v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name METROPCS COMMUNICATIONS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001283699    
Trading Symbol pcs    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   362,504,956  
Entity Public Float     $ 5,395,061,378
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuers Yes