AT&T (T) 10-Q 3 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	732,717
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Registrant Name	AT&T Inc.
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,139
Entity Trading Symbol	T

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Revenues
Service	$ 36,378	$ 37,272	$ 109,372	$ 111,515
Equipment	3,290	3,618	9,498	10,430
Total operating revenues	39,668	40,890	118,870	121,945
Operating Expenses
Equipment	4,191	4,455	12,177	13,090
Broadcast, programming and operations	5,284	4,909	15,156	14,239
Other cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	9,431	9,526	27,714	28,436
Selling, general and administrative	8,317	9,013	24,917	26,363
Depreciation and amortization	6,042	6,579	18,316	19,718
Total operating expenses	33,265	34,482	98,280	101,846
Operating Income	6,403	6,408	20,590	20,099
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(1,686)	(1,224)	(4,374)	(3,689)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	11	16	(148)	57
Other income (expense) - net	246	(7)	354	154
Total other income (expense)	(1,429)	(1,215)	(4,168)	(3,478)
Income Before Income Taxes	4,974	5,193	16,422	16,621
Income tax expense	1,851	1,775	5,711	5,803
Net Income	3,123	3,418	10,711	10,818
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(94)	(90)	(298)	(279)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 3,029	$ 3,328	$ 10,413	$ 10,539
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.49	$ 0.54	$ 1.69	$ 1.7
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.49	$ 0.54	$ 1.69	$ 1.7
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions)	6,162	6,168	6,164	6,171
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions)	6,182	6,189	6,184	6,191
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.49	$ 0.48	$ 1.47	$ 1.44

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,123	$ 3,418	$ 10,711	$ 10,818
Foreign currency:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (includes $10, $21, $6 and $21 attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $74, $(91), $580 and $35	151	(225)	490	(51)
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $28, $28, $72 and $15	45	46	128	25
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $(50), $(3), $(54) and $(3)	(79)	(5)	(86)	(5)
Cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $178, $240, $(94) and $99	330	446	(174)	183
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $5, $5, $15 and $15	10	10	29	29
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net prior service credit arising during period, net of taxes of $0, $0, $594 and $0	0	0	969	0
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(157), $(131), $(447) and $(393)	(256)	(215)	(731)	(644)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	201	57	625	(463)
Total comprehensive income	3,324	3,475	11,336	10,355
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(104)	(111)	(304)	(300)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 3,220	$ 3,364	$ 11,032	$ 10,055

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ 10	$ 21	$ 6	$ 21
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	74	(91)	580	35
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities - tax	28	28	72	15
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on available-for-sale securities - tax effect	(50)	(3)	(54)	(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges - tax	178	240	(94)	99
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on cash flow hedges - tax effect	5	5	15	15
Net prior service credit (cost) arising during period - tax effect	0	0	594	0
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, tax effect	$ (157)	$ (131)	$ (447)	$ (393)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,499	$ 5,788
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $741 and $661	15,876	16,794
Prepaid expenses	1,258	1,555
Other current assets	10,724	14,232
Total current assets	76,357	38,369
Property, plant and equipment	326,240	319,648
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(199,778)	(194,749)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	126,462	124,899
Goodwill	105,668	105,207
Licenses	96,071	94,176
Customer Lists and Relationships - Net	11,573	14,243
Other Intangible Assets - Net	7,775	8,441
Investments in Equity Affiliates	1,627	1,674
Other Assets	18,332	16,812
Total Assets	443,865	403,821
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	8,551	9,832
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,928	31,138
Advanced billing and customer deposits	4,503	4,519
Accrued taxes	2,703	2,079
Dividends payable	3,008	3,008
Total current liabilities	47,693	50,576
Long-Term Debt	154,728	113,681
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	64,381	60,128
Postemployment benefit obligation	31,231	33,578
Other noncurrent liabilities	19,723	21,748
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	115,335	115,454
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: issued 6,495,231,088 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)	6,495	6,495
Additional paid-in capital	89,527	89,604
Retained earnings	36,074	34,734
Treasury stock (355,897,357 at September 30, 2017 and 356,237,141 at December 31, 2016, at cost)	(12,716)	(12,659)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,580	4,961
Noncontrolling interest	1,149	975
Total stockholders' equity	126,109	124,110
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 443,865	$ 403,821

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 741	$ 661
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	355,897,357	356,237,141

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 10,711	$ 10,818
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	18,316	19,718
Undistributed loss (earnings) from investments in equity affiliates	171	(22)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,216	1,036
Deferred income tax expense	3,254	3,011
Net loss (gain) from sale of investments, net of impairments	(114)	(88)
Actuarial loss (gain) on pension and postretirement benefits	(259)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(652)	(1,108)
Other current assets	(106)	1,805
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(1,437)	(1,173)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	1,116	207
Deferred fulfillment costs	(1,102)	(1,883)
Retirement benefit funding	(420)	(770)
Other - net	(1,420)	(2,349)
Total adjustments	18,563	18,384
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	29,274	29,202
Investing Activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(15,756)	(15,283)
Interest during construction	(718)	(669)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	1,154	(2,922)
Dispositions	56	184
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	(2)	501
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(15,266)	(18,189)
Financing Activities
Issuance of long-term debt	46,761	10,140
Repayment of long-term debt	(10,309)	(10,688)
Purchase of treasury stock	(460)	(444)
Issuance of treasury stock	26	137
Dividends paid	(9,030)	(8,850)
Other	1,715	(534)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	28,703	(10,239)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	42,711	774
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year	5,788	5,121
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period	48,499	5,895
Cash paid (received) during the nine months ended September 30 for:
Interest	5,031	4,430
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 1,861	$ 3,166

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 - 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, 2016	$ 124,110	$ 6,495	$ 89,604	$ 34,734	$ (12,659)	$ 4,961	$ 975
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		6,495			(356)
Issuance of stock		$ 0
Issuance of stock (in shares)		0
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock					$ (530)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)					(14)
Issuance of treasury stock			4		$ 473
Issuance of treasury stock, (in shares)					14
Share-based payments			(81)
Net income attributable to AT&T ($1.69 per diluted share)	10,413			10,413
Dividends to stockholders ($1.47 per share)				(9,075)
Other				2
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	619					619
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	298						298
Distributions							(270)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests							140
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	6						6
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 126,109	$ 6,495	$ 89,527	$ 36,074	$ (12,716)	$ 5,580	$ 1,149
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		6,495			(356)

Consolidated Statement Of Chan9

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Net income attributable to AT&T, per diluted share	$ 0.49	$ 0.54	$ 1.69	$ 1.7
Dividends to stockholders, per share	$ 0.49	$ 0.48	$ 1.47	$ 1.44

Preparation Of Interim Financia

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements Disclosure [Abstract]
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates over which we exercise control. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including cumulative translation adjustments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. gen erally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results coul d differ from those estimates. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Income Taxes As of January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” (ASU 2016-16), with modified retrospective application, resulting in our recognition of an immaterial adjustment to retained earnings. Under ASU 2016-16, we recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intellectual property or property, plant and equipment) during the period of interco mpany sale or transfer instead of the period of either sale or transfer to a third party or recognition of depreciation or impairment. New Accounting Standards Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Bo ard ( FASB ) issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (ASU 2017-07), which changes the presentation of periodic benefit cost components . Under ASU 2017-07, we will continue to present service costs within our operating expenses but present amortization of prior service credits and other components of our net periodic benefit cost in “other income (expense) – net ” in our consoli dated statements of income. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. See Note 5 for our components of net periodic benefit cost. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue fr om Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASC 606) , and has modified the standard thereafter. This standard replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement 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 using the “modified retrospective method.” Under that method, we will apply the rules to all open contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the change and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous accounting standards .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , is shown in the table below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income $ 3,123 $ 3,418 $ 10,711 $ 10,818 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (94) (90) (298) (279) Net Income attributable to AT&T 3,029 3,328 10,413 10,539 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 3 3 9 9 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 3,032 $ 3,331 $ 10,422 $ 10,548 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 6,162 6,168 6,164 6,171 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 20 21 20 20 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,182 6,189 6,184 6,191 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.49 $ 0.54 $ 1.69 $ 1.70 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.49 $ 0.54 $ 1.69 $ 1.70

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI) are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. 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, 2016 $ (1,995) $ 541 $ 744 $ 5,671 $ 4,961 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 484 128 (174) 969 1,407 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (86) 1 29 2 (731) 3 (788) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 484 42 (145) 238 619 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (1,511) $ 583 $ 599 $ 5,909 $ 5,580 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,198) $ 484 $ 16 $ 6,032 $ 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (72) 25 183 - 136 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (5) 1 29 2 (644) 3 (620) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (72) 20 212 (644) (484) Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,270) $ 504 $ 228 $ 5,388 $ 4,850 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 6). 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 5).

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 investments 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 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 Stat es or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and our satellite technology. The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers, wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the United Stat es or in U.S. territories. We utilize our network to provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet, video and home monitoring services over wireless devices. The International segment provides entertainment services in Latin America and w ireless services in Mexico. Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. We utilize our regional and national networks in Mexico to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and v oice communication services. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency, and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates. In reconciling items to consolidated operating income and income befo re income taxes, Corporate and Other includes: (1) operations that are not considered reportable segments and that are no longer integral to our operations or which we no longer actively market, and (2) impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the ind ividual 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-rela ted items which consists 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 consists 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 items for which the segments are not b eing 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 . Our domestic communications business strategies reflect bundled product offerings that increasingly cut across product lines and utilize our asset base . T herefore , asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Deprec iation is allocated based on asset utilization by segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,061 $ 10,233 $ 6,828 $ 2,325 $ 4,503 $ - $ 4,503 Entertainment Group 12,648 9,953 2,695 1,379 1,316 (6) 1,310 Consumer Mobility 7,748 4,551 3,197 877 2,320 - 2,320 International 2,099 1,937 162 304 (142) 17 (125) Segment Total 39,556 26,674 12,882 4,885 7,997 $ 11 $ 8,008 Corporate and Other 201 89 112 21 91 Acquisition-related items - 134 (134) 1,136 (1,270) Certain significant items (89) 326 (415) - (415) AT&T Inc. $ 39,668 $ 27,223 $ 12,445 $ 6,042 $ 6,403 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 51,016 $ 30,722 $ 20,294 $ 6,972 $ 13,322 $ - $ 13,322 Entertainment Group 37,953 29,112 8,841 4,256 4,585 (23) 4,562 Consumer Mobility 23,279 13,599 9,680 2,621 7,059 - 7,059 International 6,054 5,468 586 905 (319) 62 (257) Segment Total 118,302 78,901 39,401 14,754 24,647 $ 39 $ 24,686 Corporate and Other 657 397 260 54 206 Acquisition-related items - 622 (622) 3,508 (4,130) Certain significant items (89) 44 (133) - (133) AT&T Inc. $ 118,870 $ 79,964 $ 38,906 $ 18,316 $ 20,590 For the three months ended September 30, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,767 $ 10,925 $ 6,842 $ 2,539 $ 4,303 $ - $ 4,303 Entertainment Group 12,720 9,728 2,992 1,504 1,488 - 1,488 Consumer Mobility 8,267 4,751 3,516 944 2,572 - 2,572 International 1,879 1,640 239 293 (54) 1 (53) Segment Total 40,633 27,044 13,589 5,280 8,309 $ 1 $ 8,310 Corporate and Other 270 270 - 17 (17) Acquisition-related items - 290 (290) 1,282 (1,572) Certain significant items (13) 299 (312) - (312) AT&T Inc. $ 40,890 $ 27,903 $ 12,987 $ 6,579 $ 6,408 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 52,955 $ 32,584 $ 20,371 $ 7,568 $ 12,803 $ - $ 12,803 Entertainment Group 38,089 28,875 9,214 4,481 4,733 1 4,734 Consumer Mobility 24,781 14,343 10,438 2,798 7,640 - 7,640 International 5,374 4,951 423 868 (445) 24 (421) Segment Total 121,199 80,753 40,446 15,715 24,731 $ 25 $ 24,756 Corporate and Other 759 940 (181) 54 (235) Acquisition-related items - 818 (818) 3,949 (4,767) Certain significant items (13) (383) 370 - 370 AT&T Inc. $ 121,945 $ 82,128 $ 39,817 $ 19,718 $ 20,099 The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contribution to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported on our consolidated statements of income. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Business Solutions $ 4,503 $ 4,303 $ 13,322 $ 12,803 Entertainment Group 1,310 1,488 4,562 4,734 Consumer Mobility 2,320 2,572 7,059 7,640 International (125) (53) (257) (421) Segment Contribution 8,008 8,310 24,686 24,756 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other 91 (17) 206 (235) Merger and integration charges (134) (290) (622) (818) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,136) (1,282) (3,508) (3,949) Actuarial gain (loss) - - 259 - Employee separation costs (208) (260) (268) (314) Gain (loss) on wireless spectrum transactions - (22) 181 714 Natural disaster costs and revenue credits (207) (30) (207) (30) Venezuela devaluation - - (98) - Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates (11) (1) (39) (25) AT&T Operating Income 6,403 6,408 20,590 20,099 Interest expense 1,686 1,224 4,374 3,689 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 11 16 (148) 57 Other income (expense) - net 246 (7) 354 154 Income Before Income Taxes $ 4,974 $ 5,193 $ 16,422 $ 16,621

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Many of our employees are covered by one of our noncontributory pension plans. We also provide certain medical, dental, life insurance and death benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs. Our objective in funding these plans, in combination with the standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1 974, as amended (ERISA), is to accumulate assets sufficient to provide benefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement. In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC (Mobility II), the primary holding company for our domestic wireless business, to the pension trust used to pay benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,354 at September 30, 2017. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which are distributed quarterly by Mobility II to the trust, in equal amounts and accounted for as contributions. Mobility II distributed $420 to the trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. So long as t hose distributions are made, we will have no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend or repurchase shares. This preferred equity interest is a plan asset under ERISA and is recognized as such in the plan’s separate financial statements. However, b ecause the preferred equity interest is not unconditionally transferable to an unrelated party, it is not reflected in plan assets in our consolidated financial statements and instead has been eliminated in consolidation. The preferred equity interest is not transferable by the trust except through its put and call features. In early September 2017, AT&T notified the trust and the fiduciary of the preferred equity interest that AT&T committed that it would not exercise its call option of the preferred interest u ntil at least September 9, 2022, which resulted in an increase in the fair value of the preferred interest of approximately $1,245. We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our operating results at our annual m easurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. During the second quarter of 2017, a substantive plan change involving the frequency of considering potential health reimbursement account credit increases was communicated to our retirees. This plan change triggered a remeasurement of our postretirement obligations and resulted in additional prior service credits recognized in other comprehensive income, reducing our liability by $1,563. Such credits amortize through earnings over a period approximating the average service period to full eligibility. Upon our adoption of ASU 2017-07, the amortization of these prior service credits will be recorded in other income (expense) – net. The following table details pension and postretirem ent benefit costs included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded. Service c osts and prior service credits are reported in our segment results while interest costs and expected return on plan assets are included with Corporate and Other (see Note 4). Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 282 $ 278 $ 846 $ 834 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 484 495 1,452 1,485 Expected return on assets (783) (778) (2,350) (2,336) Amortization of prior service credit (31) (26) (93) (77) Net pension (credit) cost $ (48) $ (31) $ (145) $ (94) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 32 $ 48 $ 107 $ 144 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 193 243 617 729 Expected return on assets (81) (88) (240) (266) Amortization of prior service credit (382) (320) (1,084) (958) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (259) - Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (238) $ (117) $ (859) $ (351) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (286) $ (148) $ (1,004) $ (445) As part of our second-quarter 2017 remeasurement, we decreased the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our postretirement benefit obligation to 4.10%. The discount rate in effect for determining postretirement service and interest costs after remeasurement is 4.50% and 3.30%, respectively. We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the third quarter ended 2017 and 2016, net supplemental p ension benefits costs not included in the table above were $ 22 and $ 23 . For the first nine month s of 2017 and 2016, net supplemental pension benefit costs were $ 67 and $ 70 .

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURE The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy that gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets o r 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 in active 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 method ology 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 hie rarchy 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 methodolog ies 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, 2016 . Long-Term Debt and Ot her 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: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 162,450 $ 171,025 $ 122,381 $ 128,726 Bank borrowings 2 2 4 4 Investment securities 2,565 2,565 2,587 2,587 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. The carrying amount of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates market value. The fair value measurements used for notes and debentures are considered Level 2 and are determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical or similar securities in both active and inactive markets. Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,274 $ - $ - $ 1,274 International equities 380 - - 380 Fixed income bonds - 659 - 659 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 45 - 45 Cross-currency swaps - 967 - 967 Liability Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - (34) - (34) Cross-currency swaps - (1,809) - (1,809) 1 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities” and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 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” in our consolidated balance sheets. Investment Securities Our investment securities include equities, fixed income bonds and other securities. A substantial portion of the fair values of our available-for-sale securities was estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income using the specific identification method. Unrealize d gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated OCI. Unrealized losses that are considered other than temporary are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net” with the corresponding reduction to the carrying bas is of the investment. Fixed income investments of $ 509 have maturities of less than one year, $ 33 within one to three years, $ 32 within three to five years and $ 85 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 a nd 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 cer tain market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. This includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate locks, foreign exchange forward contracts and combined interest rate foreign exchange contracts (cross-currency swaps). We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value that is derived from observable market data, including yield curves and foreign exchange rates (all of our derivat ives are Level 2). Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the consolidated statements of cash flows as the item being hedged. Fair Value Hedging We designate our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fa ir value hedges. The purpose of these swaps is to manage interest rate risk by managing our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps witho ut exchange of the underlying principal amount. Accrued and realized gains or losses from interest rate swaps impact interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as ass ets, and unrealized losses on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are exactly offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt. Gains or losses realized upon early termination of our fair value hedges are recognized in interest expense. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , no ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges . Cash Flow Hedging We designate our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated fro m 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 currency denominated amounts 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 currency-denominated rate to a fixed U.S. dollar denominated interest rate. Unre alized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as liabilities. For derivative instruments designated as cash fl ow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated OCI until reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion is recognized as “Other income ( expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income in each period. We evaluate the effectiveness of our cross-currency swaps each quarter. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , no ineffectiveness was measured on cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges. Periodically, we enter into and designate interest rate locks to partially hedge the risk of changes in interest payments attributable to increases in the benchmark interest rate during the period leading up to the probable issuance of fixed-rate debt. We designate our interest rate locks as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses when we settle our interest rate locks are amortized into income over the life of the related debt, except where a mat erial amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $ 59 from accumulated OCI to inte rest expense due to the amortization of net losses on historical interest rate locks. We hedge a portion of the exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions. In anticipation of these transactions, we often enter into foreign exchange contracts to provide currency at a fixed rate. Gains and losses at the time we settle or take delivery on our designated foreign exchange contracts are amortized into income in the same period the hedged transaction affect s earnings, except where an amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , no ineffectiveness was measured on foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges. Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based o n respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At September 30, 2017 , we had posted collateral of $837 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $338 (a receipt liability) . Under the agreements, if AT&T’s credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Fitch Ratings, before the final collateral exchange in September , we would have been required to post additional collateral of $ 141 . If DIRECTV Holdings LLC’s credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would have been required to post additional collateral of $2 21 . At December 31, 2016 , we had posted collateral of $3,242 (a deposit asset) and held no collateral . 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. Follo wing are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions: September 30, December 31, 2017 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 10,775 $ 9,650 Cross-currency swaps 38,694 29,642 Total $ 49,469 $ 39,292 Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Fair Value Hedging Relationships Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (3) $ (54) $ (51) $ 17 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 3 54 51 (17) In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended September 30 were offset against interest expense. Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 429 $ 686 $ (268) $ 282 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 79 - - - Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (15) (15) (44) (44)

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS Acquisitions Auction 1000 On April 13, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that we were the successful bidder for $910 of spectrum in 18 markets. We provided the FCC an initial deposit of $2,348 in July 2016 and received a refund of $1,438 in April 2017 , which was recorded as cash from investing activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Dispositions YP Holdings LLC In June 2017, YP Holding s LLC was acquir ed by Dex Media. Our results include a gain of $36 for our portion of the proceeds. Pending Acquisitions Time Warner 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 at the date of the announcement (Merger). Combined with Time Warner’s net debt at September 30, 2017, the total transaction value is approxi mately $105,834. Each share of Time Warner common stock will be exchanged for $53.75 per share in cash 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 c losing 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 ave rage stock price is less than $37.411, the exchange ratio will be 1.437. Post-transaction, Time Warner 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. Time Warner is a global leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array of some of the most respected and successful media brands. The deal combines Time Warner’s vas t library of content and ability to create new premium content for audiences around the world 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 distr ibution. The Merger Agreement was approved by Time Warner shareholders on February 15, 2017. The transaction has been approved by all requisite foreign jurisdictions and remains subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice. The transaction is expec ted 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 more of the conditions relating to certain regulatory approvals have not been satisfied) or there is a final, non-appealabl e order preventing the transaction relating to antitrust laws, communications laws, utilities laws or foreign regulatory laws, then under certain circumstances, we would be obligated to pay Time Warner $500. On October 20, 2017, to facilitate obtaining fin al regulatory approval required to close the merger, AT&T and Time Warner elected to extend the October 22, 2017 termination date of the agreement for a short period of time. Other Events FirstNet On March 30, 2017, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced its selection of AT&T to build and manage the first nationwide broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders. FirstNet will provide 20 MHz of valuable telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6,500 over th e next five years to support network buildout. We expect to spend about $40,000, in part recoverable from FirstNet, over the life of the 25-year contract to build, operate and maintain the network. AT&T will construct and operate the network and provide su stainability payments to FirstNet. Sustainability payments are required to be used for the operating expenses of FirstNet and to fund network improvements included in our $40,000 estimate. FirstNet’s operating expenses are anticipated to be in the $75-$100 range annually, and when adjusted for inflation, we expect to be in the $3,000 range over the life of the 25-year contract. After FirstNet’s operating expenses are paid, we anticipate that the remaining amount, expected to be in the $15,000 range, will be rei nvested into the network. As of November 2 , 2017, 30 states and territories have opted-in to the program, representing 3 8 %, or approximately $6, 9 00, of this total sustainability payment commitment. The actual reach of the network and our investment ove r the 25-year period will be determined by the number of individual states and territories electing to participate in FirstNet. States have until December 28, 2017 to elect to opt-out of the federally funded program, after which any state that did not fo rmally make an election will automatically be opted-in. We do not expect FirstNet to materially impact our 2017 results.

Sale of Equipment Installment R

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Finance Receivables Disclosure[Text Block]	NOTE 8. SALES OF EQUIPMENT INSTALLMENT RECEIVABLES We offer our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 30 months 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, gross equipment installment receivables of $ 4,176 and $5,665 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $ 2,485 a nd $3,425 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 relationshi p banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under this agreement, we transfer certain receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. Since 2014 , w e have made beneficial modifications to the agreement. During 2017, we modified the agreement and entered into a second uncommitte d agreement with the Purchase rs such that we receive more upfront cash consideration at the time the receivables are transfe rred to the Purchasers . Additionally, in the event a customer trades in a device prior to the end of the installment contract period, we agree to make a payment to the Purchasers equal to any outstanding remaining installment receivable balance. Accordingl y, we record a guarantee obligation to the Purchasers for this estimated amount at the time the receivables are transferred. Under the terms of the agreement, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the Purchasers. Sinc e inception, cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $ 4,019 . The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold during the three and nine months ended Septemb er 30, 2017 and 2016: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gross receivables sold $ 1,619 $ 1,485 $ 6,217 $ 5,812 Net receivables sold 1 1,478 1,336 5,698 5,263 Cash proceeds received 1,292 891 4,139 3,538 Deferred purchase price recorded 285 463 1,767 1,745 Guarantee obligation recorded 65 - 139 - 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees. The deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation are initially recorded at estimated fair value and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The estimation of their fair values is based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected and the expected timing and value of device trade-ins. 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. Th e fair value measurements used for the deferred purchase price and the guarantee obligation are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 6). The following table shows the equipment installment receivables, pre viously sold to the Purchasers, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 567 $ 749 $ 1,281 $ 1,281 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 507 722 1,147 1,261 Gain (loss) on repurchases 1 $ 60 $ 27 $ 134 $ 20 1 These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our deferred purchase price receivable was $ 3,170 and $3,090, respectively, of which $ 2,023 and $1,606 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 total amount of our d eferred purchase price and guarantee obligation. The sales of equipment installment receivables did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or to “Total Assets” reported on our consolidated balance sheets. We reflect the cash f lows 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 sig nificant interest rate risk. Derecognized Installment Receivables The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables that were sold to Purchasers and are no longer considered our assets. 2017 Outstanding derecognized receivables at January 1, $ 7,232 Gross receivables sold 6,217 Collections on cash purchase price (3,556) Collections on deferred purchase price (665) Trade ins and other (295) Fair value of repurchased receivables (1,281) Outstanding derecognized receivables at September 30, $ 7,652

Preparation Of Interim Financ18

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates over which we exercise control. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including cumulative translation adjustments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. gen erally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results coul d differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes As of January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” (ASU 2016-16), with modified retrospective application, resulting in our recognition of an immaterial adjustment to retained earnings. Under ASU 2016-16, we recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intellectual property or property, plant and equipment) during the period of interco mpany sale or transfer instead of the period of either sale or transfer to a third party or recognition of depreciation or impairment.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Bo ard ( FASB ) issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (ASU 2017-07), which changes the presentation of periodic benefit cost components . Under ASU 2017-07, we will continue to present service costs within our operating expenses but present amortization of prior service credits and other components of our net periodic benefit cost in “other income (expense) – net ” in our consoli dated statements of income. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. See Note 5 for our components of net periodic benefit cost.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue fr om Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASC 606) , and has modified the standard thereafter. This standard replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement 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 using the “modified retrospective method.” Under that method, we will apply the rules to all open contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the change and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous accounting standards .

Pension And Postretirement Be19

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Capitalization Of Benefit Plan Costs	A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.
Recognition Of Actuarial Gains And Losses	We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our operating results at our annual m easurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required.

Fair Value Measurements And D20

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) exists, against the fair value of the derivative instruments.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation Of The Numerators And Denominators Of Basic Earnings Per Share And Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income $ 3,123 $ 3,418 $ 10,711 $ 10,818 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (94) (90) (298) (279) Net Income attributable to AT&T 3,029 3,328 10,413 10,539 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 3 3 9 9 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 3,032 $ 3,331 $ 10,422 $ 10,548 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 6,162 6,168 6,164 6,171 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 20 21 20 20 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 6,182 6,189 6,184 6,191 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.49 $ 0.54 $ 1.69 $ 1.70 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.49 $ 0.54 $ 1.69 $ 1.70

Accumulated Other Comprehensi22

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	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, 2016 $ (1,995) $ 541 $ 744 $ 5,671 $ 4,961 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 484 128 (174) 969 1,407 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (86) 1 29 2 (731) 3 (788) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 484 42 (145) 238 619 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (1,511) $ 583 $ 599 $ 5,909 $ 5,580 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,198) $ 484 $ 16 $ 6,032 $ 5,334 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (72) 25 183 - 136 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 (5) 1 29 2 (644) 3 (620) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (72) 20 212 (644) (484) Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,270) $ 504 $ 228 $ 5,388 $ 4,850 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 6). 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 5).

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Information
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,061 $ 10,233 $ 6,828 $ 2,325 $ 4,503 $ - $ 4,503 Entertainment Group 12,648 9,953 2,695 1,379 1,316 (6) 1,310 Consumer Mobility 7,748 4,551 3,197 877 2,320 - 2,320 International 2,099 1,937 162 304 (142) 17 (125) Segment Total 39,556 26,674 12,882 4,885 7,997 $ 11 $ 8,008 Corporate and Other 201 89 112 21 91 Acquisition-related items - 134 (134) 1,136 (1,270) Certain significant items (89) 326 (415) - (415) AT&T Inc. $ 39,668 $ 27,223 $ 12,445 $ 6,042 $ 6,403 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 51,016 $ 30,722 $ 20,294 $ 6,972 $ 13,322 $ - $ 13,322 Entertainment Group 37,953 29,112 8,841 4,256 4,585 (23) 4,562 Consumer Mobility 23,279 13,599 9,680 2,621 7,059 - 7,059 International 6,054 5,468 586 905 (319) 62 (257) Segment Total 118,302 78,901 39,401 14,754 24,647 $ 39 $ 24,686 Corporate and Other 657 397 260 54 206 Acquisition-related items - 622 (622) 3,508 (4,130) Certain significant items (89) 44 (133) - (133) AT&T Inc. $ 118,870 $ 79,964 $ 38,906 $ 18,316 $ 20,590 For the three months ended September 30, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 17,767 $ 10,925 $ 6,842 $ 2,539 $ 4,303 $ - $ 4,303 Entertainment Group 12,720 9,728 2,992 1,504 1,488 - 1,488 Consumer Mobility 8,267 4,751 3,516 944 2,572 - 2,572 International 1,879 1,640 239 293 (54) 1 (53) Segment Total 40,633 27,044 13,589 5,280 8,309 $ 1 $ 8,310 Corporate and Other 270 270 - 17 (17) Acquisition-related items - 290 (290) 1,282 (1,572) Certain significant items (13) 299 (312) - (312) AT&T Inc. $ 40,890 $ 27,903 $ 12,987 $ 6,579 $ 6,408 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Business Solutions $ 52,955 $ 32,584 $ 20,371 $ 7,568 $ 12,803 $ - $ 12,803 Entertainment Group 38,089 28,875 9,214 4,481 4,733 1 4,734 Consumer Mobility 24,781 14,343 10,438 2,798 7,640 - 7,640 International 5,374 4,951 423 868 (445) 24 (421) Segment Total 121,199 80,753 40,446 15,715 24,731 $ 25 $ 24,756 Corporate and Other 759 940 (181) 54 (235) Acquisition-related items - 818 (818) 3,949 (4,767) Certain significant items (13) (383) 370 - 370 AT&T Inc. $ 121,945 $ 82,128 $ 39,817 $ 19,718 $ 20,099
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated Statements of Income	The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contribution to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported on our consolidated statements of income. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Business Solutions $ 4,503 $ 4,303 $ 13,322 $ 12,803 Entertainment Group 1,310 1,488 4,562 4,734 Consumer Mobility 2,320 2,572 7,059 7,640 International (125) (53) (257) (421) Segment Contribution 8,008 8,310 24,686 24,756 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other 91 (17) 206 (235) Merger and integration charges (134) (290) (622) (818) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,136) (1,282) (3,508) (3,949) Actuarial gain (loss) - - 259 - Employee separation costs (208) (260) (268) (314) Gain (loss) on wireless spectrum transactions - (22) 181 714 Natural disaster costs and revenue credits (207) (30) (207) (30) Venezuela devaluation - - (98) - Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates (11) (1) (39) (25) AT&T Operating Income 6,403 6,408 20,590 20,099 Interest expense 1,686 1,224 4,374 3,689 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 11 16 (148) 57 Other income (expense) - net 246 (7) 354 154 Income Before Income Taxes $ 4,974 $ 5,193 $ 16,422 $ 16,621

Pension And Postretirement Be24

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 282 $ 278 $ 846 $ 834 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 484 495 1,452 1,485 Expected return on assets (783) (778) (2,350) (2,336) Amortization of prior service credit (31) (26) (93) (77) Net pension (credit) cost $ (48) $ (31) $ (145) $ (94) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 32 $ 48 $ 107 $ 144 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 193 243 617 729 Expected return on assets (81) (88) (240) (266) Amortization of prior service credit (382) (320) (1,084) (958) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (259) - Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (238) $ (117) $ (859) $ (351) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (286) $ (148) $ (1,004) $ (445)

Fair Value Measurements And D25

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 162,450 $ 171,025 $ 122,381 $ 128,726 Bank borrowings 2 2 4 4 Investment securities 2,565 2,565 2,587 2,587 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.
Fair Value Leveling	September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-Sale Securities Domestic equities $ 1,274 $ - $ - $ 1,274 International equities 380 - - 380 Fixed income bonds - 659 - 659 Asset Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - 45 - 45 Cross-currency swaps - 967 - 967 Liability Derivatives 1 Interest rate swaps - (34) - (34) Cross-currency swaps - (1,809) - (1,809) 1 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities” and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 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” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Notional Amount Of Outstanding Derivative Positions	September 30, December 31, 2017 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 10,775 $ 9,650 Cross-currency swaps 38,694 29,642 Total $ 49,469 $ 39,292
Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income	Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Fair Value Hedging Relationships Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (3) $ (54) $ (51) $ 17 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 3 54 51 (17) Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 429 $ 686 $ (268) $ 282 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 79 - - - Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (15) (15) (44) (44)

Sale of Equipment Installment26

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Finance Receivables	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gross receivables sold $ 1,619 $ 1,485 $ 6,217 $ 5,812 Net receivables sold 1 1,478 1,336 5,698 5,263 Cash proceeds received 1,292 891 4,139 3,538 Deferred purchase price recorded 285 463 1,767 1,745 Guarantee obligation recorded 65 - 139 - 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
Finance Receivables Repurchased	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 567 $ 749 $ 1,281 $ 1,281 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 507 722 1,147 1,261 Gain (loss) on repurchases 1 $ 60 $ 27 $ 134 $ 20 1 These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.
Derecognized Installment Receivables	2017 Outstanding derecognized receivables at January 1, $ 7,232 Gross receivables sold 6,217 Collections on cash purchase price (3,556) Collections on deferred purchase price (665) Trade ins and other (295) Fair value of repurchased receivables (1,281) Outstanding derecognized receivables at September 30, $ 7,652

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 3,123	$ 3,418	$ 10,711	$ 10,818
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(94)	(90)	(298)	(279)
Net Income attributable to AT&T	3,029	3,328	10,413	10,539
Share-based payment	3	3	9	9
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 3,032	$ 3,331	$ 10,422	$ 10,548
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	6,162	6,168	6,164	6,171
Share-based payment (in shares)	20	21	20	20
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	6,182	6,189	6,184	6,191
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.49	$ 0.54	$ 1.69	$ 1.7
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.49	$ 0.54	$ 1.69	$ 1.7

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		$ 4,961	$ 5,334
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		1,407	136
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax		(788)	(620)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		619	(484)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		5,580	4,850
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		(1,995)	(1,198)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		484	(72)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		484	(72)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		(1,511)	(1,270)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		541	484
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		128	25
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	(86)	(5)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		42	20
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		583	504
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		744	16
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		(174)	183
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[2]	29	29
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(145)	212
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		599	228
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		5,671	6,032
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		969	0
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[3]	(731)	(644)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		238	(644)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		$ 5,909	$ 5,388
[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 6).
[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 5).

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Segment Transaction [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Segment Information (Summary 30

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 39,668	$ 40,890	$ 118,870	$ 121,945
Operations and Support Expenses	27,223	27,903	79,964	82,128
EBITDA	12,445	12,987	38,906	39,817
Depreciation and Amortization	6,042	6,579	18,316	19,718
Operating Income (Loss)	6,403	6,408	20,590	20,099
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	11	16	(148)	57
Segment Contribution	4,974	5,193	16,422	16,621
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	17,061	17,767	51,016	52,955
Operations and Support Expenses	10,233	10,925	30,722	32,584
EBITDA	6,828	6,842	20,294	20,371
Depreciation and Amortization	2,325	2,539	6,972	7,568
Operating Income (Loss)	4,503	4,303	13,322	12,803
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Segment Contribution	4,503	4,303	13,322	12,803
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,648	12,720	37,953	38,089
Operations and Support Expenses	9,953	9,728	29,112	28,875
EBITDA	2,695	2,992	8,841	9,214
Depreciation and Amortization	1,379	1,504	4,256	4,481
Operating Income (Loss)	1,316	1,488	4,585	4,733
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(6)	0	(23)	1
Segment Contribution	1,310	1,488	4,562	4,734
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	7,748	8,267	23,279	24,781
Operations and Support Expenses	4,551	4,751	13,599	14,343
EBITDA	3,197	3,516	9,680	10,438
Depreciation and Amortization	877	944	2,621	2,798
Operating Income (Loss)	2,320	2,572	7,059	7,640
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Segment Contribution	2,320	2,572	7,059	7,640
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,099	1,879	6,054	5,374
Operations and Support Expenses	1,937	1,640	5,468	4,951
EBITDA	162	239	586	423
Depreciation and Amortization	304	293	905	868
Operating Income (Loss)	(142)	(54)	(319)	(445)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	17	1	62	24
Segment Contribution	(125)	(53)	(257)	(421)
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	39,556	40,633	118,302	121,199
Operations and Support Expenses	26,674	27,044	78,901	80,753
EBITDA	12,882	13,589	39,401	40,446
Depreciation and Amortization	4,885	5,280	14,754	15,715
Operating Income (Loss)	7,997	8,309	24,647	24,731
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	11	1	39	25
Segment Contribution	8,008	8,310	24,686	24,756
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	201	270	657	759
Operations and Support Expenses	89	270	397	940
EBITDA	112	0	260	(181)
Depreciation and Amortization	21	17	54	54
Operating Income (Loss)	91	(17)	206	(235)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Acquisition-related items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	134	290	622	818
EBITDA	(134)	(290)	(622)	(818)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,136	1,282	3,508	3,949
Operating Income (Loss)	(1,270)	(1,572)	(4,130)	(4,767)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Certain Significant Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(89)	(13)	(89)	(13)
Operations and Support Expenses	326	299	44	(383)
EBITDA	(415)	(312)	(133)	370
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (415)	$ (312)	$ (133)	$ 370

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Operating Income Loss to Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ 6,403	$ 6,408	$ 20,590	$ 20,099
Interest Expense	1,686	1,224	4,374	3,689
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	11	16	(148)	57
Other income (expense) - net	246	(7)	354	154
Income Before Income Taxes	4,974	5,193	16,422	16,621
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	4,503	4,303	13,322	12,803
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	4,503	4,303	13,322	12,803
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	1,316	1,488	4,585	4,733
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(6)	0	(23)	1
Income Before Income Taxes	1,310	1,488	4,562	4,734
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	2,320	2,572	7,059	7,640
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	2,320	2,572	7,059	7,640
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(142)	(54)	(319)	(445)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	17	1	62	24
Income Before Income Taxes	(125)	(53)	(257)	(421)
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Contribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	7,997	8,309	24,647	24,731
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	11	1	39	25
Income Before Income Taxes	8,008	8,310	24,686	24,756
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	91	(17)	206	(235)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Merger and integration charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(134)	(290)	(622)	(818)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Amortization of intangibles acquired [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(1,136)	(1,282)	(3,508)	(3,949)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Actuarial gain (loss) [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	0	0	259	0
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Employee separation cost [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(208)	(260)	(268)	(314)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Gain (Loss) on wireless spectrum transactions [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	0	(22)	181	714
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Natural disaster costs and revenue credits [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(207)	(30)	(207)	(30)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Venezuela currency revaluation (devaluation) [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	0	0	(98)	0
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Segment equity in net (income) loss
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ (11)	$ (1)	$ (39)	$ (25)

Pension And Postretirement Be32

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs		$ 22		$ 23	$ 67	$ 70
Pension Contribution Date								Dec. 31, 2013
Required contribution to pension plans					420		$ 560
Value of entity's noncash contribution to it's defined benefit plans	$ 9,354	$ 9,354			$ 9,354
Change in value of entity's noncash contribution to it's defined benefit plans during the period	$ 1,245
Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Description	In early September 2017, AT&T notified the trust and the fiduciary of the preferred equity interest that AT&T committed that it would not exercise its call option of the preferred interest until at least September 9, 2022, which resulted in an increase in the fair value of the preferred interest.
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before tax			$ (1,563)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments			$ (1,563)
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation			4.10%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							4.50%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							3.30%

Pension And Postretirement Be33

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss			$ (259)	$ 0
Net (credit) cost	$ (286)	$ (148)	(1,004)	(445)
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	282	278	846	834
Interest cost on benefit obligation	484	495	1,452	1,485
Expected return on assets	(783)	(778)	(2,350)	(2,336)
Amortization of prior service credit	(31)	(26)	(93)	(77)
Net (credit) cost	(48)	(31)	(145)	(94)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	32	48	107	144
Interest cost on benefit obligation	193	243	617	729
Expected return on assets	(81)	(88)	(240)	(266)
Amortization of prior service credit	(382)	(320)	(1,084)	(958)
Actuarial (gain) loss	0	0	(259)	0
Net (credit) cost	$ (238)	$ (117)	$ (859)	$ (351)

Fair Value Measurements And D34

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral received from counterparty	$ 338	$ 0
Collateral submitted to counterparty	837	$ 3,242
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	141
Fixed income investments - maturities less than 1 year	509
Fixed income investments - maturities within 1 to 3 years	33
Fixed income investments - maturities within 3 to 5 years	32
Fixed income investments - maturities for 5 or more years	85
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	59
DIRECTV [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 221

Fair Value Measurements And D35

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Amount [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	[1]	$ 162,450	$ 122,381
Bank borrowings		2	4
Investment securities		2,565	2,587
Fair Value [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Bank borrowings		2	4
Investment securities		2,565	2,587
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	[1]	$ 171,025	$ 128,726
[1]	Includes credit agreement borrowings.

Fair Value Measurements And D36

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	$ 45	$ 79
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	(34)	(14)
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	967	89
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	(1,809)	(3,867)
Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		1,274	1,215
International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		380	594
Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		659	508
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		1,274	1,215
Level 1 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		380	594
Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	45	79
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	(34)	(14)
Level 2 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	967	89
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	(1,809)	(3,867)
Level 2 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		0	0
Level 2 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		659	508
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	[1]	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		0	0
Level 3 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities” and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements And D37

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 49,469	$ 39,292
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	10,775	9,650
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 38,694	$ 29,642

Fair Value Measurements And D38

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ (3)	$ (54)	$ (51)	$ 17
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	3	54	51	(17)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	429	686	(268)	282
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	79	0	0	0
Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	$ (15)	$ (15)	$ (44)	$ (44)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An39

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Acquisitions) (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 22, 2017	Oct. 20, 2017	Apr. 13, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 22, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)								$ (1,154)	$ 2,922
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Major Class [Line Items}
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities								$ (15,266)	$ (18,189)
Auction 1000 [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Major Class [Line Items}
Regulatory Approval Date			Apr. 13, 2017
Acquisition of intangible assets through a group purchase - value/amount of assets acquired			$ 910
Payments To Acquire Intangible Assets					$ (1,438)		$ 2,348
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities					$ 1,438
Assets Acquisition - number of markets (as shown)			18
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement						Oct. 22, 2016
Acquisition of business - anticipated acquisition period								Dec. 31, 2017
Acquired entity's shareholder approval date				Feb. 15, 2017
Fair Value of Assets Acquired								$ 105,834
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)						$ 85,400
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 107.5
Acquisition of business - obligation upon termination								$ 500
Acquisition of business - termination date of agreement	Oct. 22, 2017
Acquisition of business - date termination date of agreement extended		Oct. 20, 2017
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [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] | Maximum [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [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] | Cash [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - consideration to be given (percent)						50.00%
Acquisition of business - value of consideration (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 53.75
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - consideration to be given (percent)						50.00%
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 1 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - noncash consideration to be given								Quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration to be given (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 37.411
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 1 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - noncash consideration to be given								Quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration to be given (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 41.349
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 2 [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - noncash consideration to be given								1.300 shares of AT&T stock per share of Time Warner common stock
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration to be given (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 41.349
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Pending Approval [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Price Scenario 3 [Member]
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - noncash consideration to be given								1.437 shares of AT&T stock per share of Time Warner common stock
Acquisition of business - value of noncash consideration to be given (in US dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 37.411

Acquisitions, Dispositions An40

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Dispositions) (Narrative) (Details) - YP Holdings, LLC [Member] - Disposition [Member] $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Disposal date of asset	Jun. 30, 2017
Gain (Loss) on sale of asset	$ 36

Acquisitions, Dispositions An41

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Other Events) (Narrative) (Details) - FirstNet [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 02, 2017USD ($)
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
Basis of Provision for Refunds under Government Contracts		On March 30, 2017, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced its selection of AT&T to build and manage the first nationwide broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders. FirstNet expects to provide 20 MHz of valuable telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6,500 over the next five years to support network buildout. The actual reach of the network and our investment over the 25-year period will be determined by the number of individual states electing to participate in FirstNet.
Refunds Due under Government Contracts		$ 6,500
Estimated Cost of Program Construction, Operation and Maintenance		$ 40,000
Term of Contract		25 years
Number of states opted-in to the program				30
Sustainability Payment Commitment, Percentage				38.00%
Sustainability Payment Commitment, Amount				$ 6,900
Date by which states must elect to opt-out of the program	Dec. 28, 2017
First Responder Network Authority [Member]
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
First Responder Network Authority Operating Expenses Adjusted for Inflation		$ 3,000
Estimated Network Reinvestment		$ 15,000
First Responder Network Authority [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
First Responder Network Authority Operating Expenses			$ 75
First Responder Network Authority [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
First Responder Network Authority Operating Expenses			$ 100

Sale Of Equipment Installment42

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		40 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Assets - current	$ 10,724		$ 10,724		$ 10,724	$ 14,232
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Assets	3,170		3,170		3,170	3,090
Other Assets - current	2,023		2,023		2,023	1,606
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Assets	4,176		4,176		4,176	5,665
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net	1,292	$ 891	4,139	$ 3,538
Finance Receivables [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross equipment installment receivables balance - current	$ 2,485		$ 2,485		2,485	$ 3,425
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Equipment installment sales - maximum installment period (in months)			30 months
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net					$ 4,019

Sale Of Equipment Installment43

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		40 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period		$ 1,619	$ 1,485	$ 6,217	$ 5,812
Cash proceeds received		1,292	891	4,139	3,538
Deferred purchase price recorded		285	463	1,767	1,745
Finance Receivables Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	[1]	1,478	1,336	5,698	5,263
Cash proceeds received						$ 4,019
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation recorded		$ 65	$ 0	$ 139	$ 0
[1]	Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

Sale Of Equipment Installment44

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - Finance Receivables [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Changes In Other Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables		$ 567	$ 749	$ 1,281	$ 1,281
Carrying value of deferred purchase price		507	722	1,147	1,261
Gain (Loss) on repurchases	[1]	$ 60	$ 27	$ 134	$ 20
[1]	These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.

Sale Of Equipment Installment45

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Derecognized Installment Receivables) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Derecognized Installment Receivables [Abstract]
Outstanding derecognized receivables at January 1,	$ 7,232
Gross receivables sold	6,217
Collections on cash purchase price	(3,556)
Collections on deferred purchase price	(665)
Trade-ins and other	(295)
Fair value of repurchased receivables	(1,281)
Outstanding derecognized receivables at September 30,	$ 7,652