v2.4.1.9
Changes in Carrying Amount of Wireless Licenses (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Beginning balance   $ 75,341us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements
Ending balance 75,693us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements 75,341us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements
Wireless Licenses    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Beginning balance 75,341us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements
/ us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis
= vz_WirelessLicensesMember
 
Acquisitions (Note 2) 42us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired
/ us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis
= vz_WirelessLicensesMember
 
Capitalized interest on wireless licenses 4us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
/ us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis
= vz_WirelessLicensesMember
 
Reclassifications, adjustments and other 306vz_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsReclassificationsAdjustmentsAndOther
/ us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis
= vz_WirelessLicensesMember
 
Ending balance $ 75,693us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements
/ us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis
= vz_WirelessLicensesMember