Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 27, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CENTURYLINK, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000018926
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		546,690,239
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
OPERATING REVENUES	$ 4,382	$ 4,554	$ 13,181	$ 13,424
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	1,996	1,993	5,845	5,863
Selling, general and administrative	796	857	2,439	2,571
Depreciation and amortization	995	1,048	2,958	3,136
Total operating expenses	3,787	3,898	11,242	11,570
OPERATING INCOME	595	656	1,939	1,854
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(327)	(329)	(998)	(984)
Other (expense) income, net	(19)	2	5	16
Total other expense, net	(346)	(327)	(993)	(968)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	249	329	946	886
Income tax expense	97	124	362	346
NET INCOME	$ 152	$ 205	$ 584	$ 540
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
BASIC (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 0.97
DILUTED (in dollars per share)	0.28	0.37	1.08	0.97
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.54	$ 1.62	$ 1.62
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
BASIC (in shares)	539,806	554,897	539,411	558,502
DILUTED (in shares)	540,917	555,156	540,493	559,293

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 152	$ 205	$ 584	$ 540
Items related to employee benefit plans:
Change in net actuarial loss, net of $(16), $(16), $(49) and $(46) tax	28	24	82	74
Change in net prior service costs, net of $(1), $(3), $(3) and $(8) tax	2	4	6	12
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, net of $—, $—, $— and $— tax	(4)	(10)	(9)	(10)
Other comprehensive income	26	18	79	76
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 178	$ 223	$ 663	$ 616

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in net actuarial loss, tax	$ (16)	$ (16)	$ (49)	$ (46)
Change in net prior service costs, tax	(1)	(3)	(3)	(8)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 140	$ 126
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $173 and $152	1,957	1,943
Other	631	581
Total current assets	2,728	2,650
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment	40,304	38,785
Accumulated depreciation	(22,464)	(20,716)
Net property, plant and equipment	17,840	18,069
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	20,766	20,742
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,980 and $1,798	1,518	1,555
Other, net	690	660
Total goodwill and other assets	26,228	26,885
TOTAL ASSETS	46,796	47,604
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,534	1,503
Accounts payable	1,036	968
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	548	602
Income and other taxes	330	318
Interest	320	250
Other	255	220
Advance billings and customer deposits	710	743
Total current liabilities	4,733	4,604
LONG-TERM DEBT	18,184	18,722
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes, net	3,653	3,569
Benefit plan obligations, net	5,228	5,511
Other	1,106	1,138
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	9,987	10,218
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock—non-redeemable, $25.00 par value, authorized 2,000 shares, issued and outstanding 7 and 7 shares	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 1,600,000 and 1,600,000 shares, issued and outstanding 546,690 and 543,800 shares	547	544
Additional paid-in capital	15,121	15,178
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,855)	(1,934)
Retained earnings	79	272
Total stockholders' equity	13,892	14,060
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	46,796	47,604
Customer relationships
Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $6,322 and $5,648	$ 3,254	$ 3,928

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 173	$ 152
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, par value	$ 25.00	$ 25.00
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, authorized shares	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, issued shares	7	7
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, outstanding shares	7	7
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, authorized shares	1,600,000	1,600,000
Common stock, issued shares	546,690	543,800
Common stock, outstanding shares	546,690	543,800
Customer relationships
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 6,322	$ 5,648
Other intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 1,980	$ 1,798

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 584	$ 540
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,958	3,136
Impairment of assets	1	9
Deferred income taxes	32	93
Provision for uncollectible accounts	144	128
Net long-term debt issuance costs and premium amortization	2	(3)
Net loss on early retirement of debt	(27)	0
Share-based compensation	60	57
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(158)	(91)
Accounts payable	52	(84)
Accrued income and other taxes	1	250
Other current assets and liabilities, net	(24)	123
Retirement benefits	(143)	(134)
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(41)	(54)
Other, net	17	(14)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,512	3,956
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(2,010)	(2,039)
Cash paid for acquisitions	(24)	(4)
Proceeds from sale of property	22	29
Other, net	0	(8)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,012)	(2,022)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,161	990
Payments of long-term debt	(2,436)	(535)
Net payments on credit facility and revolving line of credit	(325)	(725)
Dividends paid	(876)	(905)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	5	11
Repurchase of common stock and shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings	(15)	(541)
Other, net	0	(2)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,486)	(1,707)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	14	227
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	126	128
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	140	355
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	(344)	(54)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $38 and $41)	$ (922)	$ (914)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest paid, capitalized interest	$ 38	$ 41

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	COMMON STOCK	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL	RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 569	$ (2,017)	$ 16,324	$ 147
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		2		9
Repurchase of common stock		(17)		(518)
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings				(18)
Share-based compensation and other, net				58
Dividends declared				(395)	(510)
Other comprehensive income	$ 76		76
Net income	540				540
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2015	14,250	554	(1,941)	15,460	177
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	14,060	544	(1,934)	15,178	272
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		3		5
Repurchase of common stock		0		0
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings				(15)
Share-based compensation and other, net				59
Dividends declared				(106)	(777)
Other comprehensive income	79		79
Net income	584				584
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 13,892	$ 547	$ (1,855)	$ 15,121	$ 79

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation General We are an integrated communications company engaged primarily in providing an array of services to our residential and business customers. Our communications services include local and long-distance voice, broadband, Multi-Protocol Label Switching ("MPLS"), private line (including special access), Ethernet, colocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting), data integration, video, network, public access, Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP"), information technology and other ancillary services. Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, in our opinion, the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that might be expected for the entire year, and the net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of the year, in particular, may not be indicative of the net cash that will be provided by operating activities in the last three months of the year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other (expense) income, net, (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities. We pay dividends out of retained earnings to the extent we have retained earnings on the date the dividend is declared. If the dividend is in excess of our retained earnings on the declaration date, then the excess is drawn from our additional paid-in capital. We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenues and our segment reporting. See Note 7—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenues, total operating expenses or net income for any period. Connect America Fund In 2015, we accepted funding from the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") Connect America Fund ("CAF") of approximately $500 million per year for six years to fund the deployment of voice and broadband capable infrastructure for approximately 1.2 million rural households and businesses in 33 states under the CAF Phase 2 high-cost support program. The funding from the CAF Phase 2 support program in these 33 states will substantially supplant funding from the interstate Universal Service Fund ("USF") high-cost program that we previously utilized to support voice services in high-cost rural markets. In late 2015, we began receiving these support payments from the FCC under the new CAF Phase 2 support program, which included monthly support payments at a higher rate than under the interstate USF support program. We received a substantial one-time transitional payment of $127 million from the FCC in the third quarter of 2015, of which $112 million was attributable to the first six months of 2015. The transitional payment was designed to align the prior USF payments with the new CAF Phase 2 payments for the full year 2015. Consequently, we do not expect funding from the CAF Phase 2 support program (including the prior USF funding) to materially change our other operating revenues for the full year 2016 when compared to the full year 2015. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments On June 16, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" ("ASU 2016-13"). The primary impact of ASU 2016-13 for us is a change in the model for the recognition of credit losses related to our financial instruments from an incurred loss model, which recognized credit losses only if it was probable that a loss had been incurred, to an expected loss model, which requires our management team to estimate the total credit losses expected on the portfolio of financial instruments. We are currently reviewing the requirements of the standard and evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020, but could elect to early adopt the provisions as of January 1, 2019. We expect to recognize the impacts of adopting ASU 2016-13 through a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. Share-based Compensation On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 modifies the accounting and associated income tax accounting for share-based compensation in order to reduce the cost and complexity associated with current generally accepted accounting principles. ASU 2016-09 is effective as of January 1, 2017, but early adoption may be elected. ASU 2016-09 includes different transition requirements for the different changes implemented, including some provisions which allow retrospective application. We will implement this new standard on its effective date, but we have not determined if we will retrospectively apply the requirements when allowed. The primary provisions of ASU 2016-09 that we expect will affect our financial statements are: 1) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between the expense recognized for share-based payments and the associated tax deduction from additional paid-in capital to income tax expense; 2) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between compensation expense and associated deduction from financing cash flow to operating cash flow; and 3) an optional accounting policy election to account for forfeitures of share-based payment grants as they occur as opposed to our current policy of estimating the forfeitures on the grant date. Although these provisions would not have had a material impact on our previously-issued financial statements, we cannot provide any assurance regarding their future impacts. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 may increase the volatility of income tax expense and cash flow from operating activities. Leases On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets for operating leases, which are currently not reflected on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in our consolidated financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that we may elect to apply. We have not yet decided when we will adopt ASU 2016-02 or which practical expedient options we will elect. We are currently evaluating our existing lease accounting systems to determine whether our current systems will support the new accounting requirements or if upgrades or new systems will be required, and we are in the process of developing an implementation plan. We are also currently evaluating and assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this report, we cannot provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. Revenue Recognition On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and we defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year until January 1, 2018, which is the date we plan to adopt this standard. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt. We have completed our initial assessment of our business and systems requirements and we are currently developing and implementing a new revenue recognition system to comply with the requirements of ASU 2014-09. We continue to work on developing estimates of the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the timing of our revenue recognition but cannot currently provide a reasonably accurate estimate of its impact.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs, consisting of borrowings by CenturyLink, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Qwest Corporation, Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. and Embarq Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Embarq"), were as follows:



	Interest Rates	Maturities	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
			(Dollars in millions)
CenturyLink, Inc.
Senior notes	5.150% - 7.650%	2017 - 2042	$	8,975		7,975
Credit facility and revolving line of credit⁽¹⁾	2.274% - 4.250%	2019	85			410
Term loan	2.280%	2019	341			358
Subsidiaries
Qwest Corporation
Senior notes	6.125% - 7.750%	2017 - 2056	7,259			7,229
Term loan	2.280%	2025	100			100
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
Senior notes	6.500% - 7.750%	2018 - 2031	981			981
Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries
Senior note	7.995%	2036	1,485			2,669
First mortgage bonds	7.125% - 8.770%	2017 - 2025	228			232
Other	9.000%	2019	150			150
Capital lease and other obligations	Various	Various	441			425
Unamortized discounts, net			(131		)	(125	)
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(196		)	(179	)
Total long-term debt			19,718			20,225
Less current maturities			(1,534		)	(1,503	)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities			$	18,184		18,722

______________________________________________________________________


⁽¹⁾	The aggregate amount outstanding on our Credit Facility and revolving line of credit borrowings at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $85 million and $410 million, respectively, with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.507% and 2.756%, respectively. These amounts change on a regular basis.

New Issuances

On August 22, 2016, Qwest Corporation issued $978 million aggregate principal amount of 6.5% Notes due 2056, including $128 million principal amount that was sold pursuant to an over-allotment option, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of $946 million. All of the 6.5% Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed by Qwest Corporation, in whole or in part, on or after September 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

On April 6, 2016, CenturyLink, Inc. issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Notes due 2024, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of $988 million. All of the 7.5% Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed by CenturyLink, Inc., in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 2024, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. At any time before January 1, 2024, the Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at CenturyLink, Inc.'s option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date in the manner described in the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, at any time on or prior to April 1, 2019, CenturyLink, Inc. may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price of 107.5% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings. Under certain circumstances, CenturyLink, Inc. will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date.

On January 29, 2016, Qwest Corporation issued $235 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Notes due 2056, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of $227 million. All of the 7% Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed by Qwest Corporation, in whole or in part, on or after February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

Repayments

On September 19, 2016, a subsidiary of Embarq Corporation redeemed all of the less than $4 million of its 8.77% Notes due 2017, which resulted in an immaterial loss.

On September 15, 2016, Qwest Corporation redeemed $287 million of its 7.5% Notes due 2051, which resulted in a loss of $9 million.

On August 29, 2016, Qwest Corporation redeemed all $661 million of its 7.375% Notes due 2051, which resulted in a loss of $18 million.

On June 1, 2016, Embarq Corporation paid at maturity the $1.184 billion principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest due under its 7.082% Notes.

On May 2, 2016, Qwest Corporation paid at maturity the $235 million principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest due under its 8.375% Notes.

Covenants

As of September 30, 2016, we believe we were in compliance with the provisions and covenants contained in our Credit Facility and other material debt agreements.

Severance and Leased Real Estate

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Severance and Leased Real Estate

Periodically, we have reductions in our workforce and have accrued liabilities for the related severance costs. These workforce reductions resulted primarily from the progression or completion of our post-acquisition integration plans, increased competitive pressures, cost reduction initiatives, process improvements through automation and reduced workload demands due to the loss of customers purchasing certain services.

We report severance liabilities within accrued expenses and other liabilities - salaries and benefits in our consolidated balance sheets and report severance expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. As noted in Note 7—Segment Information, we do not allocate these severance expenses to our segments.

We have recognized liabilities to reflect our estimates of the fair values of the existing lease obligations for real estate which we have ceased using, net of estimated sublease rentals. Our fair value estimates were determined using discounted cash flow methods. We recognize expense to reflect accretion of the discounted liabilities and periodically we adjust the expense when our actual subleasing experience differs from our initial estimates. We report the current portion of liabilities for ceased-use real estate leases in accrued expenses and other liabilities - other and report the noncurrent portion in deferred credits and other liabilities - other in our consolidated balance sheets. We report the related expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2016, the current and noncurrent portions of our leased real estate accrual were $8 million and $61 million, respectively. The remaining lease terms range from 0.1 to 9.2 years, with a weighted-average of 8.0 years.

Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate were as follows:



	Severance			Real Estate
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	14		80
Accrued to expense	25			3
Payments, net	(30		)	(16	)
Reversals and adjustments	—			2
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	9		69

Employee Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefits

Net periodic (income) expense for our qualified and non-qualified pension plans included the following components:



	Pension Plans
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Service cost	$	16		20		48		62
Interest cost	107			142		321		425
Expected return on plan assets	(183		)	(224	)	(550	)	(673	)
Recognition of prior service (credit) cost	(2		)	1		(6	)	4
Recognition of actuarial loss	44			40		131		120
Net periodic pension benefit income	$	(18	)	(21	)	(56	)	(62	)

Net periodic expense (income) for our post-retirement benefit plans included the following components:



	Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Service cost	$	4		6		14		18
Interest cost	29			35		84		105
Expected return on plan assets	(2		)	(6	)	(6	)	(16	)
Recognition of prior service cost	5			6		15		16
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense	$	36		41		107		123

We report net periodic benefit (income) expense for our qualified pension, non-qualified pension and post-retirement benefit plans in cost of services and products and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Benefits paid by our qualified pension plan are paid through a trust that holds all plan assets. Based on current laws and circumstances, we do not expect any contributions to be required for our qualified pension plan during the remainder of 2016. However, we made a voluntary contribution to the trust of $100 million during the third quarter of 2016.

Earnings Per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were calculated as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
Income (Numerator):
Net income	$	152		205		584		540
Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock	—			—		—		—
Net income applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share	152			205		584		540
Net income as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	$	152		205		584		540
Shares (Denominator):
Weighted-average number of shares:
Outstanding during period	546,310			559,991		545,715		563,391
Non-vested restricted stock	(6,504		)	(5,094	)	(6,304	)	(4,889	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share	539,806			554,897		539,411		558,502
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities	10			10		10		10
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans	1,101			249		1,072		781
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	540,917			555,156		540,493		559,293
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.28		0.37		1.08		0.97
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.28		0.37		1.08		0.97

Our calculation of diluted earnings per common share excludes shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options when the exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock. We also exclude unvested restricted stock awards that are antidilutive as a result of unrecognized compensation cost. Such shares averaged 2.7 million and 3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and averaged 3.3 million and 2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Fair Value Disclosure

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosure

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs used following the fair value hierarchy set forth by the FASB.

We determined the fair values of our long-term debt, including the current portion, based on quoted market prices where available or, if not available, based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates.

The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:



Input Level		Description of Input
Level 1		Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2		Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3		Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:



		As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
	Input Level	Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
		(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	19,277	20,076	19,800	19,473

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Data

We are organized into operating segments based on customer type, business and consumer. These operating segments are our two reportable segments in our consolidated financial statements:

•

Business Segment. Consists generally of providing strategic, legacy and data integration products and services to small, medium and enterprise business, wholesale and governmental customers, including other communication providers. Our strategic products and services offered to these customers include our MPLS, Ethernet, colocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting), broadband, VoIP, information technology and other ancillary services. Our legacy services offered to these customers primarily include local and long-distance voice, including the sale of unbundled network elements ("UNEs"), which allow our wholesale customers to use all or part of our network to provide voice and data services to their customers, private line (including special access), switched access and other ancillary services. Our data integration offerings include the sale of telecommunications equipment located on customers' premises and related products and professional services, all of which are described further below under the heading "Product and Service Categories"; and


•	Consumer Segment. Consists generally of providing strategic and legacy products and services to residential customers. Our strategic products and services offered to these customers include our broadband, video (including our Prism TV services) and other ancillary services. Our legacy services offered to these customers include local and long-distance voice and other ancillary services.

The results of our business and consumer segments are summarized below:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Total segment revenues	$	4,078		4,145		12,262		12,500
Total segment expenses	2,200			2,165		6,392		6,376
Total segment income	$	1,878		1,980		5,870		6,124
Total margin percentage	46		%	48	%	48	%	49	%

Business segment:
Revenues	$	2,606		2,636		7,807		7,991
Expenses	1,544			1,528		4,458		4,495
Income	$	1,062		1,108		3,349		3,496
Margin percentage	41		%	42	%	43	%	44	%
Consumer segment:
Revenues	$	1,472		1,509		4,455		4,509
Expenses	656			637		1,934		1,881
Income	$	816		872		2,521		2,628
Margin percentage	55		%	58	%	57	%	58	%

Changes in Segment Reporting

We continually review, evaluate and refine our expense allocations to better reflect how we view and manage our operations, and as a result, during the first half of 2016, we implemented several changes with respect to the assignment of certain expenses to our reportable segments. We have recast our previously-reported segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, to conform to the current presentation. The nature of the most significant changes to segment expenses are as follows:


•	Certain marketing and advertising expenses were reassigned from the business segment to the consumer segment;


•	Certain service delivery costs were reassigned from the consumer segment to the business segment;


•	Centralized human resources training costs were reassigned from the business and consumer segments to corporate overhead; and


•	Marketing direct mail costs and certain printing expenses were reassigned from corporate overhead to the business and consumer segments.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the segment expense recast resulted in an increase in consumer expenses of $15 million and a decrease in business expenses of $13 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the segment expense recast resulted in an increase in consumer expenses of $53 million and a decrease in business expenses of $55 million.

Product and Service Categories

From time to time, we may change the categorization of our products and services. During the second quarter of 2016, we determined that because of declines due to customer migration to other strategic products and services, certain of our business low-bandwidth data services, specifically our private line (including special access) services in our business segment, are more closely aligned with our legacy services than with our strategic services. As a result, we reflect these operating revenues as legacy services, and we have reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to this change. The revision resulted in a reduction of revenue from strategic services and a corresponding increase in revenue from legacy services of $389 million and $1.207 billion (net of $2 million and $6 million of deferred revenue included in other business legacy services) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. In addition, our business broadband services remain a strategic service and are included in our other business strategic services.

We categorize our products, services and revenues among the following four categories:


•	Strategic services, which include primarily broadband, MPLS, Ethernet, colocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting), video (including our facilities-based video services, which we offer in 16 markets), VoIP, information technology and other ancillary services;


•	Legacy services, which include primarily local and long-distance voice services, including the sale of UNEs, private line (including special access), Integrated Services Digital Network ("ISDN") (which use regular telephone lines to support voice, video and data applications), switched access and other ancillary services;


•	Data integration, which includes the sale of telecommunications equipment located on customers' premises and related products and professional services, such as network management, installation and maintenance of data equipment and building of proprietary fiber-optic broadband networks for our governmental and business customers; and

•

Other operating revenues, which consist primarily of CAF support payments, USF support payments and USF surcharges. We receive federal support payments from both CAF Phase 1 and CAF Phase 2 programs, and support payments from both federal and state USF programs. These support payments are government subsidies designed to reimburse us for various costs related to certain telecommunications services, including the costs of deploying, maintaining and operating voice and broadband infrastructure in high-cost rural areas where we are not able to fully recover our costs from our customers. USF surcharges are the amounts we collect based on specific items we list on our customers' invoices to fund the FCC's universal service programs. We also generate other operating revenues from the leasing and subleasing of space in our office buildings, warehouses and other properties. Because we centrally manage the activities that generate these other operating revenues, these revenues are not included in our segment revenues.

Our operating revenue detail for our products and services consisted of the following categories:



	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015	2016	2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Strategic services
Business high-bandwidth data services (1)	$	744	699	2,235	2,083
Business hosting services (2)	303		324	915	961
Other business strategic services (3)	179		143	521	458
Consumer broadband services (4)	674		658	2,023	1,945
Other consumer strategic services (5)	115		105	340	314
Total strategic services revenues	2,015		1,929	6,034	5,761

Legacy services
Business voice services (6)	601		638	1,834	1,956
Business low-bandwidth data services (7)	339		391	1,057	1,213
Other business legacy services (8)	277		288	844	885
Consumer voice services (6)	605		664	1,854	2,027
Other consumer legacy services (9)	78		81	237	221
Total legacy services revenues	1,900		2,062	5,826	6,302

Data integration
Business data integration	163		153	401	435
Consumer data integration	—		1	1	2
Total data integration revenues	163		154	402	437

Other revenues
High-cost support revenue (10)	171		284	518	550
Other revenue (11)	133		125	401	374
Total other revenues	304		409	919	924

Total revenues	$	4,382	4,554	13,181	13,424

______________________________________________________________________



(1)	Includes MPLS and Ethernet revenue
(2)	Includes colocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting) and hosting area network revenue
(3)	Includes primarily broadband, VoIP, video and IT services revenue
(4)	Includes broadband and related services revenue
(5)	Includes video and other revenue
(6)	Includes local and long-distance voice revenue
(7)	Includes private line (including special access) revenue
(8)	Includes UNEs, public access, switched access and other ancillary revenue
(9)	Includes other ancillary revenue
(10)	Includes CAF Phase 1, CAF Phase 2 and federal and state USF support revenue
(11)	Includes USF surcharges

We recognize revenues in our consolidated statements of operations for certain USF surcharges and transaction taxes that we bill to our customers. Our consolidated statements of operations also reflect the offsetting expense for the amounts we remit to the government agencies. The total amount of such surcharges and transaction taxes that we included in revenues aggregated to $144 million and $137 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $435 million and $411 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These USF surcharges, where we record revenue, are included in "other" operating revenues and these transaction taxes are included in "legacy services" revenues. We also act as a collection agent for certain other USF and transaction taxes that we are required by government agencies to bill our customers, for which we do not record any revenue or expense because we only act as a pass-through agent.

Allocations of Revenues and Expenses

Our segment revenues include all revenues from our strategic, legacy and data integration operations as described in more detail above. Segment revenues are based upon each customer's classification as either business or consumer. We report our segment revenues based upon all services provided to that segment's customers. Our segment expenses for our two reportable segments include specific expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers, along with selling, general and administrative expenses that are (i) directly associated with specific segment customers or activities and (ii) allocated expenses, which include network expenses, facilities expenses and other expenses such as fleet and real estate expenses. We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense or impairments to our segments, as the related assets and capital expenditures are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") by segment. Generally speaking, severance expenses, restructuring expenses and certain centrally managed administrative functions (such as finance, information technology, legal and human resources) are not assigned to our segments. Interest expense is also excluded from segment results because we manage our financing on a consolidated basis and have not allocated assets or debt to specific segments. Other income and expense items are not monitored as a part of our segment operations and are therefore excluded from our segment results.

The following table reconciles segment income to net income:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Total segment income	$	1,878		1,980		5,870		6,124
Other operating revenues	304			409		919		924
Depreciation and amortization	(995		)	(1,048	)	(2,958	)	(3,136	)
Other unassigned operating expenses	(592		)	(685	)	(1,892	)	(2,058	)
Interest expense and other (expense) income, net	(346		)	(327	)	(993	)	(968	)
Income tax expense	(97		)	(124	)	(362	)	(346	)
Net income	$	152		205		584		540

We do not have any single customer that provides more than 10% of our total consolidated operating revenues. Substantially all of our consolidated revenues come from customers located in the United States.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8906-108599

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We are vigorously defending against all of the matters described below under the headings "Pending Matters" and "Other Proceedings and Disputes." As a matter of course, we are prepared both to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. In this Note, when we refer to a class action as "putative" it is because a class has been alleged, but not certified in that matter. We have established accrued liabilities for these matters described below where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Pending Matters In William Douglas Fulghum, et al. v. Embarq Corporation, et al., filed on December 28, 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, a group of retirees filed a class action lawsuit challenging the decision to make certain modifications in retiree benefits programs relating to life insurance, medical insurance and prescription drug benefits, generally effective January 1, 2006 and January 1, 2008 (which, at the time of the modifications, was expected to reduce estimated future expenses for the subject benefits by more than $300 million). Defendants include Embarq, certain of its benefit plans, its Employee Benefits Committee and the individual plan administrator of certain of its benefits plans. Additional defendants include Sprint Nextel and certain of its benefit plans. The court certified classes on the claims for vested benefits and age discrimination, but rejected class certification on the claims for breach of fiduciary duty. On October 14, 2011, the Fulghum lawyers filed a new, related lawsuit, Abbott et al. v. Sprint Nextel et al. In Abbott, approximately 1,500 plaintiffs alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the changes in retiree benefits that were at issue in Fulghum. After extensive district court proceedings in Fulghum, and an interlocutory appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, defendants prevailed in 2015 on all age discrimination claims and on the majority of claims for vested benefits. The district court in Fulghum subsequently granted judgment in favor of defendants on all remaining vested benefits claims, and in July 2016 ordered that any affected class members could appeal this ruling. No appeal was taken, and all claims for vested benefits thus have lapsed. On August 31, 2016, the parties reached a settlement in principle on all remaining claims in Fulghum and Abbott. Assuming its terms are successfully implemented, we believe the settlement is likely to be final in mid 2017. We have accrued a liability that we believe is probable for these matters; the amount is not material to our consolidated financial statements. On July 16, 2013, Comcast MO Group, Inc. ("Comcast") filed a lawsuit in Colorado state court against Qwest Communications International, Inc. ("Qwest"). Comcast alleges Qwest breached the parties' 1998 tax sharing agreement ("TSA") when it refused to partially indemnify Comcast for a tax liability settlement Comcast reached with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a dispute to which we were not a party. Comcast seeks approximately $80 million in damages, excluding interest. Qwest and Comcast are parties to the TSA in their capacities as successors to the TSA's original parties, U S WEST, Inc., a telecommunications company, and MediaOne Group, Inc., a cable television company, respectively. In October 2014, the state court granted summary judgment in Qwest's favor. In December 2015, the Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment. On October 3, 2016, the Colorado Supreme Court denied Comcast's petition to review the Court of Appeals judgment. We have not accrued a liability for this matter because we do not believe that liability is probable. Subsidiaries of CenturyLink, Inc. are among hundreds of companies in an industry-wide dispute, raised in nearly 100 federal lawsuits (filed between 2014 and 2016) that have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the District of Northern Texas for pretrial procedures. The disputes relate to switched access charges that local exchange carriers ("LECs") collect from interexchange carriers ("IXCs") for IXCs' use of LEC's access services. In the lawsuits, three IXCs, Sprint Communications Company L.P. ("Sprint"), affiliates of Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") and affiliates of Level 3 Communications LLC ("Level 3"), assert that federal and state laws bar LECs from collecting access charges when IXCs exchange certain types of calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an IXC. Some of these IXCs have asserted claims seeking refunds of payments for access charges previously paid and relief from future access charges. In addition, Level 3 has ceased paying switched access charges on these calls. In November 2015, the federal court agreed with the LECs and rejected the IXCs' contention that federal law prohibits these particular access charges, and also allowed the IXCs to refile state-law claims. Since then, many of the LECs and IXCs have filed revised pleadings and additional motions, which remain pending. Separately, some of the defendants, including CenturyLink, Inc.'s LECs, have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to address these issues on an industry-wide basis. As both an IXC and a LEC, we both pay and assess significant amounts of the charges in question. The outcome of these disputes and lawsuits, as well as any related regulatory proceedings that could ensue, are currently not predictable. If we are required to stop assessing these charges or to pay refunds of any such charges, our financial results could be negatively affected. CenturyLink, Inc. and several of its subsidiaries are defendants in lawsuits filed over the past few years in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri by numerous Missouri municipalities alleging underpayment of taxes. These municipalities are seeking, among other things, (i) a declaratory judgment regarding the extent of our obligations to pay certain business license and gross receipts taxes and (ii) a monetary award of back taxes covering 2007 to the present, plus penalties and interest. In an April 2016 ruling in connection with one of these pending cases, the court made findings which, if not overturned, will result in a tax liability to us well in excess of the contingent liability we have established. Following further proceedings at the district court, we plan to file an appeal and continue to vigorously defend against these claims. For a variety of reasons, we expect the outcome of our appeal to significantly reduce our ultimate exposure, although we can provide no assurances to this effect. Other Proceedings and Disputes From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, administrative hearings of state public utility commissions relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies and miscellaneous third party tort actions. We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities, many of whom are seeking substantial recoveries. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial in the coming 24 months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. We are subject to various foreign, federal, state and local environmental protection and health and safety laws. From time to time, we are subject to judicial and administrative proceedings brought by various governmental authorities under these laws. Several such proceedings are currently pending, but none is reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 in fines and penalties. The outcome of these other proceedings is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Financial Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Other financial information

Other Financial Information

Other Current Assets

The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:



	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses	$	271	238
Materials, supplies and inventory	136		144
Assets held for sale	1		8
Deferred activation and installation charges	111		105
Other	112		86
Total other current assets	$	631	581

Selected Current Liabilities

Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable and other current liabilities as follows:



	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Accounts payable	$	1,036	968
Other current liabilities:
Accrued rent	$	29	32
Legal contingencies	46		20
Other	180		168
Total other current liabilities	$	255	220

Included in accounts payable at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, were (i) $59 million and $68 million, respectively, representing book overdrafts and (ii) $110 million and $94 million, respectively, associated with capital expenditures.

Other Information

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we made three small acquisitions for total consideration of $24 million, including immaterial future cash payments, of which substantially all of the $24 million has initially been attributed to goodwill. These acquisitions were consummated to expand the product offerings of our business segment and therefore the goodwill has been assigned to that segment. The majority of the goodwill is attributed primarily to expected future increases in business segment revenue from the sale of new products. The majority of the goodwill from these acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Information Relating to 2016

The tables below summarize changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at June 30, 2016	$	(1,663	)	(174	)	(44	)	(1,881	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(4	)	(4	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	26			4		—		30
Net current-period other comprehensive income	26			4		(4	)	26
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(1,637	)	(170	)	(48	)	(1,855	)



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(1,715	)	(180	)	(39	)	(1,934	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(9	)	(9	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	78			10		—		88
Net current-period other comprehensive income	78			10		(9	)	79
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(1,637	)	(170	)	(48	)	(1,855	)

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2016	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(44	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(3		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(47		)
Income tax benefit	17			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(30	)



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(131	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(9		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(140		)
Income tax benefit	52			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(88	)

Information Relating to 2015

The tables below summarize changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the three and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2015:



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at June 30, 2015	$	(1,668	)	(266	)	(25	)	(1,959	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(10	)	(10	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	24			4		—		28
Net current-period other comprehensive income	24			4		(10	)	18
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	(1,644	)	(262	)	(35	)	(1,941	)



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(1,720	)	(272	)	(25	)	(2,017	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(10	)	(10	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	76			10		—		86
Net current-period other comprehensive income	76			10		(10	)	76
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	(1,644	)	(262	)	(35	)	(1,941	)

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2015:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2015	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(40	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(7		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(47		)
Income tax benefit	19			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(28	)



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(120	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(20		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(140		)
Income tax benefit	54			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(86	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Labor Union Contracts	9 Months Ended
Labor Union Contracts	Sep. 30, 2016
Labor Union Contracts [Abstract]
Concentration risk disclosure	Labor Union Contracts Over 37% of our employees are members of various bargaining units represented by the Communication Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Approximately 11,000, or 26%, of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire October 7, 2017.

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent Events Colocation Transaction On November 3, 2016, we entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement with a consortium led by BC Partners, Inc. and Medina Capital ("Purchaser") under which we propose to sell our data centers and colocation business for cash and equity valued at $2.3 billion, subject to offsets for the capital lease obligations described below and various working capital and other adjustments. The assets that will be sold and the liabilities to be assumed are currently included in our continuing operations. As part of the transaction, Purchaser will assume our capital lease obligations, which amounted to $320 million as of September 30, 2016, related to the properties that we will sell. The parties anticipate closing the transaction in the first quarter of 2017. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, including filings under the Hart-Scott-Robino Antitrust Improvement Act and a review by the Committee of Foreign Investments in the United States, as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction will result in Purchaser acquiring 57 data centers. This business generated revenues of $626 million, excluding revenue with affiliates, for us in 2015. We have not yet determined the final pre-tax gain or loss on the transaction as a result of various allocations, primarily attributable to intangibles and goodwill, required as part of carving these assets out of CenturyLink. However, it is possible that the transaction could result in a pre-tax loss that is material. Additionally, as a result of the final structure of the agreement, we are in the process of determining the total tax impact of the divestiture and related restructuring, which is likely to be material, but we are unable to currently estimate a reasonably accurate estimate of its impact. Level 3 Transaction On October 31, 2016, we entered into a definitive merger agreement under which we propose to acquire Level 3 Communications, Inc. (“Level 3”) in a cash and stock transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 shareholders will receive $26.50 per share in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 1.4286 CenturyLink shares for each share of Level 3 common stock they own at closing. CenturyLink shareholders are expected to own 51% and Level 3 shareholders are expected to own 49% of the combined company at closing. On September 30, 2016, Level 3 had outstanding $10.9 billion of long-term debt. Completion of the transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals, including the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, as well as approvals from the Federal Communications Commission and certain state regulatory approvals. The transaction is also subject to the approval of CenturyLink and Level 3 shareholders, as well as other customary closing conditions. Subject to these conditions, we anticipate closing this transaction by the end of the third quarter 2017. If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we may be obligated to pay Level 3 a termination fee of $472 million and Level 3 may be obligated to pay CenturyLink a termination fee of $738 million.

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation policy	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other (expense) income, net, (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.
Dividends	We pay dividends out of retained earnings to the extent we have retained earnings on the date the dividend is declared. If the dividend is in excess of our retained earnings on the declaration date, then the excess is drawn from our additional paid-in capital.
Reclassification policy	We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenues and our segment reporting. See Note 7—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenues, total operating expenses or net income for any period.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments On June 16, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" ("ASU 2016-13"). The primary impact of ASU 2016-13 for us is a change in the model for the recognition of credit losses related to our financial instruments from an incurred loss model, which recognized credit losses only if it was probable that a loss had been incurred, to an expected loss model, which requires our management team to estimate the total credit losses expected on the portfolio of financial instruments. We are currently reviewing the requirements of the standard and evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020, but could elect to early adopt the provisions as of January 1, 2019. We expect to recognize the impacts of adopting ASU 2016-13 through a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. Share-based Compensation On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 modifies the accounting and associated income tax accounting for share-based compensation in order to reduce the cost and complexity associated with current generally accepted accounting principles. ASU 2016-09 is effective as of January 1, 2017, but early adoption may be elected. ASU 2016-09 includes different transition requirements for the different changes implemented, including some provisions which allow retrospective application. We will implement this new standard on its effective date, but we have not determined if we will retrospectively apply the requirements when allowed. The primary provisions of ASU 2016-09 that we expect will affect our financial statements are: 1) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between the expense recognized for share-based payments and the associated tax deduction from additional paid-in capital to income tax expense; 2) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between compensation expense and associated deduction from financing cash flow to operating cash flow; and 3) an optional accounting policy election to account for forfeitures of share-based payment grants as they occur as opposed to our current policy of estimating the forfeitures on the grant date. Although these provisions would not have had a material impact on our previously-issued financial statements, we cannot provide any assurance regarding their future impacts. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 may increase the volatility of income tax expense and cash flow from operating activities. Leases On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets for operating leases, which are currently not reflected on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in our consolidated financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that we may elect to apply. We have not yet decided when we will adopt ASU 2016-02 or which practical expedient options we will elect. We are currently evaluating our existing lease accounting systems to determine whether our current systems will support the new accounting requirements or if upgrades or new systems will be required, and we are in the process of developing an implementation plan. We are also currently evaluating and assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this report, we cannot provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. Revenue Recognition On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and we defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year until January 1, 2018, which is the date we plan to adopt this standard. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt. We have completed our initial assessment of our business and systems requirements and we are currently developing and implementing a new revenue recognition system to comply with the requirements of ASU 2014-09. We continue to work on developing estimates of the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the timing of our revenue recognition but cannot currently provide a reasonably accurate estimate of its impact.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt including unamortized discounts and premiums

Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs, consisting of borrowings by CenturyLink, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Qwest Corporation, Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. and Embarq Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Embarq"), were as follows:



	Interest Rates	Maturities	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
			(Dollars in millions)
CenturyLink, Inc.
Senior notes	5.150% - 7.650%	2017 - 2042	$	8,975		7,975
Credit facility and revolving line of credit⁽¹⁾	2.274% - 4.250%	2019	85			410
Term loan	2.280%	2019	341			358
Subsidiaries
Qwest Corporation
Senior notes	6.125% - 7.750%	2017 - 2056	7,259			7,229
Term loan	2.280%	2025	100			100
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
Senior notes	6.500% - 7.750%	2018 - 2031	981			981
Embarq Corporation and subsidiaries
Senior note	7.995%	2036	1,485			2,669
First mortgage bonds	7.125% - 8.770%	2017 - 2025	228			232
Other	9.000%	2019	150			150
Capital lease and other obligations	Various	Various	441			425
Unamortized discounts, net			(131		)	(125	)
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(196		)	(179	)
Total long-term debt			19,718			20,225
Less current maturities			(1,534		)	(1,503	)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities			$	18,184		18,722

______________________________________________________________________


⁽¹⁾	The aggregate amount outstanding on our Credit Facility and revolving line of credit borrowings at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $85 million and $410 million, respectively, with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.507% and 2.756%, respectively. These amounts change on a regular basis.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Severance and Leased Real Estate (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate

Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate were as follows:



	Severance			Real Estate
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	14		80
Accrued to expense	25			3
Payments, net	(30		)	(16	)
Reversals and adjustments	—			2
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	9		69

Employee Benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of components of net periodic pension benefit (income) expense and post-retirement benefit expense

Net periodic (income) expense for our qualified and non-qualified pension plans included the following components:



	Pension Plans
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Service cost	$	16		20		48		62
Interest cost	107			142		321		425
Expected return on plan assets	(183		)	(224	)	(550	)	(673	)
Recognition of prior service (credit) cost	(2		)	1		(6	)	4
Recognition of actuarial loss	44			40		131		120
Net periodic pension benefit income	$	(18	)	(21	)	(56	)	(62	)

Net periodic expense (income) for our post-retirement benefit plans included the following components:



	Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Service cost	$	4		6		14		18
Interest cost	29			35		84		105
Expected return on plan assets	(2		)	(6	)	(6	)	(16	)
Recognition of prior service cost	5			6		15		16
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense	$	36		41		107		123

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per common share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were calculated as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
Income (Numerator):
Net income	$	152		205		584		540
Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock	—			—		—		—
Net income applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share	152			205		584		540
Net income as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	$	152		205		584		540
Shares (Denominator):
Weighted-average number of shares:
Outstanding during period	546,310			559,991		545,715		563,391
Non-vested restricted stock	(6,504		)	(5,094	)	(6,304	)	(4,889	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share	539,806			554,897		539,411		558,502
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities	10			10		10		10
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans	1,101			249		1,072		781
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	540,917			555,156		540,493		559,293
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.28		0.37		1.08		0.97
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.28		0.37		1.08		0.97

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of the three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements

The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:



Input Level		Description of Input
Level 1		Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2		Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3		Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, and input level to determine fair values

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:



		As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
	Input Level	Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
		(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	19,277	20,076	19,800	19,473

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment results

The results of our business and consumer segments are summarized below:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Total segment revenues	$	4,078		4,145		12,262		12,500
Total segment expenses	2,200			2,165		6,392		6,376
Total segment income	$	1,878		1,980		5,870		6,124
Total margin percentage	46		%	48	%	48	%	49	%

Business segment:
Revenues	$	2,606		2,636		7,807		7,991
Expenses	1,544			1,528		4,458		4,495
Income	$	1,062		1,108		3,349		3,496
Margin percentage	41		%	42	%	43	%	44	%
Consumer segment:
Revenues	$	1,472		1,509		4,455		4,509
Expenses	656			637		1,934		1,881
Income	$	816		872		2,521		2,628
Margin percentage	55		%	58	%	57	%	58	%

Schedule of operating revenues by products and services

Our operating revenue detail for our products and services consisted of the following categories:



	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015	2016	2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Strategic services
Business high-bandwidth data services (1)	$	744	699	2,235	2,083
Business hosting services (2)	303		324	915	961
Other business strategic services (3)	179		143	521	458
Consumer broadband services (4)	674		658	2,023	1,945
Other consumer strategic services (5)	115		105	340	314
Total strategic services revenues	2,015		1,929	6,034	5,761

Legacy services
Business voice services (6)	601		638	1,834	1,956
Business low-bandwidth data services (7)	339		391	1,057	1,213
Other business legacy services (8)	277		288	844	885
Consumer voice services (6)	605		664	1,854	2,027
Other consumer legacy services (9)	78		81	237	221
Total legacy services revenues	1,900		2,062	5,826	6,302

Data integration
Business data integration	163		153	401	435
Consumer data integration	—		1	1	2
Total data integration revenues	163		154	402	437

Other revenues
High-cost support revenue (10)	171		284	518	550
Other revenue (11)	133		125	401	374
Total other revenues	304		409	919	924

Total revenues	$	4,382	4,554	13,181	13,424

______________________________________________________________________



(1)	Includes MPLS and Ethernet revenue
(2)	Includes colocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting) and hosting area network revenue
(3)	Includes primarily broadband, VoIP, video and IT services revenue
(4)	Includes broadband and related services revenue
(5)	Includes video and other revenue
(6)	Includes local and long-distance voice revenue
(7)	Includes private line (including special access) revenue
(8)	Includes UNEs, public access, switched access and other ancillary revenue
(9)	Includes other ancillary revenue
(10)	Includes CAF Phase 1, CAF Phase 2 and federal and state USF support revenue
(11)	Includes USF surcharges

Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated net income

The following table reconciles segment income to net income:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015		2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Total segment income	$	1,878		1,980		5,870		6,124
Other operating revenues	304			409		919		924
Depreciation and amortization	(995		)	(1,048	)	(2,958	)	(3,136	)
Other unassigned operating expenses	(592		)	(685	)	(1,892	)	(2,058	)
Interest expense and other (expense) income, net	(346		)	(327	)	(993	)	(968	)
Income tax expense	(97		)	(124	)	(362	)	(346	)
Net income	$	152		205		584		540

Other Financial Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of components of other current assets

The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:



	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses	$	271	238
Materials, supplies and inventory	136		144
Assets held for sale	1		8
Deferred activation and installation charges	111		105
Other	112		86
Total other current assets	$	631	581

Schedule of current liabilities including accounts payable and other current liabilities

Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable and other current liabilities as follows:



	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Accounts payable	$	1,036	968
Other current liabilities:
Accrued rent	$	29	32
Legal contingencies	46		20
Other	180		168
Total other current liabilities	$	255	220

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Sep. 30, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Summary of the entity's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component

The tables below summarize changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at June 30, 2016	$	(1,663	)	(174	)	(44	)	(1,881	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(4	)	(4	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	26			4		—		30
Net current-period other comprehensive income	26			4		(4	)	26
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(1,637	)	(170	)	(48	)	(1,855	)



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(1,715	)	(180	)	(39	)	(1,934	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(9	)	(9	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	78			10		—		88
Net current-period other comprehensive income	78			10		(9	)	79
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(1,637	)	(170	)	(48	)	(1,855	)

The tables below summarize changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the three and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2015:



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at June 30, 2015	$	(1,668	)	(266	)	(25	)	(1,959	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(10	)	(10	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	24			4		—		28
Net current-period other comprehensive income	24			4		(10	)	18
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	(1,644	)	(262	)	(35	)	(1,941	)



	Pension Plans			Post-Retirement Benefit Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(1,720	)	(272	)	(25	)	(2,017	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—		(10	)	(10	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	76			10		—		86
Net current-period other comprehensive income	76			10		(10	)	76
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	(1,644	)	(262	)	(35	)	(1,941	)

Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2016	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(44	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(3		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(47		)
Income tax benefit	17			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(30	)



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(131	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(9		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(140		)
Income tax benefit	52			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(88	)

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2015:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2015	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(40	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(7		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(47		)
Income tax benefit	19			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(28	)



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015	(Decrease) Increase in Net Income			Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations or Footnote Where Additional Information is Presented If The Amount is not Recognized in Net Income in Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans
Net actuarial loss	$	(120	)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Prior service cost	(20		)	See Note 4-Employee Benefits
Total before tax	(140		)
Income tax benefit	54			Income tax expense
Net of tax	$	(86	)

Basis of Presentation (Details) - CAF Phase 2 Support number in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 state
Operating revenues by products and services
Federal support, total amount per agreement	$ 500
Contract or agreement term	6 years
Number of rural households and businesses	1.2
Number of states in which service is provided (states) \| state				33
Transitional payment		$ 127	$ 112

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Capital lease and other obligations	$ 441	$ 425
Unamortized discounts, net	(131)	(125)
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(196)	(179)
Total long-term debt	19,718	20,225
Less current maturities	(1,534)	(1,503)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	18,184	18,722
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	8,975	7,975
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Line of credit
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 85	$ 410
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate (percent)	2.507%	2.756%
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 341	$ 358
Stated interest rate (percent)	2.28%
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Minimum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	5.15%
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Minimum \| Line of credit
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate at period end - Credit facility and revolving line of credit (percent)	2.274%
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Maximum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.65%
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Maximum \| Line of credit
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest rate at period end - Credit facility and revolving line of credit (percent)	4.25%
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 7,259	7,229
Qwest Corporation \| Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 100	100
Stated interest rate (percent)	2.28%
Qwest Corporation \| Minimum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	6.125%
Qwest Corporation \| Maximum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.75%
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 981	981
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. \| Minimum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	6.50%
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. \| Maximum \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.75%
Embarq Corporation \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,485	2,669
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.995%
Embarq Corporation \| First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 228	232
Embarq Corporation \| Other
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 150	$ 150
Stated interest rate (percent)	9.00%
Embarq Corporation \| Minimum \| First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.125%
Embarq Corporation \| Maximum \| First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	8.77%

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2016	Aug. 29, 2016	Aug. 22, 2016	Apr. 06, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 19, 2016	Jun. 01, 2016	May 02, 2016
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Loss on early retirement of debt						$ 27	$ 0
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes \| 6.5% Notes due 2056
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 978
Stated interest rate (percent)			6.50%
Debt instrument, face amount, over-allotment			$ 128
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs			$ 946
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes \| 7.00% Notes due 2056
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Debt instrument, face amount					$ 235
Stated interest rate (percent)					7.00%
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs					$ 227
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes \| 7.5% Notes due 2051
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount	$ 287
Loss on early retirement of debt	$ 9
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes \| 7.375% Notes Due 2051
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)		7.375%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		$ 661
Loss on early retirement of debt		$ 18
Qwest Corporation \| Senior notes \| 8.375% Notes due 2016
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)										8.375%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount										$ 235
CenturyLink, Inc. \| Senior notes \| 7.5% Notes due 2024
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Debt instrument, face amount				$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (percent)				7.50%
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs				$ 988
Embarq Corporation \| Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)						7.995%
Embarq Corporation \| Senior notes \| 7.082% Notes due 2016
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)									7.082%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount									$ 1,184
Embarq Corporation \| First mortgage bonds \| 8.77% Notes due 2017
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate (percent)								8.77%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount								$ 4

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Details 3) - Senior notes	Aug. 22, 2016	Apr. 06, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016
Qwest Corporation \| 6.5% Notes due 2056 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period one
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description	on or after September 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed
Qwest Corporation \| 7.00% Notes due 2056 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period one
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description			on or after February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed
CenturyLink, Inc. \| 7.5% Notes due 2024 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period one
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description		on or after January 1, 2024, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed
CenturyLink, Inc. \| 7.5% Notes due 2024 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period two
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description		before January 1, 2024, the Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at CenturyLink, Inc.'s option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date in the manner described in the Notes,
CenturyLink, Inc. \| 7.5% Notes due 2024 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period three
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description		on or prior to April 1, 2019, CenturyLink, Inc. may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price of 107.5% of the principal amount
CenturyLink, Inc. \| 7.5% Notes due 2024 \| Debt instrument, redemption, period four
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, redemption, description		Under certain circumstances, CenturyLink, Inc. will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount

Severance and Leased Real Estate (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Severance and Leased Real Estate (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Employee severance
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 14
Accrued to expense	25
Payments, net	(30)
Reversals and adjustments	0
Balance at the end of the period	9
Qwest Communications International Inc. \| Leased real estate
Leased Real Estate
Current portion of leased real estate accrual	8
Noncurrent portion of leased real estate accrual	$ 61
Weighted average lease terms	8 years
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 80
Accrued to expense	3
Payments, net	(16)
Reversals and adjustments	2
Balance at the end of the period	$ 69
Qwest Communications International Inc. \| Leased real estate \| Minimum
Leased Real Estate
Remaining lease terms	1 month
Qwest Communications International Inc. \| Leased real estate \| Maximum
Leased Real Estate
Remaining lease terms	9 years 2 months

Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension plans
Employee Benefits
Voluntary contributions to plan by employer	$ 100
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense
Service cost	16	$ 20	$ 48	$ 62
Interest cost	107	142	321	425
Expected return on plan assets	(183)	(224)	(550)	(673)
Recognition of prior service (credit) cost	(2)	1	(6)	4
Recognition of actuarial loss	44	40	131	120
Net periodic benefit (income) expense	(18)	(21)	(56)	(62)
Post-retirement benefit plans
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense
Service cost	4	6	14	18
Interest cost	29	35	84	105
Expected return on plan assets	(2)	(6)	(6)	(16)
Recognition of prior service (credit) cost	5	6	15	16
Net periodic benefit (income) expense	$ 36	$ 41	$ 107	$ 123

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income (Numerator):
Net income	$ 152	$ 205	$ 584	$ 540
Weighted average number of shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share (in shares)	539,806	554,897	539,411	558,502
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	540,917	555,156	540,493	559,293
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 0.97
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 0.97
Common Class A
Income (Numerator):
Net income	$ 152	$ 205	$ 584	$ 540
Earnings applicable to non-vested restricted stock	0	0	0	0
Net income applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share	152	205	584	540
Net income as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	$ 152	$ 205	$ 584	$ 540
Weighted average number of shares:
Outstanding during period (in shares)	546,310	559,991	545,715	563,391
Non-vested restricted stock (in shares)	(6,504)	(5,094)	(6,304)	(4,889)
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share (in shares)	539,806	554,897	539,411	558,502
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities (in shares)	10	10	10	10
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans (in shares)	1,101	249	1,072	781
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	540,917	555,156	540,493	559,293
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 0.97
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 0.97
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	2,700	3,100	3,300	2,500

Fair Value Disclosure (Details) - Fair value measurements determined on a nonrecurring basis - Fair value inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying amount
Liabilities
Liabilities - Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	$ 19,277	$ 19,800
Fair value
Liabilities
Liabilities - Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	$ 20,076	$ 19,473

Segment Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Segment information
Number of reportable segments (segments) \| segment			2
Revenues	$ 4,382	$ 4,554	$ 13,181	$ 13,424
Expenses	3,787	3,898	11,242	11,570
Total segment income	595	656	1,939	1,854
Operating segments
Segment information
Revenues	4,078	4,145	12,262	12,500
Expenses	2,200	2,165	6,392	6,376
Total segment income	$ 1,878	$ 1,980	$ 5,870	$ 6,124
Margin percentage (percent)	46.00%	48.00%	48.00%	49.00%
Business
Segment information
Revenues	$ 2,606	$ 2,636	$ 7,807	$ 7,991
Expenses	1,544	1,528	4,458	4,495
Total segment income	$ 1,062	$ 1,108	$ 3,349	$ 3,496
Margin percentage (percent)	41.00%	42.00%	43.00%	44.00%
Business \| Business \| Restatement adjustment
Segment information
Expenses		$ (13)		$ (55)
Consumer
Segment information
Revenues	$ 1,472	1,509	$ 4,455	4,509
Expenses	656	637	1,934	1,881
Total segment income	$ 816	$ 872	$ 2,521	$ 2,628
Margin percentage (percent)	55.00%	58.00%	57.00%	58.00%
Consumer \| Consumer \| Restatement adjustment
Segment information
Expenses		$ 15		$ 53

Segment Information (Details 2) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details 2) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) category	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Operating revenues by products and services
Number of categories of products and services (categories) \| category			4
Revenues	$ 4,382	$ 4,554	$ 13,181	$ 13,424
Surcharge amount on customers' bills	144	137	$ 435	411
Individual customers accounting for more than 10% of total operating revenues			We do not have any single customer that provides more than 10% of our total consolidated operating revenues.
Strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	$ 2,015	1,929	$ 6,034	5,761
Facilities-based video services
Operating revenues by products and services
Number of markets	16		16
Legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	$ 1,900	2,062	$ 5,826	6,302
Data integration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	163	154	402	437
Other revenues
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	304	409	919	924
High cost support revenue
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	171	284	518	550
Other revenue
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	133	125	401	374
Business
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	2,606	2,636	7,807	7,991
Business \| Business high-bandwidth data services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	744	699	2,235	2,083
Business \| Business hosting services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	303	324	915	961
Business \| Other business strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	179	143	521	458
Business \| Voice services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	601	638	1,834	1,956
Business \| Business low-bandwidth data services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	339	391	1,057	1,213
Business \| Other business legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	277	288	844	885
Business \| Data integration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	163	153	401	435
Consumer
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,472	1,509	4,455	4,509
Consumer \| Consumer broadband services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	674	658	2,023	1,945
Consumer \| Other consumer strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	115	105	340	314
Consumer \| Voice services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	605	664	1,854	2,027
Consumer \| Other consumer legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	78	81	237	221
Consumer \| Data integration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	$ 0	1	$ 1	2
Business low-bandwidth data services \| Restatement adjustment \| Business \| Strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues		(389)		(1,207)
Business low-bandwidth data services \| Restatement adjustment \| Business \| Legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues		389		1,207
Other business strategic services \| Restatement adjustment \| Business \| Strategic services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues		2		6
Other business legacy services \| Restatement adjustment \| Business \| Legacy services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues		$ (2)		$ (6)

Segment Information (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment income	$ 595	$ 656	$ 1,939	$ 1,854
Depreciation and amortization	(995)	(1,048)	(2,958)	(3,136)
Other unassigned operating expenses	(796)	(857)	(2,439)	(2,571)
Interest expense and other (expense) income, net	(346)	(327)	(993)	(968)
Income tax expense	(97)	(124)	(362)	(346)
Net income	152	205	584	540
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment income	1,878	1,980	5,870	6,124
Segment reconciling items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Other operating revenues	304	409	919	924
Depreciation and amortization	(995)	(1,048)	(2,958)	(3,136)
Other unassigned operating expenses	(592)	(685)	(1,892)	(2,058)
Interest expense and other (expense) income, net	(346)	(327)	(993)	(968)
Income tax expense	$ (97)	$ (124)	$ (362)	$ (346)

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)				9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Apr. 30, 2016	Jul. 17, 2013 USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2011 plaintiff	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) plaintiff lawsuit	Dec. 31, 2007 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies
Patents allegedly infringed (at least)				1
Unfavorable regulatory action
Loss Contingencies
Estimate of possible loss (per proceeding)				$ 100,000
William Douglas Fulghum, et al. v. Embarq Corporation
Loss Contingencies
Effect of modifications made to Embarq's benefits program (greater than)					$ 300,000,000
Abbott et al. v. Sprint Nextel et al.
Loss Contingencies
Number of plaintiffs \| plaintiff			1,500
Comcast \| Qwest Communications International Inc.
Loss Contingencies
Damages sought by plaintiff		$ 80,000,000
Interexchange Carriers \| Subsidiaries of CenturyLInk, Inc.
Loss Contingencies
Number of plaintiffs \| plaintiff				3
Number of lawsuits (approximately) \| lawsuit				100
Missouri municipalities
Loss Contingencies
Opinion of counsel on ruling on one pending case	In an April 2016 ruling in connection with one of these pending cases, the court made findings which, if not overturned, will result in a tax liability to us well in excess of the contingent liability we have established. Following further proceedings at the district court, we plan to file an appeal and continue to vigorously defend against these claims. For a variety of reasons, we expect the outcome of our appeal to significantly reduce our ultimate exposure, although we can provide no assurances to this effect.

Other Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 271	$ 238
Materials, supplies and inventory	136	144
Assets held for sale	1	8
Deferred activation and installation charges	111	105
Other	112	86
Total other current assets	631	581
Accounts Payable, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable	1,036	968
Book overdraft balance	59	68
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	110	94
Other Current Liabilities
Accrued rent	29	32
Legal contingencies	46	20
Other	180	168
Total other current liabilities	$ 255	$ 220

Other Financial Information (Details 2) - Business - Individually immaterial business acquisitions $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Business acquisition
Total consideration to acquire businesses	$ 24
Acquisition price attributable to goodwill	$ 24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (1,881)	$ (1,959)	$ (1,934)	$ (2,017)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4)	(10)	(9)	(10)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	30	28	88	86
Other comprehensive income	26	18	79	76
Balance at the end of the period	(1,855)	(1,941)	(1,855)	(1,941)
Defined benefit plan \| Pension plans
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	(1,663)	(1,668)	(1,715)	(1,720)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	26	24	78	76
Other comprehensive income	26	24	78	76
Balance at the end of the period	(1,637)	(1,644)	(1,637)	(1,644)
Defined benefit plan \| Post-retirement benefit plans
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	(174)	(266)	(180)	(272)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	4	4	10	10
Other comprehensive income	4	4	10	10
Balance at the end of the period	(170)	(262)	(170)	(262)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Balance at the beginning of the period	(44)	(25)	(39)	(25)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4)	(10)	(9)	(10)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income	(4)	(10)	(9)	(10)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (48)	$ (35)	$ (48)	$ (35)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	$ 249	$ 329	$ 946	$ 886
Income tax benefit	(97)	(124)	(362)	(346)
Net income	152	205	584	540
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
Net actuarial loss	(44)	(40)	(131)	(120)
Prior service cost	(3)	(7)	(9)	(20)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	(47)	(47)	(140)	(140)
Income tax benefit	17	19	52	54
Net income	$ (30)	$ (28)	$ (88)	$ (86)

Labor Union Contracts (Details)	9 Months Ended
Labor Union Contracts (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016
Employees subject to collective bargaining arrangements, expiring within subsequent calendar year
Concentration risk
Number of unionized employees	11,000
Total number of employees \| Unionized employees concentration risk
Concentration risk
Concentration risk (percent)	37.00%
Total number of employees \| Unionized employees concentration risk \| Employees subject to collective bargaining arrangements, expiring within subsequent calendar year
Concentration risk
Concentration risk (percent)	26.00%

Subsequent Events (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Nov. 03, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Subsequent event
Outstanding long-term debt		$ 20,225		$ 19,718
Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Subsequent event
Outstanding long-term debt				10,900
Data centers
Subsequent event
Capital lease obligations				$ 320
Data centers \| Colocation services
Subsequent event
Colocation operating revenues		$ 626
Subsequent event \| Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Subsequent event
Cash consideration to be paid to acquiree's shareholders (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 26.50
Parent Company shares to be exchanged for each Acquiree share \| shares	1.4286
Subsequent event \| Level 3 Communications, Inc. \| CenturyLink, Inc.
Subsequent event
Acquiror stockholders percentage of ownership in Parent Company	51.00%
Merger agreement termination fees	$ 472
Subsequent event \| Level 3 Communications, Inc. \| Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Subsequent event
Acquiree stockholders percentage of ownership in Parent Company	49.00%
Merger agreement termination fees	$ 738
Subsequent event \| Data centers
Subsequent event
Divestiture of data centers, consideration received			$ 2,300
Number of data centers			57