Amazon.com (AMZN) 10-Q 28 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 19, 2016
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	AMZN
Entity Registrant Name	AMAZON COM INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,018,724
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		475,166,527

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	$ 12,521	$ 10,269	$ 15,890	$ 14,557	$ 10,709	$ 5,258
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	252	79	1,622	114	2,105	328
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment, including internal-use software and website development, and other amortization, including capitalized content costs	2,084	1,599	5,819	4,529	7,572	5,908
Stock-based compensation	776	544	2,088	1,513	2,694	1,921
Other operating expense, net	31	34	128	120	163	156
Other expense (income), net	(23)	58	(41)	170	39	248
Deferred income taxes	(81)	(63)	36	(108)	226	76
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(173)	(95)	(493)	(212)	(401)	(96)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories	(1,095)	(1,537)	(383)	(844)	(1,726)	(1,983)
Accounts receivable, net and other	(671)	(588)	(1,443)	(577)	(2,621)	(1,681)
Accounts payable	2,540	2,030	(2,252)	(1,846)	3,887	3,207
Accrued expenses and other	441	143	(531)	(925)	1,306	525
Additions to unearned revenue	2,802	1,779	7,956	4,979	10,377	6,358
Amortization of previously unearned revenue	(2,397)	(1,373)	(6,715)	(3,805)	(9,018)	(5,144)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	4,486	2,610	5,791	3,108	14,603	9,823
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use software and website development, net	(1,841)	(1,195)	(4,731)	(3,280)	(6,040)	(4,424)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and other	(84)	(105)	(113)	(478)	(430)	(531)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	1,431	1,045	3,500	1,890	4,635	2,244
Purchases of marketable securities	(2,076)	(1,122)	(4,358)	(2,732)	(5,717)	(4,354)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(2,570)	(1,377)	(5,702)	(4,600)	(7,552)	(7,065)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	173	95	493	212	401	96
Proceeds from Long-term Debt and other	8	33	83	260	176	6,241
Repayments of long-term debt and other	(26)	(181)	(271)	(712)	(1,212)	(894)
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(938)	(656)	(2,855)	(1,738)	(3,579)	(2,144)
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations	(44)	(21)	(105)	(95)	(131)	(163)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(827)	(730)	(2,655)	(2,073)	(4,345)	3,136
Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents	46	(63)	332	(283)	241	(443)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,135	440	(2,234)	(3,848)	2,947	5,451
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	13,656	10,709	13,656	10,709	13,656	10,709
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest on long-term debt	1	7	146	177	295	212
Cash paid for interest on capital and finance lease obligations	50	41	145	109	188	138
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	91	80	317	200	390	230
Assets Held under Capital Leases
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Property and equipment acquired	1,369	1,047	3,666	3,385	4,998	4,599
Assets Held under Build-To-Suit Leases
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Property and equipment acquired	$ 211	$ 125	$ 793	$ 381	$ 956	$ 595

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net product sales	$ 22,339	$ 18,463	$ 64,036	$ 52,650
Net service sales	10,375	6,895	28,210	18,609
Total net sales	32,714	25,358	92,246	71,259
Operating expenses
Cost of sales	21,260	16,755	59,306	47,310
Fulfillment	4,335	3,230	11,900	8,865
Marketing	1,738	1,264	4,720	3,496
Technology and content	4,135	3,197	11,541	8,971
General and administrative	639	463	1,715	1,357
Other operating expense, net	32	43	133	136
Total operating expenses	32,139	24,952	89,315	70,135
Operating income	575	406	2,931	1,124
Interest income	26	13	71	37
Interest expense	(118)	(116)	(351)	(344)
Other income (expense), net	8	(56)	75	(187)
Total non-operating income (expense)	(84)	(159)	(205)	(494)
Income before income taxes	491	247	2,726	630
Provision for income taxes	(229)	(161)	(1,012)	(498)
Equity-method investment activity, net of tax	(10)	(7)	(92)	(18)
Net income	$ 252	$ 79	$ 1,622	$ 114
Basic earnings per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.17	$ 3.43	$ 0.24
Diluted earnings per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.17	$ 3.36	$ 0.24
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	474	468	473	467
Diluted (in shares)	485	478	483	476

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net income	$ 252	$ 79	$ 1,622	$ 114
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $6, $4, $18, and $3	19	(56)	133	(170)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax of $(15), $3, $(32), and $(5)	29	(3)	65	3
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in “Other income (expense), net,” net of tax of $(1), $(1), $(2), and $(1)	2	1	4	3
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	31	(2)	69	6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	50	(58)	202	(164)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 302	$ 21	$ 1,824	$ (50)

Consolidated Statements Of Com5

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (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]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 6	$ 4	$ 18	$ 3
Unrealized gains (losses), tax	(15)	3	(32)	(5)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in other income (expense), net, tax	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (2)	$ (1)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 13,656	$ 15,890
Marketable securities	4,691	3,918
Inventories	10,696	10,243
Accounts receivable, net and other	6,566	5,654
Total current assets	35,609	35,705
Property and equipment, net	27,177	21,838
Goodwill	3,815	3,759
Other assets	4,296	3,445
Total assets	70,897	64,747
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	18,801	20,397
Accrued expenses and other	10,497	10,372
Unearned revenue	4,200	3,118
Total current liabilities	33,498	33,887
Long-term debt	8,205	8,227
Other long-term liabilities	11,412	9,249
Commitments and contingencies (Note 3)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 500 Issued and outstanding shares - none	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 5,000 Issued shares - 498 and 494 Outstanding shares - 475 and 471	5	5
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,837)	(1,837)
Additional paid-in capital	15,968	13,394
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(521)	(723)
Retained earnings	4,167	2,545
Total stockholders’ equity	17,782	13,384
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 70,897	$ 64,747

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Preferred stock, Issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, Outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Authorized shares	5,000,000,000	5,000,000,000
Common stock, Issued shares	498,000,000	494,000,000
Common stock, Outstanding shares	475,000,000	471,000,000

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	ACCOUNTING POLICIES Unaudited Interim Financial Information We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in our opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated balance sheets, operating results, and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for 2016 due to seasonal and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior Period Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, including the allocation of stock-based compensation and “Other operating expense, net” to segment results within “Note 7 — Segment Information.” These revised segment results reflect the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. In Q1 2016, current deferred tax assets and current deferred tax liabilities were reclassified as non-current. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below. We also reclassified our capitalized debt issuance costs from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt” as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amazon.com, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and those entities in which we have a variable interest and of which we are the primary beneficiary, including certain entities in India and China (collectively, the “Company”). Intercompany balances and transactions between consolidated entities are eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the selling price of products and services in multiple element revenue arrangements and determining the amortization period of these elements, incentive discount offers, sales returns, vendor funding, stock-based compensation forfeiture rates, income taxes, valuation and impairment of investments, inventory valuation and inventory purchase commitments, collectability of receivables, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill, depreciable lives of property and equipment, internal-use software and website development costs, acquisition purchase price allocations, investments in equity interests, and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares including the dilutive effect of stock awards as determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when we have a net loss, stock awards are excluded from our calculation of earnings per share as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. The following table shows the calculation of diluted shares (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Shares used in computation of basic earnings per share 474 468 473 467 Total dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards 11 10 10 9 Shares used in computation of diluted earnings per share 485 478 483 476 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the revenue recognition guidance to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate our method of adoption and the impact this ASU, and related amendments and interpretations, will have on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for income taxes and requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the consolidated balance sheets. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The ASU may be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. We adopted this ASU in Q1 2016 and retrospectively adjusted prior periods. Upon adoption, current deferred tax assets of $769 million and current deferred tax liabilities of $13 million in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet were reclassified as non-current. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and liabilities for operating leases with terms of more than 12 months, in addition to those currently recorded, on our consolidated balance sheets. Presentation of leases within the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows will be generally consistent with the current lease accounting guidance. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, primarily to the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intercompany transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Mar

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities	As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities primarily consisted of cash, U.S. and foreign government and agency securities, AAA-rated money market funds, and other investment grade securities. Cash equivalents and marketable securities are recorded at fair value. 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 market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value: Level 1 —Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Level 2 —Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 —Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment. We measure the fair value of money market funds and equity securities based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. All other financial instruments were valued either based on recent trades of securities in inactive markets or based on quoted market prices of similar instruments and other significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. We did not hold any cash, cash equivalents, or marketable securities categorized as Level 3 assets as of September 30, 2016 , or December 31, 2015 . The following tables summarize, by major security type, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in millions): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Total Total Cash $ 5,730 $ — $ — $ 5,730 $ 6,201 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 8,386 — — 8,386 8,025 Equity securities 23 106 — 129 15 Level 2 securities: Foreign government and agency securities 45 1 — 46 49 U.S. government and agency securities 3,695 3 (4 ) 3,694 5,167 Corporate debt securities 587 2 — 589 477 Asset-backed securities 152 — (1 ) 151 117 Other fixed income securities 90 — — 90 42 $ 18,708 $ 112 $ (5 ) $ 18,815 $ 20,093 Less: Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (1) (468 ) (285 ) Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities $ 18,347 $ 19,808 ___________________ (1) We are required to pledge or otherwise restrict a portion of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as collateral for standby and trade letters of credit, guarantees, debt, real estate leases, and amounts due to third-party sellers in certain jurisdictions. We classify cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with use restrictions of less than twelve months as “Accounts receivable, net and other” and of twelve months or longer as non-current “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note 3 — Commitments and Contingencies.” The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our cash equivalents and marketable fixed-income securities as of September 30, 2016 (in millions): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Due within one year $ 10,647 $ 10,648 Due after one year through five years 1,933 1,934 Due after five years through ten years 193 193 Due after ten years 182 181 Total $ 12,955 $ 12,956 Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have certain prepayment conditions. We also hold equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock of other companies. As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , these warrants had a fair value of $142 million and $16 million , and are recorded within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. The related gain (loss) recorded in “Other income (expense), net” was $9 million and $(1) million in Q3 2016 and Q3 2015 , and $(11) million and $1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . These assets are primarily classified as Level 2 assets.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments We have entered into non-cancellable operating, capital, and finance leases for equipment and office, fulfillment, sortation, delivery, data center, and renewable energy facilities. Rental expense under operating lease agreements was $367 million and $291 million for Q3 2016 and Q3 2015 , and $1.0 billion and $824 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The following summarizes our principal contractual commitments, excluding open orders for purchases that support normal operations, as of September 30, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Debt principal and interest $ 164 $ 1,324 $ 311 $ 1,273 $ 246 $ 9,157 $ 12,475 Capital lease obligations, including interest (1) 739 3,693 2,434 1,046 326 240 8,478 Finance lease obligations, including interest (2) 56 228 233 237 241 2,203 3,198 Operating leases 347 1,259 1,159 1,028 961 4,284 9,038 Unconditional purchase obligations (3) 162 690 555 297 140 56 1,900 Other commitments (4) (5) 595 682 527 426 326 2,216 4,772 Total commitments $ 2,063 $ 7,876 $ 5,219 $ 4,307 $ 2,240 $ 18,156 $ 39,861 ___________________ (1) Excluding interest, current capital lease obligations of $3.7 billion and $3.0 billion are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , and $4.5 billion and $4.2 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . (2) Excluding interest, current finance lease obligations of $135 million and $99 million are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , and $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . (3) Includes unconditional purchase obligations related to long-term agreements to acquire and license digital media content that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. For those agreements with variable terms, we do not estimate the total obligation beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. Purchase obligations associated with renewal provisions solely at the option of the content provider are included to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified. (4) Includes the estimated timing and amounts of payments for rent and tenant improvements associated with build-to-suit lease arrangements and equipment lease arrangements that have not been placed in service and digital media content liabilities associated with long-term digital media content assets with initial terms greater than one year. (5) Excludes $1.7 billion of accrued tax contingencies for which we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of payment, if any. Pledged Assets As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we have pledged or otherwise restricted $588 million and $418 million of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, and certain property and equipment as collateral for standby and trade letters of credit, guarantees, debt relating to certain international operations, real estate leases, and amounts due to third-party sellers in certain jurisdictions. Other Contingencies As previously disclosed, we recently determined that we processed and delivered orders of consumer products for certain individuals and entities located outside Iran covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act or other United States sanctions and export control laws. The consumer products included books, music, other media, apparel, home and kitchen, health and beauty, jewelry, office, consumer electronics, software, lawn and patio, grocery, and automotive products. Our review is ongoing and we have voluntarily reported these orders to the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. We intend to cooperate fully with OFAC and BIS with respect to their review, which may result in the imposition of penalties. For additional information, see Item 5 of Part II, “Other Information — Disclosure Pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act.” Legal Proceedings The Company is involved from time to time in claims, proceedings, and litigation, including the matters described in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 7 — Commitments and Contingencies — Legal Proceedings” of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Item 1 of Part 1, “Financial Statements — Note 3 — Commitments and Contingencies — Legal Proceedings” of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the Periods Ended March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016, as supplemented by the following: In September 2016, Broadcom Corporation and Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) PTE Ltd. filed a complaint against Amazon.com, Inc. and Amazon Web Services, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges, among other things, that certain Fire devices infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 5,870,087, entitled “MPEG Decoder System and Method Having a Unified Memory for Transport Decode and System Controller Function,” 6,982,663, entitled “Method and System for Symbol Binarization,” 7,006,636, entitled “Coherence-Based Audio Coding and Synthesis,” 7,583,805, entitled “Late Reverberation-Based Synthesis of Auditory Scenes,” and 8,284,844, entitled “Video Decoding System Supporting Multiple Standards.” The complaint also alleges that certain Kindle and Fire devices, and the Dash Button and Amazon Echo, infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,430,148, entitled “Multidirectional Communication Systems,” and that certain Fire devices and the Amazon Echo infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,766,389, entitled “System on a Chip for Networking.” The complaint also alleges that Amazon Web Services’ Elastic Transcoder and CloudFront infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,296,295, entitled “Media Processing System Supporting Different Media Formats Via Server-Based Transcoding,” that Amazon Elastic Transcoder infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,744,387, entitled “Method and System for Symbol Binarization,” that CloudFront infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,341,375, entitled “Video on Demand DVD System,” and that Elastic Compute Cloud infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,501,480, entitled “Graphics Accelerator.” The complaint seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified amount of damages, enhanced damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. The outcomes of our legal proceedings and other contingencies are inherently unpredictable, subject to significant uncertainties, and could be material to our operating results and cash flows for a particular period. In addition, for some matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible, an estimate of the amount of loss or range of losses is not possible and we may be unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of non-monetary remedies. See also “Note 6 — Income Taxes.”

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	LONG-TERM DEBT In December 2014, and November 2012, we issued $6.0 billion and $3.0 billion of unsecured senior notes, of which $8.3 billion is outstanding, as described in the table below (collectively, the “Notes”). As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , the unamortized discount on the Notes was $92 million and $97 million . We also have other long-term debt with a carrying amount, including the current portion, of $95 million and $312 million as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . The face value of our total long-term debt obligations is as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, 2015 1.20% Notes due on November 29, 2017 (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 2.60% Notes due on December 5, 2019 (2) 1,000 1,000 3.30% Notes due on December 5, 2021 (2) 1,000 1,000 2.50% Notes due on November 29, 2022 (1) 1,250 1,250 3.80% Notes due on December 5, 2024 (2) 1,250 1,250 4.80% Notes due on December 5, 2034 (2) 1,250 1,250 4.95% Notes due on December 5, 2044 (2) 1,500 1,500 Other long-term debt 95 312 Total debt 8,345 8,562 Less current portion of long-term debt (48 ) (238 ) Face value of long-term debt $ 8,297 $ 8,324 _____________________________ (1) Issued in November 2012, effective interest rates of the 2017 and 2022 Notes were 1.38% and 2.66% . (2) Issued in December 2014, effective interest rates of the 2019, 2021, 2024, 2034, and 2044 Notes were 2.73% , 3.43% , 3.90% , 4.92% , and 5.11% . Interest on the Notes issued in 2014 is payable semi-annually in arrears in June and December . Interest on the Notes issued in 2012 is payable semi-annually in arrears in May and November . We may redeem the Notes at any time in whole, or from time to time, in part at specified redemption prices. We are not subject to any financial covenants under the Notes. The proceeds from the Notes are used for general corporate purposes. The estimated fair value of the Notes was approximately $9.1 billion and $8.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , which is based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt as of those dates. The other debt, including the current portion, had a weighted-average interest rate of 3.03% and 3.74% as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . We used the net proceeds from the issuance of this debt primarily to fund certain international operations. The estimated fair value of the other long-term debt, which is based on Level 2 inputs, approximated its carrying value as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . On May 20, 2016 , we entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders that provides us with a borrowing capacity of up to $3.0 billion . This Credit Agreement replaces the prior credit agreement entered into on September 5, 2014. The Credit Agreement has a term of three years , but it may be extended for up to three additional one-year terms if approved by the lenders . The initial interest rate applicable to outstanding balances under the Credit Agreement is the London interbank offered rate (“ LIBOR ”) plus 0.60% , with a commitment fee of 0.05% on the undrawn portion of the credit facility, under our current credit ratings. If our credit ratings are downgraded these rates could increase to as much as LIBOR plus 1.00% and 0.09% , respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit agreements as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . On October 13, 2016 , we entered into a $500 million secured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with a lender that is secured by certain seller receivables . The Credit Facility is available for a term of three years , bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.65% , and has a commitment fee of 0.50% on the undrawn portion.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Stock Repurchase Activity In February 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common stock, with no fixed expiration. This stock repurchase authorization replaces the previous $2.0 billion stock repurchase authorization, approved by the Board of Directors in 2010. There were no repurchases of common stock in Q3 2016 or Q3 2015 . Stock Award Activity Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying outstanding stock awards totaled 496 million as of September 30, 2016 , and 490 million as of December 31, 2015 . These totals include all vested and unvested stock awards outstanding, including those awards we estimate will be forfeited. Stock-based compensation expense is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cost of sales (1) $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — Fulfillment 165 122 467 344 Marketing 85 48 221 133 Technology and content 434 309 1,171 861 General and administrative 85 65 222 175 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 776 $ 544 $ 2,088 $ 1,513 ___________________ (1) Beginning in Q3 2016, stock-based compensation expense was recorded to cost of sales for eligible employees providing delivery services. The compensation expense for stock options, the total intrinsic value for stock options outstanding, the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options, and the related tax benefits were not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in millions): Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 18.9 $ 362 Units granted 7.9 640 Units vested (4.2 ) 309 Units forfeited (1.8 ) 420 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 20.8 $ 473 Scheduled vesting for outstanding restricted stock units as of September 30, 2016 , is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Scheduled vesting—restricted stock units 2.0 7.0 7.0 3.1 1.2 0.5 20.8 As of September 30, 2016 , there was $4.6 billion of net unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements. This compensation is recognized on an accelerated basis with approximately half of the compensation expected to be expensed in the next twelve months, and has a weighted-average recognition period of 1.2 years.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Our tax provision or benefit from income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. Our quarterly tax provision, and our quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate, is subject to significant variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax and taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in how we do business, acquisitions (including integrations) and investments, audit-related developments, foreign currency gains (losses), tax law developments (including changes in statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative practices), and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of discrete items and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower. For 2016 , our effective tax rate will be favorably affected by the impact of the U.S. federal research and development credit, an increase in the amount of pre-tax income relative to income tax expense, an increase in amortization deductions for which we will realize a tax benefit, and a decline in the proportion of nondeductible expenses and losses for which we may not realize a related tax benefit. We record valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets associated with losses for which we may not realize a related tax benefit. Our effective tax rate will also be adversely affected by state income taxes. We will generate income and losses in lower tax jurisdictions primarily related to our European operations, which are headquartered in Luxembourg. Our income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $1.0 billion , which included $50 million of discrete tax benefits primarily attributable to audit-related and tax law developments. Our income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $498 million , which included $37 million of discrete tax expense primarily attributed to acquisition integrations. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds was $91 million and $80 million in Q3 2016 and Q3 2015 and $317 million and $200 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , tax contingencies were $1.7 billion and $1.2 billion . We expect the total amount of tax contingencies will grow in 2016 . In addition, changes in state, federal, and foreign tax laws may increase our tax contingencies. The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, and the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ from the amounts accrued. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will receive additional assessments by various tax authorities or possibly reach resolution of income tax examinations in one or more jurisdictions. These assessments or settlements may or may not result in changes to our contingencies related to positions on prior years’ tax filings. We are under examination, or may be subject to examination, by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the calendar year 2005 and thereafter . These examinations may lead to ordinary course adjustments or proposed adjustments to our taxes or our net operating losses with respect to years under examination as well as subsequent periods. As previously disclosed, we have received Notices of Proposed Adjustment from the IRS for transactions undertaken in the 2005 and 2006 calendar years relating to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries. The IRS is seeking to increase our U.S. taxable income by an amount that would result in additional federal tax of approximately $1.5 billion , subject to interest. To date, we have not resolved this matter administratively and are currently contesting it in U.S. Tax Court. We continue to disagree with these IRS positions and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. In addition to the risk of additional tax for 2005 and 2006 transactions, if this litigation is adversely determined or if the IRS were to seek transfer pricing adjustments of a similar nature for transactions in subsequent years, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. Certain of our subsidiaries are under examination or investigation or may be subject to examination or investigation by the French Tax Administration (“FTA”) for calendar year 2006 and thereafter . These examinations may lead to ordinary course adjustments or proposed adjustments to our taxes. In September 2012, we received proposed tax assessment notices for calendar years 2006 through 2010 relating to the allocation of income between foreign jurisdictions. In June 2015, we received final tax collection notices for these years assessing additional French tax of €196 million , including interest and penalties through September 2012. We disagree with the assessment and intend to contest it vigorously. We plan to pursue all available administrative remedies, and if we are not able to resolve this matter, we plan to pursue judicial remedies. In addition to the risk of additional tax for years 2006 through 2010, if this litigation is adversely determined or if the FTA were to seek adjustments of a similar nature for subsequent years, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. In addition, in October 2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on state aid. If this matter is adversely resolved, Luxembourg may be required to assess, and we may be required to pay, additional amounts with respect to current and prior periods from 2003 onwards and our taxes in the future could increase. We are also subject to taxation in various states and other foreign jurisdictions including Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. We are under, or may be subject to, audit or examination and additional assessments by the relevant authorities in respect of these particular jurisdictions primarily for 2008 and thereafter.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION We have organized our operations into three segments: North America, International, and AWS. We allocate to segment results the operating expenses “Fulfillment,” “Marketing,” “Technology and content,” and “General and administrative” based on usage, which is generally reflected in the segment in which the costs are incurred. The majority of technology infrastructure expenses are allocated to the AWS segment based on usage. The majority of the remaining non-infrastructure technology costs are incurred in the U.S. and are allocated to our North America segment. In Q1 2016, we began allocating stock-based compensation and “Other operating expense, net” to our segment results. In our segment results, these amounts are combined and titled “Stock-based compensation and other.” There are no internal revenue transactions between our reportable segments. These segments reflect the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. North America The North America segment primarily consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from sellers) and subscriptions through North America-focused websites such as www.amazon.com, www.amazon.ca, and www.amazon.com.mx. This segment includes export sales from these websites. International The International segment primarily consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from sellers) and subscriptions through internationally-focused websites such as www.amazon.com.au, www.amazon.com.br, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.in, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.nl, www.amazon.es, and www.amazon.co.uk. This segment includes export sales from these internationally-focused websites (including export sales from these sites to customers in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada), but excludes export sales from our North American websites. AWS The AWS segment consists of amounts earned from global sales of compute, storage, database, and other AWS service offerings for start-ups, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions. Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated net income is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 North America Net sales $ 18,874 $ 15,006 $ 53,544 $ 42,208 Operating expenses 18,180 14,478 50,769 40,461 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 694 528 $ 2,775 $ 1,747 Stock-based compensation and other 439 342 1,230 959 Operating income $ 255 $ 186 $ 1,545 $ 788 International Net sales $ 10,609 $ 8,267 $ 30,019 $ 23,577 Operating expenses 10,941 8,323 30,242 23,728 Operating income (loss) before stock-based compensation and other (332 ) (56 ) $ (223 ) $ (151 ) Stock-based compensation and other 209 152 573 440 Operating income (loss) $ (541 ) $ (208 ) $ (796 ) $ (591 ) AWS Net sales $ 3,231 $ 2,085 $ 8,683 $ 5,474 Operating expenses 2,210 1,564 6,083 4,297 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 1,021 521 $ 2,600 $ 1,177 Stock-based compensation and other 160 93 418 250 Operating income $ 861 $ 428 $ 2,182 $ 927 Consolidated Net sales $ 32,714 $ 25,358 $ 92,246 $ 71,259 Operating expenses 31,331 24,365 87,094 68,486 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 1,383 993 5,152 2,773 Stock-based compensation and other 808 587 2,221 1,649 Operating income 575 406 2,931 1,124 Total non-operating income (expense) (84 ) (159 ) (205 ) (494 ) Provision for income taxes (229 ) (161 ) (1,012 ) (498 ) Equity-method investment activity, net of tax (10 ) (7 ) (92 ) (18 ) Net income $ 252 $ 79 $ 1,622 $ 114 We have aggregated our products and services into groups of similar products and services and provided the supplemental disclosure of net sales (in millions) below. We evaluate whether additional disclosure is appropriate when a product or service category begins to approach a significant level of net sales. For the periods presented, no individual product or service represented more than 10% of net sales. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Sales: Media $ 5,728 $ 5,283 $ 16,626 $ 15,286 Electronics and other general merchandise 23,383 17,741 65,890 49,782 AWS 3,231 2,085 8,683 5,474 Other (1) 372 249 1,047 717 Consolidated $ 32,714 $ 25,358 $ 92,246 $ 71,259 ___________________ (1) Includes sales from non-retail activities, such as certain advertising services and our co-branded credit card agreements.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unaudited Interim Financial Information	Unaudited Interim Financial Information We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in our opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated balance sheets, operating results, and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for 2016 due to seasonal and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Prior Period Reclassifications	Prior Period Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, including the allocation of stock-based compensation and “Other operating expense, net” to segment results within “Note 7 — Segment Information.” These revised segment results reflect the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. In Q1 2016, current deferred tax assets and current deferred tax liabilities were reclassified as non-current. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below. We also reclassified our capitalized debt issuance costs from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt” as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amazon.com, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and those entities in which we have a variable interest and of which we are the primary beneficiary, including certain entities in India and China (collectively, the “Company”). Intercompany balances and transactions between consolidated entities are eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the selling price of products and services in multiple element revenue arrangements and determining the amortization period of these elements, incentive discount offers, sales returns, vendor funding, stock-based compensation forfeiture rates, income taxes, valuation and impairment of investments, inventory valuation and inventory purchase commitments, collectability of receivables, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill, depreciable lives of property and equipment, internal-use software and website development costs, acquisition purchase price allocations, investments in equity interests, and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares including the dilutive effect of stock awards as determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when we have a net loss, stock awards are excluded from our calculation of earnings per share as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the revenue recognition guidance to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate our method of adoption and the impact this ASU, and related amendments and interpretations, will have on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for income taxes and requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the consolidated balance sheets. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The ASU may be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. We adopted this ASU in Q1 2016 and retrospectively adjusted prior periods. Upon adoption, current deferred tax assets of $769 million and current deferred tax liabilities of $13 million in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet were reclassified as non-current. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and liabilities for operating leases with terms of more than 12 months, in addition to those currently recorded, on our consolidated balance sheets. Presentation of leases within the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows will be generally consistent with the current lease accounting guidance. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, primarily to the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intercompany transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Calculation of Diluted Shares	The following table shows the calculation of diluted shares (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Shares used in computation of basic earnings per share 474 468 473 467 Total dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards 11 10 10 9 Shares used in computation of diluted earnings per share 485 478 483 476

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and M17

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fair Value by Major Security Type	The following tables summarize, by major security type, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in millions): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Total Total Cash $ 5,730 $ — $ — $ 5,730 $ 6,201 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 8,386 — — 8,386 8,025 Equity securities 23 106 — 129 15 Level 2 securities: Foreign government and agency securities 45 1 — 46 49 U.S. government and agency securities 3,695 3 (4 ) 3,694 5,167 Corporate debt securities 587 2 — 589 477 Asset-backed securities 152 — (1 ) 151 117 Other fixed income securities 90 — — 90 42 $ 18,708 $ 112 $ (5 ) $ 18,815 $ 20,093 Less: Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (1) (468 ) (285 ) Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities $ 18,347 $ 19,808 ___________________ (1) We are required to pledge or otherwise restrict a portion of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as collateral for standby and trade letters of credit, guarantees, debt, real estate leases, and amounts due to third-party sellers in certain jurisdictions. We classify cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with use restrictions of less than twelve months as “Accounts receivable, net and other” and of twelve months or longer as non-current “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note 3 — Commitments and Contingencies.”
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our cash equivalents and marketable fixed-income securities as of September 30, 2016 (in millions): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Due within one year $ 10,647 $ 10,648 Due after one year through five years 1,933 1,934 Due after five years through ten years 193 193 Due after ten years 182 181 Total $ 12,955 $ 12,956

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	The following summarizes our principal contractual commitments, excluding open orders for purchases that support normal operations, as of September 30, 2016 (in millions): Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Debt principal and interest $ 164 $ 1,324 $ 311 $ 1,273 $ 246 $ 9,157 $ 12,475 Capital lease obligations, including interest (1) 739 3,693 2,434 1,046 326 240 8,478 Finance lease obligations, including interest (2) 56 228 233 237 241 2,203 3,198 Operating leases 347 1,259 1,159 1,028 961 4,284 9,038 Unconditional purchase obligations (3) 162 690 555 297 140 56 1,900 Other commitments (4) (5) 595 682 527 426 326 2,216 4,772 Total commitments $ 2,063 $ 7,876 $ 5,219 $ 4,307 $ 2,240 $ 18,156 $ 39,861 ___________________ (1) Excluding interest, current capital lease obligations of $3.7 billion and $3.0 billion are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , and $4.5 billion and $4.2 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . (2) Excluding interest, current finance lease obligations of $135 million and $99 million are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , and $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . (3) Includes unconditional purchase obligations related to long-term agreements to acquire and license digital media content that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. For those agreements with variable terms, we do not estimate the total obligation beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. Purchase obligations associated with renewal provisions solely at the option of the content provider are included to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified. (4) Includes the estimated timing and amounts of payments for rent and tenant improvements associated with build-to-suit lease arrangements and equipment lease arrangements that have not been placed in service and digital media content liabilities associated with long-term digital media content assets with initial terms greater than one year. (5) Excludes $1.7 billion of accrued tax contingencies for which we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of payment, if any.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt Obligations	The face value of our total long-term debt obligations is as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, 2015 1.20% Notes due on November 29, 2017 (1) $ 1,000 $ 1,000 2.60% Notes due on December 5, 2019 (2) 1,000 1,000 3.30% Notes due on December 5, 2021 (2) 1,000 1,000 2.50% Notes due on November 29, 2022 (1) 1,250 1,250 3.80% Notes due on December 5, 2024 (2) 1,250 1,250 4.80% Notes due on December 5, 2034 (2) 1,250 1,250 4.95% Notes due on December 5, 2044 (2) 1,500 1,500 Other long-term debt 95 312 Total debt 8,345 8,562 Less current portion of long-term debt (48 ) (238 ) Face value of long-term debt $ 8,297 $ 8,324 _____________________________ (1) Issued in November 2012, effective interest rates of the 2017 and 2022 Notes were 1.38% and 2.66% . (2) Issued in December 2014, effective interest rates of the 2019, 2021, 2024, 2034, and 2044 Notes were 2.73% , 3.43% , 3.90% , 4.92% , and 5.11% .

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cost of sales (1) $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — Fulfillment 165 122 467 344 Marketing 85 48 221 133 Technology and content 434 309 1,171 861 General and administrative 85 65 222 175 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 776 $ 544 $ 2,088 $ 1,513
Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in millions): Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 18.9 $ 362 Units granted 7.9 640 Units vested (4.2 ) 309 Units forfeited (1.8 ) 420 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 20.8 $ 473
Nonvested Share Activity	Scheduled vesting for outstanding restricted stock units as of September 30, 2016 , is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Scheduled vesting—restricted stock units 2.0 7.0 7.0 3.1 1.2 0.5 20.8

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment	Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated net income is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 North America Net sales $ 18,874 $ 15,006 $ 53,544 $ 42,208 Operating expenses 18,180 14,478 50,769 40,461 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 694 528 $ 2,775 $ 1,747 Stock-based compensation and other 439 342 1,230 959 Operating income $ 255 $ 186 $ 1,545 $ 788 International Net sales $ 10,609 $ 8,267 $ 30,019 $ 23,577 Operating expenses 10,941 8,323 30,242 23,728 Operating income (loss) before stock-based compensation and other (332 ) (56 ) $ (223 ) $ (151 ) Stock-based compensation and other 209 152 573 440 Operating income (loss) $ (541 ) $ (208 ) $ (796 ) $ (591 ) AWS Net sales $ 3,231 $ 2,085 $ 8,683 $ 5,474 Operating expenses 2,210 1,564 6,083 4,297 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 1,021 521 $ 2,600 $ 1,177 Stock-based compensation and other 160 93 418 250 Operating income $ 861 $ 428 $ 2,182 $ 927 Consolidated Net sales $ 32,714 $ 25,358 $ 92,246 $ 71,259 Operating expenses 31,331 24,365 87,094 68,486 Operating income before stock-based compensation and other 1,383 993 5,152 2,773 Stock-based compensation and other 808 587 2,221 1,649 Operating income 575 406 2,931 1,124 Total non-operating income (expense) (84 ) (159 ) (205 ) (494 ) Provision for income taxes (229 ) (161 ) (1,012 ) (498 ) Equity-method investment activity, net of tax (10 ) (7 ) (92 ) (18 ) Net income $ 252 $ 79 $ 1,622 $ 114
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Sales: Media $ 5,728 $ 5,283 $ 16,626 $ 15,286 Electronics and other general merchandise 23,383 17,741 65,890 49,782 AWS 3,231 2,085 8,683 5,474 Other (1) 372 249 1,047 717 Consolidated $ 32,714 $ 25,358 $ 92,246 $ 71,259 ___________________ (1) Includes sales from non-retail activities, such as certain advertising services and our co-branded credit card agreements.

Accounting Policies Calculation

Accounting Policies Calculation of Diluted Shares (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares used in computation of basic earnings per share	474	468	473	467
Total dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards	11	10	10	9
Shares used in computation of diluted earnings per share	485	478	483	476

Accounting Policies Recent Acco

Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	$ 769
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Current	$ 13

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and M24

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Summary by Major Security Type Cash Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	$ 18,347	$ 19,808
Less: Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(468)	(285)
Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,730
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	5,730	6,201
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	18,708
Gross Unrealized Gains	112
Gross Unrealized Losses	(5)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	18,815	20,093
Level 1 Securities | Money market funds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	8,386
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	8,386	8,025
Level 1 Securities | Equity securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	23
Gross Unrealized Gains	106
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	129	15
Level 2 Securities | Foreign government and agency securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	45
Gross Unrealized Gains	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	46	49
Level 2 Securities | U.S. government and agency securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,695
Gross Unrealized Gains	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	3,694	5,167
Level 2 Securities | Corporate debt securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	587
Gross Unrealized Gains	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	589	477
Level 2 Securities | Asset-backed securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	152
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	151	117
Level 2 Securities | Other fixed income securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	90
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	$ 90	$ 42

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and M25

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Summary of Contractual Maturities of Cash Equivalent and Marketable Fixed Income Securities (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 12,955
Estimated Fair Value	12,956
Due within one year
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	10,647
Estimated Fair Value	10,648
Due after one year through five years
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,933
Estimated Fair Value	1,934
Due after five years through ten years
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	193
Estimated Fair Value	193
Due after ten years
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	182
Estimated Fair Value	$ 181

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and M26

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Warrant Assets
Gain (loss) on Equity Warrant Assets	$ 9	$ (1)	$ (11)	$ 1
Level 2 Securities
Investments, Warrant Assets
Equity Warrant Assets	$ 142		$ 142		$ 16

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rental expense under operating lease agreements	$ 367	$ 291	$ 1,000	$ 824
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	3,700		3,700		$ 3,000
Finance Lease Obligations, Current	135		135		99
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	4,500		4,500		4,200
Finance Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	2,400		2,400		1,700
Tax contingencies	1,700		1,700		1,200
Pledged Assets	$ 588		$ 588		$ 418

Commitments and Contingencies P

Commitments and Contingencies Principal Contractual Commitments Excluding Open Orders for Inventory Purchases That Support Normal Operations (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Contractual commitments
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	$ 2,063
Year Ended December 31, 2017	7,876
Year Ended December 31, 2018	5,219
Year Ended December 31, 2019	4,307
Year Ended December 31, 2020	2,240
Thereafter	18,156
Total	39,861
Capital lease obligations, including interest
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	739	[1]
Year Ended December 31, 2017	3,693	[1]
Year Ended December 31, 2018	2,434	[1]
Year Ended December 31, 2019	1,046	[1]
Year Ended December 31, 2020	326	[1]
Thereafter	240	[1]
Total	8,478	[1]
Operating leases
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	347
Year Ended December 31, 2017	1,259
Year Ended December 31, 2018	1,159
Year Ended December 31, 2019	1,028
Year Ended December 31, 2020	961
Thereafter	4,284
Total	9,038
Unconditional purchase obligations
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	162	[2]
Year Ended December 31, 2017	690	[2]
Year Ended December 31, 2018	555	[2]
Year Ended December 31, 2019	297	[2]
Year Ended December 31, 2020	140	[2]
Thereafter	56	[2]
Total	1,900	[2]
Other commitments
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	595	[3],[4]
Year Ended December 31, 2017	682	[3],[4]
Year Ended December 31, 2018	527	[3],[4]
Year Ended December 31, 2019	426	[3],[4]
Year Ended December 31, 2020	326	[3],[4]
Thereafter	2,216	[3],[4]
Total	4,772	[3],[4]
Debt principal and interest
Contractual commitments
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	164
Year Ended December 31, 2017	1,324
Year Ended December 31, 2018	311
Year Ended December 31, 2019	1,273
Year Ended December 31, 2020	246
Thereafter	9,157
Total	12,475
Finance lease obligations, including interest
Contractual commitments
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	56	[5]
Year Ended December 31, 2017	228	[5]
Year Ended December 31, 2018	233	[5]
Year Ended December 31, 2019	237	[5]
Year Ended December 31, 2020	241	[5]
Thereafter	2,203	[5]
Total	$ 3,198	[5]
[1]	Excluding interest, current capital lease obligations of $3.7 billion and $3.0 billion are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, and $4.5 billion and $4.2 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
[2]	Includes unconditional purchase obligations related to long-term agreements to acquire and license digital media content that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. For those agreements with variable terms, we do not estimate the total obligation beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. Purchase obligations associated with renewal provisions solely at the option of the content provider are included to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified.
[3]	Excludes $1.7 billion of accrued tax contingencies for which we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of payment, if any
[4]	Includes the estimated timing and amounts of payments for rent and tenant improvements associated with build-to-suit lease arrangements and equipment lease arrangements that have not been placed in service and digital media content liabilities associated with long-term digital media content assets with initial terms greater than one year.
[5]	Excluding interest, current finance lease obligations of $135 million and $99 million are recorded within “Accrued expenses and other” as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, and $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion are recorded within “Other long-term liabilities” as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015.

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount outstanding			$ 8,300,000,000
Unamortized discount			92,000,000		$ 97,000,000
Carrying amount of other long-term debt including current portion			95,000,000		312,000,000
Total estimated fair value of notes			$ 9,100,000,000		$ 8,500,000,000
Other long-term debt, weighted average interest rate			3.03%		3.74%
Credit Agreement, borrowings outstanding			$ 0		$ 0
May 2016 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement, initiation date		May 20, 2016
Credit Agreement, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 3,000,000,000
Credit Agreement, term			3 years
Credit Agreement, term additional information			may be extended for up to three additional one-year terms if approved by the lenders
Credit Agreement, variable rate basis			LIBOR
May 2016 Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement, basis spread on variable rate			0.60%
Credit Agreement, commitment fee			0.05%
May 2016 Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement, basis spread on variable rate			1.00%
Credit Agreement, commitment fee			0.09%
2014 Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount						$ 6,000,000,000
Interest payment frequency			semi-annually in arrears in June and December
2012 Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 3,000,000,000
Interest payment frequency			semi-annually in arrears in May and November
Oct16 Credit Facility | October 2016 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement, initiation date	Oct. 13, 2016
Credit Agreement, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 500,000,000
Credit Agreement, term				3 years
Credit Agreement, term additional information				secured by certain seller receivables
Credit Agreement, variable rate basis				LIBOR
Credit Agreement, basis spread on variable rate				1.65%
Credit Agreement, commitment fee				0.50%

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt O

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 8,345	$ 8,562
Other long-term debt		95	312
Less current portion of long-term debt		(48)	(238)
Face value of long-term debt		$ 8,297	8,324
1.20% Notes due on November 29, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		1.20%
Long-term debt	[1]	$ 1,000	1,000
Effective interest rates		1.38%
2.60% Notes due on December 5, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.60%
Long-term debt	[2]	$ 1,000	1,000
Effective interest rates		2.73%
3.30% Notes due on December 5, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.30%
Long-term debt	[2]	$ 1,000	1,000
Effective interest rates		3.43%
2.50% Notes due on November 29, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.50%
Long-term debt	[1]	$ 1,250	1,250
Effective interest rates		2.66%
3.80% Notes due on December 5, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.80%
Long-term debt	[2]	$ 1,250	1,250
Effective interest rates		3.90%
4.80% Notes due on December 5, 2034
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.80%
Long-term debt	[2]	$ 1,250	1,250
Effective interest rates		4.92%
4.95% Notes due on December 5, 2044
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.95%
Long-term debt	[2]	$ 1,500	$ 1,500
Effective interest rates		5.11%
[1]	Issued in November 2012, effective interest rates of the 2017 and 2022 Notes were 1.38% and 2.66%.
[2]	Issued in December 2014, effective interest rates of the 2019, 2021, 2024, 2034, and 2044 Notes were 2.73%, 3.43%, 3.90%, 4.92%, and 5.11%.

Stockholders Equity - Additiona

Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2010
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation		$ 776	$ 544	$ 2,088	$ 1,513
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased						5,000		2,000
Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying outstanding stock awards, including all stock-based awards outstanding, including estimated forfeiture		496		496			490
Net unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements		$ 4,600		$ 4,600
Net unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements, weighted average recognition period (in years)				1 year 2 months
Cost of Sales [Member]
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	[1]	7	0	$ 7	0
Fulfillment
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation		165	122	467	344
Marketing
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation		85	48	221	133
Technology and content
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation		434	309	1,171	861
General and administrative
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation		$ 85	$ 65	$ 222	$ 175
[1]	Beginning in Q3 2016, stock-based compensation expense was recorded to cost of sales for eligible employees providing delivery services.

Stockholders' Equity Restricted

Stockholders' Equity Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Number of units
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	18.9
Units granted (in shares) | shares	7.9
Units vested (in shares) | shares	(4.2)
Units forfeited (in shares) | shares	(1.8)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	20.8
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 362
Units granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	640
Units vested (in usd per share) | $ / shares	309
Units forfeited (in usd per share) | $ / shares	420
Ending balance (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 473

Stockholders' Equity Scheduled

Stockholders' Equity Scheduled Vesting for Outstanding Restricted Stock Units (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units shares in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016shares
Schedule of Vesting [Line Items]
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016	2
Year Ended December 31, 2017	7
Year Ended December 31, 2018	7
Year Ended December 31, 2019	3.1
Year Ended December 31, 2020	1.2
Thereafter	0.5
Total	20.8

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$ (229)	$ (161)		$ (1,012)	$ (498)
Discrete tax expense (benefit)				(50)	37
Cash taxes paid, net of refunds	91	$ 80		317	$ 200	$ 390	$ 230
Tax contingencies	$ 1,700			$ 1,700		$ 1,700		$ 1,200
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Description of the status of the tax examination			We are under examination, or may be subject to examination, by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the calendar year 2005 and thereafter	We are under examination, or may be subject to examination, by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the calendar year 2005 and thereafter
Tax examination, estimate of additional tax expense				$ 1,500
France
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Description of the status of the tax examination			Certain of our subsidiaries are under examination or investigation or may be subject to examination or investigation by the French Tax Administration (“FTA”) for calendar year 2006 and thereafter	Certain of our subsidiaries are under examination or investigation or may be subject to examination or investigation by the French Tax Administration (“FTA”) for calendar year 2006 and thereafter
Tax examination, estimate of additional tax expense | €			€ 196
European Union
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Description of the status of the tax examination			In addition, in October 2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on state aid.	In addition, in October 2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on state aid.
Other Foreign Jurisdictions
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Description of the status of the tax examination			We are also subject to taxation in various states and other foreign jurisdictions including Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. We are under, or may be subject to, audit or examination and additional assessments by the relevant authorities in respect of these particular jurisdictions primarily for 2008 and thereafter.	We are also subject to taxation in various states and other foreign jurisdictions including Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. We are under, or may be subject to, audit or examination and additional assessments by the relevant authorities in respect of these particular jurisdictions primarily for 2008 and thereafter.

Segment Information Reportable

Segment Information Reportable Segments and Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | Segment			3
Net sales	$ 32,714	$ 25,358	$ 92,246	$ 71,259
Operating expenses	32,139	24,952	89,315	70,135
Operating income	575	406	2,931	1,124
Total non-operating income (expense)	(84)	(159)	(205)	(494)
Provision for income taxes	(229)	(161)	(1,012)	(498)
Equity-method investment activity, net of tax	(10)	(7)	(92)	(18)
Net income	252	79	1,622	114	$ 2,105	$ 328
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	32,714	25,358	92,246	71,259
Operating expenses	31,331	24,365	87,094	68,486
Operating income before stock-based compensation and other	1,383	993	5,152	2,773
Stock-based compensation and other	808	587	2,221	1,649
North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	18,874	15,006	53,544	42,208
Operating expenses	18,180	14,478	50,769	40,461
Operating income before stock-based compensation and other	694	528	2,775	1,747
Stock-based compensation and other	439	342	1,230	959
Operating income	255	186	1,545	788
International | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	10,609	8,267	30,019	23,577
Operating expenses	10,941	8,323	30,242	23,728
Operating income before stock-based compensation and other	(332)	(56)	(223)	(151)
Stock-based compensation and other	209	152	573	440
Operating income	(541)	(208)	(796)	(591)
AWS | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	3,231	2,085	8,683	5,474
Operating expenses	2,210	1,564	6,083	4,297
Operating income before stock-based compensation and other	1,021	521	2,600	1,177
Stock-based compensation and other	160	93	418	250
Operating income	$ 861	$ 428	$ 2,182	$ 927

Segment Information Net Sales o

Segment Information Net Sales of Similar Products and Services (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 32,714	$ 25,358	$ 92,246	$ 71,259
Media
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales		5,728	5,283	16,626	15,286
Electronics and other general merchandise
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales		23,383	17,741	65,890	49,782
AWS
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales		3,231	2,085	8,683	5,474
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[1]	$ 372	$ 249	$ 1,047	$ 717
[1]	Includes sales from non-retail activities, such as certain advertising services and our co-branded credit card agreements.