v3.7.0.1
Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Note [Line Items]    
Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 24,032  
Net income 3,553 $ 4,430
Other comprehensive loss (64)  
Total Comprehensive Income 3,489 $ 4,339
Contributed capital (21)  
Dividends declared (2,356)  
Common stock in treasury 119  
Distributions and other (226)  
Balance at March 31, 2017 25,037  
Verizon    
Equity Note [Line Items]    
Balance at January 1, 2017 22,524  
Net income 3,450  
Other comprehensive loss (64)  
Total Comprehensive Income 3,386  
Contributed capital (21)  
Dividends declared (2,356)  
Common stock in treasury 119  
Distributions and other (159)  
Balance at March 31, 2017 23,493  
Noncontrolling Interests    
Equity Note [Line Items]    
Balance at January 1, 2017 1,508  
Net income 103  
Total Comprehensive Income 103  
Distributions and other (67)  
Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 1,544