Lumen (LUMN) 10-Q 8 Aug 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-7784
Entity Registrant Name	CENTURYLINK, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	LA
Entity Tax Identification Number	72-0651161
Entity Address, Address Line One	100 CenturyLink Drive,
Entity Address, City or Town	Monroe,
Entity Address, State or Province	LA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	71203
City Area Code	318
Local Phone Number	388-9000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol	CTL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,090,769,045
Entity Central Index Key	0000018926
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
OPERATING REVENUE	$ 5,578	$ 5,902	$ 11,225	$ 11,847
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	2,446	2,730	4,966	5,533
Selling, general and administrative	960	1,115	1,892	2,224
Depreciation and amortization	1,196	1,290	2,384	2,573
Goodwill impairment	0	0	6,506	0
Total operating expenses	4,602	5,135	15,748	10,330
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	976	767	(4,523)	1,517
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(518)	(546)	(1,041)	(1,081)
Other income, net	44	16	39	37
Total other expense, net	(474)	(530)	(1,002)	(1,044)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	502	237	(5,525)	473
Income tax expense (benefit)	131	(55)	269	66
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 371	$ 292	$ (5,794)	$ 407
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
BASIC (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
DILUTED (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
BASIC (in shares)	1,071,341	1,064,711	1,070,110	1,064,663
DILUTED (in shares)	1,072,813	1,068,819	1,070,110	1,068,414

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 371	$ 292	$ (5,794)	$ 407
Items related to employee benefit plans:
Change in net actuarial loss, net of ($14), ($11), ($28) and ($22) tax	42	34	85	67
Change in net prior service credit, net of $0, ($1), ($1) and ($2) tax	2	2	3	4
Unrealized holding loss on interest rate swaps, net of $8 and $14 tax	(26)		(43)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other net of $3, $44, $2 and $30 tax	(8)	(239)	(3)	(160)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10	(203)	42	(89)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 381	$ 89	$ (5,752)	$ 318

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in net actuarial loss, tax	$ (14)	$ (11)	$ (28)	$ (22)
Change in net prior service costs, tax	0	(1)	(1)	(2)
Unrealized holding loss on interest rate swaps, tax	8		14
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, tax	$ 3	$ 44	$ 2	$ 30

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 410	$ 488
Restricted cash	3	4
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $139 and $142	2,446	2,398
Assets held for sale	8	12
Other	1,011	918
Total current assets	3,878	3,820
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $28,097 and $26,859	25,860	26,408
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	21,527	28,031
Operating lease assets	1,844
Restricted cash	27	26
Customer relationships, net	8,245	8,911
Other intangibles, net	1,962	1,868
Other, net	1,165	1,192
Total goodwill and other assets	34,770	40,028
TOTAL ASSETS	64,508	70,256
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,595	652
Accounts payable	1,634	1,933
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	921	1,104
Income and other taxes	374	337
Current operating lease liabilities	488
Interest	294	316
Other	337	357
Current portion of deferred revenue	852	832
Total current liabilities	6,495	5,531
LONG-TERM DEBT	33,193	35,409
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes, net	2,826	2,527
Benefit plan obligations, net	4,213	4,319
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	1,467
Other	2,622	2,642
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	11,128	9,488
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock—non-redeemable, $25.00 par value, authorized 2,000 and 2,000 shares, issued and outstanding 7 and 7 shares	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 2,200,000 and 1,600,000 shares, issued and outstanding 1,090,137 and 1,080,167 shares	1,090	1,080
Additional paid-in capital	22,342	22,852
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,419)	(2,461)
Accumulated deficit	(7,321)	(1,643)
Total stockholders' equity	13,692	19,828
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 64,508	$ 70,256

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 139	$ 142
PP&E, accumulated depreciation	$ 28,097	$ 26,859
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares issued (in shares)	7,000	7,000
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares outstanding (in shares)	7,000	7,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,200,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	1,090,137,000	1,080,167,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,090,137,000	1,080,167,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	$ (5,794)	$ 407
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,384	2,573
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	6,506	28
Deferred income taxes	244	400
Provision for uncollectible accounts	85	83
Net (gain) loss on early retirement of debt	(66)	1
Share-based compensation	76	95
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(132)	35
Accounts payable	(266)	(173)
Accrued income and other taxes	20	(147)
Other current assets and liabilities, net	(233)	(276)
Retirement benefits	(8)	(195)
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	67	400
Other, net	0	18
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,883	3,249
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(1,731)	(1,576)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	26	125
Other, net	(12)	(61)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,717)	(1,512)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	130
Payments of long-term debt	(760)	(123)
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving line of credit	100	(405)
Dividends paid	(554)	(1,156)
Other, net	(30)	(38)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,244)	(1,592)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(78)	145
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	518	587
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	440	732
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes (paid) refunded, net	(22)	292
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $32 and $28)	(1,050)	(1,061)
Cash and cash equivalents	410	700
Restricted cash - current	3	5
Restricted cash - noncurrent	$ 27	$ 27

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Capitalized interest	$ 32	$ 28

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	COMMON STOCK	ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	RETAINED EARNINGS (ACCUMULATED DEFICIT)
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 1,069	$ 23,314	$ (1,995)	$ 1,103
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		10	(9)
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings			(35)
Share-based compensation and other, net			90
Dividends declared					(1,174)
Other comprehensive income	$ (89)			(89)
Net (loss) income	407				407
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 22,988	1,079	23,360	(2,491)	1,040
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 1.08
Balance at beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2018		1,079	23,316	(2,288)	1,336
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans			(3)
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings			(10)
Share-based compensation and other, net			57
Dividends declared					(588)
Other comprehensive income	$ (203)			(203)
Net (loss) income	292				292
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 22,988	1,079	23,360	(2,491)	1,040
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.54
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 19,828	1,080	22,852	(2,461)	(1,643)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans		10	(14)
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings			(29)
Share-based compensation and other, net			77
Dividends declared			(544)		1
Other comprehensive income	42			42
Net (loss) income	(5,794)				(5,794)
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 13,692	1,090	22,342	(2,419)	(7,321)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50
Balance at beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019		1,090	22,575	(2,429)	(7,693)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock through dividend reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans			(2)
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings			(3)
Share-based compensation and other, net			44
Dividends declared			(272)		1
Other comprehensive income	$ 10			10
Net (loss) income	371				371
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 13,692	$ 1,090	$ 22,342	$ (2,419)	$ (7,321)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ST_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - RETAINED EARNINGS (ACCUMULATED DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Cumulative net effect of adoption, tax	$ 37
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Cumulative net effect of adoption, tax		$ 101

Background

Background	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background	Background General We are an international facilities-based communications company engaged primarily in providing an integrated array of services to our residential and business customers. Basis of Presentation Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, in our opinion, the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first six months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 . The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income, net, (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities. We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenue and expenses in our segment reporting. See Note 11—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net income (loss) for any period. Included in accounts payable at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , were less than $1 million and $86 million , respectively, representing book overdrafts. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The significant accounting policy below is in addition to the significant accounting policies described in Note 1 — Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II Item 8 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Derivatives and Hedging We may use derivative instruments to hedge exposure to interest rate risks arising from fluctuation in interest rates. We account for derivative instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging , which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values. When we become a party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we formally document the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge which includes designating the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. We entered into five variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements during the first quarter 2019 and six variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements during the second quarter 2019, which we designated as cash-flow hedges (see Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part 1 of this report). We evaluate the effectiveness of these hedges qualitatively on a quarterly basis. The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period the hedged transaction affects earnings, due to the fact that the interest rate swaps qualify as effective cash flow hedges. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases (ASC 842)" , as of January 1, 2019, using the non-comparative transition option pursuant to ASU 2018-11. Therefore, we have not restated comparative period financial information for the effects of ASC 842, and we will not make the new required lease disclosures for comparative periods beginning before January 1, 2019. Instead, we will recognize ASC 842's cumulative effect transition adjustment (discussed below) as of January 1, 2019. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things (i) allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification; (ii) did not require us to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases under the new definition of a lease; and (iii) did not require us to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs for any existing leases would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient regarding the likelihood of exercising a lessee purchase option or assessing any impairment of right-of-use assets for existing leases. On March 5, 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-01, "Leases (ASC 842): Codification Improvements" , effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The new ASU aligns the guidance for fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in ASC 842, with that of existing guidance. As a result, the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply. However, if there has been a significant lapse of time between when the underlying asset is acquired and when the lease commences, the definition of fair value (in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ) should be applied. More importantly, the ASU also exempts both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts the new leases standard. Early adoption permits public companies to adopt concurrent with the transition to ASC 842 on leases. We adopted ASU 2019-01 as of January 1, 2019. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference is driven principally by the netting of our existing real estate restructure reserve against the corresponding operating lease right of use asset. In addition, we recorded a $115 million cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019, for the impact of the new accounting standard. The adjustment to accumulated deficit was driven by the derecognition of our prior failed sale leaseback transaction discussed in our prior periodic reports. Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings or our cash flows in the six months ended June 30, 2019 . Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" . ASU 2017-12 amends current guidance on accounting for hedges mainly to align more closely an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. In addition, amendments in ASU 2017-12 simplify the application of hedge accounting by allowing more time to prepare hedge documentation and perform effectiveness assessments on a qualitative basis after hedges are implemented. The adoption of this standard will be applied prospectively and did not have an impact on us. See Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for additional disclosure regarding our hedging arrangements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ". The primary impact of ASU 2016-13 for us is a change in the model for the recognition of credit losses related to our financial instruments from an incurred loss model, which recognized credit losses only if it was probable that a loss had been incurred, to an expected loss model, which requires our management team to estimate the total credit losses expected on the portfolio of financial instruments. We are currently reviewing the requirements of the standard and evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-13 no later than January 1, 2020. We expect to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 and recognize the impacts through a cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the date of adoption.

Goodwill, Customer Relationship

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Goodwill $ 21,527 28,031 Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $9,159 and $8,492 $ 8,245 8,911 Indefinite-life intangible assets $ 269 269 Other intangible assets subject to amortization: Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $2,765 and $2,616 $ 1,576 1,468 Trade names and patents, less accumulated amortization of $76 and $61 117 131 Total other intangible assets, net $ 1,962 1,868 Our goodwill was derived from numerous acquisitions where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. We are required to perform impairment tests related to our goodwill annually, which we perform as of October 31, or sooner if an indicator of impairment occurs. Each of our January 2019 internal reorganization and the decline in our stock price were events that triggered impairment testing. Consequently, during the first quarter of 2019 we evaluated our goodwill for the internal reorganization in January and again as of March 31, 2019, which led to the first quarter 2019 impairment charge described below. There were no additional triggering events during the second quarter of 2019. Our reporting units are not discrete legal entities with discrete full financial statements. Our assets and liabilities are employed in and relate to the operations of multiple reporting units. For each reporting unit, we compare its estimated fair value of equity to its carrying value of equity that we assign to the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the carrying value, we conclude that no impairment exists. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we record an impairment equal to the excess amount. When we performed our October 31, 2018 annual impairment test, we estimated the fair value of our reporting units by considering both a market approach and a discounted cash flow method. The market approach method includes the use of multiples of publicly traded companies whose services are comparable to ours. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows and a terminal value, which represents the expected normalized cash flows of the reporting units beyond the cash flows from the discrete projection period. Because our low stock price was the primary trigger for impairment testing, we estimated the fair value of our operations using only the market approach in the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Applying this approach, we utilized company comparisons and analyst reports within the telecommunications industry which have historically supported a range of fair values of annualized revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiples between 2.1x and 4.9x and 4.9x and 9.8x, respectively. We selected a revenue and EBITDA multiple for each of our reporting units within this range. We reconciled the estimated fair values of the reporting units to our market capitalization as of the date of each of our triggering events during the first quarter of 2019 and concluded that the indicated control premium of approximately 4.5% and 4.1% was reasonable based on recent transactions in the market place. In the quarter ended March 31, 2019, based on our assessments performed with respect to the reporting units as described above, we concluded that the estimated fair value of certain of our reporting units was less than our carrying value of equity as of the date of each of our triggering events during the first quarter. As a result, we recorded non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charges aggregating to $6.5 billion in the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The market multiples approach that we used in the quarter ended March 31, 2019 incorporates significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasted results for the remainder of the year, including revenues, expenses, and the achievement of other cost synergies. In developing the market multiple, we also considered observed trends of our industry participants. Our failure to attain these forecasted results or changes in trends could result in future impairments. Our assessment included many qualitative factors that required significant judgment. Alternative interpretations of these factors could have resulted in different conclusions regarding the size of our impairments. Continued declines in our profitability, cash flows or the sustained, historically low trading prices of our common stock, may result in further impairment. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 totaled $440 million and $447 million , respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 totaled $869 million and $890 million , respectively. As of June 30, 2019 , the gross carrying amount of goodwill, customer relationships, indefinite-life and other intangible assets was $43.7 billion . We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2023 will be as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 845 2020 1,638 2021 1,198 2022 963 2023 886 In January 2019, Jeff Storey, our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), announced a new organization structure and began managing our operations in the following five segments: international and global accounts, enterprise, small and medium business, wholesale and consumer. As a result of this decision, we reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segments from December 31, 2018 through June 30, 2019 : International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total (Dollars in millions) As of December 31, 2018 $ 3,595 5,222 5,193 6,437 7,584 28,031 January 2019 reorganization — 987 (1,038 ) 395 (344 ) — Effect of foreign currency rate change 2 — — — — 2 Impairments (934 ) (1,471 ) (896 ) (3,019 ) (186 ) (6,506 ) As of June 30, 2019 $ 2,663 4,738 3,259 3,813 7,054 21,527

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Refer to the Revenue Recognition section of Note 1—Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 5—Revenue Recognition in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further information regarding our application of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, including practical expedients and judgments applied in determining the amounts and timing of revenue from contracts with customers. Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Revenue from Contracts with Customers The following table provides the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Total revenue $ 5,578 5,902 11,225 11,847 Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (1) (356 ) (325 ) (714 ) (636 ) Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 5,222 5,577 10,511 11,211 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) Includes regulatory revenue, lease revenue, sublease rental income, revenue from fiber capacity lease arrangements and failed sale leaseback income, which are not within the scope of ASC 606. Customer Receivables and Contract Balances The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Customer receivables (1) $ 2,379 2,346 Contract assets 141 140 Contract liabilities 1,000 860 (1) Gross customer receivables of $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion , net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $128 million and $132 million , at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Contract liabilities are consideration we have received from our customers or billed in advance of providing goods or services promised in the future. We defer recognizing this consideration as revenue until we have satisfied the related performance obligation to the customer. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed one month in advance and installation and maintenance charges that are deferred and recognized over the actual or expected contract term, which ranges from one to seven years depending on the service. Contract liabilities are included within deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides information about revenue recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 : Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenue recognized in the period from: Amounts included in contract liability at the beginning of the period (January 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively) $ 44 50 534 573 Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods — — — — Performance Obligations As of June 30, 2019 , our estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations associated with customer contracts that are unsatisfied (or partially satisfied) is approximately $6.7 billion . We expect to recognize approximately 75% of this revenue through 2021, with the balance recognized thereafter. We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed (for example, uncommitted usage or non-recurring charges associated with professional or technical services to be completed), or contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements that are not subject to ASC 606. Contract Costs The following table provides changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Beginning of period balance $ 329 198 281 150 Costs incurred 43 44 47 29 Amortization (51 ) (35 ) (41 ) (18 ) End of period balance $ 321 207 287 161 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Beginning of period balance $ 322 187 268 133 Costs incurred 100 78 99 58 Amortization (101 ) (58 ) (80 ) (30 ) End of period balance $ 321 207 287 161 Acquisition costs include commission fees paid to employees as a result of obtaining contracts. Fulfillment costs include third party and internal costs associated with the provision, installation and activation of telecommunications services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities. Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over the average customer life of 30 months for consumer customers and 12 to 60 months for business customers. Amortized fulfillment costs are included in cost of services and products and amortized acquisition costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The amount of these deferred costs that are anticipated to be amortized in the next twelve months are included in other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of deferred costs expected to be amortized beyond the next twelve months is included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are assessed for impairment on an annual basis.

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, while prior periods amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. We primarily lease various office facilities, switching and colocation facilities, equipment and dark fiber. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. Lease-related assets, or right-of-use assets, are recognized at the lease commencement date at amounts equal to the respective lease liabilities. Lease-related liabilities are recognized at the present value of the remaining contractual fixed lease payments, discounted using our incremental borrowing rates. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are expensed as incurred. Some of our lease arrangements contain lease components (including fixed payments including rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) and non-lease components (including common-area maintenance costs). We generally account for each component separately based on the estimated standalone price of each component. For colocation leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options; however, we do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that we are reasonably certain of renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Lease expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating and short-term lease cost $ 166 335 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 11 23 Interest on lease liability 3 7 Total finance lease cost 14 30 Total lease cost $ 180 365 Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information and other information related to leases: June 30, Leases (millions) Classification on the Balance Sheet 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating lease assets $ 1,844 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 263 Total leased assets $ 2,107 Liabilities Current Operating Other current liabilities $ 488 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 32 Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,467 Finance Long-term debt 188 Total lease liabilities $ 2,175 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 11.2 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 6.96 % Finance leases 5.46 % Supplemental unaudited consolidated cash flow statement information related to leases: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 351 Operating cash flows from finance leases 6 Finance cash flows from finance leases 17 As of June 30, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 288 22 2020 456 36 2021 367 25 2022 319 23 2023 274 20 Thereafter 895 179 Total lease payments 2,599 305 Less: interest (644 ) (85 ) Total $ 1,955 220 Less: current portion (488 ) (32 ) Long-term portion $ 1,467 188 As of June 30, 2019 , we had no material operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced. Operating Lease Income CenturyLink leases various IRUs, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , our gross rental income was $205 million and $404 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , our gross rental income was $253 million and $472 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. The future annual minimum payments under capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Dollars in millions) Capital lease obligations: 2019 $ 51 2020 36 2021 23 2022 21 2023 20 2024 and thereafter 183 Total minimum payments 334 Less: amount representing interest and executory costs (100 ) Present value of minimum payments 234 Less: current portion (38 ) Long-term portion $ 196 At December 31, 2018 , our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows: Operating Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 $ 675 2020 443 2021 355 2022 279 2023 241 2024 and thereafter 969 Total future minimum payments (1) $ 2,962 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $101 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases	Leases Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, while prior periods amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. We primarily lease various office facilities, switching and colocation facilities, equipment and dark fiber. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. Lease-related assets, or right-of-use assets, are recognized at the lease commencement date at amounts equal to the respective lease liabilities. Lease-related liabilities are recognized at the present value of the remaining contractual fixed lease payments, discounted using our incremental borrowing rates. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are expensed as incurred. Some of our lease arrangements contain lease components (including fixed payments including rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) and non-lease components (including common-area maintenance costs). We generally account for each component separately based on the estimated standalone price of each component. For colocation leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options; however, we do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that we are reasonably certain of renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Lease expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating and short-term lease cost $ 166 335 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 11 23 Interest on lease liability 3 7 Total finance lease cost 14 30 Total lease cost $ 180 365 Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information and other information related to leases: June 30, Leases (millions) Classification on the Balance Sheet 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating lease assets $ 1,844 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 263 Total leased assets $ 2,107 Liabilities Current Operating Other current liabilities $ 488 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 32 Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,467 Finance Long-term debt 188 Total lease liabilities $ 2,175 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 11.2 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 6.96 % Finance leases 5.46 % Supplemental unaudited consolidated cash flow statement information related to leases: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 351 Operating cash flows from finance leases 6 Finance cash flows from finance leases 17 As of June 30, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 288 22 2020 456 36 2021 367 25 2022 319 23 2023 274 20 Thereafter 895 179 Total lease payments 2,599 305 Less: interest (644 ) (85 ) Total $ 1,955 220 Less: current portion (488 ) (32 ) Long-term portion $ 1,467 188 As of June 30, 2019 , we had no material operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced. Operating Lease Income CenturyLink leases various IRUs, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , our gross rental income was $205 million and $404 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , our gross rental income was $253 million and $472 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. The future annual minimum payments under capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Dollars in millions) Capital lease obligations: 2019 $ 51 2020 36 2021 23 2022 21 2023 20 2024 and thereafter 183 Total minimum payments 334 Less: amount representing interest and executory costs (100 ) Present value of minimum payments 234 Less: current portion (38 ) Long-term portion $ 196 At December 31, 2018 , our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows: Operating Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 $ 675 2020 443 2021 355 2022 279 2023 241 2024 and thereafter 969 Total future minimum payments (1) $ 2,962 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $101 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facil

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities The following chart reflects the consolidated long-term debt of CenturyLink, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs, but excluding intercompany debt: Interest Rates (1) Maturities June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Senior Secured Debt: (2) CenturyLink, Inc. 2017 Revolving Credit Facility 5.151% - 5.237% 2022 $ 650 550 Term Loan A (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2022 1,579 1,622 Term Loan A-1 (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2022 342 351 Term Loan B (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2025 5,910 5,940 Subsidiaries: Level 3 Financing, Inc. Tranche B 2024 Term Loan (4) LIBOR + 2.25% 2024 4,611 4,611 Embarq Corporation subsidiaries First mortgage bonds 7.125% - 8.375% 2023 - 2025 138 138 Senior Notes and Other Debt: CenturyLink, Inc. Senior notes 5.625% - 7.650% 2019 - 2042 7,698 8,036 Subsidiaries: Level 3 Financing, Inc. Senior notes 5.125% - 6.125% 2021 - 2026 5,315 5,315 Level 3 Parent, LLC Senior notes 5.750% 2022 600 600 Qwest Corporation Senior notes 6.125% - 7.750% 2021 - 2057 5,956 5,956 Term loan 4.410% 2025 100 100 Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. Senior notes 6.875% - 7.750% 2021 - 2031 352 697 Embarq Corporation and subsidiary Senior note 7.995% 2036 1,450 1,485 Other 9.000% 2019 148 150 Finance lease and other obligations Various Various 223 801 Unamortized discounts and other, net (21 ) (8 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs (263 ) (283 ) Total long-term debt 34,788 36,061 Less current maturities (1,595 ) (652 ) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 33,193 35,409 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) As of June 30, 2019 . (2) For information on certain parent or subsidiary guarantees and liens securing this debt, see "Other" below. (3) Term Loans A, A-1 and B had interest rates of 5.152% and 5.272% as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. (4) The Tranche B 2024 Term Loan had an interest rate of 4.652% as of June 30, 2019 and 4.754% as of December 31, 2018, respectively. Long-Term Debt Maturities Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt (excluding unamortized discounts, net and unamortized debt issuance costs) maturing during the following years as of June 30, 2019 : (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 496 2020 1,191 2021 3,118 2022 5,386 2023 2,095 2024 and thereafter 22,786 Total long-term debt $ 35,072 Repayments During the six months ended June 30, 2019 , CenturyLink and its affiliates repurchased approximately $720 million of their respective debt securities, which primarily included approximately $345 million of Qwest Capital Funding notes and $338 million of CenturyLink, Inc. Senior notes. Covenants Certain of our debt instruments contain affirmative and negative covenants. Debt at CenturyLink, Inc., Level 3 Parent, LLC, and Level 3 Financing, Inc. contain more extensive covenants including, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrictions on their ability to declare or pay dividends, repay certain other indebtedness, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, make investments, engage in transactions with their affiliates, dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with any other person. Also, CenturyLink, Inc. and certain of its affiliates will be required to offer to purchase certain of their respective outstanding debt under certain circumstances in connection with certain specified "change of control" transactions. Certain of our debt instruments contain cross acceleration provisions. Compliance As of June 30, 2019 , CenturyLink, Inc. believes it and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the provisions and financial covenants in their respective material debt agreements in all material respects. Other In February 2019, we entered into five variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $2.5 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. See Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments . In June 2019, we entered into six variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $1.5 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. See Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments . Subsequent Event On July 29, 2019, CenturyLink announced that its subsidiary, Level 3 Financing, Inc. will redeem $400 million of its $640 million 6.125% Senior Notes on August 25, 2019. For additional information on our long-term debt and credit facilities, see Note 6 — Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Severance and Leased Real Estat

Severance and Leased Real Estate	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance and Leased Real Estate	Severance and Leased Real Estate Periodically, we reduce our workforce and accrue liabilities for the related severance costs. These workforce reductions result primarily from the progression or completion of our post-acquisition integration plans, increased competitive pressures, cost reduction initiatives, process improvements through automation and reduced workload demands due to the loss of customers purchasing certain services. Under prior GAAP, we had previously recognized liabilities to reflect our estimates of the fair values of the existing lease obligations for real estate which we have ceased using, net of estimated sublease rentals. In accordance with transitional guidance under the new lease standard (ASC 842), the existing lease obligation of $110 million as of January 1, 2019 has been netted against the operating lease right of use assets at adoption. For additional information, see Note 4—Leases to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses were as follows: Severance (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 87 Accrued to expense 7 Payments, net (55 ) Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 39

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits Net periodic benefit (income) expense for our combined pension plan includes the following components: Combined Pension Plan Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Service cost $ 14 17 28 33 Interest cost 107 96 217 196 Expected return on plan assets (153 ) (169 ) (309 ) (342 ) Recognition of prior service credit (2 ) (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) Recognition of actuarial loss 56 45 113 89 Net periodic pension benefit expense (income) $ 22 (13 ) 45 (28 ) Net periodic benefit expense for our post-retirement benefit plans includes the following components: Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Service cost $ 4 5 8 9 Interest cost 28 25 55 49 Recognition of prior service cost 4 5 8 10 Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense $ 36 35 71 68 Service costs are included in the cost of services and products and selling, general and administrative line items on the Statement of Operations and all other costs listed above are included in the other income, net line item on the Statement of Operations. Benefits paid by our qualified pension plan are paid through a trust that holds all of the plan's assets. Based on current laws and circumstances, we do not expect any contributions to be required for our qualified pension plan during 2019. The amount of required contributions to our qualified pension plan in 2020 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors, most of which are beyond our control, including earnings on plan investments, prevailing interest rates, demographic experience, changes in plan benefits and changes in funding laws and regulations. We occasionally make voluntary contributions in addition to required contributions. Based on current circumstances, we do not anticipate making a voluntary contribution to the trust for our qualified pension plan in 2019.

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Shar

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands) Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss) $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average number of shares: Outstanding during period 1,090,342 1,078,986 1,086,966 1,076,273 Non-vested restricted stock (19,001 ) (14,275 ) (16,856 ) (11,610 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share 1,071,341 1,064,711 1,070,110 1,064,663 Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities 10 10 — 10 Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans 1,462 4,098 — 3,741 Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share 1,072,813 1,068,819 1,070,110 1,068,414 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.35 0.27 (5.41 ) 0.38 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (1) $ 0.35 0.27 (5.41 ) 0.38 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) For the six months ended June 30, 2019 , we excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share 2.4 million shares, potentially issuable under incentive compensation plans or convertible securities, as their effect, if included, would have been anti-dilutive. Our calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share excludes shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options when the exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock. We also exclude unvested restricted stock awards that are antidilutive as a result of unrecognized compensation cost. Such shares averaged 14.3 million and 9.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively, and 3.1 million and 3.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Input Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Input Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Input Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of CenturyLink, Inc.'s financial liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Input Level Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations 2 $ 34,565 34,914 35,260 32,915 Interest rate swap contracts (see Note 10) 2 $ 57 57 — —

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments From time to time, CenturyLink, Inc. uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. Our primary objective in managing interest rate risk is to decrease the volatility of our earnings and cash flows affected by changes in the underlying rates. We have floating rate long-term debt (see Note 5—Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report). These obligations expose us to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, interest expense increases. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense also decreases. We have designated our currently outstanding interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. As described further below, under these hedges, we receive variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the lives of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The change in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is reflected in AOCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings, due to the fact that the interest rate swap agreements qualify as effective cash flow hedges. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In February 2019, we entered into five variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $2.5 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. The five interest rate swap agreements are with different counterparties; one for $700 million and the other four for $450 million each. The transactions were effective beginning March 31, 2019 and mature March 31, 2022. Under the terms of these interest rate swap transactions, we receive interest payments based on one month floating LIBOR terms and pay interest at the fixed rate of 2.48% . We evaluate the effectiveness of these hedges qualitatively on a quarterly basis. In June 2019, we entered into six variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payments on $1.5 billion notional amount of floating rate debt. The six interest rate swap agreements are with different counterparties for $250 million each. The transactions were effective beginning June 30, 2019 and mature June 30, 2022. Under the terms of these interest rate swap transactions, we receive interest payments based on one month floating LIBOR terms and pay interest at the fixed rate of 1.58% . We evaluate the effectiveness of these hedges qualitatively on a quarterly basis. CenturyLink, Inc. is exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The counterparties to any of the financial derivatives we enter into are major institutions with investment grade credit ratings. We evaluate counterparty credit risk before entering into any hedge transaction and continue to closely monitor the financial market and the risk that our counterparties will default on their obligations as part of our quarterly qualitative effectiveness evaluation. This credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized losses in such contracts, should any of these counterparties fail to perform as contracted. Amounts accumulated in AOCI related to derivatives are indirectly recognized in earnings as periodic settlement payments are made throughout the term of the swaps. The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions): Liability Derivatives June 30, 2019 Derivatives designated as Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash flow hedging contracts Other current and noncurrent liabilities $ 57 The amount of losses recognized in AOCI consists of the following (in millions): Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 2019 Cash flow hedging contracts Three months ended June 30, $ 34 Six months ended June 30, $ 57 Amounts currently included in AOCI will be reflected as earnings prior to the settlement of these cash flow hedging contracts in 2022. We estimate that $12.1 million of net losses on the interest rate swaps (based on the estimated LIBOR curve as of June 30, 2019 ) will be reflected as earnings within the next twelve months. Our interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedging contracts qualify as effective hedge relationships.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information In January 2019, Jeff Storey, our CODM, announced a new organization structure and began managing our operations in the following five segments: International and Global Accounts Management, Enterprise, Small and Medium Business, Wholesale and Consumer. In addition, our segments are managed based on the direct costs of providing services to their customers and the associated selling, general and administrative costs (primarily salaries and commissions). Shared costs that were previously reported in segments are managed separately and included in "Operations and Other", in the tables below. We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. At June 30, 2019 , we had the following five reportable segments: • International and Global Accounts Management ("IGAM") Segment. Under our IGAM segment, we provide our products and services to approximately 200 global enterprise customers and to enterprises and carriers in three operating regions: Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe Middle East and Africa. IGAM is responsible for working with large multinational organizations in support of their business and IT transformation strategies. We provide a portfolio of services inclusive of dark fiber; content delivery; private and public networking; hybrid IT solutions including private and public cloud services as well as consulting and professional services; and security services; all of which are described further under "Products and Services Categories"; and • Enterprise Segment. Under our enterprise segment, we provide our products and services to large and medium domestic and global enterprises, federal, state and local governments. Our products and services offered to these customers include our IP and Data Services suite of products, which includes VPN and hybrid networking, Ethernet and IP services; Transport and Infrastructure, which includes wavelengths and private line, dark fiber, colocation and data center services, and professional services; Voice Services, which includes local, long-distance, toll-free and unified communications services; and IT and Managed services, all of which are described further under "Products and Services Categories"; and • Small and Medium Business ("SMB") Segment. Under our SMB segment, we provide our products and services to small and medium businesses directly and through our indirect channel partners. We designate businesses as small or medium based on company employee count. Our products and services offered to these customers include our IP and Data Services suite of products, primarily VPN, IP and Ethernet services; Transport and Infrastructure, which includes broadband, wavelengths and private line services; Voice Services, which includes local, long-distance, national public access, VoIP and toll-free services; and IT and Managed services, all of which are described further under "Products and Services Categories"; and • Wholesale Segment. Under our wholesale segment, we provide our products and services to a wide range of other communication providers across the wireline, wireless, cable, voice and data center sectors. Customers range from large global telecom providers to small regional providers. Our products and services offered to these customers include our IP and Data Services suite of products, primarily Ethernet, VPN and IP services; Transport and Infrastructure, which includes private line, wavelengths, UNE, dark fiber, colocation and data center, and wholesale broadband services; and Voice Services, which includes long-distance, local, toll-free and contact center, and intercarrier tandem services, all of which are described further under "Products and Services Categories"; and • Consumer Segment. Under our consumer segment, we provide our products and services to residential customers. Our products and services offered to these customers include our broadband, local and long-distance voice, and other ancillary services. Additionally, Universal Service Fund ("USF") federal and state support payments, Connect America Fund ("CAF") federal support revenue, and other revenue from leasing and subleasing including prior year rental income associated with the 2017 failed-sale-leaseback is reported in our consumer segment as regulatory revenue in 2018. Product and Service Categories We categorize our products and services revenue among the following four categories for the International and Global Accounts Management, Enterprise, Small and Medium Business and Wholesale segments: • IP and Data Services , which includes primarily VPN data networks, Ethernet, IP, video (including our facilities-based video services, CDN services and Vyvx broadcast services) and other ancillary services; • Transport and Infrastructure , which includes broadband, private line (including business data services), data center facilities and services, including cloud, hosting and application management solutions, wavelength, equipment sales and professional services, network security services, dark fiber services and other ancillary services; • Voice and Collaboration , which includes primarily local and long-distance voice, including wholesale voice, and other ancillary services; • IT and Managed Services , which includes information technology services and managed services, which may be purchased in conjunction with our other network services; and We categorize our products and services revenue among the following four categories for the Consumer segment: • Broadband , which includes consumer broadband revenue; and • Voice , which includes consumer local and long-distance revenue; and • Regulatory Revenue, which consists of (i) Universal Service Fund, Connect America Fund and other support payments designed to reimburse us for various costs related to certain telecommunications services and (ii) other operating revenue from the leasing and subleasing of space; and • Other, which includes consumer retail video revenue (including our facilities-based video revenue), professional services and other ancillary services. The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the three months ended June 30, 2019 . Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 420 681 290 339 — 1,730 — 1,730 Transport and Infrastructure 333 368 106 484 — 1,291 — 1,291 Voice and Collaboration 94 390 328 193 — 1,005 — 1,005 IT and Managed Services 55 66 12 2 — 135 — 135 Broadband — — — — 718 718 — 718 Voice — — — — 477 477 — 477 Regulatory — — — — 158 158 — 158 Other — — — — 64 64 — 64 Total Revenue 902 1,505 736 1,018 1,417 5,578 — 5,578 Expenses: Cost of services and products 258 497 147 145 77 1,124 1,322 2,446 Selling, general and administrative 68 143 120 21 110 462 498 960 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (43 ) (43 ) Total expense 326 640 267 166 187 1,586 1,777 3,363 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 576 865 469 852 1,230 3,992 (1,777 ) 2,215 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the three months ended June 30, 2018 . Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 431 667 299 349 — 1,746 — 1,746 Transport and Infrastructure 309 381 135 539 — 1,364 — 1,364 Voice and Collaboration 94 398 371 226 — 1,089 — 1,089 IT and Managed Services 69 77 14 2 — 162 — 162 Broadband — — — — 705 705 — 705 Voice — — — — 546 546 — 546 Regulatory — — — — 185 185 — 185 Other — — — — 105 105 — 105 Total Revenue 903 1,523 819 1,116 1,541 5,902 — 5,902 Expenses: Cost of services and products 263 500 147 167 124 1,201 1,529 2,730 Selling, general and administrative 64 145 136 23 136 504 611 1,115 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (54 ) (54 ) Total expense 327 645 283 190 260 1,705 2,086 3,791 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 576 878 536 926 1,281 4,197 (2,086 ) 2,111 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the six months ended June 30, 2019 . Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 840 1,369 590 680 — 3,479 — 3,479 Transport and Infrastructure 653 732 213 983 — 2,581 — 2,581 Voice and Collaboration 188 787 664 389 — 2,028 — 2,028 IT and Managed Services 112 140 24 3 — 279 — 279 Broadband — — — — 1,440 1,440 — 1,440 Voice — — — — 966 966 — 966 Regulatory — — — — 317 317 — 317 Other — — — — 135 135 — 135 Total Revenue 1,793 3,028 1,491 2,055 2,858 11,225 — 11,225 Expenses: Cost of services and products 517 993 300 286 164 2,260 2,706 4,966 Selling, general and administrative 136 292 252 41 219 940 952 1,892 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (76 ) (76 ) Total expense 653 1,285 552 327 383 3,200 3,582 6,782 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 1,140 1,743 939 1,728 2,475 8,025 (3,582 ) 4,443 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the six months ended June 30, 2018 . Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 871 1,332 590 688 — 3,481 — 3,481 Transport and Infrastructure 630 780 245 1,077 — 2,732 — 2,732 Voice and Collaboration 195 808 740 457 — 2,200 — 2,200 IT and Managed Services 142 150 28 4 — 324 — 324 Broadband — — — — 1,417 1,417 — 1,417 Voice — — — — 1,103 1,103 — 1,103 Regulatory — — — — 368 368 — 368 Other — — — — 222 222 — 222 Total Revenue 1,838 3,070 1,603 2,226 3,110 11,847 — 11,847 Expenses: Cost of services and products 535 1,014 300 343 282 2,474 3,059 5,533 Selling, general and administrative 132 297 263 47 271 1,010 1,214 2,224 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (95 ) (95 ) Total expense 667 1,311 563 390 553 3,484 4,178 7,662 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 1,171 1,759 1,040 1,836 2,557 8,363 (4,178 ) 4,185 We recognize revenue in our consolidated statements of operations for certain USF surcharges and transaction taxes that we bill to our customers. Our consolidated statements of operations also reflect the offsetting expense for the amounts we remit to the government agencies. The total amount of such surcharges and transaction taxes that we included in revenues aggregated to $232 million and $229 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 , respectively, and $480 million and $476 million , for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 , respectively. These USF surcharges, where we record revenue and transaction taxes, are assigned to the product and service categories of each segment based on the underlying revenue. We also act as a collection agent for certain other USF and transaction taxes that we are required by government agencies to bill our customers, for which we do not record any revenue or expense because we only act as a pass-through agent. Revenue and Expenses Our segment revenue includes all revenue from our International and Global Accounts Management, Enterprise, Small and Medium Business, Wholesale and Consumer segments as described in more detail above. Our segment revenue is based upon each customer's classification. We report our segment revenue based upon all services provided to that segment's customers. Our segment expenses include specific cost of service expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers, along with selling, general and administrative expenses that are directly associated with specific segment customers or activities. Network expenses not incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers and centrally managed expenses such as Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Product Management and IT are not assigned to segments as they are managed separately; they are reported as "Operations and Other". We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense or impairments to our segments, as the related assets and capital expenditures are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the CODM by segment. Interest expense is also excluded from segment results because we manage our financing on a consolidated basis and have not allocated assets or debt to specific segments. Stock-based compensation and other income and expense items are not monitored as a part of our segment operations and are therefore excluded from our segment results. The following table reconciles total segment adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Total segment adjusted EBITDA $ 3,992 4,197 8,025 8,363 Depreciation and amortization (1,196 ) (1,290 ) (2,384 ) (2,573 ) Impairment of goodwill — — (6,506 ) — Other operating expenses (1,777 ) (2,086 ) (3,582 ) (4,178 ) Stock-based compensation (43 ) (54 ) (76 ) (95 ) Operating income (loss) 976 767 (4,523 ) 1,517 Total other expense, net (474 ) (530 ) (1,002 ) (1,044 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 502 237 (5,525 ) 473 Income tax expense (benefit) 131 (55 ) 269 66 Net income (loss) $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407

Commitments and Contingencies a

Commitments and Contingencies and Other Items	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies and Other Items	Commitments and Contingencies and Other Items We are subject to various claims, legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities, including the matters described below, which individually or in the aggregate could materially affect our financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. As a matter of course, we are prepared to both litigate these matters to judgment as needed, as well as to evaluate and consider reasonable settlement opportunities. Irrespective of its merits, litigation may be both lengthy and disruptive to our operations and could cause significant expenditure and diversion of management attention. We review our litigation accrual liabilities on a quarterly basis, but in accordance with applicable accounting guidelines only establish accrual liabilities when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable and only revise previously-established accrual liabilities when warranted by changes in circumstances, in each case based on then-available information. As such, as of any given date we could have exposure to losses under proceedings as to which no liability has been accrued or as to which the accrued liability is inadequate. Amounts accrued for our litigation and non-income tax contingencies at June 30, 2019 aggregated to approximately $134 million and are included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet as of such date. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued could have no effect on our results of operations but nonetheless could have an adverse effect on our cash flows. In this Note, when we refer to a class action as "putative" it is because a class has been alleged, but not certified in that matter. Principal Proceedings Shareholder Class Action Suits CenturyLink and certain CenturyLink board members and officers were named as defendants in a putative shareholder class action lawsuit filed on June 12, 2018 in the Boulder County District Court of the state of Colorado, captioned Houser et al. v. CenturyLink, et al. The complaint asserts claims on behalf of a putative class of former Level 3 shareholders who became CenturyLink shareholders as a result of the transaction. It alleges that the proxy statement provided to the Level 3 shareholders failed to disclose material information of several kinds, including information about strategic revenue, customer loss rates, and customer account issues, among other items. The complaint seeks damages, costs and fees, rescission, rescissory damages, and other equitable relief. Switched Access Disputes Subsidiaries of CenturyLink, Inc. are among hundreds of companies involved in an industry-wide dispute, raised in nearly 100 federal lawsuits (filed between 2014 and 2016) that have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for pretrial procedures. The disputes relate to switched access charges that local exchange carriers ("LECs") collect from interexchange carriers ("IXCs") for IXCs' use of LEC's access services. In the lawsuits, IXCs, including Sprint Communications Company L.P. ("Sprint") and various affiliates of Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon"), assert that federal and state laws bar LECs from collecting access charges when IXCs exchange certain types of calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an IXC. Some of these IXCs have asserted claims seeking refunds of payments for access charges previously paid and relief from future access charges. In November 2015, the federal court agreed with the LECs and rejected the IXCs' contention that federal law prohibits these particular access charges, and also allowed the IXCs to refile state-law claims. Since then, many of the LECs and IXCs have filed revised pleadings and additional motions, which remain pending. Separately, some of the defendants, including CenturyLink, Inc.'s LECs, have petitioned the FCC to address these issues on an industry-wide basis. Our subsidiaries include both IXCs and LECs which respectively pay and assess significant amounts of the charges in question. The outcomes of these disputes and lawsuits, as well as any related regulatory proceedings that could ensue, are currently not predictable. State Tax Suits Several Missouri municipalities have, beginning in May 2012, asserted claims alleging underpayment of taxes against CenturyLink, Inc. and several of its subsidiaries in a number of proceedings filed in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. These municipalities are seeking, among other things, declaratory relief regarding the application of business license and gross receipts taxes and back taxes from 2007 to the present, plus penalties and interest. In a February 2017 ruling in connection with one of these pending cases, the court entered an order awarding plaintiffs $4 million and broadening the tax base on a going-forward basis. We have appealed that ruling. In a June 2017 ruling in connection with another one of these pending cases, the court made findings which, if not overturned, will result in a tax liability to us well in excess of the contingent liability we have established. In due course, we plan to appeal that decision. We continue to vigorously defend against these claims. Billing Practices Suits In June 2017, a former employee filed an employment lawsuit against us claiming that she was wrongfully terminated for alleging that we charged some of our retail customers for products and services they did not authorize. Starting shortly thereafter and continuing since then, and based in part on the allegations made by the former employee, several legal proceedings have been filed. In June 2017, McLeod v. CenturyLink, a putative consumer class action, was filed against us in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging that we charged some of our retail customers for products and services they did not authorize. A number of other complaints asserting similar claims have been filed in other federal and state courts, as well. The lawsuits assert claims including fraud, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment. Also in June 2017, Craig. v. CenturyLink, Inc., et al., a putative securities investor class action, was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging that we failed to disclose material information regarding improper sales practices, and asserting federal securities law claims. A number of other cases asserting similar claims have also been filed. Beginning June 2017, we also received several shareholder derivative demands addressing related topics. In August 2017, the Board of Directors formed a special litigation committee of outside directors to address the allegations of impropriety contained in the shareholder derivative demands. In April 2018, the special litigation committee concluded its review of the derivative demands and declined to take further action. Since then, derivative cases were filed. Two of these cases, Castagna v. Post and Pinsly v. Post, were filed in Louisiana state court in the Fourth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Ouachita. The remaining derivative cases were filed in federal court in Louisiana and Minnesota. These cases have been brought on behalf of CenturyLink against certain current and former officers and directors of the Company and seek damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The consumer putative class actions, the securities investor putative class actions, and the federal derivative actions have been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings as In Re: CenturyLink Sales Practices and Securities Litigation. Subject to confirmatory discovery and court approval, we have agreed to settle the consumer putative class actions for payments of $15.5 million to compensate class members and of up to $3.5 million for administrative costs. We have accrued for those amounts. In July 2017, the Minnesota state attorney general filed State of Minnesota v. CenturyTel Broadband Services LLC, et al. in the Anoka County Minnesota District Court, alleging claims of fraud and deceptive trade practices relating to improper consumer sales practices. The suit seeks an order of restitution on behalf of all CenturyLink customers, civil penalties, injunctive relief, and costs and fees. Additionally, we have received and responded to information requests and inquiries from other states. Locate Service Investigations In June 2019, Minnesota and Arizona initiated investigations related to the timeliness of responses by certain of our vendors to requests for marking the location of underground telecommunications facilities. We and our subsidiaries are cooperating with the investigations. Peruvian Tax Litigation In 2005, the Peruvian tax authorities ("SUNAT") issued tax assessments against one of our Peruvian subsidiaries asserting $26 million , of additional income tax withholding and value-added taxes ("VAT"), penalties and interest for calendar years 2001 and 2002 on the basis that the Peruvian subsidiary incorrectly documented its importations. After taking into account the developments described below, as well as the accrued interest and foreign exchange effects, we believe the total amount of our exposure was $9 million at June 30, 2019 . We challenged the assessments via administrative and then judicial review processes. In October 2011, the highest administrative review tribunal (the Tribunal) decided the central issue underlying the 2002 assessments in SUNAT's favor. We appealed the Tribunal's decision to the first judicial level, which decided the central issue in favor of Level 3. SUNAT and we filed cross-appeals with the court of appeal. In May 2017, the court of appeal issued a decision reversing the first judicial level. In June 2017, we filed an appeal of the decision to the Supreme Court of Justice, the final judicial level. Oral argument was held before the Supreme Court of Justice in October 2018. A decision on this case is pending. In October 2013, the Tribunal decided the central issue underlying the 2001 assessments in SUNAT’s favor. We appealed that decision to the first judicial level in Peru, which decided the central issue in favor of SUNAT. In June 2017, we filed an appeal with the court of appeal. In November 2017, the court of appeals issued a decision affirming the first judicial level and we filed an appeal of the decision to the Supreme Court of Justice. Oral argument was held before the Supreme Court of Justice in June 2019. A decision on this case is pending. Brazilian Tax Claims In December 2004, March 2009, April 2009 and July 2014, the São Paulo state tax authorities issued tax assessments against one of our Brazilian subsidiaries for the Tax on Distribution of Goods and Services (“ICMS”) with respect to revenue from leasing certain assets (in the case of the December 2004, March 2009 and July 2014 assessments) and revenue from the provision of Internet access services (in the case of the April 2009 and July 2014 assessments), by treating such activities as the provision of communications services, to which the ICMS tax applies. In September 2002, July 2009 and May 2012, the Rio de Janeiro state tax authorities issued tax assessments to the same Brazilian subsidiary on similar issues. We have filed objections to these assessments, arguing that the lease of assets and the provision of Internet access are not communication services subject to ICMS. The objections to the September 2002, December 2004 and March 2009 assessments were rejected by the respective state administrative courts, and we have appealed those decisions to the judicial courts. In October 2012 and June 2014, we received favorable rulings from the lower court on the December 2004 and March 2009 assessments regarding equipment leasing, but those rulings are subject to appeal by the state. No ruling has been obtained with respect to the September 2002 assessment. The objections to the April and July 2009 and May 2012 assessments are still pending final administrative decisions. The July 2014 assessment was confirmed during the fourth quarter of 2014 at the first administrative level, and we appealed this decision to the second administrative level. We are vigorously contesting all such assessments in both states and, in particular, view the assessment of ICMS on revenue from equipment leasing to be without merit. We estimate that these assessments, if upheld, could result in a loss of up to $38 million at June 30, 2019 in excess of the accruals established for these matters. Qui Tam Action Level 3 was notified in late 2017 of a qui tam action pending against Level 3 Communications, Inc. and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, captioned United States of America ex rel., Stephen Bishop v. Level 3 Communications, Inc. et al. The original qui tam complaint was filed under seal on November 26, 2013, and an amended complaint was filed under seal on June 16, 2014. The court unsealed the complaints on October 26, 2017. The amended complaint alleges that Level 3, principally through two former employees, submitted false claims and made false statements to the government in connection with two government contracts. The relator seeks damages in this lawsuit of approximately $50 million , subject to trebling, plus statutory penalties, pre-and-post judgment interest, and attorney’s fees. The case is currently stayed. Level 3 is evaluating its defenses to the claims. At this time, Level 3 does not believe it is probable Level 3 will incur a material loss. If, contrary to its expectations, the plaintiff prevails in this matter and proves damages at or near $50 million , and is successful in having those damages trebled, the outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which a liability is recognized and on our cash flows for the period in which any damages are paid. Several people, including two former Level 3 employees were indicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 3, 2017, and charged with, among other things, accepting kickbacks from a subcontractor, who was also indicted, for work to be performed under a prime government contract. Of the two former employees, one entered into a plea agreement, and the other is deceased. Level 3 is fully cooperating in the government’s investigations in this matter. Other Proceedings, Disputes and Contingencies From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, administrative hearings of state public utility commissions relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies and miscellaneous third party tort actions. We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities, many of which are seeking substantial recoveries. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial in the coming 24 months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. We are subject to various foreign, federal, state and local environmental protection and health and safety laws. From time to time, we are subject to judicial and administrative proceedings brought by various governmental authorities under these laws. Several such proceedings are currently pending, but none individually is reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 in fines and penalties. The outcome of these other proceedings described under this heading is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on us. The ultimate outcome of the above-described matters may differ materially from the outcomes anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in certain of our statements appearing above in this Note, and proceedings currently viewed as immaterial by us may ultimately materially impact us. Environmental Contingencies In connection with our largely historical operations, we have responded to or been notified of potential environmental liability at approximately 200 properties. We are engaged in addressing or have liquidated environmental liabilities at many of those properties. We could potentially be held liable, jointly, or severally, and without regard to fault, for the costs of investigation and remediation of these sites. The discovery of additional environmental liabilities or changes in existing environmental requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Other Financial Information

Other Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Financial Information	Other Financial Information Other Current Assets The following table presents details of other current assets reflected in our consolidated balance sheets: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 371 307 Income tax receivable 87 82 Materials, supplies and inventory 151 120 Contract assets 57 52 Contract acquisition costs 174 167 Contract fulfillment costs 105 82 Other 66 108 Total other current assets $ 1,011 918

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Information Relating to 2019 The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component for the six months ended June 30, 2019 : Pension Plans Post-Retirement Foreign Currency Interest Rate Hedges Total (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (2,173 ) (58 ) (230 ) — (2,461 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — (3 ) (43 ) (46 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 82 6 — — 88 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 82 6 (3 ) (43 ) 42 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ (2,091 ) (52 ) (233 ) (43 ) (2,419 ) The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 : Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 56 Other income, net Prior service cost 2 Other income, net Total before tax 58 Income tax benefit (14 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 44 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 113 Other income, net Prior service cost 4 Other income, net Total before tax 117 Income tax benefit (29 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 88 ________________________________________________________________________ (1) See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit (expense) income related to our pension and post-retirement plans. Information Relating to 2018 The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the six months ended June 30, 2018 : Pension Plans Post-Retirement Foreign Currency Total (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (1,731 ) (235 ) (29 ) (1,995 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — (160 ) (160 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 64 7 — 71 Net current-period other comprehensive income 64 7 (160 ) (89 ) Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (375 ) (32 ) — (407 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (2,042 ) (260 ) (189 ) (2,491 ) The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 45 Other income, net Prior service cost 3 Other income, net Total before tax 48 Income tax benefit (12 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 36 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 89 Other income, net Prior service cost 6 Other income, net Total before tax 95 Income tax benefit (24 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 71 ________________________________________________________________________ (1) See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit (expense) income related to our pension and post-retirement plans.

Labor Union Contracts

Labor Union Contracts	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Labor Union Contracts	Labor Union Contracts As of June 30, 2019 , CenturyLink, Inc. had approximately 43,000 employees. Approximately, 26% of our employees are represented by the Communication Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). We believe relations with our employees continue to be generally good. Approximately 3% of our union-represented employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements that expired on June 30, 2019 and are currently being renegotiated. Additionally, approximately 80% of our union-represented employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire over the next 12 months.

Background (Policies)

Background (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation policy	Basis of Presentation Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, in our opinion, the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first six months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 . The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows: (i) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income, net, (ii) equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in additional paid-in capital and (iii) cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.
Reclassification policy	We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenue and expenses in our segment reporting. See Note 11—Segment Information for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net income (loss) for any period.
Derivatives policy	Derivatives and Hedging We may use derivative instruments to hedge exposure to interest rate risks arising from fluctuation in interest rates. We account for derivative instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging , which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values. When we become a party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we formally document the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge which includes designating the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. We entered into five variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements during the first quarter 2019 and six variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements during the second quarter 2019, which we designated as cash-flow hedges (see Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part 1 of this report). We evaluate the effectiveness of these hedges qualitatively on a quarterly basis. The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period the hedged transaction affects earnings, due to the fact that the interest rate swaps qualify as effective cash flow hedges.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recent accounting pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases (ASC 842)" , as of January 1, 2019, using the non-comparative transition option pursuant to ASU 2018-11. Therefore, we have not restated comparative period financial information for the effects of ASC 842, and we will not make the new required lease disclosures for comparative periods beginning before January 1, 2019. Instead, we will recognize ASC 842's cumulative effect transition adjustment (discussed below) as of January 1, 2019. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things (i) allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification; (ii) did not require us to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases under the new definition of a lease; and (iii) did not require us to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs for any existing leases would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient regarding the likelihood of exercising a lessee purchase option or assessing any impairment of right-of-use assets for existing leases. On March 5, 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-01, "Leases (ASC 842): Codification Improvements" , effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The new ASU aligns the guidance for fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in ASC 842, with that of existing guidance. As a result, the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply. However, if there has been a significant lapse of time between when the underlying asset is acquired and when the lease commences, the definition of fair value (in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ) should be applied. More importantly, the ASU also exempts both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts the new leases standard. Early adoption permits public companies to adopt concurrent with the transition to ASC 842 on leases. We adopted ASU 2019-01 as of January 1, 2019. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference is driven principally by the netting of our existing real estate restructure reserve against the corresponding operating lease right of use asset. In addition, we recorded a $115 million cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019, for the impact of the new accounting standard. The adjustment to accumulated deficit was driven by the derecognition of our prior failed sale leaseback transaction discussed in our prior periodic reports. Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings or our cash flows in the six months ended June 30, 2019 . Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" . ASU 2017-12 amends current guidance on accounting for hedges mainly to align more closely an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. In addition, amendments in ASU 2017-12 simplify the application of hedge accounting by allowing more time to prepare hedge documentation and perform effectiveness assessments on a qualitative basis after hedges are implemented. The adoption of this standard will be applied prospectively and did not have an impact on us. See Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report for additional disclosure regarding our hedging arrangements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ". The primary impact of ASU 2016-13 for us is a change in the model for the recognition of credit losses related to our financial instruments from an incurred loss model, which recognized credit losses only if it was probable that a loss had been incurred, to an expected loss model, which requires our management team to estimate the total credit losses expected on the portfolio of financial instruments. We are currently reviewing the requirements of the standard and evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-13 no later than January 1, 2020. We expect to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 and recognize the impacts through a cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the date of adoption.

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_2

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Goodwill $ 21,527 28,031 Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $9,159 and $8,492 $ 8,245 8,911 Indefinite-life intangible assets $ 269 269 Other intangible assets subject to amortization: Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $2,765 and $2,616 $ 1,576 1,468 Trade names and patents, less accumulated amortization of $76 and $61 117 131 Total other intangible assets, net $ 1,962 1,868
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segments from December 31, 2018 through June 30, 2019 : International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total (Dollars in millions) As of December 31, 2018 $ 3,595 5,222 5,193 6,437 7,584 28,031 January 2019 reorganization — 987 (1,038 ) 395 (344 ) — Effect of foreign currency rate change 2 — — — — 2 Impairments (934 ) (1,471 ) (896 ) (3,019 ) (186 ) (6,506 ) As of June 30, 2019 $ 2,663 4,738 3,259 3,813 7,054 21,527
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2023 will be as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 845 2020 1,638 2021 1,198 2022 963 2023 886

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue	The following table provides the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Total revenue $ 5,578 5,902 11,225 11,847 Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (1) (356 ) (325 ) (714 ) (636 ) Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 5,222 5,577 10,511 11,211 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) Includes regulatory revenue, lease revenue, sublease rental income, revenue from fiber capacity lease arrangements and failed sale leaseback income, which are not within the scope of ASC 606.
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Customer receivables (1) $ 2,379 2,346 Contract assets 141 140 Contract liabilities 1,000 860 (1) Gross customer receivables of $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion , net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $128 million and $132 million , at June 30, 2019 The following table provides information about revenue recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 : Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Revenue recognized in the period from: Amounts included in contract liability at the beginning of the period (January 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively) $ 44 50 534 573 Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods — — — —
Capitalized Contract Cost	The following table provides changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Beginning of period balance $ 329 198 281 150 Costs incurred 43 44 47 29 Amortization (51 ) (35 ) (41 ) (18 ) End of period balance $ 321 207 287 161 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Beginning of period balance $ 322 187 268 133 Costs incurred 100 78 99 58 Amortization (101 ) (58 ) (80 ) (30 ) End of period balance $ 321 207 287 161

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease, Cost	Lease expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating and short-term lease cost $ 166 335 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 11 23 Interest on lease liability 3 7 Total finance lease cost 14 30 Total lease cost $ 180 365 Supplemental unaudited consolidated cash flow statement information related to leases: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 351 Operating cash flows from finance leases 6 Finance cash flows from finance leases 17
Assets And Liabilities, Lessee	Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information and other information related to leases: June 30, Leases (millions) Classification on the Balance Sheet 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating lease assets $ 1,844 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 263 Total leased assets $ 2,107 Liabilities Current Operating Other current liabilities $ 488 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 32 Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,467 Finance Long-term debt 188 Total lease liabilities $ 2,175 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 11.2 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 6.96 % Finance leases 5.46 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of June 30, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 288 22 2020 456 36 2021 367 25 2022 319 23 2023 274 20 Thereafter 895 179 Total lease payments 2,599 305 Less: interest (644 ) (85 ) Total $ 1,955 220 Less: current portion (488 ) (32 ) Long-term portion $ 1,467 188
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of June 30, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 288 22 2020 456 36 2021 367 25 2022 319 23 2023 274 20 Thereafter 895 179 Total lease payments 2,599 305 Less: interest (644 ) (85 ) Total $ 1,955 220 Less: current portion (488 ) (32 ) Long-term portion $ 1,467 188
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	The future annual minimum payments under capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Dollars in millions) Capital lease obligations: 2019 $ 51 2020 36 2021 23 2022 21 2023 20 2024 and thereafter 183 Total minimum payments 334 Less: amount representing interest and executory costs (100 ) Present value of minimum payments 234 Less: current portion (38 ) Long-term portion $ 196
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Leases Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, while prior periods amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. We primarily lease various office facilities, switching and colocation facilities, equipment and dark fiber. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. Lease-related assets, or right-of-use assets, are recognized at the lease commencement date at amounts equal to the respective lease liabilities. Lease-related liabilities are recognized at the present value of the remaining contractual fixed lease payments, discounted using our incremental borrowing rates. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are expensed as incurred. Some of our lease arrangements contain lease components (including fixed payments including rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) and non-lease components (including common-area maintenance costs). We generally account for each component separately based on the estimated standalone price of each component. For colocation leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options; however, we do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that we are reasonably certain of renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Lease expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Operating and short-term lease cost $ 166 335 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 11 23 Interest on lease liability 3 7 Total finance lease cost 14 30 Total lease cost $ 180 365 Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information and other information related to leases: June 30, Leases (millions) Classification on the Balance Sheet 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating lease assets $ 1,844 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 263 Total leased assets $ 2,107 Liabilities Current Operating Other current liabilities $ 488 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 32 Noncurrent Operating Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,467 Finance Long-term debt 188 Total lease liabilities $ 2,175 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 7.8 Finance leases 11.2 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 6.96 % Finance leases 5.46 % Supplemental unaudited consolidated cash flow statement information related to leases: Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 (Dollars in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 351 Operating cash flows from finance leases 6 Finance cash flows from finance leases 17 As of June 30, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 288 22 2020 456 36 2021 367 25 2022 319 23 2023 274 20 Thereafter 895 179 Total lease payments 2,599 305 Less: interest (644 ) (85 ) Total $ 1,955 220 Less: current portion (488 ) (32 ) Long-term portion $ 1,467 188 As of June 30, 2019 , we had no material operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced. Operating Lease Income CenturyLink leases various IRUs, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , our gross rental income was $205 million and $404 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , our gross rental income was $253 million and $472 million , respectively, which represents 4% and 4% , respectively, of our operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. The future annual minimum payments under capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Dollars in millions) Capital lease obligations: 2019 $ 51 2020 36 2021 23 2022 21 2023 20 2024 and thereafter 183 Total minimum payments 334 Less: amount representing interest and executory costs (100 ) Present value of minimum payments 234 Less: current portion (38 ) Long-term portion $ 196 At December 31, 2018 , our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows: Operating Leases (Dollars in millions) 2019 $ 675 2020 443 2021 355 2022 279 2023 241 2024 and thereafter 969 Total future minimum payments (1) $ 2,962 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $101 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Fac_2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt including unamortized discounts and premiums	The following chart reflects the consolidated long-term debt of CenturyLink, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs, but excluding intercompany debt: Interest Rates (1) Maturities June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Senior Secured Debt: (2) CenturyLink, Inc. 2017 Revolving Credit Facility 5.151% - 5.237% 2022 $ 650 550 Term Loan A (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2022 1,579 1,622 Term Loan A-1 (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2022 342 351 Term Loan B (3) LIBOR + 2.75% 2025 5,910 5,940 Subsidiaries: Level 3 Financing, Inc. Tranche B 2024 Term Loan (4) LIBOR + 2.25% 2024 4,611 4,611 Embarq Corporation subsidiaries First mortgage bonds 7.125% - 8.375% 2023 - 2025 138 138 Senior Notes and Other Debt: CenturyLink, Inc. Senior notes 5.625% - 7.650% 2019 - 2042 7,698 8,036 Subsidiaries: Level 3 Financing, Inc. Senior notes 5.125% - 6.125% 2021 - 2026 5,315 5,315 Level 3 Parent, LLC Senior notes 5.750% 2022 600 600 Qwest Corporation Senior notes 6.125% - 7.750% 2021 - 2057 5,956 5,956 Term loan 4.410% 2025 100 100 Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. Senior notes 6.875% - 7.750% 2021 - 2031 352 697 Embarq Corporation and subsidiary Senior note 7.995% 2036 1,450 1,485 Other 9.000% 2019 148 150 Finance lease and other obligations Various Various 223 801 Unamortized discounts and other, net (21 ) (8 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs (263 ) (283 ) Total long-term debt 34,788 36,061 Less current maturities (1,595 ) (652 ) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 33,193 35,409 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) As of June 30, 2019 . (2) For information on certain parent or subsidiary guarantees and liens securing this debt, see "Other" below. (3) Term Loans A, A-1 and B had interest rates of 5.152% and 5.272% as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. (4) The Tranche B 2024 Term Loan had an interest rate of 4.652% as of June 30, 2019 and 4.754% as of December 31, 2018, respectively.
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt (excluding unamortized discounts, net and unamortized debt issuance costs) maturing during the following years as of June 30, 2019 : (Dollars in millions) 2019 (remaining six months) $ 496 2020 1,191 2021 3,118 2022 5,386 2023 2,095 2024 and thereafter 22,786 Total long-term debt $ 35,072

Severance and Leased Real Est_2

Severance and Leased Real Estate (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accrued liabilities for severance expenses and leased real estate	Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses were as follows: Severance (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 87 Accrued to expense 7 Payments, net (55 ) Balance at June 30, 2019 $ 39

Employee Benefits (Tables)

Employee Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of components of net periodic pension benefit (income) expense and post-retirement benefit expense	Net periodic benefit (income) expense for our combined pension plan includes the following components: Combined Pension Plan Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Service cost $ 14 17 28 33 Interest cost 107 96 217 196 Expected return on plan assets (153 ) (169 ) (309 ) (342 ) Recognition of prior service credit (2 ) (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) Recognition of actuarial loss 56 45 113 89 Net periodic pension benefit expense (income) $ 22 (13 ) 45 (28 ) Net periodic benefit expense for our post-retirement benefit plans includes the following components: Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Service cost $ 4 5 8 9 Interest cost 28 25 55 49 Recognition of prior service cost 4 5 8 10 Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense $ 36 35 71 68

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Sh_2

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per common share	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands) Income (Loss) (Numerator): Net income (loss) $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average number of shares: Outstanding during period 1,090,342 1,078,986 1,086,966 1,076,273 Non-vested restricted stock (19,001 ) (14,275 ) (16,856 ) (11,610 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share 1,071,341 1,064,711 1,070,110 1,064,663 Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities: Shares issuable under convertible securities 10 10 — 10 Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans 1,462 4,098 — 3,741 Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share 1,072,813 1,068,819 1,070,110 1,068,414 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.35 0.27 (5.41 ) 0.38 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (1) $ 0.35 0.27 (5.41 ) 0.38 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) For the six months ended June 30, 2019 , we excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share 2.4 million shares, potentially issuable under incentive compensation plans or convertible securities, as their effect, if included, would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, and input level to determine fair values	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of CenturyLink, Inc.'s financial liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 : June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Input Level Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations 2 $ 34,565 34,914 35,260 32,915 Interest rate swap contracts (see Note 10) 2 $ 57 57 — —

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions): Liability Derivatives June 30, 2019 Derivatives designated as Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash flow hedging contracts Other current and noncurrent liabilities $ 57
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The amount of losses recognized in AOCI consists of the following (in millions): Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 2019 Cash flow hedging contracts Three months ended June 30, $ 34 Six months ended June 30, $ 57

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment results	The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the three months ended June 30, 2019 . Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 420 681 290 339 — 1,730 — 1,730 Transport and Infrastructure 333 368 106 484 — 1,291 — 1,291 Voice and Collaboration 94 390 328 193 — 1,005 — 1,005 IT and Managed Services 55 66 12 2 — 135 — 135 Broadband — — — — 718 718 — 718 Voice — — — — 477 477 — 477 Regulatory — — — — 158 158 — 158 Other — — — — 64 64 — 64 Total Revenue 902 1,505 736 1,018 1,417 5,578 — 5,578 Expenses: Cost of services and products 258 497 147 145 77 1,124 1,322 2,446 Selling, general and administrative 68 143 120 21 110 462 498 960 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (43 ) (43 ) Total expense 326 640 267 166 187 1,586 1,777 3,363 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 576 865 469 852 1,230 3,992 (1,777 ) 2,215 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the three months ended June 30, 2018 . Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 431 667 299 349 — 1,746 — 1,746 Transport and Infrastructure 309 381 135 539 — 1,364 — 1,364 Voice and Collaboration 94 398 371 226 — 1,089 — 1,089 IT and Managed Services 69 77 14 2 — 162 — 162 Broadband — — — — 705 705 — 705 Voice — — — — 546 546 — 546 Regulatory — — — — 185 185 — 185 Other — — — — 105 105 — 105 Total Revenue 903 1,523 819 1,116 1,541 5,902 — 5,902 Expenses: Cost of services and products 263 500 147 167 124 1,201 1,529 2,730 Selling, general and administrative 64 145 136 23 136 504 611 1,115 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (54 ) (54 ) Total expense 327 645 283 190 260 1,705 2,086 3,791 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 576 878 536 926 1,281 4,197 (2,086 ) 2,111 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the six months ended June 30, 2019 . Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 840 1,369 590 680 — 3,479 — 3,479 Transport and Infrastructure 653 732 213 983 — 2,581 — 2,581 Voice and Collaboration 188 787 664 389 — 2,028 — 2,028 IT and Managed Services 112 140 24 3 — 279 — 279 Broadband — — — — 1,440 1,440 — 1,440 Voice — — — — 966 966 — 966 Regulatory — — — — 317 317 — 317 Other — — — — 135 135 — 135 Total Revenue 1,793 3,028 1,491 2,055 2,858 11,225 — 11,225 Expenses: Cost of services and products 517 993 300 286 164 2,260 2,706 4,966 Selling, general and administrative 136 292 252 41 219 940 952 1,892 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (76 ) (76 ) Total expense 653 1,285 552 327 383 3,200 3,582 6,782 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 1,140 1,743 939 1,728 2,475 8,025 (3,582 ) 4,443 The following table summarizes our segment results and operating revenue detail for our product and services for the six months ended June 30, 2018 . Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 International and Global Accounts Enterprise Small and Medium Business Wholesale Consumer Total Segments Operations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenue: IP and Data Services $ 871 1,332 590 688 — 3,481 — 3,481 Transport and Infrastructure 630 780 245 1,077 — 2,732 — 2,732 Voice and Collaboration 195 808 740 457 — 2,200 — 2,200 IT and Managed Services 142 150 28 4 — 324 — 324 Broadband — — — — 1,417 1,417 — 1,417 Voice — — — — 1,103 1,103 — 1,103 Regulatory — — — — 368 368 — 368 Other — — — — 222 222 — 222 Total Revenue 1,838 3,070 1,603 2,226 3,110 11,847 — 11,847 Expenses: Cost of services and products 535 1,014 300 343 282 2,474 3,059 5,533 Selling, general and administrative 132 297 263 47 271 1,010 1,214 2,224 Less: share-based compensation — — — — — — (95 ) (95 ) Total expense 667 1,311 563 390 553 3,484 4,178 7,662 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 1,171 1,759 1,040 1,836 2,557 8,363 (4,178 ) 4,185
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated net income	The following table reconciles total segment adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 (Dollars in millions) Total segment adjusted EBITDA $ 3,992 4,197 8,025 8,363 Depreciation and amortization (1,196 ) (1,290 ) (2,384 ) (2,573 ) Impairment of goodwill — — (6,506 ) — Other operating expenses (1,777 ) (2,086 ) (3,582 ) (4,178 ) Stock-based compensation (43 ) (54 ) (76 ) (95 ) Operating income (loss) 976 767 (4,523 ) 1,517 Total other expense, net (474 ) (530 ) (1,002 ) (1,044 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 502 237 (5,525 ) 473 Income tax expense (benefit) 131 (55 ) 269 66 Net income (loss) $ 371 292 (5,794 ) 407

Other Financial Information (Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of other current assets	The following table presents details of other current assets reflected in our consolidated balance sheets: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 371 307 Income tax receivable 87 82 Materials, supplies and inventory 151 120 Contract assets 57 52 Contract acquisition costs 174 167 Contract fulfillment costs 105 82 Other 66 108 Total other current assets $ 1,011 918

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Summary of the entity's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component for the six months ended June 30, 2019 : Pension Plans Post-Retirement Foreign Currency Interest Rate Hedges Total (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (2,173 ) (58 ) (230 ) — (2,461 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — — (3 ) (43 ) (46 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 82 6 — — 88 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 82 6 (3 ) (43 ) 42 Balance at June 30, 2019 $ (2,091 ) (52 ) (233 ) (43 ) (2,419 ) The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the six months ended June 30, 2018 : Pension Plans Post-Retirement Foreign Currency Total (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (1,731 ) (235 ) (29 ) (1,995 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — (160 ) (160 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 64 7 — 71 Net current-period other comprehensive income 64 7 (160 ) (89 ) Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (375 ) (32 ) — (407 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (2,042 ) (260 ) (189 ) (2,491 )
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 : Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 56 Other income, net Prior service cost 2 Other income, net Total before tax 58 Income tax benefit (14 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 44 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 113 Other income, net Prior service cost 4 Other income, net Total before tax 117 Income tax benefit (29 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 88 ________________________________________________________________________ (1) See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit (expense) income related to our pension and post-retirement plans. The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 45 Other income, net Prior service cost 3 Other income, net Total before tax 48 Income tax benefit (12 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 36 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Decrease (Increase) Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations (Dollars in millions) Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans (1) Net actuarial loss $ 89 Other income, net Prior service cost 6 Other income, net Total before tax 95 Income tax benefit (24 ) Income tax expense Net of tax $ 71 ________________________________________________________________________ (1) See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit (expense) income related to our pension and post-retirement plans.

Background (Details)

Background (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement	Mar. 31, 2019derivative_agreement	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of new instruments held | derivative_agreement	6	5
Book overdraft balance	$ 1			$ 86
Operating lease assets	1,844
Operating lease liabilities	$ 1,955
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets			$ 2,100
Operating lease liabilities			2,200
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU			$ 115

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_3

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill, Customer Relationships, and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 21,527	$ 28,031
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	8,245	8,911
Indefinite-life intangible assets	269	269
Total other intangible assets, net	1,962	1,868
Customer relationships
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	8,245	8,911
Accumulated amortization	9,152	8,492
Computer Software, Intangible Asset
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,576	1,468
Accumulated amortization	2,765	2,616
Trade Names and Patents
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	117	131
Accumulated amortization	$ 76	$ 61

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_4

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)segment	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Control premium, percent		4.10%				4.50%
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 6,500	$ 0	$ 6,506	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	440		$ 447	869	$ 890
Intangible assets, gross (including goodwill)	$ 43,700			$ 43,700
Number of reportable segments | segment				5

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_5

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2019 (remaining six months)	$ 845
2020	1,638
2021	1,198
2022	963
2023	$ 886

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_6

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Rollforward of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		$ 28,031,000		$ 28,031,000
January 2019 reorganization				0
Effect of foreign currency rate change				2,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0	(6,500,000)	$ 0	(6,506,000)	$ 0
As of June 30, 2019	21,527,000			21,527,000
International and Global Accounts
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		3,595,000		3,595,000
January 2019 reorganization				0
Effect of foreign currency rate change				2,000
Impairment of goodwill				(934,000)
As of June 30, 2019	2,663,000			2,663,000
Enterprise
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		5,222,000		5,222,000
January 2019 reorganization				987,000
Effect of foreign currency rate change				0
Impairment of goodwill				(1,471,000)
As of June 30, 2019	4,738,000			4,738,000
Small and Medium Business
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		5,193,000		5,193,000
January 2019 reorganization				(1,038,000)
Effect of foreign currency rate change				0
Impairment of goodwill				(896,000)
As of June 30, 2019	3,259,000			3,259,000
Wholesale
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		6,437,000		6,437,000
January 2019 reorganization				395,000
Effect of foreign currency rate change				0
Impairment of goodwill				(3,019,000)
As of June 30, 2019	3,813,000			3,813,000
Consumer
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2018		$ 7,584,000		7,584,000
January 2019 reorganization				(344,000)
Effect of foreign currency rate change				0
Impairment of goodwill				(186,000)
As of June 30, 2019	$ 7,054,000			$ 7,054,000

Revenue Recognition - Revenue n

Revenue Recognition - Revenue not Under ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 5,578	$ 5,902	$ 11,225	$ 11,847
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(356)	(325)	(714)	(636)
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$ 5,222	$ 5,577	$ 10,511	$ 11,211

Revenue Recognition - Contract

Revenue Recognition - Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Customer receivables	$ 2,379	$ 2,346
Contract assets	141	860
Contract liabilities	1,000	140
Accounts receivable, gross	2,500	2,500
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 128	$ 132

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Minimum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract term	1 year
Minimum | Business Customer
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Length of customer life	12 months
Maximum
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract term	7 years
Maximum | Business Customer
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Length of customer life	60 months
Weighted Average | Consumer Customers
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Length of customer life	30 months

Revenue Recognition - Revenue R

Revenue Recognition - Revenue Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Amounts included in contract liability at the beginning of the period (January 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	$ 44	$ 50	$ 534	$ 573
Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition - Remaining

Revenue Recognition - Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 6.7
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, percentage	75.00%
Remaining performance obligation, satisfaction period	2 years 6 months

Revenue Recognition - Capitaliz

Revenue Recognition - Capitalized Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Contract Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period balance	$ 329	$ 281	$ 322	$ 268
Costs incurred	43	47	100	99
Amortization	(51)	(41)	(101)	(80)
End of period balance	321	287	321	287
Contract Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period balance	198	150	187	133
Costs incurred	44	29	78	58
Amortization	(35)	(18)	(58)	(30)
End of period balance	$ 207	$ 161	$ 207	$ 161

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Lease income	$ 205	$ 253	$ 404	$ 472
Percent of operating revenue	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%

Leases - Lease Expense (Details

Leases - Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating and short-term lease cost	$ 166	$ 335
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	11	23
Interest on lease liability	3	7
Total finance lease cost	14	30
Total lease cost	$ 180	$ 365

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 1,844
Finance lease assets	263
Total leased assets	2,107
Current
Operating	488
Finance	32
Noncurrent
Operating	1,467
Finance	188
Total lease liabilities	$ 2,175
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases	7 years 9 months 18 days
Finance leases	11 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	6.96%
Finance leases	5.46%

Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases - Supplemental Cash Flows (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 351
Operating cash flows from finance leases	6
Finance cash flows from finance leases	$ 17

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Operating Leases
2019	$ 288
2020	456
2021	367
2022	319
2023	274
Thereafter	895
Total lease payments	2,599
Less: interest	(644)
Total	1,955
Less: current portion	(488)
Long-term portion	1,467
Finance Leases
2019	22
2020	36
2021	25
2022	23
2023	20
Thereafter	179
Total lease payments	305
Less: interest	(85)
Total	220
Less: current portion	(32)
Long-term portion	$ 188

Leases - Capital Lease Maturiti

Leases - Capital Lease Maturities Under Topic 840 (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 51
2020	36
2021	23
2022	21
2023	20
2024 and thereafter	183
Total minimum payments	334
Less: amount representing interest and executory costs	(100)
Present value of minimum payments	234
Less: current portion	(38)
Long-term portion	$ 196

Leases - Right-of-Way and Opera

Leases - Right-of-Way and Operating Lease Maturities Under Topic 840 (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Future minimum sublease rentals	$ 101
Operating Leases
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2019	675
2020	443
2021	355
2022	279
2023	241
2024	969
Total future minimum payments	$ 2,962

Long-Term Debt and Credit Fac_3

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Finance lease and other obligations	$ 223	$ 801
Unamortized discounts and other, net	(21)	(8)
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(263)	(283)
Total long-term debt	34,788	36,061
Less current maturities	(1,595)	(652)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	33,193	35,409
CenturyLink, Inc. | Line of credit | 2017 Revolving Credit Facility
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 650	$ 550
CenturyLink, Inc. | Line of credit | 2017 Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	5.151%
CenturyLink, Inc. | Line of credit | 2017 Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	5.237%
CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	5.152%	5.272%
CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan A
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,579	$ 1,622
CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan A-1
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	342	351
CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan B
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	5,910	5,940
CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 7,698	8,036
CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	5.625%
CenturyLink, Inc. | Senior notes | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	7.65%
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 4,611	$ 4,611
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.652%	4.754%
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 5,315	$ 5,315
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior notes | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	5.125%
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior notes | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	6.125%
Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 138	138
Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	7.125%
Embarq Corporation | First mortgage bonds | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	8.375%
Embarq Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	7.995%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,450	1,485
Embarq Corporation | Other
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	9.00%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 148	150
Level 3 Parent, LLC | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 600	600
Qwest Corporation | Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	4.41%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 100	100
Qwest Corporation | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 5,956	5,956
Qwest Corporation | Senior notes | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	6.125%
Qwest Corporation | Senior notes | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	7.75%
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. | Senior notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-term debt, gross	$ 352	$ 697
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. | Senior notes | Minimum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	6.875%
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. | Senior notes | Maximum
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Stated interest rate	7.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan A
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Basis spread	2.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan A-1
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Basis spread	2.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | CenturyLink, Inc. | Medium-term notes | Term Loan B
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Basis spread	2.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Medium-term notes
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities
Basis spread	2.25%

Long-Term Debt and Credit Fac_4

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Schedule of Maturities of Long Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2019 (remaining six months)	$ 496
2020	1,191
2021	3,118
2022	5,386
2023	2,095
2024 and thereafter	22,786
Total long-term debt	$ 35,072

Long-Term Debt and Credit Fac_5

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 25, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement	Jul. 29, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Repayments of debt		$ 720
Long term debt		$ 35,072
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of instruments | derivative_agreement		6		5
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional		$ 1,500		$ 2,500
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
Derivative [Line Items]
Repayments of debt		345
CenturyLink, Inc.
Derivative [Line Items]
Repayments of debt		$ 338
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Forecast
Derivative [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	$ 400
Subsequent Event | Senior notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Derivative [Line Items]
Long term debt			$ 640
Stated interest rate			6.125%

Severance and Leased Real Est_3

Severance and Leased Real Estate - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
Property Subject to Operating Lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	$ 110

Severance and Leased Real Est_4

Severance and Leased Real Estate - Schedule of Severance Expenses (Details) - Severance $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Restructuring reserve
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 87
Accrued to expense	7
Payments, net	(55)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 39

Employee Benefits (Details)

Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Pension plans
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense
Service cost	$ 14	$ 17	$ 28	$ 33
Interest cost	107	96	217	196
Expected return on plan assets	(153)	(169)	(309)	(342)
Recognition of prior service credit	(2)	(2)	(4)	(4)
Recognition of actuarial loss	56	45	113	89
Net periodic pension benefit expense (income)	22	(13)	45	(28)
Post-retirement benefit plans
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense
Service cost	4	5	8	9
Interest cost	28	25	55	49
Recognition of prior service credit	4	5	8	10
Net periodic pension benefit expense (income)	$ 36	$ 35	$ 71	$ 68

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Sh_3

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
(Loss) Income (Numerator):
Net income (loss)	$ 371	$ 292	$ (5,794)	$ 407
Weighted-average number of shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share (in shares)	1,071,341	1,064,711	1,070,110	1,064,663
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted (loss) earnings per common share (in shares)	1,072,813	1,068,819	1,070,110	1,068,414
Basic (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
Convertible Debt Securities
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)			2,400
Common Class A
(Loss) Income (Numerator):
Net income (loss)	$ 371	$ 292	$ (5,794)	$ 407
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for computing basic earnings per common share	371	292	(5,794)	407
Net income (loss) as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted earnings per common share	$ 371	$ 292	$ (5,794)	$ 407
Weighted-average number of shares:
Outstanding during period (in shares)	1,090,342	1,078,986	1,086,966	1,076,273
Non-vested restricted stock (in shares)	(19,001)	(14,275)	(16,856)	(11,610)
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per common share (in shares)	1,071,341	1,064,711	1,070,110	1,064,663
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities (in shares)	10	10	0	10
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans (in shares)	1,462	4,098	0	3,741
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted (loss) earnings per common share (in shares)	1,072,813	1,068,819	1,070,110	1,068,414
Basic (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ (5.41)	$ 0.38
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	14,300	3,100	9,900	3,700

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Fair value measurements determined on a nonrecurring basis - Fair value inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying Amount
Fair value disclosure
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations	$ 34,565	$ 35,260
Interest rate swap contracts	57	0
Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations	34,914	32,915
Interest rate swap contracts	$ 57	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - Interest Rate Swap $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Reclassification in next twelve months	$ 12.1
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of instruments | derivative_agreement	6	5
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$ 1,500	$ 2,500
Fixed interest rate	1.58%	2.48%
One Counterparty | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional		$ 700
Three Counterparties | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional		$ 450
Six Counterparties [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$ 250

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Interest Rate Derivative (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - Designated as Hedging Instrument $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)derivative_agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | derivative_agreement	6	5
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional | $	$ 1.5	$ 2.5

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivatives (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 57

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Losses Recognized in OCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss recognized in other comprehensive income	$ 34	$ 57

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)regional_operating_unitcustomer	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)segmentcategoryregional_operating_unitcustomer	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment			5
Number of global enterprise customers | customer	200		200
Number of operating regions | regional_operating_unit	3		3
Universal service taxes and surcharges | $	$ 232	$ 229	$ 480	$ 476
International and Global Accounts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of categories of products and services			4
Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of categories of products and services			4

Segment Information - Segment R

Segment Information - Segment Results and Operating Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	$ 5,578	$ 5,902	$ 11,225	$ 11,847
Cost of services and products	2,446	2,730	4,966	5,533
Selling, general and administrative	960	1,115	1,892	2,224
Share-based compensation	(43)	(54)	(76)	(95)
Total expense	3,363	3,791	6,782	7,662
Total adjusted EBITDA	2,215	2,111	4,443	4,185
IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,730	1,746	3,479	3,481
Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,291	1,364	2,581	2,732
Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,005	1,089	2,028	2,200
IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	135	162	279	324
Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	718	705	1,440	1,417
Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	477	546	966	1,103
Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	158	185	317	368
Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	64	105	135	222
Operating segments
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	5,578	5,902	11,225	11,847
Cost of services and products	1,124	1,201	2,260	2,474
Selling, general and administrative	462	504	940	1,010
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	1,586	1,705	3,200	3,484
Total adjusted EBITDA	3,992	4,197	8,025	8,363
Operating segments | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,730	1,746	3,479	3,481
Operating segments | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,291	1,364	2,581	2,732
Operating segments | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,005	1,089	2,028	2,200
Operating segments | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	135	162	279	324
Operating segments | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	718	705	1,440	1,417
Operating segments | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	477	546	966	1,103
Operating segments | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	158	185	317	368
Operating segments | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	64	105	135	222
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	902	903	1,793	1,838
Cost of services and products	258	263	517	535
Selling, general and administrative	68	64	136	132
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	326	327	653	667
Total adjusted EBITDA	576	576	1,140	1,171
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	420	431	840	871
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	333	309	653	630
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	94	94	188	195
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	55	69	112	142
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | International and Global Accounts | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Enterprise
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,505	1,523	3,028	3,070
Cost of services and products	497	500	993	1,014
Selling, general and administrative	143	145	292	297
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	640	645	1,285	1,311
Total adjusted EBITDA	865	878	1,743	1,759
Operating segments | Enterprise | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	681	667	1,369	1,332
Operating segments | Enterprise | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	368	381	732	780
Operating segments | Enterprise | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	390	398	787	808
Operating segments | Enterprise | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	66	77	140	150
Operating segments | Enterprise | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Enterprise | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Enterprise | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Enterprise | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	736	819	1,491	1,603
Cost of services and products	147	147	300	300
Selling, general and administrative	120	136	252	263
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	267	283	552	563
Total adjusted EBITDA	469	536	939	1,040
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	290	299	590	590
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	106	135	213	245
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	328	371	664	740
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	12	14	24	28
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Small and Medium Business | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Wholesale
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,018	1,116	2,055	2,226
Cost of services and products	145	167	286	343
Selling, general and administrative	21	23	41	47
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	166	190	327	390
Total adjusted EBITDA	852	926	1,728	1,836
Operating segments | Wholesale | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	339	349	680	688
Operating segments | Wholesale | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	484	539	983	1,077
Operating segments | Wholesale | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	193	226	389	457
Operating segments | Wholesale | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	2	2	3	4
Operating segments | Wholesale | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Wholesale | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Wholesale | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Wholesale | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Consumer
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	1,417	1,541	2,858	3,110
Cost of services and products	77	124	164	282
Selling, general and administrative	110	136	219	271
Share-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Total expense	187	260	383	553
Total adjusted EBITDA	1,230	1,281	2,475	2,557
Operating segments | Consumer | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Consumer | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Consumer | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Consumer | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating segments | Consumer | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	718	705	1,440	1,417
Operating segments | Consumer | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	477	546	966	1,103
Operating segments | Consumer | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	158	185	317	368
Operating segments | Consumer | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	64	105	135	222
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of services and products	1,322	1,529	2,706	3,059
Selling, general and administrative	498	611	952	1,214
Share-based compensation	(43)	(54)	(76)	(95)
Total expense	1,777	2,086	3,582	4,178
Total adjusted EBITDA	(1,777)	(2,086)	(3,582)	(4,178)
Segment Reconciling Items | IP and Data Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Transport and Infrastructure
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Voice and Collaboration
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | IT and Managed Services
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Broadband
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Voice
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Regulatory
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Segment Reconciling Items | Other
Operating revenues by products and services
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Reconcili

Segment Information - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment adjusted EBITDA	$ 2,215		$ 2,111	$ 4,443	$ 4,185
Depreciation and amortization	(1,196)		(1,290)	(2,384)	(2,573)
Impairment of goodwill	0	$ (6,500)	0	(6,506)	0
Stock-based compensation	(43)		(54)	(76)	(95)
Total other expense, net	(474)		(530)	(1,002)	(1,044)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	502		237	(5,525)	473
Income tax expense (benefit)	(131)		55	(269)	(66)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	371		292	(5,794)	407
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment adjusted EBITDA	3,992		4,197	8,025	8,363
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment adjusted EBITDA	(1,777)		(2,086)	(3,582)	(4,178)
Depreciation and amortization	(1,196)		(1,290)	(2,384)	(2,573)
Impairment of goodwill	0		0	(6,506)	0
Other operating expenses	(1,777)		(2,086)	(3,582)	(4,178)
Operating income (loss)	976		767	(4,523)	1,517
Total other expense, net	$ (474)		$ (530)	$ (1,002)	$ (1,044)

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies and Other Items (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)lawsuit	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)propertylawsuit	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)lawsuit	Dec. 31, 2005USD ($)
Loss Contingencies
Estimate of possible loss		$ 134,000	$ 134,000
Patents allegedly infringed | lawsuit		1
Number of properties with potential environmental liability | property		200
Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Loss Contingencies
Estimate of possible loss		$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Louisiana State Court
Loss Contingencies
New claims filed, number | lawsuit			2
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Loss Contingencies
Litigation settlement amount		15,500
Litigation Settlement, Expense		$ 3,500
Missouri municipalities | Judicial ruling
Loss Contingencies
Number of cases, final court order | lawsuit	1
Litigation settlement amount	$ 4,000
CenturyLink, Inc. | Interexchange Carriers
Loss Contingencies
Number of lawsuits | lawsuit		100	100
Level 3 Parent, LLC
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency, damages sought, value		$ 50,000
Level 3 Parent, LLC | Pending litigation | Peruvian Tax Litigation, Before Interest
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency, asserted claim				$ 26,000
Level 3 Parent, LLC | Pending litigation | Peruvian Tax Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency, asserted claim		9,000	$ 9,000
Level 3 Parent, LLC | Pending litigation | Brazilian Tax Claims | Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, portion not accrued		$ 38,000	$ 38,000

Other Financial Information (De

Other Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 371	$ 307
Income tax receivable	87	82
Materials, supplies and inventory	151	120
Contract assets	57	52
Other	66	108
Total other current assets	1,011	918
Contract Acquisition Costs
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Contract costs	174	167
Contract Fulfillment Costs
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Contract costs	$ 105	$ 82

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 19,828,000,000
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(46,000,000)	$ (160,000,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			88,000,000	71,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 10,000,000	$ (203,000,000)	42,000,000	(89,000,000)
Balance at end of period	13,692,000,000	22,988,000,000	13,692,000,000	22,988,000,000
Defined benefit plan | Pension plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(2,173,000,000)	(1,731,000,000)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			82,000,000	64,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)			82,000,000	64,000,000
Balance at end of period	(2,091,000,000)	(2,042,000,000)	(2,091,000,000)	(2,042,000,000)
Defined benefit plan | Pension plans | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income					$ (375,000,000)
Defined benefit plan | Post-retirement benefit plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(58,000,000)	(235,000,000)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			6,000,000	7,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)			6,000,000	7,000,000
Balance at end of period	(52,000,000)	(260,000,000)	(52,000,000)	(260,000,000)
Defined benefit plan | Post-retirement benefit plans | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income					(32,000,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(230,000,000)	(29,000,000)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(3,000,000)	(160,000,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,000,000)	(160,000,000)
Balance at end of period	(233,000,000)	(189,000,000)	(233,000,000)	(189,000,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income					0
Interest rate hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			0
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(43,000,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(43,000,000)
Balance at end of period	(43,000,000)		(43,000,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(2,429,000,000)	(2,288,000,000)	(2,461,000,000)	(1,995,000,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,000,000	(203,000,000)	42,000,000	(89,000,000)
Balance at end of period	$ (2,419,000,000)	$ (2,491,000,000)	$ (2,419,000,000)	$ (2,491,000,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income					$ (407,000,000)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
Other income, net	$ 44	$ 16	$ 39	$ 37
Total before tax	502	237	(5,525)	473
Income tax benefit	(131)	55	(269)	(66)
Net (loss) income	371	292	(5,794)	407
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Net actuarial loss
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
Other income, net	56	45	113	89
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Prior service cost
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
Other income, net	2	3	4	6
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Defined benefit plan
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component
Total before tax	58	48	117	95
Income tax benefit	(14)	(12)	(29)	(24)
Net (loss) income	$ 44	$ 36	$ 88	$ 71

Labor Union Contracts (Details)

Labor Union Contracts (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019Employee
Concentration risk
Entity number of employees	43,000
Total number of employees | Unionized employees concentration risk
Concentration risk
Concentration risk, percent	26.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements, Expired | Unionized employees concentration risk
Concentration risk
Concentration risk, percent	3.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year | Unionized employees concentration risk
Concentration risk
Concentration risk, percent	80.00%

Uncategorized Items - ctl201906

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 407,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 297,000,000