AT&T (T) 10-Q/A 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000732717	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AT&T Inc.	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	5,187

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Income (Unaudited)	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$32,957	$32,158	$98,008	$95,589
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	14,541	13,403	42,074	39,227
Selling, general and administrative	8,475	7,952	24,932	24,406
Depreciation and amortization	4,539	4,615	13,706	13,715
Total operating expenses	27,555	25,970	80,712	77,348
Operating Income	5,402	6,188	17,296	18,241
Other Income (Expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-1,016	-829	-2,757	-2,481
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	-2	91	188	494
Other income (expense) - net	42	50	1,456	370
Total other income (expense)	-976	-688	-1,113	-1,617
Income Before Income Taxes	4,426	5,500	16,183	16,624
Income tax expense	1,367	1,595	5,769	5,066
Net Income	3,059	3,905	10,414	11,558
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-57	-91	-213	-222
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$3,002	$3,814	$10,201	$11,336
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$0.58	$0.72	$1.96	$2.10
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$0.58	$0.72	$1.95	$2.09
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions)	5,198	5,315	5,208	5,402
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions)	5,214	5,331	5,224	5,419
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$0.46	$0.45	$1.38	$1.35

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,059	$3,905	$10,414	$11,558
Foreign Currency:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments (includes $(1), $(1), $0 and $(2) attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(22), $(21), $(17) and $(86)	-35	-37	-29	-155
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $0, $224 and $19	0	0	416	34
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(15), $38, $19 and $84	-29	69	30	155
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income, net of taxes of $(1), $(2), $(9) and $(7)	-1	-3	-15	-13
Cash flow hedges:	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains, net of taxes of $201, $171, $148 and $286	370	316	272	526
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $3, $4, $14 and $12	8	7	29	22
Defined benefit postretirement plans:	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes $0, $0, $33 and $5	0	0	61	8
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(146), $(109), $(435) and $(327)	-239	-178	-718	-533
Other comprehensive income	74	174	46	44
Total comprehensive income	3,133	4,079	10,460	11,602
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-56	-90	-213	-220
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$3,077	$3,989	$10,247	$11,382

Recovered_Sheet1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	($1)	($1)	$0	($2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	-22	-21	-17	-86
Foreign currency translation adjustment reclassification - tax effect	0	0	224	19
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities - tax	-15	38	19	84
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on available-for-sale securities - tax effect	-1	-2	-9	-7
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges - tax	201	171	148	286
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on cash flow hedges - tax effect	3	4	14	12
Reclassification adjustment in net income on actuarial loss from equity method investees - tax effect	0	0	33	5
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, tax effect	($146)	($109)	($435)	($327)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,458	$3,339
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $482 and $483	13,445	12,918
Prepaid expenses	869	960
Deferred income taxes	1,030	1,199
Other current assets	8,033	4,780
Total current assets	25,835	23,196
Property, plant and equipment	286,987	274,798
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-171,853	-163,830
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	115,134	110,968
Goodwill	70,131	69,273
Licenses	60,784	56,433
Other Intangible Assets - Net	6,252	5,779
Investments in Equity Affiliates	166	3,860
Other Assets	9,637	8,278
Total Assets	287,939	277,787
Current Liabilities	'	'
Debt maturing within one year	5,109	5,498
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	24,119	21,107
Advanced billing and customer deposits	4,038	4,212
Accrued taxes	4,328	1,774
Dividends payable	2,385	2,404
Total current liabilities	39,979	34,995
Long-Term Debt	70,516	69,290
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'	'
Deferred income taxes	37,393	36,308
Postemployment benefit obligation	29,918	29,946
Other noncurrent liabilities	17,014	15,766
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	84,325	82,020
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013: issued 6,495,231,088 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013)	6,495	6,495
Additional paid-in capital	91,064	91,091
Retained earnings	34,165	31,141
Treasury stock (1,310,226,392 at September 30, 2014 and 1,268,914,913 at December 31, 2013, at cost)	-47,037	-45,619
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,926	7,880
Noncontrolling interest	506	494
Total stockholders' equity	93,119	91,482
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$287,939	$277,787

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	'	'
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$482	$483
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized	14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000
Common stock, issued	6,495,231,088	6,495,231,088
Treasury stock, held	1,310,226,392	1,268,914,913

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$10,414	$11,558
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,706	13,715
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates	-45	-232
Provision for uncollectible accounts	692	653
Deferred income tax expense	1,304	2,505
Net gain from sale of investments, net of impairments	-1,374	-272
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-1,269	-440
Other current assets	-813	520
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,763	-420
Retirement benefit funding	-420	-175
Other - net	-1,365	-533
Total adjustments	15,179	15,321
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	25,593	26,879
Investing Activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-16,829	-15,565
Interest during construction	-178	-213
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,053	-4,025
Dispositions	6,074	846
Purchases of securities	-1,996	0
Return of advances to and investments in equity affiliates	3	301
Other	-1	-4
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-14,980	-18,660
Financing Activities	'	'
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	-16	1,851
Issuance of other short-term borrowings	0	1,476
Repayment of other short-term borrowings	0	-1,476
Issuance of long-term debt	8,564	6,416
Repayment of long-term debt	-10,376	-2,131
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,617	-11,134
Issuance of treasury stock	34	108
Dividends paid	-7,170	-7,325
Other	-913	499
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-11,494	-11,716
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-881	-3,497
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year	3,339	4,868
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period	2,458	1,371
Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30 for:	'	'
Interest	3,351	2,980
Income taxes, net of refunds	$1,337	$1,573

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Chan

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Millions
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2013	$91,482	$6,495	$91,091	$31,141	($45,619)	$7,880	$494
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	6,495	'	'	-1,269	'	'
Issuance of stock	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock (in shares)	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	'	'	'	'	-1,617	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-48	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	'	'	3	'	199	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock, (in shares)	'	'	'	'	7	'	'
Share-based payments	'	'	3	'	'	'	'
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners	'	'	-33	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to AT&T ($1.95 per diluted share)	10,201	'	'	10,201	'	'	'
Dividends to stockholders ($1.38 per share)	'	'	'	-7,177	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	46	'	'	'	'	46	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	213	'	'	'	'	'	213
Distributions	'	'	'	'	'	'	-200
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	69
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners	'	'	'	'	'	'	-70
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	$93,119	$6,495	$91,064	$34,165	($47,037)	$7,926	$506
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	6,495	'	'	-1,310	'	'

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Chan1

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to AT&T, per diluted share	$0.58	$0.72	$1.95	$2.09
Dividends to stockholders, per share	$0.46	$0.45	$1.38	$1.35

Preparation_Of_Interim_Financi

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	'
	NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates. Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry both domestically and internationally, providing wireless communications services, traditional wireline voice services, data/broadband and Internet services, video services, telecommunications equipment, managed networking and wholesale services. On March 13, 2014, we closed our acquisition of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Leap) (see Note 7), and we incorporated Leap into our wireless operations following the date of acquisition.
	All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain foreign equity investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one month of our period end. We also recorded our proportionate share of our equity method investees' other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including actuarial gains and losses on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. On June 30, 2014, we completed the sale of our investment in América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. (América Móvil) to an unrelated third party (see Note 7).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
	During the fourth-quarter we conduct our annual impairment testing of intangible assets, remeasure the plan assets and obligations of our benefit plans and, due to our continued access line losses and technology changes, we are assessing certain network assets for under-utilization and/or abandonment.
	Stock Repurchase Program During the first nine months of 2014, we repurchased approximately 48 million shares for $1,617 under a repurchase authorization that was approved by our Board of Directors in March 2013. In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved a fourth authorization to repurchase 300 million shares of our common stock. As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately 415 million shares remaining from these authorizations. The repurchase authorizations have no expiration date, and we expect to make future repurchases opportunistically.
	Software Costs During 2014, we completed studies evaluating the periods that we were utilizing our software assets. As of April 1 and July 1, 2014, we extended our estimated useful lives for capitalized non-network and network software, respectively, to five years to better reflect the estimated periods during which these assets will remain in service and to align with the estimated useful lives used in the industry. This change in accounting estimate increased net income $198, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the third quarter and $330, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2014.
	New Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09), which replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between service and equipment, and the timing in which those revenues are recognized. ASU 2014-09 also specifies that incremental costs of obtaining or fulfilling our contracts with customers should be deferred. ASU 2014-09 becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
	The FASB will allow two adoption methods under ASU 2014-09. Under one method, a company will apply the rules to contracts in all reporting periods presented, subject to certain allowable exceptions. Under the other method, a company will apply the rules to all contracts existing as of January 1, 2017, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the change and provide additional disclosures comparing results to previous rules. We continue to evaluate the impact of the new standard and available adoption methods.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is shown in the table below:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerators
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net Income	$	3,059	$	3,905	$	10,414	$	11,558
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		-57		-91		-213		-222
	Net Income attributable to AT&T		3,002		3,814		10,201		11,336
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Share-based payment		3		3		10		9
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$	3,005	$	3,817	$	10,211	$	11,345
	Denominators (000,000)
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		5,198		5,315		5,208		5,402
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Share-based payment (in shares)		16		16		16		17
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share		5,214		5,331		5,224		5,419
	Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T	$	0.58	$	0.72	$	1.96	$	2.1
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T	$	0.58	$	0.72	$	1.95	$	2.09
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, we had issued and outstanding options to purchase approximately 11 million and 12 million shares of AT&T common stock. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the exercise prices of 3 million shares were above the market price of AT&T stock for the respective periods. Accordingly, we did not include these amounts in determining the dilutive potential common shares.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are presented below. For the period ended September 30, 2014, the amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI include the adjustments resulting from our change in accounting for América Móvil (see Note 7). All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest.
	At September 30, 2014 and for the period ended:
			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	-367		$	450		$	445		$	7,352		$	7,880
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-29			30			272			-			273
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			416	1		-15	2		29	3		-657	4		-227
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			387			15			301			-657			46
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	20		$	465		$	746		$	6,695		$	7,926
	At September 30, 2013 and for the period ended:
			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	-284		$	272		$	-110		$	5,358		$	5,236
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-153			155			526			-			528
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			34	1		-13	2		22	3		-525	4		-482
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			-119			142			548			-525			46
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	-403		$	414		$	438		$	4,833		$	5,282
	1	Pre-tax translation loss reclassifications are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
	2	Pre-tax gains are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
	3	(Gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 6 for additional information.
	4	The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits, net of amounts capitalized as part of construction
		labor, are included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income
		(see Note 5). Actuarial loss reclassifications related to our equity method investees are included in Other income (expense) - net
		in the consolidated statements of income.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services over various technology platforms and are managed accordingly. We analyze our operating segments based on segment income before income taxes. We make our capital allocation decisions based on our strategic direction of the business, needs of the network (wireless or wireline) providing services and demands to provide emerging services to our customers. Actuarial gains and losses from pension and other postretirement benefits, interest expense and other income (expense) – net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. Therefore, these items are not included in each segment's reportable results. The customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the United States. We have two reportable segments: (1) Wireless and (2) Wireline.
	The Wireless segment uses our nationwide network to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communications services. This segment includes our portion of the results from our SoftcardTM mobile wallet joint venture which is accounted for as an equity investment.
	The Wireline segment uses our regional, national and global network to provide consumer and business customers with data and voice communications services, AT&T U-verse® high speed Internet, video and VoIP services and managed networking to business customers.
	The Corporate and Other column includes unallocated corporate expenses, which includes costs to support corporate-driven activities and operations, impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the individual operating segments are not being evaluated, including interest costs and expected return on plan assets for our pension and postretirement benefit plans as well as our actuarial gains and losses on our pension and postretirement plan valuations. Results from equity method investments in América Móvil (prior to the June 2014 disposal of our investment), YP Holdings LLC, and Otter Media (our joint venture with The Chernin Group), are also excluded from our segment results as those results are not considered in our assessment of segment performance. We have revised our prior-period presentation to conform to our current reporting.
	In the following tables, we show how our segment results are reconciled to our consolidated results reported.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	15,423	$	14,368	$	-	$	29,791
	Equipment		2,914		247		5		3,166
	Total segment operating revenues		18,337		14,615		5		32,957
	Operations and support expenses		11,855		10,761		400		23,016
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,965		2,571		3		4,539
	Total segment operating expenses		13,820		13,332		403		27,555
	Segment operating income (loss)		4,517		1,283		-398		5,402
	Interest expense		-		-		1,016		1,016
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-26		1		23		-2
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		42		42
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	4,491	$	1,284	$	-1,349	$	4,426
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	45,958	$	43,165	$	-	$	89,123
	Equipment		8,175		688		22		8,885
	Total segment operating revenues		54,133		43,853		22		98,008
	Operations and support expenses		34,305		31,918		783		67,006
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		5,931		7,769		6		13,706
	Total segment operating expenses		40,236		39,687		789		80,712
	Segment operating income (loss)		13,897		4,166		-767		17,296
	Interest expense		-		-		2,757		2,757
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-75		2		261		188
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		1,456		1,456
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,822	$	4,168	$	-1,807	$	16,183
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	15,460	$	14,403	$	-	$	29,863
	Equipment		2,020		267		8		2,295
	Total segment operating revenues		17,480		14,670		8		32,158
	Operations and support expenses		10,982		10,385		-12		21,355
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,875		2,736		4		4,615
	Total segment operating expenses		12,857		13,121		-8		25,970
	Segment operating income		4,623		1,549		16		6,188
	Interest expense		-		-		829		829
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-18		-		109		91
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		50		50
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	4,605	$	1,549	$	-654	$	5,500
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	45,892	$	43,266	$	-	$	89,158
	Equipment		5,570		832		29		6,431
	Total segment operating revenues		51,462		44,098		29		95,589
	Operations and support expenses		31,932		31,137		564		63,633
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		5,553		8,146		16		13,715
	Total segment operating expenses		37,485		39,283		580		77,348
	Segment operating income (loss)		13,977		4,815		-551		18,241
	Interest expense		-		-		2,481		2,481
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-55		1		548		494
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		370		370
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,922	$	4,816	$	-2,114	$	16,624

Pension_And_Postretirement_Ben

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	'
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	'
	NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
	Substantially all of our employees are covered by one of our noncontributory pension plans. We also provide certain medical, dental, life insurance, and death benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as active employees earn these benefits. Our objective in funding these plans, in combination with the standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), is to accumulate assets sufficient to meet the plans' obligations to provide benefits to employees upon their retirement.
	In July 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published in the Federal Register their final retroactive approval of our September 9, 2013 voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,114 at September 30, 2014. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which will be distributed quarterly in equal amounts and will be accounted for as contributions. We distributed $420 to the trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. So long as we make the distributions, the terms of the preferred interest will impose no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend, or repurchase shares. This preferred equity interest is a plan asset under ERISA and is recognized as such in the plan's separate financial statements. However, because the preferred equity interest is not unconditionally transferable to an unrelated party, it is not reflected in plan assets in our consolidated financial statements and instead has been eliminated in consolidation.
	We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our operating results at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. The following table details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, expense credits are denoted with parentheses. A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Pension cost:
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	282	$	331	$	846	$	991
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		661		608		1,984		1,822
	Expected return on assets		-849		-828		-2,549		-2,484
	Amortization of prior service credit		-24		-25		-71		-71
	Net pension cost	$	70	$	86	$	210	$	258
	Postretirement cost:
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	59	$	95	$	175	$	286
	Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		365		389		1,094		1,168
	Expected return on assets		-165		-177		-491		-533
	Amortization of prior service credit		-362		-263		-1,086		-788
	Net postretirement (credit) cost	$	-103	$	44	$	-308	$	133
	Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost	$	-33	$	130	$	-98	$	391
	Our combined net pension and postretirement cost decreased $163 in the third quarter and $489 for the first nine months of 2014. The decrease reflects higher amortization of prior service credits due to plan changes, including changes to future costs for continued retiree healthcare coverage. The decrease also reflects increasing corporate bond rates, which contributed to lower service cost and higher interest costs.
	Our fourth-quarter 2014 results will include the effects of settlement accounting for a portion of our pension plan. Due in part to our 2013 enhanced retirement offer and other distributions, lump sum distributions from the plan during 2014 exceeded service and interest costs in early October.
	We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. Net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost, which is not included in the table above, was $29 in the third quarter of 2014, of which $27 was interest cost, and $87 for the first nine months, of which $82 was interest cost. In 2013, net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost was $27 in the third quarter, of which $25 was interest cost, and $82 for the first nine months, of which $76 was interest cost.

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	'
	NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURE
	The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy that gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	Level 1       Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.
	Level 2       Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
	Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
	Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3       Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	Fair value is often based on developed models in which there are few, if any, external observations.
	The fair value measurements level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	The valuation methodologies described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of future net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. We believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used since December 31, 2013.
	Long-Term Debt and Other Financial Instruments
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities and other financial instruments, are summarized as follows:
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Notes and debentures	$	75,226		$	82,938		$	74,484		$	79,309
	Commercial paper		-			-			20			20
	Bank borrowings		5			5			1			1
	Investment securities		2,643			2,643			2,450			2,450
	The carrying value of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates market value. The fair value measurements used for notes and debentures are considered Level 2 and are determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical or similar securities in both active and inactive markets.
	Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			30-Sep-14
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Domestic equities		$	1,108		$	-		$	-		$	1,108
	International equities			541			-			-			541
	Fixed income bonds			-			913			-			913
	Asset Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			131			-			131
	Cross-currency swaps			-			1,536			-			1,536
	Liability Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			-10			-			-10
	Cross-currency swaps			-			-901			-			-901
			31-Dec-13
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Domestic equities		$	1,049		$	-		$	-		$	1,049
	International equities			563			-			-			563
	Fixed income bonds			-			759			-			759
	Asset Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			191			-			191
	Cross-currency swaps			-			1,951			-			1,951
	Liability Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			-7			-			-7
	Cross-currency swaps			-			-519			-			-519
	1	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as Other assets, Other noncurrent liabilities and, for a portion of interest
		rate swaps, Other current assets.
	Investment Securities
	Our investment securities include equities, fixed income bonds and other securities. A substantial portion of the fair values of our available-for-sale securities was estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated OCI. Unrealized losses that are considered other than temporary are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net” with the corresponding reduction to the carrying basis of the investment. Fixed income investments of $91 have maturities of less than one year, $277 within one to three years, $292 within three to five years, and $253 for five or more years.
	Our cash equivalent (money market securities) short-term investments (certificate and time deposits) and customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Our short-term investments of $1,890 are recorded in “Other current assets” and our investment securities are recorded in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We employ derivatives to manage certain market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. This includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate locks, foreign exchange forward contracts and combined interest rate foreign exchange contracts (cross-currency swaps). We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value that is derived from observable market data, including yield curves and foreign exchange rates (all of our derivatives are Level 2). Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the consolidated statements of cash flows as the item being hedged.
	The majority of our derivatives are designated either as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), or as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge).
	Fair Value Hedging We designate our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. The purpose of these swaps is to manage interest rate risk by managing our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Accrued and realized gains or losses from interest rate swaps impact interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as assets, and unrealized losses on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are exactly offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt. Gains or losses realized upon early termination of our fair value hedges are recognized in interest expense. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges.
	Cash Flow Hedging We designate our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from the issuance of our Euro, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign denominations to fixed U.S. denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate, which was determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed foreign-denominated rate to a fixed U.S. denominated interest rate.
	Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as liabilities, both for the period they are outstanding. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated OCI until reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion is recognized as “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income in each period. We evaluate the effectiveness of our cross-currency swaps each quarter. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges.
	Periodically, we enter into and designate interest rate locks to partially hedge the risk of changes in interest payments attributable to increases in the benchmark interest rate during the period leading up to the probable issuance of fixed-rate debt. We designate our interest rate locks as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses when we settle our interest rate locks are amortized into income over the life of the related debt, except where a material amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $42 from accumulated OCI to interest expense due to the amortization of net losses on historical interest rate locks.
	We hedge a portion of the exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions. In anticipation of these transactions, we often enter into foreign exchange contracts to provide currency at a fixed rate. Some of these instruments are designated as cash flow hedges while others remain nondesignated, largely based on size and duration. Gains and losses at the time we settle or take delivery on our designated foreign exchange contracts are amortized into income in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings, except where an amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
	Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At September 30, 2014, we had posted collateral of $58 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $1,396 (a receipt liability). Under the agreements, if our credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services and two rating levels by Fitch Ratings, before the final collateral exchange in September, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $71. At December 31, 2013, we had posted collateral of $8 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $1,600 (a receipt liability). We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), against the fair value of the derivative instruments.
	Following is the notional amount of our outstanding derivative positions:
		September 30,			December 31,
	2014			2013
Interest rate swaps	$	6,550		$	4,750
Cross-currency swaps		20,650			17,787
Total	$	27,200		$	22,537
Following is the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$	-70		$	9		$	-59		$	-78
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt		70			-9			59			78
In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended September 30 were offset against interest expense.
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
Cross-currency swaps:
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	$	567		$	482		$	418		$	807
Interest rate locks:
Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income		-11			-11			-33			-34
Foreign exchange contracts:
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI		-			5			-2			5

Acquisitions_Dispositions_And_

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	'
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	'
	NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
	Acquisitions
	Leap On March 13, 2014, we acquired Leap, a provider of prepaid wireless service, for fifteen dollars per outstanding share of Leap's common stock, or $1,248 (excluding Leap's cash on hand), plus one nontransferable contingent value right (CVR) per share. The CVR will entitle each Leap stockholder to a pro rata share of the net proceeds of the future sale of the Chicago 700 MHz A-band Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license held by Leap.
	The preliminary values of assets acquired under the terms of the agreement were: $3,000 in licenses, $510 in property, plant and equipment, $520 of customer lists, $340 for trade names and $744 of goodwill. The estimated fair value of debt associated with the acquisition of Leap was $3,889, all of which was redeemed or matured by July 31, 2014.
	Pending Acquisition
	DIRECTV In May 2014, we announced a merger agreement to acquire DIRECTV in a stock-and-cash transaction for ninety-five dollars per share of DIRECTV's common stock, or approximately $48,500 at the date of announcement. As of September 30, 2014, DIRECTV had approximately $16,852 in net debt based on DIRECTV's financial statements included in the Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2014. Each DIRECTV shareholder will receive cash of $28.50 per share and $66.50 per share in our stock. The stock portion will be subject to a collar such that DIRECTV shareholders will receive 1.905 AT&T shares if our stock price is below $34.90 per share at closing and 1.724 AT&T shares if our stock price is above $38.58 at closing. If our average stock price (calculated in accordance with the merger agreement with DIRECTV) is between $34.90 and $38.58 at closing, then DIRECTV shareholders will receive a number of shares between 1.724 and 1.905, equal to $66.50 in value. DIRECTV is a premier pay TV provider in the United States and Latin America, with a high-quality customer base, the best selection of programming, the best technology for delivering and viewing high-quality video on any device and the best customer satisfaction among major U.S. cable and satellite TV providers.
	The merger agreement was adopted by DIRECTV's stockholders on September 25, 2014 and remains subject to review by the FCC and the Department of Justice and to other closing conditions. It is also a condition that all necessary consents by certain foreign governmental entities have been obtained and are in full force and effect. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015. The merger agreement provides certain mutual termination rights for us and DIRECTV, including the right of either party to terminate the agreement if the merger is not consummated by May 18, 2015, subject to extension in certain cases to a date no later than November 13, 2015. Either party may also terminate the agreement if an order permanently restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the merger becomes final and nonappealable. In October 2014, DIRECTV and the National Football League renewed their agreement for the “NFL Sunday Ticket” service substantially on the terms discussed between AT&T and DIRECTV, satisfying one of the conditions to closing the merger. Under certain circumstances relating to a competing transaction, DIRECTV may be required to pay a termination fee to us in connection with or following a termination of the agreement.
	Dispositions
	América Móvil In May 2014, in conjunction with the announcement of our intention to dispose of our investment in América Móvil and the resignation of our board members from the board of América Móvil, we discontinued accounting for this investment under the equity method due to our lack of significant influence. On June 30, 2014, we sold our remaining stake in América Móvil for approximately $5,566 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $1,243. At closing, we received $4,565 cash and we received the remaining cash in the third quarter.
	Connecticut Wireline In December 2013, we agreed to sell our incumbent local exchange operations in Connecticut to Frontier Communications Corporation for $2,000 in cash. The transaction was approved by the FCC in July 2014 and was approved by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on October 15, 2014. The transaction closed on October 24, 2014.
	We applied held-for-sale treatment to the assets and liabilities of the Connecticut operations, and, accordingly, included the assets in “Other current assets,” and the related liabilities in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” on our consolidated balance sheets. However, the business does not qualify as discontinued operations as we expect significant continuing direct cash flows related to the disposed operations. Assets and liabilities of the Connecticut operations included the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets held for sale:
	Current assets	$	138	$	155
	Property, plant and equipment - net		1,436		1,289
	Goodwill		799		799
	Other assets		18		17
	Total assets	$	2,391	$	2,260
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Current liabilities	$	122	$	128
	Noncurrent liabilities		537		480
	Total liabilities	$	659	$	608

Sale_of_Equipment_Installment_

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes In Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Finance Receivables Disclosure[Text Block]	'
	NOTE 8. SALES OF EQUIPMENT INSTALLMENT RECEIVABLES
	We offer our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 24 months, with the right to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. As of September 30, 2014, gross equipment installment receivables of $3,002 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $1,861 are notes receivable that are included in “Accounts receivable, net.”
	On June 27, 2014, we entered into uncommitted agreements pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank, N.A. and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers) with a funding amount not expected to exceed $2,000 at any given time. Under the agreement, we may transfer the receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables. Under the terms of the arrangement, we continue to bill and collect on behalf of our customers for the receivables sold.
	The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
			Three months		Nine months
	Net receivables sold1		$	885	$	2,276
	Cash proceeds received			556		1,375
	Deferred purchase price recorded			324		889
	1	Gross receivables sold were $1,028 and $2,665 for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2014, respectively, before
		deducting the allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
	The deferred purchase price was initially recorded at estimated fair value, which was based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected, adjusted by the expected timing and value of the device trade-ins, and is subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The value of the device trade-ins considers estimated prices offered to us by independent, third parties that contemplate changes in value after the launch of a device. At September 30, 2014, our deferred purchase price receivable was $901, which is included in “Other Assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these receivables is limited to the amount of our deferred purchase price at any point in time.
	These transactions did not have a material impact in our consolidated statements of income or to “Total Assets” reported on our consolidated balance sheets. We reflect the cash flows related to the arrangement as operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows because the cash received from the Purchasers upon both the sale of the receivables and the collection of the deferred purchase price is not subject to significant interest rate risk.

Preparation_Of_Interim_Financi1

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates. Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry both domestically and internationally, providing wireless communications services, traditional wireline voice services, data/broadband and Internet services, video services, telecommunications equipment, managed networking and wholesale services. On March 13, 2014, we closed our acquisition of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Leap) (see Note 7), and we incorporated Leap into our wireless operations following the date of acquisition.
	All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain foreign equity investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one month of our period end. We also recorded our proportionate share of our equity method investees' other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including actuarial gains and losses on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. On June 30, 2014, we completed the sale of our investment in América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. (América Móvil) to an unrelated third party (see Note 7).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
	During the fourth-quarter we conduct our annual impairment testing of intangible assets, remeasure the plan assets and obligations of our benefit plans and, due to our continued access line losses and technology changes, we are assessing certain network assets for under-utilization and/or abandonment.
Stock Repurchase Program	'
	Stock Repurchase Program During the first nine months of 2014, we repurchased approximately 48 million shares for $1,617 under a repurchase authorization that was approved by our Board of Directors in March 2013. In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved a fourth authorization to repurchase 300 million shares of our common stock. As of September 30, 2014, we had approximately 415 million shares remaining from these authorizations. The repurchase authorizations have no expiration date, and we expect to make future repurchases opportunistically.
Software Costs	'
	Software Costs During 2014, we completed studies evaluating the periods that we were utilizing our software assets. As of April 1 and July 1, 2014, we extended our estimated useful lives for capitalized non-network and network software, respectively, to five years to better reflect the estimated periods during which these assets will remain in service and to align with the estimated useful lives used in the industry. This change in accounting estimate increased net income $198, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the third quarter and $330, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2014.
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09), which replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between service and equipment, and the timing in which those revenues are recognized. ASU 2014-09 also specifies that incremental costs of obtaining or fulfilling our contracts with customers should be deferred. ASU 2014-09 becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
	The FASB will allow two adoption methods under ASU 2014-09. Under one method, a company will apply the rules to contracts in all reporting periods presented, subject to certain allowable exceptions. Under the other method, a company will apply the rules to all contracts existing as of January 1, 2017, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the change and provide additional disclosures comparing results to previous rules. We continue to evaluate the impact of the new standard and available adoption methods.

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di1

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), against the fair value of the derivative instruments.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
Reconciliation Of The Numerators And Denominators Of Basic Earnings Per Share And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerators
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Net Income	$	3,059	$	3,905	$	10,414	$	11,558
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		-57		-91		-213		-222
	Net Income attributable to AT&T		3,002		3,814		10,201		11,336
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Share-based payment		3		3		10		9
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$	3,005	$	3,817	$	10,211	$	11,345
	Denominators (000,000)
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		5,198		5,315		5,208		5,402
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Share-based payment (in shares)		16		16		16		17
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share		5,214		5,331		5,224		5,419
	Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T	$	0.58	$	0.72	$	1.96	$	2.1
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T	$	0.58	$	0.72	$	1.95	$	2.09

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	At September 30, 2014 and for the period ended:
			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	-367		$	450		$	445		$	7,352		$	7,880
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-29			30			272			-			273
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			416	1		-15	2		29	3		-657	4		-227
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			387			15			301			-657			46
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	20		$	465		$	746		$	6,695		$	7,926
	At September 30, 2013 and for the period ended:
			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	-284		$	272		$	-110		$	5,358		$	5,236
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-153			155			526			-			528
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			34	1		-13	2		22	3		-525	4		-482
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			-119			142			548			-525			46
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	-403		$	414		$	438		$	4,833		$	5,282
	1	Pre-tax translation loss reclassifications are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
	2	Pre-tax gains are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
	3	(Gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 6 for additional information.
	4	The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits, net of amounts capitalized as part of construction
		labor, are included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income
		(see Note 5). Actuarial loss reclassifications related to our equity method investees are included in Other income (expense) - net
		in the consolidated statements of income.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment	'
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	15,423	$	14,368	$	-	$	29,791
	Equipment		2,914		247		5		3,166
	Total segment operating revenues		18,337		14,615		5		32,957
	Operations and support expenses		11,855		10,761		400		23,016
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,965		2,571		3		4,539
	Total segment operating expenses		13,820		13,332		403		27,555
	Segment operating income (loss)		4,517		1,283		-398		5,402
	Interest expense		-		-		1,016		1,016
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-26		1		23		-2
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		42		42
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	4,491	$	1,284	$	-1,349	$	4,426
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	45,958	$	43,165	$	-	$	89,123
	Equipment		8,175		688		22		8,885
	Total segment operating revenues		54,133		43,853		22		98,008
	Operations and support expenses		34,305		31,918		783		67,006
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		5,931		7,769		6		13,706
	Total segment operating expenses		40,236		39,687		789		80,712
	Segment operating income (loss)		13,897		4,166		-767		17,296
	Interest expense		-		-		2,757		2,757
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-75		2		261		188
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		1,456		1,456
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,822	$	4,168	$	-1,807	$	16,183
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	15,460	$	14,403	$	-	$	29,863
	Equipment		2,020		267		8		2,295
	Total segment operating revenues		17,480		14,670		8		32,158
	Operations and support expenses		10,982		10,385		-12		21,355
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		1,875		2,736		4		4,615
	Total segment operating expenses		12,857		13,121		-8		25,970
	Segment operating income		4,623		1,549		16		6,188
	Interest expense		-		-		829		829
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-18		-		109		91
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		50		50
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	4,605	$	1,549	$	-654	$	5,500
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013								Consolidated Results
			Wireless		Wireline		Corporate and Other
	Service	$	45,892	$	43,266	$	-	$	89,158
	Equipment		5,570		832		29		6,431
	Total segment operating revenues		51,462		44,098		29		95,589
	Operations and support expenses		31,932		31,137		564		63,633
	Depreciation and amortization expenses		5,553		8,146		16		13,715
	Total segment operating expenses		37,485		39,283		580		77,348
	Segment operating income (loss)		13,977		4,815		-551		18,241
	Interest expense		-		-		2,481		2,481
	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		-55		1		548		494
	Other income (expense) – net		-		-		370		370
	Segment income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,922	$	4,816	$	-2,114	$	16,624

Pension_And_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	'
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses	'
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Pension cost:
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	282	$	331	$	846	$	991
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		661		608		1,984		1,822
	Expected return on assets		-849		-828		-2,549		-2,484
	Amortization of prior service credit		-24		-25		-71		-71
	Net pension cost	$	70	$	86	$	210	$	258
	Postretirement cost:
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	59	$	95	$	175	$	286
	Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		365		389		1,094		1,168
	Expected return on assets		-165		-177		-491		-533
	Amortization of prior service credit		-362		-263		-1,086		-788
	Net postretirement (credit) cost	$	-103	$	44	$	-308	$	133
	Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost	$	-33	$	130	$	-98	$	391

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di2

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments	'
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Notes and debentures	$	75,226		$	82,938		$	74,484		$	79,309
	Commercial paper		-			-			20			20
	Bank borrowings		5			5			1			1
	Investment securities		2,643			2,643			2,450			2,450
Fair Value Leveling	'
			30-Sep-14
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Domestic equities		$	1,108		$	-		$	-		$	1,108
	International equities			541			-			-			541
	Fixed income bonds			-			913			-			913
	Asset Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			131			-			131
	Cross-currency swaps			-			1,536			-			1,536
	Liability Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			-10			-			-10
	Cross-currency swaps			-			-901			-			-901
			31-Dec-13
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Domestic equities		$	1,049		$	-		$	-		$	1,049
	International equities			563			-			-			563
	Fixed income bonds			-			759			-			759
	Asset Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			191			-			191
	Cross-currency swaps			-			1,951			-			1,951
	Liability Derivatives1
	Interest rate swaps			-			-7			-			-7
	Cross-currency swaps			-			-519			-			-519
	1	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as Other assets, Other noncurrent liabilities and, for a portion of interest
		rate swaps, Other current assets.
Notional Amount Of Outstanding Derivative Positions	'
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps	$	6,550		$	4,750
	Cross-currency swaps		20,650			17,787
	Total	$	27,200		$	22,537
Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income	'
	Following is the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
	Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
	Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Three months ended						Nine months ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
	Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
	Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$	-70		$	9		$	-59		$	-78
	Gain (Loss) on long-term debt		70			-9			59			78
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Three months ended						Nine months ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
	Cross-currency swaps:
	Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	$	567		$	482		$	418		$	807
	Interest rate locks:
	Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income		-11			-11			-33			-34
	Foreign exchange contracts:
	Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI		-			5			-2			5

Acquisitions_Dispositions_And_1

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	'
Balance Sheet of Disposal Group	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets held for sale:
	Current assets	$	138	$	155
	Property, plant and equipment - net		1,436		1,289
	Goodwill		799		799
	Other assets		18		17
	Total assets	$	2,391	$	2,260
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Current liabilities	$	122	$	128
	Noncurrent liabilities		537		480
	Total liabilities	$	659	$	608

Sale_of_Equipment_Installment_1

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes In Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Finance Receivables	'
			Three months		Nine months
	Net receivables sold1		$	885	$	2,276
	Cash proceeds received			556		1,375
	Deferred purchase price recorded			324		889
	1	Gross receivables sold were $1,028 and $2,665 for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2014, respectively, before
		deducting the allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

Preparation_Of_Interim_Financi2

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Service Life [Member]	Service Life [Member]	Service Life [Member]	Service Life [Member]	Stock Repurchase Program March 2013 [Member]	Stock Repurchase Program March 2014 [Member]
		Software [Member]	Software [Member]	Software - Network [Member]	Software- Non-Network [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	300
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	415	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	'	'	'	'	'	$1,617	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	'	'	'	'	48	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life (years)	'	'	'	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate, Financial Effect	'	'$198, or $0.04 per diluted share	'$330, or $0.06 per diluted share	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,059	$3,905	$10,414	$11,558
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-57	-91	-213	-222
Net Income attributable to AT&T	3,002	3,814	10,201	11,336
Share-based payment	3	3	10	9
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$3,005	$3,817	$10,211	$11,345
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	5,198	5,315	5,208	5,402
Share-based payment (in shares)	16	16	16	17
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	5,214	5,331	5,224	5,419
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$0.58	$0.72	$1.96	$2.10
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$0.58	$0.72	$1.95	$2.09
Stock options issued and outstanding	11	12	11	12
Stock options with exercise prices above average market price of company stock	3	3	'	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	$7,880	$5,236
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	273	528
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	-227	-482
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	46	46
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	7,926	5,282
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	-367	-284
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	-29	-153
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	416	34
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	387	-119
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	20	-403
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	450	272
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	30	155
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	-15	-13
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	15	142
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	465	414
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	445	-110
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	272	526
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	29	22
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	301	548
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	746	438
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	7,352	5,358
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	0	0
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	-657	-525
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-657	-525
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$6,695	$4,833

Segment_Information_Summary_Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service	$29,791	$29,863	$89,123	$89,158
Equipment	3,166	2,295	8,885	6,431
Total segment operating revenues	32,957	32,158	98,008	95,589
Operations and support expenses	23,016	21,355	67,006	63,633
Depreciation and amortization expenses	4,539	4,615	13,706	13,715
Total segment operating expenses	27,555	25,970	80,712	77,348
Segment operating income (loss)	5,402	6,188	17,296	18,241
Interest expense	1,016	829	2,757	2,481
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	-2	91	188	494
Other income (expense) - net	42	50	1,456	370
Segment income (loss) before income taxes	4,426	5,500	16,183	16,624
Operating Segments [Member] | Wireless [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service	15,423	15,460	45,958	45,892
Equipment	2,914	2,020	8,175	5,570
Total segment operating revenues	18,337	17,480	54,133	51,462
Operations and support expenses	11,855	10,982	34,305	31,932
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,965	1,875	5,931	5,553
Total segment operating expenses	13,820	12,857	40,236	37,485
Segment operating income (loss)	4,517	4,623	13,897	13,977
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	-26	-18	-75	-55
Other income (expense) - net	0	0	0	0
Segment income (loss) before income taxes	4,491	4,605	13,822	13,922
Operating Segments [Member] | Wireline [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service	14,368	14,403	43,165	43,266
Equipment	247	267	688	832
Total segment operating revenues	14,615	14,670	43,853	44,098
Operations and support expenses	10,761	10,385	31,918	31,137
Depreciation and amortization expenses	2,571	2,736	7,769	8,146
Total segment operating expenses	13,332	13,121	39,687	39,283
Segment operating income (loss)	1,283	1,549	4,166	4,815
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	1	0	2	1
Other income (expense) - net	0	0	0	0
Segment income (loss) before income taxes	1,284	1,549	4,168	4,816
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service	0	0	0	0
Equipment	5	8	22	29
Total segment operating revenues	5	8	22	29
Operations and support expenses	400	-12	783	564
Depreciation and amortization expenses	3	4	6	16
Total segment operating expenses	403	-8	789	580
Segment operating income (loss)	-398	16	-767	-551
Interest expense	1,016	829	2,757	2,481
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	23	109	261	548
Other income (expense) - net	42	50	1,456	370
Segment income (loss) before income taxes	($1,349)	($654)	($1,807)	($2,114)

Segment_Information_Summary_Of1

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment) (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Segment Transaction [Abstract]	'
Number of Reportable Segments	2

Pension_And_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 09, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Combined net pension and postretirement cost increase (decrease)	'	'	($163)	'	($489)	'	'
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	'	'	29	27	87	82	'
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs - interest cost	'	'	27	25	82	76	'
Pension Contribution Date	9-Sep-13	'	'	'	'	'	'
Required contribution to our pension plans	'	'	'	'	420	'	560
Value of entity's noncash contribution to it's defined benefit plans	'	'	$9,114	'	$9,114	'	'
Voluntary Pension Contribution Department Of Labor Exemption Final Approval Date	'	'2014-07	'	'	'	'	'

Pension_And_Postretirement_Ben3

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net (credit) cost	($33)	$130	($98)	$391
Pension Benefit Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	282	331	846	991
Interest cost on benefit obligation	661	608	1,984	1,822
Expected return on assets	-849	-828	-2,549	-2,484
Amortization of prior service (credit)	-24	-25	-71	-71
Net (credit) cost	70	86	210	258
Postretirement Benefit Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	59	95	175	286
Interest cost on benefit obligation	365	389	1,094	1,168
Expected return on assets	-165	-177	-491	-533
Amortization of prior service (credit)	-362	-263	-1,086	-788
Net (credit) cost	($103)	$44	($308)	$133

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di3

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed income investments - maturities less than 1 year	$91	'
Fixed income investments - maturities within 1 to 3 years	277	'
Fixed income investments - maturities within 3 to 5 years	292	'
Fixed income investments - maturities for 5 or more years	253	'
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	42	'
Collateral received from counterparty	1,396	1,600
Collateral submitted to counterparty	58	8
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	71	'
Short-term investments	$1,890	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di4

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Notes and debentures	$75,226	$74,484
Commercial paper	0	20
Bank borrowings	5	1
Investment securities	2,643	2,450
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial paper	0	20
Bank borrowings	5	1
Investment securities	2,643	2,450
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'
Notes and debentures	$82,938	$79,309

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di5

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	$131	$191
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	-10	-7
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	1,536	1,951
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	-901	-519
Domestic Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	1,108	1,049
International Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	541	563
Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	913	759
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	1,108	1,049
Level 1 [Member] | International Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	541	563
Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	131	191
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	-10	-7
Level 2 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	1,536	1,951
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	-901	-519
Level 2 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | International Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	913	759
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | International Equities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di6

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$27,200	$22,537
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	6,550	4,750
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$20,650	$17,787

Fair_Value_Measurements_And_Di7

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	($70)	$9	($59)	($78)
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	70	-9	59	78
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	567	482	418	807
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	-11	-11	-33	-34
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	$0	$5	($2)	$5

Acquisitions_Dispositions_And_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 13, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Mar. 13, 2014

Mar. 13, 2014

Mar. 13, 2014

Mar. 13, 2014

Mar. 13, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

18-May-15

Nov. 13, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Oct. 24, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 15, 2014

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Acquisition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Disposition [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Leap Wireless International [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

Pending Approval [Member]

America Movil [Member]

America Movil [Member]

Connecticut Wireline [Member]

Connecticut Wireline [Member]

Connecticut Wireline [Member]

Connecticut Wireline [Member]

Licenses [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]

Customer Lists [Member]

Goodwill [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

DIRECTV [Member]

Federal Communication Commission [Member]

Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority [Member]

Initial Period [Member]

Extended Period [Member]

Stock Price Scenario 1 [Member]

Stock Price Scenario 2 [Member]

Stock Price Scenario 2 [Member]

Stock Price Scenario 3 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of assets - anticipated or actual acquisition date

'

'

13-Mar-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration

'

'

'one non-transferable contingent value right per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - end of termination rights period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18-May-15

13-Nov-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - purchase price

'

'

$1,248

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - purchase price (in US dollars per share)

'

'

$15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - preliminary value/amount of assets acquired

'

'

'

'

3,000

510

520

744

340

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Term Commitment - Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'In October 2014, DIRECTV and the National Football League renewed their agreement for the "NFL Sunday Ticket" service substantially on the terms discussed between AT&T and DIRECTV, satisfying one of the conditions to closing the merger.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement date sale of equity method investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-May-14

'

'

'

'

Debt redeemed or matured during period

-11,494

-11,716

'

3,889

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposition of asset - agreement period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2013-12

'

'

Disposal date of subsidiary/assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-14

'

24-Oct-14

'

'

'

Total sales price (in U.S. dollars) of the company's investment in subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,566

'

'

'

'

'

Disposition of business - pretax gain recognized from sale of subsidiary/investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,243

'

'

'

'

'

Dispositions

6,074

846

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,565

'

'

'

'

'

Disposition of business - estimated cash to be received from sale of subsidiary/investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000

'

'

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

'

'

3,889

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Regulatory Approval Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Jul-14

15-Oct-14

Pendiing Acquisitions Dispositions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - agreement date or period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-May-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual acquisition period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'first half of 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - acquired entity's stockholder approval date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Sep-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - purchase price (in US dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$95

$28.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - sellers debt, net of cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,852

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - noncash consideration to be given

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1.905 shares of AT&T stock per share of DIRECTV

'1.724 shares of AT&T stock per share of DIRECTV

'1.905 shares of AT&T stock per share of DIRECTV

'1.724 shares of AT&T stock per share of DIRECTV

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration to be given (in US dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$66.50

'

'

$34.90

$34.90

$38.58

$38.58

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Dispositions_And_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Operating Results Of Discontinued Operation) (Details) (Connecticut Wireline [Member], Disposition [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Connecticut Wireline [Member] | Disposition [Member]	'	'
Assets Held For Sale:	'	'
Current assets	$138	$155
Property, plant and equipment - net	1,436	1,289
Goodwill	799	799
Other assets	18	17
Total assets	2,391	2,260
Liabilities related to assets held for sale:	'	'
Current liabilities	122	128
Noncurrent liabilities	537	480
Total liabilities	$659	$608

Recovered_Sheet2

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]	'	'	'
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred purchase price recorded from sale of receivables	'	'	$901
Finance Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equipment installment sales - maximum installment period (in months)	'	'	'0 years 24 months 0 days
Total equipment installment receivable included on our consolidated balance sheets (in millions)	'	3,002	3,002
Agreement Date - Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	27-Jun-14	'	'
Maximum amount expected to be funded at any given time (in millions)	2,000	'	'
Receivables sold during period (in millions)	'	1,028	2,665
Finance Receivables [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equipment installment receivable included on our consolidated balance sheets (in millions)	'	1,861	1,861
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]	'	'	'
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivables sold during period (in millions)	'	885	2,276
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables	'	556	1,375
Deferred purchase price recorded from sale of receivables	'	$324	$889

Recovered_Sheet3

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Finance Receivables Net [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Finance Receivables Net [Member]	'	'
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net receivables sold	$885	$2,276
Cash proceeds received	556	1,375
Deferred purchase price recorded	$324	$889