v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Advertising expense $ 1,570 $ 1,100 $ 324  
Cumulative translation loss, net of tax (617) (466)    
Foreign currency exchange losses, net $ (105) $ (213) $ (6)  
Number of reporting segments | segment 1      
Number of operating segments | segment 1      
Network equipment | Minimum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 3 years      
Network equipment | Maximum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 20 years      
Buildings | Minimum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 3 years      
Buildings | Maximum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 30 years      
Computer software, office equipment and other | Minimum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 2 years      
Computer software, office equipment and other | Maximum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 5 years      
Finance lease right-of-use assets | Minimum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 3 years      
Finance lease right-of-use assets | Maximum        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Useful life of property and equipment 20 years      
Revenue from contract with customer benchmark | Geographic concentration risk | United States        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
Concentration risk percentage (in percentage) 43.00% 43.00% 44.00%  
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02        
Summary of Accounting Policies        
ROU assets       $ 6,630
ROU corresponding liabilities       6,350
Pre-existing finance lease ROU assets       $ 761