AT&T (T) 10-Q 2 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
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		7,278
Entity Trading Symbol	T
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Revenues
Service	$ 41,297	$ 36,378	$ 109,849	$ 109,372
Equipment	4,442	3,290	12,914	9,498
Total operating revenues	45,739	39,668	122,763	118,870
Operating Expenses
Equipment	4,828	4,191	14,053	12,177
Broadcast, programming and operations	7,227	5,284	17,842	15,156
Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	8,651	9,694	24,215	28,551
Selling, general and administrative	9,598	8,650	26,179	25,981
Depreciation and amortization	8,166	6,042	20,538	18,316
Total operating expenses	38,470	33,861	102,827	100,181
Operating Income	7,269	5,807	19,936	18,689
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(2,051)	(1,686)	(5,845)	(4,374)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(64)	11	(71)	(148)
Other income (expense) - net	1,053	842	5,108	2,255
Total other income (expense)	(1,062)	(833)	(808)	(2,267)
Income Before Income Taxes	6,207	4,974	19,128	16,422
Income tax expense	1,391	1,851	4,305	5,711
Net Income	4,816	3,123	14,823	10,711
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(98)	(94)	(311)	(298)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 4,718	$ 3,029	$ 14,512	$ 10,413
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions)	7,284	6,162	6,603	6,164
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions)	7,320	6,182	6,630	6,184
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.5	$ 0.49	$ 1.5	$ 1.47

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,816	$ 3,123	$ 14,823	$ 10,711
Foreign currency:
Translation adjustment (includes $(7), $10, $(37) and $6 attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(2), $74, $(145) and $580	(14)	151	(824)	490
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(4), $28, $(8) and $72	(10)	45	(22)	128
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $(50), $0 and $(54)	0	(79)	0	(86)
Cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $0, $178, $68 and $(94)	4	330	257	(174)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $3, $5, $9 and $15	12	10	35	29
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net prior service (cost) credit arising during period, net of taxes of $0, $0, $173 and $594	0	0	530	969
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(108), $(157), $(322) and $(447)	(332)	(256)	(989)	(731)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(340)	201	(1,013)	625
Total comprehensive income	4,476	3,324	13,810	11,336
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(91)	(104)	(274)	(304)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 4,385	$ 3,220	$ 13,536	$ 11,032

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ (7)	$ 10	$ (37)	$ 6
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	(2)	74	(145)	580
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities - tax	(4)	28	(8)	72
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on available-for-sale securities - tax effect	0	(50)	0	(54)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges - tax	0	178	68	(94)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on cash flow hedges - tax effect	3	5	9	15
Net prior service credit (cost) arising during period - tax effect	0	0	173	594
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, tax effect	$ (108)	$ (157)	$ (322)	$ (447)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,657	$ 50,498
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $845 and $663	26,312	16,522
Prepaid expenses	1,860	1,369
Other current assets	16,278	10,757
Total current assets	53,107	79,146
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	7,221	0
Property, plant and equipment	327,680	313,499
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(197,332)	(188,277)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	130,348	125,222
Goodwill	146,475	105,449
Licenses	96,077	96,136
Other Intangible Assets - Net	28,673	11,119
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates	6,128	1,560
Other Assets	25,490	18,444
Total Assets	534,870	444,097
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	14,905	38,374
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,375	34,470
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,045	4,213
Accrued taxes	1,460	1,262
Dividends payable	3,635	3,070
Total current liabilities	65,420	81,389
Long-Term Debt	168,513	125,972
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	60,495	43,207
Postemployment benefit obligation	28,981	31,775
Other noncurrent liabilities	26,490	19,747
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	115,966	94,729
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: issued 7,620,748,598 at September 30, 2018 and 6,495,231,088 December 31, 2017)	7,621	6,495
Additional paid-in capital	125,706	89,563
Retained earnings	57,624	50,500
Treasury stock (350,465,537 at September 30, 2018 and 355,806,544 at December 31, 2017, at cost)	(12,486)	(12,714)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,383	7,017
Noncontrolling interest	1,123	1,146
Total stockholders' equity	184,971	142,007
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	534,870	444,097
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Current Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	24,389	7,021
Distribution Networks [Member]
Current Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	$ 16,962	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 845	$ 663
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized	14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000
Common stock, issued	7,620,748,598	6,495,231,088
Treasury stock, held	350,465,537	355,806,544

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 14,823	$ 10,711
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	20,538	18,316
Amortization of film and television costs	1,608	0
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates	312	171
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,240	1,216
Deferred income tax expense	2,934	3,254
Net (gain) loss from sale of investments, net of impairments	(501)	(114)
Actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement benefits	(2,726)	(259)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,018)	(652)
Other current assets, inventories and theatrical film and television production costs	(2,729)	(106)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(1,385)	(1,437)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	220	451
Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	(2,657)	(1,102)
Retirement benefit funding	(420)	(420)
Other - net	1,283	(1,556)
Total adjustments	16,699	17,762
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	31,522	28,473
Investing Activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(16,695)	(15,756)
Interest during construction	(404)	(718)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(43,116)	1,154
Dispositions	983	56
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	(234)	235
Advances to and investments in equity affiliates, net	(1,021)	0
Cash collections of deferred purchase price	500	665
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(59,987)	(14,364)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	(1,071)	(2)
Issuance of other short-term borrowings	4,852	0
Repayment of other short-term borrowings	(1,075)	0
Issuance of long-term debt	38,325	46,761
Repayment of long-term debt	(43,579)	(10,309)
Purchase of treasury stock	(577)	(460)
Issuance of treasury stock	359	26
Dividends paid	(9,775)	(9,030)
Other	(1,138)	1,716
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(13,679)	28,702
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(42,144)	42,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of year	50,932	5,935
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash End of Period	$ 8,788	$ 48,746

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - 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, 2017	$ 142,007	$ 6,495	$ 89,563	$ 50,500	$ (12,714)	$ 7,017	$ 1,146
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		6,495			(356)
Issuance of stock		$ 1,126	35,473
Issuance of stock (in shares)		1,126
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock					$ (641)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)					(19)
Issuance of treasury stock			(49)		$ 869
Issuance of treasury stock, (in shares)					24
Share-based payments			719
Net income attributable to AT&T ($2.19 per diluted share)	14,512			14,512
Dividends to stockholders ($1.50 per share)				(10,388)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(976)					(976)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	311						311
Contributions							8
Distributions							(332)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interest							1
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners							(9)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	(37)						(37)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2018	184,971	$ 7,621	$ 125,706	57,624	$ (12,486)	5,383	1,123
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		7,621			(351)
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes	$ (658)			$ 3,000		$ (658)	$ 35

Consolidated Statement Of Cha_2

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
Net income attributable to AT&T, per diluted share	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Dividends to stockholders, per share	$ 0.5	$ 0.49	$ 1.5	$ 1.47

Preparation Of Interim Financia

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements [Text Block]	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 accoun ts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates , including the operating resu lts of recently acquired Time Warner Inc. (referred to as “Time Warner” or “Warner Media ”) as of June 15, 2018 (see Note 8 ). All significant intercompany tran sactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including translation adjustments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation, including impacts for the adoption of recent accounting standards and changes in our r eportable segments (see Note 4). Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnin gs of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred. Recognizing the late enactment of the Act and complexity of accurately accounting for its impact, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 prov ided guidance that allows registrants to provide a reasonable estimate of the impact to their financial statements and adjust the reported impact in a measurement period not to exceed one year. We included the estimated impact of the Act in our financial r esults at or for the period ended December 31, 2017 and did not record any adjustments thereto during the first nine months of 2018. Our future results could include additional adjustments, and those adjustments could be material. Customer Fulfillment Cos ts During the second quarter of 2018, we updated our analysis of economic lives of customer relationships. As of April 1, 2018, we extended the amortization period to 58 months to better reflect the estimated economic lives of our Entertainment Group cust omers. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of revenues, which had an impact on net income of $10 7, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the third quarter and $233, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2018. Film and Telev ision Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments Film and television production costs include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as broadcast, programm ing and operations expenses for a given period is determined using the film forecast computation method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals is based on the proportion of the film’s reven ues recognized for such period to the film’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s life cycle). The process of estimating a film’s ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of significant judgments related to future revenue generating activities associated with a particular film. We estimate the ultimate revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the value of a film or television series is impaired and requires an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film and television production costs. We also determine, usin g the film forecast computation method, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given film or television series i n a particular period. To the extent that the ultimate revenues are adjusted, the resulting gross margin reported on the exploitation of that film or television series in a period is also adjusted. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, our estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. In the absence of revenues directly related to the exhibition of owned film or television programs on our television networks, premium pay television or over-the-top (OTT) services, management estimat es a portion of the unamortized costs that are representative of the utilization of that film or television program in that exhibition and expenses such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. The period over which ultimate revenues are estim ated is generally not to exceed ten years from the initial release of a motion picture or from the date of delivery of the first episode of an episodic television series. Estimates are updated based on information available during the film’s production and , upon release, the actual results of each film. Changes in estimates of ultimate revenues from period to period affect the amount of production costs amortized in a given period and, therefore, could have an impact on the financial results for that period . Licensed Programming Inventory Cost Recognition and Impairment We enter into agreements to license programming exhibition rights from licensors. A programming inventory asset related to these rights and a corresponding liability payable to the licensor are recorded (on a discounted basis if the license agreements are long-term) when (i) the cost of the programming is reasonably determined, (ii) the programming material has been accepted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, (iii) the programmin g is available for its first showing or telecast, and (iv) the license period has commenced. There are variations in the amortization methods of these rights, depending on whether the network is advertising-supported (e.g., TNT and TBS) or not advertising- supported (e.g., HBO and Turner Classic Movies). For the advertising-supported networks, our general policy is to amortize each program’s costs on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over its license period. In circumstances where the in itial airing of the program has more value than subsequent airings, an accelerated method of amortization is used. The accelerated amortization upon the first airing versus subsequent airings is determined based on a study of historical and estimated futur e advertising sales for similar programming. For rights fees paid for sports programming arrangements, such rights fees are amortized using a revenue-forecast model, in which the rights fees are amortized using the ratio of current period advertising reven ue to total estimated remaining advertising revenue over the term of the arrangement. For premium pay television and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, each licensed program’s costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over its license per iod or estimated period of use, beginning with the month of initial exhibition. When we have the right to exhibit feature theatrical programming in multiple windows over a number of years, historical audience viewership is used as the basis for determining the amount of programming amortization attributable to each window. Licensed programming inventory is carried at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. For networks that generate both advertising and subscription revenues, the n et realizable value of unamortized programming costs is generally evaluated based on the network’s programming taken as a whole. In assessing whether the programming inventory for a particular advertising-supported network is impaired, the net realizable v alue for all of the network’s programming inventory is determined based on a projection of the network’s profitability. Similarly, for premium pay television and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, an evaluation of the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs is performed based on the premium pay television and OTT services’ licensed programming taken as a whole. Specifically, the net realizable value for all premium pay television and OTT service licensed programming is determined based on projections of estimated subscription revenues less certain costs of delivering and distributing the licensed programming. Changes in management’s intended usage of a specific program, such as a decision to no longer exhibit that program and fore go the use of the rights associated with the program license, results in a reassessment of that program’s net realizable value, which could result in an impairment. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition As of January 1, 2018, we adop ted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” as modified (ASC 606), using the modified retrospective method, which does not allow us to adjust prior peri ods. We applied the rules to all open contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recording an increase of $2,342 to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of the change, with an offsetting contract asset of $1,737, deferred contract acquisition costs o f $1,454, other asset reductions of $239, other liability reductions of $212, deferred income taxes of $787 and noncontrolling interest of $35. (See Note 5) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective a pplication, 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). We are no longer allowed to present the interest, estimated r eturn on assets and amortization of prior service credits components of our net periodic benefit cost in our consolidated operating expenses, but rather are required to include those amounts in “other income (expense) – net” in our consolidated statements of income. We continue to present service costs with the associated compensation costs within our operating expenses. As a practical expedient, we used the amounts disclosed as the estimated basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. The following table presents our results under our historical method and as adjusted to reflect ASU 2017-07 (presentation of benefit cost ): Pension and Postretirement Benefits Historical Effect of Accounting Adoption of As Method ASU 2017-07 Adjusted For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 8,527 $ 124 $ 8,651 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,207 391 9,598 Operating Income 7,784 (515) 7,269 Other Income (Expense) – net 538 515 1,053 Net Income 4,816 - 4,816 For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 9,431 $ 263 $ 9,694 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,317 333 8,650 Operating Income 6,403 (596) 5,807 Other Income (Expense) – net 246 596 842 Net Income 3,123 - 3,123 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 23,166 $ 1,049 $ 24,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,859 3,320 26,179 Operating Income 24,305 (4,369) 19,936 Other Income (Expense) – net 739 4,369 5,108 Net Income 14,823 - 14,823 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 27,714 $ 837 $ 28,551 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,917 1,064 25,981 Operating Income 20,590 (1,901) 18,689 Other Income (Expense) – net 354 1,901 2,255 Net Income 10,711 - 10,711 Cash Flows As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15). Under ASU 2016-15, we continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 9 are now required to be classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of cash flow s from operating activities. As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash,” (ASU 2016-18). The primary impact of ASU 2016-18 was to require us to include restric ted cash in our reconciliation of beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents (restricted and unrestricted) on the face of the statements of cash flows. (See Note 11) The following table presents our results under our historical method and as adjusted to reflect ASU 2016-15 ( cash receipts on deferred purchase price ) and ASU 2016-18 ( restricted cash ): Cash Flows Historical Effect of Effect of Accounting Adoption of Adoption of As Method ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Adjusted For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (2,731) $ - $ 2 $ (2,729) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 720 (500) - 220 Other – net 1,399 - (116) 1,283 Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 32,136 (500) (114) 31,522 (Purchases) sales of securities – net 7 - (241) (234) Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 500 - 500 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (60,246) 500 (241) (59,987) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (41,789) $ - $ (355) $ (42,144) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (106) $ - $ - $ (106) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 1,116 (665) - 451 Other – net (1,420) - (136) (1,556) Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 29,274 (665) (136) 28,473 (Purchases) sales of securities – net (2) - 237 235 Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 665 - 665 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (15,266) 665 237 (14,364) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 42,711 $ - $ 100 $ 42,811 Financial Instruments As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which requires us to prospectively record changes in the fair value of our equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method, in net income instead of in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of January 1, 2018, we recorded an increase of $65 8 in retained earni ngs for the cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI). New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” as modified (ASC 842 ), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 842 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets . For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. In July 2018, the FASB amended ASC 842 to provide another transition method, allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. Through the same amendment, the FASB will allow lessors the option to ma ke a policy election to treat lease and nonlease components as a single lease component under certain conditions. ASC 842 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. Upon initial evaluation, we b elieve the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology . We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financia l statements.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” as modified (ASC 842 ), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 842 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets . For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. In July 2018, the FASB amended ASC 842 to provide another transition method, allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. Through the same amendment, the FASB will allow lessors the option to ma ke a policy election to treat lease and nonlease components as a single lease component under certain conditions. ASC 842 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. Upon initial evaluation, we b elieve the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology . We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financia l statements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	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, 2018 and 2017 , is shown in the table below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income $ 4,816 $ 3,123 $ 14,823 $ 10,711 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (98) (94) (311) (298) Net Income attributable to AT&T 4,718 3,029 14,512 10,413 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 4 3 13 9 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 4,722 $ 3,032 $ 14,525 $ 10,422 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,284 6,162 6,603 6,164 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 36 20 27 20 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,320 6,182 6,630 6,184 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.49 $ 2.19 $ 1.69 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.49 $ 2.19 $ 1.69

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Text Block]	NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated OCI are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. 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, 2017 $ (2,054) $ 660 $ 1,402 $ 7,009 $ 7,017 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (787) (22) 257 530 (22) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 - 1 35 2 (989) 3 (954) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (787) (22) 292 (459) (976) Amounts reclassified to retained earnings - (658) 4 - - (658) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ (2,841) $ (20) $ 1,694 $ 6,550 $ 5,383 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 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 7). 3 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits are included in Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 6). 4 With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the unrealized (gains) losses on our equity investments are reclassified to retained earnings (see Note 1).

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information
Segment Information [Text Block]	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) Communications, (2) WarnerMedia, (3) Latin America, and (4) Xandr. We also evaluate segment and business unit performance based on EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin, which is defined as operating contribution excluding equity in net in come (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 management uses to evaluate 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 divided by total r evenues. Due to organizational changes and our June 14, 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, effective for the quarter e nded September 30, 2018, we revis ed our operating segments to align with the new management s tructure and organizational responsibilities, and have accordingly recast our segment disclosures for all periods presented . As a result of the realignment to combine all domestic wireless products and services into the Mobility business unit, which is now one of our reporting unit s , $27,568 of goodwi ll from our former Business Solutions segment and $16,540 from our former Consumer Mobility segment was reallocated to the Mobility business unit. With our acquisition of Time Warner, programming released on or before the June 14, 2018 acquisition date was recorded at fair value as an intangible asset (see Note 8). For consolidated reporting, all amortization of pre-acquisition released programming is reported as amortization expense on our consolidated income statement. To best present comparable result s, we report the historical content production cost amortization as operations and support expense within the WarnerMedia segment. The amount of historic al content production cost amortization reported in the segment results was $1,491 for the quarter ende d September 30, 2018, $772 of which was for pre-acquisition released programming. For the 108-day period included in our nine months ended September 30, 2018 , historic al content production cost amortization reported i n the segment results was $1,677, $870 of which was for pre-acquisition released programming. The Communications segment provides wireless and wireline telecom, video and broadband services to consumers located in the U.S. or in U.S. territories and businesses globally. This segment contains the following business units: Mobility provides nationwide wireless service and equipment. Entertainment Group provides video, including over-the-top (OTT) services , broadband and voice communications services primarily to residential customers. This segment also sells advertising on DIRECTV and U-verse distribution platforms. Business Wireline provides advanced IP-based services, as well as traditional voice and da ta services to business customers. The WarnerMedia segment develops, produces and distributes feature films, television, gaming and other content in various physical and digital formats globally. Historical financial results from AT&T’s Regional Sports N etwork s (RSN) and equity investments (predomina n tly Game Show Network and Otter Media Holdings), previously included in Ente rtainment Group, have been reclassified into the WarnerMedia segment and are combined with the Time Warner operations for the period subsequent to our acquisition on June 14, 2018. This segment contains the following business units: Turner is comprised of the historic Turner division as well the financial results of our RSN. This business unit creates and programs branded news, entertai nment, sports and kids multi-platform content that is sold to various distribution affiliates. Turner also sells advertising on its networks and digital properties. Home Box Office consists of premium pay television and OTT services domestically and premiu m pay, basic tier television and OTT services internationally, as well as content licensing and home entertainment . Warner Bros. consists of the production, distribution and licensing of television programming and feature films, the distribution of home entertainment products and the production and distribution of games. The Latin America segment provides entertainment and wirele ss services outside of the U.S. This segment contains the following business units: Vrio provides video services to customers using satellite technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mexico provides wireless service and equipment to customers in Mex ico. The Xandr segment provides advertising services. These services utilize data insights to develop higher value targeted advertising. Certain revenues in this segment are also reported by the Communications segment and are eliminated upon consolidation . Corporate and Other items reconcile our segment results to consolidated operating income and income before income taxes, and include: Corporate , which consists of: (1) businesses no longer integral to our operations or which we no longer actively market , (2) corporate support functions, (3) impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the individual operating segments are not being evaluated, (4) the reclassification of the amortization of prior service credits, which we continue to report with segment operating expenses, to consolidated other income (expense) – net and (5) the recharacterization of programming intangible asset amortization, for programming acquired in the acquisition, which we continue to report with WarnerMedia segment operating expense, to consolidated amortization expense. Acquisition-related items which consists of items associated with the merger and integration of acquired businesses, including amortization of intangible assets. Certain significant items includes (1) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (2) losses resulting from abandonment or impairment of assets and (3) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated. Eliminations and consolidations , which (1) removes transactions in volving dealings between our segments, including content licensing between WarnerMedia and Communications, and (2) includes adjustments for our reporting of the advertising business. I nterest expense and other income (expense) – net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,938 $ 10,255 $ 7,683 $ 2,079 $ 5,604 $ (1) $ 5,603 Entertainment Group 11,589 9,155 2,434 1,331 1,103 1 1,104 Business Wireline 6,703 4,030 2,673 1,197 1,476 (1) 1,475 Total Communications 36,230 23,440 12,790 4,607 8,183 (1) 8,182 WarnerMedia Turner 2,988 1,487 1,501 59 1,442 7 1,449 Home Box Office 1,644 991 653 25 628 2 630 Warner Bros. 3,720 3,104 616 40 576 (23) 553 Other (148) (79) (69) 10 (79) (25) (104) Total WarnerMedia 8,204 5,503 2,701 134 2,567 (39) 2,528 Latin America Vrio 1,102 877 225 168 57 9 66 Mexico 731 869 (138) 129 (267) - (267) Total Latin America 1,833 1,746 87 297 (210) 9 (201) Xandr 445 109 336 3 333 - 333 Segment Total $ 46,712 $ 30,798 $ 15,914 $ 5,041 $ 10,873 $ (31) $ 10,842 Corporate and Other Corporate 308 (18) 326 797 (471) Acquisition-related items - 362 (362) 2,329 (2,691) Certain significant items - 75 (75) - (75) Eliminations and consolidations (1,281) (913) (368) (1) (367) AT&T Inc. $ 45,739 $ 30,304 $ 15,435 $ 8,166 $ 7,269 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 52,575 $ 30,020 $ 22,555 $ 6,287 $ 16,268 $ (1) $ 16,267 Entertainment Group 34,498 26,623 7,875 3,986 3,889 (1) 3,888 Business Wireline 20,100 12,084 8,016 3,547 4,469 (1) 4,468 Total Communications 107,173 68,727 38,446 13,820 24,626 (3) 24,623 WarnerMedia Turner 3,767 1,933 1,834 71 1,763 39 1,802 Home Box Office 1,925 1,162 763 30 733 1 734 Warner Bros. 4,227 3,507 720 54 666 (24) 642 Other (210) (106) (104) 11 (115) (71) (186) Total WarnerMedia 9,709 6,496 3,213 166 3,047 (55) 2,992 Latin America Vrio 3,710 2,894 816 559 257 24 281 Mexico 2,099 2,459 (360) 383 (743) - (743) Total Latin America 5,809 5,353 456 942 (486) 24 (462) Xandr 1,174 218 956 4 952 - 952 Segment Total $ 123,865 $ 80,794 $ 43,071 $ 14,932 $ 28,139 $ (34) $ 28,105 Corporate and Other Corporate 961 1,378 (417) 938 (1,355) Acquisition-related items - 750 (750) 4,669 (5,419) Certain significant items - 407 (407) - (407) Eliminations and consolidations (2,063) (1,040) (1,023) (1) (1,022) AT&T Inc. $ 122,763 $ 82,289 $ 40,474 $ 20,538 $ 19,936 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 Communications Mobility $ 17,370 $ 10,029 $ 7,341 $ 2,008 $ 5,333 $ - $ 5,333 Entertainment Group 12,467 9,804 2,663 1,379 1,284 (1) 1,283 Business Wireline 7,278 4,635 2,643 1,189 1,454 1 1,455 Total Communications 37,115 24,468 12,647 4,576 8,071 - 8,071 WarnerMedia Turner 107 97 10 1 9 13 22 Home Box Office - - - - - - - Warner Bros. - - - - - - - Other - 1 (1) - (1) (19) (20) Total WarnerMedia 107 98 9 1 8 (6) 2 Latin America Vrio 1,363 1,075 288 206 82 17 99 Mexico 736 862 (126) 98 (224) - (224) Total Latin America 2,099 1,937 162 304 (142) 17 (125) Xandr 333 39 294 - 294 - 294 Segment Total $ 39,654 $ 26,542 $ 13,112 $ 4,881 $ 8,231 $ 11 $ 8,242 Corporate and Other Corporate 382 801 (419) 24 (443) Acquisition-related items - 134 (134) 1,136 (1,270) Certain significant items (89) 325 (414) 1 (415) Eliminations and consolidations (279) 17 (296) - (296) AT&T Inc. $ 39,668 $ 27,819 $ 11,849 $ 6,042 $ 5,807 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 Communications Mobility $ 51,922 $ 30,005 $ 21,917 $ 5,988 $ 15,929 $ - $ 15,929 Entertainment Group 37,435 28,711 8,724 4,254 4,470 - 4,470 Business Wireline 21,911 13,906 8,005 3,583 4,422 - 4,422 Total Communications 111,268 72,622 38,646 13,825 24,821 - 24,821 WarnerMedia Turner 323 273 50 3 47 32 79 Home Box Office - - - - - - - Warner Bros. - - - - - - - Other - 3 (3) - (3) (55) (58) Total WarnerMedia 323 276 47 3 44 (23) 21 Latin America Vrio 4,065 3,123 942 642 300 62 362 Mexico 1,989 2,345 (356) 263 (619) - (619) Total Latin America 6,054 5,468 586 905 (319) 62 (257) Xandr 992 118 874 1 873 - 873 Segment Total $ 118,637 $ 78,484 $ 40,153 $ 14,734 $ 25,419 $ 39 $ 25,458 Corporate and Other Corporate 1,182 2,440 (1,258) 73 (1,331) Acquisition-related items - 622 (622) 3,508 (4,130) Certain significant items (89) 302 (391) 1 (392) Eliminations and consolidations (860) 17 (877) - (877) AT&T Inc. $ 118,870 $ 81,865 $ 37,005 $ 18,316 $ 18,689 The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contributions to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported on our consolidated state m ents of income . Third Quarter Nine-month period 2018 2017 2018 2017 Communications $ 8,182 $ 8,071 $ 24,623 $ 24,821 WarnerMedia 2,528 2 2,992 21 Latin America (201) (125) (462) (257) Xandr 333 294 952 873 Segment Contribution 10,842 8,242 28,105 25,458 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (471) (443) (1,355) (1,331) Merger and integration items (362) (134) (750) (622) Amortization of intangibles acquired (2,329) (1,136) (4,669) (3,508) Employee separation charges (75) (208) (259) (268) Gain on wireless spectrum transactions - - - 181 Natural disaster items - (207) (104) (207) Foreign currency devaluation - - (44) (98) Segment equity in net income of affiliates 31 (11) 34 (39) Eliminations and consolidations (367) (296) (1,022) (877) AT&T Operating Income 7,269 5,807 19,936 18,689 Interest Expense (2,051) (1,686) (5,845) (4,374) Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates (64) 11 (71) (148) Other income (expense) - Net 1,053 842 5,108 2,255 Income Before Income Taxes $ 6,207 $ 4,974 $ 19,128 $ 16,422 The following tables present intersegment revenues, assets, investments in equity affiliates and capital expenditures by segment. Intersegment Reconciliation Third Quarter Nine-Month Period 2018 2017 2018 2017 Intersegment revenues Communications $ 6 $ - $ 8 $ - WarnerMedia 844 33 1,053 99 Latin America - - - - Xandr - - - - Total Intersegment Revenues 850 33 1,061 99 Consolidations 431 246 1,002 761 Eliminations and consolidations $ 1,281 $ 279 $ 2,063 $ 860 Investment in Equity Method Investees Capital Expenditures At September 30, 2018 Assets Communications $ 487,833 $ 1 $ 16,024 WarnerMedia 132,689 5,395 298 Latin America 18,420 713 524 Xandr 2,647 - 66 Corporate and eliminations (106,719) 19 187 Total $ 534,870 $ 6,128 $ 17,099

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	NOTE 5 . REVENUE RECOGNITION As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606. With our adoption of ASC 606, we made a policy election to record certain regulatory fees, primarily Universal Service Fund (USF) fees, on a net basis. See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our policies prior to adoption of ASC 606. When implementing ASC 606, we utilized the practical expedient allowing us to reflect the aggregate ef fect of all contract modifications occurring before the beginning of the earliest period presented when allocating the transaction price to performance obligations. Wireless, Advanced Data, Legacy Voice & Data Services and Equipment Revenue We offer servi ce-only contracts and contracts that bundle equipment used to access the services and/or with other service offerings. Some contracts have fixed terms and others are cancellable on a short-term basis (i.e., month-to-month arrangements). Examples of servi ce revenues include wireless, video entertainment (e.g., AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV), strategic services (e.g., virtual private network service), and legacy voice and data (e.g., traditional local and long-distance). These services represent a series of dist inct services that is considered a separate performance obligation. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g. minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees). Some of our services require customer premises equipment that, when combined and integrated with AT&T’s specific network infrastructure, facilitate the delivery of service to the customer. In evaluating whether the equipment is a separate performance obligation, we consider the customer’s ability to benefit from the equipment on its own or together with other readily available resources and if so, whether the service and equipment are separately identifiable (i.e., is the service highly dependent on, or highly in terrelated with the equipment). When the equipment does not meet the criteria to be a distinct performance obligation (e.g., equipment associated with certain video services), we allocate the total transaction price to the related service. When equipment i s a distinct performance obligation, we record the sale of equipment when title has passed and the products are accepted by the customer. For devices sold through indirect channels (e.g., national dealers), revenue is recognized when the dealer accepts the device, not upon activation. Our equipment and service revenues are predominantly recognized on a gross basis, as most of our services do not involve a third party and we typically control the equipment that is sold to our customers. Revenue recognized from fixed term contracts that bundle services and/or equipment are allocated based on the standalone selling price of all required performance obligations of the contract (i.e., each item included in the bundle). Promotional discounts are attributed to e ach required component of the arrangement, resulting in recognition over the contract term. Standalone selling prices are determined by assessing prices paid for service-only contracts (e.g., arrangements where customers bring their own devices) and standa lone device pricing. We offer the majority of our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time, and, in many cases, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, at the point of sale, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of revenue allocated to the customer receivable net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee. The difference between the revenue recognized and the consideration received is recorded as a note receivable when the devices are not discounted and our right to consideration is unconditional. When installment sales include promotional discounts (e.g., “buy one get one free”), the difference between revenue recognized and consideration received is recorded as a contract asset to be amortized over the contract term. Less commonly, we offer certain customers highly discounted devices when they enter into a minimum service agreement term. For these contracts, we recognize equipment revenue at the point of sale based on a standalone selling price allocation. The difference between the revenue recognized and the cash received is r ecorded as a contract asset that will amortize over the contract term. Our contracts allow for customers to frequently modify their arrangement, without incurring penalties in many cases. When a contract is modified, we evaluate the change in scope or pri ce of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a new contract or if it should be considered a change of the existing contract. We generally do not have significant impacts from contract modifications. Revenues from transactions between us and our customers are recorded net of revenue- based regulatory fees and taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. N onrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees associated with service arrangemen ts are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer life. Subscription Revenue Subscription revenues from cable networks and premium pay and basic tier television services are recognized over the license period as progra mming is provided to affiliates or digital distributors based on negotiated contractual programming rates. When a distribution contract with an affiliate has expired and a new distribution contract has not been executed, revenues are based on estimated rat es, giving consideration to factors including the previous contractual rates, inflation, current payments by the affiliate and the status of the negotiations on a new contract. When the new distribution contract terms are finalized, an adjustment to revenu e is recorded, if necessary, to reflect the new terms. Subscription revenues from end-user subscribers are recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage or period of time. Subscription revenues from OTT services are recognized as program ming services are provided to customers. Content Revenue Feature films typically are produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters, followed by distribution, generally commencing within three years of such initial exhibition. Revenues from film rentals by theaters are recognized as the films are exhibited. Television programs and series are initially produced for broadcast and may be subsequently licensed or sold in physical format and/or electronic delive ry. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through broadcast networks, cable networks, first-run syndication and OTT services are recognized when the programs or series are available to the licensee. In certain circumstances, pursuant to the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements, the availability dates granted to customers may precede the date in which the customer can be billed for these sales. Revenues from sales of feature films and television programming in physical format are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and series for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through OTT s ervices are recognized when the television programs or series are available to the licensee. Upfront or guaranteed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term if the intellectua l property has significant standalone functionality or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent on our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term. Revenues from the sales of console games are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the product is made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Advertisin g Revenue Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period that the advertisements are aired. If there is a targeted audience guarantee, revenues are recognized for the actual audience delivery and revenues are deferred for any shortfall until the guaranteed audience delivery is met, typically by providing additional advertisements. Advertising revenues from digital properties are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed. Revenue Categories The following tables set forth reported revenue by category: For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Service Revenues Wireless Advanced Data Legacy Voice & Data Subscription Content Advertising Other Equipment Total Communications Mobility $ 13,912 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 77 $ - $ 3,949 $ 17,938 Entertainment Group - 2,045 740 7,882 - 401 518 3 11,589 Business Wireline - 3,059 2,615 - - - 830 199 6,703 WarnerMedia Turner - - - 1,855 125 944 64 - 2,988 Home Box Office - - - 1,517 125 - 2 - 1,644 Warner Bros. - - - 20 3,494 20 186 - 3,720 Eliminations and Other - - - 27 (199) 19 5 - (148) Latin America Vrio - - - 1,102 - - - - 1,102 Mexico 440 - - - - - - 291 731 Xandr - - - - - 445 - - 445 Corporate and Other - - - - - - 308 - 308 Eliminations and consolidations - - - - (829) (401) (51) - (1,281) Total Operating Revenues $ 14,352 $ 5,104 $ 3,355 $ 12,403 $ 2,716 $ 1,505 $ 1,862 $ 4,442 $ 45,739 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Service Revenues Wireless Advanced Data Legacy Voice & Data Subscription Content Advertising Other Equipment Total Communications Mobility $ 40,912 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 162 $ - $ 11,501 $ 52,575 Entertainment Group - 5,904 2,317 23,559 - 1,122 1,588 8 34,498 Business Wireline - 9,168 8,176 - - - 2,189 567 20,100 WarnerMedia Turner - - - 2,363 146 1,181 77 - 3,767 Home Box Office - - - 1,787 136 - 2 - 1,925 Warner Bros. - - - 27 3,949 28 223 - 4,227 Eliminations and Other - - - 27 (255) 13 5 - (210) Latin America Vrio - - - 3,710 - - - - 3,710 Mexico 1,261 - - - - - - 838 2,099 Xandr - - - - - 1,174 - - 1,174 Corporate and Other - - - - - - 961 - 961 Eliminations and consolidations - - - - (1,039) (1,122) 98 - (2,063) Total Operating Revenues $ 42,173 $ 15,072 $ 10,493 $ 31,473 $ 2,937 $ 2,558 $ 5,143 $ 12,914 $ 122,763 Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs Costs to acquire customer contracts, including commissions on service activations, for our wireless, business wireline and video entertainment services, are deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer relationship life, which typically ranges from two to five years. Costs to fulfill customer contracts are deferred and amortized over periods ranging generally from four to five years, reflecting the estimated economic lives of the respective customer relationships, subject to an assessment of the recoverability of such costs. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately. Our deferred customer contr act acquisition costs and deferred customer contract fulfillment costs balances we re $3,409 and $11,304 as of September 30, 2018, respectively, of which $1,572 and $3,905 were included in Other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. For the nin e months ended September 30, 2018, we amortized $959 and $2,983 of these costs, respectively. Contract Assets and Liabilities A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of our right to bill and receive consideration (i.e., we mus t perform additional services or satisfy another performance obligation in order to bill and receive consideration). The contract asset will decrease as services are provided and billed. When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. Reductions in the contract liability will be recorded as we satisfy the performance obligations. The following table presents contract assets and liabilities and revenue recorded at or for the period ended Sept ember 30 , 2018: September 30, 2018 Contract asset $ 1,923 Contract liability 6,920 Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during the period 4,716 Our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018 included approximately $1,244 for the current portion of our contract asset in “Other current assets” and $5,846 for the current portion of our contract liability in “Advanced billings and customer deposits.” Remaining Performance Obligations Remaining performance obligations represent services we are required to provide to customers under bundled or discounted a rrangements, which are satisfied as services are provided over the contract term. In determining the transaction price allocated, we do not include non-recurring charges and estimates for usage, nor do we consider arrangements with an original expected dur ation of less than one year, which are primarily prepaid wireless, video and residential internet agreements. Remaining performance obligations associated with business contracts reflect recurring charges billed, adjusted to reflect estimates for sales i ncentives and revenue adjustments. Performance obligations associated with wireless contracts are estimated using a portfolio approach in which we review all relevant promotional activities, calculating the remaining performance obligation using the averag e service component for the portfolio and the average device price. As of September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $40,474 of which we expect to recognize approximately 70% by the end of next year, with the balance recognized thereafter. The aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations included $12,661 from WarnerMedia operations related to the licensing of theatrical and television content t hat will be made available to customers at some point in the future. It excludes advertising and subscription arrangements that have an expected contract duration of one year or less. Comparative Results Prior to 2018, revenue recognized from contracts th at bundle services and equipment was limited to the lesser of the amount allocated based on the relative selling price of the equipment and service already delivered or the consideration received from the customer for the equipment and service already deli vered. Our prior accounting also separately recognized regulatory fees as operating revenue when received and as an expense when incurred. Sales commissions were previously expensed as incurred. The following table presents our reported results under ASC 606 and our pro forma results using the historical accounting method: For the three months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Historical Accounting Method Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 41,297 $ 42,681 Equipment Revenues 4,442 3,926 Total Operating Revenues 45,739 46,607 Other cost of revenues 8,651 9,568 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,598 10,145 Total Operating Expenses 38,470 39,934 Operating income 7,269 6,673 Income before income taxes 6,207 5,611 Income tax expense 1,391 1,245 Net income 4,816 4,366 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 4,718 $ 4,273 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 109,849 $ 114,048 Equipment Revenues 12,914 11,398 Total Operating Revenues 122,763 125,446 Other cost of revenues 24,215 26,964 Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,179 27,909 Total Operating Expenses 102,827 107,306 Operating income 19,936 18,140 Income before income taxes 19,128 17,332 Income tax expense 4,305 3,865 Net income 14,823 13,467 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 14,512 $ 13,173 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 At September 30, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets: Other current assets $ 16,278 $ 13,750 Other Assets 25,490 23,050 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 39,375 39,554 Advanced billings and customer deposits 6,045 6,109 Deferred income taxes 60,495 59,264 Other noncurrent liabilities 26,490 26,252 Retained earnings 57,624 53,929 Accumulated other comprehensive income 5,383 5,385 Noncontrolling interest $ 1,123 $ 1,071

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 6. 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 1974, as amended (ERISA), is to accumulate assets sufficient to provide be nefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement. In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our domestic wireless business, to the trust used to pay p ension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $ 8,803 at September 30 , 2018. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which are distributed quarterly by AT&T Mobility II LLC to the trust, in equal amounts and accounted for as contributions. We distributed $ 420 to the trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. So long as we make the distributions, we will have no limitations on our ability to declare a divid end 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. On October 15, 2018, we made an additional voluntary contribution of $80 to the qualified pension plan. We recognize actuar ial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our consolidated results as a component of other income (expense) – net at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. During the first quarter of 2018, a substantive plan change involving the frequency of future health reimbursement account credit increases was communicated to our retirees. During the second quarter of 2018, a written plan change involving the ability of certain participants of the pension plan to receive their benefit in a lump-sum amount upon retirement was communicated to our employees. These plan changes triggered a remeasurement of our postretirement and pension benefit obligations, resulting in an actuarial gain of $930 in the first quarter and $1,796 in the second quarter of 2018. These plan changes also resulted in additional prior service credits recognized in other comprehensive income, reducing our liability by $752, and increasing our liability by $50 in the first and sec ond quarters of 2018, respectively. Such credits amortize through earnings over a period approximating the average service period to full eligibility. As a result of the plan changes and remeasurements, our postretirement and pension benefit obligation s de c r eased $ 1,682 and $1, 746 , respectively. The following table details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The service cost component of net periodic pension cost (benefit) is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in other income (expense) – net. S ervice costs are eligible for capitalization as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 270 $ 282 $ 845 $ 846 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 551 484 1,542 1,452 Expected return on assets (761) (783) (2,276) (2,350) Amortization of prior service credit (28) (31) (87) (93) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (1,796) - Net pension (credit) cost $ 32 $ (48) $ (1,772) $ (145) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 27 $ 32 $ 82 $ 107 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 196 193 582 617 Expected return on assets (76) (81) (228) (240) Amortization of prior service credit (412) (382) (1,222) (1,084) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (930) (259) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (265) $ (238) $ (1,716) $ (859) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (233) $ (286) $ (3,488) $ (1,004) As part of our first- and second-quarter 2018 remeasurements, we modified the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our benefit obligations increasing the rate to 4.10% for the postretirement obligation and to 4.30% for the pension obligation. The discount rate in effect for determining service and interest costs after remeasurement is 4.30% and 3.70%, respectively, for postretirement and 4.40% and 4.00% for pension. We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfund ed supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the third quarter ended 201 8 and 201 7 , net supplemental pension benefits costs not included in the table above were $ 24 and $ 22 . For the first nine month s of 201 8 and 201 7 , net supplemental pension benefit costs were $ 65 and $ 67 .

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 7 . 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, 2017 . 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, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 177,718 $ 180,887 $ 162,526 $ 171,938 Commercial paper 3,787 3,787 - - Bank borrowings 3 3 2 2 Investment securities 2 3,646 3,646 2,447 2,447 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method. 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 investment securities that are measured at fair value and derivatives as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Derivatives designat ed as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets, ” “Other noncurrent liabilities” and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,279 $ - $ - $ 1,279 International equities 291 - - 291 Fixed income equities 149 - - 149 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - 881 - 881 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps - 1,330 - 1,330 Foreign exchange contracts - 52 - 52 Liability Derivatives Interest rate swaps - (90) - (90) Cross-currency swaps - (1,614) - (1,614) Foreign exchange contracts - (3) - (3) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,142 $ - $ - $ 1,142 International equities 321 - - 321 Fixed income equities - 152 - 152 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - 581 - 581 Asset Derivatives Interest rate swaps - 17 - 17 Cross-currency swaps - 1,753 - 1,753 Liability Derivatives Interest rate swaps - (31) - (31) Cross-currency swaps - (1,290) - (1,290) Investment Securities Our investment securities include both equity and debt securities that are measured at fair value, as well as equity securities without readily determinable fair values. A substantial portion of the fair values of our investment securities are estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in equity securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at cost, less any impairment, and adjusted for changes resulting from observable, orderly transactions for iden tical or similar securities. Investments in debt securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. The components comprising total g ains and losses on equity securities are as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 80 $ 113 $ 88 $ 216 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold 1 126 50 137 Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period 79 (13) 38 79 Debt securities of $ 44 have maturities of less than one year, $ 146 within one to three years, $ 94 within three to five years and $ 597 for five or more years. Our cash equivalents (money market securities), short-term investments (certificate and time deposits) and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Short-term investments and nonrefundable customer de posits are recorded in “Other current assets” and our investment securities are recorded in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative Financial Instruments We enter into derivative transactions to manage certain market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. This includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate locks, foreign exchange forward contracts and combined interest rate foreign exchange contracts (cross-currency swaps). We do not use deriva tives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value that is derived from observable market data, including yield curves and foreign exchange rates (all of our derivatives are Level 2). Cash flow s associated with derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the consolidated statements of cash flows as the item being hedged. Fair Value Hedging We designate our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. The purpose of these swaps is to manage interest rate risk by managing our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps without exchange of the underlyin g principal amount. We also designate some of our foreign exchange contracts as fair value hedges. The purpose of these contracts is to hedge currency risk associated with foreign-currency-denominated operating assets and liabilities. Accrued and reali zed gains or losses from fair value hedges impact the same category on the consolidated statements of income as the item being hedged. Unrealized gains on fair value hedges are recorded at fair market value as assets, and unrealized losses are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets or liabilities through earnings. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , no ineffectiveness was measured on 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 variab ility in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from the issuance of our foreign-denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominated amount s 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 interest rate to a fixed U.S. dollar denominated interest rate. We also designate some of our foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges. The purpose of these contracts is to hedge currency risk associated with variability in anticipated foreign-currency-denominated ca sh flows, such as unremitted or forecasted royalty and license fees owed to WarnerMedia’s domestic companies for the sale or anticipated sale of U.S. copyrighted products abroad or cash flows for certain film production costs denominated in a foreign curre ncy. Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses are recorded at fair value as liabilities. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated OCI until reclassified into the consolidated statements of income 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 cash flow hedge s each quarter. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , no ineffectiveness was measured on cash flow hedg es. Periodically, we enter into and designate interest rate locks to partially hedge the risk of changes in interest payments attributable to increases in the benchmark interest rate during the period leading up to the probable issuance of fixed-rate debt . We designate our interest rate locks as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses when we settle our interest rate locks are amortized into income over the life of the related debt, except where a material amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be imme diately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $ 61 from accumulated OCI to interest expense due to the amortization of net losses on histori cal interest rate locks. Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At September 30, 2018 , we had posted collateral of $468 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $1,056 (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 $ 150 . If DIRECTV Holdings LLC’s credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would have been required to post additional collateral of $ 200 . At December 31, 2017 , we had posted collateral of $495 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $968 (a receipt liability) . We do not offset the fair value of coll ateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) exists, against the fair value of the derivative instruments. Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative posi tions: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 7,333 $ 9,833 Cross-currency swaps 42,192 38,694 Foreign exchange contracts 2,386 - Total $ 51,911 $ 48,527 Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ 2 $ (3) $ (60) $ (51) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt (2) 3 60 51 In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended September 30 were offset against interest expense. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (13) $ 429 $ 308 $ (268) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 17 - 17 - 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, 2018
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments [Text Block]	NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS Acquisitions Time Warner On June 14, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Time Warner, a leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array of some of the most respected media brands. The deal combines Time Warner's vast 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 a nd scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution. We expect that the transaction will advance our direct-to-consumer efforts and provide us with the ability to develop innovative new offerings. Under the merger agreement, each share of Time Warner stock was exchanged for $53.75 cash plus 1.437 shares of our common stock. After adjustment for shares issued to trusts consolidated by AT&T, share-based payment arrangements and fractional shares, which were settled in cash, AT&T issued 1,125,517,510 shares to Time Warner shareholders, giving them an approximate 16% stake in the combined company. Based on our $32.52 per share closing stock price on June 14, 2018, we paid Time Warner shareholders $36,599 in AT&T stock and $42,100 in cash. Total consideration, inc luding share-based payment arrangements and other adjustments totaled $79,358, excluding Time Warner’s net debt at acquisition. On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed the U.S. District Court’s decision permitting the merger. We bel ieve the DOJ’s appeal is without merit and we will continue to vigorously defend our legal position in the appellate court. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were preliminarily determined using the income, cost and market app roaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in ASC 820, other than cash and long-term debt acquired in the acquisition. The income approach was primarily used to value the intangible assets, consisting primarily of distribution network, released TV and film content, in-place advertising network, trade names, and franchises. The income approach estimates fair value for an asset based on the present value of cash flow projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flow is discounted at a required rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flow and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estima tes value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for plant, property and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement c ost for the property, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. At September 30, 2018, our consolidated balance sheet includes the assets and liabilities of Time Warner, which have been measured at fair value. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the Time Warner assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income taxes as of the acquisition date: Assets acquired Cash $ 1,655 Accounts receivable 9,016 All other current assets 3,150 Noncurrent inventory and theatrical film and television production costs 5,719 Property, plant and equipment 4,906 Intangible assets subject to amortization Distribution network 17,470 Released television and film content 10,929 Trademarks and trade names 18,081 Other 10,300 Investments and other assets 9,428 Goodwill 38,955 Total assets acquired 129,609 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 8,280 Debt maturing within one year 4,471 Long-term debt 18,394 Other noncurrent liabilities 19,105 Total liabilities assumed 50,250 Net assets acquired 79,359 Noncontrolling interest (1) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 79,358 These estimates are preliminary in nature and subject to adjustments, which could be material. Any necessary adjustments will be finalized within one year from the date of acquisition. Substantially all the receivables acquired are expected to be collectible. We have not identified any material unrecorded pre-acquisition contingencies where the related asset, liability or impairment is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisit ion date fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired, and represents the future economic benefits that we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. Prior to the finalization of the purchase price alloca tion, if information becomes available that would indicate it is probable that unknown events had occurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, such items will be included in the final purchase price allocation and may change goodwill. Purchased go odwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. As we finalize the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we will determine to which reporting units any changes in goodwill should be recorded. Excluded from the table above are com mitments of approximately $35,000 for future purchases primarily related to network programming obligations, including contracts to license sports programming. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations assume that the acquisitio n of Time Warner was completed as of January 1, 2017: Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Total operating revenues $ 135,658 $ 139,236 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 16,254 11,576 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.23 $ 1.59 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.22 $ 1.57 These unaudited pro forma consolidated results reflect the adoption of ASC 606 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, which is not on a comparable basis with the period ended September 30, 2017 (see Note 5). Pro forma data may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these events occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results. Otter Media On August 7, 2018, we acquired the remaining interest in Otte r Media for $15 7 in cash and the conversion to equity of the $1 ,480 advance made in the first quarter. At acquisition, we remeasured the fair value of the total business, which exceeded the book value of our equity method investment and resulted in a pre-t ax gain of $395 in the third quarter of 2018 . We began consolidating that business upon close and recorded those assets at fair value, including $1 ,174 of goodwill that is reported in the WarnerMedia segment. AppNexus On August 15, 2018, we purchased AppN exus for $ 1,432 and recorded $1 ,223 of goodwill that is reported in the Xandr segment . Our investment will allow us to create a marketplace for TV and digital video adverti si ng. Held-for-Sale In June 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell 31 of our d ata centers to Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (Brookfield) for $1,100. We expect the transaction to close by December 31, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. We applied held-for-sale treatment to the assets associated with the data centers to be sold, which primarily consist of net property, plant and equipment of approximately $279 and goodwill of $236. These assets are included in “Other current assets,” on our September 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet.

Sale of Equipment Installment R

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Changes In Other Assets
Finance Receivables Disclosure[Text Block]	NOTE 9. SALES OF EQUIPMENT INSTALLMENT RECEIVABLES We offer our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time and, in many cases, once certain conditions are met, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, gross equipment installment receivables of $ 5,736 and $6,079 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $ 3,370 and $3,340 are notes receivable that are included in “Accounts receivable - net.” In 2014, we entered into an uncommitted agreement pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under this agreement, we transfer certain receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase p rice. Since 2014, we have made beneficial modifications to the agreement. During 2017, we modified the agreement and entered into a second uncommitted agreement with the Purchasers such that we receive more upfront cash consideration at the time the receiv ables are transferred 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 ba lance. Accordingly, 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. As of September 30, 2018, total cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $ 6,267 . The following table sets forth a summary of equipment inst allment receivables sold during the thr ee and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Gross receivables sold $ 2,161 $ 1,619 $ 7,077 $ 6,217 Net receivables sold 1 2,064 1,478 6,670 5,698 Cash proceeds received 1,752 1,292 5,679 4,139 Deferred purchase price recorded 335 285 1,161 1,767 Guarantee obligation recorded 75 65 270 139 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 7). 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 and cash during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ - $ 567 $ 1,481 $ 1,281 Carrying value of deferred purchase price - 507 1,393 1,147 Gain (loss) on repurchases 1 $ - $ 60 $ 88 $ 134 1 These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our deferred purchase price receivable was $ 1,981 and $2,749, respectively, of which $ 1,114 and $1,781 are included in “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in “Other Assets.” The guarantee obligation at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $ 418 and $204, respectively, of which $ 230 and $55 are inc luded in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in “Other noncurrent liabilities.” Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these equipment installment receivables is limited to the tota l amount of our deferred 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 r eflect cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations in our consolidated statements of cash flows. With the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-15 in 2018 (see Note 1), cash receipts on the deferred purchase price ar e now classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of cash flows from operating activities for all periods presented. The outstanding portfolio of installment receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets, but which we contin ue to service, was $ 8,428 and $7,446 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Inventories and Theatrical Film

Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	NOTE 10. INVENTORIES AND THEATRICAL FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION COSTS Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value and include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given p eriod is determined using the film forecast computation method. The following table summarizes inventories and theatrical film and television production costs as of September 30, 2018: September 30, 2018 Inventories: Programming costs, less amortization 1 $ 4,224 Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs 177 Total inventories 4,401 Less: current portion of inventory (2,310) Total noncurrent inventories 2,091 Theatrical film production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 178 Completed and not released 821 In production 736 Development and pre-production 158 Television production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 582 Completed and not released 868 In production 1,762 Development and pre-production 25 Total theatrical film and television production costs 5,130 Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs $ 7,221 1 Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to the related rights being received. 2 Does not include $9,184 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of September 30, 2018, which are included in "Other Intangible Assets - Net" on our consolidated balance sheet.

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information [Text Block]	NOTE 11. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION Cash and Cash Flow s We typically maintain our restricted cash balances for purchases and sales of certain investment securities and funding of certain deferred compensation benefit payments. The following summarizes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances contained on our consolidated balance sheets: September 30, December 31, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 2018 2017 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,657 $ 48,499 $ 50,498 $ 5,788 Restricted cash in Other current assets 56 6 6 7 Restricted cash in Other Assets 75 241 428 140 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 8,788 $ 48,746 $ 50,932 $ 5,935 Nine months ended September 30, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2018 2017 Cash paid (received) during the period for: Interest $ 6,943 $ 5,031 Income taxes, net of refunds (537) 1,861 Debt Transactions As of September 30, 2018, our total long-term debt obligations totaled $183,418. During the first nine months we completed the following debt activity: For the purpose of providing financing in connection with our Time Warner acquisition, we drew the following on our credit agreements: $16,175 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A, $2,500 with BNP Paribas and $2,250 with Bank of Nova Scotia. As of September 30, 2018, we had $6,175, $0, and $2,250 outstanding under these credit agreemen ts. Issuance of approximately $5,250 U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes maturing over three to six years, and other borrowings totaling $6,925. Net borrowings of approximately $3,732 of debt under our commercial paper program. Net borrowings of a pproximately $1,000 by subsidiaries in Latin America. Redemptions totaling approximately $4,550 for AT&T notes that matured prior to September 30, 2018. Redemption of $21,235 of AT&T notes issued in anticipation of the Time Warner acquisition that were sub ject to mandatory redemption. With the acquisition of Time Warner, we acquired $22,865 of debt, of which we repaid $2,000 for amounts outstanding under term credit agreements, $2,000 of notes and $1,076 of commercial paper borrowings.

Preparation Of Interim Financ_2

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	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 accoun ts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates , including the operating resu lts of recently acquired Time Warner Inc. (referred to as “Time Warner” or “Warner Media ”) as of June 15, 2018 (see Note 8 ). All significant intercompany tran sactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including translation adjustments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation, including impacts for the adoption of recent accounting standards and changes in our r eportable segments (see Note 4).
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnin gs of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred. Recognizing the late enactment of the Act and complexity of accurately accounting for its impact, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 prov ided guidance that allows registrants to provide a reasonable estimate of the impact to their financial statements and adjust the reported impact in a measurement period not to exceed one year. We included the estimated impact of the Act in our financial r esults at or for the period ended December 31, 2017 and did not record any adjustments thereto during the first nine months of 2018. Our future results could include additional adjustments, and those adjustments could be material.
Customer Fulfillment Costs Accounting [Policy Text Block]	Customer Fulfillment Cos ts During the second quarter of 2018, we updated our analysis of economic lives of customer relationships. As of April 1, 2018, we extended the amortization period to 58 months to better reflect the estimated economic lives of our Entertainment Group cust omers. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of revenues, which had an impact on net income of $10 7, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the third quarter and $233, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2018.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Film and Telev ision Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments Film and television production costs include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as broadcast, programm ing and operations expenses for a given period is determined using the film forecast computation method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals is based on the proportion of the film’s reven ues recognized for such period to the film’s estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s life cycle). The process of estimating a film’s ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of significant judgments related to future revenue generating activities associated with a particular film. We estimate the ultimate revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the value of a film or television series is impaired and requires an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film and television production costs. We also determine, usin g the film forecast computation method, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given film or television series i n a particular period. To the extent that the ultimate revenues are adjusted, the resulting gross margin reported on the exploitation of that film or television series in a period is also adjusted. Prior to the theatrical release of a film, our estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. In the absence of revenues directly related to the exhibition of owned film or television programs on our television networks, premium pay television or over-the-top (OTT) services, management estimat es a portion of the unamortized costs that are representative of the utilization of that film or television program in that exhibition and expenses such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. The period over which ultimate revenues are estim ated is generally not to exceed ten years from the initial release of a motion picture or from the date of delivery of the first episode of an episodic television series. Estimates are updated based on information available during the film’s production and , upon release, the actual results of each film. Changes in estimates of ultimate revenues from period to period affect the amount of production costs amortized in a given period and, therefore, could have an impact on the financial results for that period . Licensed Programming Inventory Cost Recognition and Impairment We enter into agreements to license programming exhibition rights from licensors. A programming inventory asset related to these rights and a corresponding liability payable to the licensor are recorded (on a discounted basis if the license agreements are long-term) when (i) the cost of the programming is reasonably determined, (ii) the programming material has been accepted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, (iii) the programmin g is available for its first showing or telecast, and (iv) the license period has commenced. There are variations in the amortization methods of these rights, depending on whether the network is advertising-supported (e.g., TNT and TBS) or not advertising- supported (e.g., HBO and Turner Classic Movies). For the advertising-supported networks, our general policy is to amortize each program’s costs on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over its license period. In circumstances where the in itial airing of the program has more value than subsequent airings, an accelerated method of amortization is used. The accelerated amortization upon the first airing versus subsequent airings is determined based on a study of historical and estimated futur e advertising sales for similar programming. For rights fees paid for sports programming arrangements, such rights fees are amortized using a revenue-forecast model, in which the rights fees are amortized using the ratio of current period advertising reven ue to total estimated remaining advertising revenue over the term of the arrangement. For premium pay television and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, each licensed program’s costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over its license per iod or estimated period of use, beginning with the month of initial exhibition. When we have the right to exhibit feature theatrical programming in multiple windows over a number of years, historical audience viewership is used as the basis for determining the amount of programming amortization attributable to each window. Licensed programming inventory is carried at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. For networks that generate both advertising and subscription revenues, the n et realizable value of unamortized programming costs is generally evaluated based on the network’s programming taken as a whole. In assessing whether the programming inventory for a particular advertising-supported network is impaired, the net realizable v alue for all of the network’s programming inventory is determined based on a projection of the network’s profitability. Similarly, for premium pay television and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, an evaluation of the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs is performed based on the premium pay television and OTT services’ licensed programming taken as a whole. Specifically, the net realizable value for all premium pay television and OTT service licensed programming is determined based on projections of estimated subscription revenues less certain costs of delivering and distributing the licensed programming. Changes in management’s intended usage of a specific program, such as a decision to no longer exhibit that program and fore go the use of the rights associated with the program license, results in a reassessment of that program’s net realizable value, which could result in an impairment.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition As of January 1, 2018, we adop ted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” as modified (ASC 606), using the modified retrospective method, which does not allow us to adjust prior peri ods. We applied the rules to all open contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recording an increase of $2,342 to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of the change, with an offsetting contract asset of $1,737, deferred contract acquisition costs o f $1,454, other asset reductions of $239, other liability reductions of $212, deferred income taxes of $787 and noncontrolling interest of $35.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Policy Text Block]	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective a pplication, 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). We are no longer allowed to present the interest, estimated r eturn on assets and amortization of prior service credits components of our net periodic benefit cost in our consolidated operating expenses, but rather are required to include those amounts in “other income (expense) – net” in our consolidated statements of income. We continue to present service costs with the associated compensation costs within our operating expenses. As a practical expedient, we used the amounts disclosed as the estimated basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash Flows As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15). Under ASU 2016-15, we continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 9 are now required to be classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of cash flow s from operating activities. As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash,” (ASU 2016-18). The primary impact of ASU 2016-18 was to require us to include restric ted cash in our reconciliation of beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents (restricted and unrestricted) on the face of the statements of cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which requires us to prospectively record changes in the fair value of our equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method, in net income instead of in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of January 1, 2018, we recorded an increase of $65 8 in retained earni ngs for the cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI).
Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” as modified (ASC 842 ), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 842 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets . For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. In July 2018, the FASB amended ASC 842 to provide another transition method, allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. Through the same amendment, the FASB will allow lessors the option to ma ke a policy election to treat lease and nonlease components as a single lease component under certain conditions. ASC 842 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. Upon initial evaluation, we b elieve the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology . We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financia l statements.

Revenue Recognition (Policy)

Revenue Recognition (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606. With our adoption of ASC 606, we made a policy election to record certain regulatory fees, primarily Universal Service Fund (USF) fees, on a net basis. See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our policies prior to adoption of ASC 606. When implementing ASC 606, we utilized the practical expedient allowing us to reflect the aggregate ef fect of all contract modifications occurring before the beginning of the earliest period presented when allocating the transaction price to performance obligations. Wireless, Advanced Data, Legacy Voice & Data Services and Equipment Revenue We offer servi ce-only contracts and contracts that bundle equipment used to access the services and/or with other service offerings. Some contracts have fixed terms and others are cancellable on a short-term basis (i.e., month-to-month arrangements). Examples of servi ce revenues include wireless, video entertainment (e.g., AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV), strategic services (e.g., virtual private network service), and legacy voice and data (e.g., traditional local and long-distance). These services represent a series of dist inct services that is considered a separate performance obligation. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g. minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees). Some of our services require customer premises equipment that, when combined and integrated with AT&T’s specific network infrastructure, facilitate the delivery of service to the customer. In evaluating whether the equipment is a separate performance obligation, we consider the customer’s ability to benefit from the equipment on its own or together with other readily available resources and if so, whether the service and equipment are separately identifiable (i.e., is the service highly dependent on, or highly in terrelated with the equipment). When the equipment does not meet the criteria to be a distinct performance obligation (e.g., equipment associated with certain video services), we allocate the total transaction price to the related service. When equipment i s a distinct performance obligation, we record the sale of equipment when title has passed and the products are accepted by the customer. For devices sold through indirect channels (e.g., national dealers), revenue is recognized when the dealer accepts the device, not upon activation. Our equipment and service revenues are predominantly recognized on a gross basis, as most of our services do not involve a third party and we typically control the equipment that is sold to our customers. Revenue recognized from fixed term contracts that bundle services and/or equipment are allocated based on the standalone selling price of all required performance obligations of the contract (i.e., each item included in the bundle). Promotional discounts are attributed to e ach required component of the arrangement, resulting in recognition over the contract term. Standalone selling prices are determined by assessing prices paid for service-only contracts (e.g., arrangements where customers bring their own devices) and standa lone device pricing. We offer the majority of our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time, and, in many cases, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, at the point of sale, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of revenue allocated to the customer receivable net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee. The difference between the revenue recognized and the consideration received is recorded as a note receivable when the devices are not discounted and our right to consideration is unconditional. When installment sales include promotional discounts (e.g., “buy one get one free”), the difference between revenue recognized and consideration received is recorded as a contract asset to be amortized over the contract term. Less commonly, we offer certain customers highly discounted devices when they enter into a minimum service agreement term. For these contracts, we recognize equipment revenue at the point of sale based on a standalone selling price allocation. The difference between the revenue recognized and the cash received is r ecorded as a contract asset that will amortize over the contract term. Our contracts allow for customers to frequently modify their arrangement, without incurring penalties in many cases. When a contract is modified, we evaluate the change in scope or pri ce of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a new contract or if it should be considered a change of the existing contract. We generally do not have significant impacts from contract modifications. Revenues from transactions between us and our customers are recorded net of revenue- based regulatory fees and taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. N onrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees associated with service arrangemen ts are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer life. Subscription Revenue Subscription revenues from cable networks and premium pay and basic tier television services are recognized over the license period as progra mming is provided to affiliates or digital distributors based on negotiated contractual programming rates. When a distribution contract with an affiliate has expired and a new distribution contract has not been executed, revenues are based on estimated rat es, giving consideration to factors including the previous contractual rates, inflation, current payments by the affiliate and the status of the negotiations on a new contract. When the new distribution contract terms are finalized, an adjustment to revenu e is recorded, if necessary, to reflect the new terms. Subscription revenues from end-user subscribers are recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage or period of time. Subscription revenues from OTT services are recognized as program ming services are provided to customers. Content Revenue Feature films typically are produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters, followed by distribution, generally commencing within three years of such initial exhibition. Revenues from film rentals by theaters are recognized as the films are exhibited. Television programs and series are initially produced for broadcast and may be subsequently licensed or sold in physical format and/or electronic delive ry. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through broadcast networks, cable networks, first-run syndication and OTT services are recognized when the programs or series are available to the licensee. In certain circumstances, pursuant to the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements, the availability dates granted to customers may precede the date in which the customer can be billed for these sales. Revenues from sales of feature films and television programming in physical format are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and series for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through OTT s ervices are recognized when the television programs or series are available to the licensee. Upfront or guaranteed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term if the intellectua l property has significant standalone functionality or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent on our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term. Revenues from the sales of console games are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the product is made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Advertisin g Revenue Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period that the advertisements are aired. If there is a targeted audience guarantee, revenues are recognized for the actual audience delivery and revenues are deferred for any shortfall until the guaranteed audience delivery is met, typically by providing additional advertisements. Advertising revenues from digital properties are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed.

Pension And Postretirement Be_2

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Recognition Of Actuarial Gains And Losses	We recognize actuar ial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our consolidated results as a component of other income (expense) – net at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required.

Preparation Of Interim Financ_3

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	Pension and Postretirement Benefits Historical Effect of Accounting Adoption of As Method ASU 2017-07 Adjusted For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 8,527 $ 124 $ 8,651 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,207 391 9,598 Operating Income 7,784 (515) 7,269 Other Income (Expense) – net 538 515 1,053 Net Income 4,816 - 4,816 For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 9,431 $ 263 $ 9,694 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,317 333 8,650 Operating Income 6,403 (596) 5,807 Other Income (Expense) – net 246 596 842 Net Income 3,123 - 3,123 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 23,166 $ 1,049 $ 24,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,859 3,320 26,179 Operating Income 24,305 (4,369) 19,936 Other Income (Expense) – net 739 4,369 5,108 Net Income 14,823 - 14,823 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 27,714 $ 837 $ 28,551 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,917 1,064 25,981 Operating Income 20,590 (1,901) 18,689 Other Income (Expense) – net 354 1,901 2,255 Net Income 10,711 - 10,711 Cash Flows Historical Effect of Effect of Accounting Adoption of Adoption of As Method ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Adjusted For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (2,731) $ - $ 2 $ (2,729) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 720 (500) - 220 Other – net 1,399 - (116) 1,283 Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 32,136 (500) (114) 31,522 (Purchases) sales of securities – net 7 - (241) (234) Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 500 - 500 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (60,246) 500 (241) (59,987) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (41,789) $ - $ (355) $ (42,144) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (106) $ - $ - $ (106) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 1,116 (665) - 451 Other – net (1,420) - (136) (1,556) Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 29,274 (665) (136) 28,473 (Purchases) sales of securities – net (2) - 237 235 Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 665 - 665 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (15,266) 665 237 (14,364) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 42,711 $ - $ 100 $ 42,811 For the three months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Historical Accounting Method Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 41,297 $ 42,681 Equipment Revenues 4,442 3,926 Total Operating Revenues 45,739 46,607 Other cost of revenues 8,651 9,568 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,598 10,145 Total Operating Expenses 38,470 39,934 Operating income 7,269 6,673 Income before income taxes 6,207 5,611 Income tax expense 1,391 1,245 Net income 4,816 4,366 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 4,718 $ 4,273 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 109,849 $ 114,048 Equipment Revenues 12,914 11,398 Total Operating Revenues 122,763 125,446 Other cost of revenues 24,215 26,964 Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,179 27,909 Total Operating Expenses 102,827 107,306 Operating income 19,936 18,140 Income before income taxes 19,128 17,332 Income tax expense 4,305 3,865 Net income 14,823 13,467 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 14,512 $ 13,173 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 At September 30, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets: Other current assets $ 16,278 $ 13,750 Other Assets 25,490 23,050 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 39,375 39,554 Advanced billings and customer deposits 6,045 6,109 Deferred income taxes 60,495 59,264 Other noncurrent liabilities 26,490 26,252 Retained earnings 57,624 53,929 Accumulated other comprehensive income 5,383 5,385 Noncontrolling interest $ 1,123 $ 1,071

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income $ 4,816 $ 3,123 $ 14,823 $ 10,711 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (98) (94) (311) (298) Net Income attributable to AT&T 4,718 3,029 14,512 10,413 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 4 3 13 9 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 4,722 $ 3,032 $ 14,525 $ 10,422 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,284 6,162 6,603 6,164 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 36 20 27 20 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,320 6,182 6,630 6,184 Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.49 $ 2.19 $ 1.69 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.49 $ 2.19 $ 1.69

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
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, 2017 $ (2,054) $ 660 $ 1,402 $ 7,009 $ 7,017 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (787) (22) 257 530 (22) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI - 1 - 1 35 2 (989) 3 (954) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (787) (22) 292 (459) (976) Amounts reclassified to retained earnings - (658) 4 - - (658) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ (2,841) $ (20) $ 1,694 $ 6,550 $ 5,383 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 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 7). 3 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits are included in Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 6). 4 With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the unrealized (gains) losses on our equity investments are reclassified to retained earnings (see Note 1).

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Information
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,938 $ 10,255 $ 7,683 $ 2,079 $ 5,604 $ (1) $ 5,603 Entertainment Group 11,589 9,155 2,434 1,331 1,103 1 1,104 Business Wireline 6,703 4,030 2,673 1,197 1,476 (1) 1,475 Total Communications 36,230 23,440 12,790 4,607 8,183 (1) 8,182 WarnerMedia Turner 2,988 1,487 1,501 59 1,442 7 1,449 Home Box Office 1,644 991 653 25 628 2 630 Warner Bros. 3,720 3,104 616 40 576 (23) 553 Other (148) (79) (69) 10 (79) (25) (104) Total WarnerMedia 8,204 5,503 2,701 134 2,567 (39) 2,528 Latin America Vrio 1,102 877 225 168 57 9 66 Mexico 731 869 (138) 129 (267) - (267) Total Latin America 1,833 1,746 87 297 (210) 9 (201) Xandr 445 109 336 3 333 - 333 Segment Total $ 46,712 $ 30,798 $ 15,914 $ 5,041 $ 10,873 $ (31) $ 10,842 Corporate and Other Corporate 308 (18) 326 797 (471) Acquisition-related items - 362 (362) 2,329 (2,691) Certain significant items - 75 (75) - (75) Eliminations and consolidations (1,281) (913) (368) (1) (367) AT&T Inc. $ 45,739 $ 30,304 $ 15,435 $ 8,166 $ 7,269 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 52,575 $ 30,020 $ 22,555 $ 6,287 $ 16,268 $ (1) $ 16,267 Entertainment Group 34,498 26,623 7,875 3,986 3,889 (1) 3,888 Business Wireline 20,100 12,084 8,016 3,547 4,469 (1) 4,468 Total Communications 107,173 68,727 38,446 13,820 24,626 (3) 24,623 WarnerMedia Turner 3,767 1,933 1,834 71 1,763 39 1,802 Home Box Office 1,925 1,162 763 30 733 1 734 Warner Bros. 4,227 3,507 720 54 666 (24) 642 Other (210) (106) (104) 11 (115) (71) (186) Total WarnerMedia 9,709 6,496 3,213 166 3,047 (55) 2,992 Latin America Vrio 3,710 2,894 816 559 257 24 281 Mexico 2,099 2,459 (360) 383 (743) - (743) Total Latin America 5,809 5,353 456 942 (486) 24 (462) Xandr 1,174 218 956 4 952 - 952 Segment Total $ 123,865 $ 80,794 $ 43,071 $ 14,932 $ 28,139 $ (34) $ 28,105 Corporate and Other Corporate 961 1,378 (417) 938 (1,355) Acquisition-related items - 750 (750) 4,669 (5,419) Certain significant items - 407 (407) - (407) Eliminations and consolidations (2,063) (1,040) (1,023) (1) (1,022) AT&T Inc. $ 122,763 $ 82,289 $ 40,474 $ 20,538 $ 19,936 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 Communications Mobility $ 17,370 $ 10,029 $ 7,341 $ 2,008 $ 5,333 $ - $ 5,333 Entertainment Group 12,467 9,804 2,663 1,379 1,284 (1) 1,283 Business Wireline 7,278 4,635 2,643 1,189 1,454 1 1,455 Total Communications 37,115 24,468 12,647 4,576 8,071 - 8,071 WarnerMedia Turner 107 97 10 1 9 13 22 Home Box Office - - - - - - - Warner Bros. - - - - - - - Other - 1 (1) - (1) (19) (20) Total WarnerMedia 107 98 9 1 8 (6) 2 Latin America Vrio 1,363 1,075 288 206 82 17 99 Mexico 736 862 (126) 98 (224) - (224) Total Latin America 2,099 1,937 162 304 (142) 17 (125) Xandr 333 39 294 - 294 - 294 Segment Total $ 39,654 $ 26,542 $ 13,112 $ 4,881 $ 8,231 $ 11 $ 8,242 Corporate and Other Corporate 382 801 (419) 24 (443) Acquisition-related items - 134 (134) 1,136 (1,270) Certain significant items (89) 325 (414) 1 (415) Eliminations and consolidations (279) 17 (296) - (296) AT&T Inc. $ 39,668 $ 27,819 $ 11,849 $ 6,042 $ 5,807 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 Communications Mobility $ 51,922 $ 30,005 $ 21,917 $ 5,988 $ 15,929 $ - $ 15,929 Entertainment Group 37,435 28,711 8,724 4,254 4,470 - 4,470 Business Wireline 21,911 13,906 8,005 3,583 4,422 - 4,422 Total Communications 111,268 72,622 38,646 13,825 24,821 - 24,821 WarnerMedia Turner 323 273 50 3 47 32 79 Home Box Office - - - - - - - Warner Bros. - - - - - - - Other - 3 (3) - (3) (55) (58) Total WarnerMedia 323 276 47 3 44 (23) 21 Latin America Vrio 4,065 3,123 942 642 300 62 362 Mexico 1,989 2,345 (356) 263 (619) - (619) Total Latin America 6,054 5,468 586 905 (319) 62 (257) Xandr 992 118 874 1 873 - 873 Segment Total $ 118,637 $ 78,484 $ 40,153 $ 14,734 $ 25,419 $ 39 $ 25,458 Corporate and Other Corporate 1,182 2,440 (1,258) 73 (1,331) Acquisition-related items - 622 (622) 3,508 (4,130) Certain significant items (89) 302 (391) 1 (392) Eliminations and consolidations (860) 17 (877) - (877) AT&T Inc. $ 118,870 $ 81,865 $ 37,005 $ 18,316 $ 18,689
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated Statements of Income [Table Text Block]	Third Quarter Nine-month period 2018 2017 2018 2017 Communications $ 8,182 $ 8,071 $ 24,623 $ 24,821 WarnerMedia 2,528 2 2,992 21 Latin America (201) (125) (462) (257) Xandr 333 294 952 873 Segment Contribution 10,842 8,242 28,105 25,458 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (471) (443) (1,355) (1,331) Merger and integration items (362) (134) (750) (622) Amortization of intangibles acquired (2,329) (1,136) (4,669) (3,508) Employee separation charges (75) (208) (259) (268) Gain on wireless spectrum transactions - - - 181 Natural disaster items - (207) (104) (207) Foreign currency devaluation - - (44) (98) Segment equity in net income of affiliates 31 (11) 34 (39) Eliminations and consolidations (367) (296) (1,022) (877) AT&T Operating Income 7,269 5,807 19,936 18,689 Interest Expense (2,051) (1,686) (5,845) (4,374) Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates (64) 11 (71) (148) Other income (expense) - Net 1,053 842 5,108 2,255 Income Before Income Taxes $ 6,207 $ 4,974 $ 19,128 $ 16,422
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Intersegment Reconciliation Third Quarter Nine-Month Period 2018 2017 2018 2017 Intersegment revenues Communications $ 6 $ - $ 8 $ - WarnerMedia 844 33 1,053 99 Latin America - - - - Xandr - - - - Total Intersegment Revenues 850 33 1,061 99 Consolidations 431 246 1,002 761 Eliminations and consolidations $ 1,281 $ 279 $ 2,063 $ 860 Investment in Equity Method Investees Capital Expenditures At September 30, 2018 Assets Communications $ 487,833 $ 1 $ 16,024 WarnerMedia 132,689 5,395 298 Latin America 18,420 713 524 Xandr 2,647 - 66 Corporate and eliminations (106,719) 19 187 Total $ 534,870 $ 6,128 $ 17,099

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition [Table Text Block]	Revenue Categories The following tables set forth reported revenue by category: For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Service Revenues Wireless Advanced Data Legacy Voice & Data Subscription Content Advertising Other Equipment Total Communications Mobility $ 13,912 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 77 $ - $ 3,949 $ 17,938 Entertainment Group - 2,045 740 7,882 - 401 518 3 11,589 Business Wireline - 3,059 2,615 - - - 830 199 6,703 WarnerMedia Turner - - - 1,855 125 944 64 - 2,988 Home Box Office - - - 1,517 125 - 2 - 1,644 Warner Bros. - - - 20 3,494 20 186 - 3,720 Eliminations and Other - - - 27 (199) 19 5 - (148) Latin America Vrio - - - 1,102 - - - - 1,102 Mexico 440 - - - - - - 291 731 Xandr - - - - - 445 - - 445 Corporate and Other - - - - - - 308 - 308 Eliminations and consolidations - - - - (829) (401) (51) - (1,281) Total Operating Revenues $ 14,352 $ 5,104 $ 3,355 $ 12,403 $ 2,716 $ 1,505 $ 1,862 $ 4,442 $ 45,739 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Service Revenues Wireless Advanced Data Legacy Voice & Data Subscription Content Advertising Other Equipment Total Communications Mobility $ 40,912 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 162 $ - $ 11,501 $ 52,575 Entertainment Group - 5,904 2,317 23,559 - 1,122 1,588 8 34,498 Business Wireline - 9,168 8,176 - - - 2,189 567 20,100 WarnerMedia Turner - - - 2,363 146 1,181 77 - 3,767 Home Box Office - - - 1,787 136 - 2 - 1,925 Warner Bros. - - - 27 3,949 28 223 - 4,227 Eliminations and Other - - - 27 (255) 13 5 - (210) Latin America Vrio - - - 3,710 - - - - 3,710 Mexico 1,261 - - - - - - 838 2,099 Xandr - - - - - 1,174 - - 1,174 Corporate and Other - - - - - - 961 - 961 Eliminations and consolidations - - - - (1,039) (1,122) 98 - (2,063) Total Operating Revenues $ 42,173 $ 15,072 $ 10,493 $ 31,473 $ 2,937 $ 2,558 $ 5,143 $ 12,914 $ 122,763
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 Contract asset $ 1,923 Contract liability 6,920 Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during the period 4,716
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	Pension and Postretirement Benefits Historical Effect of Accounting Adoption of As Method ASU 2017-07 Adjusted For the three months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 8,527 $ 124 $ 8,651 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,207 391 9,598 Operating Income 7,784 (515) 7,269 Other Income (Expense) – net 538 515 1,053 Net Income 4,816 - 4,816 For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 9,431 $ 263 $ 9,694 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,317 333 8,650 Operating Income 6,403 (596) 5,807 Other Income (Expense) – net 246 596 842 Net Income 3,123 - 3,123 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 23,166 $ 1,049 $ 24,215 Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,859 3,320 26,179 Operating Income 24,305 (4,369) 19,936 Other Income (Expense) – net 739 4,369 5,108 Net Income 14,823 - 14,823 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income Other cost of revenues $ 27,714 $ 837 $ 28,551 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,917 1,064 25,981 Operating Income 20,590 (1,901) 18,689 Other Income (Expense) – net 354 1,901 2,255 Net Income 10,711 - 10,711 Cash Flows Historical Effect of Effect of Accounting Adoption of Adoption of As Method ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Adjusted For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (2,731) $ - $ 2 $ (2,729) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 720 (500) - 220 Other – net 1,399 - (116) 1,283 Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 32,136 (500) (114) 31,522 (Purchases) sales of securities – net 7 - (241) (234) Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 500 - 500 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (60,246) 500 (241) (59,987) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (41,789) $ - $ (355) $ (42,144) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Changes in other current assets $ (106) $ - $ - $ (106) Equipment installment receivables and related sales 1,116 (665) - 451 Other – net (1,420) - (136) (1,556) Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 29,274 (665) (136) 28,473 (Purchases) sales of securities – net (2) - 237 235 Cash collections of deferred purchase price - 665 - 665 Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (15,266) 665 237 (14,364) Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 42,711 $ - $ 100 $ 42,811 For the three months ended September 30, 2018 As Reported Historical Accounting Method Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 41,297 $ 42,681 Equipment Revenues 4,442 3,926 Total Operating Revenues 45,739 46,607 Other cost of revenues 8,651 9,568 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,598 10,145 Total Operating Expenses 38,470 39,934 Operating income 7,269 6,673 Income before income taxes 6,207 5,611 Income tax expense 1,391 1,245 Net income 4,816 4,366 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 4,718 $ 4,273 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 0.65 $ 0.59 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income: Service Revenues $ 109,849 $ 114,048 Equipment Revenues 12,914 11,398 Total Operating Revenues 122,763 125,446 Other cost of revenues 24,215 26,964 Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,179 27,909 Total Operating Expenses 102,827 107,306 Operating income 19,936 18,140 Income before income taxes 19,128 17,332 Income tax expense 4,305 3,865 Net income 14,823 13,467 Net income attributable to AT&T $ 14,512 $ 13,173 Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.19 $ 1.99 At September 30, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets: Other current assets $ 16,278 $ 13,750 Other Assets 25,490 23,050 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 39,375 39,554 Advanced billings and customer deposits 6,045 6,109 Deferred income taxes 60,495 59,264 Other noncurrent liabilities 26,490 26,252 Retained earnings 57,624 53,929 Accumulated other comprehensive income 5,383 5,385 Noncontrolling interest $ 1,123 $ 1,071

Pension And Postretirement Be_3

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Pension And Postretirement Benefits
Pension and postretirement benefit costs included in operating expenses [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 270 $ 282 $ 845 $ 846 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 551 484 1,542 1,452 Expected return on assets (761) (783) (2,276) (2,350) Amortization of prior service credit (28) (31) (87) (93) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (1,796) - Net pension (credit) cost $ 32 $ (48) $ (1,772) $ (145) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 27 $ 32 $ 82 $ 107 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 196 193 582 617 Expected return on assets (76) (81) (228) (240) Amortization of prior service credit (412) (382) (1,222) (1,084) Actuarial (gain) loss - - (930) (259) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (265) $ (238) $ (1,716) $ (859) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (233) $ (286) $ (3,488) $ (1,004)

Fair Value Measurements And D_2

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures
Long-term debt and other financial instruments [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 177,718 $ 180,887 $ 162,526 $ 171,938 Commercial paper 3,787 3,787 - - Bank borrowings 3 3 2 2 Investment securities 2 3,646 3,646 2,447 2,447 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method.
Fair Value Leveling [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,279 $ - $ - $ 1,279 International equities 291 - - 291 Fixed income equities 149 - - 149 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - 881 - 881 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps - 1,330 - 1,330 Foreign exchange contracts - 52 - 52 Liability Derivatives Interest rate swaps - (90) - (90) Cross-currency swaps - (1,614) - (1,614) Foreign exchange contracts - (3) - (3) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,142 $ - $ - $ 1,142 International equities 321 - - 321 Fixed income equities - 152 - 152 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities - 581 - 581 Asset Derivatives Interest rate swaps - 17 - 17 Cross-currency swaps - 1,753 - 1,753 Liability Derivatives Interest rate swaps - (31) - (31) Cross-currency swaps - (1,290) - (1,290)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 80 $ 113 $ 88 $ 216 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold 1 126 50 137 Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period 79 (13) 38 79
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 7,333 $ 9,833 Cross-currency swaps 42,192 38,694 Foreign exchange contracts 2,386 - Total $ 51,911 $ 48,527
Effect on Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income [Table Text Block]	Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ 2 $ (3) $ (60) $ (51) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt (2) 3 60 51 Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (13) $ 429 $ 308 $ (268) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 17 - 17 - 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 An_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Assets acquired Cash $ 1,655 Accounts receivable 9,016 All other current assets 3,150 Noncurrent inventory and theatrical film and television production costs 5,719 Property, plant and equipment 4,906 Intangible assets subject to amortization Distribution network 17,470 Released television and film content 10,929 Trademarks and trade names 18,081 Other 10,300 Investments and other assets 9,428 Goodwill 38,955 Total assets acquired 129,609 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt 8,280 Debt maturing within one year 4,471 Long-term debt 18,394 Other noncurrent liabilities 19,105 Total liabilities assumed 50,250 Net assets acquired 79,359 Noncontrolling interest (1) Aggregate value of consideration paid $ 79,358 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 Total operating revenues $ 135,658 $ 139,236 Net Income Attributable to AT&T 16,254 11,576 Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.23 $ 1.59 Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T $ 2.22 $ 1.57

Sale of Equipment Installment_2

Sale of Equipment Installment Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Changes In Other Assets
Finance Receivables [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Gross receivables sold $ 2,161 $ 1,619 $ 7,077 $ 6,217 Net receivables sold 1 2,064 1,478 6,670 5,698 Cash proceeds received 1,752 1,292 5,679 4,139 Deferred purchase price recorded 335 285 1,161 1,767 Guarantee obligation recorded 75 65 270 139 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
Finance Receivables Repurchased [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ - $ 567 $ 1,481 $ 1,281 Carrying value of deferred purchase price - 507 1,393 1,147 Gain (loss) on repurchases 1 $ - $ 60 $ 88 $ 134 1 These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.

Inventories and Theatrical Fi_2

Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory And Film Costs [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 Inventories: Programming costs, less amortization 1 $ 4,224 Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs 177 Total inventories 4,401 Less: current portion of inventory (2,310) Total noncurrent inventories 2,091 Theatrical film production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 178 Completed and not released 821 In production 736 Development and pre-production 158 Television production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 582 Completed and not released 868 In production 1,762 Development and pre-production 25 Total theatrical film and television production costs 5,130 Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs $ 7,221 1 Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to the related rights being received. 2 Does not include $9,184 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of September 30, 2018, which are included in "Other Intangible Assets - Net" on our consolidated balance sheet.

Additional Financial Informat_2

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 2018 2017 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,657 $ 48,499 $ 50,498 $ 5,788 Restricted cash in Other current assets 56 6 6 7 Restricted cash in Other Assets 75 241 428 140 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 8,788 $ 48,746 $ 50,932 $ 5,935 Nine months ended September 30, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2018 2017 Cash paid (received) during the period for: Interest $ 6,943 $ 5,031 Income taxes, net of refunds (537) 1,861

Preparation Of Interim Financ_4

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%	35.00%
Cumulative effect of accounting changes	$ (658)		$ (658)
Net Income [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (in millions)	$ 107
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description	Decreased other cost of revenues and impacted net income $107, or $0.02 per diluted share.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change In Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (per share)	$ 0.02
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		4 years 10 months
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description		To better reflect the estimated economic life of entertainment group customers, we extended the period to 58 months.
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member] | Net Income [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (in millions)			$ 233
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description			Decreased other cost of services and impacted net income $233, or $0.04 per diluted share.
Customer Fulfillment Costs [Member] | Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change In Accounting Estimate Financial Effect (per share)			$ 0.04
ASC 606 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					$ 2,342
ASC 606 [Member] | Contract Asset [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					1,737
ASC 606 [Member] | Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition Costs [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					1,454
ASC 606 [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					(239)
ASC 606 [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					35
ASC 606 [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					(212)
ASC 606 [Member] | Deferred Income Tax Liability [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					787
ASU 2016-01 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					658
ASU 2016-01 [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					$ (658)

Preparation Of Interim Financ_5

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other cost of services	$ 8,651	$ 9,694	$ 24,215	$ 28,551
Selling, general and administrative	9,598	8,650	26,179	25,981
Operating Income (Loss)	7,269	5,807	19,936	18,689
Other income (expense) - net	1,053	842	5,108	2,255
Net income	4,816	3,123	14,823	10,711
Historical Accounting Method [Member] | Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other cost of services	8,527	9,431	23,166	27,714
Selling, general and administrative	9,207	8,317	22,859	24,917
Operating Income (Loss)	7,784	6,403	24,305	20,590
Other income (expense) - net	538	246	739	354
Net income	4,816	3,123	14,823	10,711
Effect of Adoption | ASU 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other cost of services	124	263	1,049	837
Selling, general and administrative	391	333	3,320	1,064
Operating Income (Loss)	(515)	(596)	(4,369)	(1,901)
Other income (expense) - net	515	596	4,369	1,901
Net income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Preparation Of Interim Financ_6

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Changes in other current assets	$ (2,729)	$ (106)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	220	451
Other - net	1,283	(1,556)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	31,522	28,473
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	(234)	235
Cash collections of deferred purchase price	500	665
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	(59,987)	(14,364)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(42,144)	42,811
Historical Accounting Method [Member] | Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Changes in other current assets	(2,731)	(106)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	720	1,116
Other - net	1,399	(1,420)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	32,136	29,274
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	7	(2)
Cash collections of deferred purchase price	0	0
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	(60,246)	(15,266)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(41,789)	42,711
Effect of Adoption | ASU 2016-15 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Changes in other current assets	0	0
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	(500)	(665)
Other - net	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(500)	(665)
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	0	0
Cash collections of deferred purchase price	500	665
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	500	665
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	0
Effect of Adoption | ASU 2016-18 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Changes in other current assets	2	0
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	0	0
Other - net	(116)	(136)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(114)	(136)
(Purchases) sales of securities, net	(241)	237
Cash collections of deferred purchase price	0	0
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	(241)	237
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ (355)	$ 100

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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 4,816	$ 3,123	$ 14,823	$ 10,711
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(98)	(94)	(311)	(298)
Net Income attributable to AT&T	4,718	3,029	14,512	10,413
Share-based payment	4	3	13	9
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 4,722	$ 3,032	$ 14,525	$ 10,422
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	7,284	6,162	6,603	6,164
Share-based payment (in shares)	36	20	27	20
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	7,320	6,182	6,630	6,184
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		$ 7,017	$ 4,961
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		(22)	1,407
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax		(954)	(788)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(976)	619
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes		(658)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		5,383	5,580
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		(2,054)	(1,995)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		(787)	484
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(787)	484
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes		0
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		(2,841)	(1,511)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		660	541
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		(22)	128
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[1]	0	(86)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(22)	42
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes	[2]	(658)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		(20)	583
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		1,402	744
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		257	(174)
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[3]	35	29
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		292	(145)
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes		0
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		1,694	599
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance		7,009	5,671
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax		530	969
Amounts reclassifed from accumulated OCI, net of tax	[4]	(989)	(731)
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(459)	238
Amounts reclassifed to retained earnings/Cumulative effect of accounting changes		0
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance		$ 6,550	$ 5,909
[1]	(Gains) losses are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the unrealized (gains) losses on our equity investments are reclassifed to retained earnings (see Note 1).
[3]	(Gains) losses are included in Interest expense in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 7).
[4]	The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits are included in Other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 6).

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments			4
Goodwill		$ 146,475	$ 146,475		$ 105,449
Amortization of production costs			1,608	$ 0
Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		(27,568)	(27,568)
Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		(16,540)	(16,540)
Mobility [Member] | Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		27,568	27,568
Mobility [Member] | Consumer Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		16,540	16,540
WarnerMedia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	Jun. 14, 2018
WarnerMedia [Member] | Content Production Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of production costs		1,491	1,677
WarnerMedia [Member] | Pre-Acquisition Released Programming Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of production costs		$ 772	$ 870

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 45,739	$ 39,668	$ 122,763	$ 118,870
Operations and Support Expenses	30,304	27,819	82,289	81,865
EBITDA	15,435	11,849	40,474	37,005
Depreciation and Amortization	8,166	6,042	20,538	18,316
Operating Income (Loss)	7,269	5,807	19,936	18,689
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(64)	11	(71)	(148)
Segment Contribution	6,207	4,974	19,128	16,422
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	308		961
Operating Segments [Member] | Communications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	36,230	37,115	107,173	111,268
Operations and Support Expenses	23,440	24,468	68,727	72,622
EBITDA	12,790	12,647	38,446	38,646
Depreciation and Amortization	4,607	4,576	13,820	13,825
Operating Income (Loss)	8,183	8,071	24,626	24,821
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(1)	0	(3)	0
Segment Contribution	8,182	8,071	24,623	24,821
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	17,938	17,370	52,575	51,922
Operations and Support Expenses	10,255	10,029	30,020	30,005
EBITDA	7,683	7,341	22,555	21,917
Depreciation and Amortization	2,079	2,008	6,287	5,988
Operating Income (Loss)	5,604	5,333	16,268	15,929
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(1)	0	(1)	0
Segment Contribution	5,603	5,333	16,267	15,929
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	11,589	12,467	34,498	37,435
Operations and Support Expenses	9,155	9,804	26,623	28,711
EBITDA	2,434	2,663	7,875	8,724
Depreciation and Amortization	1,331	1,379	3,986	4,254
Operating Income (Loss)	1,103	1,284	3,889	4,470
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	1	(1)	(1)	0
Segment Contribution	1,104	1,283	3,888	4,470
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,703	7,278	20,100	21,911
Operations and Support Expenses	4,030	4,635	12,084	13,906
EBITDA	2,673	2,643	8,016	8,005
Depreciation and Amortization	1,197	1,189	3,547	3,583
Operating Income (Loss)	1,476	1,454	4,469	4,422
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(1)	1	(1)	0
Segment Contribution	1,475	1,455	4,468	4,422
Operating Segments [Member] | WarnerMedia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,204	107	9,709	323
Operations and Support Expenses	5,503	98	6,496	276
EBITDA	2,701	9	3,213	47
Depreciation and Amortization	134	1	166	3
Operating Income (Loss)	2,567	8	3,047	44
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(39)	(6)	(55)	(23)
Segment Contribution	2,528	2	2,992	21
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,988	107	3,767	323
Operations and Support Expenses	1,487	97	1,933	273
EBITDA	1,501	10	1,834	50
Depreciation and Amortization	59	1	71	3
Operating Income (Loss)	1,442	9	1,763	47
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	7	13	39	32
Segment Contribution	1,449	22	1,802	79
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,644	0	1,925	0
Operations and Support Expenses	991	0	1,162	0
EBITDA	653	0	763	0
Depreciation and Amortization	25	0	30	0
Operating Income (Loss)	628	0	733	0
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	2	0	1	0
Segment Contribution	630	0	734	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,720	0	4,227	0
Operations and Support Expenses	3,104	0	3,507	0
EBITDA	616	0	720	0
Depreciation and Amortization	40	0	54	0
Operating Income (Loss)	576	0	666	0
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(23)	0	(24)	0
Segment Contribution	553	0	642	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(148)	0	(210)	0
Operations and Support Expenses	(79)	1	(106)	3
EBITDA	(69)	(1)	(104)	(3)
Depreciation and Amortization	10	0	11	0
Operating Income (Loss)	(79)	(1)	(115)	(3)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(25)	(19)	(71)	(55)
Segment Contribution	(104)	(20)	(186)	(58)
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,833	2,099	5,809	6,054
Operations and Support Expenses	1,746	1,937	5,353	5,468
EBITDA	87	162	456	586
Depreciation and Amortization	297	304	942	905
Operating Income (Loss)	(210)	(142)	(486)	(319)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	9	17	24	62
Segment Contribution	(201)	(125)	(462)	(257)
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,102	1,363	3,710	4,065
Operations and Support Expenses	877	1,075	2,894	3,123
EBITDA	225	288	816	942
Depreciation and Amortization	168	206	559	642
Operating Income (Loss)	57	82	257	300
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	9	17	24	62
Segment Contribution	66	99	281	362
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	731	736	2,099	1,989
Operations and Support Expenses	869	862	2,459	2,345
EBITDA	(138)	(126)	(360)	(356)
Depreciation and Amortization	129	98	383	263
Operating Income (Loss)	(267)	(224)	(743)	(619)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Segment Contribution	(267)	(224)	(743)	(619)
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	445	333	1,174	992
Operations and Support Expenses	109	39	218	118
EBITDA	336	294	956	874
Depreciation and Amortization	3	0	4	1
Operating Income (Loss)	333	294	952	873
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Segment Contribution	333	294	952	873
Operating Segments [Member] | Segment Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	46,712	39,654	123,865	118,637
Operations and Support Expenses	30,798	26,542	80,794	78,484
EBITDA	15,914	13,112	43,071	40,153
Depreciation and Amortization	5,041	4,881	14,932	14,734
Operating Income (Loss)	10,873	8,231	28,139	25,419
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(31)	11	(34)	39
Segment Contribution	10,842	8,242	28,105	25,458
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	308	382	961	1,182
Operations and Support Expenses	(18)	801	1,378	2,440
EBITDA	326	(419)	(417)	(1,258)
Depreciation and Amortization	797	24	938	73
Operating Income (Loss)	(471)	(443)	(1,355)	(1,331)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Acquisition-related items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	362	134	750	622
EBITDA	(362)	(134)	(750)	(622)
Depreciation and Amortization	2,329	1,136	4,669	3,508
Operating Income (Loss)	(2,691)	(1,270)	(5,419)	(4,130)
Consolidation Non-Segment [Member] | Certain Significant Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	(89)	0	(89)
Operations and Support Expenses	75	325	407	302
EBITDA	(75)	(414)	(407)	(391)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	1	0	1
Operating Income (Loss)	(75)	(415)	(407)	(392)
Eliminations and consolidations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(1,281)	(279)	(2,063)	(860)
Operations and Support Expenses	(913)	17	(1,040)	17
EBITDA	(368)	(296)	(1,023)	(877)
Depreciation and Amortization	(1)	0	(1)	0
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (367)	$ (296)	$ (1,022)	$ (877)

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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ 7,269	$ 5,807	$ 19,936	$ 18,689
Interest expense	(2,051)	(1,686)	(5,845)	(4,374)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(64)	11	(71)	(148)
Other income (expense) - net	1,053	842	5,108	2,255
Income Before Income Taxes	6,207	4,974	19,128	16,422
Operating Segments [Member] | Communications [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	8,183	8,071	24,626	24,821
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(1)	0	(3)	0
Income Before Income Taxes	8,182	8,071	24,623	24,821
Operating Segments [Member] | WarnerMedia [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	2,567	8	3,047	44
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(39)	(6)	(55)	(23)
Income Before Income Taxes	2,528	2	2,992	21
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(210)	(142)	(486)	(319)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	9	17	24	62
Income Before Income Taxes	(201)	(125)	(462)	(257)
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	333	294	952	873
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	333	294	952	873
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	10,873	8,231	28,139	25,419
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(31)	11	(34)	39
Income Before Income Taxes	10,842	8,242	28,105	25,458
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	(471)	(443)	(1,355)	(1,331)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Merger and intergration items [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(362)	(134)	(750)	(622)
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	(2,329)	(1,136)	(4,669)	(3,508)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Employee separate charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(75)	(208)	(259)	(268)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Gain on wireless spectrum transactions [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	0	0	0	181
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Natural Disaster Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	0	(207)	(104)	(207)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Foreign Currency 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	(44)	(98)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	31	(11)	34	(39)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Eliminations and consolidations [Member]
Segment Reporting Reconciling Item For Operating Income (Loss) From Segment To Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ (367)	$ (296)	$ (1,022)	$ (877)

Segment Information (Intersegme

Segment Information (Intersegment Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ (45,739)	$ (39,668)	$ (122,763)	$ (118,870)
Total Assets	534,870		534,870		$ 444,097
Investments in Equity Method Investees	6,128		6,128		$ 1,560
Capital Expenditures			17,099
Corporate and other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total Assets	(106,719)		(106,719)
Investments in Equity Method Investees	19		19
Capital Expenditures			187
Total Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	850	33	1,061	99
Eliminations and consolidations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	1,281	279	2,063	860
Communications [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	(36,230)	(37,115)	(107,173)	(111,268)
Total Assets	487,833		487,833
Investments in Equity Method Investees	1		1
Capital Expenditures			16,024
Communications [Member] | Total Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	6	0	8	0
WarnerMedia [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	(8,204)	(107)	(9,709)	(323)
Total Assets	132,689		132,689
Investments in Equity Method Investees	5,395		5,395
Capital Expenditures			298
WarnerMedia [Member] | Total Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	844	33	1,053	99
Latin America [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	(1,833)	(2,099)	(5,809)	(6,054)
Total Assets	18,420		18,420
Investments in Equity Method Investees	713		713
Capital Expenditures			524
Latin America [Member] | Total Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Xandr [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	(445)	(333)	(1,174)	(992)
Total Assets	2,647		2,647
Investments in Equity Method Investees	0		0
Capital Expenditures			66
Xandr [Member] | Total Intersegment Revenues [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and consolidations [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 431	$ 246	$ 1,002	$ 761

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset balance - current portion (in millions)	$ 1,244
Contract liability balance - current portion (in millions)	5,846
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,045	$ 4,213
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (in millions)	$ 40,474
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (percentage)	70.00%
WarnerMedia [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (in millions)	$ 12,661
Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition Costs [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net (in millions)	3,409
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization (in millions)	$ 959
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Method	Costs to acquire customer contracts, including commissions on service activations, for our wireless and video entertainment services, are deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer life, which typically ranges from two to five years. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately.
Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition Costs [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net (in millions)	$ 1,572
Deferred Customer Contract Fulfillment Cost [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net (in millions)	11,304
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization (in millions)	$ 2,983
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Method	Costs to fulfill customer contracts are deferred and amortized over periods ranging generally from four to five years, reflecting the estimated economic lives of the respective customer relationships, subject to an assessment of the recoverability of such costs. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately.
Deferred Customer Contract Fulfillment Cost [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net (in millions)	$ 3,905

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Ca

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Total Operating Revenues	$ 45,739	$ 39,668	$ 122,763	$ 118,870
Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	14,352		42,173
Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	5,104		15,072
Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	3,355		10,493
Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	12,403		31,473
Content
Total Operating Revenues	2,716		2,937
Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	1,505		2,558
Other
Total Operating Revenues	1,862		5,143
Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	4,442		12,914
Corporate and Other [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	308		961
Corporate and Other [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Corporate and Other [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	308		961
Corporate and Other [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Communications [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	36,230	37,115	107,173	111,268
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	17,938	17,370	52,575	51,922
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	13,912		40,912
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	77		162
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobility [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	3,949		11,501
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	11,589	12,467	34,498	37,435
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	2,045		5,904
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	740		2,317
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	7,882		23,559
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	401		1,122
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	518		1,588
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment Group [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	3		8
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	6,703	7,278	20,100	21,911
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	3,059		9,168
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	2,615		8,176
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	830		2,189
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Wireline [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	199		567
Operating Segments [Member] | WarnerMedia [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	8,204	107	9,709	323
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	2,988	107	3,767	323
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	1,855		2,363
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	125		146
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	944		1,181
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	64		77
Operating Segments [Member] | Turner [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	1,644	0	1,925	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	1,517		1,787
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	125		136
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	2		2
Operating Segments [Member] | Home Box Office [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	3,720	0	4,227	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	20		27
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	3,494		3,949
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	20		28
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	186		223
Operating Segments [Member] | Warner Bros. [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	(148)		(210)
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	27		27
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	(199)		(255)
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	19		13
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	5		5
Operating Segments [Member] | Eliminations and other [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	1,833	2,099	5,809	6,054
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	1,102	1,363	3,710	4,065
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	1,102		3,710
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Vrio [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	731	736	2,099	1,989
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	440		1,261
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Mexico [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	291		838
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	445	333	1,174	992
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	445		1,174
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Operating Segments [Member] | Xandr [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Eliminations and consolidations [Member]
Total Operating Revenues	(1,281)	$ (279)	(2,063)	$ (860)
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Wireless service
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Advanced Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Legacy Voice and Data
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Subscription
Total Operating Revenues	0		0
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Content
Total Operating Revenues	(829)		(1,039)
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Advertising
Total Operating Revenues	(401)		(1,122)
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Other
Total Operating Revenues	(51)		98
Eliminations and consolidations [Member] | Equipment
Total Operating Revenues	$ 0		$ 0

Revenue Recognition (Contract A

Revenue Recognition (Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset	$ 1,923
Contract liability	6,920
Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during period	$ 4,716

Revenue Recognition (Consolidat

Revenue Recognition (Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Service Revenues	$ 41,297	$ 36,378	$ 109,849	$ 109,372
Equipment Revenues	4,442	3,290	12,914	9,498
Total Operating Revenues	45,739	39,668	122,763	118,870
Other cost of services	8,651	9,694	24,215	28,551
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,598	8,650	26,179	25,981
Total Operating Expenses	38,470	33,861	102,827	100,181
Operating Income	7,269	5,807	19,936	18,689
Income Before Income Taxes	6,207	4,974	19,128	16,422
Income tax expense	1,391	1,851	4,305	5,711
Net income	4,816	3,123	14,823	10,711
Net Income attributable to AT&T	$ 4,718	$ 3,029	$ 14,512	$ 10,413
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.65	$ 0.49	$ 2.19	$ 1.69
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] | ASC 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Service Revenues	$ 42,681		$ 114,048
Equipment Revenues	3,926		11,398
Total Operating Revenues	46,607		125,446
Other cost of services	9,568		26,964
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,145		27,909
Total Operating Expenses	39,934		107,306
Operating Income	6,673		18,140
Income Before Income Taxes	5,611		17,332
Income tax expense	1,245		3,865
Net income	4,366		13,467
Net Income attributable to AT&T	$ 4,273		$ 13,173
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.59		$ 1.99
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.59		$ 1.99

Revenue Recognition (Consolid_2

Revenue Recognition (Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 16,278	$ 10,757
Other Assets	25,490	18,444
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,375	34,470
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,045	4,213
Deferred income taxes	60,495	43,207
Other noncurrent liabilities	26,490	19,747
Retained Earnings	57,624	50,500
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,383	7,017	$ 5,580	$ 4,961
Noncontrolling interest	1,123	$ 1,146
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] | ASC 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other current assets	13,750
Other Assets	23,050
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,554
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,109
Deferred income taxes	59,264
Other noncurrent liabilities	26,252
Retained Earnings	53,929
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,385
Noncontrolling interest	$ 1,071

Pension And Postretirement Be_4

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 15, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)							$ 2,726	$ 259
WarnerMedia [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Jun. 14, 2018
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs			$ 24			$ 22	$ 65	67
Pension Contribution Date							Dec. 31, 2013
Required contribution to pension plans							$ 420
Value of entity's noncash contribution to it's defined benefit plans			8,803				8,803
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before tax				$ 50
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			$ 0	1,796		0	1,796	0
Postemployment benefit obligation							$ (1,746)
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation			4.30%				4.30%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments				$ (50)
Pension Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							4.40%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							4.00%
Pension Benefit [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Contribution Date	Oct. 15, 2018
Required contribution to pension plans									$ 560
Annualized cash distributions to be received by the trust/pension	$ 80
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before tax					$ (752)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			$ 0		930	$ 0	$ 930	$ 259
Postemployment benefit obligation							$ (1,682)
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation			4.10%				4.10%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments					$ 752
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Service Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							4.30%
Postretirement Benefit [Member] | Interest Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost							3.70%

Pension And Postretirement Be_5

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, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss					$ (2,726)	$ (259)
Net (credit) cost	$ (233)			$ (286)	(3,488)	(1,004)
Pension Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	270			282	845	846
Interest cost on benefit obligation	551			484	1,542	1,452
Expected return on assets	(761)			(783)	(2,276)	(2,350)
Amortization of prior service credit	(28)			(31)	(87)	(93)
Actuarial (gain) loss	0	$ (1,796)		0	(1,796)	0
Net (credit) cost	32			(48)	(1,772)	(145)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	27			32	82	107
Interest cost on benefit obligation	196			193	582	617
Expected return on assets	(76)			(81)	(228)	(240)
Amortization of prior service credit	(412)			(382)	(1,222)	(1,084)
Actuarial (gain) loss	0		$ (930)	0	(930)	(259)
Net (credit) cost	$ (265)			$ (238)	$ (1,716)	$ (859)

Fair Value Measurements And D_3

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral received from counterparty	$ 1,056	$ 968
Collateral submitted to counterparty	468	$ 495
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	150
Fixed income investments - maturities less than 1 year	44
Fixed income investments - maturities within 1 to 3 years	146
Fixed income investments - maturities within 3 to 5 years	94
Fixed income investments - maturities for 5 or more years	597
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	61
DIRECTV [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 200

Fair Value Measurements And D_4

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Amount [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	[1]	$ 177,718	$ 162,526
Commercial paper		3,787	0
Bank borrowings		3	2
Investment securities	[2]	3,646	2,447
Fair Value [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Commercial paper		3,787	0
Bank borrowings		3	2
Investment securities	[2]	3,646	2,447
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	[1]	$ 180,887	$ 171,938
[1]	Includes credit agreement borrowings.
[2]	Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method.

Fair Value Measurements And D_5

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities (at fair value)	$ 881	$ 581
Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	1,279	1,142
International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	291	321
Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	149	152
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		17
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(90)	(31)
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	1,330	1,753
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(1,614)	(1,290)
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	52
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(3)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	1,279	1,142
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)	291	321
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)	149	0
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities (at fair value)	881	581
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)	0	152
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)		17
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(90)	(31)
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)	1,330	1,753
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(1,614)	(1,290)
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	52
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	(3)
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)		0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	0	$ 0
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives (at fair value)	0
Liability Derivatives (at fair value)	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement and Disc

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure (Gain and Losses on Equity Securities) (Details) - Equity Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	$ 80	$ 113	$ 88	$ 216
Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold	1	126	50	137
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period	$ 79	$ (13)	$ 38	$ 79

Fair Value Measurements And D_6

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 51,911	$ 48,527
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	7,333	9,833
Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	42,192	38,694
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	$ 2,386	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements And D_7

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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ 2	$ (3)	$ (60)	$ (51)
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	(2)	3	60	51
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(13)	429	308	(268)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Interest Rate Locks [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	0	79	0	0
Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	(15)	(15)	(44)	(44)
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	$ 17	$ 0	$ 17	$ 0

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 14, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Advances, Investments In, Collections, and Payments From Affiliates			$ 1,021	$ 0
Goodwill			146,475			$ 105,449
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)			43,116	$ (1,154)
Time Warner Inc. [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Goodwill			38,955
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - acquisition period		Jun. 14, 2018
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)		$ 79,358
Acquisition of business - percentage ownership of combined company held by former shareholders of acquiree					16.00%
Stock price per share at period end					$ 32.52
Name of Plaintiff		Department of Justice
Actions Taken by Plaintiff		On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed the U.S. District Court’s decision permitting the merger.
Commitments for future purchases related to network programming obligations					$ 35,000
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Cash [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in US dollars per share)		$ 53.75
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)		$ 42,100
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Acquisition [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Acquisition 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
Number of shares issued to acquire entity		1,125,517,510
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)		$ 36,599
Otter Media [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - acquisition period	Aug. 7, 2018
Advances, Investments In, Collections, and Payments From Affiliates	$ 1,480
Acquisition of business - Equity Interest in Acquiree Remeasurement Gain	395
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)	$ 157
WarnerMedia [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Goodwill			1,174
AppNexus [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Acquisition of business - acquisition period	Aug. 15, 2018
Acquisition of business - purchase price (in millions)	$ 1,432
Xandr [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Acquisition and Dispositions [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,223

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_4

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets acquired
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	$ 7,221	$ 0
Goodwill	146,475	105,449
Liabilities assumed
Debt maturing within one year	14,905	$ 38,374
Time Warner Inc. [Member]
Assets acquired
Cash	1,655
Accounts Receivable	9,016
All other current assets	3,150
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	5,719
Property, plant and equipment	4,906
Investments and other assets	9,428
Goodwill	38,955
Total assets acquired	129,609
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt	8,280
Debt maturing within one year	4,471
Long-term debt	18,394
Other noncurrent liabilities	19,105
Total liabilities assumed	50,250
Net assets acquired	79,359
Noncontrolling interest	(1)
Aggregate value of consideration paid	79,358
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Distribution Networks [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization	17,470
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Released television and film content [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization	10,929
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Trademarks/trade names [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization	18,081
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Other [Member]
Assets acquired
Intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 10,300

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_5

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Other Events) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets Held-For-Sale [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net		$ 130,348	$ 125,222
Goodwill		$ 146,475	$ 105,449
Data Centers [Member]
Assets Held-For-Sale [Line Items]
Date of agreement	Jun. 30, 2018
Number of Data Centers		31
Disposal date		Dec. 31, 2018
Data Centers [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Assets Held-For-Sale [Line Items]
Amount of assets held-for-sale		$ 1,100
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net		279
Goodwill		$ 236

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_6

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Adjustments (Pro Forma) (Details) - Time Warner Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	$ 135,658	$ 139,236
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 16,254	$ 11,576
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.23	$ 1.59
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 2.22	$ 1.57

Sale Of Equipment Installment_3

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets - current	$ 16,278		$ 16,278		$ 10,757
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,375		39,375		34,470
Outstanding derecognized receivables	8,428		8,428		7,446
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	230		230		55
Guarantee Obligation, current	418		418		204
Deferred Purchase Price [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets	1,981		1,981		2,749
Other Current Assets [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets - current	1,114		1,114		1,781
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets	5,736		5,736		6,079
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net	1,752	$ 1,292	5,679	$ 4,139
Repurchased Installment Receivables	0	$ 567	1,481	$ 1,281
Finance Receivables [Member] | Notes Receivable [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Gross equipment installment receivables balance - current	$ 3,370		3,370		$ 3,340
Finance Receivables, Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sale of receivables, net			$ 6,267

Sale Of Equipment Installment_4

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Finance Receivables [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period		$ 2,161	$ 1,619	$ 7,077	$ 6,217
Cash proceeds received		1,752	1,292	5,679	4,139
Deferred purchase price recorded		335	285	1,161	1,767
Guarantee obligation recorded		75	65	270	139
Finance Receivables Net [Member]
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Receivables sold during period	[1]	$ 2,064	$ 1,478	6,670	$ 5,698
Cash proceeds received				$ 6,267
[1]	Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

Sale Of Equipment Installment_5

Sale Of Equipment Installment Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - Finance Receivables [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes In Other Assets [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables		$ 0	$ 567	$ 1,481	$ 1,281
Carrying value of deferred purchase price		0	507	1,393	1,147
Gain (Loss) on repurchases	[1]	$ 0	$ 60	$ 88	$ 134
[1]	These gains (losses) are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income.

Inventories And Theatrical Fi_3

Inventories And Theatrical Film And Television Production Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventories:
Programming costs, less amortization	[1]	$ 4,224
Other inventory, primarily DVDs and Blu-ray Discs		177
Total inventories		4,401
Less: current portion of inventory		(2,310)
Total noncurrent inventories		2,091
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization	[2]	178
Completed and not released	[2]	821
In production	[2]	736
Development and pre-production	[2]	158
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization	[2]	582
Completed and not released	[2]	868
In production	[2]	1,762
Development and pre-production	[2]	25
Total theatrical film and television production costs		5,130
Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs		7,221	$ 0
Film and Television Libraries [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net		$ 9,184
[1]	Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to the related rights being received.
[2]	Does not include $9,184 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of September 30, 2018, which are included in "Other Intangible Assets - Net" on our consolidated balance sheet.

Additional Financial Informat_3

Additional Financial Information (Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,657	$ 48,499	$ 50,498	$ 5,788
Restricted cash in Other current assets	56	6	6	7
Restricted cash in Other Assets	75	241	428	140
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	8,788	48,746	$ 50,932	$ 5,935
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for:
Interest	6,943	5,031
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ (537)	$ 1,861

Additional Financial Informat_4

Additional Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Notes And Debentures [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt Obligation	$ 183,418
Commercial paper	3,732
Debt instrument - redemption amount	4,550
Three-Year Floating Rate Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	5,250
Six-Year Floating Rate Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	5,250
Other Debt [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	6,925
Debentures Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument - redemption amount	21,235
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Line of Credit - advances outstanding	6,175	$ 16,175
BNP Parabas [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Line of Credit - advances outstanding	0	2,500
Bank of Nova Scotia [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Line of Credit - advances outstanding	2,250	$ 2,250
Latin America [Member] | Other Debt [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	1,000
Time Warner Inc. [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt Assumed in Acquisition	22,865
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Notes And Debentures [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Commercial paper	1,076
Debt Assumed in Acquisition	2,000
Time Warner Inc. [Member] | Term Credit Agreements [Member]
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument - redemption amount	$ 2,000