Verizon Communications (VZ) 10-Q28 Apr 152015 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	VZ
Entity Registrant Name	VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	732712
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	4,078,487,075

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues	$31,984	$30,818
Operating Expenses
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of items shown below)	12,096	11,189
Selling, general and administrative expense	7,939	8,332
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,989	4,137
Total Operating Expenses	24,024	23,658
Operating Income	7,960	7,160
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses	-34	1,902
Other income and (expense), net	75	-894
Interest expense	-1,332	-1,214
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	6,669	6,954
Provision for income taxes	-2,331	-968
Net Income	4,338	5,986
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	119	2,039
Net income attributable to Verizon	4,219	3,947
Net Income	$4,338	$5,986
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
Net income attributable to Verizon	$1.03	$1.15
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	4,116	3,425
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Net income attributable to Verizon	$1.02	$1.15
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)	4,121	3,430
Dividends declared per common share	$0.55	$0.53

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income	$4,338	$5,986
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-141	-949
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	-13	-83
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	3	1
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans	-44	-37
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	-195	-1,068
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-23
Total Comprehensive Income	4,143	4,895
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	119	2,016
Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon	4,024	2,879
Total Comprehensive Income	$4,143	$4,895

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,386	$10,598
Short-term investments	547	555
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $745 and $739	12,698	13,993
Inventories	1,076	1,153
Assets held for sale	893	552
Prepaid expenses and other	3,236	2,772
Total current assets	22,836	29,623
Plant, property and equipment	210,389	230,508
Less accumulated depreciation	128,747	140,561
Plant, property and equipment, net	81,642	89,947
Investments in unconsolidated businesses	762	802
Wireless licenses	75,693	75,341
Goodwill	23,303	24,639
Other intangible assets, net	5,779	5,728
Non-current assets held for sale	9,580
Deposit for wireless licenses	10,430	921
Other assets	5,765	5,707
Total assets	235,790	232,708
Current liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	4,439	2,735
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	15,189	16,680
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	572
Other	8,513	8,649
Total current liabilities	28,713	28,064
Long-term debt	108,949	110,536
Employee benefit obligations	33,010	33,280
Deferred income taxes	42,330	41,578
Non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale	943
Other liabilities	11,086	5,574
Equity
Series preferred stock ($.10 par value; none issued)
Common stock ($.10 par value; 4,242,374,240 shares issued in each period)	424	424
Contributed capital	10,391	11,155
Reinvested earnings	4,422	2,447
Accumulated other comprehensive income	916	1,111
Common stock in treasury, at cost	-7,093	-3,263
Deferred compensation - employee stock ownership plans and other	279	424
Noncontrolling interests	1,420	1,378
Total equity	10,759	13,676
Total liabilities and equity	$235,790	$232,708

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, allowances	$745	$739
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	4,242,374,240

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income	$4,338	$5,986
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,989	4,137
Employee retirement benefits	284	281
Deferred income taxes	823	-155
Provision for uncollectible accounts	383	231
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received	44	-1,894
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses	-888	-1,626
Other, net	1,196	179
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,169	7,139
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)	-3,665	-4,150
Acquisitions of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired	-2	-157
Acquisitions of wireless licenses	-9,555	-213
Other, net	46	-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,176	-4,531
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	6,497	16,952
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-5,576	-7,951
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	482	252
Dividends paid	-2,153	-1,517
Proceeds from sale of common stock		34
Purchase of common stock for treasury	-5,000
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		-58,886
Other, net	2,545	-2,113
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,205	-53,229
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-6,212	-50,621
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	10,598	53,528
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$4,386	$2,907

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014. 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.
	Leasing Arrangements
	At each reporting period, we monitor the credit quality of the various lessees in our portfolios. Regarding the leveraged lease portfolio, external credit reports are used where available and where not available we use internally developed indicators. These indicators or internal credit risk grades factor historic loss experience, the value of the underlying collateral, delinquency trends, and industry and general economic conditions. The credit quality of our lessees primarily varies from AAA to CCC+. For each reporting period, the leveraged leases within the portfolio are reviewed for indicators of impairment where it is probable the rent due according to the contractual terms of the lease will not be collected. All significant accounts, individually or in the aggregate, are current and none are classified as impaired.
	Earnings Per Common Share
	There were a total of approximately 5 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	During the first quarter of 2015, we adopted the accounting standard update related to the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity, which changes the criteria for reporting 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. The prospective adoption of this standard update did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In January 2015, the accounting standard update related to the reporting of extraordinary and unusual items was issued. This standard update eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) as part of an initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to the users of the financial statements. The presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2016; however, earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the accounting standard update related to the simplification of the presentation of debt issuances costs was issued. This standard update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2016; however, earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	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. 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. Although we currently expect to adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, in April 2015, voted to issue a proposal which would defer the adoption of this standard update until the first quarter of 2018.
	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, an accounting standard update was issued 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. 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	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisitions and Divestitures	2	Acquisitions and Divestitures

	Wireless
	Spectrum License Transactions
	On January 29, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum, which it identified as the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)-3 band. Verizon participated in that auction and was the high bidder on 181 spectrum licenses, for which we paid cash of approximately $10.4 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we made a deposit of $0.9 billion related to our participation in this auction. During the first quarter of 2015, we submitted an application to the FCC and paid $9.5 billion to the FCC to complete payment for these licenses. The deposits related to these spectrum licenses are classified within Deposit for wireless licenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The cash payment of $9.5 billion is classified within Acquisitions of wireless licenses on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015. On April 8, 2015, the FCC granted us these spectrum licenses.
	During the first quarter of 2015, we completed a license exchange transaction with affiliates of AT&T Inc. to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses and as a result we recorded an immaterial gain.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we acquired various other wireless licenses for cash consideration that was not significant.
	Tower Monetization Transaction
	During March 2015, we completed a transaction with American Tower Corporation (American Tower) pursuant to which American Tower acquired the exclusive rights to lease and operate approximately 11,300 of our wireless towers for an upfront payment of $5.0 billion. Under the terms of the leases, American Tower has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an average term of approximately 28 years. As part of this transaction, we also sold 162 towers for $0.1 billion. We will sublease capacity on the towers from American Tower for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates, with options to renew. As the leases expire, American Tower has fixed-price purchase options to acquire these towers based on their anticipated fair market values at the end of the lease terms. The upfront payment, including the towers sold, which is primarily included within Other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, is accounted for as deferred rent and as a financing obligation. The $2.4 billion accounted for as deferred rent, which is presented within Other, net cash flows from operating activities, relates to the portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to the tower operator. The $2.7 billion accounted for as a financing obligation, which is presented within Other, net cash flows from financing activities, relates to the portion of the towers that we continue to occupy and use for network operations.

	Wireline
	Access Line Sale
	On February 5, 2015, we announced that we have entered into a definitive agreement with Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) pursuant to which Verizon will sell its local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida, and Texas, including FiOS Internet and Video customers, switched and special access lines and high-speed Internet service and long distance voice accounts in these three states for approximately $10.5 billion, subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier. The transaction, which includes the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in California, Florida and Texas, does not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The assets and liabilities that will be sold are currently included in Verizon’s continuing operations and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions including, among others, receipt of state and federal telecommunications regulatory approvals, and we expect this transaction to close during the first half of 2016.
	The transaction will result in Frontier acquiring approximately 2.1 million copper lines, 1.5 million FiOS Internet subscribers, 1.2 million FiOS Video subscribers and the related ILEC businesses from Verizon. This business generated revenues of approximately $5.4 billion, excluding revenue with affiliates, for Verizon in 2014. The operating results of this business are included within our Wireline segment for all periods presented.
	The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of our local exchange and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas which are classified as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015:


			(dollars in millions)
	Assets held for sale:
	Accounts receivable		$	496
	Prepaid expense and other			60

	Total current assets held for sale			556

	Plant, property and equipment, net			8,198
	Goodwill (Note 3)			1,328
	Other assets			54

	Total non-current assets held for sale			9,580

	Total assets held for sale		$	10,136


	Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	277
	Other current liabilities			295

	Total current liabilities related to assets held for sale			572

	Long-term debt			594
	Employee benefit obligations			215
	Other liabilities			134

	Total non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale			943

	Total liabilities related to assets held for sale		$	1,515

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015		$	75,341
	Acquisitions (Note 2)			42
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses			4
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other			306

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	75,693

	Reclassifications, adjustments and other includes the exchanges of wireless licenses in 2015 (see Note 2 for additional details).
	At March 31, 2015, approximately $0.4 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, 2015		$	18,390	$	6,249		$	24,639
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other			–		(1,336	)		(1,336	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	18,390	$	4,913		$	23,303

	The decrease in Goodwill at March 31, 2015 was primarily due to the reclassification of $1.3 billion of Goodwill to Non-current assets held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2015 as a result of our agreement to sell our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida, and Texas to Frontier (see Note 2 for additional details). The amount of Goodwill reclassified was based on the relative fair value of the transaction to the Wireline reporting unit.
	Other Intangible Assets
	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:


			At March 31, 2015								At December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)		Gross		Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
	(dollars in millions)		Amount		Amortization			Amount			Amount		Amortization			Amount
	Customer lists (5 to 13 years)		$	3,617	$	(2,980	)	$	637		$	3,618	$	(2,924	)	$	694
	Non-network internal-use software (3 to 7 years)			13,544		(8,756	)		4,788			13,194		(8,462	)		4,732
	Other (5 to 25 years)			725		(371	)		354			670		(368	)		302

	Total		$	17,886	$	(12,107	)	$	5,779		$	17,482	$	(11,754	)	$	5,728

	The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows:


	(dollars in millions)		Three Months Ended
	(dollars in millions)		March 31,
	2015			$ 381
	2014			394

	The estimated future amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows:


	Years		(dollars in millions)
	Remainder of 2015			$ 1,128
	2016			1,277
	2017			1,078
	2018			903
	2019			673

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
Debt	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt	4	Debt

	Changes to debt during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)		Debt Maturing			Long-term			Total
	(dollars in millions)		within One Year			Debt			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015		$	2,735		$	110,536		$	113,271
	Proceeds from borrowings			4,000			2,497			6,497
	Repayments of borrowings and capital leases obligations			(5,576	)		–			(5,576	)
	Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities			482			–			482
	Reclassifications of long-term debt			2,782			(2,782	)		–
	Reclassification of long-term debt to Non-current liabilities related			–			(594	)		(594	)
	to assets held for sale (Note 2)			–			(594	)		(594	)
	Other			16			(708	)		(692	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	4,439		$	108,949		$	113,388

	February Exchange Offers
	On February 11, 2015, we announced the commencement of seven separate private offers to exchange (the February Exchange Offers) specified series of outstanding notes and debentures issued by Verizon and GTE Corporation (collectively, the Old Notes) for new Notes to be issued by Verizon (the New Notes) and, in the case of the 6.94% debentures due 2028 of GTE Corporation, cash. The February Exchange Offers have been accounted for as a modification of debt. On March 13, 2015, Verizon issued $2.9 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.272% Notes due 2036 (the 2036 New Notes), $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.522% Notes due 2048 (the 2048 New Notes) and $5.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.672% Notes due 2055 (the 2055 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 February 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 February Exchange Offer for the 2036 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.			5.15	%		2023		$	11,000		$	2,483

	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers for the 2048 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.			6.9	%		2038		$	1,250		$	773
				6.4	%		2038			1,750			884
				6.4	%		2033			4,355			2,159
				6.25	%		2037			750			–
	GTE Corporation			6.94	%		2028			800			–

												$	3,816

	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offer for the 2055 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)		Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
			Rate						Amount			Amount
									Outstanding			Accepted
												For
												Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.			6.55	%		2043		$	10,670		$	4,084
	Term Loan Agreement
	During the first quarter of 2015, we entered into a term loan agreement with a major financial institution, pursuant to which we borrowed $6.5 billion for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of spectrum licenses. Borrowings under the term loan agreement mature in March 2016, with a $4.0 billion mandatory prepayment required in June 2015. 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 March 2015, we prepaid approximately $5.0 billion of the term loan agreement, which satisfies the mandatory prepayment.
	Other Credit Facilities
	As of March 31, 2015, the unused borrowing capacity under our $8.0 billion credit facility was approximately $7.9 billion.
	Additional Financing Activities (Non-Cash Transaction)
	During the first quarter of 2015, we financed, primarily through vendor financing arrangements, the purchase of approximately $0.2 billion of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of network equipment. At March 31, 2015, $0.8 billion of these arrangements, including those entered into in prior years, remained outstanding. These purchases are non-cash financing activities and therefore not reflected within Capital expenditures on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Guarantees
	We guarantee the debentures and first mortgage bonds of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2015, $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 March 31, 2015, $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remain outstanding.

Wireless_Equipment_Installment

Wireless Equipment Installment Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 device over a period of time (an equipment installment plan) and the right to upgrade their device after a minimum of 30 days, subject to certain conditions, including making a stated portion of the required device payments, trading in their device in good working condition and signing a new device contract with Verizon. The gross guarantee liability related to this program, which was approximately $0.6 billion at March 31, 2015, and $0.7 billion at December 31, 2014, respectively, was primarily included in Other current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	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 $2.0 billion at March 31, 2015 and was $2.3 billion at December 31, 2014. The long-term portion of the equipment installment plan receivables included in Other assets was $0.9 billion at March 31, 2015 and was $1.2 billion at December 31, 2014.
	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.
	Sales of Wireless Equipment Installment Receivables
	On March 27, 2015, we established a program to sell from time to time, on an uncommitted basis, selected wireless equipment installment receivables under the Verizon Edge program to a group of relationship banks (Purchasers). Under the program, we will transfer the receivables to wholly-owned subsidiaries that are bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (Sellers). The Sellers will then sell the receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables (the deferred purchase price). The receivables sold under the program are no longer considered assets of Verizon. We will continue to bill and collect on the receivables in exchange for a monthly servicing fee, which is not material.
	Under this arrangement, each Seller’s sole business consists of the acquisition of the receivables from Verizon and the resale of the receivables to the Purchasers. The assets of the Sellers are not available to be used to satisfy obligations of any Verizon entities other than the Sellers.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we sold $2.0 billion of receivables, net of allowances, imputed interest and the trade-in right, and received cash proceeds of $1.3 billion. Additionally, we recorded a deferred purchase price of $0.7 billion, which was initially recorded at fair value, based on the remaining installment amounts expected to be collected, adjusted by the timing and estimated value of the device trade-in. The estimated value of the device trade-in considers prices expected to be offered to us by independent third parties. This estimate contemplates changes in value after the launch of a device. The fair value measurements are considered to be Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy.
	At March 31, 2015, our deferred purchase price receivable was $0.7 billion, which is included within Other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Generally, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these equipment installment receivables is limited to the amount of our deferred purchase price.
	The cash proceeds received from the Purchasers are recorded within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as the cash received from the Purchasers upon the sale of the receivables and the collection of the deferred purchase price is not subject to significant interest rate risk.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:

(dollars in millions)

Level 1⁽¹⁾

Level 2⁽²⁾

Level 3⁽³⁾

Total

Assets:

Short-term investments:

Equity securities

298

–

298

Fixed income securities

243

–

249

Other current assets:

Fixed income securities

250

–

250

Other assets:

Fixed income securities

–

915

–

915

Interest rate swaps and other

–

111

–

111

Total

554

1,269

–

1,823

Liabilities:

Other current liabilities:

Cross currency swaps and other

–

137

–

137

Other liabilities:

Forward interest rate swaps

–

301

–

301

Cross currency swaps

–

1,318

–

1,318

Total

–

1,756

–

1,756

(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 as well as U.S. Treasury securities. We use quoted prices in active markets for our U.S. Treasury securities, therefore these securities are classified as Level 1. For all other fixed income securities that do not have quoted prices in active markets, we use alternative matrix pricing resulting in these debt securities being classified as Level 2.

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

We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt

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

At March 31, 2015

At December 31, 2014

(dollars in millions)

Carrying

Fair Value

Carrying

Fair Value

Amount

Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases

112,738

128,347

112,755

126,549

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 posted collateral of approximately $0.8 billion and $0.6 billion related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which was recorded as Prepaid expenses and other in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the first quarter of 2015, we paid an immaterial amount of cash to enter into amendments to certain collateral exchange arrangements. These amendments suspend cash collateral posting for a specified period of time by both counterparties.

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 the London Interbank Offered Rate, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against changes in the fair value of our debt portfolio. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. The fair value of these contracts was not material at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $1.8 billion. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Forward Interest Rate Swaps

In order to manage our exposure to future interest rate changes, we have entered into forward interest rate swaps. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these swaps had a notional value of $2.0 billion. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. The fair value of these contracts was $0.3 billion and $0.2 billion at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which was included within Other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Cross Currency Swaps

We enter into cross currency swaps to exchange 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. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive loss was reclassified to Other income and (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations. The fair value of the outstanding swaps was $1.4 billion at March 31, 2015 and $0.6 billion at December 31, 2014, which were primarily included within Other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $10.3 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, a pre-tax loss of $0.9 billion and an immaterial pre-tax gain, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive loss.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	(shares in thousands)		Stock Units			Stock Units
	Outstanding, January 1, 2015			15,007			19,966
	Granted			4,235			6,220
	Payments			(5,839	)		(6,721	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited			(48	)		(176	)

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015			13,355			19,289

	As of March 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding RSUs and PSUs was approximately $0.7 billion and is expected to be recognized over approximately two years.
	The RSUs granted in 2015 have a weighted-average grant date fair value of $48.29 per unit.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefits	Mar. 31, 2015
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 Cost
	The following table summarizes the benefit (income) cost related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans:


	(dollars in millions)		Pension						Health Care and Life
	Three Months Ended March 31,		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost		$	94		$	81		$	81		$	65
	Amortization of prior service credit			1			(2	)		(72	)		(63	)
	Expected return on plan assets			(317	)		(295	)		(25	)		(41	)
	Interest cost			243			259			279			277

	Total		$	21		$	43		$	263		$	238

	Severance Payments
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we paid severance benefits of $0.3 billion. At March 31, 2015, we had a remaining severance liability of $0.6 billion, a portion of which includes future contractual payments to employees separated as of March 31, 2015.
	Employer Contributions
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we contributed $0.3 billion to our other postretirement benefit plans and $0.2 billion to our qualified pension plans. The contributions to our nonqualified pension plans were not material during the three months ended March 31, 2015. There have been no material changes with respect to the qualified and nonqualified pension contributions in 2015 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, 2014.

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	(dollars in millions)		to Verizon			Interests			Equity
	Balance at January 1, 2015		$	12,298		$	1,378		$	13,676

	Net income			4,219			119			4,338
	Other comprehensive loss			(195	)		–			(195	)

	Comprehensive income			4,024			119			4,143


	Contributed capital			(764	)		–			(764	)
	Dividends declared			(2,244	)		–			(2,244	)
	Common stock in treasury			(3,830	)		–			(3,830	)
	Distributions and other			(145	)		(77	)		(222	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	9,339		$	1,420		$	10,759

	Common Stock
	Verizon did not repurchase any shares of Verizon common stock through its previously authorized share buyback program during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	However, in February 2015, the Verizon Board of Directors authorized Verizon to enter into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement to repurchase $5.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. The total number of shares that Verizon will repurchase under the ASR agreement will be based generally upon the volume-weighted average share price of Verizon’s
	common stock during the term of the transaction. On February 10, 2015, in exchange for an upfront payment totaling $5.0 billion, Verizon received an initial delivery of 86.2 million shares having a value of approximately $4.25 billion. Final settlement of the transaction under the ASR agreement, including delivery of the remaining shares, if any, that Verizon is entitled to receive, is scheduled to occur in the second quarter of 2015.
	Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareowner plans, including 9.8 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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			gain on			pension and
			adjustments			flow hedges			marketable			postretirement
									securities			plans
	Balance at January 1, 2015		$	(346	)	$	(84	)	$	112		$	1,429		$	1,111
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			(141	)		(59	)		3			–			(197	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income			–			46			–			(44	)		2

	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(141	)		(13	)		3			(44	)		(195	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	(487	)	$	(97	)	$	115		$	1,385		$	916

	The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive income (loss) are net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, which are not significant. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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 three months ended March 31, 2015, 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	3 Months Ended
Segment Information	Mar. 31, 2015
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.
	On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non-strategic business. Accordingly, the historical Wireline results for these operations have been reclassified to Corporate, eliminations and other to reflect comparable segment operating results.
	The reconciliation of segment operating revenues and expenses to consolidated operating revenues and expenses below also includes those items of a non-operational nature. We exclude from segment results the effects of certain items that management does not consider in assessing segment performance, primarily because of their non-operational nature.
	We have adjusted prior period consolidated and segment information, where applicable, to conform to current period presentation.
	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 around the world.

	The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service		$	17,131			$	17,233
	Other service			765				735

	Service revenue			17,896				17,968

	Equipment			3,373				1,869
	Other			1,033				1,014

	Total Wireless			22,302				20,851

	Wireline
	Consumer retail			3,992				3,840
	Small business			600				624

	Mass Markets			4,592				4,464

	Strategic services			2,048				2,062
	Core			1,215				1,404

	Global Enterprise			3,263				3,466

	Global Wholesale			1,266				1,336
	Other			87				140

	Total Wireline			9,208				9,406

	Total segments			31,510				30,257
	Corporate, eliminations and other			474				561

	Total consolidated – reported		$	31,984			$	30,818


	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless		$	26			$	28
	Wireline			261				256

	Total segments			287				284
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(287	)			(284	)

	Total consolidated – reported		$	–			$	–


Total Operating Revenues
Wireless		$	22,328			$	20,879
Wireline			9,469				9,662

Total segments			31,797				30,541
Reconciling items			187				277

Total consolidated – reported		$	31,984			$	30,818


Operating Income
Wireless		$	7,810			$	7,318
Wireline			405				141

Total segments			8,215				7,459
Reconciling items			(255	)			(299	)

Total consolidated – reported		$	7,960			$	7,160



(dollars in millions)		At March 31,				At December 31,
(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
Assets
Wireless		$	171,760			$	160,385
Wireline			78,624				76,673

Total segments			250,384				237,058
Corporate, eliminations and other			(14,594	)			(4,350	)

Total consolidated – reported		$	235,790			$	232,708

A reconciliation of the segment operating revenues to consolidated operating revenues is as follows:


		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
Total segment operating revenues		$	31,797			$	30,541
Impact of divested operations			–				128
Corporate, eliminations and other			187				149

Total consolidated operating revenues		$	31,984			$	30,818

A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:


		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
Total segment operating income		$	8,215			$	7,459
Impact of divested operations			–				6
Corporate, eliminations and other			(255	)			(305	)

Total consolidated operating income			7,960				7,160

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses			(34	)			1,902
Other income and (expense), net			75				(894	)
Interest expense			(1,332	)			(1,214	)

Income Before Provision For Income Taxes		$	6,669			$	6,954

We generally account for intersegment sales of products and services and asset transfers at current market prices. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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.

	Reserves have been established to cover environmental matters relating to discontinued businesses and past telecommunications activities. These reserves include funds to address contamination at the site of a former Sylvania facility in Hicksville, NY, which had processed nuclear fuel rods in the 1950s and 1960s. In September 2005, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) accepted the site into its Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. As a result, the ACE has taken primary responsibility for addressing the contamination at the site. An adjustment to the reserves may be made after a cost allocation is conducted with respect to the past and future expenses of all of the parties. Adjustments to the environmental reserve may also be made based upon the actual conditions found at other sites requiring remediation.
	Verizon is currently involved in approximately 60 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.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of Local Exchange and Related Landline Activities in California, Florida and Texas	The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of our local exchange and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas which are classified as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015:


		(dollars in millions)
	Assets held for sale:
	Accounts receivable	$	496
	Prepaid expense and other		60

	Total current assets held for sale		556

	Plant, property and equipment, net		8,198
	Goodwill (Note 3)		1,328
	Other assets		54

	Total non-current assets held for sale		9,580

	Total assets held for sale	$	10,136


	Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	277
	Other current liabilities		295

	Total current liabilities related to assets held for sale		572

	Long-term debt		594
	Employee benefit obligations		215
	Other liabilities		134

	Total non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale		943

	Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	$	1,515

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and1

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015	$	75,341
	Acquisitions (Note 2)		42
	Capitalized interest on wireless licenses		4
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other		306

	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	75,693

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, 2015	$	18,390	$	6,249		$	24,639
	Reclassifications, adjustments and other		–		(1,336	)		(1,336	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	18,390	$	4,913		$	23,303

Composition of Other Intangible Assets, Net	The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:


		At March 31, 2015								At December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)	Gross		Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
	(dollars in millions)	Amount		Amortization			Amount			Amount		Amortization			Amount
	Customer lists (5 to 13 years)	$	3,617	$	(2,980	)	$	637		$	3,618	$	(2,924	)	$	694
	Non-network internal-use software (3 to 7 years)		13,544		(8,756	)		4,788			13,194		(8,462	)		4,732
	Other (5 to 25 years)		725		(371	)		354			670		(368	)		302

	Total	$	17,886	$	(12,107	)	$	5,779		$	17,482	$	(11,754	)	$	5,728

Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets	The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 31,
	2015		$ 381
	2014		394
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 2015		$ 1,128
	2016		1,277
	2017		1,078
	2018		903
	2019		673

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Combined Schedule of Current and Noncurrent Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Changes to debt during the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Debt Maturing			Long-term			Total
	(dollars in millions)	within One Year			Debt			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	2,735		$	110,536		$	113,271
	Proceeds from borrowings		4,000			2,497			6,497
	Repayments of borrowings and capital leases obligations		(5,576	)		–			(5,576	)
	Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities		482			–			482
	Reclassifications of long-term debt		2,782			(2,782	)		–
	Reclassification of long-term debt to Non-current liabilities related		–			(594	)		(594	)
	to assets held for sale (Note 2)		–			(594	)		(594	)
	Other		16			(708	)		(692	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	4,439		$	108,949		$	113,388

Schedule of Notes Included in Exchange Offer	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offer for the 2036 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)	Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
		Rate						Amount			Amount
								Outstanding			Accepted
											For
											Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.		5.15	%		2023		$	11,000		$	2,483

	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers for the 2048 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)	Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
		Rate						Amount			Amount
								Outstanding			Accepted
											For
											Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.		6.9	%		2038		$	1,250		$	773
			6.4	%		2038			1,750			884
			6.4	%		2033			4,355			2,159
			6.25	%		2037			750			–
	GTE Corporation		6.94	%		2028			800			–

											$	3,816

	The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offer for the 2055 New Notes:


	(dollars in millions)	Interest			Maturity			Principal			Principal
		Rate						Amount			Amount
								Outstanding			Accepted
											For
											Exchange
	Verizon Communications Inc.		6.55	%		2043		$	10,670		$	4,084

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:


	(dollars in millions)		Level 1⁽¹⁾		Level 2⁽²⁾		Level 3⁽³⁾		Total
	Assets:
	Short-term investments:
	Equity securities		$	298	$	–	$	–	$	298
	Fixed income securities			6		243		–		249
	Other current assets:
	Fixed income securities			250		–		–		250
	Other assets:
	Fixed income securities			–		915		–		915
	Interest rate swaps and other			–		111		–		111

	Total		$	554	$	1,269	$	–	$	1,823


	Liabilities:
	Other current liabilities:
	Cross currency swaps and other		$	–	$	137	$	–	$	137
	Other liabilities:
	Forward interest rate swaps			–		301		–		301
	Cross currency swaps			–		1,318		–		1,318

	Total		$	–	$	1,756	$	–	$	1,756


	(1)	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	(2)	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
	(3)	no observable pricing inputs in the market
Schedule of Fair Value of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Leases	The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding capital leases, was as follows:


			At March 31, 2015				At December 31, 2014
	(dollars in millions)		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
	(dollars in millions)		Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases		$	112,738	$	128,347	$	112,755	$	126,549

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	(shares in thousands)	Stock Units			Stock Units
	Outstanding, January 1, 2015		15,007			19,966
	Granted		4,235			6,220
	Payments		(5,839	)		(6,721	)
	Cancelled/Forfeited		(48	)		(176	)

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015		13,355			19,289

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Benefit or (Income) Cost Related to Pension and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance	The following table summarizes the benefit (income) cost related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans:


	(dollars in millions)	Pension						Health Care and Life
	Three Months Ended March 31,	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	94		$	81		$	81		$	65
	Amortization of prior service credit		1			(2	)		(72	)		(63	)
	Expected return on plan assets		(317	)		(295	)		(25	)		(41	)
	Interest cost		243			259			279			277

	Total	$	21		$	43		$	263		$	238

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C1

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Changes in Components of Total Equity	Changes in the components of Total equity were as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Attributable			Noncontrolling			Total
	(dollars in millions)	to Verizon			Interests			Equity
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	12,298		$	1,378		$	13,676

	Net income		4,219			119			4,338
	Other comprehensive loss		(195	)		–			(195	)

	Comprehensive income		4,024			119			4,143


	Contributed capital		(764	)		–			(764	)
	Dividends declared		(2,244	)		–			(2,244	)
	Common stock in treasury		(3,830	)		–			(3,830	)
	Distributions and other		(145	)		(77	)		(222	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	9,339		$	1,420		$	10,759

Schedule of Components in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The changes in the balances of Accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:


	(dollars in millions)	Foreign currency			Unrealized			Unrealized			Defined benefit			Total
		translation			loss on cash			gain on			pension and
		adjustments			flow hedges			marketable			postretirement
								securities			plans
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	(346	)	$	(84	)	$	112		$	1,429		$	1,111
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(141	)		(59	)		3			–			(197	)
	Amounts reclassified to net income		–			46			–			(44	)		2

	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(141	)		(13	)		3			(44	)		(195	)

	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(487	)	$	(97	)	$	115		$	1,385		$	916

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments	The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
	External Operating Revenues
	Wireless
	Retail service		$	17,131			$	17,233
	Other service			765				735

	Service revenue			17,896				17,968

	Equipment			3,373				1,869
	Other			1,033				1,014

	Total Wireless			22,302				20,851

	Wireline
	Consumer retail			3,992				3,840
	Small business			600				624

	Mass Markets			4,592				4,464

	Strategic services			2,048				2,062
	Core			1,215				1,404

	Global Enterprise			3,263				3,466

	Global Wholesale			1,266				1,336
	Other			87				140

	Total Wireline			9,208				9,406

	Total segments			31,510				30,257
	Corporate, eliminations and other			474				561

	Total consolidated – reported		$	31,984			$	30,818


	Intersegment Revenues
	Wireless		$	26			$	28
	Wireline			261				256

	Total segments			287				284
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(287	)			(284	)

	Total consolidated – reported		$	–			$	–


	Total Operating Revenues
	Wireless		$	22,328			$	20,879
	Wireline			9,469				9,662

	Total segments			31,797				30,541
	Reconciling items			187				277

	Total consolidated – reported		$	31,984			$	30,818


	Operating Income
	Wireless		$	7,810			$	7,318
	Wireline			405				141

Total segments			8,215				7,459
Reconciling items			(255	)			(299	)

Total consolidated – reported		$	7,960			$	7,160

Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Assets
	(dollars in millions)		At March 31,				At December 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
	Assets
	Wireless		$	171,760			$	160,385
	Wireline			78,624				76,673

	Total segments			250,384				237,058
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(14,594	)			(4,350	)

	Total consolidated – reported		$	235,790			$	232,708

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
			March 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
	Total segment operating revenues		$	31,797			$	30,541
	Impact of divested operations			–				128
	Corporate, eliminations and other			187				149

	Total consolidated operating revenues		$	31,984			$	30,818

Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income	A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	(dollars in millions)		2015				2014
	Total segment operating income		$	8,215			$	7,459
	Impact of divested operations			–				6
	Corporate, eliminations and other			(255	)			(305	)

	Total consolidated operating income			7,960				7,160

	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses			(34	)			1,902
	Other income and (expense), net			75				(894	)
	Interest expense			(1,332	)			(1,214	)

	Income Before Provision For Income Taxes		$	6,669			$	6,954

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Restricted stock units outstanding to purchase shares included in diluted earnings per common share	5	5

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_1

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 05, 2015	Jan. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
			Unit	Licenses
			Customer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid to acquire spectrum licenses	$9,555,000,000	$213,000,000
Operating Revenues	31,984,000,000	30,818,000,000
Access Line Sale with Frontier
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from dispositions of businesses			10,500,000,000
Debt assumed by Frontier			600,000,000
Number of FiOS Internet subscribers to be divested			1,500,000
Number of copper lines to be divested			2,100,000
Number of FiOS Video subscribers to be divested			1,200,000
Access Lines and Other Business Assets Acquired by Frontier
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating Revenues		5,400,000,000
FCC spectrum licenses auction
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
FCC auction spectrum licenses				181
Cash paid to acquire spectrum licenses	9,500,000,000			10,400,000,000	900,000,000
Tower Monetization Transaction
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers subject to failed sale-leaseback			11,300
Cash proceeds from failed sale-leaseback			5,000,000,000
Term of Lease			28 years
Number of towers subject to disposition			162
Cash proceeds from disposition of towers			100,000,000
Minimum years of sublease capacity on towers			10 years
March 2015 Tower Monetization Transaction- Other, net cash flows from operating activities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from failed sale-leaseback			2,400,000,000
March 2015 Tower Monetization Transaction- Other, net cash flows from financing activities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from failed sale-leaseback			$2,700,000,000

Major_Classes_of_Assets_and_Li

Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of Local Exchange and Related Landline Activities in California, Florida and Texas (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets held for sale:
Total current assets held for sale	$893	$552
Goodwill (Note 3)	1,328
Total non-current assets held for sale	9,580
Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
Total current liabilities related to assets held for sale	572
Long-term debt	594
Total non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale	943
Acquisitions
Assets held for sale:
Accounts receivable	496
Prepaid expense and other	60
Total current assets held for sale	556
Plant, property and equipment, net	8,198
Goodwill (Note 3)	1,328
Other assets	54
Total non-current assets held for sale	9,580
Total assets held for sale	10,136
Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	277
Other current liabilities	295
Total current liabilities related to assets held for sale	572
Long-term debt	594
Employee benefit obligations	215
Other liabilities	134
Total non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale	943
Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	$1,515

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_

Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$75,341
Ending balance	75,693	75,341
Wireless Licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	75,341
Acquisitions (Note 2)	42
Capitalized interest on wireless licenses	4
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	306
Ending balance	$75,693

Wireless_Licenses_Goodwill_and2

Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill Held for Sale	$1,328,000,000
Wireless Licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Wireless licenses under development	$400,000,000

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_1

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$24,639
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	-1,336
Ending balance	23,303
Wireless
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance		18,390
Ending balance	18,390	18,390
Wireline
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,249
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	-1,336
Ending balance	$4,913

Composition_of_Other_Intangibl

Composition of Other Intangible Assets Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	17,886	$17,482
Accumulated Amortization	-12,107	-11,754
Net Amount	5,779	5,728
Customer Lists
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	3,617	3,618
Accumulated Amortization	-2,980	-2,924
Net Amount	637	694
Customer Lists \| Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	5 years
Customer Lists \| Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	13 years
Non-Network Internal-Use Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	13,544	13,194
Accumulated Amortization	-8,756	-8,462
Net Amount	4,788	4,732
Non-Network Internal-Use Software \| Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	3 years
Non-Network Internal-Use Software \| Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	7 years
Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	725	670
Accumulated Amortization	-371	-368
Net Amount	354	$302
Other Intangible Assets \| Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	5 years
Other Intangible Assets \| Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life for finite-lived intangible assets, years	25 years

Amortization_Expense_for_Other

Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for other intangible assets	$381	$394

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2015	$1,128
2016	1,277
2017	1,078
2018	903
2019	$673

Changes_to_Debt_Detail

Changes to Debt (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at January 1, 2015	$2,735
Long-term debt,Balance at January 1, 2015	110,536
Total,Balance at January 1, 2015	113,271
Proceeds from borrowings	6,497	16,952
Repayments of borrowings and capital leases obligations	-5,576	-7,951
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	482	252
Reclassification of long-term debt to Non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale (Note 2)	-594
Other	-692
Debt maturing within one year,Balance at March 31, 2015	4,439
Long-term debt,Balance at March 31, 2015	108,949
Total,Balance at March 31, 2015	113,388
Debt Maturing Within One Year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturing within one year, Balance at January 1, 2015	2,735
Proceeds from borrowings	4,000
Repayments of borrowings and capital leases obligations	-5,576
Increase in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	482
Reclassifications of long-term debt	2,782
Reclassification of long-term debt to Non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale (Note 2)	0
Other	16
Debt maturing within one year,Balance at March 31, 2015	4,439
Long-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt,Balance at January 1, 2015	110,536
Proceeds from borrowings	2,497
Reclassifications of long-term debt	-2,782
Reclassification of long-term debt to Non-current liabilities related to assets held for sale (Note 2)	-594
Other	-708
Long-term debt,Balance at March 31, 2015	$108,949

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	$8,000,000,000	8,000,000,000	$8,000,000,000
Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations	113,388,000,000	113,388,000,000	113,388,000,000	113,271,000,000
Vendor Financing Facility \| Network Equipment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Value of purchase assets financed	200,000,000
Long-term debt maturing within one year	800,000,000	800,000,000	800,000,000
Guarantee Of Debentures And First Mortgage Bonds Of Operating Telephone Company Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations	3,100,000,000	3,100,000,000	3,100,000,000
Guarantee of Debt Obligations of GTE Corporation
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
6.94% Notes due 2028 \| Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| GTE Corporation
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.94%	6.94%	6.94%
Debt instrument maturity date		2028
2036 New Notes in February Exchange Offers \| Verizon Communications
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	4.27%	4.27%	4.27%
Debt instrument maturity date		2036
Aggregate principal amount	2,900,000,000	2,900,000,000	2,900,000,000
2048 New Notes in February Exchange Offers \| Verizon Communications
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	4.52%	4.52%	4.52%
Debt instrument maturity date		2048
Aggregate principal amount	5,000,000,000	5,000,000,000	5,000,000,000
2055 New Notes in February Exchange Offers \| Verizon Communications
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	4.67%	4.67%	4.67%
Debt instrument maturity date		2055
Aggregate principal amount	5,500,000,000	5,500,000,000	5,500,000,000
January 2015 Term Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	6,500,000,000	6,500,000,000	6,500,000,000
Term loan agreement partial mandatory prepayment amount	4,000,000,000
Debt instrument maturity date	2016-03
Date in which a partial mandatory prepayment is required	2015-06
Leverage ratio	350.00%
Term loan agreement prepaid amount			5,000,000,000
Amount of unused borrowing capacity under credit facility	$7,900,000,000	7,900,000,000	$7,900,000,000

Schedule_of_Notes_Included_in_

Schedule of Notes Included in Exchange Offer (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Old Notes in Exchange for 2055 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 6.55% Notes due 2043
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.55%	6.55%
Debt instrument maturity date	2043
Principal amount outstanding	$10,670	$10,670
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	4,084	4,084
Old Notes in Exchange for 2036 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 5.15%t Notes Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	5.15%	5.15%
Debt instrument maturity date	2023
Principal amount outstanding	11,000	11,000
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	2,483	2,483
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	3,816	3,816
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 6.90% Notes due 2038
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.90%	6.90%
Debt instrument maturity date	2038
Principal amount outstanding	1,250	1,250
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	773	773
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 6.40% Notes due 2038
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.40%	6.40%
Debt instrument maturity date	2038
Principal amount outstanding	1,750	1,750
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	884	884
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 6.40% Notes due 2033
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.40%	6.40%
Debt instrument maturity date	2033
Principal amount outstanding	4,355	4,355
Exchange Offer, Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange	2,159	2,159
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| Verizon Communications \| 6.25% Notes due 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.25%	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity date	2037
Principal amount outstanding	750	750
Old Notes in Exchange for 2048 New Notes \| GTE Corporation \| 6.94% Notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	6.94%	6.94%
Debt instrument maturity date	2028
Principal amount outstanding	$800	$800

Wireless_Equipment_Installment1

Wireless Equipment Installment Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term portion of financing receivables	$5,765,000,000	$5,707,000,000
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	600,000,000	700,000,000
Sale of receivables	2,000,000,000
Proceeds from receivable	1,300,000,000
Verizon Edge \| Other Assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	700,000,000
Finance Leases Financing Receivable \| Verizon Edge
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current portion of financing receivables	2,000,000,000	2,300,000,000
Long-term portion of financing receivables	$900,000,000	$1,200,000,000

Schedule_of_Assets_and_Liabili

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	$1,823
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	1,756
Short-term Investments \| Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	298
Short-term Investments \| Fixed Income Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	249
Other Current 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	250
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	915
Other Assets \| Interest Rate Swaps and Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	111
Other Current 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	137
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	301
Other Liabilities \| Cross Currency Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	1,318
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	554	[1]
Level 1 \| Short-term Investments \| Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	298	[1]
Level 1 \| Short-term Investments \| Fixed Income Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	6	[1]
Level 1 \| Other Current 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	250	[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	1,269	[2]
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	1,756	[2]
Level 2 \| Short-term Investments \| Fixed Income Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	243	[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	915	[2]
Level 2 \| Other Assets \| Interest Rate Swaps and Other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis	111	[2]
Level 2 \| Other Current 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	137	[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	301	[2]
Level 2 \| Other Liabilities \| Cross Currency Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis	$1,318	[2]

[1]	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
[2]	observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Fair_Value_of_Short_Term_and_L

Fair Value of Short Term and Long Term Debt Excluding Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short- and long-term debt	$113,388	$113,271
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure \| Excluding Capital Leases
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short- and long-term debt	112,738	112,755
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Excluding Capital Leases
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short- and long-term debt	$128,347	$126,549

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Collateral
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability fair value of collateral	$0.80		$0.60
Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount	1.8		1.8
Forward Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount	2		2
Fair value of notional amount	0.3		0.2
Cross Currency Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount	10.3		10.3
Fair value of cross currency swaps	1.4		0.6
Pre-tax gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	($0.90)	($0.90)

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan	119.6
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of RSUs and PSUs	$0.70
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of RSUs and PSUs (in years)	2 years
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value per unit	$48.29

Restricted_and_Performance_Sto

Restricted and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	15,007
Granted	4,235
Payments	-5,839
Cancelled/Forfeited	-48
Ending Balance	13,355
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	19,966
Granted	6,220
Payments	-6,721
Cancelled/Forfeited	-176
Ending Balance	19,289

Benefit_or_Income_Cost_Related

Benefit or Income Cost Related to Pension and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$94	$81
Amortization of prior service credit	1	-2
Expected return on plan assets	-317	-295
Interest cost	243	259
Total	21	43
Health Care And Life
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	81	65
Amortization of prior service credit	-72	-63
Expected return on plan assets	-25	-41
Interest cost	279	277
Total	$263	$238

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount paid in severance benefits over the period	$0.30
Post employment benefits liability	0.6
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer	0.3
Qualified pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer	$0.20

Changes_in_Components_of_Total

Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	$13,676
Net Income	4,338	5,986
Other comprehensive loss	-195
Total Comprehensive Income	4,143	4,895
Contributed capital	-764
Dividends declared	-2,244
Common stock in treasury	-3,830
Distributions and other	-222
Balance at March 31, 2015	10,759
Verizon
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	12,298
Net Income	4,219
Other comprehensive loss	-195
Total Comprehensive Income	4,024
Contributed capital	-764
Dividends declared	-2,244
Common stock in treasury	-3,830
Distributions and other	-145
Balance at March 31, 2015	9,339
Noncontrolling Interests
Equity Note [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	1,378
Net Income	119
Total Comprehensive Income	119
Distributions and other	-77
Balance at March 31, 2015	$1,420

Equity_and_Accumulated_Other_C2

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 10, 2015
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Payment for repurchase of common stock	$5,000,000,000
Common shares issued from Treasury stock	9.8
Treasury stock aggregate value	400,000,000
February 2015 Accelerated Stock Repurchase
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accelerated Share Repurchase		5,000,000,000
Payment for repurchase of common stock		4,250,000,000
Number of shares repurchased		86.2
Expected Total Payment related to February 2015 Accelerated Stock Repurchase
Equity and Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Payment for repurchase of common stock		$5,000,000,000

Changes_in_Balances_of_Accumul

Changes in Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	$1,111
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-197
Amounts reclassified to net income	2
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	-195	-1,068
Balance at March 31, 2015	916
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	-346
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-141
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	-141
Balance at March 31, 2015	-487
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	-84
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-59
Amounts reclassified to net income	46
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	-13
Balance at March 31, 2015	-97
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	112
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	3
Balance at March 31, 2015	115
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans
Equity And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015	1,429
Amounts reclassified to net income	-44
Net other comprehensive income (loss)attributable to Verizon	-44
Balance at March 31, 2015	$1,385

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment	Mar. 31, 2014
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

Operating_Financial_Informatio

Operating Financial Information for Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$31,984	$30,818
Operating income	7,960	7,160
Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	22,328	20,879
Operating income	7,810	7,318
Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	9,469	9,662
Operating income	405	141
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	31,797	30,541
Operating income	8,215	7,459
Operating Segments \| Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	22,302	20,851
Operating Segments \| Wireless \| Service Revenue Retail Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	17,131	17,233
Operating Segments \| Wireless \| Service Revenue Other Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	765	735
Operating Segments \| Wireless \| Service Revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	17,896	17,968
Operating Segments \| Wireless \| Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	3,373	1,869
Operating Segments \| Wireless \| Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	1,033	1,014
Operating Segments \| Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	9,208	9,406
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	87	140
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Mass Markets Consumer Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	3,992	3,840
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Mass Markets Small Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	600	624
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Mass Markets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	4,592	4,464
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Global Enterprise Strategic Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	2,048	2,062
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Global Enterprise Core
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	1,215	1,404
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Global Enterprise
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	3,263	3,466
Operating Segments \| Wireline \| Global Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	1,266	1,336
Operating Segments \| Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	31,510	30,257
Operating Segments \| Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	474	561
Intersegment Revenues \| Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	26	28
Intersegment Revenues \| Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	261	256
Intersegment Revenues \| Total Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	287	284
Intersegment Revenues \| Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	-287	-284
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	187	277
Operating income	($255)	($299)

Reconciliation_of_Segment_Asse

Reconciliation of Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$235,790	$232,708
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	250,384	237,058
Operating Segments \| Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	171,760	160,385
Operating Segments \| Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	78,624	76,673
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	($14,594)	($4,350)

Summary_of_Reconciliation_of_S

Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Operating Revenues (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$31,984	$30,818
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	31,797	30,541
Revenue Generated By Assets Sold
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Revenues		128
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$187	$149

Reconciliation_of_Total_Report

Reconciliation of Total Reportable Segments Operating Income to Consolidated Income before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$7,960	$7,160
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated businesses	-34	1,902
Other income and (expense), net	75	-894
Interest expense	-1,332	-1,214
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	6,669	6,954
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	8,215	7,459
Operating Income Generated By Assets Sold
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		6
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	($255)	($305)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	LegalMatter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Approximate number of federal district court actions alleged for patent infringement	60
Guarantee obligations, year term (in years)	30 years