AT&T (T) 10-Q 4 Nov 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 29, 2021
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 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		7,141
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 39,922	$ 42,340	$ 127,906	$ 126,069
Cost of revenues
Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	7,649	8,375	23,797	24,833
Selling, general and administrative	9,207	9,266	27,950	27,857
Asset impairments and abandonments	161	73	4,716	2,515
Depreciation and amortization	5,619	7,030	17,189	21,537
Total operating expenses	32,813	36,208	109,867	108,919
Operating Income	7,109	6,132	18,039	17,150
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(1,667)	(1,972)	(5,221)	(6,031)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	91	5	184	(11)
Other income (expense) — net	2,279	(231)	7,499	1,589
Total other income (expense)	703	(2,198)	2,462	(4,453)
Income Before Income Taxes	7,812	3,934	20,501	12,697
Income tax expense	1,539	766	4,412	3,003
Net Income	6,273	3,168	16,089	9,694
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(355)	(352)	(1,051)	(987)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T	5,918	2,816	15,038	8,707
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	(50)	(54)	(156)	(138)
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock	$ 5,868	$ 2,762	$ 14,882	$ 8,569
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 0.39	$ 2.07	$ 1.19
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 0.39	$ 2.07	$ 1.19
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in millions) (in shares)	7,171	7,147	7,167	7,160
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions) (in shares)	7,202	7,173	7,197	7,186
Service
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 34,843	$ 37,782	$ 112,303	$ 113,716
Equipment
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	5,079	4,558	15,603	12,353
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	5,427	4,552	16,324	12,622
Broadcast, programming and operations
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 4,750	$ 6,912	$ 19,891	$ 19,555

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,273	$ 3,168	$ 16,089	$ 9,694
Foreign currency:
Translation adjustment (includes $(4), $(2), $(2) and $(61) attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(17), $47, $(13) and $(150)	(86)	90	106	(1,459)
Securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(1), $1, $(13) and $28	(4)	1	(39)	81
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $0, $(1) and $0	(1)	0	(4)	0
Derivative instruments:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(54), $229, $(160) and $(574)	(195)	860	(593)	(2,166)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $4, $7, $16 and $11	11	27	57	44
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(165), $(150), $(495) and $(451)	(505)	(460)	(1,516)	(1,382)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(780)	518	(1,989)	(4,882)
Total comprehensive income	5,493	3,686	14,100	4,812
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(351)	(350)	(1,049)	(926)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 5,142	$ 3,336	$ 13,051	$ 3,886

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ (4)	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ (61)
Foreign currency translation adjustments - tax effect	(17)	47	(13)	(150)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities - tax effect	(1)	1	(13)	28
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on securities - tax effect	0	0	(1)	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - tax effect	(54)	229	(160)	(574)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on derivatives - tax effect	4	7	16	11
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income - tax effect	$ (165)	$ (150)	$ (495)	$ (451)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,270	$ 9,740
Accounts receivable – net of related allowances for credit loss of $806 and $1,221	16,304	20,215
Inventories	3,088	3,695
Prepaid and other current assets	16,568	18,358
Total current assets	57,230	52,008
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	17,811	14,752
Property, plant and equipment	325,866	327,751
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(201,447)	(200,436)
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net	124,419	127,315
Goodwill	133,663	135,259
Licenses – Net	112,423	93,840
Other Intangible Assets – Net	12,338	15,386
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates	8,629	1,780
Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets	24,341	24,714
Other Assets	21,748	23,617
Total Assets	547,107	525,761
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	23,755	3,470
Note payable to DIRECTV	1,180	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	47,926	50,051
Advanced billings and customer deposits	4,991	6,176
Dividends payable	3,749	3,741
Total current liabilities	81,601	63,438
Long-Term Debt	155,406	153,775
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	63,405	60,472
Postemployment benefit obligation	14,158	18,276
Operating lease liabilities	21,510	22,202
Other noncurrent liabilities	29,466	28,358
Noncurrent portion of note payable to DIRECTV	258	0
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	128,797	129,308
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: issued 7,620,748,598 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	7,621	7,621
Additional paid-in capital	130,035	130,175
Retained earnings	41,091	37,457
Treasury stock (480,656,332 at September 30, 2021 and 494,826,583 at December 31, 2020, at cost)	(17,319)	(17,910)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,343	4,330
Noncontrolling interest	17,532	17,567
Total stockholders’ equity	181,303	179,240
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	547,107	525,761
Series A (48,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Series B (20,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Series C (70,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Trademarks and Trade Names – Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	22,097	23,297
Distribution Networks – Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	$ 12,408	$ 13,793

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 806	$ 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)	480,656,332	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 16,089	$ 9,694
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,189	21,537
Amortization of film and television costs	8,421	6,448
Distributed (undistributed) earnings from investments in equity affiliates	102	108
Provision for uncollectible accounts	858	1,611
Deferred income tax expense	3,187	2,248
Net (gain) loss on investments, net of impairments	(965)	(689)
Pension and postretirement benefit expense (credit)	(2,870)	(2,245)
Actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement benefits	(3,021)	63
Asset impairments and abandonments	4,716	2,515
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	57	2,321
Other current assets, inventories and theatrical film and television production costs	(11,928)	(7,836)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(2,254)	(4,905)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	715	(148)
Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	316	453
Postretirement claims and contributions	(425)	(409)
Other - net	516	2,282
Total adjustments	14,614	23,354
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	30,703	33,048
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(12,696)	(13,283)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(23,533)	(1,215)
Dispositions	9,086	428
Other - net	(190)	344
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(27,333)	(13,726)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	630	(17)
Issuance of other short-term borrowings	17,476	9,440
Repayment of other short-term borrowings	(2,448)	(7,710)
Issuance of long-term debt	9,931	31,987
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,653)	(37,583)
Note payable to DIRECTV, net of payments of $361	1,439	0
Payment of vendor financing	(4,013)	(1,965)
Issuance of preferred stock	0	3,869
Purchase of treasury stock	(191)	(5,483)
Issuance of treasury stock	89	88
Issuance of preferred interests in subsidiaries	0	1,979
Dividends paid	(11,319)	(11,215)
Other - net	(1,776)	(5,158)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	8,165	(21,768)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	11,535	(2,446)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of year	9,870	12,295
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash End of Period	$ 21,405	$ 9,849

Consolidated Statements Of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Note payable to DIRECTV, net of payments of $361	$ 361

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												$ (5,600)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(149)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(56)						$ 735
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												19
Share-based payments						(24)
Net income attributable to AT&T	8,707								8,707
Preferred stock dividends									(103)
Common stock dividends ($0.52, $0.52, $1.56 and $1.56 per share)									(11,153)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(4,821)												(4,821)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	987													987
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														1,979
Distributions														(1,108)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	61													(61)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2020	195,056	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,139			55,094			$ (17,950)	649	19,503
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020		0	0	0	7,621							(496)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						4
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2020	193,453	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,046			56,045	0	56,045	$ (17,945)	129	17,557	0	17,557
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 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												$ (19)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(1)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(2)						$ 14
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												0
Share-based payments						91
Net income attributable to AT&T	2,816								2,816
Preferred stock dividends									(35)
Common stock dividends ($0.52, $0.52, $1.56 and $1.56 per share)									(3,732)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T													520
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	352													352
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														1,978
Distributions														(382)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	2													(2)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2020	195,056	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,139			55,094			$ (17,950)	649	19,503
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020		0	0	0	7,621							(496)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						4
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												$ (225)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(8)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(77)						$ 816
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												22
Share-based payments						(63)
Net income attributable to AT&T	15,038								15,038
Preferred stock dividends									(188)
Common stock dividends ($0.52, $0.52, $1.56 and $1.56 per share)									(11,216)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T	(1,987)												(1,987)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,051													1,051
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														0
Distributions														(1,084)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	2													(2)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2021	181,303	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,035			41,091			$ (17,319)	2,343	17,532
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021		0	0	0	7,621							(481)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						0
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2021	179,846	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	129,941			38,947	$ 0	$ 38,947	$ (17,332)	3,119	17,550	$ 0	$ 17,550
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021		0	0	0	7,621							(481)
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												$ (10)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock (in shares)												(1)
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock						(2)						$ 23
Issuance/reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)												1
Share-based payments						96
Net income attributable to AT&T	5,918								5,918
Preferred stock dividends									(36)
Common stock dividends ($0.52, $0.52, $1.56 and $1.56 per share)									(3,738)
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T													(776)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	355													355
Issuance and acquisition by noncontrolling owners														0
Distributions														(369)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	4													(4)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 181,303	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	130,035			$ 41,091			$ (17,319)	$ 2,343	$ 17,532
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021		0	0	0	7,621							(481)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						$ 0

Consolidated Statement Of Cha_2

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends to stockholders, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 1.56	$ 1.56

Preparation Of Interim Financia

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. On July 31, 2021, we closed our transaction with TPG Capital (TPG) to form a new company named DIRECTV Entertainment Holdings, LLC (DIRECTV). With the close of the transaction, we separated our Video business, comprised of our U.S. video operations, and began accounting for our investment in DIRECTV under the equity method. (See Note 8) 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 in our results on a one quarter lag. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, is shown in the table below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income Attributable to Common Stock $ 5,868 $ 2,762 $ 14,882 $ 8,569 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 6 5 17 16 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 5,874 $ 2,767 $ 14,899 $ 8,585 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,171 7,147 7,167 7,160 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 31 26 30 26 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,202 7,173 7,197 7,186

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 108 (39) (593) — (524) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (4) 1 57 2 (1,516) 3 (1,463) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 108 (43) (536) (1,516) (1,987) Balance as of September 30, 2021 $ (3,818) $ 68 $ (1,315) $ 7,408 $ 2,343 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 (1,398) 81 (2,166) — (3,483) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 44 2 (1,382) 3 (1,338) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,398) 81 (2,122) (1,382) (4,821) Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (4,454) $ 129 $ (2,159) $ 7,133 $ 649 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. In the first quarter of 2021, we recast our segment results for all prior periods to reflect the following: • Communications segment results were recast to remove the held-for-sale businesses, principally Video, instead reporting those results in Corporate and Other. 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 and Otter Media Holdings (Otter Media). We disposed of substantially all Otter Media assets in the third quarter of 2021 (see Note 8). On May 17, 2021, we entered into an agreement to combine our WarnerMedia segment, subject to certain exceptions, with a subsidiary of Discovery Inc. (See Note 8) 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. On July 21, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell our Vrio business to Grupo Werthein (see Note 8). The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2021. We applied held-for-sale accounting to Vrio as of June 30, 2021, and continue to present the Vrio results within the Latin America segment consistent with how performance was assessed and resource allocation decisions were made through September 30, 2021. 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.” Costs previously allocated to the Video business that were retained after the transaction, net of reimbursements from DIRECTV under transition service agreements, are reported in Corporate for the remainder of 2021, to maintain comparability of our operating segment results, and while operational plans and continued cost reduction initiatives are implemented. • Video, which consisted of our former U.S. video operations that were contributed to DIRECTV on July 31, 2021. • 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 prior to its separation, 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 September 30, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 19,138 $ 11,148 $ 7,990 $ 2,035 $ 5,955 $ — $ 5,955 Business Wireline 5,938 3,649 2,289 1,304 985 — 985 Consumer Wireline 3,142 2,184 958 775 183 — 183 Total Communications 28,218 16,981 11,237 4,114 7,123 — 7,123 WarnerMedia 8,442 6,271 2,171 163 2,008 (73) 1,935 Latin America Vrio 756 660 96 — 96 9 105 Mexico 724 697 27 157 (130) — (130) Total Latin America 1,480 1,357 123 157 (34) 9 (25) Segment Total 38,140 24,609 13,531 4,434 9,097 $ (64) $ 9,033 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 278 1,109 (831) 129 (960) Video 2,149 1,731 418 44 374 Acquisition-related items — 130 (130) 1,012 (1,142) Certain significant items — 161 (161) — (161) Eliminations and consolidations (645) (546) (99) — (99) AT&T Inc. $ 39,922 $ 27,194 $ 12,728 $ 5,619 $ 7,109 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $670 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,894 $ 10,182 $ 7,712 $ 2,021 $ 5,691 $ — $ 5,691 Business Wireline 6,261 3,764 2,497 1,313 1,184 — 1,184 Consumer Wireline 3,040 2,117 923 734 189 — 189 Total Communications 27,195 16,063 11,132 4,068 7,064 — 7,064 WarnerMedia 7,395 5,483 1,912 169 1,743 12 1,755 Latin America Vrio 753 675 78 126 (48) 14 (34) Mexico 643 662 (19) 124 (143) — (143) Total Latin America 1,396 1,337 59 250 (191) 14 (177) Segment Total 35,986 22,883 13,103 4,487 8,616 $ 26 $ 8,642 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 628 1,175 (547) 65 (612) Video 7,014 5,887 1,127 557 570 Acquisition-related items — 38 (38) 1,921 (1,959) Certain significant items — 113 (113) — (113) Eliminations and consolidations (1,288) (918) (370) — (370) AT&T Inc. $ 42,340 $ 29,178 $ 13,162 $ 7,030 $ 6,132 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $610 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 57,108 $ 33,077 $ 24,031 $ 6,072 $ 17,959 $ — $ 17,959 Business Wireline 18,036 11,068 6,968 3,875 3,093 — 3,093 Consumer Wireline 9,380 6,298 3,082 2,306 776 — 776 Total Communications 84,524 50,443 34,081 12,253 21,828 — 21,828 WarnerMedia 25,759 19,608 6,151 491 5,660 44 5,704 Latin America Vrio 2,248 1,981 267 231 36 7 43 Mexico 2,043 1,984 59 452 (393) — (393) Total Latin America 4,291 3,965 326 683 (357) 7 (350) Segment Total 114,574 74,016 40,558 13,427 27,131 $ 51 $ 27,182 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,065 3,482 (2,417) 194 (2,611) Video 15,513 12,666 2,847 356 2,491 Acquisition-related items — 167 (167) 3,212 (3,379) Certain significant items — 4,773 (4,773) — (4,773) Eliminations and consolidations (3,246) (2,426) (820) — (820) AT&T Inc. $ 127,906 $ 92,678 $ 35,228 $ 17,189 $ 18,039 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $2,011 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 52,445 $ 29,083 $ 23,362 $ 6,078 $ 17,284 $ — $ 17,284 Business Wireline 18,832 11,365 7,467 3,900 3,567 — 3,567 Consumer Wireline 9,202 5,924 3,278 2,176 1,102 — 1,102 Total Communications 80,479 46,372 34,107 12,154 21,953 — 21,953 WarnerMedia 21,888 15,744 6,144 494 5,650 31 5,681 Latin America Vrio 2,392 2,119 273 400 (127) 26 (101) Mexico 1,826 1,914 (88) 373 (461) — (461) Total Latin America 4,218 4,033 185 773 (588) 26 (562) Segment Total 106,585 66,149 40,436 13,421 27,015 $ 57 $ 27,072 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,751 3,256 (1,505) 254 (1,759) Video 21,442 17,716 3,726 1,741 1,985 Acquisition-related items — 431 (431) 6,122 (6,553) Certain significant items — 2,539 (2,539) — (2,539) Eliminations and consolidations (3,709) (2,709) (1,000) (1) (999) AT&T Inc. $ 126,069 $ 87,382 $ 38,687 $ 21,537 $ 17,150 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $1,833 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 Communications $ 7,123 $ 7,064 $ 21,828 $ 21,953 WarnerMedia 1,935 1,755 5,704 5,681 Latin America (25) (177) (350) (562) Segment Contribution 9,033 8,642 27,182 27,072 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (960) (612) (2,611) (1,759) Video 374 570 2,491 1,985 Merger costs (130) (38) (167) (431) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,012) (1,921) (3,212) (6,122) Asset impairments and abandonments (161) (73) (4,716) (2,515) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — — — 900 Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses — (40) (57) (924) Segment equity in net income of affiliates 64 (26) (51) (57) Eliminations and consolidations (99) (370) (820) (999) AT&T Operating Income 7,109 6,132 18,039 17,150 Interest Expense 1,667 1,972 5,221 6,031 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 91 5 184 (11) Other income (expense) - net 2,279 (231) 7,499 1,589 Income Before Income Taxes $ 7,812 $ 3,934 $ 20,501 $ 12,697 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 Intersegment Revenues Communications $ 2 $ 3 $ 8 $ 7 WarnerMedia 515 812 2,193 2,402 Latin America — — — — Total Intersegment Revenues 517 815 2,201 2,409 Consolidations 128 473 1,045 1,300 Eliminations and consolidations $ 645 $ 1,288 $ 3,246 $ 3,709

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 first quarter 2021 segment updates (see Note 4). For the three months ended September 30, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 14,450 $ — $ — $ — $ 463 $ 28 $ — $ 14,941 Video service — — — — 756 2,041 — 2,797 Business service — 5,765 — — — — — 5,765 Broadband — — 2,290 — — — — 2,290 Subscription — — — 3,988 — — — 3,501 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (261) Other 2 — — — — — — (226) Content — — — 3,495 — — — 2,783 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (413) — — — Other 3 — — — (299) — — — Advertising 77 — — 1,401 — 111 (111) 1,478 Legacy voice and data — — 484 — — 97 — 581 Other — — 351 270 — 133 (47) 707 Total Service 14,527 5,765 3,125 8,442 1,219 2,410 (645) 34,843 Equipment 4,611 173 17 — 261 17 — 5,079 Total $ 19,138 $ 5,938 $ 3,142 $ 8,442 $ 1,480 $ 2,427 $ (645) $ 39,922 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($174 with Mobility and $87 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 11). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,811 $ — $ — $ — $ 385 $ 169 $ — $ 14,365 Video service — — — — 753 6,557 — 7,310 Business service — 6,079 — — — 88 — 6,167 Broadband — — 2,128 — — — — 2,128 Subscription — — — 3,477 — — — 2,687 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (190) Other 2 — — — — — — (600) Content — — — 2,618 — — — 2,108 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (199) — — — Other 3 — — — (311) — — — Advertising 72 — — 1,600 — 408 (408) 1,672 Legacy voice and data — — 538 — — 137 — 675 Other — — 372 210 — 178 (90) 670 Total Service 13,883 6,079 3,038 7,395 1,138 7,537 (1,288) 37,782 Equipment 4,011 182 2 — 258 105 — 4,558 Total $ 17,894 $ 6,261 $ 3,040 $ 7,395 $ 1,396 $ 7,642 $ (1,288) $ 42,340 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($116 with Mobility and $74 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 42,667 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,349 $ 65 $ — $ 44,081 Video service — — — — 2,248 14,534 — 16,782 Business service — 17,497 — — — 70 — 17,567 Broadband — — 6,761 — — — — 6,761 Subscription — — — 11,779 — — — 9,649 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (749) Other 2 — — — — — — (1,381) Content — — — 10,411 — — — 8,440 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,136) — — — Other 3 — — — (835) — — — Advertising 254 — — 4,877 — 909 (909) 5,131 Legacy voice and data — — 1,507 — — 334 — 1,841 Other — — 1,019 663 — 576 (207) 2,051 Total Service 42,921 17,497 9,287 25,759 3,597 16,488 (3,246) 112,303 Equipment 14,187 539 93 — 694 90 — 15,603 Total $ 57,108 $ 18,036 $ 9,380 $ 25,759 $ 4,291 $ 16,578 $ (3,246) $ 127,906 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($481 with Mobility and $268 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 11). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 41,314 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,197 $ 464 $ — $ 42,975 Video service — — — — 2,392 20,226 — 22,618 Business service — 18,271 — — — 243 — 18,514 Broadband — — 6,329 — — — — 6,329 Subscription — — — 10,142 — — — 7,793 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (251) Other 2 — — — — — — (2,098) Content — — — 9,615 — — — 6,988 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,848) — — — Other 3 — — — (779) — — — Advertising 206 — — 4,236 — 1,115 (1,115) 4,442 Legacy voice and data — — 1,679 — — 424 — 2,103 Other — — 1,189 522 — 488 (245) 1,954 Total Service 41,520 18,271 9,197 21,888 3,589 22,960 (3,709) 113,716 Equipment 10,925 561 5 — 629 233 — 12,353 Total $ 52,445 $ 18,832 $ 9,202 $ 21,888 $ 4,218 $ 23,193 $ (3,709) $ 126,069 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($153 with Mobility and $98 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia. 3 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: September 30, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,615 $ 3,087 Other Assets 3,056 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 5,671 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,611 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,196 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 6,807 $ 9,752 The decline in deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs from December 31, 2020 reflects the July 2021 separation of the U.S. Video business. At separation, we removed $1,218 of deferred acquisitions costs ($693 originally classified as “Prepaid and other current assets” and $525 originally classified as “Other assets”) and $2,025 of deferred fulfillment costs ($1,134 originally classified as “Prepaid and other current assets” and $891 originally classified as “Other assets”). (See Note 8) The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the nine months ended: September 30, September 30, Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 2,358 $ 1,969 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 3,290 3,888 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. Our contract assets primarily relate to our wireless businesses. Promotional equipment sales where we offer handset credits, which are allocated between equipment and service in proportion to their standalone selling prices, when customers commit to a specified service period result in additional contract assets recognized. These contract assets will amortize over the service contract period, resulting in lower future service revenue. When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. Reductions in the contract liability will be recorded as we satisfy the performance obligations. The following table presents contract assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: September 30, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 3,889 $ 3,501 Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets” 2,329 2,054 Contract liability 5,385 6,879 Current portion in “Advanced billings and customer deposits” 4,779 6,071 Current portion in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” 74 — Our beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during 2021 was $5,150. Changes in our contract asset and contract liability from December 31, 2020 include the impact of the July 2021 separation of the U.S. Video business. At separation, the contract asset was reduced $303 and the contract liability was reduced $1,098, both of which were predominantly the current portion. (See Note 8) 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.

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Retirement Benefits [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. Total distributions from the pension plan exceeded 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 expected settlements to occur during each quarter. These remeasurements resulted in the recognition of actuarial gains of $374 in the third quarter and $3,021 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. As part of our 2021 remeasurements, the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our pension benefit obligation remained consistent at 3.00% at September 30, 2021 as compared to June 30, 2021, increasing from 2.70% at December 31, 2020. The discount rate in effect for determining pension service and interest costs after our September 30 remeasurement is 3.30% and 2.30% respectively. The remeasurements also reflect actual returns on pension plan assets of 6.30% (nine-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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 241 $ 257 $ 723 $ 772 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 321 421 951 1,265 Expected return on assets (890) (888) (2,617) (2,667) Amortization of prior service credit (36) (28) (108) (85) Actuarial (gain) loss (374) — (3,021) — Net pension (credit) cost $ (738) $ (238) $ (4,072) $ (715) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 14 $ 34 $ 40 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 53 104 158 312 Expected return on assets (38) (44) (114) (133) Amortization of prior service credit (634) (583) (1,903) (1,747) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (608) $ (509) $ (1,825) $ (1,528) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (1,346) $ (747) $ (5,897) $ (2,243)

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 170,841 $ 197,467 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 6,576 6,576 — — Investment securities 2 3,282 3,282 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Excludes note payable to DIRECTV. Amounts at September 30, 2021 exclude $32 associated with Vrio, which were 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 September 30, 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. September 30, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,137 $ — $ — $ 1,137 International equities 212 — — 212 Fixed income equities 231 — — 231 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,426 — 1,426 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 430 — 430 Foreign exchange contracts — 2 — 2 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (3,000) — (3,000) Foreign exchange contracts — (36) — (36) 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 9 $ 64 $ 151 $ 22 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold (2) — (2) (24) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 11 $ 64 $ 153 $ 46 At September 30, 2021, available-for-sale debt securities totaling $1,426 have maturities as follows - less than one year: $65; one to three years: $209; three to five years: $185; five or more years: $967. 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. For these hedges we have elected to exclude the change in fair value of the cross-currency swap related to both time value and cross-currency basis spread from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. 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, including the earnings impact of excluded components. In instances where we have elected to exclude components from the assessment of hedge effectiveness 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 over the life of the hedging instrument. 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 $77 from accumulated OCI to “Interest expense” due to the amortization of net losses on historical interest rate locks. Net Investment Hedging We have designated €1,450 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 third quarter were $40 and net gains for the first nine months of 2021 were $91. Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At September 30, 2021, we had posted collateral of $116 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $189 (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 September, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $54. 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 $2,536. 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: September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 42,085 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 191 90 Total $ 42,276 $ 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (1) $ (1) $ (3) $ (5) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 1 1 3 5 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (34) — (66) — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 34 — 66 — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 2 — 3 — 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (237) $ 1,079 $ (742) $ (2,091) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (14) 10 (14) (1) Other income (expense) - net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income 7 (9) (3) 4 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — — — (648) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (22) (25) (70) (59)

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [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. We received the licenses in July 2021 and classified the auction deposits, related capitalized interest and billed relocation costs as “Licenses - Net” on our September 30, 2021 consolidated balance sheet. We estimate that we will be responsible for $955 of Incentive Payments upon clearing of Phase I spectrum, expected by the end of 2021, and $2,112 upon clearing of Phase II spectrum, expected by the end of 2023. Additionally, we are responsible for approximately $1,000 of compensable relocation costs over the next several years as the spectrum is being cleared by satellite operators, of which $650 was billed in the third quarter and paid in the fourth quarter of 2021. Cash paid, including spectrum deposits (net of refunds), capitalized interest, and any payments for incentive and relocation costs are included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest is capitalized until the spectrum is ready for its intended use. 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. Dispositions Video Business On July 31, 2021, we closed our transaction with TPG to form a new company named DIRECTV, which is jointly governed by a board with representation from both AT&T and TPG, with TPG having tie-breaking authority on certain key decisions. In connection with the transaction, we contributed our U.S. Video business unit to DIRECTV for $4,250 of junior preferred units, an additional distribution preference of $4,200 and a 70% economic interest in common units (collectively “equity considerations”). TPG contributed approximately $1,800 in cash to DIRECTV for $1,800 of senior preferred units and a 30% economic interest in common units. See Note 11 for additional information on our accounting for our investment in and transactions with DIRECTV. In the third quarter, we received approximately $7,170 in cash from DIRECTV ($7,600, net of $430 cash on hand) and transferred $195 of DIRECTV debt. Approximately $1,800 of the cash received is reported as cash received from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows, as it relates to a note payable to DIRECTV, for which payment is tied to our agreement to cover net losses under the remaining term of the NFL SUNDAY TICKET contract up to a cap of $2,100 over the remaining period of the contract. The remainder of the net proceeds is reported as cash from investing activities. This transaction did not result in a material gain or loss. 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, included the assets in “Prepaid and other current assets,” and the related liabilities in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” on our consolidated balance sheet, up until the close of the transaction. The held-for-sale classification also resulted in ceasing depreciation and amortization on the designated assets. The assets and liabilities of the Video operations, transferred to DIRECTV upon close of the transaction, were as follows: Current assets $ 4,893 Property, plant and equipment - net 2,673 Licenses, net 5,798 Other intangible assets, net 1,634 Other assets 1,787 Total Video assets $ 16,785 Current liabilities $ 4,267 Long-term debt 206 Other noncurrent liabilities 343 Total Video liabilities $ 4,816 Otter Media During the third quarter of 2021, we disposed of substantially all of the assets of Otter Media. We received approximately $1,540 in cash and removed approximately $1,200 of goodwill associated with these assets. The dispositions did not result in a material gain or loss. Playdemic Ltd. On September 20, 2021, we sold WarnerMedia’s mobile games app studio, Playdemic Ltd. (Playdemic) for approximately $1,400 in cash and recognized a pre-tax gain of $766 in “Other income (expense) - net,” on our consolidated statement of income. Approximately $600 of goodwill was removed related to this business. Playdemic was excluded from the pending WarnerMedia/Discovery transaction. Pending Dispositions WarnerMedia On May 17, 2021, we entered into an agreement to combine our WarnerMedia segment, subject to certain exceptions, with a subsidiary of Discovery, Inc. (Discovery). The agreement is structured as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, under which WarnerMedia will be distributed to AT&T’s shareholders via a pro rata dividend, an exchange offer, or a combination of both, followed by its combination with Discovery. The transaction is expected to be tax-free to AT&T and AT&T’s shareholders. AT&T will receive approximately $43,000 (subject to adjustment) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WarnerMedia’s retention of certain debt. AT&T’s shareholders will receive stock representing approximately 71% of the new company; Discovery shareholders will own approximately 29% of the new company. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2022, subject to approval by Discovery shareholders and customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. No vote is required by AT&T shareholders. The merger agreement contains certain customary termination rights for AT&T and Discovery, including, without limitation, a right for either party to terminate if the transaction is not completed on or before July 15, 2023. Termination fees under specified circumstances will require Discovery to pay AT&T $720 or AT&T to pay Discovery $1,770. Magallanes, Inc. (Spinco), a subsidiary of AT&T, entered into a $41,500 commitment letter (Bridge Loan) on May 17, 2021. On June 4, 2021, Spinco entered into a $10,000 term loan credit agreement (Spinco Term Loan) and reduced the aggregate commitment amount under the Bridge Loan to $31,500. There have been no draws on the Bridge Loan or the Spinco Term Loan. In the event advances are made under the Bridge Loan or Spinco Term Loan, those advances will be used by Spinco to finance a portion of the cash distribution to AT&T in connection with the transaction. Vrio On July 21, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell our Latin America video operations, Vrio, to Grupo Werthein. In the second quarter of 2021, we classified the Vrio disposal group as held-for-sale and reported the disposal group at fair value less cost to sell, which resulted in a noncash, pre-tax impairment charge of $4,555, including approximately $2,100 related to accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments and $2,500 related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Approximately $80 of the impairment was attributable to noncontrolling interest. At September 30, 2021, our consolidated balance sheet included $853 of Vrio held-for-sale assets reported in “Prepaid and other current assets,” primarily related to deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, prepaids and other deferred charges, and $2,819 of related liabilities reported in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” primarily for reserves associated with accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments, which will reverse against accumulated other comprehensive income upon close of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2021, pending customary closing conditions. We will retain our 41.3% interest in SKY Mexico, a leading pay-TV provider in Mexico.

Sales Of Receivables

Sales Of Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Equipment Equipment Installment Revolving Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 3,671 $ 3,371 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,746 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 438 3,163 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,487 208 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,380 5,562 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 6,588 5,562 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold $ 2,123 $ 1,624 $ 8,067 $ 5,497 Net receivables sold 1 2,069 1,578 7,858 5,300 Cash proceeds received 1,981 1,387 7,231 4,562 Deferred purchase price recorded 158 226 864 811 Guarantee obligation recorded 94 55 321 126 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 and 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 471 $ 373 $ 1,094 $ 946 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 440 373 1,019 931 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 31 $ — $ 75 $ 15 1 These gains are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our deferred purchase price receivable was $2,797 and $1,991, respectively, of which $1,757 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 September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $352 and $228, respectively, of which $124 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 or reduced 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 $3,371 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 4,472 $ 3,563 $ 14,813 $ 11,590 Total collections under revolving agreement 2 4,631 3,763 14,381 10,790 Receivables repurchased 170 — 170 — Net cash proceeds received (paid) $ (329) $ (200) $ 262 $ 800 Net receivables sold 3 $ 4,301 $ 3,553 $ 14,558 $ 11,510 Obligations recorded (reversed) (60) 58 (49) 172 1 Includes initial sales of receivables of $0 for each of the three months and $700 and $1,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2 Includes collections of $159 and $200 for the three months and $268 and $200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that were not reinvested under the revolving agreement. 3 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,454 $ 1,546 $ 4,343 $ 4,372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 59 $ 76 $ 198 $ 216 Interest on lease obligation 43 39 123 116 Total finance lease cost $ 102 $ 115 $ 321 $ 332 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 3,754 $ 3,651 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 3,543 3,908 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: September 30, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,341 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,675 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,510 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,185 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,774 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,166) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,608 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 169 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,574 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,743 $ 2,036 September 30, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.5 10.1 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.8 % 4.1 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.1 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At September 30, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 1,252 $ 84 2022 4,897 340 2023 4,467 315 2024 3,931 290 2025 3,211 281 Thereafter 12,734 1,466 Total lease payments 30,492 2,776 Less: imputed interest (5,307) (1,033) Total $ 25,185 $ 1,743
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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,454 $ 1,546 $ 4,343 $ 4,372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 59 $ 76 $ 198 $ 216 Interest on lease obligation 43 39 123 116 Total finance lease cost $ 102 $ 115 $ 321 $ 332 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 3,754 $ 3,651 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 3,543 3,908 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: September 30, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,341 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,675 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,510 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,185 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,774 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,166) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,608 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 169 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,574 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,743 $ 2,036 September 30, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.5 10.1 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.8 % 4.1 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.1 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At September 30, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 1,252 $ 84 2022 4,897 340 2023 4,467 315 2024 3,931 290 2025 3,211 281 Thereafter 12,734 1,466 Total lease payments 30,492 2,776 Less: imputed interest (5,307) (1,033) Total $ 25,185 $ 1,743

Related Party Disclosures

Related Party Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure	NOTE 11. INVESTMENT IN AND TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTV On July 31, 2021, we closed our transaction with TPG to form a new company named DIRECTV (see Note 8). The transaction resulted in our deconsolidation of the Video Business, with DIRECTV being considered a variable interest entity for accounting purposes. As DIRECTV is jointly governed by a board with representation from both AT&T and TPG, with TPG having tie-breaking authority on certain key decisions, most significantly the appointment and removal of the CEO, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of DIRECTV. As a result, effective August 1, 2021, we accounted for our investments in DIRECTV under the equity method and recorded our share of DIRECTV earnings as equity in net income of affiliates as DIRECTV is considered a related party upon deconsolidation. Our share of net income or loss may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest of DIRECTV as the terms of the arrangement prescribe substantive non-proportionate cash distributions, both from operations and in liquidation, that are based on classes of interests held by investors . In the event that DIRECTV records a loss, that loss will be allocated to ownership interests based on their seniority, beginning with the most subordinated interests. Our investment in DIRECTV at September 30, 2021 was $6,883, based upon the initial fair value of the equity considerations on July 31, 2021 of $6,852 which was determined using a discounted cash flow model reflecting distribution rights and preference of the individual instruments. For the two months ended September 30, 2021, our share of DIRECTV’s earnings included in equity in net income of affiliates was $157. Cash distributions from DIRECTV in the third quarter totaled $130 and were classified as operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition to the assets and liabilities contributed to DIRECTV (see Note 8), we recorded total obligations of $2,100 to cover certain net losses under the NFL SUNDAY TICKET contract, of which $1,800 is in the form of a note payable to DIRECTV (see Note 8). During the third quarter of 2021, cash payments to DIRECTV on the note totaled $361 and were classified as financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Amounts due under the DIRECTV note were $1,438 at September 30, 2021. Through our WarnerMedia properties, we license content and programming and provide advertising services to DIRECTV. Revenue recognized from DIRECTV, which was previously eliminated, totaled approximately $280 for the two months ended September 30, 2021. We also provide DIRECTV with network transport for U-verse products and sales services under commercial arrangements for up to five years. Pursuant to a commercial agreement, WarnerMedia continues to sell DIRECTV’s advertising inventory under a revenue sharing agreement. WarnerMedia records amounts billed as advertising revenue and recognizes expense for DIRECTV’s revenue share, which was approximately $200 for the two months ended September 30, 2021. Under separate transition services agreements, we provide DIRECTV certain operational support, including servicing of certain of their customer receivables for up to three years. For the two months ended September 30, 2021, we billed DIRECTV approximately $240 for these costs, which were recorded as a reduction to the operations and support expenses incurred and resulted in net retained costs to AT&T of approximately $50 in the third quarter. At September 30, 2021, we had accounts receivable from DIRECTV of $433 and accounts payable to DIRECTV of $659.

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	NOTE 12. 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: September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,270 $ 9,758 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets 2 2 9 69 Restricted cash in Other Assets 133 89 121 96 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 21,405 $ 9,849 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest, income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine months ended September 30, Cash paid (received) during the period for: 2021 2020 Interest $ 6,079 $ 6,661 Income taxes, net of refunds 538 306 Spectrum acquisitions 1 23,017 1,062 1 Included as cash paid for “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excludes interest during construction. The following table summarizes interest capitalized during construction: Nine months ended September 30, Interest during construction: 2021 2020 Capital expenditures $ (132) $ (92) Spectrum 1 (516) — Interest During Construction $ (648) $ (92) 1 Included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded vendor financing commitments related to capital investments of approximately $3,624 and $3,148. Total vendor financing payables included in our September 30, 2021 consolidated balance sheet were approximately $3,752, with $2,866 due within one year (in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities”) and the remainder predominantly due within two Debt Transactions At September 30, 2021, our debt obligations totaled $179,161. Our debt activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily consisted of the following: First Second Third Nine months ended Net commercial paper borrowings $ 7,072 $ (513) $ (2) $ 6,557 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 1 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 $ — $ — $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes 1,461 — — 1,461 Rate of 0.00% 2021 Syndicated Term Loan 7,350 — — 7,350 BAML Bilateral Term Loan 2,000 — — 2,000 Private financing 750 — — 750 Other 636 — 835 1,471 Debt Issuances $ 18,197 $ — $ 835 $ 19,032 Repayments: Private financing $ (649) $ — $ — $ (649) Other (253) (253) (498) (1,004) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) $ (253) $ (498) $ (1,653) 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2021, $2,000 was outstanding under these facilities.

Preparation Of Interim Financ_2

Preparation Of Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 in our results on a one quarter lag. 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. T
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, is shown in the table below: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income Attributable to Common Stock $ 5,868 $ 2,762 $ 14,882 $ 8,569 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 6 5 17 16 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 5,874 $ 2,767 $ 14,899 $ 8,585 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,171 7,147 7,167 7,160 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 31 26 30 26 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,202 7,173 7,197 7,186

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 108 (39) (593) — (524) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (4) 1 57 2 (1,516) 3 (1,463) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 108 (43) (536) (1,516) (1,987) Balance as of September 30, 2021 $ (3,818) $ 68 $ (1,315) $ 7,408 $ 2,343 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 (1,398) 81 (2,166) — (3,483) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 44 2 (1,382) 3 (1,338) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,398) 81 (2,122) (1,382) (4,821) Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ (4,454) $ 129 $ (2,159) $ 7,133 $ 649 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenues to Segment Contribution	For the three months ended September 30, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 19,138 $ 11,148 $ 7,990 $ 2,035 $ 5,955 $ — $ 5,955 Business Wireline 5,938 3,649 2,289 1,304 985 — 985 Consumer Wireline 3,142 2,184 958 775 183 — 183 Total Communications 28,218 16,981 11,237 4,114 7,123 — 7,123 WarnerMedia 8,442 6,271 2,171 163 2,008 (73) 1,935 Latin America Vrio 756 660 96 — 96 9 105 Mexico 724 697 27 157 (130) — (130) Total Latin America 1,480 1,357 123 157 (34) 9 (25) Segment Total 38,140 24,609 13,531 4,434 9,097 $ (64) $ 9,033 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 278 1,109 (831) 129 (960) Video 2,149 1,731 418 44 374 Acquisition-related items — 130 (130) 1,012 (1,142) Certain significant items — 161 (161) — (161) Eliminations and consolidations (645) (546) (99) — (99) AT&T Inc. $ 39,922 $ 27,194 $ 12,728 $ 5,619 $ 7,109 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $670 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 17,894 $ 10,182 $ 7,712 $ 2,021 $ 5,691 $ — $ 5,691 Business Wireline 6,261 3,764 2,497 1,313 1,184 — 1,184 Consumer Wireline 3,040 2,117 923 734 189 — 189 Total Communications 27,195 16,063 11,132 4,068 7,064 — 7,064 WarnerMedia 7,395 5,483 1,912 169 1,743 12 1,755 Latin America Vrio 753 675 78 126 (48) 14 (34) Mexico 643 662 (19) 124 (143) — (143) Total Latin America 1,396 1,337 59 250 (191) 14 (177) Segment Total 35,986 22,883 13,103 4,487 8,616 $ 26 $ 8,642 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 628 1,175 (547) 65 (612) Video 7,014 5,887 1,127 557 570 Acquisition-related items — 38 (38) 1,921 (1,959) Certain significant items — 113 (113) — (113) Eliminations and consolidations (1,288) (918) (370) — (370) AT&T Inc. $ 42,340 $ 29,178 $ 13,162 $ 7,030 $ 6,132 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $610 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Segment Communications Mobility $ 57,108 $ 33,077 $ 24,031 $ 6,072 $ 17,959 $ — $ 17,959 Business Wireline 18,036 11,068 6,968 3,875 3,093 — 3,093 Consumer Wireline 9,380 6,298 3,082 2,306 776 — 776 Total Communications 84,524 50,443 34,081 12,253 21,828 — 21,828 WarnerMedia 25,759 19,608 6,151 491 5,660 44 5,704 Latin America Vrio 2,248 1,981 267 231 36 7 43 Mexico 2,043 1,984 59 452 (393) — (393) Total Latin America 4,291 3,965 326 683 (357) 7 (350) Segment Total 114,574 74,016 40,558 13,427 27,131 $ 51 $ 27,182 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,065 3,482 (2,417) 194 (2,611) Video 15,513 12,666 2,847 356 2,491 Acquisition-related items — 167 (167) 3,212 (3,379) Certain significant items — 4,773 (4,773) — (4,773) Eliminations and consolidations (3,246) (2,426) (820) — (820) AT&T Inc. $ 127,906 $ 92,678 $ 35,228 $ 17,189 $ 18,039 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $2,011 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Revenues Operations and Support Expenses EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Income (Loss) Equity in Net Segment Contribution Communications Mobility $ 52,445 $ 29,083 $ 23,362 $ 6,078 $ 17,284 $ — $ 17,284 Business Wireline 18,832 11,365 7,467 3,900 3,567 — 3,567 Consumer Wireline 9,202 5,924 3,278 2,176 1,102 — 1,102 Total Communications 80,479 46,372 34,107 12,154 21,953 — 21,953 WarnerMedia 21,888 15,744 6,144 494 5,650 31 5,681 Latin America Vrio 2,392 2,119 273 400 (127) 26 (101) Mexico 1,826 1,914 (88) 373 (461) — (461) Total Latin America 4,218 4,033 185 773 (588) 26 (562) Segment Total 106,585 66,149 40,436 13,421 27,015 $ 57 $ 27,072 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,751 3,256 (1,505) 254 (1,759) Video 21,442 17,716 3,726 1,741 1,985 Acquisition-related items — 431 (431) 6,122 (6,553) Certain significant items — 2,539 (2,539) — (2,539) Eliminations and consolidations (3,709) (2,709) (1,000) (1) (999) AT&T Inc. $ 126,069 $ 87,382 $ 38,687 $ 21,537 $ 17,150 1 Operations and Support Expenses include $1,833 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 Communications $ 7,123 $ 7,064 $ 21,828 $ 21,953 WarnerMedia 1,935 1,755 5,704 5,681 Latin America (25) (177) (350) (562) Segment Contribution 9,033 8,642 27,182 27,072 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (960) (612) (2,611) (1,759) Video 374 570 2,491 1,985 Merger costs (130) (38) (167) (431) Amortization of intangibles acquired (1,012) (1,921) (3,212) (6,122) Asset impairments and abandonments (161) (73) (4,716) (2,515) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — — — 900 Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses — (40) (57) (924) Segment equity in net income of affiliates 64 (26) (51) (57) Eliminations and consolidations (99) (370) (820) (999) AT&T Operating Income 7,109 6,132 18,039 17,150 Interest Expense 1,667 1,972 5,221 6,031 Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates 91 5 184 (11) Other income (expense) - net 2,279 (231) 7,499 1,589 Income Before Income Taxes $ 7,812 $ 3,934 $ 20,501 $ 12,697 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 Nine months ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 Intersegment Revenues Communications $ 2 $ 3 $ 8 $ 7 WarnerMedia 515 812 2,193 2,402 Latin America — — — — Total Intersegment Revenues 517 815 2,201 2,409 Consolidations 128 473 1,045 1,300 Eliminations and consolidations $ 645 $ 1,288 $ 3,246 $ 3,709

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 first quarter 2021 segment updates (see Note 4). For the three months ended September 30, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 14,450 $ — $ — $ — $ 463 $ 28 $ — $ 14,941 Video service — — — — 756 2,041 — 2,797 Business service — 5,765 — — — — — 5,765 Broadband — — 2,290 — — — — 2,290 Subscription — — — 3,988 — — — 3,501 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (261) Other 2 — — — — — — (226) Content — — — 3,495 — — — 2,783 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (413) — — — Other 3 — — — (299) — — — Advertising 77 — — 1,401 — 111 (111) 1,478 Legacy voice and data — — 484 — — 97 — 581 Other — — 351 270 — 133 (47) 707 Total Service 14,527 5,765 3,125 8,442 1,219 2,410 (645) 34,843 Equipment 4,611 173 17 — 261 17 — 5,079 Total $ 19,138 $ 5,938 $ 3,142 $ 8,442 $ 1,480 $ 2,427 $ (645) $ 39,922 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($174 with Mobility and $87 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 11). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 13,811 $ — $ — $ — $ 385 $ 169 $ — $ 14,365 Video service — — — — 753 6,557 — 7,310 Business service — 6,079 — — — 88 — 6,167 Broadband — — 2,128 — — — — 2,128 Subscription — — — 3,477 — — — 2,687 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (190) Other 2 — — — — — — (600) Content — — — 2,618 — — — 2,108 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (199) — — — Other 3 — — — (311) — — — Advertising 72 — — 1,600 — 408 (408) 1,672 Legacy voice and data — — 538 — — 137 — 675 Other — — 372 210 — 178 (90) 670 Total Service 13,883 6,079 3,038 7,395 1,138 7,537 (1,288) 37,782 Equipment 4,011 182 2 — 258 105 — 4,558 Total $ 17,894 $ 6,261 $ 3,040 $ 7,395 $ 1,396 $ 7,642 $ (1,288) $ 42,340 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($116 with Mobility and $74 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 42,667 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,349 $ 65 $ — $ 44,081 Video service — — — — 2,248 14,534 — 16,782 Business service — 17,497 — — — 70 — 17,567 Broadband — — 6,761 — — — — 6,761 Subscription — — — 11,779 — — — 9,649 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (749) Other 2 — — — — — — (1,381) Content — — — 10,411 — — — 8,440 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,136) — — — Other 3 — — — (835) — — — Advertising 254 — — 4,877 — 909 (909) 5,131 Legacy voice and data — — 1,507 — — 334 — 1,841 Other — — 1,019 663 — 576 (207) 2,051 Total Service 42,921 17,497 9,287 25,759 3,597 16,488 (3,246) 112,303 Equipment 14,187 539 93 — 694 90 — 15,603 Total $ 57,108 $ 18,036 $ 9,380 $ 25,759 $ 4,291 $ 16,578 $ (3,246) $ 127,906 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($481 with Mobility and $268 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 11). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 41,314 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,197 $ 464 $ — $ 42,975 Video service — — — — 2,392 20,226 — 22,618 Business service — 18,271 — — — 243 — 18,514 Broadband — — 6,329 — — — — 6,329 Subscription — — — 10,142 — — — 7,793 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (251) Other 2 — — — — — — (2,098) Content — — — 9,615 — — — 6,988 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,848) — — — Other 3 — — — (779) — — — Advertising 206 — — 4,236 — 1,115 (1,115) 4,442 Legacy voice and data — — 1,679 — — 424 — 2,103 Other — — 1,189 522 — 488 (245) 1,954 Total Service 41,520 18,271 9,197 21,888 3,589 22,960 (3,709) 113,716 Equipment 10,925 561 5 — 629 233 — 12,353 Total $ 52,445 $ 18,832 $ 9,202 $ 21,888 $ 4,218 $ 23,193 $ (3,709) $ 126,069 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($153 with Mobility and $98 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia. 3 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: September 30, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,615 $ 3,087 Other Assets 3,056 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 5,671 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,611 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,196 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 6,807 $ 9,752 The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the nine months ended: September 30, September 30, Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 2,358 $ 1,969 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 3,290 3,888
Schedule of Contract Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents contract assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: September 30, December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 3,889 $ 3,501 Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets” 2,329 2,054 Contract liability 5,385 6,879 Current portion in “Advanced billings and customer deposits” 4,779 6,071 Current portion in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” 74 —

Pension And Postretirement Be_2

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Retirement Benefits [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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Pension cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 241 $ 257 $ 723 $ 772 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 321 421 951 1,265 Expected return on assets (890) (888) (2,617) (2,667) Amortization of prior service credit (36) (28) (108) (85) Actuarial (gain) loss (374) — (3,021) — Net pension (credit) cost $ (738) $ (238) $ (4,072) $ (715) Postretirement cost: Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 11 $ 14 $ 34 $ 40 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 53 104 158 312 Expected return on assets (38) (44) (114) (133) Amortization of prior service credit (634) (583) (1,903) (1,747) Net postretirement (credit) cost $ (608) $ (509) $ (1,825) $ (1,528) Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost $ (1,346) $ (747) $ (5,897) $ (2,243)

Fair Value Measurements And D_2

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Notes and debentures 1 $ 170,841 $ 197,467 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 6,576 6,576 — — Investment securities 2 3,282 3,282 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Excludes note payable to DIRECTV. Amounts at September 30, 2021 exclude $32 associated with Vrio, which were 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 September 30, 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. September 30, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,137 $ — $ — $ 1,137 International equities 212 — — 212 Fixed income equities 231 — — 231 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,426 — 1,426 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 430 — 430 Foreign exchange contracts — 2 — 2 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (3,000) — (3,000) Foreign exchange contracts — (36) — (36) 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 9 $ 64 $ 151 $ 22 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold (2) — (2) (24) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 11 $ 64 $ 153 $ 46
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions: September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 42,085 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 191 90 Total $ 42,276 $ 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Fair Value Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (1) $ (1) $ (3) $ (5) Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 1 1 3 5 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (34) — (66) — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 34 — 66 — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 2 — 3 — The following table presents information for our cash flow hedging relationships: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (237) $ 1,079 $ (742) $ (2,091) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (14) 10 (14) (1) Other income (expense) - net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income 7 (9) (3) 4 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — — — (648) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (22) (25) (70) (59)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale	The assets and liabilities of the Video operations, transferred to DIRECTV upon close of the transaction, were as follows: Current assets $ 4,893 Property, plant and equipment - net 2,673 Licenses, net 5,798 Other intangible assets, net 1,634 Other assets 1,787 Total Video assets $ 16,785 Current liabilities $ 4,267 Long-term debt 206 Other noncurrent liabilities 343 Total Video liabilities $ 4,816

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Equipment Equipment Installment Revolving Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 3,671 $ 3,371 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,746 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 438 3,163 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,487 208 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,380 5,562 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 6,588 5,562 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold $ 2,123 $ 1,624 $ 8,067 $ 5,497 Net receivables sold 1 2,069 1,578 7,858 5,300 Cash proceeds received 1,981 1,387 7,231 4,562 Deferred purchase price recorded 158 226 864 811 Guarantee obligation recorded 94 55 321 126 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 471 $ 373 $ 1,094 $ 946 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 440 373 1,019 931 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 31 $ — $ 75 $ 15 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 4,472 $ 3,563 $ 14,813 $ 11,590 Total collections under revolving agreement 2 4,631 3,763 14,381 10,790 Receivables repurchased 170 — 170 — Net cash proceeds received (paid) $ (329) $ (200) $ 262 $ 800 Net receivables sold 3 $ 4,301 $ 3,553 $ 14,558 $ 11,510 Obligations recorded (reversed) (60) 58 (49) 172 1 Includes initial sales of receivables of $0 for each of the three months and $700 and $1,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2 Includes collections of $159 and $200 for the three months and $268 and $200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that were not reinvested under the revolving agreement. 3 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 1,454 $ 1,546 $ 4,343 $ 4,372 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 59 $ 76 $ 198 $ 216 Interest on lease obligation 43 39 123 116 Total finance lease cost $ 102 $ 115 $ 321 $ 332 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 3,754 $ 3,651 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new 3,543 3,908 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases: September 30, December 31, Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,341 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,675 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,510 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 25,185 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,774 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,166) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,608 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 169 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,574 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,743 $ 2,036 September 30, 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.5 10.1 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.8 % 4.1 % Finance leases 8.0 % 8.1 %
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At September 30, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 1,252 $ 84 2022 4,897 340 2023 4,467 315 2024 3,931 290 2025 3,211 281 Thereafter 12,734 1,466 Total lease payments 30,492 2,776 Less: imputed interest (5,307) (1,033) Total $ 25,185 $ 1,743
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At September 30, 2021 Operating Finance Leases Leases Remainder of 2021 $ 1,252 $ 84 2022 4,897 340 2023 4,467 315 2024 3,931 290 2025 3,211 281 Thereafter 12,734 1,466 Total lease payments 30,492 2,776 Less: imputed interest (5,307) (1,033) Total $ 25,185 $ 1,743

Additional Financial Informat_2

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,270 $ 9,758 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets 2 2 9 69 Restricted cash in Other Assets 133 89 121 96 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 21,405 $ 9,849 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest, income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine months ended September 30, Cash paid (received) during the period for: 2021 2020 Interest $ 6,079 $ 6,661 Income taxes, net of refunds 538 306 Spectrum acquisitions 1 23,017 1,062 1 Included as cash paid for “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excludes interest during construction. The following table summarizes interest capitalized during construction: Nine months ended September 30, Interest during construction: 2021 2020 Capital expenditures $ (132) $ (92) Spectrum 1 (516) — Interest During Construction $ (648) $ (92) 1 Included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. First Second Third Nine months ended Net commercial paper borrowings $ 7,072 $ (513) $ (2) $ 6,557 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 1 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 $ — $ — $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes 1,461 — — 1,461 Rate of 0.00% 2021 Syndicated Term Loan 7,350 — — 7,350 BAML Bilateral Term Loan 2,000 — — 2,000 Private financing 750 — — 750 Other 636 — 835 1,471 Debt Issuances $ 18,197 $ — $ 835 $ 19,032 Repayments: Private financing $ (649) $ — $ — $ (649) Other (253) (253) (498) (1,004) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) $ (253) $ (498) $ (1,653) 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net Income Attributable to Common Stock	$ 5,868	$ 2,762	$ 14,882	$ 8,569
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment	6	5	17	16
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 5,874	$ 2,767	$ 14,899	$ 8,585
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	7,171	7,147	7,167	7,160
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment (in shares)	31	26	30	26
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	7,202	7,173	7,197	7,186

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			$ (524)	$ (3,483)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			(1,463)	(1,338)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,987)	(4,821)
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)	$ (776)	$ 520	(1,987)	(4,821)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	2,343	649	2,343	649
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			108	(1,398)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			108	(1,398)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(3,818)	(4,454)	(3,818)	(4,454)
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			(39)	81
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			(4)	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(43)	81
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	68	129	68	129
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			(593)	(2,166)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI			57	44
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(536)	(2,122)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(1,315)	(2,159)	(1,315)	(2,159)
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			(1,516)	(1,382)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,516)	(1,382)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ 7,408	$ 7,133	$ 7,408	$ 7,133

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses) (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 39,922	$ 42,340	$ 127,906	$ 126,069
Operations and Support Expenses	27,194	29,178	92,678	87,382
EBITDA	12,728	13,162	35,228	38,687
Depreciation and Amortization	5,619	7,030	17,189	21,537
Operating Income	7,109	6,132	18,039	17,150
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	91	5	184	(11)
Income Before Income Taxes	7,812	3,934	20,501	12,697
Reclassification of prior service credit amortization	670	610	2,011	1,833
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	38,140	35,986	114,574	106,585
Operations and Support Expenses	24,609	22,883	74,016	66,149
EBITDA	13,531	13,103	40,558	40,436
Depreciation and Amortization	4,434	4,487	13,427	13,421
Operating Income	9,097	8,616	27,131	27,015
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(64)	26	51	57
Income Before Income Taxes	9,033	8,642	27,182	27,072
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	278	628	1,065	1,751
Operations and Support Expenses	1,109	1,175	3,482	3,256
EBITDA	(831)	(547)	(2,417)	(1,505)
Depreciation and Amortization	129	65	194	254
Operating Income	(960)	(612)	(2,611)	(1,759)
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	64	(26)	(51)	(57)
Video
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,149	7,014	15,513	21,442
Operations and Support Expenses	1,731	5,887	12,666	17,716
EBITDA	418	1,127	2,847	3,726
Depreciation and Amortization	44	557	356	1,741
Operating Income	374	570	2,491	1,985
Acquisition-related items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	130	38	167	431
EBITDA	(130)	(38)	(167)	(431)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,012	1,921	3,212	6,122
Operating Income	(1,142)	(1,959)	(3,379)	(6,553)
Certain significant items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses	161	113	4,773	2,539
EBITDA	(161)	(113)	(4,773)	(2,539)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	0
Operating Income	(161)	(113)	(4,773)	(2,539)
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(645)	(1,288)	(3,246)	(3,709)
Operations and Support Expenses	(546)	(918)	(2,426)	(2,709)
EBITDA	(99)	(370)	(820)	(1,000)
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	(1)
Operating Income	(99)	(370)	(820)	(999)
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,218	27,195	84,524	80,479
Operations and Support Expenses	16,981	16,063	50,443	46,372
EBITDA	11,237	11,132	34,081	34,107
Depreciation and Amortization	4,114	4,068	12,253	12,154
Operating Income	7,123	7,064	21,828	21,953
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	7,123	7,064	21,828	21,953
Communications | Mobility | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,138	17,894	57,108	52,445
Operations and Support Expenses	11,148	10,182	33,077	29,083
EBITDA	7,990	7,712	24,031	23,362
Depreciation and Amortization	2,035	2,021	6,072	6,078
Operating Income	5,955	5,691	17,959	17,284
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	5,955	5,691	17,959	17,284
Communications | Business Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	5,938	6,261	18,036	18,832
Operations and Support Expenses	3,649	3,764	11,068	11,365
EBITDA	2,289	2,497	6,968	7,467
Depreciation and Amortization	1,304	1,313	3,875	3,900
Operating Income	985	1,184	3,093	3,567
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	985	1,184	3,093	3,567
Communications | Consumer Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,142	3,040	9,380	9,202
Operations and Support Expenses	2,184	2,117	6,298	5,924
EBITDA	958	923	3,082	3,278
Depreciation and Amortization	775	734	2,306	2,176
Operating Income	183	189	776	1,102
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	183	189	776	1,102
WarnerMedia | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	8,442	7,395	25,759	21,888
Operations and Support Expenses	6,271	5,483	19,608	15,744
EBITDA	2,171	1,912	6,151	6,144
Depreciation and Amortization	163	169	491	494
Operating Income	2,008	1,743	5,660	5,650
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	(73)	12	44	31
Income Before Income Taxes	1,935	1,755	5,704	5,681
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,480	1,396	4,291	4,218
Operations and Support Expenses	1,357	1,337	3,965	4,033
EBITDA	123	59	326	185
Depreciation and Amortization	157	250	683	773
Operating Income	(34)	(191)	(357)	(588)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	9	14	7	26
Income Before Income Taxes	(25)	(177)	(350)	(562)
Latin America | Vrio | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	756	753	2,248	2,392
Operations and Support Expenses	660	675	1,981	2,119
EBITDA	96	78	267	273
Depreciation and Amortization	0	126	231	400
Operating Income	96	(48)	36	(127)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	9	14	7	26
Income Before Income Taxes	105	(34)	43	(101)
Latin America | Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	724	643	2,043	1,826
Operations and Support Expenses	697	662	1,984	1,914
EBITDA	27	(19)	59	(88)
Depreciation and Amortization	157	124	452	373
Operating Income	(130)	(143)	(393)	(461)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	$ (130)	$ (143)	$ (393)	$ (461)

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Operating Income Loss to Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	$ 7,812	$ 3,934	$ 20,501	$ 12,697
AT&T Operating Income	7,109	6,132	18,039	17,150
Asset impairments and abandonments	(161)	(73)	(4,716)	(2,515)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	91	5	184	(11)
Interest Expense	1,667	1,972	5,221	6,031
Other income (expense) - net	2,279	(231)	7,499	1,589
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	9,033	8,642	27,182	27,072
AT&T Operating Income	9,097	8,616	27,131	27,015
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(64)	26	51	57
Operating Segments | Communications
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	7,123	7,064	21,828	21,953
AT&T Operating Income	7,123	7,064	21,828	21,953
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	1,935	1,755	5,704	5,681
AT&T Operating Income	2,008	1,743	5,660	5,650
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(73)	12	44	31
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income Before Income Taxes	(25)	(177)	(350)	(562)
AT&T Operating Income	(34)	(191)	(357)	(588)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	9	14	7	26
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(960)	(612)	(2,611)	(1,759)
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Merger costs	(130)	(38)	(167)	(431)
Amortization of intangibles acquired	(1,012)	(1,921)	(3,212)	(6,122)
Asset impairments and abandonments	(161)	(73)	(4,716)	(2,515)
Gain on spectrum transaction	0	0	0	900
Employee separation costs and benefit-related losses	0	(40)	(57)	(924)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	64	(26)	(51)	(57)
Video
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	374	570	2,491	1,985
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	$ (99)	$ (370)	$ (820)	$ (999)

Segment Information (Intersegme

Segment Information (Intersegment Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ (39,922)	$ (42,340)	$ (127,906)	$ (126,069)
Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	517	815	2,201	2,409
Consolidations
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	128	473	1,045	1,300
Eliminations and consolidations
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	645	1,288	3,246	3,709
Communications | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	2	3	8	7
WarnerMedia | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	515	812	2,193	2,402
Latin America | Total Intersegment Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Ca

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 39,922	$ 42,340	$ 127,906	$ 126,069
Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	34,843	37,782	112,303	113,716
Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,941	14,365	44,081	42,975
Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,797	7,310	16,782	22,618
Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,765	6,167	17,567	18,514
Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,290	2,128	6,761	6,329
Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,501	2,687	9,649	7,793
Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,783	2,108	8,440	6,988
Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,478	1,672	5,131	4,442
Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	581	675	1,841	2,103
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	707	670	2,051	1,954
Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,079	4,558	15,603	12,353
Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	38,140	35,986	114,574	106,585
Operating Segments | Communications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	28,218	27,195	84,524	80,479
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	19,138	17,894	57,108	52,445
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,527	13,883	42,921	41,520
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,450	13,811	42,667	41,314
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	77	72	254	206
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	4,611	4,011	14,187	10,925
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,938	6,261	18,036	18,832
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,765	6,079	17,497	18,271
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,765	6,079	17,497	18,271
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	173	182	539	561
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,142	3,040	9,380	9,202
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,125	3,038	9,287	9,197
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,290	2,128	6,761	6,329
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	484	538	1,507	1,679
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	351	372	1,019	1,189
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	17	2	93	5
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	8,442	7,395	25,759	21,888
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	8,442	7,395	25,759	21,888
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,988	3,477	11,779	10,142
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	3,495	2,618	10,411	9,615
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(413)	(199)	(1,136)	(1,848)
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(299)	(311)	(835)	(779)
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,401	1,600	4,877	4,236
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	270	210	663	522
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,480	1,396	4,291	4,218
Operating Segments | Latin America | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,219	1,138	3,597	3,589
Operating Segments | Latin America | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	463	385	1,349	1,197
Operating Segments | Latin America | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	756	753	2,248	2,392
Operating Segments | Latin America | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	261	258	694	629
Corporate and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,427	7,642	16,578	23,193
Corporate and Other | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,410	7,537	16,488	22,960
Corporate and Other | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	28	169	65	464
Corporate and Other | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,041	6,557	14,534	20,226
Corporate and Other | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	88	70	243
Corporate and Other | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	111	408	909	1,115
Corporate and Other | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	97	137	334	424
Corporate and Other | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	133	178	576	488
Corporate and Other | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	17	105	90	233
Elim.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(645)	(1,288)	(3,246)	(3,709)
Elim. | Total Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(645)	(1,288)	(3,246)	(3,709)
Elim. | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Video service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Business service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | DTC (HBO Max)1
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(261)	(190)	(749)	(251)
Elim. | DTC(HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment with Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(174)	(116)	(481)	(153)
Elim. | DTC(HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment with Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(87)	(74)	(268)	(98)
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(226)	(600)	(1,381)	(2,098)
Elim. | Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(111)	(408)	(909)	(1,115)
Elim. | Legacy voice and data
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Elim. | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(47)	(90)	(207)	(245)
Elim. | Equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during period	$ 5,150
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	42,106
Prepaid and other current assets
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset balance - current portion	2,329		$ 2,054
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset balance - current portion		$ 303
Contract liability balance - current portion		1,098
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	5,671		6,285
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	2,615		3,087
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	$ 3,056		3,198
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		1,218
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit | Prepaid and other current assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		693
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		525
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	$ 6,807		9,752
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	2,611		4,118
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs	$ 4,196		$ 5,634
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		2,025
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit | Prepaid and other current assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		1,134
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Reclassification Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Excluded deferred costs		$ 891
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 5,671		$ 6,285
Deferred cost amortization	2,358	$ 1,969
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	2,615		3,087
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	3,056		3,198
Deferred Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	6,807		9,752
Deferred cost amortization	3,290	$ 3,888
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	2,611		4,118
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 4,196		$ 5,634

Revenue Recognition (Contract A

Revenue Recognition (Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract asset	$ 3,889	$ 3,501
Contract liability	5,385	6,879
Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract asset balance - current portion	2,329	2,054
Advanced billings and customer deposits
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract liability balance - current portion	4,779	6,071
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract liability balance - current portion	$ 74	$ 0

Revenue Recognition (Remaining

Revenue Recognition (Remaining Performance Obligations) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (percentage)	74.00%
Expected timing of satisfaction for remaining performance obligations, period	15 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)	26.00%
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss	$ 374		$ 3,021	$ (63)
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ (1,346)	$ (747)	$ (5,897)	(2,243)
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation	3.00%		3.00%		2.70%
Actual return on pension plan assets (nine-month rate)			6.30%
Expected long-term rate of return (annual rate)			6.75%
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ (738)	(238)	$ (4,072)	(715)
Pension Plan | Service Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect			3.30%
Pension Plan | Interest Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect			2.30%
Supplemental Retirement and Savings Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net supplemental retirement pension benefits costs	$ 12	$ 19	$ 35	$ 57

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (credit) cost	$ (1,346)	$ (747)	$ (5,897)	$ (2,243)
Pension Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost – benefits earned during the period	241	257	723	772
Interest cost on projected / accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	321	421	951	1,265
Expected return on assets	(890)	(888)	(2,617)	(2,667)
Amortization of prior service credit	(36)	(28)	(108)	(85)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(374)	0	(3,021)	0
Net (credit) cost	(738)	(238)	(4,072)	(715)
Postretirement Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost – benefits earned during the period	11	14	34	40
Interest cost on projected / accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	53	104	158	312
Expected return on assets	(38)	(44)	(114)	(133)
Amortization of prior service credit	(634)	(583)	(1,903)	(1,747)
Net (credit) cost	$ (608)	$ (509)	$ (1,825)	$ (1,528)

Fair Value Measurements And D_3

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Vrio
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	$ 32
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	170,841	$ 155,209
Commercial paper	6,576	0
Investment securities	3,282	3,249
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	197,467	187,224
Commercial paper	6,576	0
Investment securities	$ 3,282	$ 3,249

Fair Value Measurements And D_4

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	$ 1,426	$ 1,479
Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	430	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(3,000)	(1,814)
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	2	6
Liability Derivatives	(36)	(9)
Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	231	236
Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,137	1,010
International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	212	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	231	236
Level 1 | Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,137	1,010
Level 1 | International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	212	180
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	1,426	1,479
Level 2 | Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	430	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(3,000)	(1,814)
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	2	6
Liability Derivatives	(36)	(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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	$ 9	$ 64	$ 151	$ 22
Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold	(2)	0	(2)	(24)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period	$ 11	$ 64	$ 153	$ 46

Fair Value Measurements And D_6

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 1,426	$ 1,426		$ 1,479
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities less than 1 year	65	65
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 1 to 3 years	209	209
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 3 to 5 years	185	185
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities for 5 or more years	967	967
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	77	77
Net gains on net investment hedges recognized in accumulated OCI	40	91
Collateral submitted to counterparty	116	116		53
Collateral received from counterparty	189	189		$ 694
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	54	54
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 2,536	$ 2,536
Net Investment Hedging
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 1,450,000,000

Fair Value Measurements And D_7

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Notional Amount Of Our Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 42,276	$ 40,835
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	42,085	40,745
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 191	$ 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (3)	$ (5)
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	1	1	3	5
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps	(34)	0	(66)	0
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	34	0	66	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	2	0	3	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(237)	1,079	(742)	(2,091)
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(14)	10	(14)	(1)
Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense) - net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	7	(9)	(3)	4
Interest rate locks
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	0	0	0	(648)
Interest rate locks | Interest income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	$ (22)	$ (25)	$ (70)	$ (59)

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Narrative) (Details)

Sep. 20, 2021USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2021USD ($)

Feb. 24, 2021USD ($)license

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Jul. 15, 2023USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2022USD ($)

Jun. 04, 2021USD ($)

May 17, 2021USD ($)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Proceeds from issuance of debt

$ 835,000,000

$ 0

$ 18,197,000,000

$ 19,032,000,000

Bridge loan

$ 31,500,000,000

Bridge Loan

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 41,500,000,000

Secured Debt | Term Loan Credit Agreement

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 10,000,000,000

SKY Mexico

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners

41.30%

41.30%

Playdemic

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business

$ 766,000,000

Goodwill disposed

600,000,000

Otter Media

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 1,540,000,000

Goodwill disposed

1,200,000,000

$ 1,200,000,000

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

7,170,000,000

7,170,000,000

Cash proceeds received at closing

7,600,000,000

Previously received consideration

430,000,000

430,000,000

Amount of transferred DIRECTV debt

195,000,000

195,000,000

Sale of Business Unit | Playdemic

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 1,400,000,000

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Vrio

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

4,555,000,000

Historical currency translation adjustments

2,100,000,000

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

2,500,000,000

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Vrio | Noncontrolling Interest

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 80,000,000

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Vrio | Prepaid and other current assets

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Held-for-sale assets

853,000,000

853,000,000

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Vrio | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Liabilities

2,819,000,000

2,819,000,000

DIRECTV

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

1,800,000,000

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

$ 2,100,000,000

DIRECTV | 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%

Forecast | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff | WarnerMedia

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Consideration received at closing

$ 43,000,000,000

Termination fee, receivable

$ 720,000,000

Termination fee, payable

$ 1,770,000,000

Forecast | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff | WarnerMedia | New Company

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Ownership percentage by parent

71.00%

Forecast | Discovery | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff | WarnerMedia | New Company

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners

29.00%

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

$ 23,406,000,000

$ 550,000,000

Estimated relocation costs

$ 1,000,000,000

$ 650,000,000

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

Subsequent Event | C-Band Licenses

Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]

Intangible Asset Acquisition, Satellite Relocation Cost

$ 650,000,000

Junior Preferred Interests | DIRECTV

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 | DIRECTV | 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	Jul. 31, 2021USD ($)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 4,893
Property, plant and equipment - net	2,673
Other assets	1,787
Total Video assets	16,785
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract]
Current liabilities	4,267
Long-term debt	206
Other noncurrent liabilities	343
Total Video liabilities	4,816
Licenses, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	5,798
Other intangible assets, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	$ 1,634

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivable	$ 3,671	$ 5,565
Other Assets	1,487	2,295
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	9,380	7,827
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	6,588	5,646
Equipment Installment | Notes receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	1,746	2,716
Equipment Installment | Trade receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	438	554
Revolving
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivable	3,371	3,909
Other Assets	208	194
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	5,562	5,300
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	5,562	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	$ 3,163	$ 3,715

Sales Of Receivables (Finance R

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net receivables sold	$ 4,301	$ 3,553	$ 14,558	$ 11,510
Cash proceeds received	4,472	3,563	14,813	11,590
Guarantee obligation recorded	(60)	58	(49)	172
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivables sold	2,123	1,624	8,067	5,497
Net receivables sold	2,069	1,578	7,858	5,300
Cash proceeds received	1,981	1,387	7,231	4,562
Deferred purchase price recorded	158	226	864	811
Guarantee obligation recorded	$ 94	$ 55	$ 321	$ 126

Sales Of Receivables (Finance_2

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - Equipment Installment - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables	$ 471	$ 373	$ 1,094	$ 946
Carrying value of deferred purchase price	440	373	1,019	931
Gain on repurchases	$ 31	$ 0	$ 75	$ 15

Sales Of Receivables (Equipme_2

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment Program | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	$ 352	$ 228
Equipment Installment Program | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	124	161
Equipment Installment Program | Deferred Purchase Price Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	2,797	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	1,757	$ 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	$ 3,371

Sales Of Receivables (Summary o

Sales Of Receivables (Summary of Receivables Sold) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received	$ 4,472	$ 3,563	$ 14,813	$ 11,590
Total collections under revolving agreement	4,631	3,763	14,381	10,790
Cash Flows Between Transferor and Transferee, Purchases of Previously Transferred Financial Assets	170	0	170	0
Net cash proceeds received (paid)	(329)	(200)	262	800
Net receivables sold	4,301	3,553	14,558	11,510
Obligations recorded (reversed)	(60)	58	(49)	172
Initial sale of receivables	0	0	700	1,000
Collections not reinvested	$ 159	$ 200	$ 268	$ 200

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - Maximum	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 1,454	$ 1,546	$ 4,343	$ 4,372
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	59	76	198	216
Interest on lease obligation	43	39	123	116
Total finance lease cost	$ 102	$ 115	$ 321	$ 332

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Operating cash flows for operating leases	$ 3,754	$ 3,651
Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations	$ 3,543	$ 3,908

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sh

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 24,341	$ 24,714
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 3,675	$ 3,537
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Operating lease obligation	$ 21,510	$ 22,202
Total operating lease obligation	25,185	25,739
Finance Leases
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,774	3,586
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,166)	(1,361)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1,608	$ 2,225
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 169	$ 189
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Debt maturing within one year	Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt	$ 1,574	$ 1,847
Total finance lease obligation	$ 1,743	$ 2,036
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years), Operating leases	8 years 4 months 24 days		8 years 6 months
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years), Finance leases	8 years 6 months		10 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Operating leases	3.80%		4.10%
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Finance leases	8.00%		8.10%

Leases (Future Minimum Maturiti

Leases (Future Minimum Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$ 1,252
2022	4,897
2023	4,467
2024	3,931
2025	3,211
Thereafter	12,734
Total lease payments	30,492
Less: imputed interest	(5,307)
Total	25,185	$ 25,739
Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	84
2022	340
2023	315
2024	290
2025	281
Thereafter	1,466
Total lease payments	2,776
Less: imputed interest	(1,033)
Total	$ 1,743	$ 2,036

Related Party Disclosures (Deta

Related Party Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates		$ 8,629	$ 8,629		$ 8,629		$ 1,780
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates			91	$ 5	184	$ (11)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions					(102)	(108)
Repayments of Related Party Debt					361
Proceeds from (Repayment of) Related Party Debt					1,439	0
DIRECTV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement to pay net losses under NFL Sunday Ticket Contract, cap amount	$ 2,100
Preferred interest in newly formed company		1,800	1,800		1,800
Repayments of Related Party Debt					361
Proceeds from (Repayment of) Related Party Debt					1,438
Operating Costs and Expenses		50
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties		$ 433	$ 433		$ 433
Accounts Payable, Related Parties				$ 659		$ 659
Network Transport For Products and Sales Services Under Commercial Arrangements Period		5 years	5 years		5 years
Operational Support Services Agreement Period		3 years	3 years		3 years
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates		$ 6,883	$ 6,883		$ 6,883
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6,852
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		157
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions			$ 130
Related Party Costs		240
Content | DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		280
Advertising | DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		$ 200

Additional Financial Informat_3

Additional Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,270	$ 9,758	$ 9,740	$ 12,130
Restricted cash in Prepaid and other current assets	2	2	9	69
Restricted cash in Other Assets	133	89	121	96
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	21,405	9,849	$ 9,870	$ 12,295
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	6,079	6,661
Income taxes, net of refunds	538	306
Spectrum acquisitions	23,533	1,215
Capital expenditures, interest during construction	(132)	(92)
Spectrum	(516)	0
Interest Paid During Construction	(648)	(92)
Spectrum Licenses
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Spectrum acquisitions	$ 23,017	$ 1,062

Additional Financial Informat_4

Additional Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jan. 29, 2021
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Vendor financing payables			$ 3,752,000,000			$ 3,752,000,000
Vendor financing payables due within one year			2,866,000,000			2,866,000,000
Long-term debt obligations			179,161,000,000			179,161,000,000
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		0	$ 0	$ 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	0	$ 0	$ 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						$ 3,624,000,000	$ 3,148,000,000

Additional Financial Informat_5

Additional Financial Information - Debt Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 23, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Net commercial paper borrowings			$ (2)	$ (513)	$ 7,072	$ 6,557
Issuances of Notes and Debentures						9,931	$ 31,987
Private financing			0	0	750	750
Other			835	0	636	1,471
Debt Issuances			835	0	18,197	19,032
Repayments:
Private financing			0	0	(649)	(649)
Other			(498)	(253)	(253)	(1,004)
Repayments of long-term debt			(498)	(253)	(902)	(1,653)	$ (37,583)
U.S. dollar denominated global notes
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures			$ 0	0	6,000	$ 6,000
Initial average rate			1.27%			1.27%
Euro denominated global notes
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures			$ 0	0	1,461	$ 1,461
Rate			0.00%			0.00%
2021 Syndicated Term Loan
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan	$ 7,350		$ 0	0	7,350	$ 7,350
BAML Bilateral Term Loan
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan		$ 2,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,000	$ 2,000