Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 29,172
Acquisitions (Note 3)	143
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(115)
Ending balance	29,200
Operating Segments \| Wireless
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	18,397
Acquisitions (Note 3)	0
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	0
Ending balance	18,397
Operating Segments \| Wireline
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,955
Acquisitions (Note 3)	(82)
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(4)
Ending balance	3,869
Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,820
Acquisitions (Note 3)	225
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(111)
Ending balance	$ 6,934

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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