AT&T (T) 10-Q 5 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	732,717
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Registrant Name	AT&T Inc.
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,156
Entity Trading Symbol	T

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Revenues
Service	$ 37,101	$ 28,962
Equipment	3,434	3,614
Total operating revenues	40,535	32,576
Operating Expenses
Equipment	4,375	4,546
Broadcast, programming and operations	4,629	1,122
Other cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	9,396	8,812
Selling, general and administrative	8,441	7,961
Depreciation and amortization	6,563	4,578
Total operating expenses	33,404	27,019
Operating Income	7,131	5,557
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(1,207)	(899)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	13	0
Other income (expense) - net	70	70
Total other income (expense)	(1,124)	(829)
Income Before Income Taxes	6,007	4,728
Income tax expense	2,122	1,389
Net Income	3,885	3,339
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(82)	(76)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 3,803	$ 3,263
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.62	$ 0.63
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.61	$ 0.63
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions)	6,172	5,203
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions)	6,190	5,219
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.48	$ 0.47

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,885	$ 3,339
Foreign currency:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $(10) and $(104)	(44)	(186)
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(15) and $19	(26)	33
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $(2) and $(3)	(3)	(5)
Cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $67 and $(190)	124	(354)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $5 and $4	10	7
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(131) and $(131)	(215)	(215)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(154)	(720)
Total comprehensive income	3,731	2,619
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(82)	(76)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 3,649	$ 2,543

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	$ (10)	$ (104)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities - tax	(15)	19
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on available-for-sale securities - tax effect	(2)	(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges - tax	67	(190)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on cash flow hedges - tax effect	5	4
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, tax effect	$ (131)	$ (131)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,008	$ 5,121
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $697 and $704	16,070	16,532
Prepaid expenses	1,378	1,072
Other current assets	10,545	13,267
Total current assets	38,001	35,992
Property, plant and equipment	309,380	306,227
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(185,926)	(181,777)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	123,454	124,450
Goodwill	104,651	104,568
Licenses	94,130	93,093
Customer Lists and Relationships - Net	17,197	18,208
Other Intangible Assets - Net	9,108	9,409
Investments in Equity Affiliates	1,594	1,606
Other Assets	15,503	15,346
Total Assets	403,638	402,672
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	8,399	7,636
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	26,169	30,372
Advanced billing and customer deposits	4,550	4,682
Accrued taxes	2,455	2,176
Dividends payable	2,955	2,950
Total current liabilities	44,528	47,816
Long-Term Debt	122,104	118,515
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	57,489	56,181
Postemployment benefit obligation	34,114	34,262
Other noncurrent liabilities	20,998	22,258
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	112,601	112,701
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015: issued 6,495,231,088 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015)	6,495	6,495
Additional paid-in capital	89,414	89,763
Retained earnings	34,506	33,671
Treasury stock (339,006,986 at March 31, 2016 and 350,291,239 at December 31, 2015, at cost)	(12,163)	(12,592)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,180	5,334
Noncontrolling interest	973	969
Total stockholders' equity	124,405	123,640
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 403,638	$ 402,672

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 697	$ 704
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	339,006,986	350,291,239

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 3,885	$ 3,339
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,563	4,578
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates	(13)	0
Provision for uncollectible accounts	374	285
Deferred income tax expense	1,346	252
Net gain from sale of investments, net of impairments	(44)	(33)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	627	739
Other current assets	612	408
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(4,006)	(1,817)
Retirement benefit funding	(140)	(140)
Other - net	(1,304)	(873)
Total adjustments	4,015	3,399
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	7,900	6,738
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(4,451)	(3,848)
Interest during construction	(218)	(123)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(165)	(19,514)
Dispositions	81	8
Sale of securities, net	445	1,890
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(4,308)	(21,587)
Financing Activities
Issuance of long-term debt	5,978	16,572
Repayment of long-term debt	(2,296)	(596)
Issuance of treasury stock	89	8
Dividends paid	(2,947)	(2,434)
Other	471	(2,860)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	1,295	10,690
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,887	(4,159)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year	5,121	8,603
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period	10,008	4,444
Cash paid (received) during the three months ended March 31 for:
Interest	1,459	1,021
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 477	$ (247)

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	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]
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 123,640	$ 6,495	$ 89,763	$ 33,671	$ (12,592)	$ 5,334	$ 969
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		6,495			(350)
Issuance of stock		$ 0
Issuance of stock (in shares)		0
Issuance of treasury stock			(41)		$ 429
Issuance of treasury stock, (in shares)					11
Share-based payments			(308)
Net income attributable to AT&T ($0.61 per diluted share)	3,803			3,803
Dividends to stockholders ($0.48 per share)				(2,968)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(154)					(154)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	82						82
Distributions							(78)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 124,405	$ 6,495	$ 89,414	$ 34,506	$ (12,163)	$ 5,180	$ 973
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016		6,495			(339)

Consolidated Statement Of Chan9

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Net income attributable to AT&T, per diluted share	$ 0.61	$ 0.63
Dividends to stockholders, per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.47

Preparation Of Interim Financia

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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.” These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. 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, 20 1 5 . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the results of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico for the pe riod from acquisition to the reporting date . Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment services industry, providing services and equipment that deliver voice, video and broadband services domestically and internationally. 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 investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees' other comprehensive inco me (OCI) items, including cumulative translation adjustments. 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. Cert ain amounts have been conform ed to the current perio d' s presentation, including our change in accounting to capitalize customer set-up and inst allations costs and amortize them over the expected economic life of the customer relationship . The consolidated statements of income also include revisions to present “Equipment” and “Broadcast, programming and ope rations” costs separately from “O ther cost of services . ” New Accounting Standards Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued ASU No. 2016-0 2 , “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-0 2 ), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-0 2 will require lessees to recognize most leases o n their balance sheets as liabilities, with correspo nding “right-of-use” assets. Leases will be classified as eithe r a finance or an operating lease with out relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key ch ange upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition . The inc ome statement recognition appear s si milar to our current methodology . ASU 2016-0 2 becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adopti on . We have just begun our evalua tion of the impact on our financial statements, as well as available adoption methods, but we believe our implementation of the revenue recognition standard discussed below could influence the timing of our adoption of ASU 2016-0 2 . Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09) and has since modified the standard with ASU 2015-14, “ Deferral of the Effective Date, ” ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” and ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contr acts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Perform ance Obligations and Licensing.” T hese standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 , as amended, becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point we plan to adopt the standard . The FASB allows 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, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the cha nge and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous rules (“modified retrospective method”) . W e continue to evaluate the impact of the new standard and available adoption methods . Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between various services and eq uipment, and the timing of when those revenues are recognized. We are still in the process of evaluat ing the se impact s. A s a result of our accounti ng policy change for customer set-up and installation costs in 2015, we believe under the new standard that the re qui rement to defer such costs will not result in a significant change to our results. H owever, the requirement to defer incremental contract acquisition costs and recognize them over the contract period or expected customer life will result in the recognition of a deferr ed charge on our balance sheets. We cannot currently estimate the impact of this change upon adoption , as the industry continues to undergo changes in how devices and services are sold to customers .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , is shown in the table below: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 3,885 $ 3,339 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (82) (76) Net income attributable to AT&T 3,803 3,263 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 4 4 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 3,807 $ 3,267 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 6,172 5,203 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 18 16 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,190 5,219 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.62 $ 0.63 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.61 $ 0.63

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	NOTE 3 . OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated other comprehensive income ( accumulated OCI ) are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. Following our 2015 acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless businesses in Mexico, we have additional foreign operations that are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates used to convert operations, assets and liabiliti es into U.S. dollars. Since December 31, 2015 , when compared to the U.S. dollar, the Brazilian real exchange rate has appreciated 9.3 % , the Argentin e peso exchange rate has depreciated 13.7 % and the Mexican peso exchange rate has depreciated 0 . 4 % . At March 31, 2016, 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, 2015 $ (1,198) $ 484 $ 16 $ 6,032 $ 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (44) (26) 124 - 54 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (3) 2 10 3 (215) 4 (208) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (44) (29) 134 (215) (154) Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,242) $ 455 $ 150 $ 5,817 $ 5,180 At March 31, 2015, 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, 2014 $ (26) $ 499 $ 741 $ 6,847 $ 8,061 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (186) 33 (354) - (507) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (5) 2 7 3 (215) 4 (213) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (186) 28 (347) (215) (720) Balance as of March 31, 2015 $ (212) $ 527 $ 394 $ 6,632 $ 7,341 1 Translation (gain) loss reclassifications are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses 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).

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Information
Segment Information	NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION Our segments are strategic business units that offer products and services to different customer segments over various technology platforms and/or in different geographies that are managed accordingly. Due to recent organizational changes and our July 24, 2015 , acquisition of DIRECTV, effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we revised our operating segments to align with our new management structure and organizational responsibilities. We analyze our operating segments based on segment contribution, which consists of operating income, excluding acquisition-related costs and other significant items (as discussed below), and equity in net income of affiliates for investments managed within each operating segment. We have four reportable segments: (1) Business Solutions, (2) Entertainment Group, (3) Consumer Mobility and (4) International. We also evaluate segment performance based on segment operating income before depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin. We believe EBITDA to be a relevant and useful measurement to our investors as it is part of our internal management reporting and planning processes and it is an important metric that management uses to evaluate segment operating performance. EBITDA does not give effect to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect available funds for distributions, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. The Business Solutions segment provides services to business, including multinational companies; governmental and wholesale customers; and individual subscribers who purchase wireless services through employer-sponsored plans. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products and broadband, collectively referred to as strategic business services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We utilize our wireless and wired networks (referred to as “wired” or “wireline”) to provide a complete communications solution to our business customers. The Entertainment Group segment provides video, Internet, voice communication and interactive and targeted advertising services to customers located in the U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and/or our satellite technology. The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwid e wireless service to consumers and wireless wholesale and resale subscribers located in the U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our U.S. wireless network to provide voice and data services, including high-spe ed Internet, video, and home monitoring services. The International segment provides entertainment services in Latin America and wireless services in Mexico. Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. We utilize our regional and national networks in Mexico to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communication services. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates. In reconciling items to consolidated operating income and income before income taxes, Corporate and Other includes: (1) operations that are not considered reportable segments and that are no longer integral to our operations or which we no longer actively market, and (2) 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. Certain operating items are not allocated to our business segments: Acquisition-related items include (1) operations and support items associated with the merger and integration of newly acquired businesses, and (2) the noncash amortization of intangible assets acquired in acquisitions. Certain significant items include (1) noncash actuarial gains and losses from pension and other postretirement benefits, (2) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (3) losses resulting from abandonment or impairment of assets and (4) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated. I nterest 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 also not included in each segment's reportable results. Our operating assets are utilized by multiple segments and consist of our wireless and wired networks as well as an international satellite fleet. We manage our assets to provide for the most efficient, effective and integrated service to our customers, not by operating segment , and therefore asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on network usage or asset utilization by segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 Revenue Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,609 $ 10,802 $ 6,807 $ 2,508 $ 4,299 $ - $ 4,299 Entertainment Group 12,658 9,578 3,080 1,488 1,592 3 1,595 Consumer Mobility 8,328 4,912 3,416 922 2,494 - 2,494 International 1,667 1,588 79 277 (198) 14 (184) Segment Total 40,262 26,880 13,382 5,195 8,187 $ 17 $ 8,204 Corporate and Other 273 377 (104) 17 (121) Acquisition-related items - 295 (295) 1,351 (1,646) Certain significant items - (711) 711 - 711 AT&T Inc. $ 40,535 $ 26,841 $ 13,694 $ 6,563 $ 7,131 For the three months ended March 31, 2015 Revenue Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,557 $ 11,073 $ 6,484 $ 2,342 $ 4,142 $ - $ 4,142 Entertainment Group 5,660 4,859 801 1,065 (264) (6) (270) Consumer Mobility 8,778 5,541 3,237 1,002 2,235 - 2,235 International 236 218 18 28 (10) - (10) Segment Total 32,231 21,691 10,540 4,437 6,103 $ (6) $ 6,097 Corporate and Other 345 234 111 20 91 Acquisition-related items - 299 (299) 121 (420) Certain significant items - 217 (217) - (217) AT&T Inc. $ 32,576 $ 22,441 $ 10,135 $ 4,578 $ 5,557 The following table is a reconciliation of operating contribution to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported on our consolidated statements of income. First Quarter 2016 2015 Business Solutions $ 4,299 $ 4,142 Entertainment Group 1,595 (270) Consumer Mobility 2,494 2,235 International (184) (10) Segment Operating Contribution 8,204 6,097 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (121) 91 Merger and integration charges (295) (299) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,351) (121) Employee separation charges (25) (217) Gain on wireless spectrum transactions 736 - Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates (17) 6 AT&T Operating Income 7,131 5,557 Interest Expense 1,207 899 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 13 - Other income (expense) - Net 70 70 Income Before Income Taxes $ 6,007 $ 4,728

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 . 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 t o provide benefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement. In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our domestic wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a fair value of $ 8,787 at March 31, 201 6 . 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 $140 to the trust during the three months ended March 31, 201 6 . So long as we make the distributions, we will have 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 have also agreed to make a cash contribution to the trust of $175 no later than the due date of our federal income tax return for 201 5 . 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. 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 March 31, 2016 2015 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 278 $ 299 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 495 474 Expected return on assets (778) (826) Amortization of prior service credit (26) (26) Net pension (credit) cost $ (31) $ (79) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 48 $ 55 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 243 242 Expected return on assets (89) (105) Amortization of prior service credit (319) (320) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (117) $ (128) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (148) $ (207) The increase of $ 59 in the first quarter of 2016 is primarily due to a lower expected return on assets resulting from a decrease in the value in the plan assets. We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the first quarter ended 2016 and 2015 , net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost s not included in the table above, w ere $ 23 and $ 20 , respectively.

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 measurement s 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. Our valuation techniques 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, 2015 . 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: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 129,229 $ 137,865 $ 124,847 $ 128,993 Bank borrowings 4 4 4 4 Investment securities 2,592 2,592 2,704 2,704 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. The carrying value of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates market value. The fair value measurement s 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. The carrying and fair values included above reflect our March 2016 debt exchange of $16,049 of DIRECTV notes for AT&T global notes with matching terms. Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 : March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,111 $ - $ - $ 1,111 International equities 541 - - 541 Fixed income bonds - 676 - 676 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 197 - 197 Cross-currency swaps - 519 - 519 Liability Derivatives 1 Cross-currency swaps - (2,582) - (2,582) 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" in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,132 $ - $ - $ 1,132 International equities 569 - - 569 Fixed income bonds - 680 - 680 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 136 - 136 Cross-currency swaps - 556 - 556 Foreign exchange contracts - 3 - 3 Liability Derivatives 1 Cross-currency swaps - (3,466) - (3,466) 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" in our consolidated balance sheets. 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 $ 99 have maturities of less than one year, $ 308 within one to three years, $ 65 within three to five years, and $ 204 for five or more years. Our cash equivalents (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. Short-term investments and customer deposits are recorded in “Other current assets” and our investment securities are recorded in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative Financial Instruments We enter into derivative transaction s 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. 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 i n 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 value s 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 , and March 31, 2015 , 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 generate d from the issuance of our Euro, British pound sterling , Canadian dollar and Swiss f ranc denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominations to fixed U.S. dollar denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate that is usually determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed or floating f oreign currency -denominated rate to a fixed U.S. dollar 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. 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 , and March 31, 2015 , 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 $ 59 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. 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 “O ther income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income . In the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and March 31, 2015 , 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 March 31, 2016 , we had posted collateral of $1,743 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $111 (a receipt liability) . Under the agreements, if our credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Fitch Ratings , before the final collateral exchange in March , we would have been required to post additional collateral of $ 130 . If DIRECTV Holdings LLC's credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P) and below Baa3 (Moody's) , we would owe an additional $195. At December 31, 2015 , we had posted collateral of $2,343 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $124 (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) exists , against the fair value of the derivative instruments. Following is the notional amount of our outstanding derivative positions: March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 7,050 $ 7,050 Cross-currency swaps 29,642 29,642 Foreign exchange contracts 3 100 Total $ 36,695 $ 36,792 Following are 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 March 31, March 31, 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ 66 $ 41 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt (66) (41) In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended March 31 were offset against interest expense. Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Three months ended March 31, March 31, 2016 2015 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 191 $ (228) Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI - (316) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (15) (11)

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	NOTE 7. ACQU IS I TIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS Acquisitions DIRECTV In July 2015 , we completed our acquisition of DIRECTV, a leading provider of digital television entertainment services in both the United States and Latin America. For accounting purposes, the transaction was valued at $47,409. Our operating results include the results of DIRECTV following the acquisition date. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were preliminarily determined using the income, cost and market approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework, other than long-term debt assumed in the acquisition (see Note 6 ). The income approach was primarily used to value the intangible assets, consisting of acquired customer relationships, orbital slots and trade names. The income approach estimates fair value for an asset based on the present value of cash flows projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flows are discounted at a required rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flows and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used primarily for property , plant and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the property, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. The fair value estimates are preliminary in nature and subject to adjustments, which could be material. Any necessary adjustments will be finalized within one year from the date of acquisition. Substantially all the receivables acquired are expected to be collectable. We have not identified any material unrecorded pre-acquisition contingencies where the related asset, liability or impairment is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired, and represents the future economic benefits that we expect to achieve as a result of acquisition. Prior to the finalization of the purchase price allocation, if information becomes available that would indicate it is probable that such events had occurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, such items will be included in the final purchase price allocation and may change goodwill. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the DIRECTV assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income taxes that existed as of the acquisition date. Assets acquired Cash $ 4,797 Accounts receivable 2,026 All other current assets 1,535 Property, plant and equipment 9,331 Intangible assets not subject to amortization Orbital slots 11,946 Trade name 1,371 Intangible assets subject to amortization Customer lists and relationships 19,508 Trade name 2,915 Other 457 Investments and other assets 2,388 Goodwill 34,449 Total assets acquired 90,723 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 5,733 Long-term debt 20,585 Other noncurrent liabilities 16,642 Total liabilities assumed 42,960 Net assets acquired 47,763 Noncontrolling interest (354) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 47,409 Purchased goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to our Entertainment Group and International segments. Nextel Mexico In April 2015 , we completed our acquisition of the subsidiaries of NII Holdings Inc., operating its wireless business in Mexico, for $1,875, including approximately $427 of net debt and other adjustments. The subsidiaries offered service under the name Nextel Mexico. The purchase price allocation of assets acquired w as : $376 in licenses, $1,167 in property, plant and equipment, $128 in customer lists and $19 3 of goodwill. The goodwill was allocated to our International segment. GSF Telecom In January 2015 , we acquired Mexican wireless company GSF Telecom Holdings, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (GSF Telecom) for $2,500, including net debt of approximately $700. GSF Telecom offered service under both the Iusacell and Unefon brand names in Mexico. The purchase price allocation of assets acquired w as : $735 in licenses, $658 in property, plant and equipment, $378 in customer lists, $26 in trade names and $95 6 of goodwill. The goodwill was allocated to our International segment. AWS-3 Auction In January 2015, we submitted winning bids of $18,189 in the Advan c ed Wireless Service ( AWS ) -3 Auction (FCC Auction 97) a portion of which represented spectrum clearing and First Responder Network Authority funding . We provided the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) an initial down payment of $921 in October 2014 and paid the remaining $17,268 in the first quarter of 2015.

Sale of Equipment Installment R

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 30 months, with the right to trade in the original equipment for a new device within a set period and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. As of March 31, 201 6 , and December 31, 201 5 , gross equipment installment receivables of $ 5,079 and $ 5,719 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $ 3,007 and $3,239 are notes receivable that are included in “Accounts receivable - net.” In 2014, we entered into the first of a series of uncommitted agreements pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under these agreements, we transferred the receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. Under the terms of the arrangements, 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 ended March 31, 2016 and 2015: Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 Gross receivables sold $ 2,482 $ 2,635 Net receivables sold 1 2,256 2,381 Cash proceeds received 1,521 1,524 Deferred purchase price recorded 719 858 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees. The deferred purchase price i s initially recorded a t estimated fair value, which i s based on remaining i nstallment payments expected to be collected, adjusted by the expected timing and v alue of device trade-ins, and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The estimated value of the device trade-ins considers prices offered to us by independent third parties that contemplate changes in value after the launch of a device model. The fair value measurements used are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 6). During the first quarter of 2016, we repurchased installment receivables previously sold to the Purchasers, with a fair value of $532. These transactions reduced our current deferred purchase price receivable by $539, resulting in a loss of $7 during the quarter. This loss is included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. At March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , our deferred purchase price receivable was $ 2,975 and $2,961, respectively, of which $ 1,469 and $1,772 is included in “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in “Other Assets.” Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these equipment installment receivables is limited to the amount of our deferred purchase price at any point in time. The sales of equipment installment receivables did not have a material impact on 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 Financ18

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	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.” These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. 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, 20 1 5 . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the results of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico for the pe riod from acquisition to the reporting date . Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment services industry, providing services and equipment that deliver voice, video and broadband services domestically and internationally. 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 investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees' other comprehensive inco me (OCI) items, including cumulative translation adjustments. 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. Cert ain amounts have been conform ed to the current perio d' s presentation, including our change in accounting to capitalize customer set-up and inst allations costs and amortize them over the expected economic life of the customer relationship . The consolidated statements of income also include revisions to present “Equipment” and “Broadcast, programming and ope rations” costs separately from “O ther cost of services . ”
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued ASU No. 2016-0 2 , “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-0 2 ), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-0 2 will require lessees to recognize most leases o n their balance sheets as liabilities, with correspo nding “right-of-use” assets. Leases will be classified as eithe r a finance or an operating lease with out relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key ch ange upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition . The inc ome statement recognition appear s si milar to our current methodology . ASU 2016-0 2 becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adopti on . We have just begun our evalua tion of the impact on our financial statements, as well as available adoption methods, but we believe our implementation of the revenue recognition standard discussed below could influence the timing of our adoption of ASU 2016-0 2 . Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09) and has since modified the standard with ASU 2015-14, “ Deferral of the Effective Date, ” ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” and ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contr acts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Perform ance Obligations and Licensing.” T hese standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 , as amended, becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point we plan to adopt the standard . The FASB allows 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, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the cha nge and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous rules (“modified retrospective method”) . W e continue to evaluate the impact of the new standard and available adoption methods . Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between various services and eq uipment, and the timing of when those revenues are recognized. We are still in the process of evaluat ing the se impact s. A s a result of our accounti ng policy change for customer set-up and installation costs in 2015, we believe under the new standard that the re qui rement to defer such costs will not result in a significant change to our results. H owever, the requirement to defer incremental contract acquisition costs and recognize them over the contract period or expected customer life will result in the recognition of a deferr ed charge on our balance sheets. We cannot currently estimate the impact of this change upon adoption , as the industry continues to undergo changes in how devices and services are sold to customers .

Pension And Postretirement Be19

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Capitalization Of Benefit Plan Costs	A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects , providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.

Fair Value Measurements And D20

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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) exists , against the fair value of the derivative instruments.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation Of The Numerators And Denominators Of Basic Earnings Per Share And Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 3,885 $ 3,339 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (82) (76) Net income attributable to AT&T 3,803 3,263 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 4 4 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 3,807 $ 3,267 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 6,172 5,203 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 18 16 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,190 5,219 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.62 $ 0.63 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.61 $ 0.63

Accumulated Other Comprehensi22

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	At March 31, 2016, 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, 2015 $ (1,198) $ 484 $ 16 $ 6,032 $ 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (44) (26) 124 - 54 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (3) 2 10 3 (215) 4 (208) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (44) (29) 134 (215) (154) Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,242) $ 455 $ 150 $ 5,817 $ 5,180 At March 31, 2015, 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, 2014 $ (26) $ 499 $ 741 $ 6,847 $ 8,061 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (186) 33 (354) - (507) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (5) 2 7 3 (215) 4 (213) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (186) 28 (347) (215) (720) Balance as of March 31, 2015 $ (212) $ 527 $ 394 $ 6,632 $ 7,341 1 Translation (gain) loss reclassifications are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses 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).

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Information
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated Statements of Income	For the three months ended March 31, 2016 Revenue Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,609 $ 10,802 $ 6,807 $ 2,508 $ 4,299 $ - $ 4,299 Entertainment Group 12,658 9,578 3,080 1,488 1,592 3 1,595 Consumer Mobility 8,328 4,912 3,416 922 2,494 - 2,494 International 1,667 1,588 79 277 (198) 14 (184) Segment Total 40,262 26,880 13,382 5,195 8,187 $ 17 $ 8,204 Corporate and Other 273 377 (104) 17 (121) Acquisition-related items - 295 (295) 1,351 (1,646) Certain significant items - (711) 711 - 711 AT&T Inc. $ 40,535 $ 26,841 $ 13,694 $ 6,563 $ 7,131 For the three months ended March 31, 2015 Revenue Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,557 $ 11,073 $ 6,484 $ 2,342 $ 4,142 $ - $ 4,142 Entertainment Group 5,660 4,859 801 1,065 (264) (6) (270) Consumer Mobility 8,778 5,541 3,237 1,002 2,235 - 2,235 International 236 218 18 28 (10) - (10) Segment Total 32,231 21,691 10,540 4,437 6,103 $ (6) $ 6,097 Corporate and Other 345 234 111 20 91 Acquisition-related items - 299 (299) 121 (420) Certain significant items - 217 (217) - (217) AT&T Inc. $ 32,576 $ 22,441 $ 10,135 $ 4,578 $ 5,557 The following table is a reconciliation of operating contribution to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported on our consolidated statements of income. First Quarter 2016 2015 Business Solutions $ 4,299 $ 4,142 Entertainment Group 1,595 (270) Consumer Mobility 2,494 2,235 International (184) (10) Segment Operating Contribution 8,204 6,097 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (121) 91 Merger and integration charges (295) (299) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,351) (121) Employee separation charges (25) (217) Gain on wireless spectrum transactions 736 - Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates (17) 6 AT&T Operating Income 7,131 5,557 Interest Expense 1,207 899 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 13 - Other income (expense) - Net 70 70 Income Before Income Taxes $ 6,007 $ 4,728

Pension And Postretirement Be24

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses	Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 278 $ 299 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 495 474 Expected return on assets (778) (826) Amortization of prior service credit (26) (26) Net pension (credit) cost $ (31) $ (79) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 48 $ 55 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 243 242 Expected return on assets (89) (105) Amortization of prior service credit (319) (320) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (117) $ (128) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (148) $ (207)

Fair Value Measurements And D25

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments	March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 129,229 $ 137,865 $ 124,847 $ 128,993 Bank borrowings 4 4 4 4 Investment securities 2,592 2,592 2,704 2,704 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.
Fair Value Leveling	March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,111 $ - $ - $ 1,111 International equities 541 - - 541 Fixed income bonds - 676 - 676 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 197 - 197 Cross-currency swaps - 519 - 519 Liability Derivatives 1 Cross-currency swaps - (2,582) - (2,582) 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" in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,132 $ - $ - $ 1,132 International equities 569 - - 569 Fixed income bonds - 680 - 680 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 136 - 136 Cross-currency swaps - 556 - 556 Foreign exchange contracts - 3 - 3 Liability Derivatives 1 Cross-currency swaps - (3,466) - (3,466) 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" in our consolidated balance sheets.
Notional Amount Of Outstanding Derivative Positions	March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 7,050 $ 7,050 Cross-currency swaps 29,642 29,642 Foreign exchange contracts 3 100 Total $ 36,695 $ 36,792
Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income	Following are 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 March 31, March 31, 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ 66 $ 41 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt (66) (41) Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Three months ended March 31, March 31, 2016 2015 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 191 $ (228) Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI - (316) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (15) (11)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An26

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Assets acquired Cash $ 4,797 Accounts receivable 2,026 All other current assets 1,535 Property, plant and equipment 9,331 Intangible assets not subject to amortization Orbital slots 11,946 Trade name 1,371 Intangible assets subject to amortization Customer lists and relationships 19,508 Trade name 2,915 Other 457 Investments and other assets 2,388 Goodwill 34,449 Total assets acquired 90,723 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 5,733 Long-term debt 20,585 Other noncurrent liabilities 16,642 Total liabilities assumed 42,960 Net assets acquired 47,763 Noncontrolling interest (354) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 47,409

Sale of Equipment Installment27

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets [Abstract]
Finance Receivables	Three months ended March 31, 2016 2015 Gross receivables sold $ 2,482 $ 2,635 Net receivables sold 1 2,256 2,381 Cash proceeds received 1,521 1,524 Deferred purchase price recorded 719 858 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 3,885	$ 3,339
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(82)	(76)
Net Income attributable to AT&T	3,803	3,263
Share-based payment	4	4
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 3,807	$ 3,267
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	6,172	5,203
Share-based payment (in shares)	18	16
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	6,190	5,219
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.62	$ 0.63
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.61	$ 0.63

Accumulated Other Comprehensi29

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	$ 5,334	$ 8,061
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	54	(507)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	(208)	(213)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(154)	(720)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	5,180	7,341
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(1,198)	(26)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	(44)	(186)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(44)	(186)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(1,242)	(212)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	484	499
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	(26)	33
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	(3)	(5)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(29)	28
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	455	527
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	16	741
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	124	(354)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	10	7
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	134	(347)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	150	394
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	6,032	6,847
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	0	0
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	(215)	(215)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(215)	(215)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ 5,817	$ 6,632

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Brazillian, Real [Member] | Appreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	9.30%
Argentina, Pesos [Member] | Depreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	13.70%
Mexico, Pesos [Member] | Depreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	0.40%

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Narrative) (Details)	Jul. 24, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments		4
DIRECTV [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition - Effective Date of Acquisition	Jul. 24, 2015

Segment Information (Summary 32

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 40,535	$ 32,576
Operations and Support Expenses	26,841	22,441
EBITDA	13,694	10,135
Depreciation and Amortization	6,563	4,578
Operating Income (Loss)	7,131	5,557
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	13	0
Segment Contribution	6,007	4,728
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	17,609	17,557
Operations and Support Expenses	10,802	11,073
EBITDA	6,807	6,484
Depreciation and Amortization	2,508	2,342
Operating Income (Loss)	4,299	4,142
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Segment Contribution	4,299	4,142
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,658	5,660
Operations and Support Expenses	9,578	4,859
EBITDA	3,080	801
Depreciation and Amortization	1,488	1,065
Operating Income (Loss)	1,592	(264)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	3	(6)
Segment Contribution	1,595	(270)
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,328	8,778
Operations and Support Expenses	4,912	5,541
EBITDA	3,416	3,237
Depreciation and Amortization	922	1,002
Operating Income (Loss)	2,494	2,235
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Segment Contribution	2,494	2,235
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,667	236
Operations and Support Expenses	1,588	218
EBITDA	79	18
Depreciation and Amortization	277	28
Operating Income (Loss)	(198)	(10)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	14	0
Segment Contribution	(184)	(10)
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	40,262	32,231
Operations and Support Expenses	26,880	21,691
EBITDA	13,382	10,540
Depreciation and Amortization	5,195	4,437
Operating Income (Loss)	8,187	6,103
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	17	(6)
Segment Contribution	8,204	6,097
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	273	345
Operations and Support Expenses	377	234
EBITDA	(104)	111
Depreciation and Amortization	17	20
Operating Income (Loss)	(121)	91
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Acquisition-related items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	295	299
EBITDA	(295)	(299)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,351	121
Operating Income (Loss)	(1,646)	(420)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Certain Significant Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	(711)	217
EBITDA	711	(217)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 711	$ (217)

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Operating Income Loss to Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ 7,131	$ 5,557
Interest Expense	1,207	899
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	13	0
Other income (expense) - net	70	70
Income Before Income Taxes	6,007	4,728
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	4,299	4,142
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	4,299	4,142
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	1,592	(264)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	3	(6)
Income Before Income Taxes	1,595	(270)
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	2,494	2,235
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	2,494	2,235
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(198)	(10)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	14	0
Income Before Income Taxes	(184)	(10)
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Contribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	8,187	6,103
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	17	(6)
Income Before Income Taxes	8,204	6,097
Reconciling Items [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(121)	91
Reconciling Items [Member] | Merger and intergration charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(295)	(299)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Amortization of intangibles acquired [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(1,351)	(121)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Employee separate charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(25)	(217)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Gain on wireless spectrum transactions [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	736	0
Reconciling Items [Member] | Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ (17)	$ 6

Pension And Postretirement Be34

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost increase (decrease)	$ 59
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	23	$ 20
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Contribution Date				Dec. 31, 2013
Required contribution to pension plans	140		$ 560
Annualized cash distributions to be received by the trust/pension			$ 175
Value of entity's noncash contribution to it's defined benefit plans	$ 8,787

Pension And Postretirement Be35

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (credit) cost	$ (148)	$ (207)
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	278	299
Interest cost on benefit obligation	495	474
Expected return on assets	(778)	(826)
Amortization of prior service credit	(26)	(26)
Net (credit) cost	(31)	(79)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	48	55
Interest cost on benefit obligation	243	242
Expected return on assets	(89)	(105)
Amortization of prior service credit	(319)	(320)
Net (credit) cost	$ (117)	$ (128)

Fair Value Measurements And D36

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral received from counterparty	$ 111	$ 124
Collateral submitted to counterparty	1,743	2,343
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	130
Fixed income investments - maturities less than 1 year	99
Fixed income investments - maturities within 1 to 3 years	308
Fixed income investments - maturities within 3 to 5 years	65
Fixed income investments - maturities for 5 or more years	204
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	(59)
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
AT&T global notes - debt exchange	129,229	124,847
Carrying Amount [Member] | Debt Exchange [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
AT&T global notes - debt exchange	16,049
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
AT&T global notes - debt exchange	137,865	$ 128,993
Fair Value [Member] | Debt Exchange [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
AT&T global notes - debt exchange	16,049
DIRECTV [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 195

Fair Value Measurements And D37

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Amount [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	$ 129,229	$ 124,847
Bank borrowings	4	4
Investment securities	2,592	2,704
Fair Value [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Bank borrowings	4	4
Investment securities	2,592	2,704
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	$ 137,865	$ 128,993

Fair Value Measurements And D38

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	$ 197	$ 136
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	519	556
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(2,582)	(3,466)
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		3
Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	1,111	1,132
International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	541	569
Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	676	680
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
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] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		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)	1,111	1,132
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	569
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)	197	136
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)	519	556
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(2,582)	(3,466)
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		3
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)	676	680
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
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] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		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 D39

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 36,695	$ 36,792
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	7,050	7,050
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	29,642	29,642
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 3	$ 100

Fair Value Measurements And D40

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ 66	$ 41
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	(66)	(41)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	191	(228)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	0	(316)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	$ (15)	$ (11)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An41

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller					$ 165	$ 19,514
Operating profit for Venuezuela using SICAD exchange rate					$ 13,694	10,135
DIRECTV [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of assets - anticipated or actual acquisition date	Jul. 31, 2015
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired	$ 47,409
FCC Auction 97 [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of assets - anticipated or actual acquisition date			Jan. 31, 2015
Acquisition of intangible assets through a group purchase - value/amount of assets acquired			$ 18,189
Acquisition of business - cash payment to acquire assets				$ 921		$ 17,268
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of assets - anticipated or actual acquisition date			Jan. 31, 2015
Acquistion of business - allocaton to debt, net of cash received by seller			$ 700
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller			2,500
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired			658
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Customer lists and relationships [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired			378
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired			956
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired			735
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired			$ 26
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of assets - anticipated or actual acquisition date		Apr. 30, 2015
Acquistion of business - allocaton to debt, net of cash received by seller		$ 427
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller		1,875
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired		1,167
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Customer lists and relationships [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired		128
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired		193
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired		$ 376

Acquisitions, Dispositions An42

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Fair Value of Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015
Assets acquired
Goodwill	$ 104,651	$ 104,568
DIRECTV [Member]
Assets acquired
Cash			$ 4,797
Accounts Receivable			2,026
All other current assets			1,535
Property, plant and equipment			9,331
Investments and other assets			2,388
Goodwill			34,449
Total assets acquired			90,723
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt			5,733
Long-term debt			20,585
Other noncurrent liabilities			16,642
Total liabilities assumed			42,960
Net assets acquired			47,763
Noncontrolling interest			(354)
Aggregate value of consideration paid			47,409
DIRECTV [Member] | Customer lists and relationships [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization			19,508
DIRECTV [Member] | Other [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization			457
DIRECTV [Member] | Orbital Slots [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			11,946
DIRECTV [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets not subject to amortization			1,371
Intangible assets subject to amortization			$ 2,915

Sale Of Equipment Installment43

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	$ 2,482	$ 2,635
Sale of equipment installment receivables - cash proceeds	1,521	1,524
Deferred purchase price recorded	719	858
Other Assets - current	10,545		$ 13,267
Other Assets - noncurrent	15,503		15,346
Selling, general and administrative	8,441	7,961
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets	2,975		2,961
Other Assets - current	1,469		1,772
Reduction of current deferred purchase price receivable for repurchase	$ 539
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Equipment installment sales - maximum installment period (in months)	30 months
Other Assets	$ 5,079		5,719
Loss on repurchase of finance receivables	7
Repurchased installment receivables previously sold to the Purchasers	532
Finance Receivables [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Gross equipment installment receivables balance - current	3,007		$ 3,239
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	$ 2,256	$ 2,381

Sale Of Equipment Installment44

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	$ 2,482	$ 2,635
Cash proceeds received	1,521	1,524
Deferred purchase price recorded	719	858
Finance Receivables Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	$ 2,256	$ 2,381