			plans
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	853		$	113		$	117		$	1,275		$	2,358
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(38	)		25			6			–			(7	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income		(911	)		(108	)		(5	)		(37	)		(1,061	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(949	)		(83	)		1			(37	)		(1,068	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(96	)	$	30		$	118		$	1,238		$	1,290

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments	'
	The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service	$	17,233		$	16,155
	Other service		735			557
	Service revenue		17,968			16,712
	Equipment		1,869			1,809
	Other		1,014			975
	Total Wireless		20,851			19,496
	Wireline
	Consumer retail		3,846			3,616
	Small business		624			635
	Mass Markets		4,470			4,251
	Strategic services		2,101			2,073
	Core		1,500			1,691
	Global Enterprise		3,601			3,764
	Global Wholesale		1,345			1,443
	Other		153			101
	Total Wireline		9,569			9,559
	Total segments		30,420			29,055
	Corporate, eliminations and other		398			365
	Total consolidated – reported	$	30,818		$	29,420
	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless	$	28		$	27
	Wireline		221			271
	Total segments		249			298
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(249	)		(298	)
	Total consolidated – reported	$	–		$	–
	Total Operating Revenues
	Wireless	$	20,879		$	19,523
	Wireline		9,790			9,830
	Total segments		30,669			29,353
	Corporate, eliminations and other		149			67
	Total consolidated – reported	$	30,818		$	29,420
	Operating Income
	Wireless	$	7,318		$	6,418
	Wireline		147			13
	Total segments		7,465			6,431
	Reconciling items		(305	)		(209	)
	Total consolidated – reported	$	7,160		$	6,222
Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Assets	'
	(dollars in millions)	At March 31,			At December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Wireless	$	149,178		$	146,429
	Wireline		83,540			84,573
	Total segments		232,718			231,002
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(11,156	)		43,096
	Total consolidated – reported	$	221,562		$	274,098
Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income	'
	A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Total segment operating income	$	7,465		$	6,431
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(305	)		(209	)
	Total consolidated operating income		7,160			6,222
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses		1,902			(5	)
	Other income and (expense), net		(894	)		39
	Interest expense		(1,214	)		(537	)
	Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	$	6,954		$	5,719

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 28, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted stock units outstanding to purchase shares included in diluted earnings per common share	5,000,000	6,000,000	'
Number of shares of Common stock authorized to be issued	'	'	6,250,000,000
Increase in number of authorized common shares	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares of Common stock authorized to be issued	'	'	2,000,000,000

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 21, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 06, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Sep. 02, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

T-Mobile USA AWS and PCS Wireless licenses agreement

T-Mobile USA AWS and PCS Wireless licenses agreement

T-Mobile Wireless licenses agreement

T-Mobile USA 700 MHz A Block Wireless licenses agreements

Vodafone Omnitel N.V.

Stock Purchase Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

5.143% Class D Cumulative Preferred Stock

5.143% Class E Cumulative Preferred Stock

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of noncontrolling interest by Vodafone Group Plc in Cellco Partnership joint venture

45.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate consideration to complete the Wireless Transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$130,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid to complete the Wireless Transaction

'

58,886,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,890,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate value of common shares issued to Vodafone shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

'

$0.10

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of Verizon Notes

'

'

'

'

5,000,000,000

5,000,000,000

2,500,000,000

2,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Verizon ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Selling price (fair value) of Verizon's equity method investment in Vodafone Omnitel

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other consideration paid to Vodafone

'

1,650,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Shares issued

1,270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax gain on sale of equity interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-Feb-22

'

21-Feb-25

'

Quarterly interest payment start date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-May-14

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%

'

Debt instrument, marginal rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.22%

'

1.37%

Redemption price of notes percentage

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

825,000

825,000

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2020-04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption price, per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividend rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liability attributable to the Wireless Transaction

'

13,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held-for-sale, Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

900,000,000

'

3,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

License purchase and exchange transactions, net cash proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_

Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Wireless Licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$72,713	$75,747	$75,747
Acquisitions (Note 2)	'	'	136
Capitalized interest on wireless licenses	'	'	79
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	'	'	-3,249
Ending balance	$72,713	$75,747	$72,713

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and2

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
T-Mobile USA 700 MHz A Block Wireless licenses agreements	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Current	$3.30
Wireless Licenses	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Wireless licenses under development	$5.50

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_1

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
		Wireless	Wireless	Wireline
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$24,634	$18,376	$18,376	$6,258
Acquisitions (Note 2)	13	'	'	13
Ending balance	$24,647	$18,376	$18,376	$6,271

Composition_of_Other_Intangibl

Composition of Other Intangible Assets Net (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Customer Lists

Customer Lists

Customer Lists

Customer Lists

Non-Network Internal-Use Software

Non-Network Internal-Use Software

Non-Network Internal-Use Software

Non-Network Internal-Use Software

Other Intangibles

Other Intangibles

Other Intangibles

Other Intangibles

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Amount

$16,485

$16,100

$3,640

$3,639

'

'

$12,183

$11,770

'

'

$662

$691

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-10,646

-10,300

-2,735

-2,660

'

'

-7,600

-7,317

'

'

-311

-323

'

'

Net Amount

$5,839

$5,800

$905

$979

'

'

$4,583

$4,453

'

'

$351

$368

'

'

Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'13 years

'

'

'3 years

'7 years

'

'

'2 years

'25 years

Amortization_Expense_for_Other

Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization expense for other intangible assets	$394	$386

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Remainder of 2014	$1,137
2015	1,280
2016	1,039
2017	852
2018	$688

Changes_to_Debt_Detail

Changes to Debt (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at January 1, 2014	$3,933	'
Long-term debt, Balance at January 1, 2014	89,658	'
Total, Balance at January 1, 2014	93,591	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	16,952	500
Verizon Notes	5,000	'
Preferred Stock	1,650	'
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations	-7,951	-73
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	252	581
Other	275	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at March 31, 2014	2,152	'
Long-term debt, Balance at March 31, 2014	107,617	'
Total, Balance at March 31, 2014	109,769	'
Debt Maturing Within One Year	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at January 1, 2014	3,933	'
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations	-2,500	'
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	252	'
Reclassifications of long-term debt	532	'
Other	-65	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at March 31, 2014	2,152	'
Long-term Debt	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, Balance at January 1, 2014	89,658	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	16,952	'
Verizon Notes	5,000	'
Preferred Stock	1,650	'
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations	-5,451	'
Reclassifications of long-term debt	-532	'
Other	340	'
Long-term debt, Balance at March 31, 2014	$107,617	'

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

Verizon Edge

Verizon Edge

Verizon Edge

5.143% Class D Cumulative Preferred Stock

5.143% Class E Cumulative Preferred Stock

Guarantee of Debt Obligations of GTE Corporation

2.375% Notes due 2022

3.25% Notes due 2026

4.75% Notes due 2034

Notes Due Twenty Fifty Four

Fixed Rate And Floating Rate Notes

Floating Rate Notes due 2019

Floating Rate Notes due 2019

2.55% Notes due 2019

3.45% Notes due 2021

4.15% Notes due 2024

5.05% Notes due 2034

8.5% Notes due 2018

8.5% Notes due 2018

0.61% Notes

0.61% Notes

1.95% Notes

Term Loan Agreement

Term Loan Agreement

Term Loan Agreement Maturity 3 Years

Term Loan Agreement Maturity 5 Years

Guarantee Of Debentures And First Mortgage Bonds Of Operating Telephone Company Subsidiaries

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025

6.10% Notes due 2018

6.10% Notes due 2018

5.50% Notes due 2018

5.50% Notes due 2018

8.75% Notes due 2018

8.75% Notes due 2018

5.55% Notes due 2016

5.55% Notes due 2016

5.50% Notes due 2017

5.50% Notes due 2017

7.00% Debentures due 2016

7.00% Debentures due 2016

6.84% Debentures due 2018

6.84% Debentures due 2018

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

USD ($)

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Verizon Wireless

USD ($)

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

USD ($)

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Alltel Corporation

Alltel Corporation

GTE Corporation

GTE Corporation

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

Aggregate principal amount of Verizon Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

€ 1,750,000,000

€ 1,250,000,000

£ 850,000,000

$500,000,000

$4,500,000,000

$500,000,000

'

$500,000,000

$1,000,000,000

$1,250,000,000

$1,250,000,000

'

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000,000

$5,000,000,000

'

$2,500,000,000

'

'

$2,500,000,000

'

'

'

$1,500,000,000

'

$1,500,000,000

'

$1,300,000,000

'

$1,250,000,000

'

$750,000,000

'

$300,000,000

'

$600,000,000

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.38%

3.25%

4.75%

5.90%

'

'

'

2.55%

3.45%

4.15%

5.05%

8.50%

'

'

'

1.95%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.10%

'

5.50%

'

8.75%

'

5.55%

'

5.50%

'

7.00%

'

6.84%

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2022

'2026

'2034

'2054

'

'2019

'

'2019

'2021

'2024

'2034

'2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2018

'

'2018

'

'2018

'

'2016

'

'2017

'

'2016

'

'2018

'

Cash proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issuance costs

5,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

4,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tender offer for notes, expiration date

'

17-Mar-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tender offer for notes, settlement date

'

19-Mar-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR plus 0.77%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 0.61%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, marginal rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.77%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.61%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.22%

'

'

1.37%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of notes repaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,250,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes purchased price of principal amount of note, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

127.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity

'

6,200,000,000

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,600,000,000

'

3,300,000,000

3,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly interest payment start date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-May-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-Feb-22

'

'

21-Feb-25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividend rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

5.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

825,000

825,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'2020-04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption price, per share

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of unused borrowing capacity under credit facility

'

6,100,000,000

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt redemption cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Tender Offer, Principal amount purchased

'

'

4,122,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

619,000,000

600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

748,000,000

700,000,000

763,000,000

800,000,000

564,000,000

600,000,000

652,000,000

700,000,000

353,000,000

400,000,000

157,000,000

200,000,000

266,000,000

300,000,000

Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations

'

109,769,000,000

'

93,591,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of months over which a customer with a Verizon Edge plan can pay for their phone

'

'

'

'

'

'

'24 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum number of days before a customer becomes eligible to upgrade their phone to a new phone under Verizon Edge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of required device payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tender_Offer_to_Purchase_for_C

Tender Offer to Purchase for Cash Any And All of Series Of Notes (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 10, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Principal Amount Purchased	$4,122		'
Verizon Communications | 6.10% Notes due 2018	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	6.10%		'
Maturity	'2018		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	1,500		'
Purchase Price	1,170.07	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	748		700
Verizon Communications | 5.50% Notes due 2018	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	5.50%		'
Maturity	'2018		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	1,500		'
Purchase Price	1,146.91	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	763		800
Verizon Communications | 8.75% Notes due 2018	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	8.75%		'
Maturity	'2018		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	1,300		'
Purchase Price	1,288.35	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	564		600
Verizon Communications | 5.55% Notes due 2016	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	5.55%		'
Maturity	'2016		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	1,250		'
Purchase Price	1,093.62	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	652		700
Verizon Communications | 5.50% Notes due 2017	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	5.50%		'
Maturity	'2017		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	750		'
Purchase Price	1,133.22	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	353		400
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC | 8.5% Notes due 2018	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	8.50%		'
Maturity	'2018		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	1,000		'
Purchase Price	1,279.63	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	619		600
Alltel Corporation | 7.00% Debentures due 2016	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	7.00%		'
Maturity	'2016		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	300		'
Purchase Price	1,125.26	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	157		200
GTE Corporation | 6.84% Debentures due 2018	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Interest Rate	6.84%		'
Maturity	'2018		'
Principal Amount Outstanding	600		'
Purchase Price	1,196.85	[1]	'
Principal Amount Purchased	$266		$300
[1]	Per $1,000 principal amount of notes

Schedule_of_Assets_and_Liabili

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	$1,802
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	13
Short-term Investments | Equity Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	383
Short-term Investments | Fixed Income Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	254
Other Assets | Fixed Income Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	884
Other Assets | Cross Currency Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	262
Other Assets | Interest Rate Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	19
Other Liabilities | Cross Currency Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	13
Level 1	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	383	[1]
Level 1 | Short-term Investments | Equity Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	383	[1]
Level 2	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	1,419	[2]
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	13	[2]
Level 2 | Short-term Investments | Fixed Income Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	254	[2]
Level 2 | Other Assets | Fixed Income Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	884	[2]
Level 2 | Other Assets | Cross Currency Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	262	[2]
Level 2 | Other Assets | Interest Rate Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	19	[2]
Level 2 | Other Liabilities | Cross Currency Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	$13	[2]
[1]	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
[2]	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Fair_Value_of_Short_Term_and_L

Fair Value of Short Term and Long Term Debt Excluding Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	$109,769	$93,591
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Excluding Capital Leases	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	109,516	93,298
Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure | Excluding Capital Leases	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	$122,052	$103,527

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 29, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Forward Interest Rate Swaps	Forward Interest Rate Swaps	Forward Interest Rate Swaps	Previously Issued Cross Currency Swaps	Cross Currency Swaps	Cross Currency Swaps	Cross Currency Swaps	Interest Rate Swaps
			Subsequent Event
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount	$0.90	$2	$1.60	'	'	'	'	$1.80
Proceeds from other debt	'	'	'	1.6	5.4	'	'	'
Fair value of cross currency swaps	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.2	'
Pre-tax gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive loss	'	'	'	'	'	($0.10)	'	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Maximum number of shares available for awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan	119.6
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of RSUs and PSUs	$0.70
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of RSUs and PSUs (in years)	'2 years
Restricted Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weighted average grant date fair value per unit	$47.15

Restricted_and_Performance_Sto

Restricted and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	16,193
Granted	4,514
Payments	-6,116
Cancelled/Forfeited	-54
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	14,537
Performance Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	23,724
Granted	6,578
Payments	-9,153
Cancelled/Forfeited	-77
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	21,072

Benefit_or_Income_Cost_Related

Benefit or Income Cost Related to Pension and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$81	$99
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-2	1
Expected return on plan assets	-295	-311
Interest cost	259	250
Net periodic benefit cost	43	39
Health Care And Life	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	65	80
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-63	-62
Expected return on plan assets	-41	-36
Interest cost	277	274
Net periodic benefit cost	$238	$256

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Amount paid in severance benefits over the period	$0.20
Post employment benefits liability	0.6
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer	0.5
Qualified pension plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer	$0.20

Changes_in_Components_of_Total

Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	$95,416	'
Net Income	5,986	4,855
Other comprehensive loss	-1,091	'
Total Comprehensive Income	4,895	4,664
Issuance of common stock	127	'
Contributed capital	-26,963	'
Dividends declared	-2,195	'
Common stock in treasury	167	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	-55,960	'
Distributions and other	-1,636	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	13,851	'
Verizon	'	'
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	38,836	'
Net Income	3,947	'
Other comprehensive loss	-1,068	'
Total Comprehensive Income	2,879	'
Issuance of common stock	127	'
Contributed capital	-26,963	'
Dividends declared	-2,195	'
Common stock in treasury	167	'
Distributions and other	-140	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	12,711	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'	'
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	56,580	'
Net Income	2,039	'
Other comprehensive loss	-23	'
Total Comprehensive Income	2,016	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	-55,960	'
Distributions and other	-1,496	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	$1,140	'

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C2

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 21, 2014
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'
Percentage of noncontrolling interest by Vodafone Group Plc in Verizon Wireless joint venture	45.00%
Common Shares issued	1.27

Changes_in_Balances_of_Accumul

Changes in Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	$2,358	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-7	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	-1,061	'
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	-1,068	-179
Balance at March 31, 2014	1,290	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	853	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-38	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	-911	'
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	-949	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	-96	'
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	113	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	-108	'
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	-83	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	30	'
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	117	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	-5	'
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	1	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	118	'
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	1,275	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	-37	'
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Verizon	-37	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	$1,238	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'
Number of customers individually accounting for more than ten percent of total operating revenues	'No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues	'No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues
Sales	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage maximum accounted for	10.00%	10.00%
Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Number of countries outside the United States of America to which our Wireline segment provides products and services	150	'

Operating_Financial_Informatio

Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	$30,818	$29,420
Operating income	7,160	6,222
Wireless	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	20,879	19,523
Operating income	7,318	6,418
Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	9,790	9,830
Operating income	147	13
Total Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	30,669	29,353
Operating income	7,465	6,431
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	149	67
Reconciling Items	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income	-305	-209
External Operating Revenues	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	30,818	29,420
External Operating Revenues | Wireless	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	20,851	19,496
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue Retail Service	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	17,233	16,155
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue Other Service	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	735	557
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	17,968	16,712
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Equipment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,869	1,809
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,014	975
External Operating Revenues | Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	9,569	9,559
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets Consumer Retail	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	3,846	3,616
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets Small Business	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	624	635
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	4,470	4,251
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise Strategic Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	2,101	2,073
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise Core	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,500	1,691
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	3,601	3,764
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Wholesale	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,345	1,443
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	153	101
External Operating Revenues | Total Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	30,420	29,055
External Operating Revenues | Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	398	365
Intersegment Revenues | Wireless	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	28	27
Intersegment Revenues | Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	221	271
Intersegment Revenues | Total Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	249	298
Intersegment Revenues | Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	($249)	($298)

Reconciliation_of_Segment_Asse

Reconciliation of Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$221,562	$274,098
Operating Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	232,718	231,002
Operating Segments | Wireless	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	149,178	146,429
Operating Segments | Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	83,540	84,573
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	($11,156)	$43,096

Reconciliation_of_Total_Report

Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments Operating Income to Consolidated Income before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income	$7,160	$6,222
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses	1,902	-5
Other income and (expense), net	-894	39
Interest expense	-1,214	-537
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	6,954	5,719
Operating Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income	7,465	6,431
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income	($305)	($209)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Approximate number of federal district court actions alleged for patent infringement	50
Guarantee obligations, year term (in years)	'30 years