Verizon Communications (VZ) 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
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	4,149,723,706

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Revenues	$31,586	$30,279	$93,887	$89,485
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of items shown below)	12,252	10,960	35,528	32,925
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,277	8,037	24,159	24,232
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,167	4,154	12,465	12,423
Total Operating Expenses	24,696	23,151	72,152	69,580
Operating Income	6,890	7,128	21,735	19,905
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses	-48	19	1,811	134
Other income and (expense), net	71	20	-757	84
Interest expense	-1,255	-555	-3,633	-1,606
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	5,658	6,612	19,156	18,517
Provision for income taxes	-1,864	-1,034	-5,052	-2,886
Net Income	3,794	5,578	14,104	15,631
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	99	3,346	2,248	9,201
Net income attributable to Verizon	3,695	2,232	11,856	6,430
Net income	$3,794	$5,578	$14,104	$15,631
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Verizon	$0.89	$0.78	$3.03	$2.24
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	4,152	2,866	3,912	2,866
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Verizon	$0.89	$0.78	$3.03	$2.24
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	4,159	2,874	3,919	2,874
Dividends declared per common share	$0.55	$0.53	$1.61	$1.56

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$3,794	$5,578	$14,104	$15,631
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-114	140	-1,054	4
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	153	6	-11	-12
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	-13	14	-1	-1
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans	-39	-36	-117	-108
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	-13	124	-1,183	-117
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	4	-23	-11
Total Comprehensive Income	3,781	5,706	12,898	15,503
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	99	3,350	2,225	9,190
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	3,682	2,356	10,673	6,313
Total Comprehensive Income	$3,781	$5,706	$12,898	$15,503

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,218	$53,528
Short-term investments	635	601
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $646 and $645	13,283	12,439
Inventories	1,206	1,020
Prepaid expenses and other	2,431	3,406
Total current assets	24,773	70,994
Plant, property and equipment	230,452	220,865
Less accumulated depreciation	140,520	131,909
Plant, property and equipment, net	89,932	88,956
Investments in unconsolidated businesses	818	3,432
Wireless licenses	75,303	75,747
Goodwill	24,617	24,634
Other intangible assets, net	5,738	5,800
Other assets	5,112	4,535
Total assets	226,293	274,098
Current liabilities	'	'
Debt maturing within one year	1,603	3,933
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,055	16,453
Other	8,231	6,664
Total current liabilities	26,889	27,050
Long-term debt	107,627	89,658
Employee benefit obligations	25,770	27,682
Deferred income taxes	42,289	28,639
Other liabilities	5,750	5,653
Equity	'	'
Series preferred stock ($.10 par value; none issued)	0	0
Common stock ($.10 par value; 4,242,374,240 and 2,967,610,119 shares issued in each period, respectively)	424	297
Contributed capital	11,089	37,939
Reinvested earnings	6,964	1,782
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,175	2,358
Common stock in treasury, at cost	-3,465	-3,961
Deferred compensation - employee stock ownership plans and other	390	421
Noncontrolling interests	1,391	56,580
Total equity	17,968	95,416
Total liabilities and equity	$226,293	$274,098

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowances	$646	$645
Series preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Series preferred stock, issued	0	0
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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$14,104	$15,631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	12,465	12,423
Employee retirement benefits	843	649
Deferred income taxes	914	3,011
Provision for uncollectible accounts	684	746
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received	-1,785	-100
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses	-816	-1,078
Other, net	-3,252	-2,895
Net cash provided by operating activities	23,157	28,387
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'
Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)	-12,624	-11,807
Acquisitions of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired	-180	-81
Acquisitions of wireless licenses	-343	-430
Proceeds from dispositions of wireless licenses	2,367	2,111
Proceeds from dispositions of businesses	120	'
Other, net	230	184
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,430	-10,023
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	21,575	49,166
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-12,594	-2,392
Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	-426	-324
Dividends paid	-5,653	-4,420
Proceeds from sale of common stock	34	76
Purchase of common stock for treasury	'	-153
Special distribution to noncontrolling interest	'	-3,150
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-58,886	'
Other, net	-3,087	-3,550
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-59,037	35,253
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-46,310	53,617
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,528	3,093
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$7,218	$56,710

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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.
	Revenue Recognition
	We offer new and existing customers the option to participate in Verizon Edge, a program that provides eligible wireless customers with the ability to pay for handsets under an equipment installment plan. Under the Verizon Edge program, customers have the right to upgrade their handset after a minimum of 30 days, subject to certain conditions, including making a stated portion of the required device payments, trading in their handset in good working condition and signing a new contract with Verizon. Upon upgrade, the outstanding balance of the equipment installment plan is exchanged for the used handset. This trade-in right is accounted for as a guarantee obligation.
	Verizon Edge is a multiple-element arrangement typically consisting of the trade-in right, handset and monthly wireless service. At the inception of the arrangement, the amount allocable to the delivered units of accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of the monthly wireless service (the noncontingent amount). The full amount of the trade-in right’s fair value (not an allocated value) will be recognized as the guarantee liability and the remaining allocable consideration will be allocated to the handset. The value of the guarantee liability effectively results in a reduction to revenue recognized for the sale of the handset. The guarantee liability is measured at fair value upon initial recognition based on assumptions lacking observable pricing inputs 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 estimated fair value of the phone at the time of trade-in and therefore is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. When the customer trades-in their used phone, the handset received is recorded to inventory and measured as the difference between the remaining equipment installment plan balance at the time of trade-in and the guarantee liability. The guarantee liability may increase after initial recognition as a result of changes in facts or assumptions and we will account for any increase in the guarantee liability with a corresponding decrease to revenue. The subsequent derecognition of the guarantee liability occurs when the guarantor is released from risk, which will occur at the earlier of the time the trade-in right is exercised or expires.
	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 7 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. There were a total of approximately 8 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. There were no outstanding options to purchase shares that would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2014. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	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.
	Recent Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the accounting standard update related to the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity was issued. This standard update changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and enhances convergence of the reporting requirements for discontinued operations. As a result of this standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2015; however, earlier adoption is permitted.
	In May 2014, the accounting standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. This standard update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements. Upon adoption of this standard update, we expect that the allocation and timing of revenue recognition will be impacted. We expect to adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2017.
	There are two adoption methods available for implementation of the standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under one method, the guidance is applied retrospectively to contracts for each reporting period presented, subject to allowable practical expedients. Under the other method, the guidance is applied to contracts not completed as of the date of initial application, recognizing the cumulative effect of the change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings, and also requires additional disclosures comparing the results to the previous guidance. We are currently evaluating these adoption methods and the impact that this standard update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the accounting standard update related to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period was issued. The standard update resolves the diverse accounting treatment for these share-based payments by requiring that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. We will adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.9 billion on the disposal of the Omnitel interest in Equity in earnings (losses) 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 second quarter of 2014, we completed license exchange transactions with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile USA) to exchange certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) and Personal Communication Services (PCS) licenses. The exchange included a number of swaps that we expect will result in more efficient use of the AWS and PCS bands. As a result of these exchanges, we received $0.9 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded an immaterial gain.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we completed transactions pursuant to two additional agreements with T-Mobile USA with respect to our remaining 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses. Under one agreement, we sold certain of these licenses to T-Mobile USA in exchange for cash consideration of approximately $2.4 billion, and under the second agreement we exchanged the remainder of our 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses as well as AWS and PCS spectrum licenses for AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result, we received $1.6 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.7 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our condensed consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	During September 2014, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of AT&T Inc. to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. This non-cash exchange, which is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2015. Upon completion of the transaction, we expect to record an immaterial gain.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we acquired various other wireless licenses and markets for cash consideration that was not significant.
	Wireline
	On July 1, 2014, we sold a non-strategic Wireline business, which provides communications solutions to a variety of government agencies, for net cash proceeds of $0.1 billion and recorded an immaterial gain.
	Other
	During February 2014, Verizon acquired a business dedicated to the development of Internet Protocol (IP) television for cash consideration that was not significant.
	On October 7, 2014, Redbox Instant by Verizon, a venture between Verizon and Redbox Automated Retail, LLC (Redbox), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Outerwall Inc., ceased providing service to its customers. In accordance with an agreement between the parties, Redbox withdrew from the venture on October 20, 2014 and Verizon will wind down and dissolve the venture during the next few months. As a result of the termination of the venture, we expect to record a pre-tax loss of approximately $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)			438
	Dispositions (Note 2)			(1,978	)
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses			162
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other			934
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	75,303
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other includes the exchanges of wireless licenses in 2014 as well as $0.3 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 September 30, 2014 (see Note 2 for additional details).
	At September 30, 2014, approximately $2.2 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)			15			10			25
	Dispositions (Note 2)			–			(38	)		(38	)
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other			–			(4	)		(4	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	18,391		$	6,226		$	24,617
	Other Intangible Assets
	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:
			At September 30, 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)		$	3,634		$	(2,870	)	$	764		$	3,639	$	(2,660	)	$	979
	Non-network internal-use software (3 to 7 years)			12,841			(8,183	)		4,658			11,770		(7,317	)		4,453
	Other (2 to 25 years)			665			(349	)		316			691		(323	)		368
	Total		$	17,140		$	(11,402	)	$	5,738		$	16,100	$	(10,300	)	$	5,800
	The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows:
	(dollars in millions)		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,			September 30,
	2014			$       391			$       1,178
	2013			398			1,183
	The estimated future amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows:
	Years		(dollars in millions)
	Remainder of 2014			$          401
	2015			1,379
	2016			1,145
	2017			959
	2018			795

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt	'
	4	Debt
	Changes to debt during the nine months ended September 30, 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			–			21,575			21,575
	Verizon Notes			–			5,000			5,000
	Preferred Stock			–			1,650			1,650
	Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations			(3,363	)		(9,231	)		(12,594	)
	Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities			(426	)		–			(426	)
	Reclassifications of long-term debt			1,097			(1,097	)		–
	Other			362			72			434
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,603		$	107,627		$	109,230
	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 Verizon Wireless Capital LLC			8.5	%		2018			1,000			1,279.63		619
	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.
	During September 2014, we issued $0.9 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.8% Notes due 2044. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $0.9 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Also, during September 2014, we redeemed $0.8 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 1.25% Notes due November 2014 and recorded an immaterial amount of early debt redemption costs.
	On October 22, 2014, we sold $6.5 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes, which are expected to settle on October 29, 2014. We expect to receive cash proceeds of approximately $6.425 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The sale consisted of the following: $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.00% Notes due 2021, $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Notes due 2024, and $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.40% Notes due 2034. The net proceeds from the offering will be used to redeem (i) in whole the following series of outstanding notes which have been called for early redemption in November 2014: Verizon 4.90% Notes due 2015, Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, Verizon 3.00% Notes due 2016, Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018; and (ii) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 2.50% Notes due 2016. Any proceeds not used for the redemption of these notes will be used for general corporate purposes.
	May Exchange Offer
	On May 29, 2014, we announced the commencement of a private exchange offer (the May Exchange Offer) to exchange up to all Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC’s £0.6 billion outstanding aggregate principal amount of 8.875% Notes due 2018 (the 2018 Old Notes) for Verizon’s new sterling-denominated Notes due 2024 (the New Notes) and an amount of cash. This exchange offer has been accounted for as a modification of debt. In connection with the May Exchange Offer, which expired on June 25, 2014, we issued £0.7 billion aggregate principal of New Notes and made a cash payment of £22 million in exchange for £0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of tendered 2018 Old Notes. The New Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.073% per annum.
	Concurrent with the issuance of the New Notes, we entered into cross currency swaps to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars (see Note 6).
	July Exchange Offers
	On July 23, 2014, we announced the commencement of eleven separate private offers to exchange (the July Exchange Offers) specified series of outstanding Notes issued by Verizon and Alltel Corporation (collectively, the Old Notes) for new Notes to be issued by Verizon. The July Exchange Offers have been accounted for as a modification of debt. On August 21, 2014, Verizon issued $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.625% Notes due 2020 (the 2020 New Notes), $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.862% Notes due 2046 (the 2046 New Notes) and $5.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.012% Notes due 2054 (the 2054 New Notes) in satisfaction of the exchange offer consideration on tendered Old Notes (not including accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes). The following tables list the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers and the principal amount of each such series accepted by Verizon for exchange.
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2020 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications			3.65	%		2018		$	4,750		$	2,052
				2.5	%		2016			4,250			1,068
												$	3,120
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2046 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications			6.4	%		2033		$	6,000		$	1,645
				7.75	%		2030			2,000			794
				7.35	%		2039			1,000			520
				7.75	%		2032			400			149
	Alltel Corporation			7.875	%		2032			700			248
				6.8	%		2029			300			65
												$	3,421
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2054 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
			Outstanding						Accepted
									For
									Exchange
Verizon Communications			6.55	%		2043		$	15,000		$	4,330
			6.4	%		2038			1,750			–
			6.9	%		2038			1,250			–
											$	4,330
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 had a maturity of three years (the 3-Year Loans) and $3.3 billion of the loans under the term loan agreement had 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.
During June 2014, we issued $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed and floating rate notes resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $3.3 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The issuances consisted of the following: $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Notes due 2017 that will bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.40% which will be reset quarterly and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.35% Notes due 2017. We used the net proceeds from the offering of these notes to repay the 3-Year Loans on June 12, 2014.
During July 2014, we amended the term loan agreement, settled the outstanding $3.3 billion of 5-Year Loans and borrowed $3.3 billion of new loans. The new loans mature in July 2019, bear interest at a lower interest rate and require lower amortization payments in 2017 and 2018. In connection with the transaction, which primarily settled on a net basis, we recorded approximately $0.5 billion of proceeds from long-term borrowings and of repayments of long-term borrowings, 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
On July 31, 2014, we amended our $6.2 billion credit facility to increase the availability to $8.0 billion and extend the maturity to July 31, 2018. At the same time, we terminated our $2.0 billion 364-day revolving credit agreement. As of September 30, 2014, the unused borrowing capacity under this credit facility was approximately $7.9 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 notes pursuant to the Tender Offer: $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 6.10% Notes due 2018, $0.8 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2018, $0.6 billion of the then outstanding $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion of the then outstanding $0.75 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.6 billion of the then outstanding $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, $0.2 billion of the then outstanding $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.3 billion of the then outstanding $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation 6.84% Debentures due 2018.
We recognize early debt redemption costs in Other income and (expense), net on our condensed consolidated statement of income.
Guarantees
We guarantee the debentures and first mortgage bonds of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2014, $3.1 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remained 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 September 30, 2014, $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remain outstanding.
Debt Covenants
We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

Wireless_Equipment_Installment

Wireless Equipment Installment Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Wireless Equipment Installment Plans	'
	5	Wireless Equipment Installment Plans
	We offer new and existing customers the option to participate in Verizon Edge, a program that provides eligible wireless customers with the ability to pay for their handset over a period of time (an equipment installment plan) and the right to upgrade their handset after a minimum of 30 days, subject to certain conditions, including making a stated portion of the required device payments, trading in their handset in good working condition and signing a new contract with Verizon. At September 30, 2014, the guarantee liability related to this program was approximately $0.7 billion.
	At the time of sale, we impute risk adjusted interest on the receivables associated with Verizon Edge. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within Other income and (expense), net on our condensed consolidated statements of income, is recognized over the financed installment term.
	We assess the collectability of our Verizon Edge receivables based upon a variety of factors, including the credit quality of the customer base, payment trends and other qualitative factors. The current portion of our receivables related to Verizon Edge included in Accounts receivable was $1.4 billion at September 30, 2014 and was not material at December 31, 2013. The long-term portion of the equipment installment plan receivables included in Other assets was $0.6 billion at September 30, 2014 and was not material at December 31, 2013.
	The credit profiles of our customers with a Verizon Edge plan are similar to those of our customers with a traditional subsidized plan. Customers with a credit profile which carries a higher risk are required to make a down payment for equipment financed through Verizon Edge.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
	6	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:
	(dollars in millions)		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Equity securities		$	388	$	–	$	–	$	388
	Fixed income securities			–		247		–		247
	Other assets:
	Fixed income securities			–		908		–		908
	Interest rate swaps			–		44		–		44
	Cross currency swaps			–		9		–		9
	Total		$	388	$	1,208	$	–	$	1,596
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Forward interest rate swaps		$	–	$	138	$	–	$	138
	Cross currency swaps and other			–		123		–		123
	Total		$	–	$	261	$	–	$	261
	(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 nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2014				At December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount				Amount
	Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases		$	108,685	$	121,972	$	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	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 first and second quarters of 2014, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with total notional values of $0.9 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. During the third quarter of 2014, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $0.8 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges.
	In October 2014, we settled $1.25 billion of forward interest rate swaps.
	Cross Currency Swaps
	During the first quarter of 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.
	During the second quarter of 2014, in connection with the May Exchange Offer, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $1.2 billion of 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.
	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. In June 2014, we settled $0.8 billion of these cross currency swaps as part of the Exchange Offer and the gains with respect to these swaps were not material.
	A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive income (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 $0.1 billion at September 30, 2014 and was not material at December 31, 2013. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion and an immaterial pre-tax loss, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, a pre-tax gain of $0.1 billion and an immaterial pre-tax loss, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	7	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			5,041			7,080
	Payments			(6,165	)		(9,153	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited			(229	)		(252	)
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014			14,840			21,399
	As of September 30, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding RSUs and PSUs was approximately $0.5 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 $47.19 per unit.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Benefits	'
	8	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 (Income) 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 September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost		$	82		$	99		$	65		$	79
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			(2	)		2			(63	)		(62	)
	Expected return on plan assets			(296	)		(311	)		(41	)		(36	)
	Interest cost			259			251			277			273
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	43		$	41		$	238		$	254
	(dollars in millions)		Pension						Health Care and Life
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost		$	245		$	296		$	194		$	238
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			(6	)		5			(190	)		(185	)
	Expected return on plan assets			(886	)		(933	)		(122	)		(108	)
	Interest cost			777			752			831			821
	Remeasurement gain, net			–			(237	)		–			–
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost		$	130		$	(117	)	$	713		$	766
	Pension Remeasurement
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded net pre-tax pension remeasurement credits of approximately $0.2 billion, in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur. The pension remeasurement credits relate to settlements for employees who received lump-sum distributions. The credits were primarily driven by an approximately 75 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities of one of our pension plans. The change in discount rate resulted in a gain of $0.3 billion, partially offset by a loss resulting from the difference between our expected return on assets assumption of 7.5% at December 31, 2012 and our annualized actual return on assets of 7.2% at June 30, 2013, as well as other losses ($0.1 billion). Our weighted-average discount rate assumption increased from 4.2% at December 31, 2012 to 5.0% at June 30, 2013.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, as a result of the settlements noted above, we performed a pension remeasurement in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur. This remeasurement was not material to our condensed consolidated statement of income for the period.
	During October 2014, the Society of Actuaries finalized new actuarial tables for applying mortality assumptions to measure qualified defined benefit plan and other post-employment benefit obligations. We are currently evaluating the impact these new tables may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which may be material.
	Severance Payments
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we paid severance benefits of $0.1 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively. At September 30, 2014, we had a remaining severance liability of $0.4 billion, a portion of which includes future contractual payments to employees separated as of September 30, 2014.
	Employer Contributions
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we contributed $0.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, to our other postretirement benefit plans. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we contributed $0.7 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, to our qualified pension plans. The contributions to our nonqualified pension plans were $0.1 billion during the three and nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	9	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			11,856			2,248			14,104
	Other comprehensive loss			(1,183	)		(23	)		(1,206	)
	Comprehensive income			10,673			2,225			12,898
	Issuance of common stock			127			–			127
	Contributed capital			(26,850	)		–			(26,850	)
	Dividends declared			(6,674	)		–			(6,674	)
	Common stock in treasury			496			–			496
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest			–			(55,960	)		(55,960	)
	Distributions and other			(31	)		(1,454	)		(1,485	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	16,577		$	1,391		$	17,968
	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.
	Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareowner plans, including 8.1 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which had an aggregate value of $0.4 billion.
	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			loss 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)			(143	)		99			14			–			(30	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income			(911	)		(110	)		(15	)		(117	)		(1,153	)
	Net other comprehensive loss			(1,054	)		(11	)		(1	)		(117	)		(1,183	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	(201	)	$	102		$	116		$	1,158		$	1,175
	The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive loss are net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, which are not significant. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the amounts reclassified to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments are included in Equity in earnings (losses) 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, the amounts reclassified to net income related to defined benefit pension and postretirement plans were included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative expense on our condensed consolidated statement of income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, all other amounts reclassified to net income were included in Other income and (expense), net on our condensed consolidated statement of income.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
	10	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 the historical results of divested operations and 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.
	On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment divested a non-strategic business (see Note 2). Accordingly, the historical Wireline results for these operations have been reclassified to Corporate, eliminations and other to reflect comparable segment operating results.
	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						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(dollars in millions)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service		$	17,543		$	16,764		$	52,052		$	49,327
	Other service			794			737			2,313			1,950
	Service revenue			18,337			17,501			54,365			51,277
	Equipment			2,479			1,921			6,735			5,679
	Other			991			952			3,011			2,866
	Total Wireless			21,807			20,374			64,111			59,822
	Wireline
	Consumer retail			3,902			3,735			11,606			11,020
	Small business			613			637			1,858			1,907
	Mass Markets			4,515			4,372			13,464			12,927
	Strategic services			2,068			2,044			6,207			6,055
	Core			1,315			1,490			4,097			4,575
	Global Enterprise			3,383			3,534			10,304			10,630
	Global Wholesale			1,307			1,374			3,979			4,230
	Other			119			109			366			321
	Total Wireline			9,324			9,389			28,113			28,108
	Total segments			31,131			29,763			92,224			87,930
	Corporate, eliminations and other			455			516			1,663			1,555
	Total consolidated – reported		$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless		$	28		$	25		$	86		$	76
	Wireline			252			268			756			804
	Total segments			280			293			842			880
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(280	)		(293	)		(842	)		(880	)
	Total consolidated – reported		$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–
	Total Operating Revenues
	Wireless		$	21,835		$	20,399		$	64,197		$	59,898
	Wireline			9,576			9,657			28,869			28,912
	Total segments			31,411			30,056			93,066			88,810
	Reconciling items			175			223			821			675
	Total consolidated – reported		$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
	Operating Income
	Wireless		$	6,955		$	6,886		$	21,258		$	19,768
	Wireline			225			147			619			216
	Total segments			7,180			7,033			21,877			19,984
	Reconciling items			(290	)		95			(142	)		(79	)
	Total consolidated – reported		$	6,890		$	7,128		$	21,735		$	19,905
	(dollars in millions)		At September 30,			At December 31,
			2014			2013
	Assets
	Wireless		$	158,443		$	146,429
	Wireline			80,135			84,573
	Total segments			238,578			231,002
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(12,285	)		43,096
	Total consolidated – reported		$	226,293		$	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 segment operating revenues to consolidated operating revenues is as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
September 30,					September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2014			2013			2014			2013
Total segment operating revenues		$	31,411		$	30,056		$	93,066		$	88,810
Impact of divested operations (Note 2)			–			157			256			466
Corporate, eliminations and other			175			66			565			209
Total consolidated operating revenues		$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
(dollars in millions)		2014			2013			2014			2013
Total segment operating income		$	7,180		$	7,033		$	21,877		$	19,984
Gain on spectrum license transactions (Note 2)			–			278			707			278
Pension remeasurement (Note 8)			–			–			–			237
Impact of divested operations (Note 2)			–			8			12			26
Corporate, eliminations and other			(290	)		(191	)		(861	)		(620	)
Total consolidated operating income			6,890			7,128			21,735			19,905
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses			(48	)		19			1,811			134
Other income and (expense), net			71			20			(757	)		84
Interest expense			(1,255	)		(555	)		(3,633	)		(1,606	)
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes		$	5,658		$	6,612		$	19,156		$	18,517
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	11	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 70 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.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We offer new and existing customers the option to participate in Verizon Edge, a program that provides eligible wireless customers with the ability to pay for handsets under an equipment installment plan. Under the Verizon Edge program, customers have the right to upgrade their handset after a minimum of 30 days, subject to certain conditions, including making a stated portion of the required device payments, trading in their handset in good working condition and signing a new contract with Verizon. Upon upgrade, the outstanding balance of the equipment installment plan is exchanged for the used handset. This trade-in right is accounted for as a guarantee obligation.
	Verizon Edge is a multiple-element arrangement typically consisting of the trade-in right, handset and monthly wireless service. At the inception of the arrangement, the amount allocable to the delivered units of accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of the monthly wireless service (the noncontingent amount). The full amount of the trade-in right’s fair value (not an allocated value) will be recognized as the guarantee liability and the remaining allocable consideration will be allocated to the handset. The value of the guarantee liability effectively results in a reduction to revenue recognized for the sale of the handset. The guarantee liability is measured at fair value upon initial recognition based on assumptions lacking observable pricing inputs 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 estimated fair value of the phone at the time of trade-in and therefore is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. When the customer trades-in their used phone, the handset received is recorded to inventory and measured as the difference between the remaining equipment installment plan balance at the time of trade-in and the guarantee liability. The guarantee liability may increase after initial recognition as a result of changes in facts or assumptions and we will account for any increase in the guarantee liability with a corresponding decrease to revenue. The subsequent derecognition of the guarantee liability occurs when the guarantor is released from risk, which will occur at the earlier of the time the trade-in right is exercised or expires.

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and1

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)		438
	Dispositions (Note 2)		(1,978	)
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses		162
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other		934
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	75,303
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)		15			10			25
	Dispositions (Note 2)		–			(38	)		(38	)
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other		–			(4	)		(4	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	18,391		$	6,226		$	24,617
Composition of Other Intangible Assets, Net	'
	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:
		At September 30, 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)	$	3,634		$	(2,870	)	$	764		$	3,639	$	(2,660	)	$	979
	Non-network internal-use software (3 to 7 years)		12,841			(8,183	)		4,658			11,770		(7,317	)		4,453
	Other (2 to 25 years)		665			(349	)		316			691		(323	)		368
	Total	$	17,140		$	(11,402	)	$	5,738		$	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			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
	2014		$       391			$       1,178
	2013		398			1,183
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		$          401
	2015		1,379
	2016		1,145
	2017		959
	2018		795

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Combined Schedule of Current and Noncurrent Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Changes to debt during the nine months ended September 30, 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			–			21,575			21,575
	Verizon Notes			–			5,000			5,000
	Preferred Stock			–			1,650			1,650
	Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations			(3,363	)		(9,231	)		(12,594	)
	Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities			(426	)		–			(426	)
	Reclassifications of long-term debt			1,097			(1,097	)		–
	Other			362			72			434
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,603		$	107,627		$	109,230
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 Verizon Wireless Capital LLC			8.5	%		2018			1,000			1,279.63		619
	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
Schedule of Notes Included in Exchange Offer	'
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2020 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications			3.65	%		2018		$	4,750		$	2,052
				2.5	%		2016			4,250			1,068
												$	3,120
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2046 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications			6.4	%		2033		$	6,000		$	1,645
				7.75	%		2030			2,000			794
				7.35	%		2039			1,000			520
				7.75	%		2032			400			149
	Alltel Corporation			7.875	%		2032			700			248
				6.8	%		2029			300			65
												$	3,421
	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2054 New Notes:
	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications			6.55	%		2043		$	15,000		$	4,330
				6.4	%		2038			1,750			–
				6.9	%		2038			1,250			–
												$	4,330

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014:
	(dollars in millions)		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Equity securities		$	388	$	–	$	–	$	388
	Fixed income securities			–		247		–		247
	Other assets:
	Fixed income securities			–		908		–		908
	Interest rate swaps			–		44		–		44
	Cross currency swaps			–		9		–		9
	Total		$	388	$	1,208	$	–	$	1,596
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities:
	Forward interest rate swaps		$	–	$	138	$	–	$	138
	Cross currency swaps and other			–		123		–		123
	Total		$	–	$	261	$	–	$	261
	(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 September 30, 2014				At December 31, 2013
	(dollars in millions)		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount				Amount
	Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases		$	108,685	$	121,972	$	93,298	$	103,527

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		5,041			7,080
	Payments		(6,165	)		(9,153	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited		(229	)		(252	)
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014		14,840			21,399

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Benefit (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 September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	82		$	99		$	65		$	79
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(2	)		2			(63	)		(62	)
	Expected return on plan assets		(296	)		(311	)		(41	)		(36	)
	Interest cost		259			251			277			273
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	43		$	41		$	238		$	254
	(dollars in millions)	Pension						Health Care and Life
	Nine Months Ended September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	245		$	296		$	194		$	238
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(6	)		5			(190	)		(185	)
	Expected return on plan assets		(886	)		(933	)		(122	)		(108	)
	Interest cost		777			752			831			821
	Remeasurement gain, net		–			(237	)		–			–
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	130		$	(117	)	$	713		$	766

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C1

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		11,856			2,248			14,104
	Other comprehensive loss		(1,183	)		(23	)		(1,206	)
	Comprehensive income		10,673			2,225			12,898
	Issuance of common stock		127			–			127
	Contributed capital		(26,850	)		–			(26,850	)
	Dividends declared		(6,674	)		–			(6,674	)
	Common stock in treasury		496			–			496
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest		–			(55,960	)		(55,960	)
	Distributions and other		(31	)		(1,454	)		(1,485	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	16,577		$	1,391		$	17,968
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			loss 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)		(143	)		99			14			–			(30	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income		(911	)		(110	)		(15	)		(117	)		(1,153	)
	Net other comprehensive loss		(1,054	)		(11	)		(1	)		(117	)		(1,183	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(201	)	$	102		$	116		$	1,158		$	1,175

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments	'
	The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service	$	17,543		$	16,764		$	52,052		$	49,327
	Other service		794			737			2,313			1,950
	Service revenue		18,337			17,501			54,365			51,277
	Equipment		2,479			1,921			6,735			5,679
	Other		991			952			3,011			2,866
	Total Wireless		21,807			20,374			64,111			59,822
	Wireline
	Consumer retail		3,902			3,735			11,606			11,020
	Small business		613			637			1,858			1,907
	Mass Markets		4,515			4,372			13,464			12,927
	Strategic services		2,068			2,044			6,207			6,055
	Core		1,315			1,490			4,097			4,575
	Global Enterprise		3,383			3,534			10,304			10,630
	Global Wholesale		1,307			1,374			3,979			4,230
	Other		119			109			366			321
	Total Wireline		9,324			9,389			28,113			28,108
	Total segments		31,131			29,763			92,224			87,930
	Corporate, eliminations and other		455			516			1,663			1,555
	Total consolidated – reported	$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless	$	28		$	25		$	86		$	76
	Wireline		252			268			756			804
	Total segments		280			293			842			880
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(280	)		(293	)		(842	)		(880	)
	Total consolidated – reported	$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–
	Total Operating Revenues
	Wireless	$	21,835		$	20,399		$	64,197		$	59,898
	Wireline		9,576			9,657			28,869			28,912
	Total segments		31,411			30,056			93,066			88,810
	Reconciling items		175			223			821			675
	Total consolidated – reported	$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
	Operating Income
	Wireless	$	6,955		$	6,886		$	21,258		$	19,768
	Wireline		225			147			619			216
	Total segments		7,180			7,033			21,877			19,984
	Reconciling items		(290	)		95			(142	)		(79	)
	Total consolidated – reported	$	6,890		$	7,128		$	21,735		$	19,905
Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Assets	'
	(dollars in millions)	At September 30,			At December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Wireless	$	158,443		$	146,429
	Wireline		80,135			84,573
	Total segments		238,578			231,002
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(12,285	)		43,096
	Total consolidated – reported	$	226,293		$	274,098
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Revenues to Consolidated Operating Revenues	'
	A reconciliation of the segment operating revenues to consolidated operating revenues is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total segment operating revenues	$	31,411		$	30,056		$	93,066		$	88,810
	Impact of divested operations (Note 2)		–			157			256			466
	Corporate, eliminations and other		175			66			565			209
	Total consolidated operating revenues	$	31,586		$	30,279		$	93,887		$	89,485
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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total segment operating income	$	7,180		$	7,033		$	21,877		$	19,984
	Gain on spectrum license transactions (Note 2)		–			278			707			278
	Pension remeasurement (Note 8)		–			–			–			237
	Impact of divested operations (Note 2)		–			8			12			26
	Corporate, eliminations and other		(290	)		(191	)		(861	)		(620	)
	Total consolidated operating income		6,890			7,128			21,735			19,905
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses		(48	)		19			1,811			134
	Other income and (expense), net		71			20			(757	)		84
	Interest expense		(1,255	)		(555	)		(3,633	)		(1,606	)
	Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	$	5,658		$	6,612		$	19,156		$	18,517

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock units outstanding to purchase shares included in diluted earnings per common share	7	8	7	8
Verizon Edge	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum number of days before customers become eligible to upgrade their phone to a new phone under Verizon Edge	'	'	'30 days	'

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 21, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Sep. 02, 2013

Feb. 21, 2014

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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 Wireless licenses agreement

T-Mobile Wireless licenses agreement

T-Mobile USA 700 MHz A Block Wireless licenses agreements

T-Mobile USA 700 MHz A Block Wireless licenses agreements

Scenario, Forecast

Vodafone Omnitel N.V.

Vodafone Omnitel N.V.

Vodafone Omnitel N.V.

Stock Purchase Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Advanced Wireless Services Spectrum Licenses

Advanced Wireless Services Spectrum Licenses

Redbox Instant by Verizon

Series D Preferred Stock

Series E 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

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

License purchase and exchange transactions, net cash proceeds

'

2,367,000,000

2,111,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax gain on sale of wireless licenses

278,000,000

707,000,000

278,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from dispositions of businesses

'

120,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax loss on termination of venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($100,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_

Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Wireless Licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$75,303	$75,747	$75,747
Acquisitions (Note 2)	'	'	438
Dispositions (Note 2)	'	'	-1,978
Capitalized interest on wireless licenses	'	'	162
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	'	'	934
Ending balance	$75,303	$75,747	$75,303

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and2

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Wireless licenses (current assets) held-for-sale	$0.30
Wireless Licenses	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Wireless licenses under development	$2.20

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_1

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	$24,634
Acquisitions (Note 2)	25
Disposition of Goodwill	-38
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	-4
Ending balance	24,617
Wireless	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	18,376
Acquisitions (Note 2)	15
Ending balance	18,391
Wireline	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	6,258
Acquisitions (Note 2)	10
Disposition of Goodwill	-38
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	-4
Ending balance	$6,226

Composition_of_Other_Intangibl

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

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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 Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Amount

$17,140

$16,100

$3,634

$3,639

'

'

$12,841

$11,770

'

'

$665

$691

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-11,402

-10,300

-2,870

-2,660

'

'

-8,183

-7,317

'

'

-349

-323

'

'

Net Amount

$5,738

$5,800

$764

$979

'

'

$4,658

$4,453

'

'

$316

$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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense for other intangible assets	$391	$398	$1,178	$1,183

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Remainder of 2014	$401
2015	1,379
2016	1,145
2017	959
2018	$795

Changes_to_Debt_Detail

Changes to Debt (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Verizon Notes	Verizon Notes	Verizon Notes	Debt Maturing Within One Year	Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt
								Verizon Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at January 1, 2014	$3,933	'	'	'	'	$3,933	'	'
Long-term debt, Balance at January 1, 2014	89,658	'	'	'	'	'	89,658	'
Total, Balance at January 1, 2014	93,591	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	21,575	49,166	'	'	'	'	21,575	'
Verizon Notes	'	'	5,000	5,000	5,000	'	'	5,000
Preferred Stock	1,650	'	'	'	'	'	1,650	'
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations	-12,594	-2,392	'	'	'	-3,363	-9,231	'
Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	-426	-324	'	'	'	-426	'	'
Reclassifications of long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	1,097	-1,097	'
Other	434	'	'	'	'	362	72	'
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at September 30, 2014	1,603	'	'	'	'	1,603	'	'
Long-term debt, Balance at September 30, 2014	107,627	'	'	'	'	'	107,627	'
Total, Balance at September 30, 2014	$109,230	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 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

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 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. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 10, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

Oct. 22, 2014

29-May-14

29-May-14

29-May-14

29-May-14

29-May-14

29-May-14

29-May-14

Aug. 21, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Aug. 21, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Stock Purchase Agreement

Stock Purchase Agreement

364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement

July 31, 2014 Credit Facility

Series D Preferred Stock

Series E Preferred Stock

2.375% Notes due 2022

3.25% Notes due 2026

4.75% Notes due 2034

Repayment of Feb. 2014 Term Loan Agreement Maturity 5 Years

Notes Due Twenty Fifty Four

Fixed Rate And Floating Rate Notes

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

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

Floating Rate Notes Due 2017

Floating Rate Notes Due 2017

1.35% Notes due 2017

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

6.10% Notes due 2018

5.50% Notes due 2018

5.50% Notes due 2018

5.50% Notes due 2018

8.75% Notes due 2018

8.75% Notes due 2018

8.75% Notes due 2018

5.55% Notes due 2016

5.55% Notes due 2016

5.55% Notes due 2016

5.50% Notes due 2017

5.50% Notes due 2017

5.50% Notes due 2017

7.00% Debentures due 2016

7.00% Debentures due 2016

7.00% Debentures due 2016

6.84% Debentures due 2018

6.84% Debentures due 2018

6.84% Debentures due 2018

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

Guarantee of Debt Obligations of GTE Corporation

4.8% Notes Due 2044

1.25% Notes due November 2014

Fixed Rate Notes

Fixed Rate Notes

3.00% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2021

3.00% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2021

3.50% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2024

3.50% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2024

4.40% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2034

4.40% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2034

4.90% Notes due 2015 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

4.90% Notes due 2015 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

5.55% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

5.55% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

3.00% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

3.00% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

5.50% Notes Due 2017 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

5.50% Notes Due 2017 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

8.75% Notes Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

8.75% Notes Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

7.00% Debentures Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

7.00% Debentures Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

8.50% Debentures Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

8.50% Debentures Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

2.50% Notes Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

2.50% Notes Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014

Debt

Debt

Debt

Debt

Debt

Floating Rate Notes due 2024

Floating Rate Notes due 2024

2020 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

2020 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

2046 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

2046 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

2054 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

2054 New Notes in July Exchange Offers

July 2014 Term Loan Agreement

New Five Year Term Notes

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

USD ($)

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

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

USD ($)

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

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

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications

Alltel Corporation

Alltel Corporation

Alltel Corporation

GTE Corporation

GTE Corporation

GTE Corporation

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Alltel Corporation

Alltel Corporation

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

GBP (£)

GBP (£)

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

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 ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

USD ($)

Maximum

GBP (£)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of Verizon Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

€ 1,750,000,000

€ 1,250,000,000

£ 850,000,000

'

$500,000,000

$3,300,000,000

$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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,300,000,000

'

$2,000,000,000

$5,000,000,000

$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

'

'

'

$900,000,000

'

'

$6,500,000,000

'

$1,500,000,000

'

$2,500,000,000

'

$2,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

£ 700,000,000

'

'

£ 600,000,000

'

'

'

$3,300,000,000

'

$4,500,000,000

'

$5,500,000,000

'

'

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%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.35%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.10%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

8.75%

'

'

5.55%

'

'

5.50%

'

'

7.00%

'

'

6.84%

'

'

4.80%

1.25%

'

'

'

3.00%

'

3.50%

'

4.40%

'

4.90%

'

5.55%

'

3.00%

'

5.50%

'

8.75%

'

7.00%

'

8.50%

'

2.50%

'

'

'

8.88%

'

'

4.07%

'

2.63%

'

4.86%

'

5.01%

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2022

'2026

'2034

'

'2054

'

'

'2019

'

'2019

'2021

'2024

'2034

'2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2017

'

'2017

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2016

'

'

'2017

'

'

'2016

'

'

'2018

'

'

'

'

'2044

'

'

'

'2021

'

'2024

'

'2034

'

'2015

'

'2016

'

'2016

'

'2017

'

'2018

'

'2016

'

'2018

'

'2016

'

'

'

'2018

'

'

'2024

'

'2020

'

'2046

'

'2054

'

'

'

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

5,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

3,300,000,000

4,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

6,425,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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 0.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, marginal rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.77%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.61%

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.22%

'

'

1.37%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of notes repaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,250,000,000

'

1,000,000,000

'

1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes purchased price of principal amount of note, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

127.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2014-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2019-07

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Jul-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-Feb-22

'

'

21-Feb-25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payment related to exchange offer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity

'

'

'

6,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

2,000,000,000

8,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,600,000,000

'

3,300,000,000

3,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,300,000,000

Debt instrument maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

'

21,575,000,000

49,166,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations

'

12,594,000,000

2,392,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly interest payment start date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21-May-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividend rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

825,000

825,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2020-04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption price, per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of unused borrowing capacity under credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt redemption cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Tender Offer, Principal amount purchased

'

'

'

'

4,122,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

619,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000,000

748,000,000

'

800,000,000

763,000,000

'

600,000,000

564,000,000

'

700,000,000

652,000,000

'

400,000,000

353,000,000

'

200,000,000

157,000,000

'

300,000,000

266,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations

'

$109,230,000,000

'

'

'

$93,591,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,100,000,000

$1,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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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	Mar. 10, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'
Principal Amount Purchased	$4,122		'	$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	'		700	748
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	'		800	763
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	'		600	564
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	'		700	652
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	'		400	353
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	'		600	619
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	'		200	157
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	'		$300	$266
[1]	Per $1,000 principal amount of notes

Schedule_of_Notes_Included_in_

Schedule of Notes Included in Exchange Offer (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 21, 2014	Aug. 21, 2014
Old Notes in Exchange for 2020 New Notes | Verizon Communications	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	$3,120	$3,120
Old Notes in Exchange for 2020 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 3.65% Notes due 2018	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	3.65%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2018	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	4,750
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	2,052
Old Notes in Exchange for 2020 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 2.50% Notes due 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	2.50%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2016	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	4,250
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	1,068
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 6.40% Notes due 2033	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	6.40%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2033	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	6,000
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	1,645
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 7.75% Notes due 2030	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	7.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2030	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	2,000
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	794
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 7.35% Notes due 2039	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	7.35%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2039	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	1,000
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	520
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 7.75% Notes due 2032	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	7.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2032	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	400
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	149
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Alltel Corporation | 7.875% Notes due 2032	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	7.88%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2032	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	700
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	248
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Alltel Corporation | 6.80% Notes due 2029	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	6.80%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2029	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	300
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	65
Old Notes in Exchange for 2046 New Notes | Verizon Communications And Alltel Corporation	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	3,421	3,421
Old Notes in Exchange for 2054 New Notes | Verizon Communications	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	4,330	4,330
Old Notes in Exchange for 2054 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 6.55% Notes due 2043	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	6.55%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2043	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	15,000
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	'	4,330
Old Notes in Exchange for 2054 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 6.40% Notes due 2038	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	6.40%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2038	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	1,750
Old Notes in Exchange for 2054 New Notes | Verizon Communications | 6.90% Notes due 2038	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	'	6.90%
Debt instrument maturity date	'2038	'
Principal amount outstanding	'	$1,250

Wireless_Equipment_Installment1

Wireless Equipment Installment Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Verizon Edge	Finance Leases Financing Receivable
				Verizon Edge
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum number of days before customers become eligible to upgrade their phone to a new phone under Verizon Edge	'	'	'30 days	'
Guarantee liability	'	'	$700,000,000	'
Current portion of financing receivables	'	'	'	1,400,000,000
Long-term portion of financing receivables	$5,112,000,000	$4,535,000,000	'	$600,000,000

Schedule_of_Assets_and_Liabili

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$1,596
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	261
Short-term Investment | Equity Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	388
Short-term Investment | 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	247
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	908
Other Assets | Interest Rate Swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	44
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	9
Other Liabilities | Forward Interest Rate Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	138
Other Liabilities | Cross Currency Swap and Other	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	123
Level 1	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	388	[1]
Level 1 | Short-term Investment | Equity Securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	388	[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	1,208	[2]
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	261	[2]
Level 2 | Short-term Investment | 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	247	[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	908	[2]
Level 2 | Other Assets | Interest Rate Swap	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	44	[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	9	[2]
Level 2 | Other Liabilities | Forward Interest Rate Swaps	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	138	[2]
Level 2 | Other Liabilities | Cross Currency Swap and Other	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	$123	[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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	$109,230	$93,591
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Excluding Capital Leases	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	121,972	103,527
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Excluding Capital Leases	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short- and long-term debt	$108,685	$93,298

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Oct. 28, 2014

In Billions, unless otherwise specified

Interest Rate Swap

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Swaps

Cross Currency Swaps

Cross Currency Swaps

Cross Currency Swaps

Previously Issued Cross Currency Swaps

Currency Swap Settled

Forward Interest Rate Swaps Settled

Subsequent Event

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional Amount

$1.80

$0.80

$3.10

$0.90

$2

'

'

'

'

'

$0.80

$1.25

Derivative amount of hedged item

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.2

5.4

1.6

'

'

Fair value of cross currency swaps

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

($0.10)

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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	$0.50
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	$47.19

Restricted_and_Performance_Sto

Restricted and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	16,193
Granted	5,041
Payments	-6,165
Cancelled/Forfeited	-229
Outstanding, September 30, 2014	14,840
Performance Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	23,724
Granted	7,080
Payments	-9,153
Cancelled/Forfeited	-252
Outstanding, September 30, 2014	21,399

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			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Remeasurement gain, net	'	'	'	'	'	($237)
Pension	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	82	99	'	'	245	296
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-2	2	'	'	-6	5
Expected return on plan assets	-296	-311	'	'	-886	-933
Interest cost	259	251	'	'	777	752
Remeasurement gain, net	'	'	-200	-200	'	-237
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	43	41	'	'	130	-117
Health Care And Life	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	65	79	'	'	194	238
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-63	-62	'	'	-190	-185
Expected return on plan assets	-41	-36	'	'	-122	-108
Interest cost	277	273	'	'	831	821
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$238	$254	'	'	$713	$766

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Pension

Pension

Pension

Pension Remeasurement Credit

Pension Remeasurement Credit

Pension Remeasurement Gain Primarily Driven By Increase In Discount Rate Assumption

Pension Charges Driven By Difference Between Expected Return on Assets and Annualized Actual Return On Assets And Other

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Qualified pension plans

Qualified pension plans

Non qualified pension plans

Non qualified pension plans

BasisPoint

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pension remeasurement credit (charges)

'

'

$237,000,000

'

'

$200,000,000

$200,000,000

$237,000,000

'

'

$300,000,000

($100,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate basis point increase (decrease)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

4.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected return on plan assets

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actual return on assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount paid in severance benefits over the period

100,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Post employment benefits liability

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined benefit plan contributions by employer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

$1,100,000,000

$700,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$100,000,000

$100,000,000

Changes_in_Components_of_Total

Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	$95,416	'
Net income	3,794	5,578	14,104	15,631
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-1,206	'
Total Comprehensive Income	3,781	5,706	12,898	15,503
Issuance of common stock	'	'	127	'
Contributed capital	'	'	-26,850	'
Dividends declared	'	'	-6,674	'
Common stock in treasury	'	'	496	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	'	'	-55,960	'
Distributions and other	'	'	-1,485	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	17,968	'	17,968	'
Verizon	'	'	'	'
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	38,836	'
Net income	'	'	11,856	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-1,183	'
Total Comprehensive Income	'	'	10,673	'
Issuance of common stock	'	'	127	'
Contributed capital	'	'	-26,850	'
Dividends declared	'	'	-6,674	'
Common stock in treasury	'	'	496	'
Distributions and other	'	'	-31	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	16,577	'	16,577	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'	'	'	'
Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	56,580	'
Net income	'	'	2,248	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-23	'
Total Comprehensive Income	'	'	2,225	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	'	'	-55,960	'
Distributions and other	'	'	-1,454	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	$1,391	'	$1,391	'

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C2

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Sep. 02, 2013
			Stock Purchase Agreement	Stock Purchase Agreement
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of noncontrolling interest by Vodafone Group Plc in Verizon Wireless joint venture	'	45.00%	'	45.00%
Common Shares issued	'	'	1,270,000,000	'
Common shares issued from Treasury stock	8,100,000	'	'	'
Treasury stock aggregate value	$0.40	'	'	'

Changes_in_Balances_of_Accumul

Changes in Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	$2,358	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-30	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	'	'	-1,153	'
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	-13	124	-1,183	-117
Balance at September 30, 2014	1,175	'	1,175	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	853	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-143	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	'	'	-911	'
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	'	'	-1,054	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	-201	'	-201	'
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	'	'	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	113	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	99	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	'	'	-110	'
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	'	'	-11	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	102	'	102	'
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	'	'	'	'
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	'	'	117	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	14	'
Amounts reclassified to net income	'	'	-15	'
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	'	'	-1	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	116	'	116	'
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	'	'	-117	'
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to Verizon	'	'	-117	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	$1,158	'	$1,158	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	'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
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	'	150	'

Operating_Financial_Informatio

Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$31,586	$30,279	$93,887	$89,485
Operating income	6,890	7,128	21,735	19,905
Wireless	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	21,835	20,399	64,197	59,898
Operating income	6,955	6,886	21,258	19,768
Wireline	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	9,576	9,657	28,869	28,912
Operating income	225	147	619	216
Total Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	31,411	30,056	93,066	88,810
Operating income	7,180	7,033	21,877	19,984
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	175	66	565	209
External Operating Revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	31,586	30,279	93,887	89,485
External Operating Revenues | Wireless	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	21,807	20,374	64,111	59,822
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue Retail Service	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	17,543	16,764	52,052	49,327
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue Other Service	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	794	737	2,313	1,950
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Service Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	18,337	17,501	54,365	51,277
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Equipment	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	2,479	1,921	6,735	5,679
External Operating Revenues | Wireless | Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	991	952	3,011	2,866
External Operating Revenues | Wireline	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	9,324	9,389	28,113	28,108
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	119	109	366	321
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets Consumer Retail	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	3,902	3,735	11,606	11,020
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets Small Business	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	613	637	1,858	1,907
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Mass Markets	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	4,515	4,372	13,464	12,927
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise Strategic Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	2,068	2,044	6,207	6,055
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise Core	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,315	1,490	4,097	4,575
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Enterprise	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	3,383	3,534	10,304	10,630
External Operating Revenues | Wireline | Global Wholesale	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	1,307	1,374	3,979	4,230
External Operating Revenues | Total Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	31,131	29,763	92,224	87,930
External Operating Revenues | Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	455	516	1,663	1,555
Intersegment Revenues | Wireless	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	28	25	86	76
Intersegment Revenues | Wireline	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	252	268	756	804
Intersegment Revenues | Total Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	280	293	842	880
Intersegment Revenues | Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	-280	-293	-842	-880
Segment Reconciling Items	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	175	223	821	675
Operating income	($290)	$95	($142)	($79)

Reconciliation_of_Segment_Asse

Reconciliation of Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$226,293	$274,098
Operating Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	238,578	231,002
Operating Segments | Wireless	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	158,443	146,429
Operating Segments | Wireline	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	80,135	84,573
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	($12,285)	$43,096

Summary_of_Reconciliation_of_S

Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Operating Revenues to Consolidated Operating Revenues (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$31,586	$30,279	$93,887	$89,485
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	31,411	30,056	93,066	88,810
Revenue Generated By Assets Sold	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	'	157	256	466
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$175	$66	$565	$209

Reconciliation_of_Total_Report

Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments Operating Income to Consolidated Income before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain on spectrum license transactions (Note 2)	'	$278	$707	$278
Pension remeasurement (Note 8)	'	'	'	237
Operating income	6,890	7,128	21,735	19,905
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses	-48	19	1,811	134
Other income and (expense), net	71	20	-757	84
Interest expense	-1,255	-555	-3,633	-1,606
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	5,658	6,612	19,156	18,517
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	7,180	7,033	21,877	19,984
Operating Income Generated By Assets Sold	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	'	8	12	26
Corporate, Eliminations and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	($290)	($191)	($861)	($620)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Approximate number of federal district court actions alleged for patent infringement	70
Guarantee obligations, year term (in years)	'30 years