v2.4.1.9
Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Feb. 21, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]            
Controlling interest percentage           100.00%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Distribution to partners $ 3,150us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates $ 8,325us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates        
Verizon Wireless            
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]            
Dividends payable, date declared   2012-11 2013-05 2012-11 2011-07  
Distribution to partners     7,000us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
8,500us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
10,000us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
 
Verizon Wireless | Paid by Verizon Wireless to Vodafone Group Plc            
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]            
Distribution to partners     $ 3,150us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ us-gaap_DividendsAxis
= vz_PaidByVerizonWirelessToVodafoneGroupPlcMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
$ 3,800us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ us-gaap_DividendsAxis
= vz_PaidByVerizonWirelessToVodafoneGroupPlcMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
$ 4,500us-gaap_PaymentsOfDistributionsToAffiliates
/ us-gaap_DividendsAxis
= vz_PaidByVerizonWirelessToVodafoneGroupPlcMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember