AT&T (T) 10-Q 6 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-8610
Entity Registrant Name	AT&T INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	43-1301883
Entity Address, Address Line One	208 S. Akard St.
Entity Address, City or Town	Dallas
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75202
City Area Code	210
Local Phone Number	821-4105
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,140
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	0000732717
Common Shares (Par Value $1.00 Per Share)
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares (Par Value $1.00 Per Share)
Trading Symbol	T
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 5.000% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in ashare of 5.000% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Trading Symbol	T PRA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 4.750% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in ashare of 4.750% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
Trading Symbol	T PRC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.650% Global Notes due December 17, 2021
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.650% Global Notes due December 17, 2021
Trading Symbol	T 21B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.450% Global Notes due June 1, 2022
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.450% Global Notes due June 1, 2022
Trading Symbol	T 22B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.500% Global Notes due March 15, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.500% Global Notes due March 15, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.750% Global Notes due May 19, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.750% Global Notes due May 19, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. Floating Rate Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. Floating Rate Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23D
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.050% Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.050% Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23E
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.300% Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.300% Global Notes due September 5, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.950% Global Notes due September 15, 2023
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.950% Global Notes due September 15, 2023
Trading Symbol	T 23F
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.400% Global Notes due March 15, 2024
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.400% Global Notes due March 15, 2024
Trading Symbol	T 24A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 3.500% Global Notes due December 17, 2025
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 3.500% Global Notes due December 17, 2025
Trading Symbol	T 25
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 0.250% Global Notes due March 4, 2026
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 0.250% Global Notes due March 4, 2026
Trading Symbol	T 26E
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.800% Global Notes due September 5, 2026
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.800% Global Notes due September 5, 2026
Trading Symbol	T 26D
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.900% Global Notes due December 4, 2026
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.900% Global Notes due December 4, 2026
Trading Symbol	T 26A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.600% Global Notes due May 19, 2028
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.600% Global Notes due May 19, 2028
Trading Symbol	T 28C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.350% Global Notes due September 5, 2029
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.350% Global Notes due September 5, 2029
Trading Symbol	T 29D
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 4.375% Global Notes due September 14, 2029
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 4.375% Global Notes due September 14, 2029
Trading Symbol	T 29B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.600% Global Notes due December 17, 2029
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.600% Global Notes due December 17, 2029
Trading Symbol	T 29A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 0.800% Global Notes due March 4, 2030
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 0.800% Global Notes due March 4, 2030
Trading Symbol	T 30B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.050% Global Notes due May 19, 2032
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.050% Global Notes due May 19, 2032
Trading Symbol	T 32A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 3.550% Global Notes due December 17, 2032
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 3.550% Global Notes due December 17, 2032
Trading Symbol	T 32
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 5.200% Global Notes due November 18, 2033
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 5.200% Global Notes due November 18, 2033
Trading Symbol	T 33
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 3.375% Global Notes due March 15, 2034
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 3.375% Global Notes due March 15, 2034
Trading Symbol	T 34
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.450% Global Notes due March 15, 2035
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.450% Global Notes due March 15, 2035
Trading Symbol	T 35
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 3.150% Global Notes due September 4, 2036
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 3.150% Global Notes due September 4, 2036
Trading Symbol	T 36A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 2.600% Global Notes due May 19, 2038
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 2.600% Global Notes due May 19, 2038
Trading Symbol	T 38C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 1.800% Global Notes due September 14, 2039
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 1.800% Global Notes due September 14, 2039
Trading Symbol	T 39B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 7.000% Global Notes due April 30, 2040
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 7.000% Global Notes due April 30, 2040
Trading Symbol	T 40
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 4.250% Global Notes due June 1, 2043
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 4.250% Global Notes due June 1, 2043
Trading Symbol	T 43
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 4.875% Global Notes due June 1, 2044
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 4.875% Global Notes due June 1, 2044
Trading Symbol	T 44
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 4.000% Global Notes due June 1, 2049
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 4.000% Global Notes due June 1, 2049
Trading Symbol	T 49A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 4.250% Global Notes due March 1, 2050
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 4.250% Global Notes due March 1, 2050
Trading Symbol	T 50
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 3.750% Global Notes due September 1, 2050
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 3.750% Global Notes due September 1, 2050
Trading Symbol	T 50A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 5.350% Global Notes due November 1, 2066
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 5.350% Global Notes due November 1, 2066
Trading Symbol	TBB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
AT&T Inc. 5.625% Global Notes due August 1, 2067
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	AT&T Inc. 5.625% Global Notes due August 1, 2067
Trading Symbol	TBC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 43,939	$ 42,779
Cost of revenues
Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	7,993	8,342
Selling, general and administrative	9,382	8,760
Asset impairments and abandonments	0	123
Depreciation and amortization	5,809	7,222
Total operating expenses	36,278	35,293
Operating Income	7,661	7,486
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(1,870)	(2,018)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	52	(6)
Other income (expense) — net	4,221	803
Total other income (expense)	2,403	(1,221)
Income Before Income Taxes	10,064	6,265
Income tax expense	2,122	1,302
Net Income	7,942	4,963
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(392)	(353)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	7,550	4,610
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	(50)	(32)
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock	$ 7,500	$ 4,578
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.04	$ 0.63
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.04	$ 0.63
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions) (in shares)	7,161	7,187
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions) (in shares)	7,188	7,214
Service
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 38,504	$ 38,883
Equipment
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	5,435	3,896
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	5,556	4,092
Broadcast, programming and operations
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 7,538	$ 6,754

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 7,942	$ 4,963
Foreign currency:
Translation adjustment (includes $(4) and $(51) attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(37) and $(62)	(109)	(1,854)
Securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(18) and $22	(55)	66
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $(1) and $0	(2)	0
Derivative instruments:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $136 and $(971)	511	(3,657)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $6 and $0	24	0
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(165) and $(151)	(504)	(461)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(135)	(5,906)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	7,807	(943)
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(388)	(302)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AT&T	$ 7,419	$ (1,245)

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ (4)	$ (51)
Foreign currency translation adjustments - tax effect	(37)	(62)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities - tax effect	(18)	22
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on securities - tax effect	(1)	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - tax effect	136	(971)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on derivatives - tax effect	6	0
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income - tax effect	$ (165)	$ (151)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,342	$ 9,740
Accounts receivable – net of related allowances for credit loss of $954 and $1,221	16,971	20,215
Inventories	3,347	3,695
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	31,094	18,358
Total current assets	62,754	52,008
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	15,626	14,752
Property, plant and equipment	322,534	327,751
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(197,927)	(200,436)
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net	124,607	127,315
Goodwill	135,168	135,259
Licenses – Net	87,947	93,840
Other Intangible Assets – Net	13,384	15,386
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates	1,805	1,780
Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets	24,415	24,714
Deposits on Wireless Licenses	23,406	0
Other Assets	21,496	23,617
Total Assets	546,985	525,761
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	19,505	3,470
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	48,245	50,051
Advanced billings and customer deposits	5,029	6,176
Dividends payable	3,829	3,741
Total current liabilities	76,608	63,438
Long-Term Debt	160,694	153,775
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	61,886	60,472
Postemployment benefit obligation	14,723	18,276
Operating lease liabilities	21,766	22,202
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,229	28,358
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	126,604	129,308
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: issued 7,620,748,598 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	7,621	7,621
Additional paid-in capital	129,856	130,175
Retained earnings	41,154	37,457
Treasury stock (480,892,174 at March 31, 2021 and 494,826,583 at December 31, 2020, at cost)	(17,342)	(17,910)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,199	4,330
Noncontrolling interest	17,591	17,567
Total stockholders’ equity	183,079	179,240
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	546,985	525,761
Series A (48,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized):	0	0
Series B (20,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized):	0	0
Series C (70,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized):	0	0
Trademarks and Trade Names – Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	23,043	23,297
Distribution Networks – Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	$ 13,334	$ 13,793

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 954	$ 1,221
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	7,620,748,598	7,620,748,598
Treasury stock, held (in shares)	480,892,174	494,826,583
Preferred Stock - Series A
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	48,000	48,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	48,000	48,000
Preferred Stock - Series B
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	20,000	20,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	20,000	20,000
Preferred Stock - Series C
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	70,000	70,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	70,000	70,000

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 7,942	$ 4,963
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,809	7,222
Amortization of film and television costs	2,886	2,269
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates	(47)	39
Provision for uncollectible accounts	321	780
Deferred income tax expense	1,848	259
Net (gain) loss on investments, net of impairments	(119)	(646)
Pension and postretirement benefit expense (credit)	(974)	(748)
Actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement benefits	(2,844)	0
Asset impairments and abandonments	0	123
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	751	1,695
Other current assets, inventories and theatrical film and television production costs	(3,518)	(3,267)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(3,060)	(3,884)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	1,190	535
Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	244	105
Postretirement claims and contributions	(343)	(111)
Other - net	(159)	(468)
Total adjustments	1,985	3,903
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	9,927	8,866
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures, including $(61) and $(28) of interest during construction	(4,033)	(4,966)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(22,884)	(100)
Dispositions	51	118
(Purchases), sales and settlements of securities and investments, net	(4)	(6)
Advances to and investments in equity affiliates, net	18	(68)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(26,852)	(5,022)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	687	1,742
Issuance of other short-term borrowings	15,485	1,390
Issuance of long-term debt	9,097	4,357
Repayment of long-term debt	(902)	(4,422)
Payment of vendor financing	(1,690)	(791)
Issuance of preferred stock	0	3,869
Purchase of treasury stock	(176)	(5,463)
Issuance of treasury stock	63	58
Dividends paid	(3,741)	(3,737)
Other - net	(340)	(3,102)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	18,483	(6,099)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,558	(2,255)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of year	9,870	12,295
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash End of Period	$ 11,428	$ 10,040

Consolidated Statements Of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Capital expenditures, interest during construction	$ (61)	$ (28)

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Preferred StockPreferred Stock - Series A	Preferred StockPreferred Stock - Series B	Preferred StockPreferred Stock - Series C	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Additional Paid-In CapitalPreferred Stock	Additional Paid-In CapitalCommon Stock	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative effect of accounting change and other adjustments	Retained EarningsAdjusted beginning balance	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax	Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling InterestCumulative effect of accounting change and other adjustments	Noncontrolling InterestAdjusted beginning balance
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 201,934	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	$ 126,279			$ 57,936	$ (293)	$ 57,643	$ (13,085)	$ 5,470	$ 17,713	$ (7)	$ 17,706
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		0	0	0	7,621							(366)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock								$ 67
Issuance of stock		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0		$ 3,869
Issuance of stock (in shares)		0	0	0	0
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock												$ (5,547)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(148)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(47)						$ 675
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												18
Share-based payments						(202)
Net income attributable to AT&T	4,610								4,610
Preferred stock dividends									(32)
Common stock dividends ($0.52 and $0.52 per share)									(3,687)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(5,855)												(5,855)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	353													353
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														1
Distributions														(339)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	51													(51)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2020	195,449	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	129,966			58,534			$ (17,957)	(385)	17,670
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		0	0	0	7,621							(496)
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2020	179,240	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,175			37,457	$ 0	$ 37,457	$ (17,910)	4,330	17,567	$ 0	$ 17,567
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		0	0	0	7,621							(495)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock								$ 0
Issuance of stock		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Issuance of stock (in shares)		0	0	0	0
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock												$ (176)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(6)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(70)						$ 744
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												20
Share-based payments						(249)
Net income attributable to AT&T	7,550								7,550
Preferred stock dividends									(117)
Common stock dividends ($0.52 and $0.52 per share)									(3,736)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(131)												(131)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	392													392
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														0
Distributions														(364)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	4													(4)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 183,079	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	$ 129,856			$ 41,154			$ (17,342)	$ 4,199	$ 17,591
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		0	0	0	7,621							(481)

Consolidated Statement Of Cha_2

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends to stockholders, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Preparation Of Interim Financia

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “we,” “AT&T” or the “Company.” The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries and affiliates which we control. AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates operate worldwide in the telecommunications, media and technology industries. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. 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. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships which we do not control but 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. 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation (see Note 4 and Note 5). In the tables throughout this document, percentage increases and decreases that are not considered meaningful are denoted with a dash.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, is shown in the table below: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income Attributable to Common Stock $ 7,500 $ 4,578 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 6 6 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 7,506 $ 4,584 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,161 7,187 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 27 27 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,188 7,214

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated OCI are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ (3,926) $ 111 $ (779) $ 8,924 $ 4,330 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (105) (55) 511 — 351 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (2) 1 24 2 (504) 3 (482) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (105) (57) 535 (504) (131) Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ (4,031) $ 54 $ (244) $ 8,420 $ 4,199 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (3,056) $ 48 $ (37) $ 8,515 $ 5,470 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,803) 66 (3,657) — (5,394) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 — 2 (461) 3 (461) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,803) 66 (3,657) (461) (5,855) Balance as of March 31, 2020 $ (4,859) $ 114 $ (3,694) $ 8,054 $ (385) 1 (Gains) losses are included in “ Other income (expense) - net ” in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are primarily 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) - net ” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 6).

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION Our segments are comprised of strategic business units or other operations 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 operating 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 three reportable segments: (1) Communications, (2) WarnerMedia and (3) Latin America. 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 income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA to be a relevant and useful measurement to our investors as it is part of our internal management reporting and planning processes and it is an important metric that management uses to evaluate operating performance. EBITDA does not give effect to depreciation and amortization expenses incurred in operating contribution nor is it burdened by 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 revenues. We have recast our segment results for all prior periods to reflect the following: Communications segment results were recast to remove the Video and Government Solutions held-for-sale businesses, instead reporting those results in Corporate and Other, consistent with our historical practice. Additionally, we refined the allocation of shared infrastructure and deferred customer acquisition costs between Consumer Wireline and Video. WarnerMedia segment results reflect our operation of WarnerMedia as one integrated organization. The Communications segment provides wireless and wireline telecom and broadband services to consumers located in the U.S. and businesses globally. Our business strategies reflect bundled product offerings that cut across product lines and utilize shared assets. This segment contains the following business units: • Mobility provides nationwide wireless service and equipment. • Business Wireline provides advanced IP-based services, as well as traditional voice and data services and related equipment to business customers. • Consumer Wireline provides internet, including broadband fiber, and legacy telephony voice communication services to residential customers. The WarnerMedia segment develops, produces and distributes feature films, television, gaming and other content in various physical and digital formats globally. WarnerMedia content is distributed through Basic Networks, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) or Theatrical, TV Content and Games Licensing. Segment results also include Xandr advertising, Otter Media Holdings and eliminations of intercompany transactions within WarnerMedia. Effective January 1, 2021, we updated our reporting units to reflect recent changes in how WarnerMedia, an integrated content organization that distributes across various platforms, is managed and evaluated. With this operational change, the reporting unit is deemed to be the operating segment. The previous reporting units, Turner, Home Box Office, Warner Bros. and Xandr, and the new WarnerMedia reporting unit were tested for goodwill impairment on January 1, 2021, for which there was none. The Latin America segment provides entertainment and wireless services outside of the U.S. This segment contains the following business units: • Vrio provides video services primarily to residential customers using satellite technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. • Mexico provides wireless service and equipment to customers in Mexico. Corporate and Other reconciles our segment results to consolidated operating income and income before income taxes, and includes: • 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, and (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.” • Video, which consists of our held-for-sale video operations, which provides video, including over-the-top (OTT) services and also sells multiplatform advertising services. • Acquisition-related items , which consists of items associated with the merger and integration of acquired or divested businesses, including amortization of intangible assets. • Certain significant items , which includes (1) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (2) asset impairments and abandonments, and (3) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated. • Eliminations and consolidations , which (1) removes transactions involving dealings between our segments, including channel distribution between WarnerMedia and Video, and (2) includes adjustments for our reporting of the advertising business. “Interest 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 March 31, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 19,034 $ 11,018 $ 8,016 $ 2,014 $ 6,002 $ — $ 6,002 Business Wireline 6,046 3,710 2,336 1,278 1,058 — 1,058 Consumer Wireline 3,098 2,031 1,067 762 305 — 305 Total Communications 28,178 16,759 11,419 4,054 7,365 — 7,365 WarnerMedia 8,526 6,403 2,123 163 1,960 70 2,030 Latin America Vrio 743 661 82 117 (35) (4) (39) Mexico 631 620 11 145 (134) — (134) Total Latin America 1,374 1,281 93 262 (169) (4) (173) Segment Total 38,078 24,443 13,635 4,479 9,156 $ 66 $ 9,222 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 426 1,213 (787) 35 (822) Video 6,725 5,660 1,065 164 901 Acquisition-related items — 37 (37) 1,131 (1,168) Certain significant items — 57 (57) — (57) Eliminations and consolidations (1,290) (941) (349) — (349) AT&T Inc. $ 43,939 $ 30,469 $ 13,470 $ 5,809 $ 7,661 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $669 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,402 $ 9,569 $ 7,833 $ 2,045 $ 5,788 $ — $ 5,788 Business Wireline 6,266 3,887 2,379 1,286 1,093 — 1,093 Consumer Wireline 3,111 1,879 1,232 712 520 — 520 Total Communications 26,779 15,335 11,444 4,043 7,401 — 7,401 WarnerMedia 7,765 5,605 2,160 161 1,999 15 2,014 Latin America Vrio 887 783 104 147 (43) 4 (39) Mexico 703 714 (11) 134 (145) — (145) Total Latin America 1,590 1,497 93 281 (188) 4 (184) Segment Total 36,134 22,437 13,697 4,485 9,212 $ 19 $ 9,231 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 534 1,012 (478) 90 (568) Video 7,407 6,020 1,387 591 796 Acquisition-related items — 182 (182) 2,056 (2,238) Certain significant items — (658) 658 — 658 Eliminations and consolidations (1,296) (922) (374) — (374) AT&T Inc. $ 42,779 $ 28,071 $ 14,708 $ 7,222 $ 7,486 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $612 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contributions to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported in our consolidated statements of income: Three months ended 2021 2020 Communications $ 7,365 $ 7,401 WarnerMedia 2,030 2,014 Latin America (173) (184) Segment Contribution 9,222 9,231 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (822) (568) Video 901 796 Merger costs (37) (182) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,131) (2,056) Asset impairments and abandonments — (123) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — 900 Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses (57) (119) Segment equity in net income of affiliates (66) (19) Eliminations and consolidations (349) (374) AT&T Operating Income 7,661 7,486 Interest Expense 1,870 2,018 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 52 (6) Other income (expense) - net 4,221 803 Income Before Income Taxes $ 10,064 $ 6,265 1 Included as a reduction of "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the consolidated statement of income. The following tables presents intersegment revenues and assets by segment: Intersegment Reconciliation Three months ended 2021 2020 Intersegment Revenues Communications $ 3 $ 2 WarnerMedia 838 817 Latin America — — Total Intersegment Revenues 841 819 Consolidations 449 477 Eliminations and consolidations $ 1,290 $ 1,296 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Communications 1 $ 506,168 $ 506,102 WarnerMedia 148,588 148,037 Latin America 15,522 15,811 Corporate and eliminations 1 (123,293) (144,189) Total $ 546,985 $ 525,761 1 Amounts above, including December 31, 2020, have been updated to reflect the classification of our Video business as held-for-sale, which included the recast of historical results to remove Video from our Communications segment and instead report in Corporate and Other (see Note 8).

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	NOTE 5. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue Categories The following tables set forth reported revenue by category and by business unit, prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current period presentation with our segment updates (see Note 4). For the three months ended March 31, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,965 $ — $ — $ — $ 439 $ 10 $ — $ 14,414 Video service — — — — 743 6,295 — 7,038 Business service — 5,872 — — — 70 — 5,942 IP Broadband — — 2,205 — — — — 2,205 Subscription — — — 3,830 — — — 3,010 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (235) Other 2 — — — — — — (585) Content — — — 3,420 — — — 2,777 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (331) — — — Other 3 — — — (312) — — — Advertising 83 — — 1,750 — 388 (388) 1,833 Legacy voice and data — — 519 — — 123 — 642 Other — — 332 169 — 224 (82) 643 Total Service $ 14,048 $ 5,872 $ 3,056 $ 8,526 $ 1,182 $ 7,110 $ (1,290) $ 38,504 Equipment 4,986 174 42 — 192 41 — 5,435 Total $ 19,034 $ 6,046 $ 3,098 $ 8,526 $ 1,374 $ 7,151 $ (1,290) $ 43,939 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($145 with Mobility and $90 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-Verse from WarnerMedia. 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,892 $ — $ — $ — $ 467 $ 116 $ — $ 14,475 Video service — — — — 887 6,984 — 7,871 Business service — 6,091 — — — 77 — 6,168 IP Broadband — — 2,109 — — — — 2,109 Subscription — — — 3,401 — — — 2,607 DTC (HBO Max) — — — — — — — Other 1 — — — — — — (794) Content — — — 3,303 — — — 2,633 DTC (HBO Max) 2 — — — (401) — — — Other 2 — — — (269) — — — Advertising 76 — — 1,477 — 413 (413) 1,553 Legacy voice and data — — 581 — — 134 — 715 Other — — 419 254 — 168 (89) 752 Total Service $ 13,968 $ 6,091 $ 3,109 $ 7,765 $ 1,354 $ 7,892 $ (1,296) $ 38,883 Equipment 3,434 175 2 — 236 49 — 3,896 Total $ 17,402 $ 6,266 $ 3,111 $ 7,765 $ 1,590 $ 7,941 $ (1,296) $ 42,779 1 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-Verse from WarnerMedia. 2 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs Costs to acquire and fulfill customer contracts, including commissions on service activations, for our wireless, business wireline, consumer wireline and video services, are deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer relationship life, which typically ranges from three years to five years. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately. The following table presents the deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs included on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 3,788 $ 3,087 Other Assets 2,693 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 6,481 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 4,945 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,367 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 9,312 $ 9,752 Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs included in “Prepaid and other current assets” at March 31, 2021, include $1,350 of deferred acquisition costs ($594 of which were reclassified from “Other Assets”) and $2,417 of deferred fulfillment costs ($984 of which were reclassified from “Other Assets”) for our Video business, reflecting the held-for-sale treatment of the business (see Note 8). The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the three months ended: March 31, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 764 $ 636 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 1,290 1,305 Contract Assets and Liabilities A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of our right to bill and receive consideration. The contract asset will decrease as services are provided and billed. For example, 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. When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded for deferred revenue. Reductions in the contract liability will be recorded as we satisfy the performance obligations. The following table presents contract assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 3,554 $ 3,501 Contract liability 5,517 6,879 Our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included $2,208 and $2,054, respectively, for the current portion of our contract asset in “Prepaid and other current assets” and $4,839 and $6,071, respectively, for the current portion of our contract liability in “Advanced billings and customer deposits.” Our beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during 2021 was $4,509. Remaining Performance Obligations Remaining performance obligations primarily relate to our Communications segment and represent services we are required to provide to customers under bundled or discounted arrangements, which are satisfied as services are provided over the contract term. In our WarnerMedia segment, the most significant remaining performance obligations relate to the licensing of theatrical and television content which will be made available to customers at some point in the future. 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 duration 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 incentives 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 average service component for the portfolio and the average device price. As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $41,259, of which we expect to recognize approximately 87% by the end of 2022, with the balance recognized thereafter. Approximately $2,085 of the $41,259 remaining performance obligation relates to the Video business.

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	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 benefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement. We do not have significant funding requirements in 2021. We recognize actuarial 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. We anticipate total distributions from the pension plan will exceed the threshold of service and interest costs for 2021, requiring us to follow settlement accounting and remeasure our pension benefit plan assets and obligations at each quarter-end in 2021, as we expect settlements to occur during each quarter. As part of our first-quarter 2021 remeasurement, we increased the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our pension benefit obligation from 2.70% to 3.30%. The discount rate in effect for determining pension service and interest costs after remeasurement is 3.60% and 2.50% respectively. The remeasurement reflects an actual return on pension plan assets of (1.33)% (three-month rate) relative to our expected long-term rate of 6.75% (annual rate). 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 (credit) cost is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net.” Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 254 $ 257 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 291 422 Expected return on assets (877) (889) Amortization of prior service credit (36) (28) Actuarial (gain) loss (2,844) — Net pension (credit) cost $ (3,212) $ (238) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 13 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 53 104 Expected return on assets (38) (44) Amortization of prior service credit (634) (582) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (608) $ (509) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (3,820) $ (747) We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the first quarter ended 2021 and 2020, net supplemental pension benefits costs not included in the table above were $12 and $19.

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	NOTE 7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURE The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs. The level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The valuation methodologies described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of future net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. We believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used since December 31, 2020. Long-Term Debt and Other Financial Instruments The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities, and other financial instruments, are summarized as follows: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 171,194 $ 192,420 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 7,078 7,078 — — Investment securities 2 3,208 3,208 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Amounts at March 31, 2021 exclude $205 associated with Video business that was classified as held-for-sale (see Note 8). 2 Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method. The carrying amount of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates fair value. The fair value measurements used for notes and debentures are considered Level 2 and are determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical or similar securities in both active and inactive markets. Following is the fair value leveling for investment securities that are measured at fair value and derivatives as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities,” “Prepaid and other current assets” and “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. March 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,060 $ — $ — $ 1,060 International equities 198 — — 198 Fixed income equities 227 — — 227 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,404 — 1,404 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 1,461 — 1,461 Foreign exchange contracts — 8 — 8 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (2,038) — (2,038) Foreign exchange contracts — (7) — (7) December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,010 $ — $ — $ 1,010 International equities 180 — — 180 Fixed income equities 236 — — 236 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,479 — 1,479 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 1,721 — 1,721 Foreign exchange contracts — 6 — 6 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (1,814) — (1,814) Foreign exchange contracts — (9) — (9) 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 is 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 identical 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 gains and losses in the period on equity securities are as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 55 $ (203) Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold — (33) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 55 $ (170) At March 31, 2021, available-for-sale debt securities totaling $1,404 have maturities as follows - less than one year: $33; one to three years: $186; three to five years: $206; five or more years: $979. Our cash equivalents (money market securities), short-term investments (certificate and time deposits) and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Short-term investments and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded in “Prepaid and 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 derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value that is derived from observable market data, including yield curves and foreign exchange rates (all of our derivatives are Level 2). Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the consolidated statements of cash flows as the item being hedged. Fair Value Hedging Periodically, we enter into and designate fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. The purpose of these swaps is to manage interest rate risk by managing our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps without exchange of the underlying principal amount. We also designate some of our cross-currency swaps as fair value hedges. The purpose of these contracts is to hedge foreign currency risk associated with changes in spot rates on foreign denominated debt. The changes in fair values of currency swaps attributable to the cross-currency basis spread are considered excluded components. Unrealized and realized gains or losses from fair value hedges impact the same category on the consolidated statements of income as the item being hedged. In instances where we have designated excluded components related to fair value hedges, unrealized gains or losses on such excluded components are recorded as a component of accumulated OCI and recognized into earnings through the swap accrual. Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded at fair market value as assets, and unrealized losses are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Except for excluded components, 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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, no ineffectiveness was measured on fair value hedges. Cash Flow Hedging We designate most of our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from our foreign-denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominated amounts to fixed U.S. dollar denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate that is usually determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed or floating foreign currency-denominated 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 certain forecasted film production costs and film tax incentives denominated in foreign currencies. 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, changes in fair value are reported as a component of accumulated OCI and are reclassified into the consolidated statements of income in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. 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. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $87 from accumulated OCI to “Interest expense” due to the amortization of net losses on historical interest rate locks. Net Investment Hedging We have designated €1,433 million aggregate principal amount of debt as a hedge of the variability of some of the Euro-denominated net investments of our subsidiaries. The gain or loss on the debt that is designated as, and is effective as, an economic hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation is recorded as a currency translation adjustment within accumulated OCI, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Net gains on net investment hedges recognized in accumulated OCI in the first quarter were $70. Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At March 31, 2021, we had posted collateral of $47 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $781 (a receipt liability). Under the agreements, if AT&T’s credit rating had been downgraded two ratings levels by Fitch Ratings, one level by S&P and one level by Moody’s before the final collateral exchange in March, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $48. If AT&T’s credit rating had been downgraded three ratings levels by Fitch Ratings, two levels by S&P, and two levels by Moody’s, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $1,160. If DIRECTV Holdings LLC’s credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- by S&P, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $36. At December 31, 2020, we had posted collateral of $53 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $694 (a receipt liability). We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) exists, against the fair value of the derivative instruments. Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 42,186 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 228 90 Total $ 42,414 $ 40,835 Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended March 31, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (1) $ 10 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 1 (10) Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (48) — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 48 — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (1) — In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the periods above were offset against “Interest expense.” The following table presents information for our cash flow hedging relationships: Three months ended March 31, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 644 $ (3,979) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 4 (13) Other income (expense) - net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (5) 16 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — (636) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (25) (16)

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS Acquisitions Spectrum Auction On February 24, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that AT&T was the winning bidder for 1,621 C-Band licenses, comprised of a total of 80 MHz nationwide, including 40 MHz in Phase I. We provided to the FCC an upfront deposit of $550 in 2020 and cash payments totaling $22,856 in the first quarter of 2021, for a total of $23,406 to date. We estimate that we will be responsible for $955 of Incentive Payments upon clearing of Phase I spectrum and $2,112 upon clearing of Phase II spectrum. Additionally, we will be responsible for approximately $1,000 of compensable relocation costs over the next several years as the spectrum is being cleared by satellite operators. Cash paid, including deposits and refunds, for spectrum is included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Funding for the purchase price of the spectrum included a combination of cash on hand and short-term investments, as well as short- and long-term debt. We expect the FCC to begin granting the licenses in the second half of 2021 through 2023. The amounts deposited toward the acquisition of the licenses are reported as “Deposits on Wireless Licenses” on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. Interest incurred to finance this spectrum acquisition is capitalized until the licenses are granted and the activities required to ready the spectrum for use are complete. Held-for-Sale Video Business On February 25, 2021, we signed an agreement with TPG Capital (TPG) to form a new company named DIRECTV (New DTV), which will be jointly governed by a board with representation from both AT&T and TPG, with TPG having tie-breaking authority on certain decisions. Under the agreement, we will contribute our Video business unit to New DTV for $4,250 of junior preferred units, an additional distribution preference of $4,200 and a 70% economic interest in common units. We expect to receive $7,800 from New DTV at closing ($7,600 in cash and approximately $200 of transferred DIRECTV debt). TPG will contribute approximately $1,800 in cash to New DTV for $1,800 of senior preferred units and a 30% economic interest in common units. The remaining $5,800 will be funded by debt issued by New DTV. As part of this transaction, we agreed to pay net losses under the NFL SUNDAY TICKET contract up to a cap of $2,500 over the remaining period of the contract. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, pending customary closing conditions. The total of $7,600 of proceeds from the transaction are expected to reduce our total and net debt positions. In the first quarter of 2021, we applied held-for-sale accounting treatment to the assets and liabilities of the U.S. video business, and, accordingly, include the assets in “Prepaid and other current assets,” and the related liabilities in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” on our consolidated balance sheet. The held-for-sale classification also resulted in ceasing depreciation and amortization on the designated assets. Assets and liabilities of the Video operations included the following as of March 31, 2021: Assets held-for-sale: Current assets $ 3,776 Property, plant and equipment - net 2,410 Licenses, net 5,798 Other intangible assets, net 1,633 Other assets 1,948 Total assets $ 15,565 Liabilities related to assets held-for-sale: Current liabilities $ 4,022 Long-term debt 205 Other noncurrent liabilities 351 Total liabilities $ 4,578

Sales Of Receivables

Sales Of Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Sales Of Receivables	NOTE 9. SALES OF RECEIVABLES We have agreements with various third-party financial institutions pertaining to the sales of certain types of our accounts receivable. The most significant of these programs are discussed in detail below and generally consist of (1) receivables arising from equipment installment plans, which are sold for cash and a deferred purchase price, and (2) revolving service and trade receivables. Under these programs, we transfer receivables to purchasers in exchange for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, where applicable. Under the terms of our agreements for these programs, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the financial institutions. The sales of receivables did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or to “Total Assets” reported on our consolidated balance sheets. We reflect cash receipts on sold receivables as cash flows from operations in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash receipts on the deferred purchase price are classified as cash flows from investing activities. Our equipment installment and revolving receivable programs are discussed in detail below. The following table sets forth a summary of the receivables and accounts being serviced: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Equipment Equipment Installment Revolving Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 3,857 $ 3,718 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,846 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 452 3,543 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,559 175 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,448 5,755 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 7,176 5,755 5,646 5,300 1 Represents amounts to which financial institutions remain entitled, excluding the deferred purchase price. Equipment Installment Receivables Program 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. We maintain a program under which we transfer a portion of these receivables through our bankruptcy-remote subsidiary in exchange for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. 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 financial institutions equal to any outstanding remaining installment receivable balance. Accordingly, we record a guarantee obligation for this estimated amount at the time the receivables are transferred. The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold $ 3,935 $ 2,367 Net receivables sold 1 3,826 2,273 Cash proceeds received 3,519 1,950 Deferred purchase price recorded 414 353 Guarantee obligation recorded 146 44 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and equipment trade-in right guarantees. The deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation are initially recorded at estimated fair value and subsequently adjusted for changes in present value of expected cash flows. 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. The 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 presents the previously transferred equipment installment receivables, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 273 $ 288 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 253 277 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 20 $ 11 1 These gains are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our deferred purchase price receivable was $2,283 and $1,991, respectively, of which $1,515 and $1,476 are included in “Prepaid and other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in “Other Assets.” The guarantee obligation at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $285 and $228, respectively, of which $129 and $161 are included 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 total amount of our deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation. Revolving Receivables Program We have a revolving agreement to transfer up to $6,000 of certain receivables through our bankruptcy-remote subsidiaries to various financial institutions on a recurring basis in exchange for cash equal to the gross receivables transferred. This agreement is subject to renewal on an annual basis and the transfer limit may be expanded from time to time. As customers pay their balances, we transfer additional receivables into the program, resulting in our gross receivables sold exceeding net cash flow impacts (e.g., collect and reinvest). The transferred receivables are fully guaranteed by our bankruptcy-remote subsidiaries, which hold additional receivables in the amount of $3,718 that are pledged as collateral under this agreement. The transfers are recorded at fair value of the proceeds received and obligations assumed less derecognized receivables. The obligation is subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated expected credit losses and interest rates. Our maximum exposure to loss related to these receivables transferred is limited to the amount outstanding. The fair value measurement used for the obligation is considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 7). The following table sets forth a summary of receivables sold: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 5,204 $ 4,222 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement 4,504 3,222 Collections not reinvested 245 — Net cash proceeds received (remitted) $ 455 $ 1,000 Net receivables sold 2 $ 5,125 $ 4,138 Obligations recorded (reversed) 142 126 1 Includes initial sales of receivables of $700 and $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	NOTE 10. LEASES We have operating and finance leases for certain facilities and equipment used in operations. Our leases generally have remaining lease terms of up to 15 years. Some of our real estate operating leases contain renewal options that may be exercised, and some of our leases include options to terminate the leases within one year. We have recognized a right-of-use asset for both operating and finance leases, and an operating lease liability that represents the present value of our obligation to make payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using the incremental borrowing rate for operating and finance leases, which was determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. We use the unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjust that rate to approximate a collateralized rate in the currency of the lease, which will be updated on a quarterly basis for measurement of new lease liabilities. The components of lease expense were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,458 $ 1,377 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 69 $ 67 Interest on lease obligation 39 41 Total finance lease cost $ 108 $ 108 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,254 $ 1,217 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 1,050 1,013 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: March 31, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,415 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,564 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,766 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,330 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 3,414 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,308) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 2,106 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 180 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,747 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,927 $ 2,036 March 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.4 Finance leases 9.8 10.7 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.0 % 4.2 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.4 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At March 31, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 3,631 $ 242 2022 4,647 314 2023 4,212 291 2024 3,671 272 2025 3,015 269 Thereafter 11,668 1,587 Total lease payments 30,844 2,975 Less: imputed interest (5,514) (1,048) Total $ 25,330 $ 1,927
Leases	NOTE 10. LEASES We have operating and finance leases for certain facilities and equipment used in operations. Our leases generally have remaining lease terms of up to 15 years. Some of our real estate operating leases contain renewal options that may be exercised, and some of our leases include options to terminate the leases within one year. We have recognized a right-of-use asset for both operating and finance leases, and an operating lease liability that represents the present value of our obligation to make payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using the incremental borrowing rate for operating and finance leases, which was determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. We use the unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjust that rate to approximate a collateralized rate in the currency of the lease, which will be updated on a quarterly basis for measurement of new lease liabilities. The components of lease expense were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,458 $ 1,377 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 69 $ 67 Interest on lease obligation 39 41 Total finance lease cost $ 108 $ 108 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,254 $ 1,217 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 1,050 1,013 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: March 31, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,415 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,564 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,766 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,330 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 3,414 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,308) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 2,106 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 180 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,747 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,927 $ 2,036 March 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.4 Finance leases 9.8 10.7 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.0 % 4.2 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.4 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At March 31, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 3,631 $ 242 2022 4,647 314 2023 4,212 291 2024 3,671 272 2025 3,015 269 Thereafter 11,668 1,587 Total lease payments 30,844 2,975 Less: imputed interest (5,514) (1,048) Total $ 25,330 $ 1,927

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	NOTE 11. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION Cash and Cash Flows 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 table summarizes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances contained on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,342 $ 9,955 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets 2 8 9 69 Restricted cash in Other Assets 84 77 121 96 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 11,428 $ 10,040 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest, income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three months ended March 31, Cash paid (received) during the period for: 2021 2020 Interest $ 2,134 $ 2,376 Income taxes, net of refunds 5 (354) Spectrum acquisitions 22,876 97 Noncash Investing and Financing Activities In connection with capital improvements and the acquisition of other productive assets, we negotiate favorable payment terms (referred to as vendor financing), which are reported as financing activities in our statements of cash flows when paid. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded vendor financing commitments related to capital investments of approximately $998 and $449. Total vendor financing payables included in our March 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheet were approximately $3,552, with $2,883 due within one year (in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities”) and the remainder predominantly due within two Debt Transactions At March 31, 2021, our debt obligations totaled $180,199. Our debt activity during the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily consisted of the following: Net commercial paper borrowings $ 7,072 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 1 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes 1,461 Rate of 0.00% 2021 Syndicated Term Loan 7,350 BAML Bilateral Term Loan 2,000 Private financing 750 Other 636 Debt Issuances $ 18,197 Repayments: Private financing $ (649) Other (253) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Credit Facilities On January 29, 2021, we entered into a $14,700 Term Loan Credit Agreement (2021 Syndicated Term Loan), with Bank of America, N.A., as agent. On March 23, 2021, we borrowed $7,350 under the 2021 Syndicated Term Loan and the remaining $7,350 of lenders’ commitments were terminated. As of March 31, 2021, $7,350 was outstanding and is due on March 22, 2022. In March 2021, we entered into and drew on a $2,000 term loan credit agreement (BAML Bilateral Term Loan) consisting of (i) a 0.75 year $1,000 facility due December 31, 2021 (BAML Tranche A Facility), and (ii) a 1.75 year $1,000 facility due December 31, 2022 (BAML Tranche B Facility), with Bank of America, N.A., as agent. At March 31, 2021, $2,000 was outstanding under these facilities.

Preparation Of Interim Financ_2

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships which we do not control but 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.
Basis of Accounting	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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period’s presentation (see Note 4 and Note 5).
Recognition of Actuarial Gains and Losses	We recognize actuarial 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.
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts	We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) exists, against the fair value of the derivative instruments.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, is shown in the table below: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income Attributable to Common Stock $ 7,500 $ 4,578 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 6 6 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 7,506 $ 4,584 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,161 7,187 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 27 27 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,188 7,214

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated 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 Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ (3,926) $ 111 $ (779) $ 8,924 $ 4,330 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (105) (55) 511 — 351 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (2) 1 24 2 (504) 3 (482) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (105) (57) 535 (504) (131) Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ (4,031) $ 54 $ (244) $ 8,420 $ 4,199 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (3,056) $ 48 $ (37) $ 8,515 $ 5,470 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,803) 66 (3,657) — (5,394) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 — 2 (461) 3 (461) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,803) 66 (3,657) (461) (5,855) Balance as of March 31, 2020 $ (4,859) $ 114 $ (3,694) $ 8,054 $ (385) 1 (Gains) losses are included in “ Other income (expense) - net ” in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are primarily 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) - net ” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 6).

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenues to Segment Contribution	For the three months ended March 31, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 19,034 $ 11,018 $ 8,016 $ 2,014 $ 6,002 $ — $ 6,002 Business Wireline 6,046 3,710 2,336 1,278 1,058 — 1,058 Consumer Wireline 3,098 2,031 1,067 762 305 — 305 Total Communications 28,178 16,759 11,419 4,054 7,365 — 7,365 WarnerMedia 8,526 6,403 2,123 163 1,960 70 2,030 Latin America Vrio 743 661 82 117 (35) (4) (39) Mexico 631 620 11 145 (134) — (134) Total Latin America 1,374 1,281 93 262 (169) (4) (173) Segment Total 38,078 24,443 13,635 4,479 9,156 $ 66 $ 9,222 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 426 1,213 (787) 35 (822) Video 6,725 5,660 1,065 164 901 Acquisition-related items — 37 (37) 1,131 (1,168) Certain significant items — 57 (57) — (57) Eliminations and consolidations (1,290) (941) (349) — (349) AT&T Inc. $ 43,939 $ 30,469 $ 13,470 $ 5,809 $ 7,661 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $669 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,402 $ 9,569 $ 7,833 $ 2,045 $ 5,788 $ — $ 5,788 Business Wireline 6,266 3,887 2,379 1,286 1,093 — 1,093 Consumer Wireline 3,111 1,879 1,232 712 520 — 520 Total Communications 26,779 15,335 11,444 4,043 7,401 — 7,401 WarnerMedia 7,765 5,605 2,160 161 1,999 15 2,014 Latin America Vrio 887 783 104 147 (43) 4 (39) Mexico 703 714 (11) 134 (145) — (145) Total Latin America 1,590 1,497 93 281 (188) 4 (184) Segment Total 36,134 22,437 13,697 4,485 9,212 $ 19 $ 9,231 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 534 1,012 (478) 90 (568) Video 7,407 6,020 1,387 591 796 Acquisition-related items — 182 (182) 2,056 (2,238) Certain significant items — (658) 658 — 658 Eliminations and consolidations (1,296) (922) (374) — (374) AT&T Inc. $ 42,779 $ 28,071 $ 14,708 $ 7,222 $ 7,486 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $612 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization.
Reconciliation of Segment Contributions to Income Before Income Taxes	The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contributions to “Income Before Income Taxes” reported in our consolidated statements of income: Three months ended 2021 2020 Communications $ 7,365 $ 7,401 WarnerMedia 2,030 2,014 Latin America (173) (184) Segment Contribution 9,222 9,231 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (822) (568) Video 901 796 Merger costs (37) (182) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,131) (2,056) Asset impairments and abandonments — (123) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — 900 Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses (57) (119) Segment equity in net income of affiliates (66) (19) Eliminations and consolidations (349) (374) AT&T Operating Income 7,661 7,486 Interest Expense 1,870 2,018 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 52 (6) Other income (expense) - net 4,221 803 Income Before Income Taxes $ 10,064 $ 6,265 1 Included as a reduction of "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the consolidated statement of income.
Schedule of Intersegment Revenues and Assets by Segment	The following tables presents intersegment revenues and assets by segment: Intersegment Reconciliation Three months ended 2021 2020 Intersegment Revenues Communications $ 3 $ 2 WarnerMedia 838 817 Latin America — — Total Intersegment Revenues 841 819 Consolidations 449 477 Eliminations and consolidations $ 1,290 $ 1,296 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Communications 1 $ 506,168 $ 506,102 WarnerMedia 148,588 148,037 Latin America 15,522 15,811 Corporate and eliminations 1 (123,293) (144,189) Total $ 546,985 $ 525,761 1 Amounts above, including December 31, 2020, have been updated to reflect the classification of our Video business as held-for-sale, which included the recast of historical results to remove Video from our Communications segment and instead report in Corporate and Other (see Note 8).

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue by Category and Business Unit	The following tables set forth reported revenue by category and by business unit, prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current period presentation with our segment updates (see Note 4). For the three months ended March 31, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,965 $ — $ — $ — $ 439 $ 10 $ — $ 14,414 Video service — — — — 743 6,295 — 7,038 Business service — 5,872 — — — 70 — 5,942 IP Broadband — — 2,205 — — — — 2,205 Subscription — — — 3,830 — — — 3,010 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (235) Other 2 — — — — — — (585) Content — — — 3,420 — — — 2,777 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (331) — — — Other 3 — — — (312) — — — Advertising 83 — — 1,750 — 388 (388) 1,833 Legacy voice and data — — 519 — — 123 — 642 Other — — 332 169 — 224 (82) 643 Total Service $ 14,048 $ 5,872 $ 3,056 $ 8,526 $ 1,182 $ 7,110 $ (1,290) $ 38,504 Equipment 4,986 174 42 — 192 41 — 5,435 Total $ 19,034 $ 6,046 $ 3,098 $ 8,526 $ 1,374 $ 7,151 $ (1,290) $ 43,939 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($145 with Mobility and $90 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-Verse from WarnerMedia. 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,892 $ — $ — $ — $ 467 $ 116 $ — $ 14,475 Video service — — — — 887 6,984 — 7,871 Business service — 6,091 — — — 77 — 6,168 IP Broadband — — 2,109 — — — — 2,109 Subscription — — — 3,401 — — — 2,607 DTC (HBO Max) — — — — — — — Other 1 — — — — — — (794) Content — — — 3,303 — — — 2,633 DTC (HBO Max) 2 — — — (401) — — — Other 2 — — — (269) — — — Advertising 76 — — 1,477 — 413 (413) 1,553 Legacy voice and data — — 581 — — 134 — 715 Other — — 419 254 — 168 (89) 752 Total Service $ 13,968 $ 6,091 $ 3,109 $ 7,765 $ 1,354 $ 7,892 $ (1,296) $ 38,883 Equipment 3,434 175 2 — 236 49 — 3,896 Total $ 17,402 $ 6,266 $ 3,111 $ 7,765 $ 1,590 $ 7,941 $ (1,296) $ 42,779 1 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-Verse from WarnerMedia. 2 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment.
Schedule of Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs	The following table presents the deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs included on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 3,788 $ 3,087 Other Assets 2,693 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 6,481 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 4,945 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,367 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 9,312 $ 9,752 The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the three months ended: March 31, March 31, Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 764 $ 636 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 1,290 1,305
Schedule of Contract Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents contract assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 3,554 $ 3,501 Contract liability 5,517 6,879

Pension And Postretirement Be_2

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Pension and Postretirement Benefit (Credits) Costs	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 (credit) cost is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net.” Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 254 $ 257 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 291 422 Expected return on assets (877) (889) Amortization of prior service credit (36) (28) Actuarial (gain) loss (2,844) — Net pension (credit) cost $ (3,212) $ (238) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 13 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 53 104 Expected return on assets (38) (44) Amortization of prior service credit (634) (582) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (608) $ (509) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (3,820) $ (747)

Fair Value Measurements And D_2

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Financial Instruments	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities, and other financial instruments, are summarized as follows: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 171,194 $ 192,420 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 7,078 7,078 — — Investment securities 2 3,208 3,208 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Amounts at March 31, 2021 exclude $205 associated with Video business that was classified as held-for-sale (see Note 8). 2 Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method.
Fair Value Leveling	Following is the fair value leveling for investment securities that are measured at fair value and derivatives as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities,” “Prepaid and other current assets” and “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. March 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,060 $ — $ — $ 1,060 International equities 198 — — 198 Fixed income equities 227 — — 227 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,404 — 1,404 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 1,461 — 1,461 Foreign exchange contracts — 8 — 8 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (2,038) — (2,038) Foreign exchange contracts — (7) — (7) December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,010 $ — $ — $ 1,010 International equities 180 — — 180 Fixed income equities 236 — — 236 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,479 — 1,479 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 1,721 — 1,721 Foreign exchange contracts — 6 — 6 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (1,814) — (1,814) Foreign exchange contracts — (9) — (9)
Components Comprising Total Gains and Losses on Equity Securities	The components comprising total gains and losses in the period on equity securities are as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 55 $ (203) Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold — (33) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 55 $ (170)
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 42,186 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 228 90 Total $ 42,414 $ 40,835
Effect on Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income	Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended March 31, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (1) $ 10 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 1 (10) Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (48) — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 48 — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (1) — The following table presents information for our cash flow hedging relationships: Three months ended March 31, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ 644 $ (3,979) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 4 (13) Other income (expense) - net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (5) 16 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — (636) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (25) (16)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale	Assets and liabilities of the Video operations included the following as of March 31, 2021: Assets held-for-sale: Current assets $ 3,776 Property, plant and equipment - net 2,410 Licenses, net 5,798 Other intangible assets, net 1,633 Other assets 1,948 Total assets $ 15,565 Liabilities related to assets held-for-sale: Current liabilities $ 4,022 Long-term debt 205 Other noncurrent liabilities 351 Total liabilities $ 4,578

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Finance Receivables	Our equipment installment and revolving receivable programs are discussed in detail below. The following table sets forth a summary of the receivables and accounts being serviced: March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Equipment Equipment Installment Revolving Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 3,857 $ 3,718 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,846 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 452 3,543 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,559 175 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,448 5,755 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 7,176 5,755 5,646 5,300 1 Represents amounts to which financial institutions remain entitled, excluding the deferred purchase price. The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold $ 3,935 $ 2,367 Net receivables sold 1 3,826 2,273 Cash proceeds received 3,519 1,950 Deferred purchase price recorded 414 353 Guarantee obligation recorded 146 44 1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and equipment trade-in right guarantees. The following table presents the previously transferred equipment installment receivables, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 273 $ 288 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 253 277 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 20 $ 11 1 These gains are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income.
Schedule of Receivables Sold	The following table sets forth a summary of receivables sold: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 5,204 $ 4,222 Collections reinvested under revolving agreement 4,504 3,222 Collections not reinvested 245 — Net cash proceeds received (remitted) $ 455 $ 1,000 Net receivables sold 2 $ 5,125 $ 4,138 Obligations recorded (reversed) 142 126 1 Includes initial sales of receivables of $700 and $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense, Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases, and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	The components of lease expense were as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,458 $ 1,377 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 69 $ 67 Interest on lease obligation 39 41 Total finance lease cost $ 108 $ 108 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,254 $ 1,217 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 1,050 1,013 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: March 31, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,415 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,564 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,766 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,330 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 3,414 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,308) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 2,106 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 180 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,747 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,927 $ 2,036 March 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.4 Finance leases 9.8 10.7 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 4.0 % 4.2 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.4 %
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At March 31, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 3,631 $ 242 2022 4,647 314 2023 4,212 291 2024 3,671 272 2025 3,015 269 Thereafter 11,668 1,587 Total lease payments 30,844 2,975 Less: imputed interest (5,514) (1,048) Total $ 25,330 $ 1,927
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At March 31, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 3,631 $ 242 2022 4,647 314 2023 4,212 291 2024 3,671 272 2025 3,015 269 Thereafter 11,668 1,587 Total lease payments 30,844 2,975 Less: imputed interest (5,514) (1,048) Total $ 25,330 $ 1,927

Additional Financial Informat_2

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Flows and Debt Transactions	The following table summarizes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances contained on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,342 $ 9,955 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets 2 8 9 69 Restricted cash in Other Assets 84 77 121 96 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 11,428 $ 10,040 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest, income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three months ended March 31, Cash paid (received) during the period for: 2021 2020 Interest $ 2,134 $ 2,376 Income taxes, net of refunds 5 (354) Spectrum acquisitions 22,876 97 Net commercial paper borrowings $ 7,072 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 1 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes 1,461 Rate of 0.00% 2021 Syndicated Term Loan 7,350 BAML Bilateral Term Loan 2,000 Private financing 750 Other 636 Debt Issuances $ 18,197 Repayments: Private financing $ (649) Other (253) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock	$ 7,500	$ 4,578
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment	6	6
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 7,506	$ 4,584
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	7,161	7,187
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment (in shares)	27	27
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	7,188	7,214

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$ 351	$ (5,394)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(482)	(461)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(131)	(5,855)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	4,330	5,470
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(131)	(5,855)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	4,199	(385)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(3,926)	(3,056)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(105)	(1,803)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(105)	(1,803)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(4,031)	(4,859)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	111	48
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(55)	66
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(2)	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(57)	66
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	54	114
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(779)	(37)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	511	(3,657)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	24	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	535	(3,657)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(244)	(3,694)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	8,924	8,515
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(504)	(461)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(504)	(461)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ 8,420	$ 8,054

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 43,939	$ 42,779
Operations and Support Expenses	30,469	28,071
EBITDA	13,470	14,708
Depreciation and Amortization	5,809	7,222
Operating Income	7,661	7,486
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	52	(6)
Income Before Income Taxes	10,064	6,265
Reclassification of prior service credit amortization	669	612
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	38,078	36,134
Operations and Support Expenses	24,443	22,437
EBITDA	13,635	13,697
Depreciation and Amortization	4,479	4,485
Operating Income	9,156	9,212
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	66	19
Income Before Income Taxes	9,222	9,231
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	426	534
Operations and Support Expenses	1,213	1,012
EBITDA	(787)	(478)
Depreciation and Amortization	35	90
Operating Income	(822)	(568)
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(66)	(19)
Video
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,725	7,407
Operations and Support Expenses	5,660	6,020
EBITDA	1,065	1,387
Depreciation and Amortization	164	591
Operating Income	901	796
Acquisition-related items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	37	182
EBITDA	(37)	(182)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,131	2,056
Operating Income	(1,168)	(2,238)
Certain significant items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	57	(658)
EBITDA	(57)	658
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0
Operating Income	(57)	658
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(1,290)	(1,296)
Operations and Support Expenses	(941)	(922)
EBITDA	(349)	(374)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0
Operating Income	(349)	(374)
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,178	26,779
Operations and Support Expenses	16,759	15,335
EBITDA	11,419	11,444
Depreciation and Amortization	4,054	4,043
Operating Income	7,365	7,401
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	7,365	7,401
Communications | Mobility | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,034	17,402
Operations and Support Expenses	11,018	9,569
EBITDA	8,016	7,833
Depreciation and Amortization	2,014	2,045
Operating Income	6,002	5,788
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	6,002	5,788
Communications | Business Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,046	6,266
Operations and Support Expenses	3,710	3,887
EBITDA	2,336	2,379
Depreciation and Amortization	1,278	1,286
Operating Income	1,058	1,093
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	1,058	1,093
Communications | Consumer Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,098	3,111
Operations and Support Expenses	2,031	1,879
EBITDA	1,067	1,232
Depreciation and Amortization	762	712
Operating Income	305	520
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	305	520
WarnerMedia | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	8,526	7,765
Operations and Support Expenses	6,403	5,605
EBITDA	2,123	2,160
Depreciation and Amortization	163	161
Operating Income	1,960	1,999
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	70	15
Income Before Income Taxes	2,030	2,014
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,374	1,590
Operations and Support Expenses	1,281	1,497
EBITDA	93	93
Depreciation and Amortization	262	281
Operating Income	(169)	(188)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(4)	4
Income Before Income Taxes	(173)	(184)
Latin America | Vrio | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	743	887
Operations and Support Expenses	661	783
EBITDA	82	104
Depreciation and Amortization	117	147
Operating Income	(35)	(43)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(4)	4
Income Before Income Taxes	(39)	(39)
Latin America | Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	631	703
Operations and Support Expenses	620	714
EBITDA	11	(11)
Depreciation and Amortization	145	134
Operating Income	(134)	(145)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	$ (134)	$ (145)

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Operating Income Loss to Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	$ 10,064	$ 6,265
AT&T Operating Income	7,661	7,486
Asset impairments and abandonments	0	(123)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	52	(6)
Interest Expense	1,870	2,018
Other income (expense) - net	4,221	803
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	9,222	9,231
AT&T Operating Income	9,156	9,212
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	66	19
Operating Segments | Communications
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	7,365	7,401
AT&T Operating Income	7,365	7,401
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	2,030	2,014
AT&T Operating Income	1,960	1,999
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	70	15
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	(173)	(184)
AT&T Operating Income	(169)	(188)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(4)	4
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(822)	(568)
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Merger costs	(37)	(182)
Amortization of intangibles acquired	(1,131)	(2,056)
Asset impairments and abandonments	0	(123)
Gain on spectrum transaction	0	900
Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses	(57)	(119)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(66)	(19)
Video
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	901	796
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ (349)	$ (374)

Segment Information (Intersegme

Segment Information (Intersegment Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ (43,939)	$ (42,779)
Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	841	819
Consolidations
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	449	477
Eliminations and consolidations
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	1,290	1,296
Communications | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	3	2
WarnerMedia | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	838	817
Latin America | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Interseg_2

Segment Information (Intersegment Assets Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 546,985	$ 525,761
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	(123,293)	(144,189)
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	506,168	506,102
WarnerMedia | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	148,588	148,037
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 15,522	$ 15,811

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Ca

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 43,939	$ 42,779
Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	38,504	38,883
Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,414	14,475
Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	7,038	7,871
Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,942	6,168
IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,205	2,109
Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,010	2,607
Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,777	2,633
Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,833	1,553
Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	642	715
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	643	752
Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,435	3,896
Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	38,078	36,134
Operating Segments | Communications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	28,178	26,779
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	19,034	17,402
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,048	13,968
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	13,965	13,892
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	83	76
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	4,986	3,434
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	6,046	6,266
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,872	6,091
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,872	6,091
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	174	175
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,098	3,111
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,056	3,109
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,205	2,109
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	519	581
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	332	419
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	42	2
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	8,526	7,765
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	8,526	7,765
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,830	3,401
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,420	3,303
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(331)	(401)
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(312)	(269)
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,750	1,477
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	169	254
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,374	1,590
Operating Segments | Latin America | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,182	1,354
Operating Segments | Latin America | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	439	467
Operating Segments | Latin America | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	743	887
Operating Segments | Latin America | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	192	236
Corporate and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	7,151	7,941
Corporate and Other | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	7,110	7,892
Corporate and Other | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	10	116
Corporate and Other | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	6,295	6,984
Corporate and Other | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	70	77
Corporate and Other | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Corporate and Other | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	388	413
Corporate and Other | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	123	134
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	224	168
Corporate and Other | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	41	49
Elim.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,290)	(1,296)
Elim. | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,290)	(1,296)
Elim. | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(235)	0
Elim. | DTC(HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment with Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(145)
Elim. | DTC(HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment with Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(90)
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(585)	(794)
Elim. | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(388)	(413)
Elim. | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(82)	(89)
Elim. | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset balance - current portion	$ 2,208	$ 2,054
Contract liability balance - current portion	4,839	6,071
Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during period	4,509
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	41,259
Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	2,085
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	6,481	6,285
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	3,788	3,087
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	2,693	3,198
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	1,350
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	$ 594
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization period for deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	3 years
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization period for deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	5 years
Deferred Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	$ 9,312	9,752
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	4,945	4,118
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	4,367	$ 5,634
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	2,417
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	$ 984
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization period for deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	3 years
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization period for deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	5 years

Revenue Recognition (Deferred C

Revenue Recognition (Deferred Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 6,481		$ 6,285
Deferred cost amortization	764	$ 636
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	3,788		3,087
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	2,693		3,198
Deferred Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	9,312		9,752
Deferred cost amortization	1,290	$ 1,305
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	4,945		4,118
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 4,367		$ 5,634

Revenue Recognition (Contract A

Revenue Recognition (Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset	$ 3,554	$ 3,501
Contract liability	$ 5,517	$ 6,879

Revenue Recognition (Remaining

Revenue Recognition (Remaining Performance Obligations) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (percentage)	87.00%
Expected timing of satisfaction for remaining performance obligations, period	21 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (percentage)	13.00%
Expected timing of satisfaction for remaining performance obligations, period

Pension And Postretirement Be_3

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ (3,820)	$ (747)
Actuarial loss	$ (2,844)	0
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation	3.30%		2.70%
Actual return on pension plan assets (three-month rate)	(1.33%)
Expected long-term rate of return (annual rate)	6.75%
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ (3,212)	(238)
Pension Plan | Service Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect	3.60%
Pension Plan | Interest Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect	2.50%
Supplemental Retirement and Savings Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ 12	$ 19

Pension And Postretirement Be_4

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Included In Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (credit) cost	$ (3,820)	$ (747)
Pension Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	254	257
Interest cost on projected / accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	291	422
Expected return on assets	(877)	(889)
Amortization of prior service credit	(36)	(28)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(2,844)	0
Net (credit) cost	(3,212)	(238)
Postretirement Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	11	13
Interest cost on projected / accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	53	104
Expected return on assets	(38)	(44)
Amortization of prior service credit	(634)	(582)
Net (credit) cost	$ (608)	$ (509)

Fair Value Measurements And D_3

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Held-for-sale | Video Business Unit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	$ 205
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	171,194	$ 155,209
Commercial paper	7,078	0
Investment securities	3,208	3,249
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	192,420	187,224
Commercial paper	7,078	0
Investment securities	$ 3,208	$ 3,249

Fair Value Measurements And D_4

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	$ 1,404	$ 1,479
Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	1,461	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(2,038)	(1,814)
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	8	6
Liability Derivatives	(7)	(9)
Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	227	236
Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,060	1,010
International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	198	180
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	227	236
Level 1 | Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,060	1,010
Level 1 | International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	198	180
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	1,404	1,479
Level 2 | Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	1,461	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(2,038)	(1,814)
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	8	6
Liability Derivatives	(7)	(9)
Level 2 | Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	0	0
Level 2 | Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	0	0
Level 2 | International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	0	0
Level 3 | Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Level 3 | Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	0	0
Level 3 | Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	0	0
Level 3 | International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements And D_5

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Gain and Losses on Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	$ 55	$ (203)
Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold	0	(33)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period	$ 55	$ (170)

Fair Value Measurements And D_6

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 1,404		$ 1,479
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities less than 1 year	33
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 1 to 3 years	186
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 3 to 5 years	206
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities for 5 or more years	979
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	87
Net gains on net investment hedges recognized in accumulated OCI	70
Collateral submitted to counterparty	47		53
Collateral received from counterparty	781		$ 694
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	48
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	1,160
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Communications | DirecTV
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 36
Net Investment Hedging
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €		€ 1,433,000,000

Fair Value Measurements And D_7

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 42,414	$ 40,835
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	42,186	40,745
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 228	$ 90

Fair Value Measurements And D_8

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Effect Of Derivatives On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ (1)	$ 10
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	1	(10)
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	(48)	0
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	48	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(1)	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	644	(3,979)
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	4	(13)
Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense) - net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	(5)	16
Interest rate locks
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	0	(636)
Interest rate locks | Interest income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	$ (25)	$ (16)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 24, 2021USD ($)license	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt		$ 18,197,000,000
Forecast | Sale of Business Unit | Video Business Unit
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received at closing			$ 7,800,000,000
Cash proceeds received at closing			7,600,000,000
Amount of transferred DIRECTV debt			200,000,000
Forecast | DIRECTV (New DTV)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt			5,800,000,000
Forecast | DIRECTV (New DTV)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Interest in newly formed company, additional distribution preference			$ 4,200,000,000
Economic interest in common units held after disposal of business unit			70.00%
Agreement to pay net losses under NFL Sunday Ticket Contract, cap amount			$ 2,500,000,000
Forecast | DIRECTV (New DTV) | TPG Capital
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash contribution to newly formed company			$ 1,800,000,000
Economic interest in common units			30.00%
C-Band Licenses
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Winning bidder, number of licenses | license	1,621
Payments to acquire intangible assets		$ 22,856,000,000		$ 550,000,000	$ 23,406,000,000
Estimated relocation costs	$ 1,000,000,000
Phase I Spectrum
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Estimated Incentive Payments upon clearing of spectrum	955,000,000
Phase II Spectrum
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Estimated Incentive Payments upon clearing of spectrum	$ 2,112,000,000
Junior Preferred Interests | Forecast | DIRECTV (New DTV)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Preferred interest in newly formed company			$ 4,250,000,000
Senior Preferred Interests | Forecast | DIRECTV (New DTV) | TPG Capital
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Preferred interest in newly formed company			$ 1,800,000,000

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_4

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale) (Details) - Held-for-sale - Video Business Unit $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Assets held-for-sale:
Current assets	$ 3,776
Property, plant and equipment - net	2,410
Other assets	1,948
Total assets	15,565
Liabilities related to assets held-for-sale:
Current liabilities	4,022
Long-term debt	205
Other noncurrent liabilities	351
Total liabilities	4,578
Licenses, net
Assets held-for-sale:
Intangible assets, net	5,798
Other intangible assets, net
Assets held-for-sale:
Intangible assets, net	$ 1,633

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivable	$ 3,857	$ 5,565
Other Assets	1,559	2,295
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	9,448	7,827
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	7,176	5,646
Equipment Installment | Notes receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	1,846	2,716
Equipment Installment | Trade receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	452	554
Revolving
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivable	3,718	3,909
Other Assets	175	194
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	5,755	5,300
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	5,755	5,300
Revolving | Notes receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	0	0
Revolving | Trade receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 3,543	$ 3,715

Sales Of Receivables (Finance R

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net receivables sold	$ 5,125	$ 4,138
Cash proceeds received	5,204	4,222
Guarantee obligation recorded	142	126
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivables sold	3,935	2,367
Net receivables sold	3,826	2,273
Cash proceeds received	3,519	1,950
Deferred purchase price recorded	414	353
Guarantee obligation recorded	$ 146	$ 44

Sales Of Receivables (Finance_2

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - Equipment Installment - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables	$ 273	$ 288
Carrying value of deferred purchase price	253	277
Gain on repurchases	$ 20	$ 11

Sales Of Receivables (Equipme_2

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment Program | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	$ 285	$ 228
Equipment Installment Program | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	129	161
Equipment Installment Program | Deferred Purchase Price Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	2,283	1,991
Equipment Installment Program | Deferred Purchase Price Receivable | Prepaid and other current assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	1,515	$ 1,476
Revolving Receivables Program
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Revolving agreement, transfer amount (up to)	6,000
Receivables pledged as collateral	$ 3,718

Sales Of Receivables (Summary o

Sales Of Receivables (Summary of Receivables Sold) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received	$ 5,204	$ 4,222
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement	4,504	3,222
Collections not reinvested	245	0
Net cash proceeds received (remitted)	455	1,000
Net receivables sold	5,125	4,138
Obligations recorded (reversed)	142	126
Initial sale of receivables	$ 700	$ 1,000

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - Maximum	Mar. 31, 2021
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, remaining term of contract	15 years
Finance Lease, remaining term of contract	15 years

Leases (Components of Lease Exp

Leases (Components of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 1,458	$ 1,377
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	69	67
Interest on lease obligation	39	41
Total finance lease cost	$ 108	$ 108

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Operating cash flows for operating leases	$ 1,254	$ 1,217
Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations	$ 1,050	$ 1,013

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sh

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 24,415	$ 24,714
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 3,564	$ 3,537
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Operating lease obligation	$ 21,766	$ 22,202
Total operating lease obligation	25,330	25,739
Finance Leases
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	3,414	3,586
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,308)	(1,361)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 2,106	$ 2,225
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 180	$ 189
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Debt maturing within one year	Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt	$ 1,747	$ 1,847
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent	us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Total finance lease obligation	$ 1,927	$ 2,036
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years), Operating leases	8 years 4 months 24 days		8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years), Finance leases	9 years 9 months 18 days		10 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Operating leases	4.00%		4.20%
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Finance leases	8.00%		8.40%

Leases (Future Minimum Maturiti

Leases (Future Minimum Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$ 3,631
2022	4,647
2023	4,212
2024	3,671
2025	3,015
Thereafter	11,668
Total lease payments	30,844
Less: imputed interest	(5,514)
Total	25,330	$ 25,739
Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	242
2022	314
2023	291
2024	272
2025	269
Thereafter	1,587
Total lease payments	2,975
Less: imputed interest	(1,048)
Total	$ 1,927	$ 2,036

Additional Financial Informat_3

Additional Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,342	$ 9,955	$ 9,740	$ 12,130
Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets	2	8	9	69
Restricted cash in Other Assets	84	77	121	96
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	11,428	10,040	$ 9,870	$ 12,295
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	2,134	2,376
Income taxes, net of refunds	5	(354)
Spectrum acquisitions	22,884	100
Spectrum Licenses
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Spectrum acquisitions	$ 22,876	$ 97

Additional Financial Informat_4

Additional Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Jan. 29, 2021
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Vendor financing payables		$ 3,552,000,000	$ 3,552,000,000
Vendor financing payables due within one year		2,883,000,000	2,883,000,000
Long-term debt obligations		180,199,000,000	180,199,000,000
2021 Syndicated Term Loan
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 14,700,000,000
Draw on line of credit	$ 7,350,000,000		7,350,000,000
Amount of debt terminated after draw	$ 7,350,000,000
Amount outstanding		7,350,000,000	7,350,000,000
BAML Bilateral Term Loan
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Draw on line of credit		2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Amount outstanding		2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
BAML Tranche A Facility
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Term of debt instrument		9 months
BAML Tranche B Facility
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Term of debt instrument		1 year 9 months
Minimum
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Vendor financing payables, noncurrent, period due within			2 years
Maximum
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Vendor financing payables, noncurrent, period due within			3 years
Vendor Financing Program
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Noncash investing activities			$ 998,000,000	$ 449,000,000

Additional Financial Informat_5

Additional Financial Information - Debt Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Net commercial paper borrowings			$ 7,072
Issuances of Notes and Debentures			9,097	$ 4,357
Private financing			750
Other			636
Debt Issuances			18,197
Repayments:
Private financing			(649)
Other			(253)
Repayments of long-term debt			(902)	$ (4,422)
U.S. dollar denominated global notes
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures			$ 6,000
Initial average rate		1.27%	1.27%
Euro denominated global notes
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures			$ 1,461
Rate		0.00%	0.00%
2021 Syndicated Term Loan
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan	$ 7,350		$ 7,350
BAML Bilateral Term Loan
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan		$ 2,000	$ 2,000