v3.7.0.1
Changes in Components of Total equity (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Equity Note [Line Items]        
Balance at January 1, 2017     $ 24,032  
Net income $ 4,478 $ 831 8,031 $ 5,261
Other comprehensive loss     (389)  
Total Comprehensive Income 4,153 $ 3,219 7,642 $ 7,558
Contributed capital     (83)  
Dividends declared     (4,712)  
Common stock in treasury     121  
Distributions and other     (239)  
Balance at June 30, 2017 26,761   26,761  
Verizon        
Equity Note [Line Items]        
Balance at January 1, 2017     22,524  
Net income     7,812  
Other comprehensive loss     (389)  
Total Comprehensive Income     7,423  
Contributed capital     (83)  
Dividends declared     (4,712)  
Common stock in treasury     121  
Distributions and other     (84)  
Balance at June 30, 2017 25,189   25,189  
Noncontrolling Interests        
Equity Note [Line Items]        
Balance at January 1, 2017     1,508  
Net income     219  
Total Comprehensive Income     219  
Distributions and other     (155)  
Balance at June 30, 2017 $ 1,572   $ 1,572