Alphabet (GOOG) 10-Q 27 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 19, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	GOOG, GOOGL
Entity Registrant Name	Alphabet Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,652,044
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		298,279,094
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,043,867
Class C Capital Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		349,479,150

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,581	$ 12,918
Marketable securities	89,562	73,415
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	100,143	86,333
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $467 and $625	15,295	14,137
Income taxes receivable, net	282	95
Inventory	765	268
Other current assets	2,860	4,575
Total current assets	119,345	105,408
Non-marketable investments	7,269	5,878
Deferred income taxes	505	383
Property and equipment, net	40,120	34,234
Intangible assets, net	2,883	3,307
Goodwill	16,731	16,468
Other non-current assets	2,683	1,819
Total assets	189,536	167,497
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,674	2,041
Accrued compensation and benefits	4,022	3,976
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	9,307	6,144
Accrued revenue share	3,200	2,942
Deferred revenue	1,269	1,099
Income taxes payable, net	221	554
Total current liabilities	20,693	16,756
Long-term debt	3,964	3,935
Deferred revenue, non-current	346	202
Income taxes payable, non-current	4,358	4,677
Deferred income taxes	151	226
Other long-term liabilities	2,924	2,665
Total liabilities	32,436	28,461
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 100,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Class A and Class B common stock, and Class C capital stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value per share: 15,000,000 shares authorized (Class A 9,000,000, Class B 3,000,000, Class C 3,000,000); 691,293 (Class A 296,992, Class B 47,437, Class C 346,864) and 694,790 (Class A 298,263, Class B 47,054, Class C 349,473) shares issued and outstanding	39,609	36,307
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(746)	(2,402)
Retained earnings	118,237	105,131
Total stockholders’ equity	157,100	139,036
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 189,536	$ 167,497

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 625	$ 467
Convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock and capital stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock and capital stock, shares authorized (in shares)	15,000,000,000	15,000,000,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares issued (in shares)	694,790,000	691,293,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	694,790,000	691,293,000
Class A Common Stock
Common stock and capital stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock and capital stock, shares authorized (in shares)	9,000,000,000	9,000,000,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares issued (in shares)	298,263,000	296,992,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	298,263,000	296,992,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock and capital stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock and capital stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares issued (in shares)	47,054,000	47,437,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	47,054,000	47,437,000
Class C Capital Stock
Common stock and capital stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock and capital stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares issued (in shares)	349,473,000	346,864,000
Common stock and capital stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	349,473,000	346,864,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues	11,148	8,699	31,316	24,477
Research and development	4,205	3,596	12,319	10,326
Sales and marketing	3,042	2,565	8,583	7,367
General and administrative	1,595	1,824	5,096	4,961
European Commission fine	0	0	2,736	0
Total costs and expenses	19,990	16,684	60,050	47,131
Income from operations	7,782	5,767	18,482	17,077
Other income (expense), net	197	278	693	216
Income before income taxes	7,979	6,045	19,175	17,293
Provision for income taxes	1,247	984	3,493	3,148
Net income	$ 6,732	$ 5,061	$ 15,682	$ 14,145
Basic net income per share of Class A and B common stock and Class C capital stock (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71	$ 7.36	$ 22.65	$ 20.59
Diluted net income per share of Class A and B common stock and Class C capital stock (in dollars per share)	$ 9.57	$ 7.25	$ 22.30	$ 20.26

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,732	$ 5,061	$ 15,682	$ 14,145
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	441	129	1,457	166
Available-for-sale investments:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)	578	71	803	627
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income	47	(46)	98	137
Net change (net of tax effect of $7, $0, $191, and $0)	625	25	901	764
Cash flow hedges:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)	(209)	32	(668)	148
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income	125	(67)	(34)	(236)
Net change (net of tax effect of $20, $50, $29, and $342)	(84)	(35)	(702)	(88)
Other comprehensive income	982	119	1,656	842
Comprehensive income	$ 7,714	$ 5,180	$ 17,338	$ 14,987

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax expense (benefit) related to available-for-sale investments	$ 0	$ (7)	$ 0	$ 191
Tax expense (benefit) related to cash flow hedges	$ (50)	$ (20)	$ (342)	$ (29)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 15,682	$ 14,145
Adjustments:
Depreciation and impairment of property and equipment	4,272	3,803
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets	617	654
Stock-based compensation expense	5,832	4,857
Deferred income taxes	242	119
Loss on marketable and non-marketable investments, net	160	204
Other	99	117
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(719)	(299)
Income taxes, net	(865)	2,153
Other assets	(2,086)	114
Accounts payable	58	238
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,121	338
Accrued revenue share	182	138
Deferred revenue	228	42
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,823	26,623
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(8,877)	(7,134)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	81	226
Purchases of marketable securities	(78,709)	(70,959)
Maturities and sales of marketable securities	62,588	54,379
Purchases of non-marketable investments	(871)	(862)
Maturities and sales of non-marketable investments	215	189
Cash collateral related to securities lending	0	(2,428)
Investments in reverse repurchase agreements	0	450
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and purchases of intangible assets	(273)	(324)
Proceeds from collection of notes receivable	1,419	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,427)	(26,463)
Financing activities
Net payments related to stock-based award activities	(3,111)	(2,425)
Repurchases of capital stock	(2,745)	(3,693)
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of costs	2,698	8,729
Repayments of debt	(2,762)	(10,051)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary shares	800	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,120)	(7,440)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	387	137
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,337)	(7,143)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	12,918	16,549
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 10,581	$ 9,406

Nature of Operations and Summar

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Google Inc. (Google) was incorporated in California in 1998 and re-incorporated in Delaware in 2003. In 2015, we implemented a holding company reorganization, and as a result, Alphabet Inc. (Alphabet) became the successor issuer to Google. We generate revenues primarily by delivering relevant, cost-effective online advertising. Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of Alphabet include the accounts of Alphabet and all wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as all variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Unaudited Interim Financial Information The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2017 , the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 are unaudited. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). In our opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2017 , our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 . The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 , filed with the SEC on February 2, 2017. Use of Estimates Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to accounts receivable and sales allowances, fair values of financial instruments, intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, income taxes, and contingent liabilities, among others. We base our estimates on assumptions, both historical and forward looking, that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial assets and financial liabilities including cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts, and non-marketable debt securities are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We measure certain financial assets at fair value for disclosure purposes, as well as on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Our other current financial assets and our other current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - Include other inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and credit ratings. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activities. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 (ASU 2016-01) "Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-01 amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The most significant impact to our consolidated financial statements relates to the recognition and measurement of equity investments at fair value in our consolidated statement of income. We expect to elect the measurement alternative, defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes. We anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will increase the volatility of our other income (expense), net, as a result of the remeasurement of our equity securities upon the occurrence of observable price changes and impairments. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (Topic 842) "Leases." Topic 842 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, "Leases." Under Topic 842, lessees are required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases and provide enhanced disclosures. Leases will continue to be classified as either finance or operating. Topic 842 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, and there are certain optional practical expedients that an entity may elect to apply. Full retrospective application is prohibited. We anticipate that the adoption of Topic 842 will materially affect our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We are in the process of implementing changes to our systems and processes in conjunction with our review of existing lease agreements. We plan to adopt Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019 and we are evaluating the use of the optional practical expedients. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16 (ASU 2016-16) "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory." ASU 2016-16 generally accelerates the recognition of income tax consequences for asset transfers between entities under common control. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities are required to adopt using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings for previously unrecognized income tax expense. We anticipate a retained earnings adjustment of $600 million to $800 million upon adoption related to the unrecognized income tax effects of asset transfers that occurred prior to adoption. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04 (ASU 2017-04) “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates step two of the goodwill impairment test and specifies that goodwill impairment should be measured by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Additionally, the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets should be disclosed. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. We currently anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (Topic 606) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition” (Topic 605), and requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2017 using the modified retrospective transition method. See Note 2 for further details. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 (ASU 2017-01) “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” ASU 2017-01 provides guidance to evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single asset or a group of similar assets, the assets acquired (or disposed of) are not considered a business. We adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. Prior Period Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" On January 1, 2017 , we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2017 . Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2017 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605. We recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $15 million as of January 1, 2017 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to our non-advertising revenues. The impact to revenues as a result of applying Topic 606 was an increase of $10 million and $32 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions, unaudited). Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 (1) 2017 2016 (1) 2017 Google properties $ 16,089 $ 19,723 $ 45,817 $ 55,551 Google Network Members' properties 3,732 4,342 11,167 12,597 Google advertising revenues 19,821 24,065 56,984 68,148 Google other revenues 2,433 3,405 6,677 9,590 Other Bets revenues 197 302 547 794 Total revenues (2) $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 (1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method. (2) Revenues include hedging gains (losses) of $105 million and $(191) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $352 million and $29 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, which do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the billing addresses of our customers (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 United States $ 10,649 $ 12,930 $ 30,065 $ 37,021 EMEA (1) 7,392 9,097 22,007 25,733 APAC (1) 3,248 4,199 8,951 11,548 Other Americas (1) 1,162 1,546 3,185 4,230 Total revenues (2) $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 (1) Regions represent Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Asia-Pacific (APAC); and Canada and Latin America (Other Americas). (2) Revenues include hedging gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 . Advertising Revenues We generate revenues primarily by delivering advertising on Google properties and Google Network Members’ properties. Google properties revenues consist primarily of advertising revenues generated on Google.com, the Google app, YouTube, and other Google owned and operated properties like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Play. Google Network Members’ properties revenues consist primarily of advertising revenues generated from placing ads on Google Network Members’ properties. Our customers generally purchase advertising inventory through AdWords, DoubleClick Bid Manager, and DoubleClick AdExchange, among others. Most of our customers pay us on a cost-per-click basis (CPC), which means that an advertiser pays us only when a user clicks on an ad on Google properties or Google Network Members' properties or views certain YouTube ad formats like TrueView. For these customers, we recognize revenue each time a user clicks on the ad or when a user views the ad for a specified period of time. We also offer advertising on other bases such as cost-per-impression (CPM), which means an advertiser pays us based on the number of times their ads are displayed on Google properties or Google Network Members’ properties. For these customers, we recognize revenue each time an ad is displayed. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration. For ads placed on Google Network Members’ properties, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis). Generally, we report advertising revenues for ads placed on Google Network Members’ properties on a gross basis, that is, the amounts billed to our customers are recorded as revenues, and amounts paid to Google Network Members are recorded as cost of revenues. Where we are the principal, we control the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers. Our control is evidenced by our sole ability to monetize the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers, and is further supported by us being primarily responsible to our customers and having a level of discretion in establishing pricing. Other Revenues Google other revenues and Other Bets revenues consist primarily of revenues from: • Apps, in-app purchases, and digital content in the Google Play store; • Google Cloud offerings; • Hardware; and • Other miscellaneous products and services. As it relates to Google other revenues, the most significant judgment is determining whether we are the principal or agent for app sales and in-app purchases through the Google Play store. We report revenues from these transactions on a net basis because our performance obligation is to facilitate a transaction between app developers and end users, for which we earn a commission. Consequently, the portion of the gross amount billed to end users that is remitted to app developers is not reflected as revenues. Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus margin. Deferred Revenues We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. The increase in the deferred revenue balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $779 million of revenues recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2016 . Our payment terms vary by the type and location of our customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, we require payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer. Practical Expedients and Exemptions We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses. We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities within Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy because we use quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs to determine their fair value. We classify our foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts primarily within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities The following tables summarize our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment categories as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Fair Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Cash $ 7,078 $ 0 $ 0 $ 7,078 $ 7,078 $ 0 Level 1: Money market and other funds 4,783 0 0 4,783 4,783 0 U.S. government notes 38,454 46 (215 ) 38,285 613 37,672 Marketable equity securities 160 133 0 293 0 293 43,397 179 (215 ) 43,361 5,396 37,965 Level 2: Time deposits (1) 142 0 0 142 140 2 Mutual funds (2) 204 7 0 211 0 211 U.S. government agencies 1,826 0 (11 ) 1,815 300 1,515 Foreign government bonds 2,345 18 (7 ) 2,356 0 2,356 Municipal securities 4,757 15 (65 ) 4,707 2 4,705 Corporate debt securities 12,993 114 (116 ) 12,991 2 12,989 Agency mortgage-backed securities 12,006 26 (216 ) 11,816 0 11,816 Asset-backed securities 1,855 2 (1 ) 1,856 0 1,856 36,128 182 (416 ) 35,894 444 35,450 Total $ 86,603 $ 361 $ (631 ) $ 86,333 $ 12,918 $ 73,415 As of September 30, 2017 Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Fair Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable (unaudited) Cash $ 6,460 $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,460 $ 6,460 $ 0 Level 1: Money market and other funds 1,450 0 0 1,450 1,450 0 U.S. government notes 40,268 12 (163 ) 40,117 919 39,198 Marketable equity securities 226 120 (2 ) 344 0 344 41,944 132 (165 ) 41,911 2,369 39,542 Level 2: Time deposits (1) 145 0 0 145 143 2 Mutual funds (2) 233 14 0 247 0 247 U.S. government agencies 2,841 0 (9 ) 2,832 17 2,815 Foreign government bonds 2,464 8 (15 ) 2,457 0 2,457 Municipal securities 6,774 17 (10 ) 6,781 13 6,768 Corporate debt securities 23,107 49 (35 ) 23,121 1,579 21,542 Agency mortgage-backed securities 10,984 17 (76 ) 10,925 0 10,925 Asset-backed securities 5,261 7 (4 ) 5,264 0 5,264 51,809 112 (149 ) 51,772 1,752 50,020 Total $ 100,213 $ 244 $ (314 ) $ 100,143 $ 10,581 $ 89,562 (1) The majority of our time deposits are foreign deposits. (2) The fair value option was elected for mutual funds with gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net. We determine realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities on a specific identification method. We recognized gross realized gains of $62 million and $21 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $221 million and $193 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively. We recognized gross realized losses of $12 million and $65 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $347 million and $274 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively. We reflect these gains and losses as a component of other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities, accounted for as available-for-sale securities and classified by the contractual maturity date of the securities (in millions, unaudited): As of Due in 1 year $ 22,234 Due in 1 year through 5 years 52,502 Due in 5 years through 10 years 2,172 Due after 10 years 12,063 Total $ 88,971 Impairment Considerations for Marketable Investments The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair values for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized U.S. government notes $ 26,411 $ (215 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 26,411 $ (215 ) U.S. government agencies 1,014 (11 ) 0 0 1,014 (11 ) Foreign government bonds 956 (7 ) 0 0 956 (7 ) Municipal securities 3,461 (63 ) 46 (2 ) 3,507 (65 ) Corporate debt securities 6,184 (111 ) 166 (5 ) 6,350 (116 ) Agency mortgage-backed securities 10,184 (206 ) 259 (10 ) 10,443 (216 ) Asset-backed securities 391 (1 ) 0 0 391 (1 ) Total $ 48,601 $ (614 ) $ 471 $ (17 ) $ 49,072 $ (631 ) As of September 30, 2017 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized (unaudited) U.S. government notes $ 26,626 $ (115 ) $ 5,409 $ (48 ) $ 32,035 $ (163 ) U.S. government agencies 2,751 (9 ) 0 0 2,751 (9 ) Foreign government bonds 1,362 (13 ) 123 (2 ) 1,485 (15 ) Municipal securities 2,118 (6 ) 432 (4 ) 2,550 (10 ) Corporate debt securities 11,153 (27 ) 793 (8 ) 11,946 (35 ) Agency mortgage-backed securities 8,450 (62 ) 728 (14 ) 9,178 (76 ) Asset-backed securities 2,572 (4 ) 0 0 2,572 (4 ) Marketable equity securities 38 (2 ) 0 0 38 (2 ) Total $ 55,070 $ (238 ) $ 7,485 $ (76 ) $ 62,555 $ (314 ) During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we did no t recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recognized $87 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to our marketable equity securities. Those losses are included in gain (loss) on marketable securities, net , as a component of other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 6 for further details on other income (expense), net. Derivative Financial Instruments We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We record changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as either other income (expense), net, or revenues, or in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), as discussed below. We enter into foreign currency contracts with financial institutions to reduce the risk that our cash flows and earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We use certain interest rate derivative contracts to hedge interest rate exposures on our fixed income securities and debt issuances. Our program is not used for trading or speculative purposes. We enter into master netting arrangements, which reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with the same counterparty. To further reduce credit risk, we enter into collateral security arrangements under which the counterparty is required to provide collateral when the net fair value of certain financial instruments fluctuates from contractually established thresholds. We can take possession of the collateral in the event of counterparty default. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , we received cash collateral related to the derivative instruments under our collateral security arrangements of $362 million and $47 million , respectively. Cash Flow Hedges We use foreign currency forwards and option contracts, including collars (an option strategy comprised of a combination of purchased and written options), designated as cash flow hedges to hedge certain forecasted revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and at times we use interest rate swaps to effectively lock interest rates on anticipated debt issuances. These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges. The notional principal of these contracts was approximately $10.7 billion and $11.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. These contracts have maturities of 24 months or less. We reflect gain or loss on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassify cumulative gains and losses to revenues or interest expense when the hedged transactions are recorded. If the hedged transactions become probable of not occurring, the corresponding amounts in AOCI are immediately reclassified to other income (expense), net. For foreign currency collars, we include the change in time value in our assessment of hedge effectiveness. For forwards and all other option contracts, we exclude the change in the forward points and time value from our assessment of hedge effectiveness. We recognize changes of the excluded components in other income (expense), net. As of September 30, 2017 , the effective portion of our cash flow hedges before tax effect was a net accumulated loss of $440 million , of which a net loss of $473 million is expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings within the next 12 months. Fair Value Hedges We use forward contracts designated as fair value hedges to hedge foreign currency risks for our investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We exclude changes in forward points for the forward contracts from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The notional principal of these contracts was $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are recognized in other income (expense), net, along with the offsetting gains and losses of the related hedged items. Other Derivatives Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist of foreign currency forward contracts that we use to hedge intercompany transactions and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local currency of a subsidiary. We recognize gains and losses on these contracts, as well as the related costs in other income (expense), net, along with the foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities. The notional principal of the outstanding foreign exchange contracts was $7.9 billion and $17.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. The fair values of our outstanding derivative instruments were as follows (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Total Fair Value Derivative Assets: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Other current and non-current assets $ 539 $ 57 $ 596 Total $ 539 $ 57 $ 596 Derivative Liabilities: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current $ 4 $ 9 $ 13 Total $ 4 $ 9 $ 13 As of September 30, 2017 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value of Fair Value of Total Fair (unaudited) Derivative Assets: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Other current and non-current assets $ 53 $ 113 $ 166 Total $ 53 $ 113 $ 166 Derivative Liabilities: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current $ 459 $ 123 $ 582 Total $ 459 $ 123 $ 582 The effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on income and other comprehensive income (OCI) is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Before Tax Effect (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 52 $ (324 ) $ 240 $ (1,011 ) Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Revenues $ 105 $ (191 ) $ 352 $ 29 Interest rate contracts Other income (expense), net 1 1 4 4 Total $ 106 $ (190 ) $ 356 $ 33 Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (1) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ (102 ) $ 26 $ (361 ) $ 72 (1) Gains (losses) related to the ineffective portion of the hedges were not material in all periods presented. The effect of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (2) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign Exchange Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ 1 $ (89 ) $ 26 $ (216 ) Hedged item Other income (expense), net 1 94 (24 ) 230 Total $ 2 $ 5 $ 2 $ 14 (2) Amounts excluded from effectiveness testing and the ineffective portion of the fair value hedging relationships were not material in all periods presented. The effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ (67 ) $ (39 ) $ (147 ) $ (263 ) Offsetting of Derivatives We present our forwards and purchased options at gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For foreign currency collars, we present at net fair values where both purchased and written options are with the same counterparty. Our master netting and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in millions): Offsetting of Assets As of December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Non-Cash Collateral Received Net Assets Exposed Derivatives $ 596 $ 0 $ 596 $ (11 ) (1) $ (337 ) $ (73 ) $ 175 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Non-Cash Collateral Received Net Assets Exposed (unaudited) Derivatives $ 183 $ (17 ) $ 166 $ (122 ) (1) $ (37 ) $ 0 $ 7 (1) The balances as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 were related to derivative liabilities which are allowed to be net settled against derivative assets in accordance with our master netting agreements. Offsetting of Liabilities As of December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Non-Cash Collateral Pledged Net Liabilities Derivatives $ 13 $ 0 $ 13 $ (11 ) (2) $ 0 $ 0 $ 2 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Non-Cash Collateral Pledged Net Liabilities (unaudited) Derivatives $ 599 $ (17 ) $ 582 $ (122 ) (2) $ 0 $ 0 $ 460 (2) The balances as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 were related to derivative assets which are allowed to be net settled against derivative liabilities in accordance with our master netting agreements.

Non-Marketable Investments

Non-Marketable Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Non-Marketable Investments	Non-Marketable Investments Our non-marketable investments include non-marketable equity investments and non-marketable debt securities. Non-Marketable Equity Investments Our non-marketable equity investments are investments we have made in privately-held companies accounted for under the equity or cost method and are not required to be consolidated under the variable interest or voting models. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , investments accounted for under the equity method had a carrying value of approximately $1.7 billion . Our share of gains and losses in equity method investments including impairment was a net loss of approximately $61 million and $31 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and a net loss of $209 million and $93 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , investments accounted for under the cost method had a carrying value of $3.0 billion and $3.6 billion , respectively, and a fair value of approximately $8.1 billion and $8.9 billion , respectively. The fair value of the cost method investments are primarily determined from data leveraging private-market transactions and are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We reflect our share of equity method investee earnings and losses and impairments of non-marketable equity investments as a component of other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain renewable energy investments included in our non-marketable equity investments accounted for under the equity method are variable interest entities (VIE). These entities' activities involve power generation using renewable sources. We have determined that the governance structures of these entities do not allow us to direct the activities that would significantly impact the VIE's economic performance such as setting operating budgets. Therefore, we do not consolidate these VIEs in our financial statements. The carrying value and maximum exposure of these VIEs were $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2017 . The maximum exposure is based on current investments to date. We have determined the single source of our exposure to these VIEs is our capital investment in these entities. We periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs, and vice versa, based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes in contractual arrangements and capital structure. Non-Marketable Debt Securities Our non-marketable debt securities are primarily preferred stock that are redeemable at our option and convertible notes issued by private companies. The cost of these securities were $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 . These debt securities do not have readily determinable market values and are categorized accordingly as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. To estimate the fair value of these securities, we use a combination of valuation methodologies, including market and income approaches based on prior transaction prices; estimated timing, probability, and amount of cash flows; and illiquidity considerations. Financial information of private companies may not be available and consequently we estimate the value based on the best available information at the measurement date. No significant impairments were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 . The following table presents a reconciliation for our non-marketable debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in millions, unaudited): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Beginning balance $ 1,024 $ 1,165 Total net gains (losses) Included in earnings 0 (5 ) Included in other comprehensive income 100 699 Purchases 78 85 Sales (7 ) (1 ) Settlements (16 ) (54 ) Ending balance $ 1,179 $ 1,889

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Short-Term Debt We have a debt financing program of up to $5.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper. Net proceeds from this program are used for general corporate purposes. We had no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 . Long-Term Debt Google issued $3.0 billion of senior unsecured notes in three tranches (collectively, 2011 Notes) in May 2011, due in 2014, 2016, and 2021, as well as $1.0 billion of senior unsecured notes (2014 Notes) in February 2014 due in 2024. In April 2016, we completed an exchange offer with eligible holders of Google’s 2011 Notes due 2021 and 2014 Notes due 2024 (collectively, the Google Notes). An aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.7 billion of the Google Notes was exchanged for approximately $1.7 billion of Alphabet notes with identical interest rate and maturity. Because the exchange was between a parent and the subsidiary company and for substantially identical notes, the change was treated as a debt modification for accounting purposes with no gain or loss recognized. In August 2016, Alphabet issued $2.0 billion of senior unsecured notes (2016 Notes) due 2026. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2016 Notes were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding commercial paper. The Alphabet notes due in 2021, 2024, and 2026 rank equally with each other and are structurally subordinate to the outstanding Google Notes. The total outstanding long-term debt is summarized below (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Long-term debt 3.625% Notes due on May 19, 2021 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 3.375% Notes due on February 25, 2024 1,000 1,000 1.998% Notes due on August 15, 2026 2,000 2,000 Unamortized discount for the Notes above (65 ) (59 ) Subtotal (1) $ 3,935 $ 3,941 Capital lease obligation 0 23 Total long-term debt $ 3,935 $ 3,964 (1) Includes the outstanding (and unexchanged) Google Notes issued in 2011 and 2014 and the Alphabet notes exchanged in 2016. The effective interest yields based on proceeds received from the outstanding notes due in 2021, 2024, and 2026 were 3.734% , 3.377% , and 2.231% , respectively, with interest payable semi-annually. We may redeem these notes at any time in whole or in part at specified redemption prices. The total estimated fair value of all outstanding notes was approximately $3.9 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $4.0 billion as of September 30, 2017 . The fair value was determined based on observable market prices of identical instruments in less active markets and is categorized accordingly as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The effective rate of the capital lease obligation approximates the market rate. The estimated fair value of the capital lease obligation approximated its carrying value as of September 30, 2017 . Credit Facility We have a $4.0 billion revolving credit facility which expires in February 2021. The interest rate for the credit facility is determined based on a formula using certain market rates. No amounts were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 .

Supplemental Financial Statemen

Supplemental Financial Statement Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information	Supplemental Financial Statement Information Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Land and buildings $ 19,804 $ 22,367 Information technology assets 16,084 19,454 Construction in progress 8,166 10,280 Leasehold improvements 3,415 4,208 Furniture and fixtures 58 49 Property and equipment, gross 47,527 56,358 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (13,293 ) (16,238 ) Property and equipment, net $ 34,234 $ 40,120 As of September 30, 2017 , assets under capital lease with a cost basis of $364 million were included in property and equipment. Note Receivable In connection with the sale of our Motorola Mobile business to Lenovo Group Limited (Lenovo) on October 29, 2014, we received an interest-free, three -year prepayable promissory note (Note Receivable) due October 2017. The Note Receivable was included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in other current assets. Based on the general market conditions and the credit quality of Lenovo at the time of the sale, we discounted the Note Receivable at an effective interest rate of 4.5% . The Note Receivable was fully repaid in May 2017. The outstanding balances are shown in the table below (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Principal of the Note Receivable $ 1,448 $ 0 Less: unamortized discount for the Note Receivable (51 ) 0 Total $ 1,397 $ 0 As of December 31, 2016 , we did not recognize a valuation allowance on the Note Receivable. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) European Commission fine (1) $ 0 $ 2,844 Accrued customer liabilities 1,256 1,262 Other accrued expenses and current liabilities 4,888 5,201 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 6,144 $ 9,307 (1) Includes the effects of foreign exchange. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (2,047 ) $ (86 ) $ 259 $ (1,874 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 166 627 148 941 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 137 (236 ) (99 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 166 764 (88 ) 842 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,881 ) $ 678 $ 171 $ (1,032 ) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (2,646 ) $ (179 ) $ 423 $ (2,402 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1,457 803 (668 ) 1,592 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 98 (34 ) 64 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,457 901 (702 ) 1,656 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (1,189 ) $ 722 $ (279 ) $ (746 ) The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from AOCI were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, AOCI Components Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments Other income (expense), net $ 46 $ (47 ) $ (137 ) $ (98 ) Provision for income taxes 0 0 0 0 Net of tax $ 46 $ (47 ) $ (137 ) $ (98 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts Revenue $ 105 $ (191 ) $ 352 $ 29 Interest rate contracts Other income (expense), net 1 1 4 4 Benefit (provision) for income taxes (39 ) 65 (120 ) 1 Net of tax $ 67 $ (125 ) $ 236 $ 34 Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ 113 $ (172 ) $ 99 $ (64 ) Other Income (Expense), Net The components of other income (expense), net, were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Interest income $ 318 $ 306 $ 895 $ 912 Interest expense (29 ) (27 ) (91 ) (73 ) Foreign currency exchange losses, net (123 ) (53 ) (437 ) (101 ) Gain (loss) on marketable securities, net 50 (44 ) (126 ) (81 ) Gain (loss) on non-marketable investments, net 40 (32 ) (78 ) (79 ) Other 22 47 53 115 Other income (expense), net $ 278 $ 197 $ 216 $ 693 Interest expense in the preceding table is net of interest capitalized of $0 million and $13 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $0 million and $32 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we completed various acquisitions and purchases of intangible assets for total consideration of approximately $312 million . In aggregate, $12 million was cash acquired, $111 million was attributed to intangible assets, $205 million was attributed to goodwill, and $16 million was attributed to net liabilities assumed . These acquisitions generally enhance the breadth and depth of our offerings and expand our expertise in engineering and other functional areas. The amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes is approximately $24 million . Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the consolidated results of operations, either individually or in aggregate. For all intangible assets acquired and purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , patents and developed technology have a weighted-average useful life of 3.9 years, customer relationships have a weighted-average useful life of 3.1 years, and trade names and other have a weighted-average useful life of 8.8 years.

Calico

Calico	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Research and Development [Abstract]
Calico	Calico In September 2013, we announced the formation of Calico, a life science company with a mission to harness advanced technologies to increase our understanding of the biology that controls lifespan. As of September 30, 2017 , we have contributed $240 million to Calico in exchange for Calico convertible preferred units and are committed to fund an additional $490 million on an as-needed basis. Calico is a VIE and its results of operations and statement of financial position are included in our consolidated financial statements as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. In September 2014, AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie) and Calico announced a research and development collaboration agreement intended to help both companies discover, develop, and bring to market new therapies for patients with age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. As of September 30, 2017 , AbbVie has contributed $750 million to fund the collaboration pursuant to the agreement, which reflects its total commitment. As of September 30, 2017 , Calico has contributed $250 million and committed up to an additional $500 million . Calico has used its scientific expertise to establish a world-class research and development facility, with a focus on drug discovery and early drug development; and AbbVie provides scientific and clinical development support and its commercial expertise to bring new discoveries to market. Both companies share costs and profits equally. AbbVie's contribution has been recorded as a liability on Calico's financial statements, which is reduced and reflected as a reduction to research and development expense as eligible research and development costs are incurred by Calico over the next few years.

Verily

Verily	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Verily	Verily Verily is a life science company with a mission to make the world's health data useful so that people enjoy healthier lives. Verily is a VIE and its results of operations and statement of financial position are included in our consolidated financial statements as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. In January 2017 , Temasek, a Singapore-based investment company, signed a binding commitment to purchase a noncontrolling interest in Verily for an aggregate of $800 million in cash. In the first quarter of 2017, the first tranche of the investment closed and we received $480 million . The second and final tranche of the investment closed in the third quarter of 2017 and we received the remaining $320 million . The transaction is accounted for as an equity transaction and no gain or loss was recognized. Of the $800 million received, $78 million was recorded as noncontrolling interest and $722 million was recorded as additional paid-in capital. Noncontrolling interest and net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest were not separately presented on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the amounts were not material.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to our disclosed segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Google Other Bets Total Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 16,027 $ 441 $ 16,468 Acquisitions 196 9 205 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments 57 1 58 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 16,280 $ 451 $ 16,731 Other Intangible Assets Information regarding purchased intangible assets were as follows (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Patents and developed technology $ 5,542 $ 2,710 $ 2,832 Customer relationships 352 197 155 Trade names and other 463 143 320 Total $ 6,357 $ 3,050 $ 3,307 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (unaudited) Patents and developed technology $ 5,312 $ 2,931 $ 2,381 Customer relationships 358 246 112 Trade names and other 548 158 390 Total $ 6,218 $ 3,335 $ 2,883 Amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets was $203 million and $194 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $629 million and $600 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , expected amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions, unaudited): Remainder of 2017 $ 193 2018 726 2019 615 2020 493 2021 459 Thereafter 397 $ 2,883

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies Legal Matters Antitrust Investigations On November 30, 2010, the European Commission's (EC) Directorate General for Competition opened an investigation into various antitrust-related complaints against us. On April 15, 2015, the EC issued a Statement of Objections (SO) regarding the display and ranking of shopping search results and ads, to which we responded on August 27, 2015. On July 14, 2016, the EC issued a Supplementary SO regarding shopping search results and ads. On June 27, 2017, the EC announced its decision that certain actions taken by Google regarding its display and ranking of shopping search results and ads infringed European competition law. The EC decision imposed a €2.42 billion (approximately $2.74 billion as of June 27, 2017) fine. On September 11, 2017, we appealed the EC decision and on September 27, 2017, we implemented product changes to bring shopping ads into compliance with the EC's decision. We recognized a charge of approximately $2.74 billion for the fine in the second quarter of 2017. The fine is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as we provided bank guarantees in lieu of a cash payment for the fine. On April 20, 2016, the EC issued an SO regarding certain Android distribution practices. On July 14, 2016, the EC issued an SO regarding the syndication of AdSense for Search. We responded to the SOs and continue to respond to the EC's informational requests. There is significant uncertainty as to the outcomes of these investigations; however, adverse decisions could result in fines and directives to alter or terminate certain conduct. Given the nature of these cases, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or ranges of loss, if any. We remain committed to working with the EC to resolve these matters. The Comision Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia in Argentina, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Brazil's Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and the Korean Fair Trade Commission have also opened investigations into certain of our business practices. In November 2016, we responded to the CCI Director General's report with interim findings of competition law infringements regarding search and ads. Patent and Intellectual Property Claims We have had patent, copyright, and trademark infringement lawsuits filed against us claiming that certain of our products, services, and technologies infringe the intellectual property rights of others. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of substantial monetary damages, costly royalty or licensing agreements, or orders preventing us from offering certain features, functionalities, products, or services, and may also cause us to change our business practices, and require development of non-infringing products or technologies, which could result in a loss of revenues for us and otherwise harm our business. In addition, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has increasingly become an important forum to litigate intellectual property disputes because an ultimate loss for a company or its suppliers in an ITC action could result in a prohibition on importing infringing products into the U.S. Because the U.S. is an important market, a prohibition on importation could have an adverse effect on us, including preventing us from importing many important products into the U.S. or necessitating workarounds that may limit certain features of our products. Furthermore, many of our agreements with our customers and partners require us to indemnify them for certain intellectual property infringement claims against them, which would increase our costs as a result of defending such claims, and may require that we pay significant damages if there were an adverse ruling in any such claims. Our customers and partners may discontinue the use of our products, services, and technologies, as a result of injunctions or otherwise, which could result in loss of revenues and adversely impact our business. Oracle America, Inc. (Oracle) brought a copyright lawsuit against Google in the Northern District of California, alleging that Google's Android infringes Oracle's copyrights related to certain Java application programming interfaces. After trial, final judgment was entered by the district court in favor of Google on June 8, 2016, and the court decided post-trial motions in favor of Google. Oracle has appealed. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and are defending ourselves vigorously. Given the nature of this case, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, if any, arising from this matter. Other We are also regularly subject to claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings involving competition (such as the pending EC investigations described above), intellectual property, privacy, tax, labor and employment, commercial disputes, content generated by our users, goods and services offered by advertisers or publishers using our platforms, personal injury, consumer protection, and other matters. Such claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, or other adverse consequences. Certain of our outstanding legal matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the reasonably possible loss. We evaluate, on a monthly basis, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued, and the matters and related reasonably possible losses disclosed, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both likelihood of there being and the estimated amount of a loss related to such matters. With respect to our outstanding legal matters, based on our current knowledge, we believe that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such legal matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties. We expense legal fees in the period in which they are incurred. Indirect Taxes and Other Non-Income Taxes We are under audit by various domestic and foreign tax authorities with regards to indirect tax and other non-income tax matters. The subject matter of indirect tax and other non-income tax audits primarily arises from disputes on the tax treatment and tax rate applied to the sale of our products and services in these jurisdictions and the tax treatment of certain employee benefits. We accrue indirect taxes and other non-income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated agreements with, these tax authorities when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the reasonably possible loss. We believe these matters are without merit and we are defending ourselves vigorously. Due to the inherent complexity and uncertainty of these matters and judicial process in certain jurisdictions, the final outcome may be materially different from our expectations. For information regarding income tax contingencies, see Note 14 .

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock (in millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands, and per share amounts, unaudited): Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Basic net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 2,171 $ 357 $ 2,533 $ 2,891 $ 457 $ 3,384 Denominator Number of shares used in per share computation 294,945 48,513 344,103 297,804 47,078 348,603 Basic net income per share $ 7.36 $ 7.36 $ 7.36 $ 9.71 $ 9.71 $ 9.71 Diluted net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 2,171 $ 357 $ 2,533 $ 2,891 $ 457 $ 3,384 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 357 0 0 457 0 0 Reallocation of undistributed earnings (25 ) (5 ) 25 (38 ) (7 ) 38 Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 2,503 $ 352 $ 2,558 $ 3,310 $ 450 $ 3,422 Denominator Number of shares used in basic computation 294,945 48,513 344,103 297,804 47,078 348,603 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities Add: Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 48,513 0 0 47,078 0 0 Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares 1,923 0 8,956 1,070 0 9,161 Number of shares used in per share computation 345,381 48,513 353,059 345,952 47,078 357,764 Diluted net income per share $ 7.25 $ 7.25 $ 7.25 $ 9.57 $ 9.57 $ 9.57 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Basic net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 6,047 $ 1,013 $ 7,085 $ 6,734 $ 1,069 $ 7,879 Denominator Number of shares used in per share computation 293,723 49,214 344,162 297,291 47,189 347,853 Basic net income per share $ 20.59 $ 20.59 $ 20.59 $ 22.65 $ 22.65 $ 22.65 Diluted net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 6,047 $ 1,013 $ 7,085 $ 6,734 $ 1,069 $ 7,879 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 1,013 0 0 1,069 0 0 Reallocation of undistributed earnings (68 ) (16 ) 68 (92 ) (17 ) 92 Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 6,992 $ 997 $ 7,153 $ 7,711 $ 1,052 $ 7,971 Denominator Number of shares used in basic computation 293,723 49,214 344,162 297,291 47,189 347,853 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities Add: Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 49,214 0 0 47,189 0 0 Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares 2,204 0 8,896 1,255 0 9,497 Number of shares used in per share computation 345,141 49,214 353,058 345,735 47,189 357,350 Diluted net income per share $ 20.26 $ 20.26 $ 20.26 $ 22.30 $ 22.30 $ 22.30 For the periods presented above, the net income per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock because the holders of each class are entitled to equal per share dividends or distributions in liquidation in accordance with the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alphabet Inc.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Stock-Based Compensation For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , total stock-based compensation expense was $1,902 million and $1,881 million , including amounts associated with awards we expect to settle in Alphabet stock of $1,860 million and $1,820 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , total stock-based compensation expense was $4,912 million and $6,008 million , including amounts associated with awards we expect to settle in Alphabet stock of $4,857 million and $5,832 million , respectively. Stock-Based Award Activities The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited): Unvested Restricted Stock Units Number of Weighted- Unvested as of December 31, 2016 25,348,955 $ 624.92 Granted 7,246,476 $ 826.60 Vested (9,112,936 ) $ 610.82 Forfeited/canceled (1,029,398 ) $ 651.68 Unvested as of September 30, 2017 22,453,097 $ 694.86 As of September 30, 2017 , there was $14.0 billion of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested employee RSUs. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years . Share Repurchases In October 2016, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to $7,019,340,976.83 of its Class C capital stock. The repurchases are being executed from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased and subsequently retired 3.1 million shares of Alphabet Class C capital stock for an aggregate amount of $2.7 billion .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. Our total gross unrecognized tax benefits were $5.4 billion and $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate were $4.3 billion and $3.9 billion as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. Our effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of more earnings realized in countries that have lower statutory tax rates. Our effective tax rate in the future will depend on the portion of our profits earned within and outside the United States. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other domestic and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing discussions with tax authorities and the impact, if any, of the expected expiration of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, we could be required to adjust the provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. We have received tax assessments in multiple foreign jurisdictions asserting transfer pricing adjustments or permanent establishment. We continue to defend against any and all such claims as presented. While we believe it is more likely than not that our tax position will be sustained, it is reasonably possible that we will have future obligations related to these matters. For information regarding indirect taxes and other non-income taxes, see Note 11 .

Information about Segments and

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about Segments and Geographic Areas	Information about Segments and Geographic Areas We operate our business in multiple operating segments. Google is our only reportable segment. None of our other segments meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, the other operating segments are combined and disclosed below as Other Bets. Our reported segments are described below: • Google – Google includes our main internet products such as Search, Ads, Commerce, Maps, YouTube, Google Cloud, Android, Chrome, and Google Play as well as our hardware initiatives. Our technical infrastructure and some newer efforts like virtual reality are also included in Google. Google generates revenues primarily from advertising; sales of apps, in-app purchases, and digital content; services fees for cloud offerings; and sales of hardware products. • Other Bets – Other Bets is a combination of multiple operating segments that are not individually material. Other Bets includes businesses such as Access, Calico, CapitalG, GV, Nest, Verily, Waymo, and X. Revenues from the Other Bets are derived primarily through the sales of internet and TV services through Google Fiber, sales of Nest products and services, and licensing and R&D services through Verily. Revenues, cost of revenues, and operating expenses are generally directly attributed to our segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information. Prior period segment information has been recast to conform to the current period segment presentation. Information about segments during the periods presented were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Revenues: Google $ 22,254 $ 27,470 $ 63,661 $ 77,738 Other Bets 197 302 547 794 Total revenues $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Operating income (loss): Google $ 6,774 $ 8,744 $ 20,009 $ 24,145 Other Bets (861 ) (812 ) (2,490 ) (2,439 ) Reconciling items (1) (146 ) (150 ) (442 ) (3,224 ) Total income from operations $ 5,767 $ 7,782 $ 17,077 $ 18,482 (1) Reconciling items are primarily comprised of the European Commission fine for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as well as corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments for all periods presented. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Capital expenditures: Google $ 2,434 $ 3,559 $ 6,529 $ 8,800 Other Bets 324 77 881 398 Reconciling items (2) (204 ) (98 ) (276 ) (321 ) Total capital expenditures as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 2,554 $ 3,538 $ 7,134 $ 8,877 (2) Reconciling items are related to timing differences of payments as segment capital expenditures are on accrual basis while total capital expenditures shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow are on cash basis and other miscellaneous differences. Stock-based compensation (SBC) and depreciation, amortization, and impairment are included in segment operating income (loss) as shown below (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Stock-based compensation: Google $ 1,629 $ 1,654 $ 4,273 $ 5,362 Other Bets 199 130 486 355 Reconciling items (3) 32 36 98 115 Total stock-based compensation (4) $ 1,860 $ 1,820 $ 4,857 $ 5,832 Depreciation, amortization, and impairment: Google $ 1,488 $ 1,667 $ 4,214 $ 4,606 Other Bets 104 94 239 283 Reconciling items (5) 4 0 4 0 Total depreciation, amortization, and impairment as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 1,596 $ 1,761 $ 4,457 $ 4,889 (3) Reconciling items represent corporate administrative costs that are not allocated to individual segments. (4) For purposes of segment reporting, SBC represents awards that we expect to settle in Alphabet stock. (5) Reconciling items are primarily related to corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments. The following table presents our long-lived assets by geographic area (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Long-lived assets: United States $ 47,383 $ 53,051 International 14,706 17,140 Total long-lived assets $ 62,089 $ 70,191 For revenues by geography, see Note 2 .

Nature of Operations and Summ23

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Google Inc. (Google) was incorporated in California in 1998 and re-incorporated in Delaware in 2003. In 2015, we implemented a holding company reorganization, and as a result, Alphabet Inc. (Alphabet) became the successor issuer to Google. We generate revenues primarily by delivering relevant, cost-effective online advertising.
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of Alphabet include the accounts of Alphabet and all wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as all variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information	Unaudited Interim Financial Information The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2017 , the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 are unaudited. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). In our opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2017 , our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 . The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 , filed with the SEC on February 2, 2017.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to accounts receivable and sales allowances, fair values of financial instruments, intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, income taxes, and contingent liabilities, among others. We base our estimates on assumptions, both historical and forward looking, that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial assets and financial liabilities including cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts, and non-marketable debt securities are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We measure certain financial assets at fair value for disclosure purposes, as well as on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Our other current financial assets and our other current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying values. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - Include other inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and credit ratings. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activities. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 (ASU 2016-01) "Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-01 amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The most significant impact to our consolidated financial statements relates to the recognition and measurement of equity investments at fair value in our consolidated statement of income. We expect to elect the measurement alternative, defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes. We anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will increase the volatility of our other income (expense), net, as a result of the remeasurement of our equity securities upon the occurrence of observable price changes and impairments. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (Topic 842) "Leases." Topic 842 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, "Leases." Under Topic 842, lessees are required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases and provide enhanced disclosures. Leases will continue to be classified as either finance or operating. Topic 842 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, and there are certain optional practical expedients that an entity may elect to apply. Full retrospective application is prohibited. We anticipate that the adoption of Topic 842 will materially affect our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We are in the process of implementing changes to our systems and processes in conjunction with our review of existing lease agreements. We plan to adopt Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019 and we are evaluating the use of the optional practical expedients. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16 (ASU 2016-16) "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory." ASU 2016-16 generally accelerates the recognition of income tax consequences for asset transfers between entities under common control. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities are required to adopt using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings for previously unrecognized income tax expense. We anticipate a retained earnings adjustment of $600 million to $800 million upon adoption related to the unrecognized income tax effects of asset transfers that occurred prior to adoption. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04 (ASU 2017-04) “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates step two of the goodwill impairment test and specifies that goodwill impairment should be measured by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Additionally, the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets should be disclosed. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. We currently anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (Topic 606) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition” (Topic 605), and requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2017 using the modified retrospective transition method. See Note 2 for further details. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 (ASU 2017-01) “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” ASU 2017-01 provides guidance to evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single asset or a group of similar assets, the assets acquired (or disposed of) are not considered a business. We adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis.
Prior Period Reclassifications	Prior Period Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Most of our customers pay us on a cost-per-click basis (CPC), which means that an advertiser pays us only when a user clicks on an ad on Google properties or Google Network Members' properties or views certain YouTube ad formats like TrueView. For these customers, we recognize revenue each time a user clicks on the ad or when a user views the ad for a specified period of time. We also offer advertising on other bases such as cost-per-impression (CPM), which means an advertiser pays us based on the number of times their ads are displayed on Google properties or Google Network Members’ properties. For these customers, we recognize revenue each time an ad is displayed. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration. For ads placed on Google Network Members’ properties, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis). Generally, we report advertising revenues for ads placed on Google Network Members’ properties on a gross basis, that is, the amounts billed to our customers are recorded as revenues, and amounts paid to Google Network Members are recorded as cost of revenues. Where we are the principal, we control the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers. Our control is evidenced by our sole ability to monetize the advertising inventory before it is transferred to our customers, and is further supported by us being primarily responsible to our customers and having a level of discretion in establishing pricing. Other Revenues Google other revenues and Other Bets revenues consist primarily of revenues from: • Apps, in-app purchases, and digital content in the Google Play store; • Google Cloud offerings; • Hardware; and • Other miscellaneous products and services. As it relates to Google other revenues, the most significant judgment is determining whether we are the principal or agent for app sales and in-app purchases through the Google Play store. We report revenues from these transactions on a net basis because our performance obligation is to facilitate a transaction between app developers and end users, for which we earn a commission. Consequently, the portion of the gross amount billed to end users that is remitted to app developers is not reflected as revenues. Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus margin. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue by Revenue Source	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions, unaudited). Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 (1) 2017 2016 (1) 2017 Google properties $ 16,089 $ 19,723 $ 45,817 $ 55,551 Google Network Members' properties 3,732 4,342 11,167 12,597 Google advertising revenues 19,821 24,065 56,984 68,148 Google other revenues 2,433 3,405 6,677 9,590 Other Bets revenues 197 302 547 794 Total revenues (2) $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 (1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method. (2) Revenues include hedging gains (losses) of $105 million and $(191) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, and $352 million and $29 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 , respectively, which do not represent revenues recognized from contracts with customers.
Revenue by Geographic Location	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the billing addresses of our customers (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 United States $ 10,649 $ 12,930 $ 30,065 $ 37,021 EMEA (1) 7,392 9,097 22,007 25,733 APAC (1) 3,248 4,199 8,951 11,548 Other Americas (1) 1,162 1,546 3,185 4,230 Total revenues (2) $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 (1) Regions represent Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Asia-Pacific (APAC); and Canada and Latin America (Other Americas). (2) Revenues include hedging gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 .

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of cash and short-term investments	The following tables summarize our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment categories as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Fair Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Cash $ 7,078 $ 0 $ 0 $ 7,078 $ 7,078 $ 0 Level 1: Money market and other funds 4,783 0 0 4,783 4,783 0 U.S. government notes 38,454 46 (215 ) 38,285 613 37,672 Marketable equity securities 160 133 0 293 0 293 43,397 179 (215 ) 43,361 5,396 37,965 Level 2: Time deposits (1) 142 0 0 142 140 2 Mutual funds (2) 204 7 0 211 0 211 U.S. government agencies 1,826 0 (11 ) 1,815 300 1,515 Foreign government bonds 2,345 18 (7 ) 2,356 0 2,356 Municipal securities 4,757 15 (65 ) 4,707 2 4,705 Corporate debt securities 12,993 114 (116 ) 12,991 2 12,989 Agency mortgage-backed securities 12,006 26 (216 ) 11,816 0 11,816 Asset-backed securities 1,855 2 (1 ) 1,856 0 1,856 36,128 182 (416 ) 35,894 444 35,450 Total $ 86,603 $ 361 $ (631 ) $ 86,333 $ 12,918 $ 73,415 As of September 30, 2017 Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Fair Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable (unaudited) Cash $ 6,460 $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,460 $ 6,460 $ 0 Level 1: Money market and other funds 1,450 0 0 1,450 1,450 0 U.S. government notes 40,268 12 (163 ) 40,117 919 39,198 Marketable equity securities 226 120 (2 ) 344 0 344 41,944 132 (165 ) 41,911 2,369 39,542 Level 2: Time deposits (1) 145 0 0 145 143 2 Mutual funds (2) 233 14 0 247 0 247 U.S. government agencies 2,841 0 (9 ) 2,832 17 2,815 Foreign government bonds 2,464 8 (15 ) 2,457 0 2,457 Municipal securities 6,774 17 (10 ) 6,781 13 6,768 Corporate debt securities 23,107 49 (35 ) 23,121 1,579 21,542 Agency mortgage-backed securities 10,984 17 (76 ) 10,925 0 10,925 Asset-backed securities 5,261 7 (4 ) 5,264 0 5,264 51,809 112 (149 ) 51,772 1,752 50,020 Total $ 100,213 $ 244 $ (314 ) $ 100,143 $ 10,581 $ 89,562 (1) The majority of our time deposits are foreign deposits. (2) The fair value option was elected for mutual funds with gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net.
Investments by maturity date	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities, accounted for as available-for-sale securities and classified by the contractual maturity date of the securities (in millions, unaudited): As of Due in 1 year $ 22,234 Due in 1 year through 5 years 52,502 Due in 5 years through 10 years 2,172 Due after 10 years 12,063 Total $ 88,971
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments	The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair values for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized U.S. government notes $ 26,411 $ (215 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 26,411 $ (215 ) U.S. government agencies 1,014 (11 ) 0 0 1,014 (11 ) Foreign government bonds 956 (7 ) 0 0 956 (7 ) Municipal securities 3,461 (63 ) 46 (2 ) 3,507 (65 ) Corporate debt securities 6,184 (111 ) 166 (5 ) 6,350 (116 ) Agency mortgage-backed securities 10,184 (206 ) 259 (10 ) 10,443 (216 ) Asset-backed securities 391 (1 ) 0 0 391 (1 ) Total $ 48,601 $ (614 ) $ 471 $ (17 ) $ 49,072 $ (631 ) As of September 30, 2017 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized Loss Fair Value Unrealized (unaudited) U.S. government notes $ 26,626 $ (115 ) $ 5,409 $ (48 ) $ 32,035 $ (163 ) U.S. government agencies 2,751 (9 ) 0 0 2,751 (9 ) Foreign government bonds 1,362 (13 ) 123 (2 ) 1,485 (15 ) Municipal securities 2,118 (6 ) 432 (4 ) 2,550 (10 ) Corporate debt securities 11,153 (27 ) 793 (8 ) 11,946 (35 ) Agency mortgage-backed securities 8,450 (62 ) 728 (14 ) 9,178 (76 ) Asset-backed securities 2,572 (4 ) 0 0 2,572 (4 ) Marketable equity securities 38 (2 ) 0 0 38 (2 ) Total $ 55,070 $ (238 ) $ 7,485 $ (76 ) $ 62,555 $ (314 )
Schedule of derivative instruments	The fair values of our outstanding derivative instruments were as follows (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Total Fair Value Derivative Assets: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Other current and non-current assets $ 539 $ 57 $ 596 Total $ 539 $ 57 $ 596 Derivative Liabilities: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current $ 4 $ 9 $ 13 Total $ 4 $ 9 $ 13 As of September 30, 2017 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value of Fair Value of Total Fair (unaudited) Derivative Assets: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Other current and non-current assets $ 53 $ 113 $ 166 Total $ 53 $ 113 $ 166 Derivative Liabilities: Level 2: Foreign exchange contracts Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current $ 459 $ 123 $ 582 Total $ 459 $ 123 $ 582
Schedule of gain (loss) on derivative instruments	The effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on income and other comprehensive income (OCI) is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Before Tax Effect (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 52 $ (324 ) $ 240 $ (1,011 ) Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Revenues $ 105 $ (191 ) $ 352 $ 29 Interest rate contracts Other income (expense), net 1 1 4 4 Total $ 106 $ (190 ) $ 356 $ 33 Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (1) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ (102 ) $ 26 $ (361 ) $ 72 (1) Gains (losses) related to the ineffective portion of the hedges were not material in all periods presented. The effect of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (2) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign Exchange Hedges: Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ 1 $ (89 ) $ 26 $ (216 ) Hedged item Other income (expense), net 1 94 (24 ) 230 Total $ 2 $ 5 $ 2 $ 14 (2) Amounts excluded from effectiveness testing and the ineffective portion of the fair value hedging relationships were not material in all periods presented. The effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Other income (expense), net $ (67 ) $ (39 ) $ (147 ) $ (263 )
Offsetting assets	As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 , information related to these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in millions): Offsetting of Assets As of December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Non-Cash Collateral Received Net Assets Exposed Derivatives $ 596 $ 0 $ 596 $ (11 ) (1) $ (337 ) $ (73 ) $ 175 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Non-Cash Collateral Received Net Assets Exposed (unaudited) Derivatives $ 183 $ (17 ) $ 166 $ (122 ) (1) $ (37 ) $ 0 $ 7 (1) The balances as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 were related to derivative liabilities which are allowed to be net settled against derivative assets in accordance with our master netting agreements.
Offsetting liabilities	Offsetting of Liabilities As of December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Non-Cash Collateral Pledged Net Liabilities Derivatives $ 13 $ 0 $ 13 $ (11 ) (2) $ 0 $ 0 $ 2 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset Description Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Non-Cash Collateral Pledged Net Liabilities (unaudited) Derivatives $ 599 $ (17 ) $ 582 $ (122 ) (2) $ 0 $ 0 $ 460 (2) The balances as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 were related to derivative assets which are allowed to be net settled against derivative liabilities in accordance with our master netting agreements.

Non-Marketable Investments (Tab

Non-Marketable Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investment in other assets	The following table presents a reconciliation for our non-marketable debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in millions, unaudited): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Beginning balance $ 1,024 $ 1,165 Total net gains (losses) Included in earnings 0 (5 ) Included in other comprehensive income 100 699 Purchases 78 85 Sales (7 ) (1 ) Settlements (16 ) (54 ) Ending balance $ 1,179 $ 1,889

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The total outstanding long-term debt is summarized below (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Long-term debt 3.625% Notes due on May 19, 2021 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 3.375% Notes due on February 25, 2024 1,000 1,000 1.998% Notes due on August 15, 2026 2,000 2,000 Unamortized discount for the Notes above (65 ) (59 ) Subtotal (1) $ 3,935 $ 3,941 Capital lease obligation 0 23 Total long-term debt $ 3,935 $ 3,964 (1) Includes the outstanding (and unexchanged) Google Notes issued in 2011 and 2014 and the Alphabet notes exchanged in 2016.

Supplemental Financial Statem28

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Land and buildings $ 19,804 $ 22,367 Information technology assets 16,084 19,454 Construction in progress 8,166 10,280 Leasehold improvements 3,415 4,208 Furniture and fixtures 58 49 Property and equipment, gross 47,527 56,358 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (13,293 ) (16,238 ) Property and equipment, net $ 34,234 $ 40,120
Schedule of Notes Receivable	The outstanding balances are shown in the table below (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Principal of the Note Receivable $ 1,448 $ 0 Less: unamortized discount for the Note Receivable (51 ) 0 Total $ 1,397 $ 0
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) European Commission fine (1) $ 0 $ 2,844 Accrued customer liabilities 1,256 1,262 Other accrued expenses and current liabilities 4,888 5,201 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 6,144 $ 9,307 (1) Includes the effects of foreign exchange.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (2,047 ) $ (86 ) $ 259 $ (1,874 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 166 627 148 941 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 137 (236 ) (99 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 166 764 (88 ) 842 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,881 ) $ 678 $ 171 $ (1,032 ) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (2,646 ) $ (179 ) $ 423 $ (2,402 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1,457 803 (668 ) 1,592 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 98 (34 ) 64 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,457 901 (702 ) 1,656 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (1,189 ) $ 722 $ (279 ) $ (746 )
Schedule of Effects on Net Income of Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from AOCI were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, AOCI Components Location 2016 2017 2016 2017 Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments Other income (expense), net $ 46 $ (47 ) $ (137 ) $ (98 ) Provision for income taxes 0 0 0 0 Net of tax $ 46 $ (47 ) $ (137 ) $ (98 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Foreign exchange contracts Revenue $ 105 $ (191 ) $ 352 $ 29 Interest rate contracts Other income (expense), net 1 1 4 4 Benefit (provision) for income taxes (39 ) 65 (120 ) 1 Net of tax $ 67 $ (125 ) $ 236 $ 34 Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ 113 $ (172 ) $ 99 $ (64 )
Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net	The components of other income (expense), net, were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Interest income $ 318 $ 306 $ 895 $ 912 Interest expense (29 ) (27 ) (91 ) (73 ) Foreign currency exchange losses, net (123 ) (53 ) (437 ) (101 ) Gain (loss) on marketable securities, net 50 (44 ) (126 ) (81 ) Gain (loss) on non-marketable investments, net 40 (32 ) (78 ) (79 ) Other 22 47 53 115 Other income (expense), net $ 278 $ 197 $ 216 $ 693

Goodwill and Other Intangible29

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to our disclosed segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Google Other Bets Total Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 16,027 $ 441 $ 16,468 Acquisitions 196 9 205 Foreign currency translation and other adjustments 57 1 58 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 16,280 $ 451 $ 16,731
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets	Information regarding purchased intangible assets were as follows (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Patents and developed technology $ 5,542 $ 2,710 $ 2,832 Customer relationships 352 197 155 Trade names and other 463 143 320 Total $ 6,357 $ 3,050 $ 3,307 As of September 30, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (unaudited) Patents and developed technology $ 5,312 $ 2,931 $ 2,381 Customer relationships 358 246 112 Trade names and other 548 158 390 Total $ 6,218 $ 3,335 $ 2,883
Schedule of future amortization expense	As of September 30, 2017 , expected amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions, unaudited): Remainder of 2017 $ 193 2018 726 2019 615 2020 493 2021 459 Thereafter 397 $ 2,883

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock (in millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands, and per share amounts, unaudited): Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Basic net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 2,171 $ 357 $ 2,533 $ 2,891 $ 457 $ 3,384 Denominator Number of shares used in per share computation 294,945 48,513 344,103 297,804 47,078 348,603 Basic net income per share $ 7.36 $ 7.36 $ 7.36 $ 9.71 $ 9.71 $ 9.71 Diluted net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 2,171 $ 357 $ 2,533 $ 2,891 $ 457 $ 3,384 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 357 0 0 457 0 0 Reallocation of undistributed earnings (25 ) (5 ) 25 (38 ) (7 ) 38 Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 2,503 $ 352 $ 2,558 $ 3,310 $ 450 $ 3,422 Denominator Number of shares used in basic computation 294,945 48,513 344,103 297,804 47,078 348,603 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities Add: Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 48,513 0 0 47,078 0 0 Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares 1,923 0 8,956 1,070 0 9,161 Number of shares used in per share computation 345,381 48,513 353,059 345,952 47,078 357,764 Diluted net income per share $ 7.25 $ 7.25 $ 7.25 $ 9.57 $ 9.57 $ 9.57 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2017 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Basic net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 6,047 $ 1,013 $ 7,085 $ 6,734 $ 1,069 $ 7,879 Denominator Number of shares used in per share computation 293,723 49,214 344,162 297,291 47,189 347,853 Basic net income per share $ 20.59 $ 20.59 $ 20.59 $ 22.65 $ 22.65 $ 22.65 Diluted net income per share: Numerator Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 6,047 $ 1,013 $ 7,085 $ 6,734 $ 1,069 $ 7,879 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 1,013 0 0 1,069 0 0 Reallocation of undistributed earnings (68 ) (16 ) 68 (92 ) (17 ) 92 Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 6,992 $ 997 $ 7,153 $ 7,711 $ 1,052 $ 7,971 Denominator Number of shares used in basic computation 293,723 49,214 344,162 297,291 47,189 347,853 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities Add: Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 49,214 0 0 47,189 0 0 Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares 2,204 0 8,896 1,255 0 9,497 Number of shares used in per share computation 345,141 49,214 353,058 345,735 47,189 357,350 Diluted net income per share $ 20.26 $ 20.26 $ 20.26 $ 22.30 $ 22.30 $ 22.30

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted stock activity	The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited): Unvested Restricted Stock Units Number of Weighted- Unvested as of December 31, 2016 25,348,955 $ 624.92 Granted 7,246,476 $ 826.60 Vested (9,112,936 ) $ 610.82 Forfeited/canceled (1,029,398 ) $ 651.68 Unvested as of September 30, 2017 22,453,097 $ 694.86

Information about Segments an32

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment information by segment	Information about segments during the periods presented were as follows (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Revenues: Google $ 22,254 $ 27,470 $ 63,661 $ 77,738 Other Bets 197 302 547 794 Total revenues $ 22,451 $ 27,772 $ 64,208 $ 78,532 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Operating income (loss): Google $ 6,774 $ 8,744 $ 20,009 $ 24,145 Other Bets (861 ) (812 ) (2,490 ) (2,439 ) Reconciling items (1) (146 ) (150 ) (442 ) (3,224 ) Total income from operations $ 5,767 $ 7,782 $ 17,077 $ 18,482 (1) Reconciling items are primarily comprised of the European Commission fine for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as well as corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments for all periods presented. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Capital expenditures: Google $ 2,434 $ 3,559 $ 6,529 $ 8,800 Other Bets 324 77 881 398 Reconciling items (2) (204 ) (98 ) (276 ) (321 ) Total capital expenditures as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 2,554 $ 3,538 $ 7,134 $ 8,877 (2) Reconciling items are related to timing differences of payments as segment capital expenditures are on accrual basis while total capital expenditures shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow are on cash basis and other miscellaneous differences. Stock-based compensation (SBC) and depreciation, amortization, and impairment are included in segment operating income (loss) as shown below (in millions, unaudited): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Stock-based compensation: Google $ 1,629 $ 1,654 $ 4,273 $ 5,362 Other Bets 199 130 486 355 Reconciling items (3) 32 36 98 115 Total stock-based compensation (4) $ 1,860 $ 1,820 $ 4,857 $ 5,832 Depreciation, amortization, and impairment: Google $ 1,488 $ 1,667 $ 4,214 $ 4,606 Other Bets 104 94 239 283 Reconciling items (5) 4 0 4 0 Total depreciation, amortization, and impairment as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 1,596 $ 1,761 $ 4,457 $ 4,889 (3) Reconciling items represent corporate administrative costs that are not allocated to individual segments. (4) For purposes of segment reporting, SBC represents awards that we expect to settle in Alphabet stock. (5) Reconciling items are primarily related to corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic area	The following table presents our long-lived assets by geographic area (in millions): As of As of (unaudited) Long-lived assets: United States $ 47,383 $ 53,051 International 14,706 17,140 Total long-lived assets $ 62,089 $ 70,191

Nature of Operations and Summ33

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - Scenario, Forecast - Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 - Retained Earnings $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings	$ 600
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings	$ 800

Revenues (Narrative) (Details)

Revenues (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
Deferred revenue recognized during period			779
Early adoption of new accounting pronouncement | Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
One-time reduction to opening retained earnings, net of tax					$ 15
Revenues	$ 10		$ 32

Revenues (Revenue by Segment) (

Revenues (Revenue by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Hedging gains (losses) included in consolidated revenue	(191)	105	29	352
Google
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Google advertising revenues	24,065	19,821	68,148	56,984
Google other revenues	3,405	2,433	9,590	6,677
Revenues	27,470	22,254	77,738	63,661
Google | Google properties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Google advertising revenues	19,723	16,089	55,551	45,817
Google | Google Network Members' properties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Google advertising revenues	4,342	3,732	12,597	11,167
Other Bets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 302	$ 197	$ 794	$ 547

Revenues (Revenue by Geographic

Revenues (Revenue by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	12,930	10,649	37,021	30,065
EMEA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	9,097	7,392	25,733	22,007
APAC
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	4,199	3,248	11,548	8,951
Other Americas
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,546	$ 1,162	$ 4,230	$ 3,185

Financial Instruments (Cash, Ca

Financial Instruments (Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Measured at Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses, and Fair Value By Significant Investment Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	$ 100,213	$ 86,603
Gross Unrealized Gains	244	361
Gross Unrealized Losses	(314)	(631)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	100,143	86,333
Cash and Cash Equivalents	10,581	12,918	$ 9,406	$ 16,549
Marketable Securities	89,562	73,415
Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	6,460	7,078
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	6,460	7,078
Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,460	7,078
Marketable Securities	0	0
Level 1
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	41,944	43,397
Gross Unrealized Gains	132	179
Gross Unrealized Losses	(165)	(215)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	41,911	43,361
Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,369	5,396
Marketable Securities	39,542	37,965
Level 1 | Money market and other funds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	1,450	4,783
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	1,450	4,783
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,450	4,783
Marketable Securities	0	0
Level 1 | U.S. government notes
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	40,268	38,454
Gross Unrealized Gains	12	46
Gross Unrealized Losses	(163)	(215)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	40,117	38,285
Cash and Cash Equivalents	919	613
Marketable Securities	39,198	37,672
Level 1 | Marketable equity securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	226	160
Gross Unrealized Gains	120	133
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	344	293
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	344	293
Level 2
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	51,809	36,128
Gross Unrealized Gains	112	182
Gross Unrealized Losses	(149)	(416)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	51,772	35,894
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,752	444
Marketable Securities	50,020	35,450
Level 2 | Time deposits
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	145	142
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	145	142
Cash and Cash Equivalents	143	140
Marketable Securities	2	2
Level 2 | Mutual funds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	233	204
Gross Unrealized Gains	14	7
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	247	211
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	247	211
Level 2 | U.S. government agencies
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	2,841	1,826
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(9)	(11)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	2,832	1,815
Cash and Cash Equivalents	17	300
Marketable Securities	2,815	1,515
Level 2 | Foreign government bonds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	2,464	2,345
Gross Unrealized Gains	8	18
Gross Unrealized Losses	(15)	(7)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	2,457	2,356
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	2,457	2,356
Level 2 | Municipal securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	6,774	4,757
Gross Unrealized Gains	17	15
Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(65)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	6,781	4,707
Cash and Cash Equivalents	13	2
Marketable Securities	6,768	4,705
Level 2 | Corporate debt securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	23,107	12,993
Gross Unrealized Gains	49	114
Gross Unrealized Losses	(35)	(116)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	23,121	12,991
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,579	2
Marketable Securities	21,542	12,989
Level 2 | Agency mortgage-backed securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	10,984	12,006
Gross Unrealized Gains	17	26
Gross Unrealized Losses	(76)	(216)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	10,925	11,816
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	10,925	11,816
Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	5,261	1,855
Gross Unrealized Gains	7	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(1)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities	5,264	1,856
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	$ 5,264	$ 1,856

Financial Instruments (Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross realized gains on the sale of our marketable securities	$ 21,000,000	$ 62,000,000	$ 193,000,000	$ 221,000,000
Gross realized losses on the sale of our marketable securities	65,000,000	12,000,000	274,000,000	347,000,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized	0	$ 0	0	$ 87,000,000
Cash collateral received from derivative financial instruments	47,000,000		47,000,000		$ 362,000,000
Effective portion of our cash flow hedges before tax effect	440,000,000		440,000,000
Foreign currency gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months	473,000,000		473,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	11,700,000,000		$ 11,700,000,000		10,700,000,000
Foreign exchange option contracts, maximum maturities			24 months
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	2,500,000,000		$ 2,500,000,000		2,400,000,000
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Financial Instruments and Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 17,200,000,000		$ 17,200,000,000		$ 7,900,000,000

Financial Instruments (Contract

Financial Instruments (Contractual Maturity Date of Marketable Debt Securities) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Due in 1 year	$ 22,234
Due in 1 year through 5 years	52,502
Due in 5 years through 10 years	2,172
Due after 10 years	12,063
Total	$ 88,971

Financial Instruments (Gross Un

Financial Instruments (Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values for Investments in Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 55,070	$ 48,601
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(238)	(614)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	7,485	471
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(76)	(17)
Total Fair Value	62,555	49,072
Total Unrealized Loss	(314)	(631)
U.S. government notes
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	26,626	26,411
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(115)	(215)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	5,409	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(48)	0
Total Fair Value	32,035	26,411
Total Unrealized Loss	(163)	(215)
U.S. government agencies
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,751	1,014
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(9)	(11)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Total Fair Value	2,751	1,014
Total Unrealized Loss	(9)	(11)
Foreign government bonds
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,362	956
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(13)	(7)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	123	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(2)	0
Total Fair Value	1,485	956
Total Unrealized Loss	(15)	(7)
Municipal securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,118	3,461
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(6)	(63)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	432	46
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(4)	(2)
Total Fair Value	2,550	3,507
Total Unrealized Loss	(10)	(65)
Corporate debt securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	11,153	6,184
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(27)	(111)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	793	166
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(8)	(5)
Total Fair Value	11,946	6,350
Total Unrealized Loss	(35)	(116)
Agency mortgage-backed securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	8,450	10,184
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(62)	(206)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	728	259
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	(14)	(10)
Total Fair Value	9,178	10,443
Total Unrealized Loss	(76)	(216)
Asset-backed securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,572	391
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(4)	(1)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	0	0
Total Fair Value	2,572	391
Total Unrealized Loss	(4)	$ (1)
Marketable equity securities
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	38
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Loss	(2)
12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	0
12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Loss	0
Total Fair Value	38
Total Unrealized Loss	$ (2)

Financial Instruments (Fair Val

Financial Instruments (Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	$ 183	$ 596
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	599	13
Level 2
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	166	596
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	582	13
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Other current and non-current assets
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	166	596
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	582	13
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	53	539
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	459	4
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Other current and non-current assets
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	53	539
Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	459	4
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	113	57
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	123	9
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Other current and non-current assets
Derivative Assets:
Derivative Assets	113	57
Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current
Derivative Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities	$ 123	$ 9

Financial Instruments (Effect o

Financial Instruments (Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense), net | Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ (39)	$ (67)	$ (263)	$ (147)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(190)	106	33	356
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Before Tax Effect (Effective Portion)	(324)	52	(1,011)	240
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts | Revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(191)	105	29	352
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing and Ineffective Portion)	26	(102)	72	(361)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship | Interest rate contracts | Other income (expense), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1	1	4	4
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	5	2	14	2
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship | Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Foreign exchange contracts	(89)	1	(216)	26
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives, Hedged item	$ 94	$ 1	$ 230	$ (24)

Financial Instruments (Offsetti

Financial Instruments (Offsetting of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Offsetting of Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$ 183	$ 596
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	(17)	0
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	166	596
Financial Instruments	(122)	(11)
Cash Collateral Received	(37)	(337)
Non-Cash Collateral Received	0	(73)
Net Assets Exposed	7	175
Offsetting of Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	599	13
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	(17)	0
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	582	13
Financial Instruments	(122)	(11)
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Non-Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Liabilities	$ 460	$ 2

Non-Marketable Investments (Nar

Non-Marketable Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 1,700		$ 1,700		$ 1,700
Loss on equity method investments	31	$ 61	93	$ 209
Cost method investments	3,600		3,600		3,000
Fair value of cost method investments	8,900		8,900		8,100
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cost of non-marketable debt securities	1,100		1,100		1,100
VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net assets of VIE	1,100		1,100		1,200
Maximum loss exposure	$ 1,100		$ 1,100		$ 1,200

Non-Marketable Investments (Rol

Non-Marketable Investments (Rollforward of Other Marketable Investments) (Details) - Non-Marketable Debt Securities - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Investments Not Readily Marketable
Beginning balance	$ 1,165	$ 1,024
Total net gains (losses)
Included in earnings	(5)	0
Included in other comprehensive income	699	100
Purchases	85	78
Sales	(1)	(7)
Settlements	(54)	(16)
Ending balance	$ 1,889	$ 1,179

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	May 31, 2011USD ($)Tranche
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of long-term debt		$ 4,000,000,000	$ 3,900,000,000
3.625% Notes due on May 19, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		3.734%
3.375% Notes due on February 25, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		3.377%
1.998% Notes due on August 15, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.231%
Unsecured debt | Unsecured Senior Notes 3.375% due on February 2024 and Unsecured Senior Notes 3.625% Due May 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued	$ 1,700,000,000
Gain (loss) on modification of debt	0
Unsecured debt | 2016 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued				$ 2,000,000,000
Google | Unsecured Senior Notes 3.375% due on February 2024 and Unsecured Senior Notes 3.625% Due May 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt subject to exchange	$ 1,700,000,000
Google | Unsecured debt | 2011 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued						$ 3,000,000,000
Number of tranches (in tranche) | Tranche						3
Google | Unsecured debt | 2014 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued					$ 1,000,000,000
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing on short term lines of credit		$ 5,000,000,000
Outstanding balance of commercial paper		0	0
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing on short term lines of credit		4,000,000,000
Line of credit drawn		$ 0	$ 0

Debt (Long-Term Debt) (Details)

Debt (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt
Unamortized discount for the Notes above	$ (59)	$ (65)
Subtotal	3,941	3,935
Capital lease obligation	23	0
Total long-term debt	3,964	3,935
3.625% Notes due on May 19, 2021
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,000	1,000
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.625%
3.375% Notes due on February 25, 2024
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,000	1,000
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.375%
1.998% Notes due on August 15, 2026
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 2,000	$ 2,000
Long-term debt, interest rate	1.998%

Supplemental Financial Statem48

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Property and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 56,358	$ 47,527
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(16,238)	(13,293)
Property and equipment, net	40,120	34,234
Cost basis of property and equipment under capital lease	364
Land and buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	22,367	19,804
Information technology assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	19,454	16,084
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	10,280	8,166
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	4,208	3,415
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 49	$ 58

Supplemental Financial Statem49

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Notes Receivable) (Details) - Disposal by Sale - Motorola Mobile - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Promissory note received in connection with divestiture, term	3 years
Effective yield on note	4.50%
Principal of the Note Receivable		$ 0	$ 1,448
Less: unamortized discount for the Note Receivable		0	(51)
Total		$ 0	$ 1,397

Supplemental Financial Statem50

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
European Commission fine	$ 2,844	$ 0
Accrued customer liabilities	1,262	1,256
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities	5,201	4,888
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 9,307	$ 6,144

Supplemental Financial Statem51

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of AOCI, net of tax
Beginning Balance	$ 139,036
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,592	$ 941
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	64	(99)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,656	842
Ending Balance	157,100
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Components of AOCI, net of tax
Beginning Balance	(2,646)	(2,047)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,457	166
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,457	166
Ending Balance	(1,189)	(1,881)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments
Components of AOCI, net of tax
Beginning Balance	(179)	(86)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	803	627
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	98	137
Other comprehensive income (loss)	901	764
Ending Balance	722	678
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Components of AOCI, net of tax
Beginning Balance	423	259
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(668)	148
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(34)	(236)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(702)	(88)
Ending Balance	(279)	171
Total
Components of AOCI, net of tax
Beginning Balance	(2,402)	(1,874)
Ending Balance	$ (746)	$ (1,032)

Supplemental Financial Statem52

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Effects on Net Income of Amounts Reclassified from AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
Other income (expense), net	197	278	693	216
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(1,247)	(984)	(3,493)	(3,148)
Net income	6,732	5,061	15,682	14,145
Total amount reclassified, net of tax	(172)	113	(64)	99
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income | Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	(47)	46	(98)	(137)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	(47)	46	(98)	(137)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income | Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	65	(39)	1	(120)
Net income	(125)	67	34	236
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income | Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | Foreign exchange contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Revenue	(191)	105	29	352
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income | Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$ 1	$ 1	$ 4	$ 4

Supplemental Financial Statem53

Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 306	$ 318	$ 912	$ 895
Interest expense	(27)	(29)	(73)	(91)
Foreign currency exchange losses, net	(53)	(123)	(101)	(437)
Gain (loss) on marketable securities, net	(44)	50	(81)	(126)
Gain (loss) on non-marketable investments, net	(32)	40	(79)	(78)
Other	47	22	115	53
Other income (expense), net	197	278	693	216
Interest costs capitalized	$ 13	$ 0	$ 32	$ 0

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 16,731	$ 16,468
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration	312
Cash acquired	12
Acquired intangible assets	111
Goodwill	205
Net liabilities assumed	16
Amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes	$ 24
Other acquisitions | Patents and developed technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, weighted-average useful life	3 years 11 months
Other acquisitions | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, weighted-average useful life	3 years 1 month
Other acquisitions | Trade names and other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, weighted-average useful life	8 years 10 months

Calico (Details)

Calico (Details) $ in Millions	49 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Payments to acquire interest in joint venture	$ 240
Commitment to Invest
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research commitments	490
Research and development arrangement | AbbVie Inc
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Accumulated payments for research and development commitment	750
Research and development arrangement | Calico
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research commitments	500
Accumulated payments for research and development commitment	$ 250

Verily (Details)

Verily (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of shares				$ 800	$ 0
Non-controlling interest
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Increase in non-controlling interest from sale of shares				78
Additional paid-in capital
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Increase in non-controlling interest from sale of shares				722
Verily | Variable interest entity
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest sold in Verily	$ 800			$ 800
Proceeds from sale of shares		$ 320	$ 480

Goodwill and Other Intangible57

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$ 16,468
Acquisitions	205
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	58
Balance as of September 30, 2017	16,731
Google
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2016	16,027
Acquisitions	196
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	57
Balance as of September 30, 2017	16,280
Other Bets
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2016	441
Acquisitions	9
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	1
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ 451

Goodwill and Other Intangible58

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets that are being Amortized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 6,218		$ 6,218		$ 6,357
Accumulated Amortization	3,335		3,335		3,050
Net Carrying Amount	2,883		2,883		3,307
Patents and developed technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,312		5,312		5,542
Accumulated Amortization	2,931		2,931		2,710
Net Carrying Amount	2,381		2,381		2,832
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	358		358		352
Accumulated Amortization	246		246		197
Net Carrying Amount	112		112		155
Trade names and other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	548		548		463
Accumulated Amortization	158		158		143
Net Carrying Amount	390		390		$ 320
Acquisition-related intangible assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets	$ 194	$ 203	$ 600	$ 629

Goodwill and Other Intangible59

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Expected Amortization Expense for Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2017	$ 193
2,018	726
2,019	615
2,020	493
2,021	459
Thereafter	397
Net Carrying Value	$ 2,883

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Jun. 27, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
European Commission fine			$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,736	$ 0
European Commission Antitrust Investigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
European Commission fine	$ 2,740	€ 2,420

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Denominator
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71	$ 7.36	$ 22.65	$ 20.59
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.57	$ 7.25	$ 22.30	$ 20.26
Class A Common Stock
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 2,891	$ 2,171	$ 6,734	$ 6,047
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	297,804	294,945	297,291	293,723
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71	$ 7.36	$ 22.65	$ 20.59
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation	$ 2,891	$ 2,171	$ 6,734	$ 6,047
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	457	357	1,069	1,013
Reallocation of undistributed earnings	(38)	(25)	(92)	(68)
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,310	$ 2,503	$ 7,711	$ 6,992
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	297,804	294,945	297,291	293,723
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding (shares)	47,078	48,513	47,189	49,214
Number of shares used in per share computation (shares)	345,952	345,381	345,735	345,141
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.57	$ 7.25	$ 22.30	$ 20.26
Class A Common Stock | Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares (shares)	1,070	1,923	1,255	2,204
Class B Common Stock
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 457	$ 357	$ 1,069	$ 1,013
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	47,078	48,513	47,189	49,214
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71	$ 7.36	$ 22.65	$ 20.59
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation	$ 457	$ 357	$ 1,069	$ 1,013
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	0	0	0	0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings	(7)	(5)	(17)	(16)
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 450	$ 352	$ 1,052	$ 997
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	47,078	48,513	47,189	49,214
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding (shares)	0	0	0	0
Number of shares used in per share computation (shares)	47,078	48,513	47,189	49,214
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.57	$ 7.25	$ 22.30	$ 20.26
Class B Common Stock | Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares (shares)	0	0	0	0
Class C Capital Stock
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,384	$ 2,533	$ 7,879	$ 7,085
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	348,603	344,103	347,853	344,162
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71	$ 7.36	$ 22.65	$ 20.59
Numerator
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation	$ 3,384	$ 2,533	$ 7,879	$ 7,085
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	0	0	0	0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings	38	25	92	68
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,422	$ 2,558	$ 7,971	$ 7,153
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation (shares)	348,603	344,103	347,853	344,162
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding (shares)	0	0	0	0
Number of shares used in per share computation (shares)	357,764	353,059	357,350	353,058
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.57	$ 7.25	$ 22.30	$ 20.26
Class C Capital Stock | Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares (shares)	9,161	8,956	9,497	8,896

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,881,000,000	$ 1,902,000,000	$ 6,008,000,000	$ 4,912,000,000
Awards expected to be settled with stock	1,820,000,000	$ 1,860,000,000	$ 5,832,000,000	$ 4,857,000,000
October 2016 Share Repurchase Program | Class C Capital Stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Authorized share repurchase amount					$ 7,019,340,976.83
Repurchases of capital stock (in shares)			3.1
Repurchases of capital stock			$ 2,700,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 14,000,000,000		$ 14,000,000,000
Weighted average recognition period for unrecognized stock-based compensation expense			2 years 6 months 1 day

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Unvested restricted stock units - number of shares
Unvested at December 31 (in shares) | shares	25,348,955
Granted (in shares) | shares	7,246,476
Vested (in shares) | shares	(9,112,936)
Forfeited/canceled (in shares) | shares	(1,029,398)
Unvested at June 30 (in shares) | shares	22,453,097
Unvested restricted stock units - weighted-average grant-date fair value
Unvested at December 31 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 624.92
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	826.60
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	610.82
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	651.68
Unvested at June 30 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 694.86

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$ 5.1	$ 5.4
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 3.9	$ 4.3

Information about Segments an65

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Revenue by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 27,772	$ 22,451	$ 78,532	$ 64,208
Google
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,470	22,254	77,738	63,661
Other Bets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 302	$ 197	$ 794	$ 547

Information about Segments an66

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Operating Income (Loss) by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income (loss)	$ 7,782	$ 5,767	$ 18,482	$ 17,077
Operating Segments | Google
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income (loss)	8,744	6,774	24,145	20,009
Operating Segments | Other Bets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income (loss)	(812)	(861)	(2,439)	(2,490)
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income (loss)	$ (150)	$ (146)	$ (3,224)	$ (442)

Information about Segments an67

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Capital Expenditures by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 3,538	$ 2,554	$ 8,877	$ 7,134
Operating Segments | Google
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	3,559	2,434	8,800	6,529
Operating Segments | Other Bets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	77	324	398	881
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ (98)	$ (204)	$ (321)	$ (276)

Information about Segments an68

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Stock-based Compensation and Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,820	$ 1,860	$ 5,832	$ 4,857
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	1,761	1,596	4,889	4,457
Operating Segments | Google
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,654	1,629	5,362	4,273
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	1,667	1,488	4,606	4,214
Operating Segments | Other Bets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	130	199	355	486
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	94	104	283	239
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	36	32	115	98
Depreciation, amortization and impairment	$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ 4

Information about Segments an69

Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 70,191	$ 62,089
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	53,051	47,383
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 17,140	$ 14,706