v2.4.1.9
Debt - Additional Information (Detail)
0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
May 29, 2014
GBP (£)
Mar. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
USD ($)
Sep. 02, 2013
Wireless Transaction
Sep. 02, 2013
Wireless Transaction
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2014
364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
July 31, 2014 Credit Facility
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
Commercial Paper
Dec. 31, 2013
Commercial Paper
Dec. 31, 2014
Bridge Loan
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Bridge Loan
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
Vendor Financing Facility
Network Equipment
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Vendor Financing Facility
Network Equipment
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
December 2014 Euro Debt Issuance
USD ($)
Feb. 21, 2014
Series D Preferred Stock
Wireless Transaction
Dec. 31, 2014
Series D Preferred Stock
Verizon Wireless
Feb. 21, 2014
Series E Preferred Stock
Wireless Transaction
Dec. 31, 2014
Series E Preferred Stock
Verizon Wireless
Feb. 28, 2014
2.375% Notes due 2022
EUR (€)
Feb. 28, 2014
3.25% Notes due 2026
EUR (€)
Feb. 28, 2014
4.75% Notes due 2034
GBP (£)
Feb. 28, 2014
Notes Due Twenty Fifty Four
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2014
1.25% Notes due November 2014
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2014
4.8% Notes Due 2044
USD ($)
May 29, 2014
Debt
GBP (£)
May 29, 2014
Debt
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
May 29, 2014
Debt
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
May 29, 2014
Debt
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
Maximum
GBP (£)
May 29, 2014
Floating Rate Notes due 2024
Aug. 21, 2014
2020 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
Aug. 21, 2014
2020 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
USD ($)
Aug. 21, 2014
2046 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
Aug. 21, 2014
2046 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
USD ($)
Aug. 21, 2014
2054 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
Aug. 21, 2014
2054 New Notes in July Exchange Offers
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2014
Fixed Rate And Floating Rate Notes
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
Fixed Rate And Floating Rate Notes
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2014
Floating Rate Notes Due 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2014
Floating Rate Notes Due 2017
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Jun. 30, 2014
1.35% Notes due 2017
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2014
July 2014 Term Loan Agreement
Jul. 31, 2014
Term Loan Agreement Maturity 5 Years
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2014
Term Loan Agreement Maturity 5 Years
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2014
New Five Year Term Notes
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2014
Repayment of Feb. 2014 Term Loan Agreement Maturity 5 Years
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
6.10% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
Mar. 31, 2014
6.10% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
6.10% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
Mar. 31, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
8.75% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
Dec. 31, 2014
8.75% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
8.75% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
8.75% Notes due 2018
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
Dec. 31, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2017
Verizon Communications
Dec. 31, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2017
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2017
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2017
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
8.5% Notes due 2018
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
Mar. 31, 2014
8.5% Notes due 2018
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
8.5% Notes due 2018
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
8.5% Notes due 2018
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
7.00% Debentures due 2016
Alltel Corporation
Dec. 31, 2014
7.00% Debentures due 2016
Alltel Corporation
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
7.00% Debentures due 2016
Alltel Corporation
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
7.00% Debentures due 2016
Alltel Corporation
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
6.84% Debentures due 2018
GTE Corporation
Mar. 31, 2014
6.84% Debentures due 2018
GTE Corporation
USD ($)
Mar. 10, 2014
6.84% Debentures due 2018
GTE Corporation
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
Floating Rate Notes due 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
Floating Rate Notes due 2019
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Mar. 31, 2014
2.55% Notes due 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
3.45% Notes due 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
4.15% Notes due 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
5.05% Notes due 2034
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
0.61% Notes
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2014
0.61% Notes
Verizon Communications
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Mar. 31, 2014
1.95% Notes
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2014
Fixed Rate Notes
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2014
3.00% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2021
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2014
3.50% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2024
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2014
4.40% Fixed Rate Notes Due 2034
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2014
4.90% Notes due 2015 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
4.90% Notes due 2015 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
5.55% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
3.00% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
3.00% Notes due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
5.50% Notes Due 2017 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
5.50% Notes Due 2017 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
8.75% Notes Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
8.75% Notes Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
7.00% Debentures Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Alltel Corporation
Oct. 31, 2014
7.00% Debentures Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Alltel Corporation
Nov. 30, 2014
8.50% Debentures Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
Oct. 31, 2014
8.50% Debentures Due 2018 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC
Nov. 30, 2014
2.50% Notes Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Oct. 31, 2014
2.50% Notes Due 2016 Called for Early Redemption in November 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Verizon Notes
USD ($)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes
USD ($)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes
Wireless Transaction
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes
Verizon Wireless
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022
USD ($)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022
Wireless Transaction
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022
Wireless Transaction
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022
Verizon Wireless
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2022
Verizon Wireless
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025
USD ($)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025
Wireless Transaction
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025
Wireless Transaction
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025
Verizon Wireless
Feb. 21, 2014
Verizon Notes due February 21, 2025
Verizon Wireless
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Feb. 28, 2014
Term Loan Agreement
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2014
Term Loan Agreement
Maximum
Feb. 28, 2014
Term Loan Agreement Maturity 3 Years
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2013
Floating Rate Notes due Twenty Fifteen
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2013
4.375% Notes
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2013
5.25% Notes
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Fixed and Floating Rate Notes Issued Related to Wireless Transaction
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Fixed and Floating Rate Notes Issued Related to Wireless Transaction
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Floating Rate Notes Due 2016
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Floating Rate Notes Due 2016
Verizon Wireless
Sep. 30, 2013
Floating Rate Notes Due 2018
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Floating Rate Notes Due 2018
Verizon Wireless
Sep. 30, 2014
2.50% Notes due 2016
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2014
5.50% Notes due 2018
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Notes Due 2020
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Notes Due 2023
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2014
Notes Due 2033
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2014
Notes Due 2043
Verizon Wireless
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
Reduction in Debt Borrowing Capacity
Bridge Loan
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantee Of Debentures And First Mortgage Bonds Of Operating Telephone Company Subsidiaries
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantee of Debt Obligations of GTE Corporation
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2013
7.375% Verizon Wireless Note
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2013
6.50% Verizon Wireless Note
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2013
5.55% Notes due 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Verizon New York Inc Debentures
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2013
Verizon New York Inc Debentures
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2013
Verizon New York Inc Debentures
USD ($)
May 31, 2013
Verizon New York Inc Debentures
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2013
Verizon Maryland LLC Debentures
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2013
October 31, 2013 Verizon New England Inc. Debentures
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Verizon Delaware LLC Debentures
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
4.90% Notes due 2015
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
3.00% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
1.625% Notes Due 2024
December 2014 Euro Debt Issuance
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2014
2.625% Notes Due 2031
December 2014 Euro Debt Issuance
EUR (€)
Feb. 24, 2015
January 2015 Term Loan Agreement
Subsequent Event
Jan. 31, 2015
January 2015 Term Loan Agreement
Subsequent Event
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
2.50% Notes due 2016
Verizon Communications
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper                           0.40%us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
0.20%us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Borrowing capacity               $ 6,200,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity       $ 2,000,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis
= vz_RevolvingCreditThreeHundredSixtyFourDayMember
$ 8,000,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis
= vz_JulyThirtyFirstTwentyFourteenCreditFacilityMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    $ 6,500,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_JanuaryTwentyFifteenTermLoanAgreementMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
 
Debt instrument maturity date                         Jul. 31, 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                           Feb. 21, 2022   Feb. 21, 2022     Feb. 21, 2025   Feb. 21, 2025                                                 Feb. 01, 2014                            
Amount of unused borrowing capacity under credit facility                         7,900,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis
= vz_JulyThirtyFirstTwentyFourteenCreditFacilityMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Aggregate principal amount                                                 1,750,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointThreeSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointTwoFivePercentNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember
850,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointSevenFivePercentNoteDueTwoThousandThirtyFourMember
500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointNinePercentNotesDueTwentyFiftyFourMember
  900,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointEightPercentNotesDueTwoThousandFortyFourMember
700,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DebtMember
    600,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DebtMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
    3,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyTwentyNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
  4,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyFortySixNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
  5,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyFiftyFourNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
3,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateAndFloatingRateNotesMember
4,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateAndFloatingRateNotesMember
1,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
  2,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointThreeFivePercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
    3,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FiveYearTermNotesMember
3,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NewFiveYearTermNotesMember
    1,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointOneZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    1,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      1,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      1,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      750,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
        300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPercentDebentureDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
    600,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointEightFourPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_GTECorporationMember
  500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentyNineteenMember
  500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentyNineteenMember
1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointFourFivePercentNotesDueTwentyTwentyOneMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointOneFivePercentNotesDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointZeroFivePercentNotesDueTwentyThirtyFourMember
      6,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateNotesMember
1,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointZeroZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyTwentyOneMember
2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointFiveZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointFourZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyThirtyFourMember
                                5,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesMember
5,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesMember
    2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
        2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember
        6,600,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TermLoanAgreementMember
  3,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreeYearTermNotesMember
500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentyFifteenMember
      49,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedAndFloatingRateNotesIssuedRelatedToWirelessTransactionMember
2,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDue2016Member
  1,750,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDue2018Member
  4,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2016Member
4,750,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2018Member
4,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2020Member
11,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2023Member
6,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2033Member
15,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2043Member
                              1,400,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_DecemberTwentyFourteenEuroDebtIssuanceMember
1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointSixTwoFivePercentNotesDueTwentyThirtyOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_DecemberTwentyFourteenEuroDebtIssuanceMember
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/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
Stated interest rate on debt instrument                                                 2.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointThreeSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
3.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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5.90%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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1.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointTwoFivePercentNotesDueNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
4.80%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointEightPercentNotesDueTwoThousandFortyFourMember
4.073%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DebtMember
  8.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DebtMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
      2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyTwentyNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
  4.862%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyFortySixNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
  5.012%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwentyFiftyFourNewNotesInJulyExchangeOffersMember
        1.35%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointThreeFivePercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
              6.10%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointOneZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    5.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      8.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      5.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      5.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
  8.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
  8.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
      7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPercentDebentureDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
    6.84%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointEightFourPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_GTECorporationMember
    2.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentyNineteenMember
3.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointFourFivePercentNotesDueTwentyTwentyOneMember
4.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointOneFivePercentNotesDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
5.05%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointZeroFivePercentNotesDueTwentyThirtyFourMember
    1.95%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointNineFivePercentageNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
  3.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointZeroZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyTwentyOneMember
3.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointFiveZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
4.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointFourZeroPercentFixedRateNotesDueTwentyThirtyFourMember
  4.90%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointNineZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyFifteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  5.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  3.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointZeroZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  5.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  8.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPointZeroZeroPercentDebenturesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
  8.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFiveZeroPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
  2.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
                                    4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointThreeSevenFivePercentNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointTwoFivePercentNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
            2.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2016Member
3.65%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2018Member
4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2020Member
5.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2023Member
6.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2033Member
6.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NotesDue2043Member
      7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPointThreeSevenFivePercentVerizonWirelessNoteMember
6.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointFivePercentVerizonWirelessNoteMember
5.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessNotesDueFebruaryFirstTwoThousandFourteenMember
7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
6.70%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
7.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonMarylandLlcDebenturesMember
4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OctoberThirtyFirstTwentyThirteenVerizonNewEnglandIncDebenturesMember
7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonDelawareLlcDebenturesMember
4.90%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointNineZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyFifteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
3.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
1.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointSixTwoFivePercentNotesDueTwentyTwentyFourMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_DecemberTwentyFourteenEuroDebtIssuanceMember
2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointSixTwoFivePercentNotesDueTwentyThirtyOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_DecemberTwentyFourteenEuroDebtIssuanceMember
     
Debt instrument maturity date                                                 2022 2026 2034 2054   2044   2018     2024 2020   2046   2054       2017   2017           2018     2018     2018       2016       2017       2018 2018     2016       2018     2019   2019 2021 2024 2034         2021 2024 2034   2015   2016   2016   2017   2018   2016   2018   2016                                   2015         2016   2018   2016 2018 2020 2023 2033 2043                           2015 2016 2024 2031      
Cash proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issuance costs     5,400,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts                                 3,000,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_DecemberTwentyFourteenEuroDebtIssuanceMember
              500,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointNinePercentNotesDueTwentyFiftyFourMember
  900,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointEightPercentNotesDueTwoThousandFortyFourMember
                      3,300,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateAndFloatingRateNotesMember
4,500,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateAndFloatingRateNotesMember
                                                                                            6,400,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedRateNotesMember
                                                                        500,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentyFifteenMember
    48,700,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedAndFloatingRateNotesIssuedRelatedToWirelessTransactionMember
                                                             
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis                                                                                       Three-month LIBOR plus 0.40%                                                                         Three-month LIBOR plus 0.77%           LIBOR plus 0.61%                                                       Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%   Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%     Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%   Three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%                     Three-month LIBOR plus 1.53%   Three-month LIBOR plus 1.75%                                                    
Debt instrument, marginal rate                                                                                         0.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
                                                                        0.77%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDueTwentyNineteenMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
          0.61%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ZeroPointSixOnePercentageNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
                                                      1.222%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
  1.222%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
    1.372%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
  1.372%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesDueFebruaryTwentyFirstTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
                1.53%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDue2016Member
  1.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FloatingRateNotesDue2018Member
                                                     
Amount of notes repaid                                                         800,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointTwoFivePercentNotesDueNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
                                                          700,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      600,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      400,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
      1,250,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
400,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
    100,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPercentDebentureDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
                      1,000,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ZeroPointSixOnePercentageNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
  1,500,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OnePointNineFivePercentageNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
                                                                            500,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointThreeSevenFivePercentNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointTwoFivePercentNotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
                              1,250,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPointThreeSevenFivePercentVerizonWirelessNoteMember
200,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointFivePercentVerizonWirelessNoteMember
3,500,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessNotesDueFebruaryFirstTwoThousandFourteenMember
200,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
300,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
100,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
100,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
250,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonMarylandLlcDebenturesMember
300,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_OctoberThirtyFirstTwentyThirteenVerizonNewEnglandIncDebenturesMember
20,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonDelawareLlcDebenturesMember
500,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointNineZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyFifteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
1,300,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
        1,000,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
Debt instrument maturity date                                                         2014-11                                   2019-07                                                                                                                                                                                                         2033-12 2023-11     2023-05   2023-12           2016-03  
Notes purchased price of principal amount of note, percentage                                                                                                                                             127.135%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
                                            103.70%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FourPointNineZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyFifteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  106.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  103.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ThreePointZeroZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  110.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  125.20%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  108.70%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPointZeroZeroPercentDebenturesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
  124.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFiveZeroPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
  103.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TwoPointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySixteenCalledForEarlyRedemptionInNovemberTwentyFourteenMember
  100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNotesMember
                                                                        101.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessNotesDueFebruaryFirstTwoThousandFourteenMember
                           
Quarterly interest payment start date                                                                                                                                                                                                                               May 21, 2014 May 21, 2014                                                                                                
Preferred stock dividend rate, percentage                   5.143%us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Preferred stock shares outstanding                                         825,000vz_SharesOutstandingPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember
825,000vz_SharesOutstandingPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember
825,000vz_SharesOutstandingPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember
825,000vz_SharesOutstandingPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Preferred stock redemption date                   2020-04                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Preferred stock redemption price, per share                     $ 1,000vz_RedemptionPriceOfPreferredStock
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_WirelessTransactionMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Debt instrument maturity period                                                                                                 5 years                                                                                                                                                         3 years                                                                      
Leverage ratio                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         350.00%vz_LeverageRatioCreditAgreement
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_TermLoanAgreementMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
                                                                  350.00%vz_LeverageRatioCreditAgreement
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_JanuaryTwentyFifteenTermLoanAgreementMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
   
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations         17,669,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities 8,163,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities 6,403,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities                                                                                 3,300,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FiveYearTermNotesMember
    500,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_RepaymentOfFebruaryTwentyFourteenTermLoanAgreementMaturityFiveYearsMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Proceeds from long-term borrowings         30,967,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 49,166,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 4,489,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt                                                                                     500,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_NewFiveYearTermNotesMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Date in which a partial mandatory prepayment is required                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               2015-06  
Tender offer for notes, expiration date         Mar. 17, 2014                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Tender offer for notes, settlement date         Mar. 19, 2014                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Cash payment related to exchange offer 22,000,000vz_CashPaymentRelatedToExchangeOffer                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Interest expense on debt related to the Wireless Transaction                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   700,000,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= vz_VerizonWirelessMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FixedAndFloatingRateNotesIssuedRelatedToWirelessTransactionMember
                                                             
Amount of borrowing capacity under bridge credit agreement                                 61,000,000,000us-gaap_BridgeLoan
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_BridgeLoanMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        12,000,000,000us-gaap_BridgeLoan
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_ReductionInDebtBorrowingCapacityMember
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_BridgeLoanMember
                                     
Related fees for termination of bridge credit agreement                               200,000,000us-gaap_LossOnContractTermination
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_BridgeLoanMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Redemption price of notes percentage                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       100.00%vz_RedemptionPriceOfNotesPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
100.00%vz_RedemptionPriceOfNotesPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonNewYorkIncDebenturesMember
    100.00%vz_RedemptionPriceOfNotesPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonMarylandLlcDebenturesMember
  100.00%vz_RedemptionPriceOfNotesPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_VerizonDelawareLlcDebenturesMember
             
Debt redemption cost   900,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts   500,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Debt Tender Offer, Principal amount purchased                 4,122,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased                                                                                       700,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointOneZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
748,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointOneZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
  800,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
763,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    600,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
564,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointSevenFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    700,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
652,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveFivePercentNotesDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
    400,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
353,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_FivePointFiveZeroPercentNotesDueTwentySeventeenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_VerizonCommunicationsMember
  600,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
  619,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_EightPointFivePercentNotesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_CellcoPartnershipAndVerizonWirelessCapitalLlcMember
    200,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPercentDebentureDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
157,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SevenPercentDebentureDueTwentySixteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_AlltelCorporationMember
  300,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointEightFourPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_GTECorporationMember
266,000,000vz_DebtTenderOfferPrincipalAmountPurchased
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_SixPointEightFourPercentDebenturesDueTwentyEighteenMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= vz_GTECorporationMember
                                                                                                                                                                 
Other costs         334,000,000vz_OtherCosts   276,000,000vz_OtherCosts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Value of purchase assets financed                                   700,000,000us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_VendorFinancingFacilityMember
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= vz_NetworkEquipmentMember
100,000,000us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_VendorFinancingFacilityMember
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= vz_NetworkEquipmentMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Long-term debt maturing within one year       2,397,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent 2,397,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent 3,486,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent                       700,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= vz_VendorFinancingFacilityMember
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= vz_NetworkEquipmentMember
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Principal amount outstanding in connection with the guarantee of debt obligations       $ 113,271,000,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations $ 113,271,000,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations $ 93,591,000,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 $ 3,100,000,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_GuaranteeOfDebenturesAndFirstMortgageBondsOfOperatingTelephoneCompanySubsidiariesMember
$ 1,400,000,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vz_GuaranteeOfDebtObligationsOfGeneralTelephoneAndElectronicsCorporationMember