v2.4.1.9
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Beginning balance $ 24,639us-gaap_Goodwill  
Reclassifications, adjustments and other (1,336)us-gaap_GoodwillOtherChanges  
Ending balance 23,303us-gaap_Goodwill  
Wireless    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Beginning balance   18,390us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelessMember
Ending balance 18,390us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelessMember
18,390us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelessMember
Wireline    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Beginning balance 6,249us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelineMember
 
Reclassifications, adjustments and other (1,336)us-gaap_GoodwillOtherChanges
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelineMember
 
Ending balance $ 4,913us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= vz_WirelineMember