AT&T (T) 10-K 17 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document Entity Information

Document Entity Information - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 10, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	AT&T Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	732,717
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,142
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Public Float	$ 266
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Trading Symbol	T

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues
Service	$ 148,884	$ 131,677	$ 118,437
Equipment	14,902	15,124	14,010
Total operating revenues	163,786	146,801	132,447
Operating Expenses
Equipment	18,757	19,268	18,946
Broadcast, programming and operations	19,851	11,996	4,075
Other cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	38,276	35,782	37,124
Selling, general and administrative	36,347	32,919	39,697
Asset abandonments and impairments	361	35	2,120
Depreciation and amortization	25,847	22,016	18,273
Total operating expenses	139,439	122,016	120,235
Operating Income	24,347	24,785	12,212
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(4,910)	(4,120)	(3,613)
Equity in net income of affiliates	98	79	175
Other income (expense) - net	277	(52)	1,581
Total other income (expense)	(4,535)	(4,093)	(1,857)
Income Before Income Taxes	19,812	20,692	10,355
Income tax expense	6,479	7,005	3,619
Net Income	13,333	13,687	6,736
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(357)	(342)	(294)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 12,976	$ 13,345	$ 6,442
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.1	$ 2.37	$ 1.24
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.1	$ 2.37	$ 1.24

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 13,333	$ 13,687	$ 6,736
Foreign Currency:
Translation adjustments (includes $20, $(16) and $0 attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $357, $(595) and $(45)	(777)	(1,188)	(75)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $0 and $224	0	0	416
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $36, $0, and $40	58	0	65
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $(1), $(9) and $(10)	(1)	(15)	(16)
Cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $371, $(411) and $140	690	(763)	260
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $21, $20 and $18	38	38	36
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net prior service credit arising during period, net of taxes of $305, $27 and $262	497	45	428
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(525), $(523) and $(588)	(858)	(860)	(959)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $0 and $11	0	0	26
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(353)	(2,743)	181
Total comprehensive Income	12,980	10,944	6,917
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(377)	(326)	(294)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 12,603	$ 10,618	$ 6,623

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ 20	$ (16)	$ 0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	357	(595)	(45)
Reclassification adjustment in net income on currency translation adjustments - tax effect	0	0	224
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	36	0	40
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	(1)	(9)	(10)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, tax effect	371	(411)	140
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on cash flow hedges, tax effect	21	20	18
Net prior service credit (cost) arising during period - tax effect	305	27	262
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income, tax effect	(525)	(523)	(588)
Reclassification adjustment in net income on defined benefit postretirement plans- tax effect	$ 0	$ 0	$ 11

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,788	$ 5,121
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $661 and $704	16,794	16,532
Prepaid expenses	1,555	1,072
Other current assets	14,232	13,267
Total current assets	38,369	35,992
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	124,899	124,450
Goodwill	105,207	104,568
Licenses	94,176	93,093
Customer Lists and Relationships - Net	14,243	18,208
Other Intangible Assets - Net	8,441	9,409
Investments in Equity Affiliates	1,674	1,606
Other Assets	16,812	15,346
Total Assets	403,821	402,672
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	9,832	7,636
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,138	30,372
Advanced billings and customer deposits	4,519	4,682
Accrued taxes	2,079	2,176
Dividends payable	3,008	2,950
Total current liabilities	50,576	47,816
Long-Term Debt	113,681	118,515
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	60,128	56,181
Postemployment benefit obligation	33,578	34,262
Other noncurrent liabilities	21,748	22,258
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	115,454	112,701
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2016 and 2015: issued 6,495,231,088 at December 31, 2016 and 2015)	6,495	6,495
Additional paid-in capital	89,604	89,763
Retained earnings	34,734	33,671
Treasury stock (356,237,141 at December 31, 2016 and 350,291,239 at December 31, 2015, at cost)	(12,659)	(12,592)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,961	5,334
Noncontrolling interest	975	969
Total stockholders' equity	124,110	123,640
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 403,821	$ 402,672

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 661	$ 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	356,237,141	350,291,239

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net Income	$ 13,333	$ 13,687	$ 6,736
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,847	22,016	18,273
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates	(37)	(49)	(27)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,474	1,416	1,032
Deferred income tax expense	2,947	4,117	1,948
Net (gain) loss from sale of investments, net of impairments	(169)	91	(1,461)
Actuarial loss (gain) on pension and postretirement benefits	1,024	(2,152)	7,869
Asset abandonments and impairments	361	35	2,120
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,003)	30	(693)
Other current assets	1,708	(1,182)	(1,018)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	118	1,354	2,310
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	(576)	(3,023)	(5,043)
Deferred fulfillment costs	(2,359)	(1,437)	(347)
Retirement benefit funding	(910)	(735)	(560)
Other - net	(2,414)	1,712	199
Total adjustments	26,011	22,193	24,602
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	39,344	35,880	31,338
Investing Activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(21,516)	(19,218)	(21,199)
Interest during construction	(892)	(797)	(234)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,959)	(30,759)	(3,141)
Disposition	646	83	8,123
Sales (purchases) of securities, net	506	1,545	(1,890)
Other	0	2	4
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(24,215)	(49,144)	(18,337)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	0	(1)	(16)
Issuance of long-term debt	10,140	33,969	15,926
Repayment of long-term debt	(10,823)	(10,042)	(10,400)
Issuance of other long-term financing obligations	0	0	107
Purchase of treasury stock	(512)	(269)	(1,617)
Issuance of treasury stock	146	143	39
Dividends paid	(11,797)	(10,200)	(9,552)
Other	(1,616)	(3,818)	(2,224)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	(14,462)	9,782	(7,737)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	667	(3,482)	5,264
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year	5,121	8,603	3,339
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Year	$ 5,788	$ 5,121	$ 8,603

Consolidated Statements Of Chan

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - 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, 2013	$ 94,610	$ 6,495	$ 91,091	$ 34,269	$ (45,619)	$ 7,880	$ 494
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		6,495			(1,269)
Issuance of shares - common stock (value)		$ 0
Issuance of shares - common stock (in shares)		0
Repurchase of common stock					$ (1,617)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(48)
Issuance of treasury stock			4		$ 207
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)					9
Share-based payments			47
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners			(34)
Net income attributable to AT&T ($2.10, $2.37 and $1.24 per diluted share)	6,442			6,442
Dividends to stockholders ($1.93, $1.89 and $1.85 per share)				(9,630)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	181					181
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	294						294
Distributions							(233)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests							69
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners							(70)
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	90,270	$ 6,495	91,108	31,081	$ (47,029)	8,061	554
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	0						0
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		6,495			(1,308)
Issuance of shares - common stock (value)		$ 0
Issuance of shares - common stock (in shares)		0
Repurchase of common stock					$ (278)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(8)
Issuance of treasury stock			(1,597)		$ 34,715
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)					966
Share-based payments			252
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners			0
Net income attributable to AT&T ($2.10, $2.37 and $1.24 per diluted share)	13,345			13,345
Dividends to stockholders ($1.93, $1.89 and $1.85 per share)				(10,755)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(2,727)					(2,727)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	342						342
Distributions							(294)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests							383
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners							0
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2015	123,640	$ 6,495	89,763	33,671	$ (12,592)	5,334	969
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	(16)						(16)
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		6,495			(350)
Issuance of shares - common stock (value)		$ 0
Issuance of shares - common stock (in shares)		0
Repurchase of common stock					$ (655)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(17)
Issuance of treasury stock			(43)		$ 588
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)					11
Share-based payments			(140)
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners			24
Net income attributable to AT&T ($2.10, $2.37 and $1.24 per diluted share)	12,976			12,976
Dividends to stockholders ($1.93, $1.89 and $1.85 per share)				(11,913)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(373)					(373)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	357						357
Distributions							(346)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests							0
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners							(25)
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2016	124,110	$ 6,495	$ 89,604	$ 34,734	$ (12,659)	$ 4,961	975
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ 20						$ 20
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		6,495			(356)

Consolidated Statements Of Cha9

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

[1]

Sep. 30, 2016

[1]

Jun. 30, 2016

[1]

Mar. 31, 2016

[1]

Dec. 31, 2015

[1]

Sep. 30, 2015

[1]

Jun. 30, 2015

[1]

Mar. 31, 2015

[1]

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity

Net income attributable to AT&T, per diluted share

$ 0.39

$ 0.54

$ 0.55

$ 0.61

$ 0.65

$ 0.5

$ 0.59

$ 0.63

$ 2.1

$ 2.37

$ 1.24

Dividends to stockholders, per share

$ 0.49

$ 0.48

$ 1.93

$ 1.85

$ 1.81

[1]

Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year.

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the results of DIREC TV and wireless properties in Mexico for the period from acquisition to the reporting date . Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment se rvices 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-o wned 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 per iod end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including actuarial gains and losses on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and cumulative translation adjustments. The pr eparation 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 e stimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation. Network Asset Lives and Salvage Values During the fourth quarter of 2016, w e aligned the estimated useful lives and salvage values for certain network assets that are impacted by our IP strategy with our updated business cases and engineering studies. This change in accounting estimate decreased depreciation expense and impacted net income $ 286 , or $ 0.0 5 per diluted share, for 2016 . Customer Fulfillment Costs During the second quarter of 2016, we updated our analysis of the economic lives of customer relationships, which included a review of satellite customer data following the DIRECTV acquisition. As of April 1, 2016 , we extended the amortization period to better reflect the estimated economic lives of satellite and certain business customer relationships. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of services and impacted net income $ 236 , or $ 0.0 4 per diluted share, for 2016 . Income Taxes We provide deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the computed tax basis of those assets and liabilities. We provide valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets (included, together with our deferred income tax assets, as part of our reportable net deferred income tax liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets), for which the realization is uncertain. We review these items regula rly in light of changes in federal and state tax laws and changes in our business. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amounts approximat e fair value. At December 31, 2016 , we held $1,803 in cash and $3,985 in money market funds and other cash equivalents. Of our total cash and cash equivalents, $776 resided in foreign jurisdictions, some of which is subject t o restrictions on repatriation. Revenue Recognition Revenues derived from wireless, fixed telephone, data and video services are recognized when services are provided. This is based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed), pe riod of time (e.g., monthly service fees) or other established fee schedules. Our service revenues are billed either in advance, arrears or are prepaid. W e record revenue reductions for estimated future adjustments to customer accounts at the time revenue is recognized based on historical experience. We report revenues from transactions between us and our customers net of taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. R evenues related to nonrefundable, upfront service act ivation and setup fees are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer life . Revenue recognized from contracts that bundle services and equipment is limited to the lesser of the amount allocated based on the relative sel ling price of the equipment and service already delivered or the amount paid and owed by the customer for the equipment and service already delivered. Service revenues also include billings to our customers for various regulatory fees imposed on us by gove rnmental authorities. We record the sale of equipment to customers when we no longer have any requirements to perform, title ha s passed, and the products are accepted by customers. W e record the sale of equipment and services to customers as gross revenue w hen we are the principal in the arrangement and net of the associated costs incurred when we are not considered the principal. We offer to our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 30 months, and, in many cases, they have the right to trade in the original equipment within a set period and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied upon the purchase of a new device under a new installment plan. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of the customer receivable, net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We record expense to maintain an allowance for doubtful accou nts for estimated losses that result from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments deemed collectable from the customer when the service was provided or product was delivered. When determining the allowance, we consider the proba bility of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience, taking into account current collection trends as well as general economic factors, including bankruptcy rates. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recove ries, as well as an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved for when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as catastrophes or pen ding bankruptcies. Inventory Inventories, which are included in “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, were $2,039 at December 31, 2016 , and $4,033 at December 31, 2015 . Wirele ss devices and accessories, which are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, were $1,951 at December 31, 2016 , and $3,998 at December 31, 2015 . Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, except for assets acquired using acquisition accounting, which are initially recorded at fair value (see Note 6). The cost of additions and substantial improvements to property, plant and equipment is capitalized , and includes internal compensation costs for these projects; however, noncash actuarial gains or losses included in compensation costs are excluded from amounts reported as “capital expenditures.” The cost of m aintenance and repairs of property, plant and equipment is charged to operating expenses. Property, plant and equipment costs are depreciated using straight-line methods over their estimated economic lives. Certain subsidiaries follow composite group depre ciation methodology. Accordingly, when a portion of their depreciable property, plant and equipment is retired in the ordinary course of business, the gross book value is reclassified to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized on the di sposition of these assets. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss when the carryi ng amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we identified certain assets for impairment. These assets primarily related to capitalized costs for wireless sites that are no longer in our construction plans. (See Note 6) The liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligat ion is recorded in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate. The increase in the carrying value of the associated long-lived asset is depreciated over the corresponding estimated economic life. Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in conne ction with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in “Property, Plant and Equipment” on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, there is certain network software that allows the equipment to provide the features and functions unique to the AT&T network, which we include in the cost of the equipment categories for financial reporting purposes. We amortize our capitalized software costs over a three -year to five -year period, reflecting the estimated perio d during which these assets will remain in service, which also aligns with the estimated useful lives used in the industry. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets AT&T has five major classes of intangible assets: goodwill; licenses, which include Federal C ommunications Commission (FCC) and other wireless licenses and orbital slots; other indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily made up of the AT&T and international DIRECTV trade names including SKY; customer lists and various other finite-lived intangi ble assets (see Note 7). Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in busi ness combinations. Wireless licenses (including FCC licenses) provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certa in radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless com munications services. While wireless licenses are issued for a fixed period of time (generally 10 years), renewals of wireless licenses have occurred routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, we have determ ined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that l imit the useful lives of our wireless licenses. Orbital slots repre sent the space in which we operate the broadcast satellites that support our di gital video entertainment service offerings. Similar to our wireless licenses, there are no factors that limit the useful lives of our orbital slots. We acquired the rights to the AT&T and other trade names in previous acquisitions. We have the effective a bility to retain these exclusive rights permanently at a nominal cost. Goodwill, licenses and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. The testing is performed on the value as of October 1 each year, and compares the book value of the assets to their fair value. Goodwill is tested by comparing the book value of each reporting unit, deemed to be our principal operating segments or one level below them ( Business Solutions , Entertainment Group , Consumer Mobility, and Mexico Wireless, Brazil and Pan Americana in the International segment), to the fair value using both discounted cash flow as well as market multiple approach es. Wireless l icenses are tested on an aggregate basis, consistent with our use of the licenses on a national scope, using a discounted cash flow approach . Orbital slots are similarly aggregated for purposes of impairment testing. We also corroborate the value of wireless licenses with a market approach as the AWS-3 auction provided market price information for national wireless licenses. Trade names are tested by comparing the book value to a fair value calculated using a discounted cash flow approach on a presumed royalty rate derived fr om the revenues related to the brand name. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives (see Note 7). Customer lists and relationships are amortized using primarily the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over the period in which those relationships are ex pected to contribute to our future cash flows. The remaining finite-lived intangible assets are generally amortized using the straight-line method. Broadcast Programming and Other Costs We recognize the costs of television programming distribution rights when we distribute the r elated programming. We expense the costs of television programming rights to distribute li ve sporting events using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament , which approximates the pattern of usage . Adve rtising Costs We expense advertising costs for products and services or for promoting our corporate image as we incur them (see Note 1 8). Traffic Compensation Expense We use various estimates and assumptions to determine the amount of traffic compensati on expense recognized during any reporting period. Switched traffic compensation costs are accrued utilizing estimated rates and volumes by product, formulated from historical data and adjusted for known rate changes. Such estimates are adjusted monthly to reflect newly available information, such as rate changes and new contractual agreements. Bills reflecting actual incurred information are generally not received within three months subsequent to the end of the reporting period, at which point a final adj ustment is made to the accrued traffic compensation expense. Dedicated traffic compensation costs are estimated based on the number of circuits and the average projected circuit costs. Foreign Currency Translation We are exposed to foreign currency excha nge risk through our foreign affiliates and equity investments in foreign companies. Our foreign subsidiaries and foreign investments generally report their earnings in their local currencies. We translate their foreign assets and liabilities at exchange r ates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate their revenues and expenses using average rates during the year. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income ( accumulated OCI) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3 ). Operations in countries with highly inflationary economies consider the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. We do not hedge foreign currency translation risk in the net ass ets and income we report from these sources. However, we do hedge a portion of the foreign currency exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions, which we explain further in our discussion of our metho ds of managing our foreign currency risk (see Note 10). Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits See Note 12 for a comprehensive discussion of our pension and postretirement benefit expense, including a discussion of the actuarial assumptions, our polic y for recognizing the associated gains and losses and our method used to estimate service and interest cost components. New Accounting Standards Cash Flows In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15), which provides guidance related to cash flows presentation and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning aft er December 15, 2017, subject to early adoption. The majority of the guidance in ASU 2016-15 is consistent with our current cash flow classifications. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 15 will be classified as cash flo ws from investing activities instead of our current presentation as cash flows from operations. Under ASU 2016-15, we will continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations. AT&T’s cash flows from operating activities included cash receipts on the deferred purchase price of $ 731 for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $ 536 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as li abilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an o perating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. At adoption, we will recognize a right-to-use asset and corresponding lea se liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology. We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financial statements. Revenue Rec ognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASC 606) and has modified the standard thereafter. This standard replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measureme nt and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 606, 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 und er ASC 606. We currently plan to adopt the standard using the “modified retrospective method.” Under that method, we will apply the rules to all contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumu lative effect of the change and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous accounting standards. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contra ct revenues between various services and equipment, and the timing of when those revenues are recognized. We are still in the process of determining the impacts due to the ongoing changes in how the industry sells devices and services to customers. As a re sult of our accounting policy change for customer set-up and installation costs made in 2015, we believe that the requirement to defer such costs under the new standard will not result in a significant change to our results. However, the requirement to def er incremental contract acquisition costs and recognize them over the contract period or expected customer life will result in the recognition of a deferred charge on our balance sheets . Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016 -01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which will require us to record changes in the fair value of our equity investments, except for those account ed for under the equity method, in net income instead of in accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2016-01 will become effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and with the exception of certain disclosure requi rements, is not subject to early adoption.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 2 . EARNINGS PER SHARE A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown in the table below : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 13,333 $ 13,687 $ 6,736 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (357) (342) (294) Net income attributable to AT&T 12,976 13,345 6,442 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 13 13 13 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 12,989 $ 13,358 $ 6,455 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 6,168 5,628 5,205 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 21 18 16 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,189 5,646 5,221 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 2.10 $ 2.37 $ 1.24 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 2.10 $ 2.37 $ 1.24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 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 use d to convert operations, assets and liabilities into U.S . dollars . Since the dates of acquisition, when compared to the U.S. dollar, the B razilian real exchange rate has appreciated 1 7 . 9 % , the Argentine peso exchange rate has depreciated 22.8 % and Mexican peso exchange rate has depreciated 20.5 % . Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (367) $ 450 $ 445 $ 7,352 $ 7,880 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (75) 65 260 428 678 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 416 1 (16) 1 36 2 (933) 3 (497) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 341 49 296 (505) 181 Balance as of December 31, 2014 (26) 499 741 6,847 8,061 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,172) - (763) 45 (1,890) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (15) 1 38 2 (860) 3 (837) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,172) (15) (725) (815) (2,727) Balance as of December 31, 2015 (1,198) 484 16 6,032 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (797) 58 690 497 448 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (1) 1 38 2 (858) 3 (821) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (797) 57 728 (361) (373) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,995) $ 541 $ 744 $ 5,671 $ 4,961 1 (Gains) losses are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 10 for additional information. 3 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 12).

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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. We analyze our 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 (loss) of affiliates for investmen ts managed within each 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 EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin, which is defined as Segment Contribution excluding equity in ne t income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization. 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 managem ent 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. EBITDA margin is EBITDA divide d by total revenues. The Business Solutions segment provides services to business customers, including multinational companies; governmental and wholesale customers; and individual subscribers who purchase wireless services through employer-sponsored plan s. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products and broadband, collectively referred to as fixed strategic services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We utilize our wireless and wi red 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 United States or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and/or our satellite technology. The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers and wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the United States or in U.S. territories. We utilize our network to provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet, video and home m onitoring services over wireless devices. The International segment provides entertainment serv ices 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 wireless networks in Mexico to provide consumer and busines s 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 consolida ted 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 corpor ate-wide decisions for which the individual 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, and those include: Acquisition-related items which consist of (1) items associated with the merger and integration of acquired businesses and (2) the noncash amortization of intangible assets acquired in acquisitions. Certain significant items which consi st of (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 item s 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. Our operating assets are utilized by multiple segments and consist of our wireless and wired networks as well as our satellite fleet. We manage our assets to provide for the most efficient, effective and integrated service to our customers, not by segment , and, therefore, asse t information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on network usage or asset utilization by segment. For the year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 70,988 $ 44,330 $ 26,658 $ 9,832 $ 16,826 $ - $ 16,826 Entertainment Group 51,295 39,338 11,957 5,862 6,095 9 6,104 Consumer Mobility 33,200 19,659 13,541 3,716 9,825 - 9,825 International 7,283 6,830 453 1,166 (713) 52 (661) Segment Total 162,766 110,157 52,609 20,576 32,033 $ 61 $ 32,094 Corporate and Other 1,043 1,173 (130) 65 (195) Acquisition-related items - 1,203 (1,203) 5,177 (6,380) Certain significant items (23) 1,059 (1,082) 29 (1,111) AT&T Inc. $ 163,786 $ 113,592 $ 50,194 $ 25,847 $ 24,347 For the year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 71,127 $ 44,946 $ 26,181 $ 9,789 $ 16,392 $ - $ 16,392 Entertainment Group 35,294 28,345 6,949 4,945 2,004 (4) 2,000 Consumer Mobility 35,066 21,477 13,589 3,851 9,738 - 9,738 International 4,102 3,930 172 655 (483) (5) (488) Segment Total 145,589 98,698 46,891 19,240 27,651 $ (9) $ 27,642 Corporate and Other 1,297 1,057 240 64 176 Acquisition-related items (85) 1,987 (2,072) 2,712 (4,784) Certain significant items - (1,742) 1,742 - 1,742 AT&T Inc. $ 146,801 $ 100,000 $ 46,801 $ 22,016 $ 24,785 For the year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 70,606 $ 45,826 $ 24,780 $ 9,355 $ 15,425 $ - $ 15,425 Entertainment Group 22,233 18,992 3,241 4,473 (1,232) (2) (1,234) Consumer Mobility 36,769 23,891 12,878 3,827 9,051 (1) 9,050 International - - - - - 153 153 Segment Total 129,608 88,709 40,899 17,655 23,244 $ 150 $ 23,394 Corporate and Other 2,839 2,471 368 105 263 Acquisition-related items - 785 (785) 487 (1,272) Certain significant items - 9,997 (9,997) 26 (10,023) AT&T Inc. $ 132,447 $ 101,962 $ 30,485 $ 18,273 $ 12,212 The following table is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to "Income Before Income Taxes" reported in our consolidated statements of income: 2016 2015 2014 Business Solutions $ 16,826 $ 16,392 $ 15,425 Entertainment Group 6,104 2,000 (1,234) Consumer Mobility 9,825 9,738 9,050 International (661) (488) 153 Segment Contribution 32,094 27,642 23,394 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (195) 176 263 Merger and integration charges (1,203) (2,072) (785) Amortization of intangibles acquired (5,177) (2,712) (487) Actuarial gain (loss) (1,024) 2,152 (7,869) Employee separation costs (344) (375) - Gain on wireless spectrum transactions 714 - - Storm related and other items (67) - - Asset abandonments and impairments (390) (35) (2,154) Segment equity in net income (loss) of affiliates (61) 9 (150) AT&T Operating Income 24,347 24,785 12,212 Interest expense 4,910 4,120 3,613 Equity in net income of affiliates 98 79 175 Other income (expense) - net 277 (52) 1,581 Income Before Income Taxes $ 19,812 $ 20,692 $ 10,355 The following table sets forth revenues earned from subscribers, and property, plant and equipment located in different geographic areas. 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment United States $ 154,039 $ 118,664 $ 140,234 $ 118,515 $ 129,772 $ 112,092 Latin America Brazil 2,797 1,265 1,224 1,384 142 33 Other 2,348 1,828 1,157 1,530 99 67 Mexico 2,472 2,520 2,046 2,369 94 20 Other 2,130 622 2,140 652 2,340 686 Total $ 163,786 $ 124,899 $ 146,801 $ 124,450 $ 132,447 $ 112,898

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	NOTE 5. ACQUISITIONS, 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 consolidated balance sheet s include the assets and liabilities of DIRECTV, which have been measured at fair value. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using income, cost and market approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily b ased 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 10). The income approach was primarily use d to value the intangible assets, consisting primarily 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 a nother of equivalent economic utility, was used primarily for plant, property 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 . 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 acquis ition. Purchased goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes . The goodwill was allocated to our Entertainment Group and International segments. The following table summarizes the fair values of the DIRECTV assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income taxes as of the acquisition date. Assets acquired Cash $ 4,797 Accounts receivable 2,038 All other current assets 1,534 Property, plant and equipment (including satellites) 9,320 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 445 Investments and other assets 2,375 Goodwill 34,619 Total assets acquired 90,868 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 5,645 Long-term debt 20,585 Other noncurrent liabilities 16,875 Total liabilities assumed 43,105 Net assets acquired 47,763 Noncontrolling interest (354) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 47,409 For the 160-day period ended December 31, 2015, our consolidated statement of income included $14,561 of revenues and $(46) of operating income, which included $2,254 of intangible amortization, from DIRECTV and its affiliates. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations assume that the acquisition of DIRECTV was completed as of January 1, 2014. (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Total operating revenues $ 165,694 $ 165,595 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 12,683 6,412 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.06 $ 1.04 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.06 $ 1.04 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 was: $376 in licenses, $1,167 in property, plant and equipment, $128 in customer lists and $193 of goodwill. The goodwill was allocated to our International segment. GSF Telec om 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 was: $735 in licenses, $658 in property, plant and equipment, $378 in customer lists, $26 in trade names and $956 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 Advanced 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. Spectrum Acquisitions and S waps On occasion, we swap spectrum with other wireless providers to ensure we have efficient and contiguous cov erage across our markets and service areas. During 2016, we swapped FCC licenses with a fair value of approximately $2,122 with other carriers and recorded a net gain of $714. During 2015, we acquired $489 of wireless spectrum, not including the AWS aucti on. During 2014, we acquired $1,263 of wireless spectrum, not including Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Leap) discussed below. Leap In March 2014, we acquired Leap, a provider of prepaid wireless service, for $15.00 per outstanding share of Leap’s common stock, or $1,248 (excluding Leap’s cash on hand), plus one nontransferable contingent value right (CVR) per share. The CVR entitled each Leap stockholder to a pro rata share of the net proceeds of the sale of the Chicago 700 MHz A-band FCC license h eld by Leap. In November 2016, we completed the sale of the Chicago 700 MHz A-band FCC license and proceeds will be distributed to the former Leap stockholders during the first quarter of 2017, as required by the agreement. Pending Acquisition Time Warne r Inc. On October 22, 2016, we entered into and announced a merger agreement (Merger Agreement) to acquire Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) in a 50% cash and 50% stock transaction for $107.50 per share of Time Warner common stock, or approximately $85,400 a t the date of the announcement (Merger). Combined with Time Warner’s net debt at September 30, 2016, the total transaction value is approximately $108,700. Each share of Time Warner common stock will be exchanged for $53.75 per share in ca sh and a number of shares of AT&T common stock equal to the exchange ratio. If the average stock price (as defined in the Merger Agreement) at the time of closing the Merger is between (or equal to) $37.411 and $41.349 per share, the exchange ratio will be the quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price. If the average stock price is greater than $41.349, the exchange ratio will be 1.300. If the average stock price is less than $37.411, the exchange ratio will be 1.437. Post-transaction, Time Warn er shareholders will own between 14.4% and 15.7% of AT&T shares on a fully-diluted basis based on the number of AT&T shares outstanding. The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash (see Note 9). Time Warner is a global leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array some of the most respected and successful media brands. The deal combines Time Warner’s vast library of content and ability to create new premium content for audiences around the w orld, with our extensive customer relationships and distribution ; one of the world’s largest pay - TV subscriber bases and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution. The Merger Agreement was approved by Time Warner shareholders on February 15, 2017 and remains subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice. While subject to change, we expect that Time Warner will not need to transfer any of its FCC licenses to AT&T in order to conduct its business operations after the closing of the transaction . It is also a condition to closing that necessary conse nts from certain public utility commissions and foreign governmental entities must be obtained. The transaction is expected to close before year - end 2017. If the Merger is terminated as a result of reaching the termination date (and at that time one or mor e of the conditions relating to certain regulatory approvals have not been satisfied) or there is a final, non-appealable order preventing the transaction relating to antitrust laws, communications laws, utilities laws or foreign regulatory laws, then unde r certain circumstances we would be obligated to pay Time Warner $500. Dispositions Connecticut Wireline In October 2014, we sold our incumbent local exchange operations in Connecticut for $2,018 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $76, which is included in “ Other income (expense) – net,” i n our consolidated statements of income. In conjunction with the sale, we allocated $743 of goodwill from our former Wireline reporting unit. Because the book value of the goodwill did not have a corresponding tax basis, th e resulting net income impact of the sale was a loss of $360. América Móvil In 2014, we sold our remaining equity method investment in América Móvil S.A. de C.V. ( América Móvil ) for approximately $5,885 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $1,330, which is inc luded in “ Other income (expense) – net,” i n our consolidated statements of income.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant And Equipment
Property, Plant And Equipment	NOTE 6 . PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows at December 31: Lives (years) 2016 2015 Land - $ 1,643 $ 1,638 Buildings and improvements 2-44 35,036 33,784 Central office equipment 1 3-10 92,954 93,643 Cable, wiring and conduit 15-50 79,279 75,784 Satellites 12-15 2,710 2,088 Other equipment 2-23 88,436 81,972 Software 3-5 14,472 11,347 Under construction - 5,118 5,971 319,648 306,227 Accumulated depreciation and amortization 194,749 181,777 Property, plant and equipment - net $ 124,899 $ 124,450 1 Includes certain network software. Our depreciation expense was $20,661 in 2016 , $19,289 in 2015 and $17,773 in 2014 . Depreciation expense included amortization of software totaling $2,362 in 2016 , $1,660 in 2015 and $1,504 in 2014 . We periodically assess our network assets for impairment and d uring the fourth quarter of 2016 we recorded a noncash pretax charge of $ 278 for the impairment of certain wireless assets that were under construction . These assets primarily related to capitalized costs for wireless sites that ar e no longer in our construction plans . During 2014, due to declining customer demand for our legacy vo ice and data products and the migration of our networks to next generation technologies, we decided to abandon in place specific copper network assets classified as cable, wiring and conduit. These abandoned assets had a gross book value of approximately $ 7,141, with accumulated depreciation of $5,021. In 2014, we recorded a $2,120 noncash pretax charge for this abandonment . These charges are included in “Asset abandonments and impairm ents” i n our consolidated statements of income. Certain facilities and equipme nt used in operations are leased under operating or capital leases. Rental expenses under operating leases were $4,482 for 2016 , $5,025 for 2015 and $4,345 fo r 2014 . At December 31, 2016 , the future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases for the years 2017 through 2021 were $3,915 , $3,706 , $3,448 , $3,208 and $2,811 , with $12,569 due thereafter. Certain real estate operating leases contain renewal options that may be exercised. Capital leases are not significant.

Goodwill And Other Intangible A

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	NOTE 7 . GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table sets for th the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment, which is the same as reporting un it for Business Solutions, Entertainment Group and Consumer Mobility. The International segment has three reporting units : Mexico Wireless, Brazil and PanAmericana. Business Solutions Entertainment Group Consumer Mobility International Wireless Wireline Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 36,469 $ 33,223 $ 69,692 Goodwill acquired - 30,839 - 4,672 6 - 35,517 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (638) - - (638) Allocation of goodwill 45,351 7,834 16,512 - (36,471) (33,226) - Other - - - (2) (4) 3 (3) Balance as of December 31, 2015 45,351 38,673 16,512 4,032 - - 104,568 Goodwill acquired 22 380 14 65 - - 481 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - 167 - - 167 Other (9) - - - - - (9) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 45,364 $ 39,053 $ 16,526 $ 4,264 $ - $ - $ 105,207 The majority of our goodwill acquired during 2016 related to the final valuation of DIRECTV, Nextel Mexico and GSF Telecom, as well as our acquisition of Quickplay Media. Other changes to our goodwill in 2016 include foreign currency translation adjustments. The majority of our goodwill acquired during 2015 related to our acquisitions of DIRECTV, Nextel Mexico and GSF Telecom. Other changes to our goodwill in 2015 include foreign currency translation adjustments and the final valuation of Leap. T he allocation of goodwill represents goodwill previously assigned to our Wireless and Wireline segments. As part of our organizational realignment in 2015, the goodwill from the previous Wireless segment was allocated to the Business Solutions and Consumer Mobility segments and the goodwill from the previous Wireline segment was allocated to the Business Solutions and Entertainment Group segments. The allocations were based on the relative fair value of the portions of the previous Wireless and Wireline seg ments which were moved into the new Business Solutions, Entertainment Group and Consumer Mobility segments. Our other intangible assets are summarized as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Other Intangible Assets Gross Carrying Amount Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Customer lists and relationships: Wireless acquisitions $ 942 $ - $ 715 $ 1,055 $ - $ 679 BellSouth Corporation 4,450 - 4,429 4,450 - 4,347 DIRECTV 19,547 (125) 5,618 19,505 (294) 1,807 AT&T Corp. 33 - 26 33 - 23 Mexican wireless 506 (108) 214 485 (60) 110 Subtotal 25,478 (233) 11,002 25,528 (354) 6,966 Trade name 2,942 (7) 1,394 2,905 - 424 Other 707 (3) 283 686 - 195 Total $ 29,127 $ (243) $ 12,679 $ 29,119 $ (354) $ 7,585 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Licenses: Wireless licenses $ 82,474 $ 81,147 Orbital slots 11,702 11,946 Trade name 6,479 6,437 Total $ 100,655 $ 99,530 We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually (see Note 1). Wireless l icenses provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide mobile communications services in the United States and Mexico. Orbital slots represent the space in which we operate the broadcast satellites that support our digital video entertainment service offerings . Amortized intangible assets are de finite-life assets, and , as such, we record amortization expense based on a method tha t most appropriately reflects our expected cash flows from these assets , over a weighted-average life of 8.5 years (9.2 years for customer lists and relationships and 4.2 years for trade names and other). Amortization expense for defini te-life intangible a ssets was $5,186 for the year ended December 31, 2016, $2,728 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $500 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Amortization e xpense is estimated to be $4,612 in 2017, $3,573 in 2018, $2,516 in 2019, $2,038 in 2020, and $1 ,563 in 2021. In 2016, we wrote off approximately $117 of fully amortized intangible assets (primarily customer lists). In 2015, we wrote off approximately $1,483 of fully amortized intangible assets (primarily customer lists). We review amortized intang ible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the c arrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining life of the asset or asset group.

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investments	NOTE 8 . EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS Investments in partnerships, joint ventures and less than majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Our investments in equity affiliates at December 31, 2016 primarily include our interests in SKY Mexico, Game Show Network and Otter Media Holdings. SKY Mexico We hold a 41.3% interest in SKY Mexico, which is a leading pay-TV provider in Mexico. Game Show Network (GSN) We hold a 42.0% interest in GS N, a television network dedicated t o game-related programming and i nternet interactive game playing . Otter Media Holdings We hold a 48.3% interest in Otter Media Holdings, a venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T that is focused on acquiring, invest ing and launching over-the-top subscription video services. The following table is a reconciliation of our investments in equity affiliates as presented on our consolidated balance sheets: 2016 2015 Beginning of year $ 1,606 $ 250 Additional investments 208 77 DIRECTV investments acquired - 1,232 Equity in net income of affiliates 98 79 Dividends and distributions received (61) (30) Currency translation adjustments (156) - Other adjustments (21) (2) End of year $ 1,674 $ 1,606 Undistributed earnings from equity affiliates were $196 and $162 at December 31, 2016 and 2015 .

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure
Debt	NOTE 9 . DEBT Long-term debt of AT&T and its subsidiaries, including interest rates and maturities, is summarized as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 Notes and debentures 1 Interest Rates Maturities 2 0.49% – 2.99% 2016 – 2022 $ 26,396 $ 34,265 3.00% – 4.99% 2016 – 2049 66,520 54,678 5.00% – 6.99% 2016 – 2095 26,883 31,140 7.00% – 9.50% 2016 – 2097 5,050 5,805 Other 4 15 Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt 48 109 124,901 126,012 Unamortized (discount) premium - net (2,201) (842) Unamortized issuance costs (319) (323) Total notes and debentures 122,381 124,847 Capitalized leases 869 884 Other 259 416 Total long-term debt, including current maturities 123,509 126,147 Current maturities of long-term debt (9,828) (7,632) Total long-term debt $ 113,681 $ 118,515 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Maturities assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity. We had outstanding Eu ro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Swiss franc and Brazilian real denominated debt of approximately $24,292 and $26,221 at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The weighted-average interest rate of our entire long-term debt portfolio, including the impact of derivatives, increased from 4.0% at December 31, 2015 to 4.2 % at December 31, 2016. Current maturities of long-term debt include debt that may be put back to us by the holders in 2017 . We have $ 1,000 of an nual put reset securities that may be put each April until maturity in 2021. If the holders do not require us to repurchase the securities, the interest rate will be reset based on current market conditions. Likewise, we have an accreting zero-coupon note that may be redeemed each May, until maturity in 2022. If the zero-coupon note (issued for principal of $ 500 in 2007) is held to maturity, the redemption amount will be $ 1,030 . Debt maturing within one year consisted of the following at December 31: 2016 2015 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 9,828 $ 7,632 Bank borrowings 1 4 4 Total $ 9,832 $ 7,636 1 Outstanding balance of short-term credit facility of a foreign subsidiary. Financing Activities During 201 6 , we issued $ 10,140 in long-term debt in various markets, with an average weighted maturity of approximately 12 years and a weighted average coupon of 3.8 %. We redeemed $ 10,823 in borrowings of various notes with stated rates of 1.00% to 9.10 %. During 2016 we completed the following long-term debt issuances: February issuance of $1,250 of 2.800% global notes due 2021. February issuance of $1,500 of 3.600% global notes due 2023. February issuance of $1,750 of 4.125% global notes due 2026. February issuance of $1,500 of 5.650% global notes due 2047. May issuance of $750 of 2.300% global notes due 2019. May issuance of $750 of 2.800% global notes due 2021. May issuance of $1,100 of 3.600% global notes due 2023. M ay issuance of $900 of 4.125% global notes due 2026. May issuance of $500 of 4.800% global notes due 2044. On February 9, 2017, we completed the following long-term debt issuances: $1,250 of 3.200% global notes due 2022. $750 of 3.800% global notes due 2024. $2,000 of 4.250% global notes due 2027. $3,000 of 5.250% global notes due 2037. $2,000 of 5.450% global notes due 2047. $1,000 of 5.700% global notes due 2057. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we were in compliance with all covenants a nd conditions of instruments governing our debt. Substantially all of our outstanding long-term debt is unsecured. Maturities of outstanding long-term notes and debentures, as of December 31, 2016 , and the corresponding weighted-average interest rate sched uled for repayment are as follows : 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Debt repayments 1 $ 9,609 $ 8,840 $ 8,113 $ 9,179 $ 8,614 $ 85,926 Weighted-average interest rate 2.7 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 2.8 % 4.0 % 4.7 % 1 Debt repayments assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity. Credit Facilities General In December 2015, we entered into a five-year, $12,000 revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with certain banks. As of December 31, 2016, we have no amounts outstanding under this agreement. In January 2015, we entered into a $9,155 credit agreement (the “Syndicated Credit Agreement”) containing (i) a $6,286 term loan (“Loan A”) and (ii) a $2,869 term loan (“Loan B”), with certain banks. In March 2015, we borrowed all amounts available under the agreemen t. Loan A will be due on March 2, 2018. Amounts borrowed under Loan B will be subject to amortization from March 2, 2018, with 25 % of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to March 2, 2020, and all remaining principal amount due on Mar ch 2, 2020. In June 2016, we repaid $4,000 of the outstanding amount under Loan A and $1,000 of the outstanding amount under Loan B. After repayment, the amortization in Loan B has been satisfied. As of December 31, 2016, we have $2,286 outstanding under L oan A and $1,869 outstanding under Loan B. On October 22, 2016, in connection with entering into the Time Warner merger agreement, AT&T entered into a $40,000 bridge loan with JPMorgan Chase Bank and Bank of America as lenders (the “Bridge Loan”). On No vember 15, 2016, we entered into a $10,000 term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan”) with a syndicate of 20 lenders. In connection with this Term Loan, the “Tranche B Commitments” totaling $10,000 under the Bridge Loan were reduced to zero. The “Tranche A Commitments” under the Bridge Loan totaling $30,000 remain in effect. No amounts will be borrowed under either the Bridge Loan or the Term Loan prior to the closing of the Time Warner merger. Borrowings under either agreement will be used solely to fi nance a portion of the cash to be paid in the Merger, the refinancing of debt of Time Warner and its subsidiaries and the payment of related expenses. Prior to the closing date of the Merger, only a payment or bankruptcy event of default would permit the l enders to terminate their commitments under either the Bridge Loan or the Term Loan. Each of our credit and loan agreements contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating, as well as a net debt-to-EB ITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in each agreement) financial ratio covenant requiring AT&T to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of not more than 3.5-to-1. Th e events of default are customary for agreements of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase each agreement’s relevant Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum. Revolving Credit Agreement The obligations of the lenders to advance funds under the Revolving Credit Agreement will end on December 11, 2020, unless prior to that date either: (i) AT&T reduces to $0 the commitments of the lenders, or (i i) certain events of default occur. We and lenders representing more than 50% of the facility amount may agree to extend their commitments for two one-year periods beyond the December 11, 2020 end date, under certain circumstances. Advances under this agr eement would bear interest, at AT&T's option, either: at a variable annual rate equal to (1) the highest of: (a) the base rate of the bank affiliate of Citibank, N.A., (b) 0.50% per annum above the Federal funds rate, and (c) the London Interbank Offered R ate ( LIBOR ) applicable to U.S. dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00% per annum, plus (2) an applicable margin (as set forth in this agreement); or at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin (as set forth in this agreement). We will pay a facility fee of 0.070%, 0.090%, 0.100% or 0.125% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit rating, of the amount of lender commitments. The Syndicated Credit Agreement Advances bear interes t at a rate equal to: (i) the LIBOR for deposits in dollars (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement. The applicable margin unde r Loan A equals 1.000%, 1.125% or 1.250% per annum depending on AT&T’s credit rating s . The applicable margin under Loan B equals 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.375% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. Bridge Loan The obligations of the lenders under the Bridge Loan to provide advances will terminate on the earliest of (i) October 23, 2017, subject to extension in certain cases to April 23, 2018, (ii) the closing of the Time Warner merger without the borrowing of advances under the Bridge Loan and (iii) th e termination of the Merger Agreement. Advances would bear interest, at AT&T’s option, either: at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan)”); or at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any b ank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan)”). The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan) will be equal to 0.750%, 1.000%, 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.500% per annum depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. The Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan) will be equal to the greater of (x) 0.00% and (y) the relevant Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan) minus 1.00% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan) and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan) are scheduled to incre ase by an additional 0.25% on the 90 th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter. AT&T pays a commitment fee of 0.070%, 0.090%, 0.100%, 0.125% or 0.175% of the commitment amount per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. We also must pay an additional fee of 0.500%, 0.750% and 1.000% on the amount of advances outstanding as of the 90 th , 180 th and 270 th day after advances are made. The Bridge Loan requires that the commitments of the lenders be reduced and outstanding advances be repaid with the net cash proceeds if we incur certain additional debt, we issue certain additional stock or we have certain sales or dispositions of assets by AT&T or its subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions set for th in the Bridge Loan. Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary conditions and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made. Term Loan Under the Term Loan, there are two tranches of commitments, each in a total amount of $5,000. The obligations of the lenders under the Term Loan to provide advances will terminate on the earliest of (i) October 23, 2017, sub ject to extension in certain cases to April 23, 2018, (ii) the closing of the Time Warner merger without the borrowing of advances under the Term Loan and (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement. Advances would bear interest, at AT& T’s option, either: at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”). The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan) under Tranche A is equal to 1.000%, 1.125% or 1.2 50% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan) under Tranche B is equal to 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.375% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. The Applicable Margin for Base Advances (T erm Loan) is equal to the greater of (x) 0.00% and (y) the relevant Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan) minus 1.00% per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. AT&T pays a commitment fee of 0.090%, 0.100%, or 0.125% of the commit ment amount per annum, depending on AT&T’s credit ratings. Advances under the Term Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary conditions . Repayment of all advances with respect to Tranche A must be m ade no later than two years and six months after the date on which such advances are made. Amounts borrowed under Tranche B will be subject to amortization commencing two years and nine months after the date on which such advances are made, with 25 % of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made, and all remaining principal amount due and payable on the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made.

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	NOTE 10. 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 i nactive 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 metho dology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is often based on developed models in which there are few, if any, external observations. The fair value measurements level of an asset or liability within the fair value hi erarchy 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 methodo logies 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: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 122,381 $ 128,726 $ 124,847 $ 128,993 Bank borrowings 4 4 4 4 Investment securities 2,587 2,587 2,704 2,704 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. The carrying amount of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates fair value. The fair value measurements used for notes and debentures are considered Level 2 and are determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical or similar securities in both active and inactive markets. Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of December 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 : December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,215 $ - $ - $ 1,215 International equities 594 - - 594 Fixed income bonds - 508 - 508 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 79 - 79 Cross-currency swaps - 89 - 89 Liability Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - (14) - (14) Cross-currency swaps - (3,867) - (3,867) 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" on 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" on 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 i n “Other income (expense) – net” with the corresponding reduction to the carrying basis of the investment. Fixed income investments of $ 245 have maturities of less than one year, $ 58 within one to three years, $ 46 within three to five years, and $ 159 for five or more years. Our cash equivalents (money market securities), short-term investments (certificate and time deposits) and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Short-term investments and nonrefundable 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 transactions 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 fo rward 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 observa ble 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 hed ged. 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 f ixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Accrued and realized gains or losses from interest rate swaps impact interest expense in the consolidated statements of in come. Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as assets, and unrealized losses on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are exactly offs et 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 years ended December 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , n o ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges. Cash Flow Hedging We designate our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from the issuance of our Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar and Swiss franc denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign cu rrency 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 foreign-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 liabiliti es. 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 years ended December 31, 2016 , and December 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 be nchmark 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 accu mulated 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 antic ipation 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 pe riod the hedged transaction affects earnings, except where an amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. In the years ended December 31, 2016 , and December 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 thr esholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At December 31, 2016 , we had posted collateral of $3,242 (a deposit asset) and held no collateral . Under the agreements, if AT&T’s credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Fitch Ratings, before the final collateral exchange in December , we would have been required to post additional collateral of $ 150 . If DIRECTV Holdings LLC’s credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would owe an additional $274. 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 a re the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions: 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 9,650 $ 7,050 Cross-currency swaps 29,642 29,642 Foreign exchange contracts - 100 Total $ 39,292 $ 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 For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (61) $ (16) $ (29) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 61 16 29 In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the periods above were included in interest expense. Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 1,061 $ (813) $ 528 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI - (361) (128) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (59) (58) (44)

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	NOTE 1 1 . INCOME TAXES Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities (asset s) are as follows at December 31 : 2016 2015 Depreciation and amortization $ 44,903 $ 46,067 Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles 22,892 20,732 Employee benefits (10,045) (10,517) Deferred fulfillment costs 3,204 2,172 Net operating loss and other carryforwards (4,304) (4,029) Other – net (216) (1,478) Subtotal 56,434 52,947 Deferred tax assets valuation allowance 2,283 2,141 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 58,717 $ 55,088 Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ 60,128 $ 56,181 Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets (1,411) (1,093) Net deferred tax liabilities $ 58,717 $ 55,088 At December 31, 201 6 , we had combined net operating loss carryforwards (tax effected) for federal income tax purposes of $ 144 , state of $ 830 and foreign of $ 1,981 , expiring through 20 32 . Additionally, we had federal credit carryforwards of $ 0 and state credit carryforwards of $ 1,348 , expiring primarily through 20 36 . We recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our valu ation allowanc es at December 31, 201 6 and 201 5 relate d primarily to state and foreign net operating loss es and state credit carryforwards. We recognize the financial statement effects of a tax return position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will ultimately be sustained. For tax positions that meet this recognition threshold, we apply our judgment, taking into account applicable tax laws , our experience in managing tax audits and relevant GAAP, to determine the amount of tax benefits to recognize in our financial statements. For each position, the difference between the benefit realized on our tax return and the benefit reflected in our fi nancial statements is recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as an unrecognized tax benefit ( UTB ) . We update our UTBs at each financial statement date to reflect the impacts of audit settlements and other resolution s of audit issues, the expiration of statutes of limitation, developments in tax law and ongoing discussions with taxing authorities. A reconciliation of the change in our UTB balance from J anuary 1 to December 31 for 201 6 and 201 5 is as follows: Federal, State and Foreign Tax 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 6,898 $ 4,465 Increases for tax positions related to the current year 318 1,333 Increases for tax positions related to prior years 473 660 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (1,168) (396) Lapse of statute of limitations (25) (16) Settlements 50 10 Current year acquisitions - 864 Foreign currency effects (30) (22) Balance at end of year 6,516 6,898 Accrued interest and penalties 1,140 1,138 Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 7,656 8,036 Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits (557) (582) Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above (3,398) (3,460) Less: UTBs included above that relate to acquisitions that would impact goodwill if recognized during the measurement period - (842) Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year $ 3,701 $ 3,152 Periodically we make deposits to taxing jurisdictions which reduce our UTB balance but are not included in the reconciliation above. The amount of deposits that re duced our UTB balance was $ 3,084 at December 31, 2016, and $ 3,027 at December 31, 2015 . Accrued interest and penalties included in UTBs were $ 1,140 as of December 31, 2016, and $ 1,138 as of December 31, 2015. We record interest and penalties related to federal, state and foreign UTBs in income tax expense. The net interest and penalty expense (benefit) included in income tax expense was $ 24 for 2016, $ 83 for 2015, and $ (64) for 2014. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As a large taxpayer, our income tax returns are r egularly audited by the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) and other taxing authorities. The IRS has completed field examinations of our tax returns through 20 10 . All audit periods prior to 200 3 are closed for federal examination purposes. Contested issues fro m our 200 3 through 20 10 returns are at various stages of resolution with the IRS Appeals Division ; we are unable to estimate the impact the resolution of the se issues may have on our UTBs. The components of income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Federal: Current $ 2,915 $ 2,496 $ 1,610 Deferred 3,127 3,828 2,060 6,042 6,324 3,670 State and local: Current 282 72 (102) Deferred 339 671 (73) 621 743 (175) Foreign: Current 335 320 163 Deferred (519) (382) (39) (184) (62) 124 Total $ 6,479 $ 7,005 $ 3,619 “Income Before Income Taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income included the following components for the years ended December 31 : 2016 2015 2014 U.S. income before income taxes $ 20,911 $ 21,519 $ 10,244 Foreign income (loss) before income taxes (1,099) (827) 111 Total $ 19,812 $ 20,692 $ 10,355 A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (35%) to income from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Taxes computed at federal statutory rate $ 6,934 $ 7,242 $ 3,624 Increases (decreases) in income taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit 416 483 (113) Connecticut wireline sale - - 350 Loss of foreign tax credits in connection with América Móvil sale - - 386 Mexico restructuring (471) - - Other – net (400) (720) (628) Total $ 6,479 $ 7,005 $ 3,619 Effective Tax Rate 32.7 % 33.9 % 34.9 %

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	NOTE 1 2. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Substantially all of our U.S. management employees hired before January 1, 2015 are covered by one of our noncontributory pension programs . The vast majority of domestic nonmanagement employees, including those hired after 2015, also participate in our noncontributory pension programs. Management participants generally receive benefits under either cash balance pension programs that include annual or monthly credits based on salary as well as an interest credit, or a traditional pension formula (i.e., a stated percentage of employees’ adjusted career income). Nonmanagement employees’ pension benefits are generally calculated using one of two formulas: a flat dollar amount applied to years of service according to job classification or a cash balance plan with negotiated annual pension band credits as well as interest credits. Most nonmanagement employees can elect to receive their pension benef its in either a lump sum payment or an annuity. We also provide a variety of medical, dental and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as active employees e arn these benefits . We acquired DIRECTV on July 24, 2015. DIRECTV sponsor ed a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which provide d benefits to most employees based on either years of service and final average salary, or eligible compensation while employed by DIRECTV. DIRECTV also maintain ed (1) a postretirement benefit plan for those retirees eligible to participate in health care and life insurance benefits , generally until they reach age 65 and (2) an unfunded nonqualified pension plan for certa in eligible employees. At December 31, 2015, w e recorded the fair value of the DIRECTV plans using assumptions and accounting policies consistent with those disclosed by AT&T. In December 2014, we announced an opportunity for certain management employees who were retirement eligible as of March 31, 2015 to elect an enhanced, full lump sum payment option of their accrued pension if they retired on or before March 31, 2015. The lump sum value totaled approximately $1,200 which was distributed in 2015. We re corded special termination benefits of $149 as a result of the offer. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we changed the method we use to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for pension (as of October 1, 2014) and other po stretirement benefits (as of December 31, 2014). This change did not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations or our annual net periodic benefit cost as the change in service and interest costs was completely offset in the actuarial (gain) l oss reported. This change compared to the previous method resulted in a decrease of $150 in the service and interest components for pension cost in the fourth quarter of 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the change resulted in an incremental decr ease of $740 in service and interest components for pension and postretirement costs. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2014, we estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curv e used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We have elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve r ates. We have accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly have accounted for it prospectively. Obligations and Funded Status For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the “projected benefit obligation,” the actuarial present value, as of our December 31 measurement date, of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered to that date . The amount of benefit to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life of employees and their beneficiaries and average years of service rendered . It is measured based on assumptions concerning futu re interest rates and future employee compensation levels . For postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the “accumulated postretirement benefit obligation,” the actuarial present value as of measurement date of all future benefits attribute d under the terms of the postretirement benefit plan to employee service . The following table presents the change in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 55,464 $ 59,543 $ 27,898 $ 30,709 Service cost - benefits earned during the period 1,112 1,212 192 222 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,980 1,902 972 967 Amendments (206) (8) (600) (74) Actuarial (gain) loss 1,485 (3,079) (529) (1,988) Special termination benefits - 149 - - Benefits paid (3,614) (4,681) (1,941) (1,958) DIRECTV acquisition - 470 - 20 Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations - (42) - - Plan transfers (38) (2) 35 - Benefit obligation at end of year $ 56,183 $ 55,464 $ 26,027 $ 27,898 The following table presents the change in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 and the plans’ funded status at December 31 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 42,195 $ 45,163 $ 6,671 $ 7,846 Actual return on plan assets 3,123 604 407 64 Benefits paid 1 (3,614) (4,681) (1,156) (1,239) Contributions 910 735 - - DIRECTV acquisition - 418 - - Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations - (42) - - Plan transfers and other (4) (2) (1) - Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3 42,610 42,195 5,921 6,671 Unfunded status at end of year 2 $ (13,573) $ (13,269) $ (20,106) $ (21,227) 1 At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from AT&T cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances. 2 Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) regulations. 3 Net assets available for benefits were $51,087 at December 31, 2016 and $50,909 at December 31, 2015 and include the preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC discussed below, which was valued at $8,477 and $8,714, respectively. In July 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor published in the Federal Register their final retroactive approval of our September 9, 2013 voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,104 on the contribution date and was valued at $8,477 at December 31, 2016. The trust is entitled to receive cum ulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which will be distributed quarterly in equal amounts and will be accounted for as contributions. We distributed $560 to the trust during 2016 . So long as we make the distributions, we will have no limitations o n 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 unconditional ly transferable to an unrelated party (see Note 14), it is not reflected in plan assets in our consolidated financial statements and instead has been eliminated in consolidation. At the time of the contribution of the preferred equity interest, we made an additional cash contribution of $175 and agreed to annual cash contributions of $175 no later than the due date for our federal income tax return for each of 2014, 2015 and 2016. During 2016, we accelerated the final contribution and completed our obligati on with a $350 cash payment to the trust. These contributions combined with our existing pension assets are in excess of 90% of the pension obligation at December 31, 2016. As noted above, this preferred equity interest represents a plan asset of our pens ion trust, which is recognized in the separate financial statements of our pension plan as a qualified plan asset for funding purposes. The following table presents a reconciliation of our pension plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statem ents of the Company with the net assets available for benefits included in the separate financial statements of the pension plan at December 31: 2016 2015 Plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements $ 42,610 $ 42,195 Preferred equity interest in Mobility 8,477 8,714 Net assets available for benefits $ 51,087 $ 50,909 Amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are listed below : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1 $ - $ - $ (1,644) $ (1,766) Employee benefit obligation 2 (13,573) (13,269) (18,462) (19,461) Net amount recognized $ (13,573) $ (13,269) $ (20,106) $ (21,227) 1 Included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities." 2 Included in "Postemployment benefit obligation." The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans represents the actuarial present value of benefits based on employee service and compensation as of a certain date and does not include an assumption about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $ 54,538 at December 31, 2016 , and $ 54,007 at December 31, 2015 . Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Periodic Benefit Costs Our combined net pension and postretirement cost (credit) recognized in our consolidated statements of income was $ 303 , $ (2,821) and $ 7,232 for the yea rs ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . A portion of pension and postretirement benefit costs is capitalized as part of the benefit load on internal construction and capital expenditures, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded. The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 1,112 $ 1,212 $ 1,134 $ 192 $ 222 $ 233 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,980 1,902 2,470 972 967 1,458 Expected return on assets (3,115) (3,317) (3,380) (355) (421) (653) Amortization of prior service credit (103) (103) (94) (1,277) (1,278) (1,448) Actuarial (gain) loss 1,478 (373) 5,419 (581) (1,632) 2,093 Net pension and postretirement cost (credit) $ 1,352 $ (679) $ 5,549 $ (1,049) $ (2,142) $ 1,683 Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the after-tax changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI and the after-tax prior service credits that were amortized from OCI into net periodic benefit costs: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 512 $ 575 $ 583 $ 5,510 $ 6,257 $ 6,812 Prior service (cost) credit 128 1 45 372 45 383 Amortization of prior service credit (65) (64) (58) (793) (792) (898) Reclassification to income of prior service credit - - 5 - - (40) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss 63 (63) (8) (421) (747) (555) Balance at end of year $ 575 $ 512 $ 575 $ 5,089 $ 5,510 $ 6,257 The estimated prior service credits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $ 123 ($76 net of tax) for pension and $ 1,342 ($832 net of tax) for postretirement benefits. Assumptions In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension and post retirement benefit cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation at December 31 4.40 % 4.60 % 4.30 % 4.30 % 4.50 % 4.20 % Discount rate in effect for determining service cost 4.90 % 4.60 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 4.60 % 5.00 % Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost 1 3.70 % 3.30 % 4.60 % 3.60 % 3.30 % 5.00 % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.75 % 7.75 % 7.75 % 5.75 % 5.75 % 7.75 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit) 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 1 Weighted-average discount rate of 5.00% in effect for pension costs from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. Discount rates in effect of 4.90% for service cost and 3.50% for interest cost from October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. A discount rate of 5.00% was used for postretirement costs for the year ended December 31, 2014. We recognize gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations immediately in our operating results. These gains and losses are measured annually as of December 31 and accordingly will be recorded during the fourth quarter, unless earlier remeasurements are required. Discount Rate Our assumed weighted-average discount rate for pension and postretirement benefits of 4.40% and 4.30% respectively, at December 31, 2016 , reflects the hypothetical rate at which the projected benefit o bligation could be effectively settled or paid out to participants. We determined our discount rate based on a range of factors, including a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date and corresponding to the related expected durations of future cash outflows. These bonds were all rated at least Aa3 or AA- by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, denominated in U.S. dollars, and neit her callable, convertible nor index linked. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 , we decreased our pension discount rate by 0.20%, resulting in an increase in our pension plan benefit obligation of $ 2,189 and decreased our postretirement discount rate 0.20%, resulting in an increase in our postretirement benefit obligation of $ 906 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , we increased our pension discount rate by 0.30%, resulting in a decrease in our pension plan benefit obligation of $1,977 and increased our postretirement discount rates by 0.30%, resulting in a decrease in our postretirement benefi t obligation of $854. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest components of net periodic benefit costs for pension and other postretirement benefits. Under this approach, we apply discounting using individual spot rates from a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligations and service cost cash flows. The service cost component relates to the active participants in the plan, so the relevant cash flows on which to apply the yield curve are considerably longer in duration on average than the total projected benefit obligation cash flows, which also includ e benefit payments to retirees. Interest cost is computed by multiplying each spot rate by the corresponding discounted projected benefit obligation cash flows. The full yield curve approach reduces any actuarial gains and losses based upon interest rate e xpectations (e.g., built-in gains in interest cost in an upward sloping yield curve scenario), or gains and losses merely resulting from the timing and magnitude of cash outflows associated with our benefit obligations. Neither the annual measurement of ou r total benefit obligations nor annual net benefit cost is affected by the full yield curve approach. Expected Long-Term Rate of Return In 2017, our expected long-term rate of return is 7.75% on pension plan assets and 5.75% on postretirement plan asse ts. Our long-term rates of return reflect the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. In setting the long-term assumed rate of return, management considers capital markets future expectations, the asset mix of the plans’ investment and average historical asset return. Actual long-term returns can, in relatively stable markets, also serve as a factor in determining future expectations. We consider m any factors that include, but are not limited to, historical returns on plan assets, current market information on long-term returns (e.g., long-term bond rates) and current and target asset allocations between asset categories. The target asset allocation is determined based on consultations with external investment advisers. If all other factors were to remain unchanged, we expect that a 0.50 % decrease in the expected long-term rate of return would cause 2017 combined pen sion and postretirement cost to increase $ 230 . However, any differences in the rate and actual returns will be included with the actuarial gain or loss recorded in the fourth quarter when our plans are remeasured. Comp osite Rate of Compensation Increase Our expected composite rate of compensation increase cost of 3.00 % in 2016 and 3.10 % in 2015 reflects the long-term average rate of sal ary increases. Mortality Tables At December 31, 2016 , we updated our assumed mortality rates to reflect our best estimate of future mortality, which decreased our pension obligation by $793 and decreased our postretirement obligations by $227. At Decembe r 31, 2015 , we updated our assumed mortality rates, which decreased our pension obligation by $859 and decreased our postretirement obligations by $274. Healthcare Cost Trend Our healthcare cost trend assumptions are develop ed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Based on historical experience, updated expectations of healthcare industry inflation and recent prescription drug cost experience, our 2017 assumed annua l healthcare prescription drug cost trend for non-Medicare eligible participants will increase to 6.50%, grading down to our ultimate trend rate of 4.50% in 2025 and for Medicare-eligible participants will remain at an assumed annual and ultimate trend rat e of 4.50%. This change in assumption increased our obligation by $21. In 2016, our assumed annual healthcare prescription drug cost trend rate for non-Medicare eligible participants was 6.25%, trending to our ultimate trend rate of 4.50% in 2023. Medicare -eligible retirees who receive access to retiree health insurance coverage through a private insurance marketplace are not subject to assumed healthcare trend. In addition to the healthcare cost trend in 2016, we assumed an annual 2.50 % growth in administrative expenses and an annual 3.00 % growth in dental claims. A one percentage-point change in the assumed combined medical and dental cost trend rate would have the following effects: One Percentage- One Percentage- Point Increase Point Decrease Increase (decrease) in total of service and interest cost components $ 50 $ (44) Increase (decrease) in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 511 (458) Plan Assets Plan assets consist primarily of private and public equity, government and corporate bonds, and real assets (real estate and natural resources). The asset allocations of the pension plans are maintained to meet ERISA requirements. Any plan contributions, as determined by ERISA regulations, are made to a pension trust for the benefit of plan participants. As part of our voluntary contribution of the Mobility preferred equity interest, we will contribute $560 of cash distributions during 2017. We do not have significant ERISA required contributions to our pension plans for 2017. We maintain VEBA trusts to partially fund postretirement benefits; however, there are no ERISA or regulatory requirements that these postretirement benefit plans be fu nded annually. The principal investment objectives are to ensure the availability of funds to pay pension and postretirement benefits as they become due under a broad range of future economic scenarios, maximize long-term investment return with an accepta ble level of risk based on our pension and postretirement obligations, and diversif y broadly across and within the capital markets to insulate asset values against adverse experience in any one market. Each asset class has broadly diversified characteristi cs. Substantial biases toward any particular investing style or type of security are sought to be avoided by managing the aggregation of all accounts with portfolio benchmarks. Asset and benefit obligation forecasting studies are conducted periodically, ge nerally every two to three years, or when significant changes have occurred in market conditions, benefits, participant demographics or funded status. Decisions regarding investment policy are made with an understanding of the effect of asset allocation on funded status, future contributions and projected expenses. The plans’ weighted-average asset targets and actual allocations as a percentage of plan assets, including the notional exposure of future contracts by asset categories at December 31, are as follows : Pension Assets Postretirement (VEBA) Assets Target 2016 2015 Target 2016 2015 Equity securities: Domestic 20 % - 30 % 24 % 22 % 17 % - 27 % 22 % 26 % International 10 % - 20 % 15 15 14 % - 24 % 19 14 Fixed income securities 35 % - 45 % 39 40 33 % - 43 % 38 34 Real assets 6 % - 16 % 11 10 0 % - 6 % 1 1 Private equity 4 % - 14 % 11 12 0 % - 7 % 2 2 Other 0 % - 5 % - 1 13 % - 23 % 18 23 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % At December 31, 2016 , AT&T securities represented less than 0.5 % of assets held by our pension trust and 6% of assets (primarily common stock) held by our VEBA trusts included in these financial statements . Investment Valuation Investments are stated at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability at the measurement date. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are val ued at the last reported sales price on the final business day of the year. If no sale was reported on that date, they are valued at the last reported bid price. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricin g models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Shares of registered investment companies are valued based on quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of shares held at year-end. O ther comming led investment entities are valued at quoted redemption values that represent the net asset values of units held at year-end which management has determined approximates fair value. Real estate and natural resource direct investments are valued at amounts based upon appraisal reports. Fixed income securities valuation is based upon observable prices for comparable assets, broker/dealer quotes (spreads or prices), or a pricing matrix that derives spreads for each bond based on external market data, includin g the current credit rating for the bonds, credit spreads to Treasuries for each credit rating, sector add-ons or credits, issue-specific add-ons or credits as well as call or other options. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded as of the trade d ate. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the basis of average cost. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Non-interest bearing cash and overdrafts are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Fair Value Measurements See Note 10 for a discussion of fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following table s set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2016 : Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 94 $ - $ - $ 94 Interest bearing cash - 77 - 77 Foreign currency contracts - 7 - 7 Equity securities: Domestic equities 8,299 - - 8,299 International equities 4,389 - 5 4,394 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 399 - 399 Mortgage-backed securities - 838 - 838 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 208 - 208 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 269 - 269 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 75 8,442 40 8,557 Government and municipal bonds 80 4,889 - 4,969 Real estate and real assets - - 2,273 2,273 Securities lending collateral 207 1,977 - 2,184 Receivable for variation margin 8 - - 8 Purchased options - 1 - 1 Assets at fair value 13,152 17,107 2,318 32,577 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (643) (7) (4) (654) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 12,509 $ 17,100 $ 2,314 $ 31,923 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,648 Real estate funds 2,392 Commingled funds 5,721 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 12,761 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,074) Total Plan Net Assets $ 42,610 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 175 $ 593 $ - $ 768 Foreign currencies 6 - - 6 Equity securities: Domestic equities 1,178 7 - 1,185 International equities 896 2 - 898 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 33 4 37 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 108 13 121 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 32 2 34 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 422 7 429 Government and municipal bonds 20 659 - 679 Securities lending collateral - 128 - 128 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,275 $ 1,984 $ 26 $ 4,285 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 118 Real estate funds 61 Commingled funds 1,667 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,846 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (210) Total Plan Net Assets $ 5,921 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. The table s below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 : Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ - $ 44 $ 2,062 $ 2,106 Realized gains (losses) - (17) (103) (120) Unrealized gains (losses) 3 19 377 399 Transfers in (4) - 77 73 Transfers out - (2) - (2) Purchases 3 - 65 68 Sales (1) (4) (205) (210) Balance at end of year $ 1 $ 40 $ 2,273 $ 2,314 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 15 $ 15 Realized gains (losses) (2) (2) Unrealized gains (losses) 2 2 Transfers in 16 16 Sales (5) (5) Balance at end of year $ 26 $ 26 The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2015 : Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 160 $ - $ - $ 160 Interest bearing cash - 25 - 25 Foreign currency contracts - 25 - 25 Equity securities: Domestic equities 8,315 4 - 8,319 International equities 4,287 - - 4,287 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 403 1 404 Mortgage-backed securities - 792 - 792 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 278 - 278 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 345 - 345 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 65 8,274 43 8,382 Government and municipal bonds 75 4,495 - 4,570 Real estate and real assets - - 2,062 2,062 Securities lending collateral 512 3,538 - 4,050 Receivable for variation margin 13 - - 13 Assets at fair value 13,427 18,179 2,106 33,712 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (824) (12) - (836) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 12,603 $ 18,167 $ 2,106 $ 32,876 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,926 Real estate funds 2,295 Commingled funds 5,854 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 13,075 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (3,756) Total Plan Net Assets $ 42,195 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 220 $ 1,292 $ - $ 1,512 Foreign currencies 4 - - 4 Equity securities: Domestic equities 1,187 9 - 1,196 International equities 869 2 - 871 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 35 2 37 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 120 13 133 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 45 - 45 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 378 - 378 Government and municipal bonds - 617 - 617 Securities lending collateral 6 189 - 195 Futures Contracts 1 - - 1 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,287 $ 2,687 $ 15 $ 4,989 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 155 Real estate funds 81 Commingled funds 1,682 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,918 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (236) Total Plan Net Assets $ 6,671 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. The table s below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ - $ 51 $ 2,140 $ 2,191 Realized gains (losses) (1) (19) 247 227 Unrealized gains (losses) 1 16 192 209 Purchases - 1 195 196 Sales - (5) (712) (717) Balance at end of year $ - $ 44 $ 2,062 $ 2,106 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 2 $ 2 Transfers in 15 15 Transfers out (1) (1) Sales (1) (1) Balance at end of year $ 15 $ 15 Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected benefit payments are estimated using the same assumptions used in determining our benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 . Because benefit payments will depend on future employment and compensation levels, average years employed, average life spans, and payment elections, among other factors, changes in any of these assumptions could significantly affect these expected amounts. The following table provides expected benefit payments under our pension and post retirement plans: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 $ 4,938 $ 1,809 2018 4,437 1,797 2019 4,312 1,788 2020 4,264 1,783 2021 4,200 1,776 Years 2022 - 2026 19,764 8,225 Supplemental Retirement Plans We also provide certain senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. While these plans are unfunded, we have assets in a designated nonbankruptcy remote trust that are independently managed and used to provide for these benefits. These plans include supplemental pension benefits as well as compensation-deferral plans, some of which include a corresponding match by us based on a percentage of the co mpensation deferral. We use the same significant assumptions for the composite rate of compensation increase in determining our projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postemployment

Share-Based Payment

Share-Based Payment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-Based Payment
Share-Based Payment	NOTE 13 . SHARE-BASED PAYMENT S Under our various plans, senior and other management employees and none mployee directors have received nonvested stock and stock units. In conjunction with the acquisition of DIRECTV, restricted stock units issued under DIRECTV plans were converted to AT&T shares. The remaining shares will vest over a period of one to two years in accordance with the terms of those plans. We do not intend to issue any additional grants under the DIREC TV plans. Any future grants will be ma de under the AT&T plans . We grant performance stock units, which are nonveste d stock units, based upon our stock price at the date of grant and award them in the form of AT&T common stock and cash at the end of a three-year period , subject to the achievem ent of certain performance goals. We treat the cash settled portion of these awards as a liability. We grant forfeitable restricted stock and stock units , which are valued at the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and predominantly vest over a four- or five - year period. We also grant other nonvested stock units and award them in cash at the end of a three -year period, subject to the achievement of certain market based conditions. As of December 31, 2016 , we were authorized to issue up to approximately 130 million shares of common stock (in addition to shares that may be issued upon exercise of outstanding options or upon vesting of performance stock units or other nonvested stock units) to officers, employees and directors pursuant to thes e various plans. We account for our share-based payment arrangements based on the fair value of the awards on their respective grant date , which may affect our ability to fully realize the value shown on our consolidated balance sheets of deferred tax ass ets associated with compensation expense. We record a valuation allowance when our future taxable income is not expected to be sufficient to recover the asset. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the current stock price of our common shares will ri se to levels sufficient to realize the entire tax benefit currently reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. However, to the extent we generate excess tax benefits (i.e., that additional tax benefits in excess of the deferred taxes associated with com pensation expense previously recognized) the potential future impact on income would be reduced. Our consolidated statements of income include t he compensation cost recogn ized for those plans as operating expenses, as well as the associated tax benefits, which are reflected in the table below 2016 2015 2014 Performance stock units $ 480 $ 299 $ 226 Restricted stock and stock units 152 147 93 Other nonvested stock units 21 5 (1) Total $ 653 $ 451 $ 318 Income tax benefit $ 250 $ 172 $ 122 A summary of the status of ou r nonvested stock units as of December 31, 2016 , and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows (shares in millions): Nonvested Stock Units Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested at January 1, 2016 36 $ 33.78 Granted 16 36.65 Vested (19) 33.12 Forfeited (2) 35.16 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 31 $ 35.57 As of December 31, 2016 , there was $587 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payment arrangements granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.24 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the year was $614 for 2016 , compared to $450 for 2015 and $327 for 2014 . It is our intent to satisfy share option exercises using our treasury stock . Cash receiv ed from stock option exercises was $179 for 2016 , $46 for 2015 and $43 for 2014.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholder's Equity
Stockholders' Equity	NOTE 1 4 . STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Stock Repurchase Program From time to time, we repurchase shares of common stock for distribution through our employee benefit plans or in connection with certain acquisitions. In March 2013, our Board of Directors approved an authorization to repurchase 300 million shares , under which we repurchased shares during 2014 . In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved an additional authorization to repurchase up to 300 million shares of our common stock. For the year e nded December 31, 2016 , we had repurchased approximately 11 million shares for distribution through our employee benefit plans totaling $ 444 under these authorizations. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , we had repurchased appro ximately eight million shares totaling $ 269 under these authorizations. To implement these authorizations, we used open market repurchase programs, relying on Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 where feasible. Authorized Shares There are 14 billion authorized common shares of AT&T stock and 10 million authorized preferred shares of AT&T stock. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , no preferred shares were outstanding. Dividend Declarations In October 2016, the Company declared an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.49 per share of common stock. In December 201 5 , the Company declared an increase in its quarterly dividend to $ 0.48 per share of common stock. Preferred Equity Interest The preferred equit y interest discussed in Note 12 is not transferable by the trust except through its put and call features , and therefore has been eliminated in consolidation . After a period of five years from the contribution or, if earlier, the date upon which the pensio n plan trust is fully funded as determined under GAAP , AT&T has a right to purchase from the pension plan trust some or all of the preferred equity interest at the greater of the fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative div idends. In addition, AT&T will have the right to purchase the preferred equity interest in the event AT&T’s ownership of Mobility is less than 50% or there is a transaction that results in the transfer of 50% or more of the pension plan trust’s assets to a n entity not under common control with AT&T (collectively, a change of control). The pension plan trust has the right to require AT&T to purchase the preferred equity interest at the greater of their fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative dividends, and in installments, as specified in the contribution agreement upon the occurrence of any of the following: (1) at any time if the ratio of debt to total capitalization of Mobility exceeds that of AT&T, (2) the date on which A T&T Inc. is rated below investment grade for two consecutive calendar quarters, (3) upon a change of control if AT&T does not exercise its purchase option, or (4) at any time after a seven-year period from the contribution date. In the event AT&T elects or is required to purchase the preferred equity interest, AT&T may elect to settle the purchase price in cash or shares of AT&T common stock or a combination thereof . Because the preferred equity interest was not considered outstanding for accounting purpose s at year-end, it did not affect the calculation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented.

Sale of Equipment Installment R

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets [Abstract]
Finance Receivables Disclosure[Text Block]	NOTE 15. 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 and, in many cases, they have 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 December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, gross equipment installment receivables of $5,665 and $5,719 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $3,425 an d $3,239 are notes receivable that are included in “Accounts receivable - net.” In 2014, we entered into an uncommitted agreement pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under this agreement, we transferred certain 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 agreement, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the Purchasers. Since inception, cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $3,436. The foll owing table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold: 2016 2015 2014 Gross receivables sold $ 7,629 $ 7,436 $ 4,707 Net receivables sold 1 6,913 6,704 4,126 Cash proceeds received 4,574 4,439 2,528 Deferred purchase price recorded 2,368 2,266 1,629 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees. The deferred purchase price is initially recorded at estimated fair value, which is based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected, adjusted by the expected timing and value 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 10). The following table shows the equipment installment receivables, previously sold to the Purchasers, that we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price : 2016 2015 2014 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 1,675 $ 685 $ - Carrying value of deferred purchase price 1,638 534 - Gain on repurchases 1 $ 37 $ 151 $ - 1 These gains are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our deferred purchase price receivable was $3,090 and $2,961, respectively, of which $1,606 and $1,772 are 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 impac t 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.

Tower Transaction

Tower Transaction	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure	NOTE 1 6 . TOWER TRANSACTION In December 2013, we closed our transaction with Crown Castle International Corp. (Crown Castle) in which Crown Castle gained the exclusive rights to lease and operate 9,048 wireless towers and purchased 627 of our wireless towers for $4,827 in cash. The leases have various terms with an average length of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, Crown Castle will have fixed price purchase options for these towers totaling approximately $4,200, based on t heir estimated fair market values at the end of the lease terms. We sublease space on the towers from Crown Castle for an initial term of 10 years at current market rates, subject to optional renewals in the future. We determined our continuing involvemen t with the tower assets prevented us from achieving sale-leaseback accounting for the transaction, and we account ed for the cash proceeds from Crown Castle as a financing obligation on our consolidated balance sheets. We record interest on the financing ob ligation using the effective interest method at a rate of approximately 3.9%. The financing obligation is increased by interest expense and estimated future net cash flows generated and retained by Crown Castle from operation of the tower sites, and reduce d by our contractual payments. We continue to include the tower assets in “Property, plant and equipment” on our consolidated balance sheets and depreciate them accordingly. At December 31 , 2016 and 2015, the tower assets had a balance of $921 and $960, re spectively. Our depreciation expense for these assets was $39 for each of 2016, 2015 and 2014. Payments made to Crown Castle under this arrangement were $230 for 2016. At December 31, 2016, the future minimum payments under the sublease arrangement are $ 234 for 2017 , $ 239 for 201 8 , $ 244 for 201 9 , $ 248 for 2020 , $ 253 for 2021 , and $ 2,052 thereafter.

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Contingent Liabilities
Contingent Liabilities	NOTE 17 . CONTINGENT LIABILITIES We are party to numerous lawsuits, regulatory proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In evaluating these matters on an ongoing basis, we take into account amounts already accrued on the balance sheet. In our opinion, although the outcomes of these proceedings are uncertain, they should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We have contractual obligations to purchase certain goo ds or services from various other parties. Our purchase obligations are expected to be approximately $ 9,181 in 2017 , $ 11,214 in total for 2018 and 2019 , $ 7,799 in total for 2020 and 2021 and $ 7,242 in total for years thereafter. See Note 10 for a discussion of collateral and credit-risk contingencies.

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Financial Information
Additional Financial Information	NOTE 1 8 . ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2016 2015 Current customer fulfillment costs (included in Other current assets) $ 3,398 $ 2,923 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 22,027 $ 21,047 Accrued payroll and commissions 2,450 2,629 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1,644 1,766 Accrued interest 2,023 1,974 Other 2,994 2,956 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 31,138 $ 30,372 Consolidated Statements of Income 2016 2015 2014 Advertising expense $ 3,768 $ 3,632 $ 3,272 Interest expense incurred $ 5,802 $ 4,917 $ 3,847 Capitalized interest (892) (797) (234) Total interest expense $ 4,910 $ 4,120 $ 3,613 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2016 2015 2014 Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 5,696 $ 4,822 $ 4,099 Income taxes, net of refunds 3,721 1,851 1,532 No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Labor Contracts As of January 31, 2017, we employed approximately 268,000 persons. Approximately 48 percent of our employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or other unions. Contracts covering app roximately 20,000 mobility employees across the country and approximately 25,000 traditional wireline employees in our Southwest and Midwest regions will expire in 2017. Additionally, negotiations continue with approximately 15,000 traditional wireline emp loyees in our West region where the contract expired in April 2016. Approximately 11,000 former D IREC TV employees were eligible for and chose union representation. Bargaining has resulted in approximately 70% of these employees now being covered under rati fied contracts that expire between 2017 and 2020. After expiration of the current agreements, work stoppages or labor disruptions may occur in the absence of new contracts or other agreements being reached.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	NOTE 1 9 . QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) The following tables represent our quarterly financial results: 2016 Calendar Quarter First Second Third Fourth 1 Annual Total Operating Revenues $ 40,535 $ 40,520 $ 40,890 $ 41,841 $ 163,786 Operating Income 7,131 6,560 6,408 4,248 24,347 Net Income 3,885 3,515 3,418 2,515 13,333 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 3,803 3,408 3,328 2,437 12,976 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.62 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.39 $ 2.10 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.39 $ 2.10 Stock Price High $ 39.45 $ 43.21 $ 43.47 $ 42.73 Low 33.51 37.86 39.71 36.13 Close 39.17 43.21 40.61 42.53 1 Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1). 2 Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year. 2015 Calendar Quarter First Second Third Fourth 1 Annual Total Operating Revenues $ 32,576 $ 33,015 $ 39,091 $ 42,119 $ 146,801 Operating Income 5,557 5,773 5,923 7,532 24,785 Net Income 3,339 3,184 3,078 4,086 13,687 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 3,263 3,082 2,994 4,006 13,345 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.50 $ 0.65 $ 2.37 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.50 $ 0.65 $ 2.37 Stock Price High $ 35.07 $ 36.45 $ 35.93 $ 34.99 Low 32.41 32.37 30.97 32.17 Close 32.65 35.52 32.58 34.41 1 Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6). 2 Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year.

Valuation And Qualifying Accoun

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Charged to Charged to Beginning of Costs and Other Balance at End Period Expenses (a) Accounts (b) Acquisitions (c) Deductions (d) of Period Year 2016 $ 704 1,474 - - 1,517 $ 661 Year 2015 $ 454 1,416 - 214 1,380 $ 704 Year 2014 $ 483 1,032 (32) - 1,029 $ 454 (a) Includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered. Excludes direct charges and credits to expense for nontrade receivables in the consolidated statements of income. (b) Includes amounts related to long-distance carrier receivables which were billed by AT&T. (c) Acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico in 2015. (d) Amounts written off as uncollectible, or related to divested entities. COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Charged to Charged to Beginning of Costs and Other Acquisitions Deductions Balance at End Period Expenses Accounts (a) (b) (c) of Period Year 2016 $ 2,141 81 61 - - $ 2,283 Year 2015 $ 1,182 283 373 420 117 $ 2,141 Year 2014 $ 927 - 445 - 190 $ 1,182 (a) Includes current year reclassifications from other balance sheet accounts. (b) Acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico in 2015. (c) Reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets.

Summary Of Significant Accoun30

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the results of DIREC TV and wireless properties in Mexico for the period from acquisition to the reporting date . Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment se rvices 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-o wned 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 per iod end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including actuarial gains and losses on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and cumulative translation adjustments. The pr eparation 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 e stimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation.
Customer Fulfillment Costs	Customer Fulfillment Costs During the second quarter of 2016, we updated our analysis of the economic lives of customer relationships, which included a review of satellite customer data following the DIRECTV acquisition. As of April 1, 2016 , we extended the amortization period to better reflect the estimated economic lives of satellite and certain business customer relationships. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of services and impacted net income $ 236 , or $ 0.0 4 per diluted share, for 2016 .
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We provide deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the computed tax basis of those assets and liabilities. We provide valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets (included, together with our deferred income tax assets, as part of our reportable net deferred income tax liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets), for which the realization is uncertain. We review these items regula rly in light of changes in federal and state tax laws and changes in our business.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amounts approximat e fair value. At December 31, 2016 , we held $1,803 in cash and $3,985 in money market funds and other cash equivalents. Of our total cash and cash equivalents, $776 resided in foreign jurisdictions, some of which is subject t o restrictions on repatriation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues derived from wireless, fixed telephone, data and video services are recognized when services are provided. This is based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed), pe riod of time (e.g., monthly service fees) or other established fee schedules. Our service revenues are billed either in advance, arrears or are prepaid. W e record revenue reductions for estimated future adjustments to customer accounts at the time revenue is recognized based on historical experience. We report revenues from transactions between us and our customers net of taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. R evenues related to nonrefundable, upfront service act ivation and setup fees are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer life . Revenue recognized from contracts that bundle services and equipment is limited to the lesser of the amount allocated based on the relative sel ling price of the equipment and service already delivered or the amount paid and owed by the customer for the equipment and service already delivered. Service revenues also include billings to our customers for various regulatory fees imposed on us by gove rnmental authorities. We record the sale of equipment to customers when we no longer have any requirements to perform, title ha s passed, and the products are accepted by customers. W e record the sale of equipment and services to customers as gross revenue w hen we are the principal in the arrangement and net of the associated costs incurred when we are not considered the principal. We offer to our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 30 months, and, in many cases, they have the right to trade in the original equipment within a set period and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied upon the purchase of a new device under a new installment plan. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of the customer receivable, net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We record expense to maintain an allowance for doubtful accou nts for estimated losses that result from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments deemed collectable from the customer when the service was provided or product was delivered. When determining the allowance, we consider the proba bility of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience, taking into account current collection trends as well as general economic factors, including bankruptcy rates. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recove ries, as well as an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved for when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as catastrophes or pen ding bankruptcies.
Inventory	Inventory Inventories, which are included in “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, were $2,039 at December 31, 2016 , and $4,033 at December 31, 2015 . Wirele ss devices and accessories, which are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, were $1,951 at December 31, 2016 , and $3,998 at December 31, 2015 .
Property, Plant and Equipment	Network Asset Lives and Salvage Values During the fourth quarter of 2016, w e aligned the estimated useful lives and salvage values for certain network assets that are impacted by our IP strategy with our updated business cases and engineering studies. This change in accounting estimate decreased depreciation expense and impacted net income $286, or $0.05 per diluted share, for 2016. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, except for assets acquired using acquisition accounting, which are initially recorded at fair value (see Note 6). The cost of additions and substantial improvements to property, plant and equipment is capitalized , and includes internal compensation costs for these projects; however, noncash actuarial gains or losses included in compensation costs are excluded from amounts reported as “capital expenditures.” The cost of m aintenance and repairs of property, plant and equipment is charged to operating expenses. Property, plant and equipment costs are depreciated using straight-line methods over their estimated economic lives. Certain subsidiaries follow composite group depre ciation methodology. Accordingly, when a portion of their depreciable property, plant and equipment is retired in the ordinary course of business, the gross book value is reclassified to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized on the di sposition of these assets. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss when the carryi ng amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we identified certain assets for impairment. These assets primarily related to capitalized costs for wireless sites that are no longer in our construction plans. (See Note 6) The liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligat ion is recorded in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate. The increase in the carrying value of the associated long-lived asset is depreciated over the corresponding estimated economic life.
Software Costs	Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in conne ction with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in “Property, Plant and Equipment” on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, there is certain network software that allows the equipment to provide the features and functions unique to the AT&T network, which we include in the cost of the equipment categories for financial reporting purposes. We amortize our capitalized software costs over a three -year to five -year period, reflecting the estimated perio d during which these assets will remain in service, which also aligns with the estimated useful lives used in the industry.
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets AT&T has five major classes of intangible assets: goodwill; licenses, which include Federal C ommunications Commission (FCC) and other wireless licenses and orbital slots; other indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily made up of the AT&T and international DIRECTV trade names including SKY; customer lists and various other finite-lived intangi ble assets (see Note 7). Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in busi ness combinations. Wireless licenses (including FCC licenses) provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certa in radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless com munications services. While wireless licenses are issued for a fixed period of time (generally 10 years), renewals of wireless licenses have occurred routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, we have determ ined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that l imit the useful lives of our wireless licenses. Orbital slots repre sent the space in which we operate the broadcast satellites that support our di gital video entertainment service offerings. Similar to our wireless licenses, there are no factors that limit the useful lives of our orbital slots. We acquired the rights to the AT&T and other trade names in previous acquisitions. We have the effective a bility to retain these exclusive rights permanently at a nominal cost. Goodwill, licenses and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. The testing is performed on the value as of October 1 each year, and compares the book value of the assets to their fair value. Goodwill is tested by comparing the book value of each reporting unit, deemed to be our principal operating segments or one level below them ( Business Solutions , Entertainment Group , Consumer Mobility, and Mexico Wireless, Brazil and Pan Americana in the International segment), to the fair value using both discounted cash flow as well as market multiple approach es. Wireless l icenses are tested on an aggregate basis, consistent with our use of the licenses on a national scope, using a discounted cash flow approach . Orbital slots are similarly aggregated for purposes of impairment testing. We also corroborate the value of wireless licenses with a market approach as the AWS-3 auction provided market price information for national wireless licenses. Trade names are tested by comparing the book value to a fair value calculated using a discounted cash flow approach on a presumed royalty rate derived fr om the revenues related to the brand name. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives (see Note 7). Customer lists and relationships are amortized using primarily the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over the period in which those relationships are ex pected to contribute to our future cash flows. The remaining finite-lived intangible assets are generally amortized using the straight-line method.
Broadcast, Programming and Other	Broadcast Programming and Other Costs We recognize the costs of television programming distribution rights when we distribute the r elated programming. We expense the costs of television programming rights to distribute li ve sporting events using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament , which approximates the pattern of usage .
Advertising Costs	Adve rtising Costs We expense advertising costs for products and services or for promoting our corporate image as we incur them (see Note 1 8).
Traffic Compensation Expense	Traffic Compensation Expense We use various estimates and assumptions to determine the amount of traffic compensati on expense recognized during any reporting period. Switched traffic compensation costs are accrued utilizing estimated rates and volumes by product, formulated from historical data and adjusted for known rate changes. Such estimates are adjusted monthly to reflect newly available information, such as rate changes and new contractual agreements. Bills reflecting actual incurred information are generally not received within three months subsequent to the end of the reporting period, at which point a final adj ustment is made to the accrued traffic compensation expense. Dedicated traffic compensation costs are estimated based on the number of circuits and the average projected circuit costs.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation We are exposed to foreign currency excha nge risk through our foreign affiliates and equity investments in foreign companies. Our foreign subsidiaries and foreign investments generally report their earnings in their local currencies. We translate their foreign assets and liabilities at exchange r ates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate their revenues and expenses using average rates during the year. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income ( accumulated OCI) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3 ). Operations in countries with highly inflationary economies consider the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. We do not hedge foreign currency translation risk in the net ass ets and income we report from these sources. However, we do hedge a portion of the foreign currency exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions, which we explain further in our discussion of our metho ds of managing our foreign currency risk (see Note 10).
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits See Note 12 for a comprehensive discussion of our pension and postretirement benefit expense, including a discussion of the actuarial assumptions, our polic y for recognizing the associated gains and losses and our method used to estimate service and interest cost components.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Cash Flows In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15), which provides guidance related to cash flows presentation and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning aft er December 15, 2017, subject to early adoption. The majority of the guidance in ASU 2016-15 is consistent with our current cash flow classifications. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 15 will be classified as cash flo ws from investing activities instead of our current presentation as cash flows from operations. Under ASU 2016-15, we will continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations. AT&T’s cash flows from operating activities included cash receipts on the deferred purchase price of $ 731 for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $ 536 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as li abilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an o perating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. At adoption, we will recognize a right-to-use asset and corresponding lea se liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology. We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financial statements. Revenue Rec ognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASC 606) and has modified the standard thereafter. This standard replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measureme nt and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 606, 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 und er ASC 606. We currently plan to adopt the standard using the “modified retrospective method.” Under that method, we will apply the rules to all contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumu lative effect of the change and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous accounting standards. Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contra ct revenues between various services and equipment, and the timing of when those revenues are recognized. We are still in the process of determining the impacts due to the ongoing changes in how the industry sells devices and services to customers. As a re sult of our accounting policy change for customer set-up and installation costs made in 2015, we believe that the requirement to defer such costs under the new standard will not result in a significant change to our results. However, the requirement to def er incremental contract acquisition costs and recognize them over the contract period or expected customer life will result in the recognition of a deferred charge on our balance sheets . Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016 -01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which will require us to record changes in the fair value of our equity investments, except for those account ed for under the equity method, in net income instead of in accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2016-01 will become effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and with the exception of certain disclosure requi rements, is not subject to early adoption.

Fair Value Measurements and D31

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives netting policy	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 .

Pension And Postretirement Be32

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Recognition of actuarial gains and losses	In the fourth quarter of 2014, we changed the method we use to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for pension (as of October 1, 2014) and other po stretirement benefits (as of December 31, 2014). This change did not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations or our annual net periodic benefit cost as the change in service and interest costs was completely offset in the actuarial (gain) l oss reported. This change compared to the previous method resulted in a decrease of $150 in the service and interest components for pension cost in the fourth quarter of 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the change resulted in an incremental decr ease of $740 in service and interest components for pension and postretirement costs. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2014, we estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curv e used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We have elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve r ates. We have accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly have accounted for it prospectively. We recognize gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations immediately in our operating results. These gains and losses are measured annually as of December 31 and accordingly will be recorded during the fourth quarter, unless earlier remeasurements are required.
Capitalization of benefit plan costs	A portion of pension and postretirement benefit costs is capitalized as part of the benefit load on internal construction and capital expenditures, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation Of The Numerators And Denominators Of Basic Earnings Per Share And Diluted Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 13,333 $ 13,687 $ 6,736 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (357) (342) (294) Net income attributable to AT&T 12,976 13,345 6,442 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 13 13 13 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 12,989 $ 13,358 $ 6,455 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 6,168 5,628 5,205 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 21 18 16 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,189 5,646 5,221 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 2.10 $ 2.37 $ 1.24 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 2.10 $ 2.37 $ 1.24

Accumulated Other Comprehensi34

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (367) $ 450 $ 445 $ 7,352 $ 7,880 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (75) 65 260 428 678 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 416 1 (16) 1 36 2 (933) 3 (497) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 341 49 296 (505) 181 Balance as of December 31, 2014 (26) 499 741 6,847 8,061 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,172) - (763) 45 (1,890) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (15) 1 38 2 (860) 3 (837) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,172) (15) (725) (815) (2,727) Balance as of December 31, 2015 (1,198) 484 16 6,032 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (797) 58 690 497 448 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (1) 1 38 2 (858) 3 (821) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (797) 57 728 (361) (373) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,995) $ 541 $ 744 $ 5,671 $ 4,961 1 (Gains) losses are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 10 for additional information. 3 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 12).

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Information
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	For the year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 70,988 $ 44,330 $ 26,658 $ 9,832 $ 16,826 $ - $ 16,826 Entertainment Group 51,295 39,338 11,957 5,862 6,095 9 6,104 Consumer Mobility 33,200 19,659 13,541 3,716 9,825 - 9,825 International 7,283 6,830 453 1,166 (713) 52 (661) Segment Total 162,766 110,157 52,609 20,576 32,033 $ 61 $ 32,094 Corporate and Other 1,043 1,173 (130) 65 (195) Acquisition-related items - 1,203 (1,203) 5,177 (6,380) Certain significant items (23) 1,059 (1,082) 29 (1,111) AT&T Inc. $ 163,786 $ 113,592 $ 50,194 $ 25,847 $ 24,347 For the year ended December 31, 2015 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 71,127 $ 44,946 $ 26,181 $ 9,789 $ 16,392 $ - $ 16,392 Entertainment Group 35,294 28,345 6,949 4,945 2,004 (4) 2,000 Consumer Mobility 35,066 21,477 13,589 3,851 9,738 - 9,738 International 4,102 3,930 172 655 (483) (5) (488) Segment Total 145,589 98,698 46,891 19,240 27,651 $ (9) $ 27,642 Corporate and Other 1,297 1,057 240 64 176 Acquisition-related items (85) 1,987 (2,072) 2,712 (4,784) Certain significant items - (1,742) 1,742 - 1,742 AT&T Inc. $ 146,801 $ 100,000 $ 46,801 $ 22,016 $ 24,785 For the year ended December 31, 2014 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 70,606 $ 45,826 $ 24,780 $ 9,355 $ 15,425 $ - $ 15,425 Entertainment Group 22,233 18,992 3,241 4,473 (1,232) (2) (1,234) Consumer Mobility 36,769 23,891 12,878 3,827 9,051 (1) 9,050 International - - - - - 153 153 Segment Total 129,608 88,709 40,899 17,655 23,244 $ 150 $ 23,394 Corporate and Other 2,839 2,471 368 105 263 Acquisition-related items - 785 (785) 487 (1,272) Certain significant items - 9,997 (9,997) 26 (10,023) AT&T Inc. $ 132,447 $ 101,962 $ 30,485 $ 18,273 $ 12,212
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to "Income Before Income Taxes" reported in our consolidated statements of income: 2016 2015 2014 Business Solutions $ 16,826 $ 16,392 $ 15,425 Entertainment Group 6,104 2,000 (1,234) Consumer Mobility 9,825 9,738 9,050 International (661) (488) 153 Segment Contribution 32,094 27,642 23,394 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (195) 176 263 Merger and integration charges (1,203) (2,072) (785) Amortization of intangibles acquired (5,177) (2,712) (487) Actuarial gain (loss) (1,024) 2,152 (7,869) Employee separation costs (344) (375) - Gain on wireless spectrum transactions 714 - - Storm related and other items (67) - - Asset abandonments and impairments (390) (35) (2,154) Segment equity in net income (loss) of affiliates (61) 9 (150) AT&T Operating Income 24,347 24,785 12,212 Interest expense 4,910 4,120 3,613 Equity in net income of affiliates 98 79 175 Other income (expense) - net 277 (52) 1,581 Income Before Income Taxes $ 19,812 $ 20,692 $ 10,355
Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Region [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth revenues earned from subscribers, and property, plant and equipment located in different geographic areas. 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment United States $ 154,039 $ 118,664 $ 140,234 $ 118,515 $ 129,772 $ 112,092 Latin America Brazil 2,797 1,265 1,224 1,384 142 33 Other 2,348 1,828 1,157 1,530 99 67 Mexico 2,472 2,520 2,046 2,369 94 20 Other 2,130 622 2,140 652 2,340 686 Total $ 163,786 $ 124,899 $ 146,801 $ 124,450 $ 132,447 $ 112,898

Acquisitions, Dispositions An36

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Assets acquired Cash $ 4,797 Accounts receivable 2,038 All other current assets 1,534 Property, plant and equipment (including satellites) 9,320 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 445 Investments and other assets 2,375 Goodwill 34,619 Total assets acquired 90,868 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 5,645 Long-term debt 20,585 Other noncurrent liabilities 16,875 Total liabilities assumed 43,105 Net assets acquired 47,763 Noncontrolling interest (354) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 47,409
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	(Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Total operating revenues $ 165,694 $ 165,595 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 12,683 6,412 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.06 $ 1.04 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.06 $ 1.04

Property, Plant And Equipment (

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant And Equipment
Summary Of Property, Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block]	Lives (years) 2016 2015 Land - $ 1,643 $ 1,638 Buildings and improvements 2-44 35,036 33,784 Central office equipment 1 3-10 92,954 93,643 Cable, wiring and conduit 15-50 79,279 75,784 Satellites 12-15 2,710 2,088 Other equipment 2-23 88,436 81,972 Software 3-5 14,472 11,347 Under construction - 5,118 5,971 319,648 306,227 Accumulated depreciation and amortization 194,749 181,777 Property, plant and equipment - net $ 124,899 $ 124,450 1 Includes certain network software.

Goodwill And Other Intangible38

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets
Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill, By Segment [Table Text Block]	Business Solutions Entertainment Group Consumer Mobility International Wireless Wireline Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 36,469 $ 33,223 $ 69,692 Goodwill acquired - 30,839 - 4,672 6 - 35,517 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (638) - - (638) Allocation of goodwill 45,351 7,834 16,512 - (36,471) (33,226) - Other - - - (2) (4) 3 (3) Balance as of December 31, 2015 45,351 38,673 16,512 4,032 - - 104,568 Goodwill acquired 22 380 14 65 - - 481 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - 167 - - 167 Other (9) - - - - - (9) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 45,364 $ 39,053 $ 16,526 $ 4,264 $ - $ - $ 105,207
Schedule Of Amortized Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Other Intangible Assets Gross Carrying Amount Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Customer lists and relationships: Wireless acquisitions $ 942 $ - $ 715 $ 1,055 $ - $ 679 BellSouth Corporation 4,450 - 4,429 4,450 - 4,347 DIRECTV 19,547 (125) 5,618 19,505 (294) 1,807 AT&T Corp. 33 - 26 33 - 23 Mexican wireless 506 (108) 214 485 (60) 110 Subtotal 25,478 (233) 11,002 25,528 (354) 6,966 Trade name 2,942 (7) 1,394 2,905 - 424 Other 707 (3) 283 686 - 195 Total $ 29,127 $ (243) $ 12,679 $ 29,119 $ (354) $ 7,585 Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Licenses: Wireless licenses $ 82,474 $ 81,147 Orbital slots 11,702 11,946 Trade name 6,479 6,437 Total $ 100,655 $ 99,530

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments
Reconciliation Of Investments In Equity Affiliates [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Beginning of year $ 1,606 $ 250 Additional investments 208 77 DIRECTV investments acquired - 1,232 Equity in net income of affiliates 98 79 Dividends and distributions received (61) (30) Currency translation adjustments (156) - Other adjustments (21) (2) End of year $ 1,674 $ 1,606

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure
Summary Of Long-Term Debt Of AT&T And Its Subsidiaries [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Notes and debentures 1 Interest Rates Maturities 2 0.49% – 2.99% 2016 – 2022 $ 26,396 $ 34,265 3.00% – 4.99% 2016 – 2049 66,520 54,678 5.00% – 6.99% 2016 – 2095 26,883 31,140 7.00% – 9.50% 2016 – 2097 5,050 5,805 Other 4 15 Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt 48 109 124,901 126,012 Unamortized (discount) premium - net (2,201) (842) Unamortized issuance costs (319) (323) Total notes and debentures 122,381 124,847 Capitalized leases 869 884 Other 259 416 Total long-term debt, including current maturities 123,509 126,147 Current maturities of long-term debt (9,828) (7,632) Total long-term debt $ 113,681 $ 118,515 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Maturities assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity.
Debt Maturing Within One Year [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 9,828 $ 7,632 Bank borrowings 1 4 4 Total $ 9,832 $ 7,636 1 Outstanding balance of short-term credit facility of a foreign subsidiary.
Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Repayments [Table Text Block]	2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Debt repayments 1 $ 9,609 $ 8,840 $ 8,113 $ 9,179 $ 8,614 $ 85,926 Weighted-average interest rate 2.7 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 2.8 % 4.0 % 4.7 % 1 Debt repayments assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity.

Fair Value Measurements And D41

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure
Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 122,381 $ 128,726 $ 124,847 $ 128,993 Bank borrowings 4 4 4 4 Investment securities 2,587 2,587 2,704 2,704 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.
Fair Value Leveling [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,215 $ - $ - $ 1,215 International equities 594 - - 594 Fixed income bonds - 508 - 508 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 79 - 79 Cross-currency swaps - 89 - 89 Liability Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - (14) - (14) Cross-currency swaps - (3,867) - (3,867) 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" on 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" on our consolidated balance sheets.
Notional Amount Of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 9,650 $ 7,050 Cross-currency swaps 29,642 29,642 Foreign exchange contracts - 100 Total $ 39,292 $ 36,792
Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income [Table Text Block]	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 For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (61) $ (16) $ (29) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 61 16 29 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 1,061 $ (813) $ 528 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI - (361) (128) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (59) (58) (44)

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes
Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets) [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Depreciation and amortization $ 44,903 $ 46,067 Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles 22,892 20,732 Employee benefits (10,045) (10,517) Deferred fulfillment costs 3,204 2,172 Net operating loss and other carryforwards (4,304) (4,029) Other – net (216) (1,478) Subtotal 56,434 52,947 Deferred tax assets valuation allowance 2,283 2,141 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 58,717 $ 55,088 Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ 60,128 $ 56,181 Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets (1,411) (1,093) Net deferred tax liabilities $ 58,717 $ 55,088
Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance For Federal, State, And Foreign Tax [Table Text Block]	Federal, State and Foreign Tax 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 6,898 $ 4,465 Increases for tax positions related to the current year 318 1,333 Increases for tax positions related to prior years 473 660 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (1,168) (396) Lapse of statute of limitations (25) (16) Settlements 50 10 Current year acquisitions - 864 Foreign currency effects (30) (22) Balance at end of year 6,516 6,898 Accrued interest and penalties 1,140 1,138 Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 7,656 8,036 Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits (557) (582) Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above (3,398) (3,460) Less: UTBs included above that relate to acquisitions that would impact goodwill if recognized during the measurement period - (842) Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year $ 3,701 $ 3,152
Components Of Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Federal: Current $ 2,915 $ 2,496 $ 1,610 Deferred 3,127 3,828 2,060 6,042 6,324 3,670 State and local: Current 282 72 (102) Deferred 339 671 (73) 621 743 (175) Foreign: Current 335 320 163 Deferred (519) (382) (39) (184) (62) 124 Total $ 6,479 $ 7,005 $ 3,619
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 U.S. income before income taxes $ 20,911 $ 21,519 $ 10,244 Foreign income (loss) before income taxes (1,099) (827) 111 Total $ 19,812 $ 20,692 $ 10,355
Reconciliation Of Income Tax Expense Based On Federal Statutory Rate To Amount Per Effective Tax Rate [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Taxes computed at federal statutory rate $ 6,934 $ 7,242 $ 3,624 Increases (decreases) in income taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit 416 483 (113) Connecticut wireline sale - - 350 Loss of foreign tax credits in connection with América Móvil sale - - 386 Mexico restructuring (471) - - Other – net (400) (720) (628) Total $ 6,479 $ 7,005 $ 3,619 Effective Tax Rate 32.7 % 33.9 % 34.9 %

Pension And Postretirement Be43

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Schedule Of Plan Obligations In Excess Of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 55,464 $ 59,543 $ 27,898 $ 30,709 Service cost - benefits earned during the period 1,112 1,212 192 222 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,980 1,902 972 967 Amendments (206) (8) (600) (74) Actuarial (gain) loss 1,485 (3,079) (529) (1,988) Special termination benefits - 149 - - Benefits paid (3,614) (4,681) (1,941) (1,958) DIRECTV acquisition - 470 - 20 Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations - (42) - - Plan transfers (38) (2) 35 - Benefit obligation at end of year $ 56,183 $ 55,464 $ 26,027 $ 27,898 Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 42,195 $ 45,163 $ 6,671 $ 7,846 Actual return on plan assets 3,123 604 407 64 Benefits paid 1 (3,614) (4,681) (1,156) (1,239) Contributions 910 735 - - DIRECTV acquisition - 418 - - Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations - (42) - - Plan transfers and other (4) (2) (1) - Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3 42,610 42,195 5,921 6,671 Unfunded status at end of year 2 $ (13,573) $ (13,269) $ (20,106) $ (21,227) 1 At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from AT&T cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances. 2 Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) regulations. 3 Net assets available for benefits were $51,087 at December 31, 2016 and $50,909 at December 31, 2015 and include the preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC discussed below, which was valued at $8,477 and $8,714, respectively. Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1 $ - $ - $ (1,644) $ (1,766) Employee benefit obligation 2 (13,573) (13,269) (18,462) (19,461) Net amount recognized $ (13,573) $ (13,269) $ (20,106) $ (21,227) 1 Included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities." 2 Included in "Postemployment benefit obligation."
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan And Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements $ 42,610 $ 42,195 Preferred equity interest in Mobility 8,477 8,714 Net assets available for benefits $ 51,087 $ 50,909 Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 1,112 $ 1,212 $ 1,134 $ 192 $ 222 $ 233 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,980 1,902 2,470 972 967 1,458 Expected return on assets (3,115) (3,317) (3,380) (355) (421) (653) Amortization of prior service credit (103) (103) (94) (1,277) (1,278) (1,448) Actuarial (gain) loss 1,478 (373) 5,419 (581) (1,632) 2,093 Net pension and postretirement cost (credit) $ 1,352 $ (679) $ 5,549 $ (1,049) $ (2,142) $ 1,683 Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 512 $ 575 $ 583 $ 5,510 $ 6,257 $ 6,812 Prior service (cost) credit 128 1 45 372 45 383 Amortization of prior service credit (65) (64) (58) (793) (792) (898) Reclassification to income of prior service credit - - 5 - - (40) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss 63 (63) (8) (421) (747) (555) Balance at end of year $ 575 $ 512 $ 575 $ 5,089 $ 5,510 $ 6,257 Net Periodic Benefit Cost 2016 2015 2014 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 12 $ 9 $ 7 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 83 77 109 Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) 1 (1) Actuarial (gain) loss 72 (36) 243 Net supplemental retirement pension cost $ 166 $ 51 $ 358 Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 2016 2015 2014 Prior service (cost) credit $ 1 $ (1) $ (11) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) 1 (1) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (net of tax) $ - $ - $ (12)
Schedule Of Assumptions In Determining The Projected Benefit Obligation And Net Pension And Postretirement Benefit Cost [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation at December 31 4.40 % 4.60 % 4.30 % 4.30 % 4.50 % 4.20 % Discount rate in effect for determining service cost 4.90 % 4.60 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 4.60 % 5.00 % Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost 1 3.70 % 3.30 % 4.60 % 3.60 % 3.30 % 5.00 % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.75 % 7.75 % 7.75 % 5.75 % 5.75 % 7.75 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit) 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.10 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 1 Weighted-average discount rate of 5.00% in effect for pension costs from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. Discount rates in effect of 4.90% for service cost and 3.50% for interest cost from October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. A discount rate of 5.00% was used for postretirement costs for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The Effect Of A One Percentage-Point Change In The Assumed Combined Medical And Dental Cost Trend Rate [Table Text Block]	One Percentage- One Percentage- Point Increase Point Decrease Increase (decrease) in total of service and interest cost components $ 50 $ (44) Increase (decrease) in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 511 (458)
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan Targeted And Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Table Text Block]	Pension Assets Postretirement (VEBA) Assets Target 2016 2015 Target 2016 2015 Equity securities: Domestic 20 % - 30 % 24 % 22 % 17 % - 27 % 22 % 26 % International 10 % - 20 % 15 15 14 % - 24 % 19 14 Fixed income securities 35 % - 45 % 39 40 33 % - 43 % 38 34 Real assets 6 % - 16 % 11 10 0 % - 6 % 1 1 Private equity 4 % - 14 % 11 12 0 % - 7 % 2 2 Other 0 % - 5 % - 1 13 % - 23 % 18 23 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Pension And Postretirement Assets And Liabilities By Level [Table Text Block]	Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 94 $ - $ - $ 94 Interest bearing cash - 77 - 77 Foreign currency contracts - 7 - 7 Equity securities: Domestic equities 8,299 - - 8,299 International equities 4,389 - 5 4,394 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 399 - 399 Mortgage-backed securities - 838 - 838 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 208 - 208 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 269 - 269 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 75 8,442 40 8,557 Government and municipal bonds 80 4,889 - 4,969 Real estate and real assets - - 2,273 2,273 Securities lending collateral 207 1,977 - 2,184 Receivable for variation margin 8 - - 8 Purchased options - 1 - 1 Assets at fair value 13,152 17,107 2,318 32,577 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (643) (7) (4) (654) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 12,509 $ 17,100 $ 2,314 $ 31,923 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,648 Real estate funds 2,392 Commingled funds 5,721 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 12,761 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,074) Total Plan Net Assets $ 42,610 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 175 $ 593 $ - $ 768 Foreign currencies 6 - - 6 Equity securities: Domestic equities 1,178 7 - 1,185 International equities 896 2 - 898 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 33 4 37 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 108 13 121 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 32 2 34 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 422 7 429 Government and municipal bonds 20 659 - 679 Securities lending collateral - 128 - 128 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,275 $ 1,984 $ 26 $ 4,285 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 118 Real estate funds 61 Commingled funds 1,667 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,846 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (210) Total Plan Net Assets $ 5,921 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 160 $ - $ - $ 160 Interest bearing cash - 25 - 25 Foreign currency contracts - 25 - 25 Equity securities: Domestic equities 8,315 4 - 8,319 International equities 4,287 - - 4,287 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 403 1 404 Mortgage-backed securities - 792 - 792 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 278 - 278 Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS - 345 - 345 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds 65 8,274 43 8,382 Government and municipal bonds 75 4,495 - 4,570 Real estate and real assets - - 2,062 2,062 Securities lending collateral 512 3,538 - 4,050 Receivable for variation margin 13 - - 13 Assets at fair value 13,427 18,179 2,106 33,712 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (824) (12) - (836) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 12,603 $ 18,167 $ 2,106 $ 32,876 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 4,926 Real estate funds 2,295 Commingled funds 5,854 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 13,075 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (3,756) Total Plan Net Assets $ 42,195 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 220 $ 1,292 $ - $ 1,512 Foreign currencies 4 - - 4 Equity securities: Domestic equities 1,187 9 - 1,196 International equities 869 2 - 871 Fixed income securities: Asset-backed securities - 35 2 37 Collateralized mortgage-backed securities - 120 13 133 Collateralized mortgage obligations - 45 - 45 Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds - 378 - 378 Government and municipal bonds - 617 - 617 Securities lending collateral 6 189 - 195 Futures Contracts 1 - - 1 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,287 $ 2,687 $ 15 $ 4,989 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 155 Real estate funds 81 Commingled funds 1,682 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,918 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (236) Total Plan Net Assets $ 6,671 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable.
Summary of Changes In The Fair Value Of The Level 3 Pension And Postretirement Assets [Table Text Block]	Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ - $ 44 $ 2,062 $ 2,106 Realized gains (losses) - (17) (103) (120) Unrealized gains (losses) 3 19 377 399 Transfers in (4) - 77 73 Transfers out - (2) - (2) Purchases 3 - 65 68 Sales (1) (4) (205) (210) Balance at end of year $ 1 $ 40 $ 2,273 $ 2,314 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 15 $ 15 Realized gains (losses) (2) (2) Unrealized gains (losses) 2 2 Transfers in 16 16 Sales (5) (5) Balance at end of year $ 26 $ 26 Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ - $ 51 $ 2,140 $ 2,191 Realized gains (losses) (1) (19) 247 227 Unrealized gains (losses) 1 16 192 209 Purchases - 1 195 196 Sales - (5) (712) (717) Balance at end of year $ - $ 44 $ 2,062 $ 2,106 Postretirement Assets Fixed Income Funds Total Balance at beginning of year $ 2 $ 2 Transfers in 15 15 Transfers out (1) (1) Sales (1) (1) Balance at end of year $ 15 $ 15
Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2017 $ 4,938 $ 1,809 2018 4,437 1,797 2019 4,312 1,788 2020 4,264 1,783 2021 4,200 1,776 Years 2022 - 2026 19,764 8,225 2016 2015 Projected benefit obligation $ (2,378) $ (2,444) Accumulated benefit obligation (2,314) (2,372) Fair value of plan assets - -

Share-Based Payment (Tables)

Share-Based Payment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-Based Payment
Compensation Cost [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Performance stock units $ 480 $ 299 $ 226 Restricted stock and stock units 152 147 93 Other nonvested stock units 21 5 (1) Total $ 653 $ 451 $ 318 Income tax benefit $ 250 $ 172 $ 122
Status Of Nonvested Stock Units Activity And Changes During Year [Table Text Block]	Nonvested Stock Units Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested at January 1, 2016 36 $ 33.78 Granted 16 36.65 Vested (19) 33.12 Forfeited (2) 35.16 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 31 $ 35.57

Sale of Equipment Installment45

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets [Abstract]
Finance Receivables [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Gross receivables sold $ 7,629 $ 7,436 $ 4,707 Net receivables sold 1 6,913 6,704 4,126 Cash proceeds received 4,574 4,439 2,528 Deferred purchase price recorded 2,368 2,266 1,629 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
Finance Receivables Repurchased [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 1,675 $ 685 $ - Carrying value of deferred purchase price 1,638 534 - Gain on repurchases 1 $ 37 $ 151 $ - 1 These gains are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.

Additional Financial Informat46

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Financial Information
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Table Text Block]	December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2016 2015 Current customer fulfillment costs (included in Other current assets) $ 3,398 $ 2,923 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 22,027 $ 21,047 Accrued payroll and commissions 2,450 2,629 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1,644 1,766 Accrued interest 2,023 1,974 Other 2,994 2,956 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 31,138 $ 30,372
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Table Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Income 2016 2015 2014 Advertising expense $ 3,768 $ 3,632 $ 3,272 Interest expense incurred $ 5,802 $ 4,917 $ 3,847 Capitalized interest (892) (797) (234) Total interest expense $ 4,910 $ 4,120 $ 3,613
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2016 2015 2014 Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 5,696 $ 4,822 $ 4,099 Income taxes, net of refunds 3,721 1,851 1,532

Quarterly Financial Informati47

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Results [Table Text Block]	2016 Calendar Quarter First Second Third Fourth 1 Annual Total Operating Revenues $ 40,535 $ 40,520 $ 40,890 $ 41,841 $ 163,786 Operating Income 7,131 6,560 6,408 4,248 24,347 Net Income 3,885 3,515 3,418 2,515 13,333 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 3,803 3,408 3,328 2,437 12,976 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.62 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.39 $ 2.10 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.39 $ 2.10 Stock Price High $ 39.45 $ 43.21 $ 43.47 $ 42.73 Low 33.51 37.86 39.71 36.13 Close 39.17 43.21 40.61 42.53 1 Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1). 2 Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year. 2015 Calendar Quarter First Second Third Fourth 1 Annual Total Operating Revenues $ 32,576 $ 33,015 $ 39,091 $ 42,119 $ 146,801 Operating Income 5,557 5,773 5,923 7,532 24,785 Net Income 3,339 3,184 3,078 4,086 13,687 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 3,263 3,082 2,994 4,006 13,345 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.50 $ 0.65 $ 2.37 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T 2 $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.50 $ 0.65 $ 2.37 Stock Price High $ 35.07 $ 36.45 $ 35.93 $ 34.99 Low 32.41 32.37 30.97 32.17 Close 32.65 35.52 32.58 34.41 1 Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6). 2 Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year.

Valuation And Qualifying Acco48

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block]	COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Charged to Charged to Beginning of Costs and Other Balance at End Period Expenses (a) Accounts (b) Acquisitions (c) Deductions (d) of Period Year 2016 $ 704 1,474 - - 1,517 $ 661 Year 2015 $ 454 1,416 - 214 1,380 $ 704 Year 2014 $ 483 1,032 (32) - 1,029 $ 454 (a) Includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered. Excludes direct charges and credits to expense for nontrade receivables in the consolidated statements of income. (b) Includes amounts related to long-distance carrier receivables which were billed by AT&T. (c) Acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico in 2015. (d) Amounts written off as uncollectible, or related to divested entities. COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Charged to Charged to Beginning of Costs and Other Acquisitions Deductions Balance at End Period Expenses Accounts (a) (b) (c) of Period Year 2016 $ 2,141 81 61 - - $ 2,283 Year 2015 $ 1,182 283 373 420 117 $ 2,141 Year 2014 $ 927 - 445 - 190 $ 1,182 (a) Includes current year reclassifications from other balance sheet accounts. (b) Acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico in 2015. (c) Reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets.

Summary Of Significant Accoun49

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Equipment installment sales - maximum installment period (in months)		30 months
Inventories		$ 2,039	$ 4,033
Inventories - wireless handsets and accessories		$ 1,951	3,998
FCC licenses - typical term (in years)		10
Number of major classes of intangible assets		5
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - timing of annual impairment analysis		October 1
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Cash Receipts on Deferred Purchase Price		$ 731	$ 536
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash		1,803
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Description	We extended the amortization period to better reflect the estimated economic lives of satellite and certain business customer relationships.
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member] | Net Income [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (in millions)		$ (236)
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member] | Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Change In Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (per share) | $ / shares		$ (0.04)
Network Assets [Member] | Net Income [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (in millions)		$ (286)
Change in Accounting Estimate Description		We aligned and extended our estimates for certain network assets impacted by IP strategy with our updated business case ands and engineering studies
Network Assets [Member] | Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Change In Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (per share) | $ / shares		$ (0.05)
Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		5 years
Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		3 years
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 3,985
Foreign Jurisdictions [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 776

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 2,515	[1]	$ 3,418		$ 3,515		$ 3,885		$ 4,086	[2]	$ 3,078		$ 3,184		$ 3,339		$ 13,333	$ 13,687	$ 6,736
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest																	(357)	(342)	(294)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T&T	$ 2,437	[1]	$ 3,328		$ 3,408		$ 3,803		$ 4,006	[2]	$ 2,994		$ 3,082		$ 3,263		12,976	13,345	6,442
Share-based payment																	13	13	13
Numerator for diluted earnings per share																	$ 12,989	$ 13,358	$ 6,455
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding																	6,168	5,628	5,205
Share-based payment (in shares)																	21	18	16
Denominator for diluted earnings per share																	6,189	5,646	5,221
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.39	[3]	$ 0.54	[3]	$ 0.55	[3]	$ 0.62	[3]	$ 0.65	[3]	$ 0.5	[3]	$ 0.59	[3]	$ 0.63	[3]	$ 2.1	$ 2.37	$ 1.24
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.39	[3]	$ 0.54	[3]	$ 0.55	[3]	$ 0.61	[3]	$ 0.65	[3]	$ 0.5	[3]	$ 0.59	[3]	$ 0.63	[3]	$ 2.1	$ 2.37	$ 1.24
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).
[3]	Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi51

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		$ 5,334	$ 8,061	$ 7,880
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		448	(1,890)	678
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax		(821)	(837)	(497)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(373)	(2,727)	181
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		4,961	5,334	8,061
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		(1,198)	(26)	(367)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		(797)	(1,172)	(75)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	0	0	416
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(797)	(1,172)	341
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		(1,995)	(1,198)	(26)
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	450
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		58	0	65
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	(1)	(15)	(16)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		57	(15)	49
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		541	484	499
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		16	741	445
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		690	(763)	260
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[2]	38	38	36
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		728	(725)	296
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		744	16	741
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		6,032	6,847	7,352
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		497	45	428
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[3]	(858)	(860)	(933)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(361)	(815)	(505)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		$ 5,671	$ 6,032	$ 6,847
[1]	(Gains) losses are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	(Gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 10 for additional information.
[3]	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 12).

Accumulated Other Comprehensi52

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Brazillian, Real [Member] | Appreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	17.90%
Argentina, Pesos [Member] | Depreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	22.80%
Mexico, Pesos [Member] | Depreciated [Member]
Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Change in foreign currency exchange rate, percentage	20.50%

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment) (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Segment Transaction [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 41,841		$ 40,890	$ 40,520	$ 40,535	$ 42,119		$ 39,091	$ 33,015	$ 32,576	$ 163,786	$ 146,801	$ 132,447
Operations and Support Expenses											113,592	100,000	101,962
EBITDA											50,194	46,801	30,485
Depreciation and Amortization											25,847	22,016	18,273
Operating Income (Loss)	4,248		6,408	6,560	7,131	7,532		5,923	5,773	5,557	24,347	24,785	12,212
Equity in net income of affiliates											98	79	175
Segment Contribution	$ 4,248		$ 6,408	$ 6,560	$ 7,131	$ 7,532		$ 5,923	$ 5,773	$ 5,557	19,812	20,692	10,355
Business Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											16,826	16,392	15,425
Entertainment Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											6,104	2,000	(1,234)
Consumer Mobility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											9,825	9,738	9,050
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(661)	(488)	153
Segment Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											32,094	27,642	23,394
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											70,988	71,127	70,606
Operations and Support Expenses											44,330	44,946	45,826
EBITDA											26,658	26,181	24,780
Depreciation and Amortization											9,832	9,789	9,355
Operating Income (Loss)											16,826	16,392	15,425
Equity in net income of affiliates											0	0	0
Segment Contribution											16,826	16,392	15,425
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											51,295	35,294	22,233
Operations and Support Expenses											39,338	28,345	18,992
EBITDA											11,957	6,949	3,241
Depreciation and Amortization											5,862	4,945	4,473
Operating Income (Loss)											6,095	2,004	(1,232)
Equity in net income of affiliates											9	(4)	(2)
Segment Contribution											6,104	2,000	(1,234)
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Mobility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											33,200	35,066	36,769
Operations and Support Expenses											19,659	21,477	23,891
EBITDA											13,541	13,589	12,878
Depreciation and Amortization											3,716	3,851	3,827
Operating Income (Loss)											9,825	9,738	9,051
Equity in net income of affiliates											0	0	(1)
Segment Contribution											9,825	9,738	9,050
Operating Segments [Member] | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											7,283	4,102	0
Operations and Support Expenses											6,830	3,930	0
EBITDA											453	172	0
Depreciation and Amortization											1,166	655	0
Operating Income (Loss)											(713)	(483)	0
Equity in net income of affiliates											52	(5)	153
Segment Contribution											(661)	(488)	153
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											162,766	145,589	129,608
Operations and Support Expenses											110,157	98,698	88,709
EBITDA											52,609	46,891	40,899
Depreciation and Amortization											20,576	19,240	17,655
Operating Income (Loss)											32,033	27,651	23,244
Equity in net income of affiliates											61	(9)	150
Segment Contribution											32,094	27,642	23,394
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)											(195)	176	263
Operating Segments [Member] | Acquisition-related items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)											(6,380)	(4,784)	(1,272)
Operating Segments [Member] | Certain Significant items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)											(1,111)	1,742	(10,023)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											1,043	1,297	2,839
Operations and Support Expenses											1,173	1,057	2,471
EBITDA											(130)	240	368
Depreciation and Amortization											65	64	105
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Acquisition-related items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											0	(85)	0
Operations and Support Expenses											1,203	1,987	785
EBITDA											(1,203)	(2,072)	(785)
Depreciation and Amortization											5,177	2,712	487
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Certain Significant items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											(23)	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses											1,059	(1,742)	9,997
EBITDA											(1,082)	1,742	(9,997)
Depreciation and Amortization											$ 29	$ 0	$ 26
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).

Segment Information (Reconcil55

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ 4,248		$ 6,408	$ 6,560	$ 7,131	$ 7,532		$ 5,923	$ 5,773	$ 5,557	$ 24,347	$ 24,785	$ 12,212
Interest expense											4,910	4,120	3,613
Other income (expense) - net											277	(52)	1,581
Equity in net income of affiliates											98	79	175
Segment Contribution	$ 4,248		$ 6,408	$ 6,560	$ 7,131	$ 7,532		$ 5,923	$ 5,773	$ 5,557	19,812	20,692	10,355
Business Solutions
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											16,826	16,392	15,425
Entertainment Group
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											6,104	2,000	(1,234)
Consumer Mobility
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											9,825	9,738	9,050
International
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(661)	(488)	153
Segment Contribution
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											32,094	27,642	23,394
Reconciling Items [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(195)	176	263
Reconciling Items [Member] | Merger and intergration charges
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(1,203)	(2,072)	(785)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Amortization of intangibles acquired
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(5,177)	(2,712)	(487)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(1,024)	2,152	(7,869)
Reconciling Items [Member] | Employee separation charges
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(344)	(375)	0
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]
Segment Contribution											714	0	0
Reconciling Items [Member] | Storm related and other items
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(67)	0	0
Reconciling Items [Member] | Asset abandonment and impairments
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
Segment Contribution											(390)	(35)	(2,154)
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]
Segment Contribution											$ (61)	$ 9	$ (150)
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 41,841	[1]	$ 40,890	$ 40,520	$ 40,535	$ 42,119	[2]	$ 39,091	$ 33,015	$ 32,576	$ 163,786	$ 146,801	$ 132,447
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	124,899					124,450					124,899	124,450	112,898
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues											154,039	140,234	129,772
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	118,664					118,515					118,664	118,515	112,092
Brazil [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues											2,797	1,224	142
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	1,265					1,384					1,265	1,384	33
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues											2,348	1,157	99
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	1,828					1,530					1,828	1,530	67
Mexico [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues											2,472	2,046	94
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	2,520					2,369					2,520	2,369	20
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues											2,130	2,140	2,340
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	$ 622					$ 652					$ 622	$ 652	$ 686
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).

Acquisitions, Dispositions An57

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Time Warner Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 15, 2017	Oct. 22, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)					$ 2,959	$ 30,759	$ 3,141
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - agreement date		Oct. 22, 2016
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual acquisition period/date		Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller (in US dollars per share)		$ 107.5
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)		$ 85,400
Acquisition of business - fair value of assets acquired			$ 108,700	$ 108,700
Acquired entity's shareholder approval date	Feb. 15, 2017
Obligation upon termination		$ 500
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Cash [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - consideration to be given (percent)		50.00%
Acquisition of business - value of consideration (in US dollars per share)		$ 53.75
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - consideration to be given (percent)		50.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - percentage ownership of combined company held by former shareholders of acquiree		14.40%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - percentage ownership of combined company held by former shareholders of acquiree		15.70%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 1 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration		Quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration (in US dollars per share)		$ 37.411
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 1 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration		Quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration (in US dollars per share)		$ 41.349
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 2 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration		1.300 shares of AT&T stock per share of Time Warner common stock
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration (in US dollars per share)		$ 41.349
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 3 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration		1.437 shares of AT&T stock per share of Time Warner common stock
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration (in US dollars per share)		$ 37.411

Acquisitions, Dispositions An58

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (DIRECTV Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 24, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Revenues			$ 41,841		$ 40,890	$ 40,520	$ 40,535	$ 42,119		$ 39,091	$ 33,015	$ 32,576	$ 163,786	$ 146,801	$ 132,447
Operating Income (Loss)			$ 4,248		$ 6,408	$ 6,560	$ 7,131	$ 7,532		$ 5,923	$ 5,773	$ 5,557	24,347	24,785	12,212
Amortization expense													$ 5,186	2,728	$ 500
DIRECTV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - period of acquisition	Jul. 24, 2015
DIRECTV [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - period of acquisition		Jul. 31, 2015
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired		$ 47,409
Revenues														14,561
Amortization expense														$ 2,254
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).

Acquisitions, Dispositions An59

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Nextel Mexico Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller		$ 2,959	$ 30,759	$ 3,141
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - period of acquisition	Apr. 30, 2015
Acquisition of business - allocaton to debt, net of cash received by seller (in millions)	$ 427
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller	1,875
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Customer lists and relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired	128
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired	193
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired	1,167
Nextel Mexico [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired	$ 376

Acquisitions, Dispositions An60

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (GSF Telecom Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller		$ 2,959	$ 30,759	$ 3,141
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - period of acquisition	Jan. 30, 2015
Acquisition of business - allocaton to debt, net of cash received by seller (in millions)	$ 700
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller	2,500
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Customer lists and relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired	378
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired	956
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - value/amount of assets acquired	658
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired	735
GSF Telecom Holdings [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Trade Name [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets - value/amount of assets acquired	$ 26

Acquisitions, Dispositions An61

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (FCC Auction 97 and Spectrum Narrative) (Details) - Spectrum Licenses [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
FCC Auction 97 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets		$ 921	$ 17,268
Acquisition of intangible assets through a group purchase - value/amount of assets acquired	$ 18,189
License purchase agreement description	251 Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) spectrum
Spectrum Swaps [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure				$ 2,122
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets				$ 714
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of intangible assets through a group purchase - value/amount of assets acquired					$ 489	$ 1,263

Acquisitions, Dispositions An62

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Leap Wireless Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller			$ 2,959	$ 30,759	$ 3,141
Leap Wireless International [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Acquisition of business - period of acquisition		Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisition of assets - noncash consideration		one non-transferable contingent value right per share
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller		$ 1,248
Acquisition of business - anticipated or actual cash paid to seller (in US dollars per share)		$ 15
Leap Wireless International [Member] | Disposition [Member] | Chicago 700 MHz A-band FCC License [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Disposition of assets - period of the sale of assets	Nov. 30, 2016

Acquisitions, Dispositions An63

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Dispositions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Disposition		$ 646	$ 83	$ 8,123
America Movil [Member] | Disposition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Disposition of business - period of sale of subsidiary				Dec. 31, 2014
Disposition				$ 5,885
Disposition of business - pretax gain recognized from sale of subsidiary/investment				$ 1,330
Connecticut Wireline [Member] | Disposition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line items]
Disposition of business - period of sale of subsidiary	Oct. 31, 2014
Disposition	$ 2,018
Disposition of business - pretax gain recognized from sale of subsidiary/investment	76
Disposition of business - net income impact from sale of subsidiary (in millions of U.S. dollars)	(360)
Disposition of intangible assets - value of goodwill disposed	$ 743

Acquisitions, Dispositions An64

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Fair Value of Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets acquired
Goodwill	$ 105,207	$ 104,568	$ 69,692
DIRECTV [Member]
Assets acquired
Cash		4,797
Accounts Receivable		2,038
All other current assets		1,534
Property, plant and equipment (including satellites)		9,320
Investments and other assets		2,375
Goodwill		34,619
Total assets acquired		90,868
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt		5,645
Long-term debt - fair value		20,585
Other noncurrent liabilities		16,875
Total liabilities assumed		43,105
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		445
DIRECTV [Member] | Orbital Slots [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		11,946
DIRECTV [Member] | Trade Name [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		1,371
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$ 2,915

Acquisitions, Dispositions An65

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Pro-Forma Consolidated Results Of Operations) (Details) - DIRECTV [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 165,694	$ 165,595
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 12,683	$ 6,412
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.06	$ 1.04
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.06	$ 1.04

Property, Plant And Equipment66

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 319,648	$ 306,227
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	194,749	181,777
Property, plant and equipment - net	124,899	124,450	$ 112,898
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,643	$ 1,638
Land [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	0 years	0 years
Land [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	0 years	0 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 35,036	$ 33,784
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	2 years	2 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	44 years	44 years
Central Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 92,954	$ 93,643
Central Office Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years	3 years
Central Office Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years	10 years
Cable, Wiring And Conduit [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 79,279	$ 75,784
Cable, Wiring And Conduit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years	15 years
Cable, Wiring And Conduit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	50 years	50 years
Satellites [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,710	$ 2,088
Satellites [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	12 years	12 years
Satellites [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years	15 years
Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 88,436	$ 81,972
Other Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	2 years	2 years
Other Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	23 years	23 years
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 14,472	$ 11,347
Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years	3 years
Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years	5 years
Under Construction [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 5,118	$ 5,971
Under Construction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	0 years	0 years
Under Construction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	0 years	0 years

Property, Plant And Equipment67

Property, Plant And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense			$ 20,661	$ 19,289	$ 17,773
Operating leases, rent expense			4,482	5,025	4,345
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, current	$ 3,915		3,915
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in two years	3,706		3,706
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in three years	3,448		3,448
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in four years	3,208		3,208
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in five years	2,811		2,811
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due thereafter	12,569		12,569
Property, plant and equipment, gross	319,648		319,648	306,227
Accumulated depreciation and Amortization	194,749		194,749	181,777
Assets Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, in Period of Disposition, Gain (Loss) on Disposition			361	35	2,120
Copper Network Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 7,141			7,141
Accumulated depreciation and Amortization		$ 5,021			5,021
Assets Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, in Period of Disposition, Gain (Loss) on Disposition					2,120
Circumstances leading to the abandonment of long-lived assets by method other than sale		Declining customer demand for our legacy voice and data products and the migration of our networks to next generation technologies, we decided in the fourth quarter of 2014 to abandon in place specific copper network assets classified as cable, wiring and conduit
Wireless Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets, Impairment	$ 278
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense			$ 2,362	$ 1,660	$ 1,504

Goodwill And Other Intangible68

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets
Amortization expense for definite-life intangible assets for the year	$ 5,186	$ 2,728	$ 500
Estimated amortization expense in 2017	4,612
Estimated amortization expense in 2018	3,573
Estimated amortization expense in 2019	2,516
Estimated amortization expense in 2020	2,038
Estimated amortization expense in 2021	1,563
Write-offs of fully amortized finite-lived intangible assets	$ 117	$ 1,483
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - weighted average useful life	8 years 6 months
Customer Lists And Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - weighted average useful life	9 years 2 months 12 days
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets - weighted average useful life	4 years 2 months 12 days

Goodwill And Other Intangible69

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill, By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 104,568	$ 69,692
Goodwill acquired	481	35,517
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	167	(638)
Allocation of Goodwill		0
Other	(9)	(3)
Ending balance	105,207	104,568
Business Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	45,351	0
Goodwill acquired	22	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Allocation of Goodwill		45,351
Other	(9)	0
Ending balance	45,364	45,351
Entertainment Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	38,673	0
Goodwill acquired	380	30,839
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Allocation of Goodwill		7,834
Other	0	0
Ending balance	39,053	38,673
Consumer Mobility [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16,512	0
Goodwill acquired	14	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Allocation of Goodwill		16,512
Other	0	0
Ending balance	16,526	16,512
International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,032	0
Goodwill acquired	65	4,672
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	167	(638)
Allocation of Goodwill		0
Other	0	(2)
Ending balance	4,264	4,032
Wireless [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	36,469
Goodwill acquired	0	6
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Allocation of Goodwill		(36,471)
Other	0	(4)
Ending balance	0	0
Wireline [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	33,223
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Allocation of Goodwill		(33,226)
Other	0	3
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill And Other Intangible70

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Amortized Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	$ 167	$ (638)
Customer Lists And Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	25,478	25,528
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(233)	(354)
Accumulated amortization	11,002	6,966
Wireless Acquisitions [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	942	1,055
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Accumulated amortization	715	679
BellSouth Corporation [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,450	4,450
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Accumulated amortization	4,429	4,347
DIRECTV [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	19,547	19,505
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(125)	(294)
Accumulated amortization	5,618	1,807
AT&T Corp [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	33	33
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	0	0
Accumulated amortization	26	23
Mexican wireless [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	506	485
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(108)	(60)
Accumulated amortization	214	110
Trade Name [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,942	2,905
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(7)	0
Accumulated amortization	1,394	424
Other [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	707	686
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(3)	0
Accumulated amortization	283	195
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	29,127	29,119
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	(243)	(354)
Accumulated amortization	$ 12,679	$ 7,585

Goodwill And Other Intangible71

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets Not Subject To Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 100,655	$ 99,530
Licenses [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	82,474	81,147
Orbital Slots [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	11,702	11,946
Trade Name [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 6,479	$ 6,437

Equity Method Investments (Narr

Equity Method Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings from equity affiliates	$ 196	$ 162
SKY Mexico [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's ownership interest in investee	41.30%
Game Show Network [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's ownership interest in investee	42.00%
Otter Media [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's ownership interest in investee	48.30%

Equity Method Investments (Reco

Equity Method Investments (Reconciliation Of Investments In Equity Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments
Beginning of year	$ 1,606	$ 250
Additional investments	208	77
DIRECTV investments acquired	0	1,232
Equity in net income of affiliates	98	79	$ 175
Dividends and Distributions received	(61)	(30)
Currency translation adjustments	(156)	0
Other adjustments	(21)	(2)
End of year	$ 1,674	$ 1,606	$ 250

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt Of AT&T And Its Subsidiaries) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized issuance costs		$ (319)	$ (323)
Total notes and debentures		122,381	124,847
Capitalized leases		869	884
Other		259	416
Total long-term debt, including current maturities		123,509	126,147
Current maturities of long-term debt		(9,828)	(7,632)
Total long-term debt		$ 113,681	118,515
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		9.10%
Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 124,901	126,012
Unamortized (discount) premium - net		$ (2,201)	$ (842)
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2022 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date range, start	[2]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt instrument, maturity date range, end	[2]	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 26,396	$ 34,265
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2022 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		0.49%	0.49%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2022 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		2.99%	2.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2049 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date range, start	[2]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt instrument, maturity date range, end	[2]	Dec. 31, 2049	Dec. 31, 2049
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 66,520	$ 54,678
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2049 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		3.00%	3.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2049 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		4.99%	4.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2095 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date range, start	[2]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt instrument, maturity date range, end	[2]	Dec. 31, 2095	Dec. 31, 2095
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 26,883	$ 31,140
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2095 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		5.00%	5.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2095 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		6.99%	6.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2097 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date range, start	[2]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt instrument, maturity date range, end	[2]	Dec. 31, 2097	Dec. 31, 2097
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 5,050	$ 5,805
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2097 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		7.00%	7.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2016-2097 [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		9.50%	9.50%
Other Debt [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 4	$ 15
Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	[1]	$ 48	$ 109
[1]	Includes credit agreement borrowings.
[2]	Maturities assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity.

Debt (Debt Maturing Within One

Debt (Debt Maturing Within One Year) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure
Current maturities of long-term debt		$ 9,828	$ 7,632
Bank borrowings	[1]	4	4
Total		$ 9,832	$ 7,636
[1]	Outstanding balance of short-term credit facility of a foreign subsidiary.

Debt (Long-Term Debt - Schedule

Debt (Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Repayments) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for 2017	$ 9,609	[1]
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for 2018	8,840	[1]
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for 2019	8,113	[1]
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for 2020	9,179	[1]
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for 2021	8,614	[1]
Long-term debt repayments scheduled for the period thereafter	$ 85,926	[1]
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for 2017	2.70%
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for 2018	3.60%
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for 2019	3.70%
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for 2020	2.80%
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for 2021	4.00%
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt repayment scheduled for the period thereafter	4.70%
[1]	Debt repayments assume putable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity.

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2007
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - redemption amount	$ 10,823
Weighted avg. coupon of our debt issuances during period	3.80%
Notes And Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted avg. coupon of our debt issuances during period	4.20%	4.00%
Debt Issued in Foreign Markets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount	$ 24,292	$ 26,221
Annual Put Reset Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount	$ 1,000
Debt instruments - maturity date	Apr. 30, 2021
Zero Coupon [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount			$ 500
Debt instruments - maturity date	May 31, 2022
Debt instrument - redemption amount	$ 1,030

Debt (Financing Activities) (Na

Debt (Financing Activities) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 09, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt				$ 10,140	$ 33,969	$ 15,926
Debt Instrument Weighted Average Maturity Period				12 years
Debt Instrument Weighted Average Interest Rate				3.80%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Amount				$ 10,823
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate				1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instument - stated percentage rate				9.10%
Global Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount		$ 750
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 31, 2019
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		2.30%
Global Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount		$ 750	$ 1,250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		2.80%	2.80%
Global Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount							$ 1,250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt instument - stated percentage rate							3.20%
Global Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount		$ 1,100	$ 1,500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		3.60%	3.60%
Global Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount							$ 750
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2024
Debt instument - stated percentage rate							3.80%
Global Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount		$ 900	$ 1,750
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 31, 2026	Dec. 31, 2026
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		4.125%	4.125%
Global Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount							$ 2,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2027
Debt instument - stated percentage rate							4.25%
Global Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount							$ 3,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2037
Debt instument - stated percentage rate							5.25%
Global Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount		$ 500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 31, 2044
Debt instument - stated percentage rate		4.80%
Global Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount			$ 1,500				$ 2,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2047		Dec. 31, 2047
Debt instument - stated percentage rate			5.65%				5.45%
Global Notes Due 2057 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - principal amount							$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2057
Debt instument - stated percentage rate							5.70%

Debt (Revolving Credit Agreemen

Debt (Revolving Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 12,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Dec. 31, 2015
Term of Loan	5 years
Credit agreement - advances outstanding		$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - maturity date	Dec. 11, 2020
Credit agreement - maximum potential extension of term (years)	2 years
Credit agreement - minimum borrowing capacity	$ 0
Credit agreement - minimum lender approval percentage for extension of term (in hundredths)	50.00%
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to (1) the highest of: (a) the base rate of the bank affiliate of Citibank, N.A., (b) 0.50% per annum above the Federal funds rate, and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) applicable to U.S. dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00% per annum, plus (2) an applicable margin (as set forth in this agreement); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin (as set forth in this agreement).
Additional Margin Upon Default [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate	2.00%
Additional Margin Upon Default [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate	2.00%
Additional Margin Upon Default [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate	2.00%
Additional Margin Upon Default [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate	2.00%
Facility Fee [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage	0.07%
Facility Fee [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage	0.09%
Facility Fee [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage	0.10%
Facility Fee [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage	0.125%

Debt (Syndicated Credit Agreeme

Debt (Syndicated Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Syndicated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)		$ 9,155
Credit agreement - initiation date		Jan. 31, 2015
Credit agreement - advances outstanding				$ 9,155
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		Advances bear interest at a rate equal to: (i) the LIBOR for deposits in dollars (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement.
Syndicated Credit Agreement [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Syndicated Credit Agreement [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Syndicated Credit Agreement [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)		$ 6,286
Credit agreement - maturity date		Mar. 2, 2018
Repayments of Debt	$ 4,000
Credit agreement - advances outstanding			$ 2,286
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		Advances bear interest at a rate equal to: (i) the LIBOR for deposits in dollars (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement.
Loan A [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.00%
Loan A [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan A [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.125%
Loan A [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan A [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.25%
Loan A [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)		$ 2,869
Credit agreement - term description		Amounts borrowed under the Loan B will be subject to amortization from March 2, 2018, with 25 percent of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to March 2, 2020, and all remaining principal amount due on March 2, 2020.
Repayments of Debt	$ 1,000
Credit agreement - advances outstanding			$ 1,869
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		Advances bear interest at a rate equal to: (i) the LIBOR for deposits in dollars (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement.
Loan B [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.125%
Loan B [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan B [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.25%
Loan B [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Loan B [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.375%
Loan B [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%

Debt (Bridge Loan Agreement) (N

Debt (Bridge Loan Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 15, 2016	Oct. 22, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Tranche A Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 5,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Nov. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding			$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”).
Credit agreement - term description	Repayment of all advances with respect to Tranche A must be made no later than two years and six months after the date on which such advances are made.
Tranche B Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 5,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Nov. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding			0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”).
Credit agreement - term description	Amounts borrowed under Tranche B will be subject to amortization commencing two years and nine months after the date on which such advances are made, with 25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made, and all remaining principal amount due and payable on the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)		$ 40,000
Credit agreement - initiation date		Oct. 22, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start		Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End		Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding		$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan)”).
Additional fee percentage description		We also must pay an additional fee of 0.500%, 0.750% and 1.000% on the amount of advances outstanding as of the 90th, 180th and 270th day after advances are made.
Credit agreement - term description		Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary events, and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Additional Base Spread [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - base rate		The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances are scheduled to increase by an additional 0.25% on the 90th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.75%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 30,000	$ 30,000
Credit agreement - initiation date		Oct. 22, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start		Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End		Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding		$ 0	0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan)”).
Additional fee percentage description		We also must pay an additional fee of 0.500%, 0.750% and 1.000% on the amount of advances outstanding as of the 90th, 180th and 270th day after advances are made.
Credit agreement - term description		Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary events, and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Additional Base Spread [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - base rate		The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances are scheduled to increase by an additional 0.25% on the 90th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.75%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche A Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)		$ 10,000
Credit agreement - initiation date		Oct. 22, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start		Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End		Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding	$ 0		$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant		3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate		• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Bridge Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in this agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Bridge Loan)”).
Credit agreement - term description		Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary events, and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Additional Base Spread [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - base rate		The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances are scheduled to increase by an additional 0.25% on the 90th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter.
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Base Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		0.75%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.07%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Highest Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.00%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.09%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | High Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.125%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Moderate Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.25%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.125%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		1.50%
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage		0.175%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Tranche B Commitment [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Advance [Member] | Very Low Credit Rating [Member] | Additional Margin Upon Default [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate		2.00%

Debt (Term Loan Agreement) (Nar

Debt (Term Loan Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 15, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 10,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Nov. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Apr. 23, 2018
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Number of creditors	20
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”).
Tranche A Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 5,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Nov. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding		$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”).
Credit agreement - term description	Repayment of all advances with respect to Tranche A must be made no later than two years and six months after the date on which such advances are made.
Tranche B Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount or capacity of debt (in millions)	$ 5,000
Credit agreement - initiation date	Nov. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Oct. 23, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Apr. 23, 2018
Credit agreement - advances outstanding		$ 0
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA covenant	3.5 to 1
Credit agreement - base rate	• at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances (Term Loan)”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Term Loan (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances (Term Loan)”).
Credit agreement - term description	Amounts borrowed under Tranche B will be subject to amortization commencing two years and nine months after the date on which such advances are made, with 25% of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made, and all remaining principal amount due and payable on the date that is four years and six months after the date on which such advances are made.

Fair Value Measurements And D83

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure
Fixed income investments - maturities under 1 year	$ 245
Fixed income investments - maturities between 1 to 3 years	58
Fixed income investments - maturities between 3 to 5 years	46
Fixed income investments - maturities for 5 or more years	159
Anticipated reclassification of holding gains (losses) during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	59
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral received from counterparty	0	$ 124
Collateral submitted to counterparty	3,242	$ 2,343
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	150
DIRECTV [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 274

Fair Value Measurements And D84

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures		$ 122,381	$ 124,847
Bank borrowings	[1]	4	4
Carrying Amount [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	[2]	122,381	124,847
Bank borrowings		4	4
Investment securities		2,587	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		2,587	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	[2]	$ 128,726	$ 128,993
[1]	Outstanding balance of short-term credit facility of a foreign subsidiary.
[2]	Includes credit agreement borrowings.

Fair Value Measurements And D85

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		$ 1,215	$ 1,132
Domestic Equities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		1,215	1,132
Domestic Equities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
Domestic Equities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		594	569
International Equities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		594	569
International Equities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
International Equities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		508	680
Fixed Income Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
Fixed Income Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		508	680
Fixed Income Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities		0	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	79	136
Liability Derivatives	[1]	(14)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives	[1]	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	79	136
Liability Derivatives	[1]	(14)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives	[1]	0
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	89	556
Liability Derivatives	[1]	(3,867)	(3,466)
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives	[1]	0	0
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	89	556
Liability Derivatives	[1]	(3,867)	(3,466)
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives	[1]	$ 0	0
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]		3
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]		0
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]		3
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	[1]		$ 0
[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" on our consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements And D86

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative positions	$ 39,292	$ 36,792
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative positions	9,650	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	$ 0	$ 100

Fair Value Measurements And D87

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ (61)	$ (16)	$ (29)
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	61	16	29
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	1,061	(813)	528
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	0	(361)	(128)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member] | Other Income Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Income (expense) reclassified from accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into income	$ (59)	$ (58)	$ (44)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for federal income tax purposes	$ 144
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for state income tax purposes	830
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for foreign income tax purposes	$ 1,981
Expiration year of operating and capital loss carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2032
Expiration year for credit carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2036
Net deposits to various taxing jurisdictions	$ 3,084	$ 3,027
Accrued interest and penalties included in unrecognized tax benefits balance at year end	1,140	1,138
Net interest and penalty expense (benefit) included in income tax expense	$ 24	$ 83	$ (64)
IRS field examination of tax returns complete through year	2,010
All audit periods prior to this year are closed for federal examination purposes	2,003
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 0
State [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 1,348
Period Start [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax return year(s) subject to resolution with IRS Appeals Division	2,003
Period End [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax return year(s) subject to resolution with IRS Appeals Division	2,010

Income Taxes (Components Of Def

Income Taxes (Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes
Depreciation and amortization	$ 44,903	$ 46,067
Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles	22,892	20,732
Employee benefits	(10,045)	(10,517)
Deferred fulfillment costs	3,204	2,172
Net operating loss and other carryforwards	(4,304)	(4,029)
Other - net	(216)	(1,478)
Subtotal	56,434	52,947
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	2,283	2,141
Net deferred tax liabilities	58,717	55,088
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	60,128	56,181
Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets	(1,411)	(1,093)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 58,717	$ 55,088

Income Taxes (Changes In Unreco

Income Taxes (Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance For Federal State And Foreign Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits - Balance at beginning of year	$ 6,898	$ 4,465
Unrecognized tax benefits - Increases for tax positions related to the current year	318	1,333
Unrecognized tax benefits - Increases for tax positions related to prior years	473	660
Unrecognized tax benefits - Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(1,168)	(396)
Unrecognized tax benefits - lapse of statute of limitations	(25)	(16)
Unrecognized tax benefits - Settlements	50	10
Unrecognized tax benefits - Increase resulting from acquisition	0	864
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Decrease resulting from foreign currency effects	(30)	(22)
Unrecognized tax benefits - Balance at end of year	6,516	6,898
Unrecognized tax benefits - Accrued interest and penalties	1,140	1,138
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	7,656	8,036
Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits	(557)	(582)
Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above	(3,398)	(3,460)
Less: UTBs included above that relate to acquisitions that would impact goodwill if recognized during the measurement period	0	(842)
Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year	$ 3,701	$ 3,152

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Current, federal	$ 2,915	$ 2,496	$ 1,610
Deferred - net, federal	3,127	3,828	2,060
Total federal income tax	6,042	6,324	3,670
Current, state and local	282	72	(102)
Deferred - net, state and local	339	671	(73)
Total state and local income tax	621	743	(175)
Current, foreign	335	320	163
Deferred - net, foreign	(519)	(382)	(39)
Total foreign income tax	(184)	(62)	124
Total	$ 6,479	$ 7,005	$ 3,619

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
U.S. income before income taxes											$ 20,911	$ 21,519	$ 10,244
Foreign income (loss) before income taxes											(1,099)	(827)	111
Segment Contribution	$ 4,248		$ 6,408	$ 6,560	$ 7,131	$ 7,532		$ 5,923	$ 5,773	$ 5,557	$ 19,812	$ 20,692	$ 10,355
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Expense Based On Federal Statutory Rate To Amount Per Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Taxes computed at federal statutory rate	$ 6,934	$ 7,242	$ 3,624
State and local income taxes - net of federal income tax benefit	416	483	(113)
Connecticut wireline sale	0	0	350
Loss of foreign tax credits in connection with America Movil sale	0	0	386
Mexico restructuring	(471)	0	0
Other - net	(400)	(720)	(628)
Total	$ 6,479	$ 7,005	$ 3,619
Effective Tax Rate	32.70%	33.90%	34.90%
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%

Pension And Postretirement Be94

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 24, 2015	Sep. 09, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost								$ 303	$ (2,821)	$ 7,232
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations							$ 230
Contribution to our pension plans							$ 560	350
DIRECTV [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	Jul. 24, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans, General Information			DIRECTV also maintained (1) a postretirement benefit plan for those retirees eligible to participate in health care and life insurance benefits generally until they reach age 65 and (2) an unfunded nonqualified pension plan for certain eligible employees.
December-2014 Lump-Sum Payment Offer [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Period in which lump sum offer was presented to retirement-eligible employees to receive a one-time opportunity to elect a full lump sum payment of their accrued pension				Dec. 31, 2014
Date at which retirees must accept lump sum payment offer				Mar. 31, 2015
Date at which retirees must have retired to receive lump sum payment				Mar. 31, 2015
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2017									1,200
Special termination benefits									149
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2017								4,938
Special termination benefits								0	149
Combined net pension and postretirement cost								$ 1,352	(679)	5,549
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations						$ (150)
Defined Benefit Measurement Date								Dec. 31, 2016
Voluntary Pension Contribution Department Of Labor Exemption Final Approval Date					Jul. 31, 2014
Pension Contribution Date		Sep. 9, 2013
Preferred equity interest in Mobility		$ 9,104						$ 8,477	8,714
Net assets available for benefits								51,087	$ 50,909
Estimated Future Pension Contribution Description									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.
Contribution to our pension plans								$ 560
Annualized cash contributions to be received by the trust/pension		$ 175
Funding status of pension obligation when including mobility contribution								90.00%
AT&T securities held by pension plans (ownership percentage) below stated percentage								0.50%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations									$ (740)
Pension Benefit [Member] | Tax Year 2015 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Future Pension Contribution								$ 175
Pension Benefit [Member] | Tax Year 2016 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Future Pension Contribution								175
Pension Benefit [Member] | Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated Future Pension Contribution								175
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2017								1,809
Special termination benefits								0	0
Combined net pension and postretirement cost								$ (1,049)	(2,142)	1,683
AT&T securities held by postretirement plans (in VEBA Trust) (ownership percentage) below stated percentage								6.00%
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost								$ 166	$ 51	$ 358

Pension And Postretirement Be95

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Change In The Projected Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 55,464	$ 59,543
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	1,112	1,212	$ 1,134
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,980	1,902	2,470
Amendments	(206)	(8)
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,485	(3,079)
Special termination benefits	0	149
Benefits paid	(3,614)	(4,681)
DIRECTV acquisition	0	470
Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations	0	(42)
Plan transfers	(38)	(2)
Benefit obligation at end of year	56,183	55,464	59,543
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	27,898	30,709
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	192	222	233
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	972	967	1,458
Amendments	(600)	(74)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(529)	(1,988)
Special termination benefits	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,941)	(1,958)
DIRECTV acquisition	0	20
Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations	0	0
Plan transfers	35	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	26,027	27,898	30,709
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	12	9	7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$ 83	$ 77	$ 109

Pension And Postretirement Be96

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Change In The Value Of Plan Assets And The Plans' Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$ 42,195	[1]	$ 45,163
Actual return on plan assets		3,123		604
Benefits paid	[2]	(3,614)		(4,681)
Contributions		910		735
DIRECTV acquisition		0		418
Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations		0		(42)
Plan transfers and Other		(4)		(2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[1]	42,610		42,195
Unfunded status at end of year	[3]	(13,573)		(13,269)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		6,671	[1]	7,846
Actual return on plan assets		407		64
Benefits paid	[2]	(1,156)		(1,239)
Contributions		0		0
DIRECTV acquisition		0		0
Transfer for sale of Connecticut wireline operations		0		0
Plan transfers and Other		(1)		0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[1]	5,921		6,671
Unfunded status at end of year	[3]	$ (20,106)		$ (21,227)
[1]	Net assets available for benefits were $51,087 at December 31, 2016 and $50,909 at December 31, 2015 and include the preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC discussed below, which was valued at $8,477 and $8,714, respectively.
[2]	At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from AT&T cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances.
[3]	Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) regulations.

Pension and Postretirement Be97

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Net Assets Available For Benefits) (Details) - Pension Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 09, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements	$ 42,610	[1]	$ 42,195	[1]	$ 45,163
Preferred equity interest in Mobility	8,477		8,714			$ 9,104
Net assets available for benefits	$ 51,087		$ 50,909
[1]	Net assets available for benefits were $51,087 at December 31, 2016 and $50,909 at December 31, 2015 and include the preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC discussed below, which was valued at $8,477 and $8,714, respectively.

Pension And Postretirement Be98

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Employee Benefit Obligation Amounts Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
Employee benefit obligation	[2]	(13,573)	(13,269)
Net amount recognized		(13,573)	(13,269)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	[1]	(1,644)	(1,766)
Employee benefit obligation	[2]	(18,462)	(19,461)
Net amount recognized		$ (20,106)	$ (21,227)
[1]	Included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities."
[2]	Included in "Postemployment benefit obligation."

Pension And Postretirement Be99

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss	$ 1,024	$ (2,152)	$ 7,869
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	303	(2,821)	7,232
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	1,112	1,212	1,134
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,980	1,902	2,470
Expected return on assets	(3,115)	(3,317)	(3,380)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(103)	(103)	(94)
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,478	(373)	5,419
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	1,352	(679)	5,549
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	192	222	233
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	972	967	1,458
Expected return on assets	(355)	(421)	(653)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1,277)	(1,278)	(1,448)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(581)	(1,632)	2,093
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	(1,049)	(2,142)	1,683
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	12	9	7
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	83	77	109
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1)	1	(1)
Actuarial (gain) loss	72	(36)	243
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$ 166	$ 51	$ 358

Pension And Postretirement B100

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service (cost) credit	$ 497	$ 45	$ 428
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(858)	(860)	(959)
Reclassification to income of prior service credit	0	0	26
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	512	575	583
Prior service (cost) credit	128	1	45
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(65)	(64)	(58)
Reclassification to income of prior service credit	0	0	5
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	63	(63)	(8)
Balance at end of year	575	512	575
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	5,510	6,257	6,812
Prior service (cost) credit	372	45	383
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(793)	(792)	(898)
Reclassification to income of prior service credit	0	0	(40)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	(421)	(747)	(555)
Balance at end of year	5,089	5,510	6,257
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service (cost) credit	1	(1)	(11)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1)	1	(1)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ (12)

Pension and Postretirement B101

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Weighted Average Assumptions - Projected Benefit Obligation And Net Pension And Postemployment Benefit Cost) (Details)		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation				3.00%		3.10%
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation at December 31		4.30%		4.40%		4.60%		4.30%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets				7.75%		7.75%		7.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation		3.00%		3.00%		3.10%		3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit)				3.10%		3.00%		3.00%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost		4.90%		4.90%		4.60%		5.00%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost		3.50%	5.00%	3.70%	[1]	3.30%	[1]	4.60%	[1]
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation at December 31		4.20%		4.30%		4.50%		4.20%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets				5.75%		5.75%		7.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation		3.00%		3.00%		3.10%		3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit)				3.10%		3.00%		3.00%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost				5.00%		4.60%		5.00%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	[1]			3.60%		3.30%		5.00%
[1]	Weighted-average discount rate of 5.00% in effect for pension costs from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. Discount rates in effect of 4.90% for service cost and 3.50% for interest cost from October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. A discount rate of 5.00% was used for postretirement costs for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Pension And Postretirement B102

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (One Percentage - Point Changed In Combined Medical And Dental Cost Trend Rate) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Effect of one percentage-point increase on service and interest cost components	$ 50
Effect of one percentage-point decrease on service and interest cost components	(44)
Effect of one percentage-point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	511
Effect of one percentage-point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ (458)

Pension And Postretirement B103

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan Targeted And Actual Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | Domestic Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	20.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	30.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	24.00%	22.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	35.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	45.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	39.00%	40.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | International Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	10.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	20.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	4.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	14.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	11.00%	12.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | Real Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	6.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	16.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	11.00%	10.00%
Pension Assets [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	0.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	5.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%	1.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Domestic Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	17.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	27.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	22.00%	26.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	33.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	43.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	38.00%	34.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | International Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	14.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	24.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	19.00%	14.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	0.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	7.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	2.00%	2.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Real Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	0.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	6.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Minimum	13.00%
Targeted plan asset allocation percentage, Maximum	23.00%
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	18.00%	23.00%

Pension And Postretirement B104

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Pension And Postretirement Assets And Liabilities By Level) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-interest bearing cash		$ 94	$ 160
Interest bearing cash		77	25
Foreign currency contracts		7	25
Equity securities - Domestic equities		8,299	8,319
Equity securities - International equities		4,394	4,287
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		399	404
Fixed income securities - Mortgage-backed securities		838	792
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		208	278
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		269	345
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		8,557	8,382
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		4,969	4,570
Real estate and real assets		2,273	2,062
Securities lending collateral		2,184	4,050
Receivable for variation margin		8	13
Purchased options		1
Assets at fair value		32,577	33,712
Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value		(654)	(836)
Total plan net assets at fair value		31,923	32,876
Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Private equity funds		4,648	4,926
Real estate funds		2,392	2,295
Commingled funds		5,721	5,854
Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient		12,761	13,075
Other assets (liabilities)	[1]	(2,074)	(3,756)
Total Plan Net Assets		42,610	42,195
Pension Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-interest bearing cash		94	160
Interest bearing cash		0	0
Foreign currency contracts		0	0
Equity securities - Domestic equities		8,299	8,315
Equity securities - International equities		4,389	4,287
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Mortgage-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		0	0
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		75	65
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		80	75
Real estate and real assets		0	0
Securities lending collateral		207	512
Receivable for variation margin		8	13
Purchased options		0
Assets at fair value		13,152	13,427
Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value		(643)	(824)
Total plan net assets at fair value		12,509	12,603
Pension Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-interest bearing cash		0	0
Interest bearing cash		77	25
Foreign currency contracts		7	25
Equity securities - Domestic equities		0	4
Equity securities - International equities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		399	403
Fixed income securities - Mortgage-backed securities		838	792
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		208	278
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		269	345
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		8,442	8,274
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		4,889	4,495
Real estate and real assets		0	0
Securities lending collateral		1,977	3,538
Receivable for variation margin		0	0
Purchased options		1
Assets at fair value		17,107	18,179
Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value		(7)	(12)
Total plan net assets at fair value		17,100	18,167
Pension Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-interest bearing cash		0	0
Interest bearing cash		0	0
Foreign currency contracts		0	0
Equity securities - Domestic equities		0	0
Equity securities - International equities		5	0
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		0	1
Fixed income securities - Mortgage-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		0	0
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		40	43
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		0	0
Real estate and real assets		2,273	2,062
Securities lending collateral		0	0
Receivable for variation margin		0	0
Purchased options		0
Assets at fair value		2,318	2,106
Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value		(4)	0
Total plan net assets at fair value		2,314	2,106
Postretirement Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest bearing cash		768	1,512
Foreign currencies		6	4
Equity securities - Domestic equities		1,185	1,196
Equity securities - International equities		898	871
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		37	37
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		121	133
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		34	45
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		429	378
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		679	617
Securities lending collateral		128	195
Futures Contracts			1
Total plan net assets at fair value		4,285	4,989
Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Private equity funds		118	155
Real estate funds		61	81
Commingled funds		1,667	1,682
Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient		1,846	1,918
Other assets (liabilities)	[1]	(210)	(236)
Total Plan Net Assets		5,921	6,671
Postretirement Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest bearing cash		175	220
Foreign currencies		6	4
Equity securities - Domestic equities		1,178	1,187
Equity securities - International equities		896	869
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		0	0
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		0	0
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		20	0
Securities lending collateral		0	6
Futures Contracts			1
Total plan net assets at fair value		2,275	2,287
Postretirement Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest bearing cash		593	1,292
Foreign currencies		0	0
Equity securities - Domestic equities		7	9
Equity securities - International equities		2	2
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		33	35
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		108	120
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		32	45
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		422	378
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		659	617
Securities lending collateral		128	189
Futures Contracts			0
Total plan net assets at fair value		1,984	2,687
Postretirement Assets And Liabilities Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest bearing cash		0	0
Foreign currencies		0	0
Equity securities - Domestic equities		0	0
Equity securities - International equities		0	0
Fixed income securities - Asset-backed securities		4	2
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage-backed securities		13	13
Fixed income securities - Collateralized mortgage obligations/REMICS		2	0
Fixed income securities - Corporate and other fixed income instruments and funds		7	0
Fixed income securities - Government and municipal bonds		0	0
Securities lending collateral		0	0
Futures Contracts			0
Total plan net assets at fair value		$ 26	$ 15
[1]	Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable.

Pension And Postretirement B105

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input (Level 3) Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 2,106	$ 2,191
Realized gains (losses)	(120)	227
Unrealized gains (losses)	399	209
Transfers in	73
Transfers out	(2)
Purchases	68	196
Sales	(210)	(717)
Balance, end of year	2,314	2,106
Pension Assets [Member] | Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	0	0
Realized gains (losses)	0	(1)
Unrealized gains (losses)	3	1
Transfers in	(4)
Transfers out	0
Purchases	3	0
Sales	(1)	0
Balance, end of year	1	0
Pension Assets [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	44	51
Realized gains (losses)	(17)	(19)
Unrealized gains (losses)	19	16
Transfers in	0
Transfers out	(2)
Purchases	0	1
Sales	(4)	(5)
Balance, end of year	40	44
Pension Assets [Member] | Real Estate And Real Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	2,062	2,140
Realized gains (losses)	(103)	247
Unrealized gains (losses)	377	192
Transfers in	77
Transfers out	0
Purchases	65	195
Sales	(205)	(712)
Balance, end of year	2,273	2,062
Postretirement Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	15	2
Realized gains (losses)	(2)
Unrealized gains (losses)	2
Transfers in	16	15
Transfers out		(1)
Sales	(5)	(1)
Balance, end of year	26	15
Postretirement Assets [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	15	2
Realized gains (losses)	(2)
Unrealized gains (losses)	2
Transfers in	16	15
Transfers out		(1)
Sales	(5)	(1)
Balance, end of year	$ 26	$ 15

Pension And Postretirement B106

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2017	$ 4,938
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2018	4,437
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2019	4,312
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2020	4,264
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2021	4,200
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - Years 2022 - 2026	19,764
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2017	1,809
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2018	1,797
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2019	1,788
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2020	1,783
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - 2021	1,776
Estimated future benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans - Years 2022 - 2026	$ 8,225

Pension And Postretirement B107

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess Of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Supplemental retirement plan - projected benefit obligation	$ (2,378)	$ (2,444)
Supplemental retirement plan - Accumulated benefit obligation	(2,314)	(2,372)
Supplemental retirement plan - Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Pension And Postretirement B108

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (OCI (PCS)) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation for pension plans	$ 54,538	$ 54,007
Prior service credits, before tax, for pension, other postretirement, or supplemental retirement benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year	(123)
Prior service credits, net of tax, for pension, other postretirement, or supplemental retirement benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next	(76)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service credits, before tax, for pension, other postretirement, or supplemental retirement benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year	(1,342)
Prior service credits, net of tax, for pension, other postretirement, or supplemental retirement benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next	(832)
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service credits, before tax, for pension, other postretirement, or supplemental retirement benefits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year	$ (1)

Pension And Postretirement B109

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2025	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates						$ 230
Percentage decrease in the actual long-term rate of return used to report the impact of change on future combined net pension and postretirement cost						0.50%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation							3.00%		3.10%
Deferred compensation liability included in other noncurrent liabilities							$ 1,273		$ 1,221
Deferred compensation expense							148		122		$ 121
Benefit cost of the contributory savings plans							631		$ 653		$ 654
Debt-financed shares held by ESOPs (allocated or unallocated)							$ 0
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation		4.30%					4.40%		4.60%		4.30%
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates		$ (150)
Long-term rate of return on plan assets							7.75%		7.75%		7.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation		3.00%					3.00%		3.10%		3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit)							3.10%		3.00%		3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), before tax							$ (123)
Pension Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost		4.90%					4.90%		4.60%		5.00%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost		3.50%	5.00%				3.70%	[1]	3.30%	[1]	4.60%	[1]
Pension Benefit [Member] | Discount Assumption Rate Change [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in discount rate over prior year							(0.20%)		0.30%
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates							$ 2,189		$ (1,977)
Pension Benefit [Member] | Mortality Assumption Rate Change [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates							$ (793)		$ (859)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation		4.20%					4.30%		4.50%		4.20%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets							5.75%		5.75%		7.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining projected benefit obligation		3.00%					3.00%		3.10%		3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net pension cost (benefit)							3.10%		3.00%		3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), before tax							$ (1,342)
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							5.00%		4.60%		5.00%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	[1]						3.60%		3.30%		5.00%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Discount Assumption Rate Change [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in discount rate over prior year							(0.20%)		0.30%
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates							$ 906		$ (854)
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Mortality Assumption Rate Change [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates							$ (227)		$ (274)
Supplemental Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							4.20%		4.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), before tax							$ (1)
Administrative Expense [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated annual health care cost trend rate for prior and current year							2.50%
Dental Claims [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated annual health care cost trend rate for prior and current year							3.00%
Health Care Plan Provisions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates							$ 21
Estimated annual growth rate for health care cost							4.50%
Prescription Drug Cost - Medicare Eligible Participants [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated annual growth rate for health care cost							4.50%
Estimated annual health care cost trend rate for prior and current year							4.50%
Prescription Drug Cost - non-Medicare Eligible Participants [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated annual growth rate for health care cost				4.50%	4.50%
Estimated annual health care cost trend rate for prior and current year						6.50%	6.25%
[1]	Weighted-average discount rate of 5.00% in effect for pension costs from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. Discount rates in effect of 4.90% for service cost and 3.50% for interest cost from October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. A discount rate of 5.00% was used for postretirement costs for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Share-Based Payments (Narrative

Share-Based Payments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Number of authorized shares of common stock for share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	130
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payment arrangements granted	$ 587
Weighted-average period to recognize the cost (years) - nonvested units	2 years 2 months 27 days
Total fair value of shares vested during the year - nonvested units	$ 614	$ 450	$ 327
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 179	$ 46	$ 43
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Minimum Vesting Period [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock Units | Minimum Vesting Period [Member] | DIRECTV [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Restricted Stock Units | Maximum Vesting Period [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock Units | Maximum Vesting Period [Member] | DIRECTV [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
Other Nonvested Stock Units [Member]
Share-Based Payment [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

Share-Based Payments (Compensat

Share-Based Payments (Compensation Cost And Valuation Assumption) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-Based Payment
Performance stock units	$ 480	$ 299	$ 226
Restricted stock and stock units	152	147	93
Other nonvested stock units	21	5	(1)
Total	653	451	318
Income tax benefit	$ 250	$ 172	$ 122

Share-Based Payments (Summary O

Share-Based Payments (Summary Of Nonvested Stock Units Activity) (Details) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Share-Based Payment
Beginning balance - outstanding nonvested units | shares	36
Granted - nonvested units (period) | shares	16
Vested - nonvested units (period) | shares	(19)
Forfeited - nonvested units (period) | shares	(2)
Ending balance - outstanding nonvested units | shares	31
Beginning balance - weighted average exercise price of outstanding nonvested units | $ / shares	$ 33.78
Weighted average exercise price - granted - nonvested units | $ / shares	36.65
Weighted average exercise price - vested - nonvested units | $ / shares	33.12
Weighted average exercise price - forfeited nonvested units | $ / shares	35.16
Ending balance - weighted average exercise price of nonvested units | $ / shares	$ 35.57

Stockholder's Equity (Details)

Stockholder's Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stockholder's Equity
Quarterly dividend amount declared per common shares (per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.48	$ 1.93	$ 1.85	$ 1.81
Number of years from contribution date or, if earlier, the date upon which the pension plan trust is fully funded as determined by GAAP, AT&T has the right to purchase from the pension plan trust some or all of the preferred equity interest (years)			7 years
Preferred Equity Interest Purchase Rights Description			After a period of five years from the contribution or, if earlier, the date upon which the pension plan trust is fully funded as determined under GAAP, AT&T has a right to purchase from the pension plan trust some or all of the preferred equity interest at the greater of the fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative dividends. In addition, AT&T will have the right to purchase the preferred equity interest in the event AT&T’s ownership of Mobility is less than 50% or there is a transaction that results in the transfer of 50% or more of the pension plan trust’s assets to an entity not under common control with AT&T (collectively, a change of control). The pension plan trust has the right to require AT&T to purchase the preferred equity interest at the greater of their fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative dividends, and in installments, as specified in the contribution agreement upon the occurrence of any of the following: (1) at any time if the ratio of debt to total capitalization of Mobility exceeds that of AT&T, (2) the date on which AT&T Inc. is rated below investment grade for two consecutive calendar quarters, (3) upon a change of control if AT&T does not exercise its purchase option, or (4) at any time after a seven-year period from the contribution date. In the event AT&T elects or is required to purchase the preferred equity interest, AT&T may elect to settle the purchase price in cash or shares of AT&T common stock or a combination thereof. Because the preferred equity interest was not considered outstanding for accounting purposes at year-end, it did not affect the calculation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented.
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorized common shares (in shares)		14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000
Authorized preferred shares (in shares)		10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)		0	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			11,000,000	8,000,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 444	$ 269
Common Class A [Member] | Stock Repurchase Program March 2014 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased						300,000,000
Common Class A [Member] | Stock Repurchase Program March 2013 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased							300,000,000

Sale Of Equipment Installmen114

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			31 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Equipment installment sales - maximum installment period (in months)	30 months
Other Assets - current	$ 14,232	$ 13,267		$ 14,232
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net	731	536
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets	3,090	2,961		3,090
Other Assets - current	1,606	1,772		1,606
Gross equipment installment receivables balance - current	1,606	1,772		1,606
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets	5,665	5,719		5,665
Finance Receivables [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Gross equipment installment receivables balance - current	3,425	3,239		3,425
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net	$ 4,574	$ 4,439	$ 2,528	$ 3,436

Sale Of Equipment Installmen115

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended			31 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period		$ 7,629	$ 7,436	$ 4,707
Cash proceeds received		731	536
Deferred purchase price recorded		2,368	2,266	1,629
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	[1]	6,913	6,704	4,126
Cash proceeds received		$ 4,574	$ 4,439	$ 2,528	$ 3,436
[1]	Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

Sale Of Equipment Installmen116

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total		$ 36,347	$ 32,919	$ 39,697
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables		1,675	685	0
Carrying value of deferred purchase price		1,638	534	0
Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total	[1]	$ 37	$ 151	$ 0
[1]	These gains are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.

Tower Transaction (Narrative) (

Tower Transaction (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net		$ 124,899	$ 124,450	$ 112,898
Depreciation expense		20,661	19,289	17,773
Crown Castle International [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Closing date of failed sale-leaseback transaction	Dec. 31, 2013
Number Of Towers Subject To Failed Sale-Leaseback	9,048
Number of towers subject to disposition (as shown)	627
Cash from failed sale-leaseback (in millions U.S. dollars)	$ 4,827
Term of lease	28 years
Approximate fixed future purchase option price on failed sale-leaseback (in millions U.S. dollars)	$ 4,200
Minimum Leaseback Term	10 years
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net		921	960
Depreciation expense		39	$ 39	$ 39
Lease payments		230
Minimum lease payments - 2017		234
Minimum lease payments - 2018		239
Minimum lease payments - 2019		244
Minimum lease payments - 2020		248
Minimum lease payments - 2021		253
Minimum lease payments - thereafter		$ 2,052

Contingent Liabilities (Details

Contingent Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Contingent Liabilities
Contractual purchase obligations for 2017	$ 9,181
Contractual purchase obligations for 2018 and 2019	11,214
Contractual purchase obligations for 2020 and 2021	7,799
Contractual purchase obligations for years 2022 and thereafter	$ 7,242

Additional Financial Informa119

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Customer fulfillment costs (included in Other current assets)	$ 14,232	$ 13,267
Accounts payable	22,027	21,047
Accrued payroll and commissions	2,450	2,629
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	1,644	1,766
Accrued interest	2,023	1,974
Other	2,994	2,956
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,138	30,372
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Customer fulfillment costs (included in Other current assets)	$ 3,398	$ 2,923

Additional Financial Informa120

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information
Advertising expense	$ 3,768	$ 3,632	$ 3,272
Interest expense incurred	5,802	4,917	3,847
Capitalized interest	(892)	(797)	(234)
Total interest expense	$ 4,910	$ 4,120	$ 3,613

Additional Financial Informa121

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information
Interest	$ 5,696	$ 4,822	$ 4,099
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 3,721	$ 1,851	$ 1,532

Additional Financial Informa122

Additional Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2017
Additional Financial Information
Number of customers exceeding threshold for significance	0	0	0
Threshold for customer significance (as a percent of consolidated revenues) (in hundredths)	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Approximate number of persons employed at a point in time				268,000
Percentage of employees represented by CWA, IBEW, or other unions	48%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Mobility [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	20,000
Relevant union contract expiration year	2,017
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Southwest and Midwest Wireline [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	25,000
Relevant union contract expiration year	2,017
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Expired Contract [Member] | West Wireline [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	15,000
Relevant union contract expiration year	April2016
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Ratified Agreement [Member] | DIRECTV [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of employees represented by CWA, IBEW, or other unions	70%
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	11,000
Relevant union contract expiration year	2017 - 2020

Quarterly Financial Informat123

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Quarterly Financial Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Total operating revenues	$ 41,841	[1]	$ 40,890		$ 40,520		$ 40,535		$ 42,119	[2]	$ 39,091		$ 33,015		$ 32,576		$ 163,786	$ 146,801	$ 132,447
Operating Income	4,248	[1]	6,408		6,560		7,131		7,532	[2]	5,923		5,773		5,557		24,347	24,785	12,212
Net Income	2,515	[1]	3,418		3,515		3,885		4,086	[2]	3,078		3,184		3,339		13,333	13,687	6,736
Net Income Attributable to AT&T&T	$ 2,437	[1]	$ 3,328		$ 3,408		$ 3,803		$ 4,006	[2]	$ 2,994		$ 3,082		$ 3,263		$ 12,976	$ 13,345	$ 6,442
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.39	[3]	$ 0.54	[3]	$ 0.55	[3]	$ 0.62	[3]	$ 0.65	[3]	$ 0.5	[3]	$ 0.59	[3]	$ 0.63	[3]	$ 2.1	$ 2.37	$ 1.24
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	0.39	[3]	0.54	[3]	0.55	[3]	0.61	[3]	0.65	[3]	0.5	[3]	0.59	[3]	0.63	[3]	2.1	2.37	$ 1.24
Close	42.53		40.61		43.21		39.17		34.41		32.58		35.52		32.65		42.53	34.41
High
Sale of Stock Price Per Share [Line Items]
Stock Price Per Share	42.73		43.47		43.21		39.45		34.99		35.93		36.45		35.07		42.73	34.99
Low
Sale of Stock Price Per Share [Line Items]
Stock Price Per Share	$ 36.13		$ 39.71		$ 37.86		$ 33.51		$ 32.17		$ 30.97		$ 32.37		$ 32.41		$ 36.13	$ 32.17
[1]	Includes an actuarial loss on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12), asset impairment charge (Note 1) and change in accounting estimate (Note 1).
[2]	Includes an actuarial gain on pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 12) and asset abandonment charges (Note 6).
[3]	Quarterly earnings per share impacts may not add to full-year earnings per share impacts due to the difference in weighted-average common shares for the quarters versus the weighted-average common shares for the year.

Valuation And Qualifying Acc124

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 704	$ 454	$ 483
Charged to Costs and Expenses	[1]	1,474	1,416	1,032
Charged to Other Accounts	[2]	0	0	(32)
Acquisitions	[3]	0	214	0
Deductions	[4]	1,517	1,380	1,029
Balance at End of Period		661	704	454
Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		2,141	1,182	927
Charged to Costs and Expenses		81	283	0
Charged to Other Accounts	[5]	61	373	445
Acquisitions	[3]	0	420	0
Deductions	[6]	0	117	190
Balance at End of Period		$ 2,283	$ 2,141	$ 1,182
[1]	(a) Includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered. Excludes direct charges and credits to expense for nontrade receivables in the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	(b) Includes amounts related to long-distance carrier receivables which were billed by AT&T.
[3]	(c) Acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico in 2015.
[4]	(d) Amounts written off as uncollectible, or related to divested entities.
[5]	(a) Includes current year reclassifications from other balance sheet accounts.
[6]	(c) Reductions to valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets.