AT&T (T) 10-K 16 Feb 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 11, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 205
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,142,892,741
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of AT&T Inc.’s Notice of 2021 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated on or about April 1, 2022 to be filed within the period permitted under General Instruction G(3) (Parts III and IV).
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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 a share of5.000% 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 a share of4.750% 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	T50A
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

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Auditor [Line Items]
Auditor Name	Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location	Dallas, Texas
Auditor Firm ID	42

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 168,864	$ 171,760	$ 181,193
Cost of revenues
Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	31,232	32,909	34,356
Selling, general and administrative	37,944	38,039	39,422
Asset impairments and abandonments	4,904	18,880	1,458
Depreciation and amortization	22,862	28,516	28,217
Total operating expenses	145,517	165,355	153,238
Operating Income (Loss)	23,347	6,405	27,955
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(6,884)	(7,925)	(8,422)
Equity in net income of affiliates	631	95	6
Other income (expense) – net	9,853	(1,431)	(1,071)
Total other income (expense)	3,600	(9,261)	(9,487)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	26,947	(2,856)	18,468
Income tax expense	5,468	965	3,493
Net Income (Loss)	21,479	(3,821)	14,975
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(1,398)	(1,355)	(1,072)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to AT&T	20,081	(5,176)	13,903
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	(207)	(193)	(3)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	$ 19,874	$ (5,369)	$ 13,900
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.77	$ (0.75)	$ 1.90
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ (0.75)	$ 1.89
Service
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 146,391	$ 152,767	$ 163,499
Equipment
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues	22,473	18,993	17,694
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	23,778	19,706	18,653
Broadcast, programming and operations
Cost of revenues
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 24,797	$ 27,305	$ 31,132

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 21,479	$ (3,821)	$ 14,975
Foreign Currency:
Translation adjustment (includes $(2), $(59) and $(9) attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(44), $(42) and $18	(127)	(929)	19
Reclassification adjustment included in net income (loss), net of taxes of $204, $0 and $0	2,087	0	0
Securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(21), $27 and $17	(63)	78	50
Reclassification adjustment included in net income (loss), net of taxes of $(1), $(5) and $0	(3)	(15)	0
Derivative Instruments:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(192), $(212) and $(240)	(715)	(811)	(900)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income (loss), net of taxes of $19, $18 and $12	72	69	45
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net prior service (cost) credit arising during period, net of taxes of $(8), $735 and $1,134	(34)	2,250	3,457
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income (loss), net of taxes of $(660), $(601) and $(475)	(2,020)	(1,841)	(1,459)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(803)	(1,199)	1,212
Total comprehensive income (loss)	20,676	(5,020)	16,187
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,396)	(1,296)	(1,063)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AT&T	$ 19,280	$ (6,316)	$ 15,124

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	$ (2)	$ (59)	$ (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustments - tax effect	(44)	(42)	18
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	204	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities - tax effect	(21)	27	17
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on securities - tax effect	(1)	(5)	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - tax effect	(192)	(212)	(240)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income on derivatives - tax effect	19	18	12
Net prior service credit (cost) arising during period - tax effect	(8)	735	1,134
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income - tax effect	$ (660)	$ (601)	$ (475)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,169	$ 9,740
Accounts receivable – net of related allowance for credit loss of $771 and $1,221	17,571	20,215
Inventories	3,464	3,695
Prepaid and other current assets	17,793	18,358
Total current assets	59,997	52,008
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	18,983	14,752
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net	125,904	127,315
Goodwill	133,223	135,259
Licenses – Net	113,830	93,840
Other Intangible Assets – Net	11,783	15,386
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates	7,274	1,780
Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets	24,180	24,714
Other Assets	22,568	23,617
Total Assets	551,622	525,761
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year	24,630	3,470
Note payable to DIRECTV	1,245	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	50,661	50,051
Advanced billings and customer deposits	5,303	6,176
Dividends payable	3,749	3,741
Total current liabilities	85,588	63,438
Long-Term Debt	152,724	153,775
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	65,226	60,472
Postemployment benefit obligation	12,649	18,276
Operating lease liabilities	21,261	22,202
Other noncurrent liabilities	30,223	28,358
Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent	96	0
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities	129,455	129,308
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: issued 7,620,748,598 at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	7,621	7,621
Additional paid-in capital	130,112	130,175
Retained earnings	42,350	37,457
Treasury stock (479,684,705 at December 31, 2021 and 494,826,583 at December 31, 2020, at cost)	(17,280)	(17,910)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,529	4,330
Noncontrolling interest	17,523	17,567
Total stockholders’ equity	183,855	179,240
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	551,622	525,761
Series A (48,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Series B (20,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Series C (70,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock ($1 par value, 10,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020):	0	0
Trademarks And Trade Names - Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	21,938	23,297
Distribution Networks – Net
Current Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets - Net	$ 11,942	$ 13,793

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowances for credit losses	$ 771	$ 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)	479,684,705	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
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	20,000	20,000
Preferred Stock – Series C
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)		70,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	70,000	70,000

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 21,479	$ (3,821)	$ 14,975
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,862	28,516	28,217
Amortization of film and television costs	11,006	8,603	9,587
Distributed (undistributed) earnings from investments in equity affiliates	184	38	295
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,240	1,972	2,575
Deferred income tax expense	5,246	1,675	1,806
Net (gain) loss on investments, net of impairments	(927)	(742)	(1,218)
Pension and postretirement benefit expense (credit)	(3,848)	(2,992)	(2,002)
Actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement benefits	(4,140)	4,169	5,171
Asset impairments and abandonments	4,904	18,880	1,458
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(634)	2,216	2,812
Other current assets, inventories and theatrical film and television production costs	(16,472)	(13,070)	(12,852)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,636	(1,410)	(1,524)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales	(265)	(1,429)	548
Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs	52	376	(910)
Postretirement claims and contributions	(822)	(985)	(1,008)
Other – net	456	1,134	738
Total adjustments	20,478	46,951	33,693
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	41,957	43,130	48,668
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(16,527)	(15,675)	(19,635)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(25,453)	(1,851)	(1,809)
Dispositions	8,740	3,641	4,684
Distributions from DIRECTV in excess of cumulative equity in earnings	1,323	0	0
Other – net	(172)	337	70
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(32,089)	(13,548)	(16,690)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less	1,316	(17)	(276)
Issuance of other short-term borrowings	21,856	9,440	4,012
Repayment of other short-term borrowings	(7,510)	(9,467)	(6,904)
Issuance of long-term debt	9,931	31,988	17,039
Repayment of long-term debt	(3,142)	(39,964)	(27,592)
Note payable to DIRECTV, net of payments of $459	1,341	0	0
Payment of vendor financing	(4,596)	(2,966)	(3,050)
Issuance of preferred stock	0	3,869	1,164
Purchase of treasury stock	(202)	(5,498)	(2,417)
Issuance of treasury stock	96	105	631
Issuance of preferred interests in subsidiaries	0	1,979	7,876
Redemption of preferred interest in subsidiary	0	(1,950)	0
Dividends paid	(15,068)	(14,956)	(14,888)
Other – net	(2,444)	(4,570)	(678)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	1,578	(32,007)	(25,083)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	11,446	(2,425)	6,895
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of year	9,870	12,295	5,400
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash End of Year	$ 21,316	$ 9,870	$ 12,295

Consolidated Statements Of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Repayments of Related Party Debt	$ 459

Consolidated Statements Of Chan

Consolidated Statements 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 changes 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 changes and other adjustments	Noncontrolling InterestAdjusted beginning balance
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 193,884	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	$ 125,525			$ 58,753	$ 316	$ 59,069	$ (12,059)	$ 4,249	$ 9,795	$ 29	$ 9,824
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		0	0	0	7,621							(339)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock								$ 0
Issuance of stock		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0		$ 1,164
Issuance of stock (in shares)		0	0	0	0
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock												$ (2,492)
Repurchase and acquisition common stock (in shares)												(67)
Issuance of treasury stock						(125)						$ (1,466)
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)												40
Share-based payments						(271)
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						(14)
Net income (loss) attributable to AT&T	13,903								13,903
Preferred stock dividends									(8)
Common stock dividends ($2.08, $2.08, and $2.05 per share)									(15,028)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	1,221												1,221
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,072													1,072
Issuance and acquisition of noncontrolling owners														7,881
Redemption of noncontrolling interest														0
Distributions														(1,055)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	9													(9)
Balance at end of year 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 end of year (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	$ (5,278)											$ (5,631)
Repurchase and acquisition common stock (in shares)	(142)											(150)
Issuance of treasury stock						(62)						$ (806)
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)												21
Share-based payments						18
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						4
Net income (loss) attributable to AT&T	$ (5,176)								(5,176)
Preferred stock dividends									(139)
Common stock dividends ($2.08, $2.08, and $2.05 per share)									(14,871)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(1,140)												(1,140)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,355													1,355
Issuance and acquisition of noncontrolling owners														1,979
Redemption of noncontrolling interest														(1,950)
Distributions														(1,464)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	59													(59)
Balance at end of year 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 end of year (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												$ (237)
Repurchase and acquisition common stock (in shares)	0											(8)
Issuance of treasury stock						(76)						$ (867)
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)												23
Share-based payments						13
Changes related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners						0
Net income (loss) attributable to AT&T	$ 20,081								20,081
Preferred stock dividends									(224)
Common stock dividends ($2.08, $2.08, and $2.05 per share)									(14,964)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(801)												(801)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,398													1,398
Issuance and acquisition of noncontrolling owners														7
Redemption of noncontrolling interest														0
Distributions														(1,447)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	2													(2)
Balance at end of year at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 183,855	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,621	$ 130,112			$ 42,350			$ (17,280)	$ 3,529	$ 17,523
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021		0	0	0	7,621							(480)

Consolidated Statements Of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends to stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 2.08	$ 2.08	$ 2.05

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and 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. 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 and deconsolidated our Video business, comprised of our U.S. video operations, and began accounting for our investment in DIRECTV under the equity method (see Notes 6 and 10). On November 15, 2021, we sold our Latin America video operations, Vrio, to Grupo Werthein (see Note 6). 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, including translation adjustments. We treat distributions received from equity method investees as returns on investment and classify them as cash flows from operating activities until those distributions exceed our cumulative equity in the earnings of that investment. We treat the excess amount as a return of investment and classify it as cash flows from investing activities. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions, including other estimates of probable losses and expenses, 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. Accounting Policies and Adopted Accounting Standards Credit Losses As of January 1, 2020, we adopted, through modified retrospective application, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” or Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 326 (ASC 326), which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under prior GAAP with an expected credit loss model. ASC 326 affects trade receivables, loans, contract assets, certain beneficial interests, off-balance-sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance and other financial assets that are not subject to fair value through net income, as defined by the standard. Under the expected credit loss model, we are required to consider future economic trends to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset. Upon adoption on January 1, 2020, we recorded a $293 reduction to “Retained earnings,” $395 increase to “Allowances for credit losses” applicable to our trade and loan receivables, $10 reduction of contract assets, $105 reduction of net deferred income tax liability and $7 reduction of “Noncontrolling interest.” Our adoption of ASC 326 did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Leases As of January 1, 2019, we adopted, with modified retrospective application, the FASB's ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASC 842), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements (see Note 8). ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets. For income statement recognition purposes, leases are classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon bright-line tests. The key change upon adoption of the standard was balance sheet recognition of operating leases, given that the recognition of lease expense on our income statement is similar to our historical accounting. Using the modified retrospective transition method of adoption, we did not adjust the balance sheet for comparative periods but recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2019. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements that were not accounted for as leases. We excluded leases with original terms of one year or less. Additionally, we elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for certain classes of assets. Our accounting for finance leases did not change from our prior accounting for capital leases. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of an operating lease liability of $22,121 and an operating right-of-use asset of the same amount. Existing prepaid and deferred rent accruals were recorded as an offset to the right-of-use asset, resulting in a net asset of $20,960. The cumulative effect of the adoption to retained earnings was an increase of $316 reflecting the reclassification of deferred gains related to sale/leaseback transactions. The standard did not materially impact our income statements or statements of cash flows, and had no impact on our covenant compliance under our current debt agreements. Income Taxes We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the computed tax basis of those assets and liabilities. We record valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets (included, together with our deferred income tax assets, as part of our reportable net deferred income tax liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets), for which the realization is uncertain. We review these items regularly in light of changes in federal and state tax laws and changes in our business. As of January 1, 2021, we adopted, with modified retrospective application, the FASB’s ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (ASU 2019-12), which is expected to simplify income tax accounting requirements in areas deemed costly and complex. ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amounts approximate fair value. At December 31, 2021, we held $5,204 in cash and $15,965 in money market funds and other cash equivalents. Of our total cash and cash equivalents, $2,706 resided in foreign jurisdictions, some of which is subject to restrictions on repatriation. Allowance for Credit Losses We record expense to maintain an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses that result from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments deemed collectible from the customer when the service was provided or product was delivered. When determining the allowances for trade receivables and loans, we consider the probability of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience, taking into account current collection trends and general economic factors, including bankruptcy rates. We also consider future economic trends to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recoveries, as well as an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved for when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as catastrophes or pending bankruptcies. Inventories Inventories primarily consist of wireless devices and accessories and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Licensed Programming Inventory Cost Recognition and Impairment We enter into agreements to license programming exhibition rights from licensors. A programming inventory asset related to these rights and a corresponding liability payable to the licensor are recorded (on a discounted basis if the license agreements are long-term) when (i) the cost of the programming is reasonably determined, (ii) the programming material has been accepted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, (iii) the programming is available for its first showing or telecast, and (iv) the license period has commenced. There are variations in the amortization methods of these rights, depending on whether the network is advertising-supported (e.g., TNT and TBS) or not advertising-supported (e.g., HBO and Turner Classic Movies). For the advertising-supported networks, our general policy is to amortize each program’s costs on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over its license period. In circumstances where the initial airing of the program has more value than subsequent airings, an accelerated method of amortization is used. The accelerated amortization upon the first airing versus subsequent airings is determined based on a study of historical and estimated future advertising sales for similar programming. For rights fees paid for sports programming arrangements, such rights fees are amortized using a revenue-forecast model, in which the rights fees are amortized using the ratio of current period advertising revenue to total estimated remaining advertising revenue over the term of the arrangement. For premium pay television, streaming and over-the-top (OTT) services that are not advertising-supported, each licensed program’s costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over its license period or estimated period of use, beginning with the month of initial exhibition. When we have the right to exhibit feature theatrical programming in multiple windows over a number of years, historical audience viewership is used as the basis for determining the amount of programming amortization attributable to each window. Licensed programming inventory is carried at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. For networks that generate both advertising and subscription revenues, the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs is generally evaluated based on the network’s programming taken as a whole. In assessing whether the programming inventory for a particular advertising-supported network is impaired, the net realizable value for all of the network’s programming inventory is determined based on a projection of the network’s profitability. This assessment would occur upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. Similarly, for premium pay television, streaming and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, an evaluation of the fair value of unamortized programming costs is performed based on services’ licensed programming taken as a whole. Specifically, the fair value for all premium pay television, streaming and OTT service licensed programming is determined based on projections of estimated subscription revenues less certain costs of delivering and distributing the licensed programming. Changes in management’s intended usage of a specific program, such as a decision to no longer exhibit that program and forgo the use of the rights associated with the program license, results in a reassessment of that program’s fair value, which could result in an impairment (see Note 11). Film and Television Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments Film and television production costs on our consolidated balance sheets include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. For films and television programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given film or television series in a particular period are determined using the film forecast computation method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals are based on the proportion of the film’s (or television program’s) revenues recognized for such period to the film’s (or television program’s) estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s (or television program’s) life cycle). The process of estimating a film’s ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. We estimate the ultimate revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the value of a film or television series is impaired and requires an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film and television production costs. To the extent that the ultimate revenues are adjusted, the resulting gross margin reported on the exploitation of that film or television series in a period is also adjusted. (See Note 11) Prior to the theatrical release of a film, our estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. In the absence of revenues directly related to the exhibition of owned film or television programs on our television networks, premium pay television, streaming or OTT services, we estimate a portion of the unamortized costs that are representative of the utilization of that film or television program in that exhibition and expense such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. The period over which ultimate revenues are estimated generally does not exceed ten years from the initial release of a motion picture or from the date of delivery of the first episode of an episodic television series. Estimates were updated based on information available during the film’s production and, upon release, the actual results of each film. For a film (or television program) predominantly monetized as part of a film (or television program) group, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs is amortized using a reasonably reliable estimate of the portion of unamortized film costs that is representative of the use of the film. Production costs are expensed as the film (or television program) is exhibited or exploited. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, except for assets acquired using acquisition accounting, which are initially recorded at fair value (see Note 7). The cost of additions and substantial improvements to property, plant and equipment is capitalized, and includes internal compensation costs for these projects. The cost of maintenance and repairs of property, plant and equipment is charged to operating expenses. Property, plant and equipment costs are depreciated using straight-line methods over their estimated economic lives. Certain subsidiaries follow composite group depreciation methodology. Accordingly, when a portion of their depreciable property, plant and equipment is retired in the ordinary course of business, the gross book value is reclassified to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of these assets. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. (See Note 7) The liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate. The increase in the carrying value of the associated long-lived asset is depreciated over the corresponding estimated economic life. Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in “Property, Plant and Equipment – Net” on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, there is certain network software that allows the equipment to provide the features and functions unique to the AT&T network, which we include in the cost of the equipment categories for financial reporting purposes. We amortize our capitalized software costs over a three-year to seven-year period, reflecting the estimated period during which these assets will remain in service. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We have the following major classes of intangible assets: goodwill; licenses, which include Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other wireless licenses; distribution networks; film and television libraries; intellectual properties and franchises; trademarks and trade names; customer lists; and various other finite-lived intangible assets (see Note 9). Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Wireless licenses provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services. While wireless licenses are issued for a fixed period of time (generally ten years), renewals of domestic wireless licenses have occurred routinely and at nominal cost. We have determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful lives of our FCC wireless licenses. We amortize our wireless licenses in Mexico over their average remaining economic life of 25 years. We acquired the rights to the AT&T and other trade names in previous acquisitions, classifying certain of those trade names as indefinite-lived. We have the effective ability to retain these exclusive rights permanently at a nominal cost. Goodwill, FCC wireless licenses and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. The testing is performed on the value as of October 1 each year, and compares the book values of the assets to their fair values. Goodwill is tested by comparing the carrying amount of each reporting unit, deemed to be our principal operating segments or one level below them, to the fair value using both discounted cash flow as well as market multiple approaches. FCC wireless licenses are tested on an aggregate basis, consistent with our use of the licenses on a national scope, using a discounted cash flow approach. Prior to 2020, orbital slots were similarly aggregated for purposes of impairment testing and valued using a discounted cash flow approach. Trade names are tested by comparing their book values to their fair values calculated using a discounted cash flow approach on a presumed royalty rate derived from the revenues related to each brand name. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives (see Note 9). As of January 1, 2020, on a prospective basis, orbital slots were amortized using the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over their average remaining economic life (ceased in 2021 in conjunction with the transfer of the orbital slots as part of the DIRECTV transaction). Customer lists and relationships are amortized using primarily the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over the period in which those relationships are expected to contribute to our future cash flows. Finite-lived trademarks and trade names and distribution networks are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Film library is amortized using the film forecast computation method, as previously disclosed. The remaining finite-lived intangible assets are generally amortized using the straight-line method. These assets, along with other long-lived assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable (see Note 6). Advertising Costs We expense advertising costs for products and services or for promoting our corporate image as incurred (see Note 23). Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign subsidiaries and foreign investments generally report their earnings in their local currencies. We translate their foreign assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate their revenues and expenses using average rates during the year. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated OCI in our consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3). Operations in countries with highly inflationary economies use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. We hedge a portion of the foreign currency exchange risk involved in certain foreign currency-denominated transactions, which we explain further in our discussion of our methods of managing our foreign currency risk (see Note 13). Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits See Note 15 for a comprehensive discussion of our pension and postretirement benefits, including a discussion of the actuarial assumptions, our policy for recognizing the associated gains and losses and our method used to estimate service and interest cost components. New Accounting Standards Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (ASU 2020-04, as amended), which provides optional expedients, and allows for certain exceptions to existing GAAP, for contract modifications triggered by the expected market transition of certain benchmark interest rates to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 applies to contracts, hedging relationships, certain derivatives and other arrangements that reference the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) or any other rates ending after December 31, 2022. ASU 2020-04, as amended, became effective immediately. We do not believe our adoption of ASU 2020-04, including optional expedients, will materially impact our financial statements. Convertible Instruments Beginning with 2022 interim reporting, we will adopt ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt—Debt With Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (ASU 2020-06). ASU 2020-06 eliminated certain separation models regarding cash conversion and beneficial conversion features to simplify reporting for convertible instruments as a single liability or equity, with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires that instruments which may be settled in cash or stock are presumed settled in stock in calculating diluted earnings per share. While our intent is to settle the Mobility II preferred interests in cash (see Note 17), settlement of this instrument in AT&T shares will result in additional dilutive impact, the magnitude of which is influenced by the fair value of the Mobility II preferred interests and the average AT&T common stock price during the reporting period, which could vary from period-to-period. We are currently evaluating our adoption method and the impact on our financial statements, as our recent decision (February 2022) on methodology of distribution to AT&T’s shareholders (i.e., pro rata dividend) for the pending WarnerMedia transaction could affect the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our financial statements (see Note 6). Government Assistance In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance” (ASU 2021-10), which requires annual disclosures, in the notes to the financial statements, about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy to other guidance. The annual disclosures include terms and conditions, accounting treatment and impacted financial statement lines reflecting the impact of the transactions. ASU 2021-10 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, under prospective or retrospective application for all in scope government transactions in the financial statements as of our adoption date or thereafter. We are evaluating the disclosure impacts of our adoption of ASU 2021-10.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown in the table below: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock $ 19,874 $ (5,369) $ 13,900 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 1 22 23 21 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 19,896 $ (5,346) $ 13,921 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,168 7,157 7,319 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 1 31 26 29 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,199 7,183 7,348 1 For 2020, dilutive potential common shares are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect is antidilutive as a result of the net loss. In the first quarter of 2020, we completed an accelerated share repurchase agreement with a third-party financial institution to repurchase AT&T common stock (see Note 17). Under the terms of the agreement, we paid the financial institution $4,000 and received 104.8 million shares.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated OCI are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. Foreign Net Unrealized Net Unrealized Defined Benefit Accumulated Other Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (3,084) $ (2) $ 818 $ 6,517 $ 4,249 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 28 50 (900) 3,457 2,635 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 45 2 (1,459) 3 (1,414) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 28 50 (855) 1,998 1,221 Balance as of December 31, 2019 (3,056) 48 (37) 8,515 5,470 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (870) 78 (811) 2,250 647 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (15) 1 69 2 (1,841) 3 (1,787) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (870) 63 (742) 409 (1,140) Balance as of December 31, 2020 (3,926) 111 (779) 8,924 4,330 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (125) (63) (715) (34) (937) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 2,087 1,4 (3) 1 72 2 (2,020) 3 136 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,962 (66) (643) (2,054) (801) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ (1,964) $ 45 $ (1,422) $ 6,870 $ 3,529 1 (Gains) losses are included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are included in “Interest expense” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 13). 3 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits is included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 15). 4 Represents unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments at Vrio that were released upon sale. (See Note 6)

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION Our segments are comprised of strategic business units that offer products and services to different customer segments over various technology platforms and/or in different geographies that are managed accordingly. We analyze our segments based on segment 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. EBITDA 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. 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 6). 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 6) On December 21, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell the marketplace component of Xandr to Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) (see Note 6). We applied held-for-sale accounting for Xandr as of December 31, 2021, and continue to present the Xandr results within the WarnerMedia segment consistent with how performance was assessed and resource allocation decision were made through December 31, 2021. The Latin America segment provides wireless services and equipment in Mexico, and prior to the November 2021 disposition of Vrio, video services in Latin America and the Caribbean. We applied held-for-sale accounting to Vrio as of June 30, 2021 and continued to present the Vrio results within the Latin America segment consistent with how performance was assessed and resource allocation decisions were made until the transaction closed. 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 following the transaction through 2022, to maintain comparability of our operating segment results, and while operational plans and continued cost reduction initiatives are implemented. • Video, which consists of our former U.S. video operations that were contributed to DIRECTV on July 31, 2021 and also includes our share of DIRECTV’s earnings as equity in net income of affiliates (see Note 10). • Acquisition-related items, which consists of items associated with the merger and integration of acquired or divested businesses, including amortization of intangible assets. • Certain significant items, which includes (1) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (2) asset impairments and abandonments, and (3) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated. • Eliminations and consolidations , which (1) removes transactions involving dealings between our segments, including channel distribution between WarnerMedia and Video and Vrio prior to 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 year ended December 31, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 78,254 $ 46,820 $ 31,434 $ 8,122 $ 23,312 $ — $ 23,312 Business Wireline 23,937 14,755 9,182 5,192 3,990 — 3,990 Consumer Wireline 12,539 8,467 4,072 3,095 977 — 977 Total Communications 114,730 70,042 44,688 16,409 28,279 — 28,279 WarnerMedia 35,632 27,737 7,895 656 7,239 38 7,277 Latin America Mexico 2,747 2,652 95 605 (510) — (510) Vrio 2,607 2,302 305 231 74 6 80 Total Latin America 5,354 4,954 400 836 (436) 6 (430) Segment Total 155,716 102,733 52,983 17,901 35,082 $ 44 $ 35,126 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,264 4,805 (3,541) 372 (3,913) (32) (3,945) Video 15,513 12,666 2,847 356 2,491 619 3,110 Acquisition-related items — 299 (299) 4,233 (4,532) — (4,532) Certain significant items — 4,961 (4,961) — (4,961) — (4,961) Eliminations and consolidations (3,629) (2,809) (820) — (820) — (820) AT&T Inc. $ 168,864 $ 122,655 $ 46,209 $ 22,862 $ 23,347 $ 631 $ 23,978 1 Includes $2,680 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization and approximately $200 of retained operation and support costs and $240 of depreciation expense previously allocated to Video, net of reimbursements. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 72,564 $ 42,106 $ 30,458 $ 8,086 $ 22,372 $ — $ 22,372 Business Wireline 25,083 15,303 9,780 5,216 4,564 — 4,564 Consumer Wireline 12,318 8,027 4,291 2,914 1,377 — 1,377 Total Communications 109,965 65,436 44,529 16,216 28,313 — 28,313 WarnerMedia 30,442 21,579 8,863 671 8,192 18 8,210 Latin America Mexico 2,562 2,636 (74) 513 (587) — (587) Vrio 3,154 2,800 354 520 (166) 24 (142) Total Latin America 5,716 5,436 280 1,033 (753) 24 (729) Segment Total 146,123 92,451 53,672 17,920 35,752 $ 42 $ 35,794 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 2,207 4,205 (1,998) 310 (2,308) 53 (2,255) Video 28,610 24,174 4,436 2,262 2,174 — 2,174 Acquisition-related items — 468 (468) 8,012 (8,480) — (8,480) Certain significant items — 19,156 (19,156) 14 (19,170) — (19,170) Eliminations and consolidations (5,180) (3,615) (1,565) (2) (1,563) — (1,563) AT&T Inc. $ 171,760 $ 136,839 $ 34,921 $ 28,516 $ 6,405 $ 95 $ 6,500 1 Includes $2,442 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 71,056 $ 40,681 $ 30,375 $ 8,054 $ 22,321 $ — $ 22,321 Business Wireline 25,901 15,839 10,062 4,925 5,137 — 5,137 Consumer Wireline 13,012 7,775 5,237 2,880 2,357 — 2,357 Total Communications 109,969 64,295 45,674 15,859 29,815 — 29,815 WarnerMedia 35,259 24,172 11,087 589 10,498 161 10,659 Latin America Mexico 2,869 3,085 (216) 502 (718) — (718) Vrio 4,094 3,378 716 660 56 27 83 Total Latin America 6,963 6,463 500 1,162 (662) 27 (635) Segment Total 152,191 94,930 57,261 17,610 39,651 $ 188 $ 39,839 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 2,203 3,509 (1,306) 645 (1,951) (182) (2,133) Video 32,124 27,275 4,849 2,461 2,388 — 2,388 Acquisition-related items (72) 960 (1,032) 7,460 (8,492) — (8,492) Certain significant items — 2,082 (2,082) 43 (2,125) — (2,125) Eliminations and consolidations (5,253) (3,735) (1,518) (2) (1,516) — (1,516) AT&T Inc. $ 181,193 $ 125,021 $ 56,172 $ 28,217 $ 27,955 $ 6 $ 27,961 1 Includes $1,934 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. The following table is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to “Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes” reported in our consolidated statements of income: 2021 2020 2019 Communications $ 28,279 $ 28,313 $ 29,815 WarnerMedia 7,277 8,210 10,659 Latin America (430) (729) (635) Segment Contribution 35,126 35,794 39,839 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (3,913) (2,308) (1,951) Video 2,491 2,174 2,388 Merger costs (299) (468) (1,032) Amortization of intangibles acquired (4,233) (8,012) (7,460) Asset impairments and abandonments (4,904) (18,880) (1,458) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — 900 — Employee separation charges and benefit-related losses (57) (1,177) (624) Other noncash charges (credits), net — (13) (43) Segment equity in net income of affiliates (44) (42) (188) Eliminations and consolidations (820) (1,563) (1,516) AT&T Operating Income 23,347 6,405 27,955 Interest Expense 6,884 7,925 8,422 Equity in net income of affiliates 631 95 6 Other income (expense) – net 9,853 (1,431) (1,071) Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes $ 26,947 $ (2,856) $ 18,468 1 Included as a reduction of “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of income. The following table sets forth revenues earned from customers, and property, plant and equipment located in different geographic areas: 2021 2020 2019 Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, United States $ 151,631 $ 120,924 $ 155,899 $ 121,208 $ 161,689 $ 122,567 Europe 6,079 1,106 5,387 1,152 6,536 1,854 Mexico 3,043 3,462 2,862 3,530 3,198 3,648 Brazil 1,486 20 1,807 694 2,797 1,057 All other Latin America 3,118 115 2,679 485 3,219 544 Asia/Pacific Rim 2,637 240 2,322 203 2,793 390 Other 870 37 804 43 961 68 Total $ 168,864 $ 125,904 $ 171,760 $ 127,315 $ 181,193 $ 130,128 The following tables present intersegment revenues, assets, investments in equity affiliates and capital expenditures by segment: Intersegment Reconciliation 2021 2020 2019 Intersegment revenues Communications $ 11 $ 11 $ 26 WarnerMedia 2,573 3,183 3,318 Latin America — — — Total Intersegment Revenues 2,584 3,194 3,344 Consolidations 1,045 1,986 1,909 Eliminations and consolidations $ 3,629 $ 5,180 $ 5,253 At or for the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Investments in Capital Assets Investments in Capital Communications $ 494,063 $ — $ 14,860 $ 506,102 $ — $ 14,107 WarnerMedia 154,369 1,122 764 148,037 1,123 699 Latin America 8,874 — 580 15,811 590 708 Corporate and eliminations (105,684) 6,152 323 (144,189) 67 161 Total $ 551,622 $ 7,274 $ 16,527 $ 525,761 $ 1,780 $ 15,675

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	NOTE 5. REVENUE RECOGNITION We report our revenues net of sales taxes and record certain regulatory fees, primarily Universal Service Fund (USF) fees, on a net basis. No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in 2021, 2020 or 2019. Wireless, Advanced Data, Legacy Voice & Data Services and Equipment Revenue We offer service-only contracts and contracts that bundle equipment used to access the services and/or with other service offerings. Some contracts have fixed terms and others are cancellable on a short-term basis (i.e., month-to-month arrangements). Examples of service revenues include wireless, strategic services (e.g., virtual private network service), and legacy voice and data (e.g., traditional local and long-distance). These services represent a series of distinct services that is considered a separate performance obligation. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees). Some of our services require customer premises equipment that, when combined and integrated with AT&T’s specific network infrastructure, facilitates the delivery of service to the customer. In evaluating whether the equipment is a separate performance obligation, we consider the customer’s ability to benefit from the equipment on its own or together with other readily available resources and if so, whether the service and equipment are separately identifiable (i.e., is the service highly dependent on, or highly interrelated with the equipment). When the equipment does not meet the criteria to be a separate performance obligation (e.g., equipment associated with certain video services), we allocate the total transaction price to the related service. When equipment is a separate performance obligation, we record the sale of equipment when title has passed and the products are accepted by the customer. For devices sold through indirect channels (e.g., national dealers), revenue is recognized when the dealer accepts the device, not upon activation. Our equipment and service revenues are predominantly recognized on a gross basis, as most of our services do not involve a third party and we typically control the equipment that is sold to our customers. Revenue recognized from fixed term contracts that bundle services and/or equipment is allocated based on the stand-alone selling price of all required performance obligations of the contract (i.e., each item included in the bundle). Promotional discounts are attributed to each required component of the arrangement, resulting in recognition over the contract term. Stand-alone selling prices are determined by assessing prices paid for service-only contracts (e.g., arrangements where customers bring their own devices) and stand-alone device pricing. We offer the majority of our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time, and, in many cases, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, at the point of sale, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of revenue allocated to the customer receivable net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee. The difference between the revenue recognized and the consideration received is recorded as a note receivable when the devices are not discounted and our right to consideration is unconditional. When installment sales include promotional discounts (e.g., “buy one get one free” or equipment discounts with trade-in of a device), the difference between revenue recognized and consideration received is recorded as a contract asset to be amortized over the contract term. Less commonly, we offer certain customers highly discounted devices when they enter into a minimum service agreement term. For these contracts, we recognize equipment revenue at the point of sale based on a stand-alone selling price allocation. The difference between the revenue recognized and the cash received is recorded as a contract asset that will amortize over the contract term. Our contracts allow for customers to frequently modify their arrangement, without incurring penalties in many cases. When a contract is modified, we evaluate the change in scope or price of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a new contract or if it should be considered a change of the existing contract. We generally do not have significant impacts from contract modifications. Revenues from transactions between us and our customers are recorded net of revenue-based regulatory fees and taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Nonrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees associated with service arrangements are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer relationship life. Subscription Revenue Subscription revenues from cable networks and premium pay and basic-tier television services are recognized over the license period as programming is provided to affiliates or digital distributors based on negotiated contractual programming rates. When a distribution contract with an affiliate has expired and a new distribution contract has not been executed, revenues are based on estimated rates, giving consideration to factors including the previous contractual rates, inflation, current payments by the affiliate and the status of the negotiations on a new contract. When the new distribution contract terms are finalized, an adjustment to revenue is recorded, if necessary, to reflect the new terms. Subscription revenues from end-user subscribers are recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage or period of time. Subscription revenues from streaming services are recognized as programming services are provided to customers. Content Revenue Feature films typically are produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters, followed by distribution, generally commencing within three years of such initial exhibition. Revenues from film rentals by theaters are recognized as the films are exhibited. Television programs and series are initially produced for broadcast and may be subsequently licensed or sold in physical format and/or electronic delivery. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through broadcast networks, cable networks, first-run syndication and streaming services are recognized when the programs or series are available to the licensee. In certain circumstances, pursuant to the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements, the availability dates granted to customers may precede the date in which the customer can be billed for these sales. Revenues from sales of feature films and television programming in physical format are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and series for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Upfront or guaranteed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term if the intellectual property has significant standalone functionality or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent on our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term. Revenues from the sales of console games are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the product is made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Advertising Revenue Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period that the advertisements are aired. If there is a targeted audience guarantee, revenues are recognized for the actual audience delivery and revenues are deferred for any shortfall until the guaranteed audience delivery is met, typically by providing additional advertisements. Advertising revenues from digital properties are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed. Revenue Categories The following tables set forth reported revenue by category and by business unit: For the year ended December 31, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 57,260 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,834 $ 74 $ — $ 59,168 Video service — — — — 2,607 14,514 — 17,121 Business service — 23,224 — — — 70 — 23,294 Broadband — — 9,085 — — — — 9,085 Subscription — — — 15,596 — — — 13,133 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (1,051) Other 2 — — — — — — (1,412) Content — — — 15,621 — — — 12,622 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,923) — — — Other 3 — — — (1,076) — — — Advertising 330 — — 6,522 — 909 (909) 6,852 Legacy voice and data — — 1,977 — — 429 — 2,406 Other — — 1,384 892 — 691 (257) 2,710 Total Service 57,590 23,224 12,446 35,632 4,441 16,687 (3,629) 146,391 Equipment 20,664 713 93 — 913 90 — 22,473 Total $ 78,254 $ 23,937 $ 12,539 $ 35,632 $ 5,354 $ 16,777 $ (3,629) $ 168,864 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($698 with Mobility and $353 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 20). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 55,251 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,656 $ 528 $ — $ 57,435 Video service — — — — 3,154 26,747 — 29,901 Business service — 24,313 — — — 321 — 24,634 Broadband — — 8,534 — — — — 8,534 Subscription — — — 13,765 — — — 10,655 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (468) Other 2 — — — — — — (2,642) Content — — — 13,083 — — — 9,819 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (2,249) — — — Other 3 — — — (1,015) — — — Advertising 291 — — 6,125 — 1,718 (1,718) 6,416 Legacy voice and data — — 2,213 — — 554 — 2,767 Other — — 1,564 733 — 661 (352) 2,606 Total Service 55,542 24,313 12,311 30,442 4,810 30,529 (5,180) 152,767 Equipment 17,022 770 7 — 906 288 — 18,993 Total $ 72,564 $ 25,083 $ 12,318 $ 30,442 $ 5,716 $ 30,817 $ (5,180) $ 171,760 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($285 with Mobility and $183 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia (see Note 20). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the year ended December 31, 2019 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 55,039 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,863 $ 628 $ — $ 57,530 Video service — — — — 4,094 30,451 — 34,545 Business service — 25,116 — — — 325 — 25,441 Broadband — — 8,403 — — — — 8,403 Subscription — — — 13,651 — — — 10,402 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — — Other 2 — — — — — — (3,249) Content — — — 14,938 — — — 13,880 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — — Other 3 — — — (1,058) — — — Advertising 292 — — 6,678 — 1,672 (1,672) 6,970 Legacy voice and data — — 2,573 — — 565 — 3,138 Other — — 2,029 1,050 — 443 (332) 3,190 Total Service 55,331 25,116 13,005 35,259 5,957 34,084 (5,253) 163,499 Equipment 15,725 785 7 — 1,006 171 — 17,694 Total $ 71,056 $ 25,901 $ 13,012 $ 35,259 $ 6,963 $ 34,255 $ (5,253) $ 181,193 1 HBO Max was launched in May 2020. 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia (see Note 20). 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 and consumer wireline services, are deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer relationship life, which typically ranges from three years to five years. The following table presents the deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs included on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31: Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,550 $ 3,087 Other Assets 3,248 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 5,798 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,601 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,148 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 6,749 $ 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 6) The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the year ended December 31: Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 3,072 $ 2,755 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 4,019 5,110 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 at December 31: Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 4,517 $ 3,501 Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets” 2,684 2,054 Contract liability 5,644 6,879 Current portion in “Advanced billings and customer deposits” 5,112 6,071 Our contract asset balance in 2021 reflects increased promotional equipment sales in our wireless business. We expect the amortization of these promotional costs to increase throughout 2022 and the contract asset to flatten in 2023. 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 6) Our beginning of period contract liabilities recorded as customer contract revenue during 2021 was $5,662. 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 and residential internet agreements. Remaining performance obligations associated with business contracts reflect recurring charges billed, adjusted to reflect estimates for sales incentives and revenue adjustments. Performance obligations associated with wireless contracts are estimated using a portfolio approach in which we review all relevant promotional activities, calculating the remaining performance obligation using the average service component for the portfolio and the average device price. As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $42,678, of which we

Acquisitions, Dispositions And

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments	NOTE 6. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS Acquisitions Spectrum Auctions 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 December 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheet. In December 2021, we paid $955 of Incentive Payments upon clearing of Phase I spectrum and estimate that we will pay $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 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. On January 14, 2022, the FCC announced that we were the winning bidder for 1,624 3.45 GHz licenses in Auction 110. We provided the FCC an upfront deposit of $123 in the third quarter of 2021 and will pay the remaining $8,956 in the first quarter of 2022, for a total of $9,079. We intend to fund the purchase price using cash and short-term investments. In June 2020, we completed the acquisition of $2,379 of 37/39 GHz spectrum in an FCC auction. Prior to the auction, we exchanged the 39 GHz licenses with a book value of approximately $300 that were previously acquired through FiberTower Corporation for vouchers to be applied against the winning bids and recorded a $900 gain in the first quarter of 2020. These vouchers yielded a value of approximately $1,200, which was applied toward our gross bids. In the second quarter of 2020, we made the final cash payment of $949, bringing the total cash payment to $1,186. In December 2019, we acquired $982 of 24 GHz spectrum in an FCC auction. HBO Latin America Group (HBO LAG) In May 2020, we acquired the remaining interest in HBO LAG for $141, net of cash acquired. At acquisition, we remeasured the fair value of the total business, which exceeded the carrying amount of our equity method investment and resulted in a pre-tax gain of $68. We consolidated that business upon close and recorded those assets at fair value, including $640 of trade names, $271 of distribution networks and $346 of goodwill that is reported in the WarnerMedia segment. 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, most significantly the appointment and removal of the CEO. 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 10 for additional information on our accounting for our investment in DIRECTV. Upon close of the transaction 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 Vrio On November 15, 2021, we completed the sale of our Latin America video operations, Vrio, to Grupo Werthein and recorded a note receivable of $610 to be paid over four years, of which $300 is in the form of seller financing and the remainder is related to working capital adjustments. 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. The assets and liabilities removed from our consolidated balance sheet included $851 of Vrio held-for-sale assets primarily related to deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, prepaids and other deferred charges, and $2,872 of related liabilities primarily for reserves associated with accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments, which reversed against accumulated other comprehensive income upon close of the transaction. This disposition did not result in a net material gain or loss. We continue to hold a 41.3% interest in SKY Mexico, a leading pay-TV provider in Mexico. 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 $1,370 in cash and recognized a pre-tax gain of $706 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. Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (CME) On October 13, 2020, we completed the sale of our 65.3% interest in CME, a European broadcasting company, for approximately $1,100. This disposition did not result in a material gain or loss. Upon close, we received relief from a debt guarantee originally covering approximately $1,100 that was reduced to $600 at the time of the sale. Operations in Puerto Rico On October 31, 2020, we completed the sale of our previously held-for-sale wireless and wireline operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for approximately $1,950 and recorded a pre-tax loss of $82. Upon sale we removed held-for-sale assets (“Prepaid and other current assets”) and held-for-sale liabilities (“Accounts payable and accrued liabilities”) that primarily consisted of FCC licenses (approximately $1,100), allocated goodwill (approximately $250), net property, plant and equipment (approximately $850) and net tax liabilities (approximately $500), previously reported on our consolidated balance sheets. The proceeds were used to redeem $1,950 of cumulative preferred interests in a subsidiary that held notes secured by the proceeds of this sale. Hudson Yards In June 2019, we sold our ownership in Hudson Yards North Tower Holdings LLC under a sale-leaseback arrangement for cash proceeds of $2,081 and recorded a loss of approximately $100 resulting from transaction costs (primarily real estate transfer taxes). Hulu In April 2019, we sold our ownership interest in Hulu for cash proceeds of $1,430 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $740. 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 working capital and other adjustments) 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. On February 1, 2022, we announced that we will structure the distribution as a spin-off rather than an exchange offer. Upon closing of the transaction, each AT&T shareholder will receive, on a tax-free basis, an estimated 0.24 shares of the new company for each share of AT&T common stock held as of the record date for the pro rata distribution. The exact number of shares to be received by AT&T shareholders for each AT&T common share will be determined closer to the closing based on the number of shares of AT&T common stock outstanding and the number of shares of Discovery common stock outstanding on an as-converted and as-exercised basis. AT&T shareholders will continue to hold the same number of shares of AT&T common stock after the transaction closes. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to approval by Discovery shareholders and customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. No vote is required by AT&T shareholders. Upon close of the transaction, WarnerMedia will be deconsolidated. 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. Xandr On December 21, 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell the marketplace component of Xandr, primarily representing the AppNexus business, to Microsoft, which is expected to close in 2022, subject to customary regulatory approvals. This advertising business is included in our WarnerMedia segment and is excluded from the WarnerMedia/Discovery transaction. We applied held-for-sale accounting treatment to the related assets and liabilities of this business, resulting in approximately $550 of goodwill and other intangible assets being reclassified to “Prepaid and other current assets” as of December 31, 2021.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant And Equipment	NOTE 7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows at December 31: Lives (years) 2021 2020 Land - $ 2,458 $ 2,571 Buildings and improvements 2-44 39,306 39,418 Central office equipment 1 3-10 97,069 95,981 Cable, wiring and conduit 15-50 79,961 75,409 Satellites 14-17 103 908 Other equipment 3-20 86,830 90,883 Software 3-7 17,916 18,482 Under construction - 5,845 4,099 329,488 327,751 Accumulated depreciation and amortization 203,584 200,436 Property, plant and equipment – net $ 125,904 $ 127,315 1 Includes certain network software. Our depreciation expense was $18,629 in 2021, $20,504 in 2020, and $20,758 in 2019. Depreciation expense included amortization of software totaling $3,021 in 2021, $3,483 in 2020 and $3,313 in 2019. In December 2020, we reassessed our grouping of long-lived assets and identified certain impairment indicators, requiring us to evaluate the recoverability of the long-lived assets of our former video business. Based on this evaluation, we determined that these assets were not fully recoverable and recognized pre-tax impairment charges totaling $7,255, of which $1,681 relates to property, plant and equipment, including satellites. The reduced carrying amounts of the impaired assets became their new cost basis. In 2019, we recorded a noncash pre-tax charge of $1,290 to abandon copper assets that we no longer expect will be utilized to support future network activity. The abandonment was considered outside the ordinary course of business.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	NOTE 8. LEASES We have operating and finance leases for certain facilities and equipment used in our 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 a corresponding 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: 2021 2020 2019 Operating lease cost $ 5,793 $ 5,896 $ 5,684 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 256 $ 287 $ 271 Interest on lease obligation 162 156 169 Total finance lease cost $ 418 $ 443 $ 440 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: 2021 2020 2019 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 5,012 $ 4,852 $ 4,583 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $ 4,581 $ 5,270 $ 7,818 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases at December 31: 2021 2020 Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,180 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,706 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,261 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 24,967 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,609 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,120) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment – net $ 1,489 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 137 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,484 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,621 $ 2,036 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.4 9.9 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.7 % 4.1 % Finance leases 7.8 % 8.1 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At December 31, 2021 Operating Leases Finance 2022 $ 4,922 $ 299 2023 4,502 283 2024 3,970 257 2025 3,232 246 2026 2,540 243 Thereafter 10,686 1,068 Total lease payments 29,852 2,396 Less: imputed interest (4,885) (775) Total $ 24,967 $ 1,621
Leases	NOTE 8. LEASES We have operating and finance leases for certain facilities and equipment used in our 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 a corresponding 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: 2021 2020 2019 Operating lease cost $ 5,793 $ 5,896 $ 5,684 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 256 $ 287 $ 271 Interest on lease obligation 162 156 169 Total finance lease cost $ 418 $ 443 $ 440 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: 2021 2020 2019 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 5,012 $ 4,852 $ 4,583 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $ 4,581 $ 5,270 $ 7,818 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases at December 31: 2021 2020 Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,180 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,706 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,261 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 24,967 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,609 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,120) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment – net $ 1,489 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 137 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,484 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,621 $ 2,036 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.4 9.9 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.7 % 4.1 % Finance leases 7.8 % 8.1 % The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At December 31, 2021 Operating Leases Finance 2022 $ 4,922 $ 299 2023 4,502 283 2024 3,970 257 2025 3,232 246 2026 2,540 243 Thereafter 10,686 1,068 Total lease payments 29,852 2,396 Less: imputed interest (4,885) (775) Total $ 24,967 $ 1,621

Goodwill And Other Intangible A

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	NOTE 9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS We test goodwill for impairment at a reporting unit level, which is deemed to be our principal operating segments or one level below. With our annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2021, the calculated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their book values in all circumstances; however, the WarnerMedia fair value exceeded its book value by less than 10%, with industry trends and our content distribution strategy affecting fair value. 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 no impairment was identified. Changes to our goodwill in 2021 primarily resulted from the following transactions (see Note 6): • The agreement to sell our marketplace component of Xandr, our advertising business within the WarnerMedia segment. Approximately $400 of goodwill was allocated to the business and classified as held-for-sale. • Our disposition of substantially all the assets of Otter Media and removal of $885 of associated goodwill. • Our sale of WarnerMedia’s mobile games app studio, Playdemic and removal of $600 of associated goodwill. Other changes to our goodwill in 2021 primarily resulted from the sale of our Government Solutions business and foreign currency translation. In December 2020, we changed our management strategy and reevaluated our former domestic video business, allowing us to maximize value in our former domestic video business and further accelerate our ability to innovate and execute in our fast-growing broadband and fiber business. The strategy change required us to reassess the grouping and recoverability of the former video business long-lived assets. In conjunction with the strategy change, we separated the former Entertainment Group reporting unit into two reporting units, Video and Consumer Wireline, which includes legacy telephony operations. Our recoverability assessment resulted in $7,255 of long-lived asset impairment in the former video business, including $4,373 for orbital slots and $1,201 for customer lists. The change in reporting units required the historical Entertainment Group goodwill to be assigned to the separate Video and Consumer Wireline reporting units, for which we used the relative fair value allocation methodology. The affected reporting units were then tested for goodwill impairment. We recorded an impairment of the entire $8,253 of goodwill allocated to the Video reporting unit. No goodwill impairment was required in the Consumer Wireline reporting unit. We closed our transaction with TPG and deconsolidated Video in the third quarter of 2021 (see Note 6). In the second quarter of 2020, driven by significant and adverse economic and political environments in Latin America, including the impact of COVID-19, we experienced accelerated subscriber losses and revenue decline in the region, as well as closure of our operations in Venezuela. When combining these business trends and higher weighted-average cost of capital resulting from the increase in country-risk premiums in the region, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Vrio reporting unit, estimated using discounted cash flow and market multiple approaches, was less than its carrying amount. We recorded a $2,212 goodwill impairment in the Vrio reporting unit, with $105 attributable to noncontrolling interest. Vrio was sold in the fourth quarter of 2021 (see Note 6). Other changes to our goodwill in 2020 resulted from foreign currency translation, the held-for-sale treatment of Crunchyroll and our acquisition of the remaining interest in HBO LAG (see Note 6). In 2020, Xandr was combined with our WarnerMedia segment. At December 31, 2021, our Communications segment has three reporting units: Mobility, Business Wireline and Consumer Wireline. The reporting unit is deemed to be the operating segment for WarnerMedia and Latin America. The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by operating segment: 2021 2020 Balance at Dispositions, Balance at Balance at Acquisitions Impairments Dispositions, Balance at Communications $ 91,976 $ (76) $ 91,900 $ 100,234 $ — $ (8,253) $ (5) $ 91,976 WarnerMedia 42,447 (1,940) 40,507 42,345 415 — (313) 42,447 Latin America 836 (20) 816 3,662 — (2,212) (614) 836 Total $ 135,259 $ (2,036) $ 133,223 $ 146,241 $ 415 $ (10,465) $ (932) $ 135,259 We review amortizing intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining life of the asset or asset group, including the video business previously discussed. In 2021, as a result of the separation of our U.S. video business (see Note 6), we removed $5,798 of orbital slot licenses and $1,585 of customer lists that were transferred to DIRECTV. As a result of the transaction to sell our Latin America video operations (see Note 6), 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 the impairment of certain intangibles related to this business, including $241 for customer lists, $632 for trade names and $89 for amortizable wireless licenses. Indefinite-lived wireless licenses increased in 2021 due to recent auction activity (see Note 6). In 2020, we changed the estimated lives of our orbital slot licenses from indefinite to finite-lived and began amortizing them over their average remaining economic life of 15 years (see Note 1). Our other intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows: 2021 2020 Other Intangible Assets Weighted-Average Life Gross Carrying Accumulated Currency Gross Carrying Accumulated Currency Amortized intangible assets: Wireless licenses 21.6 years $ 3,083 $ 307 $ (440) $ 2,979 $ 271 $ (421) Orbital slots N/A — — — 5,825 — — Trademarks and trade names 38.3 years 18,781 2,077 (7) 20,016 1,518 (442) Distribution network 10.0 years 18,399 6,457 — 18,414 4,621 — Released television and film content 17.8 years 10,939 6,978 — 10,940 6,240 — Customer lists and relationships 11.2 years 637 483 (98) 4,100 1,645 (460) Other 22.3 years 10,987 3,221 — 11,311 2,615 (5) Total 24.6 years $ 62,826 $ 19,523 $ (545) $ 73,585 $ 16,910 $ (1,328) Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Wireless licenses $ 111,494 $ 85,728 Trade names 5,241 5,241 Total $ 116,735 $ 90,969 Amortized intangible assets are definite-life assets, and, as such, we record amortization expense based on a method that most appropriately reflects our expected cash flows from these assets. Amortization expense for definite-life intangible assets in 2021 reflected the separation of our U.S. video and Vrio businesses and was $4,288 for the year ended December 31, 2021, $8,239 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $7,932 for the year ended December 31, 2019. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows: Year AT&T Inc. Attributable to WarnerMedia 1 2022 $ 3,907 $ 3,747 2023 3,895 3,741 2024 3,524 3,377 2025 3,394 3,258 2026 3,309 3,174 1 The pending WarnerMedia/Discovery transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to approval by Discovery shareholders and customary closing conditions. (See Note 6)

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	NOTE 10. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS Investments in partnerships, joint ventures and less than majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. On July 31, 2021, we closed our transaction with TPG to form a new company named DIRECTV (see Note 6). The transaction resulted in our deconsolidation of the Video Business, with DIRECTV being accounted for under the equity method beginning August 1, 2021. In May 2020, we acquired the remaining interest in HBO LAG and fully consolidated that entity. In October 2020, we sold our ownership interest in CME. (See Note 6) In 2019, we sold our investments in Hudson Yards and Hulu. (See Note 6) Our investments in equity affiliates at December 31, 2021 primarily included our interests in DIRECTV, SKY Mexico and The CW Network. DIRECTV We account for our investment in DIRECTV under the equity method of accounting. DIRECTV is 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. The ownership interests in DIRECTV, based on seniority are as follows: • Preferred units with distribution rights of $1,800 held by TPG, which were fully distributed by December 31, 2021. • Junior preferred units with distribution rights of $4,250 held by AT&T, of which $3,212 of distribution rights remain as of December 31, 2021. • Distribution preference associated with Common units of $4,200 held by AT&T. • Common units, with 70% held by AT&T and 30% held by TPG. The initial fair value of the equity considerations on July 31, 2021 was $6,852, which was determined using a discounted cash flow model reflecting distribution rights and preference of the individual instruments. During 2021, we recognized $619 of equity in net income of affiliates and received total distributions of $1,942 from DIRECTV. The book value of our investment in DIRECTV at December 31, 2021 was $5,539. 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. SKY Mexico We hold a 41.3% interest in SKY Mexico, which is a leading pay-TV provider in Mexico. The CW Network (The CW) We hold a 50.0% interest in The CW, which is an advertising supported broadcasting and licensing joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation. The following table is a reconciliation of our investments in equity affiliates as presented on our consolidated balance sheets: 2021 2020 Beginning of year $ 1,780 $ 3,695 Additional investments 265 178 Receipt of equity interest in DIRECTV 6,852 — Distributions from DIRECTV in excess of cumulative equity in earnings (1,323) — Other capital distributions (26) (22) Dividends and distributions of cumulative earnings received (815) (133) Equity in net income of affiliates 631 95 Acquisition of remaining interest in HBO LAG — (1,141) Disposition of CME — (749) Impairments — (146) Disposition of various investments (68) — Currency translation adjustments (16) (10) Other adjustments (6) 13 End of year $ 7,274 $ 1,780

Inventories And Theatrical Film

Inventories And Theatrical Film And Television Production Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories And Theatrical Film And Television Production Costs	NOTE 11. INVENTORIES AND THEATRICAL FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION COSTS Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value and include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given period is determined using the film forecast computation method. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we recognized an impairment of $524 based on a change in these estimates for various film titles. This change in estimates was driven by the continued shutdown of theaters during the pandemic, including the resurgence of an outbreak in the fourth quarter and the impact of our decision to release our 2021 movies in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time. The following table summarizes inventories and theatrical film and television production costs as of December 31: 2021 2020 Inventories: Programming costs, less amortization 1 $ 7,101 $ 6,010 Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs 134 103 Total inventories 7,235 6,113 Less: current portion of inventory (134) (103) Total noncurrent inventories 7,101 6,010 Theatrical film production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 525 487 Completed and not released 343 616 In production 1,687 1,130 Development and pre-production 143 190 Television production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 3,335 2,495 Completed and not released 1,350 1,381 In production 4,376 2,353 Development and pre-production 123 90 Total theatrical film and television production costs 11,882 8,742 Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs $ 18,983 $ 14,752 1 Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to the related rights being received. 2 Does not include $3,961 and $4,699 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in “Other Intangible Assets – Net” on our consolidated balance sheets. Approximately 89% of unamortized film costs for released theatrical and television content are expected to be amortized within three years from December 31, 2021. In addition, approximately $3,464 of the film costs of released and completed and not released theatrical and television product are expected to be amortized during 2022.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	NOTE 12. DEBT Long-term debt of AT&T and its subsidiaries, including interest rates and maturities, is summarized as follows at December 31: 2021 2020 Notes and debentures Interest Rates Maturities 1 0.69% - 2.99% 2021 - 2039 $ 31,841 $ 25,549 3.00% - 4.99% 2021 - 2061 108,003 110,317 5.00% - 6.99% 2021 - 2095 23,360 24,259 7.00% - 9.15% 2021 - 2097 5,645 5,006 Credit agreement borrowings 10,400 300 Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt 16 20 179,265 165,451 Unamortized (discount) premium – net (9,610) (9,710) Unamortized issuance costs (508) (532) Total notes and debentures 169,147 155,209 Finance lease obligations 1,621 2,036 Total long-term debt, including current maturities 170,768 157,245 Current maturities of long-term debt (7,944) (3,470) Current maturities of credit agreement borrowings (10,100) — Total long-term debt $ 152,724 $ 153,775 1 Maturities assume puttable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity. We had outstanding Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Australian dollar, and Swiss franc denominated debt of approximately $41,249 and $43,399 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate of our long-term debt portfolio, including, credit agreement borrowings and the impact of derivatives, was approximately 3.8% as of December 31, 2021 and 4.1% as of December 31, 2020. Debt maturing within one year consisted of the following at December 31: 2021 2020 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 7,944 $ 3,470 Commercial paper 6,586 — Credit agreement borrowings 10,100 — Total $ 24,630 $ 3,470 Financing Activities During 2021, we received net proceeds of $8,931 on the issuance of $8,949 in long-term debt and proceeds of $10,100 on the issuance of credit agreement borrowings in various markets, with an average weighted maturity of approximately 2.3 years and a weighted average interest rate of 1.4%. We repaid $2,904 in borrowings of various notes with a weighted average coupon of 3.5%. Our debt activity during 2021 primarily consisted of the following: First Second Third Fourth Full Year 2021 Net commercial paper borrowings 1 $ 7,072 $ (513) $ (2) $ 4 $ 6,561 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 2 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes (converted to USD at issuance) 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) 2.650% Euro denominated global notes due 2021 — — — (1,349) (1,349) Other (253) (253) (498) (140) (1,144) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) $ (253) $ (498) $ (1,489) $ (3,142) 1 Includes $1,316 net issuance of commercial paper with original maturities of three months or less, $12,755 of commercial paper issued greater than 90 days and $7,510 of commercial paper repaid greater than 90 days. 2 Includes credit agreement borrowing. Tender Offers and Debt Exchanges In August 2020, we repurchased $11,384 of AT&T global notes and subsidiary notes due 2021 to 2025 through cash tender offers. In September 2020, we exchanged $17,677 of AT&T and subsidiary notes, with interest rates ranging from 4.350% to 8.750% and original maturities ranging from 2031 to 2058 for $1,459 of cash and $21,500 of three new series of AT&T Inc. global notes, with interest rates ranging from 3.500% to 3.650% and maturities ranging from 2053 to 2059. In December 2020, we also exchanged $8,280 of AT&T and subsidiary notes, with interest rates ranging from 2.950% to 7.125% and original maturities ranging from 2026 to 2048 for $8 of cash and $9,678 of two new series of AT&T global notes, with interest rates of 2.550% and 3.800% and maturities of 2033 and 2057, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions of instruments governing our debt. Substantially all of our outstanding long-term debt is unsecured. Maturities of outstanding long-term notes and debentures, as of December 31, 2021, and the corresponding weighted-average interest rate scheduled for repayment are as follows: 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Debt repayments 1 $ 18,185 $ 7,739 $ 11,562 $ 6,484 $ 10,557 $ 126,922 Weighted-average interest rate 2 1.9 % 3.4 % 2.9 % 3.9 % 3.3 % 4.2 % 1 Debt repayments represent maturity value and assume puttable debt is redeemed at the next opportunity. Foreign debt includes the impact from hedges, when applicable. Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Credit Facilities General In April 2020, we entered into and drew on a $5,500 Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan) with 11 commercial banks and Bank of America, N.A. as lead agent. We repaid and terminated the Term Loan in May 2020. 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 was terminated. As of December 31, 2021, $7,350 was outstanding and is due on March 22, 2022. In March 2021, we entered into and drew on a $2,000 term loan credit agreement (BAML Bilateral Term Loan) consisting of (i) a $1,000 facility originally due December 31, 2021 (BAML Tranche A Facility) and subsequently extended to December 31, 2022 in the fourth quarter of 2021, and (ii) a $1,000 facility due December 31, 2022 (BAML Tranche B Facility), with Bank of America, N.A., as agent. At December 31, 2021, $2,000 was outstanding under these facilities. Revolving Credit Agreements In November 2020, we amended one of our $7,500 revolving credit agreements by extending the termination date. In total, we have two $7,500 revolving credit agreements, totaling $15,000, with one terminating on December 11, 2023 and the other terminating on November 17, 2025. No amounts were outstanding under either agreement as of December 31, 2021. Each of our credit and loan agreements contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA financial ratio covenant requiring AT&T to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter through June 30, 2023, a ratio of not more than 4.0-to-1, and a ratio of not more than 3.5-to-1 for any fiscal quarter thereafter. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the covenants for our credit facilities. The events of default are customary for agreements of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase each agreement’s relevant Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum. The obligations of the lenders under two revolving credit agreements to provide advances will terminate on December 11, 2023, and November 17, 2025, unless the commitments are terminated in whole prior to that date. All advances must be repaid no later than the date on which lenders are no longer obligated to make any advances under the applicable credit agreement. Each of the credit agreements provides that we and lenders representing more than 50% of the facility amount may agree to extend their commitments under such Credit Agreement for two one-year periods beyond the initial termination date. We have the right to terminate, in whole or in part, amounts committed by the lenders under each of the credit agreements in excess of any outstanding advances; however, any such terminated commitments may not be reinstated. Advances under these agreements would bear interest, at our option, either: • at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (but not less than zero) (a) the rate of interest announced publicly by Citibank in New York, New York, from time to time, as Citibank’s base rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the London interbank offered rate (or the successor thereto) (“LIBOR”) applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Base Advances”); or • at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the applicable Credit Agreement (the “Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances”). We pay a facility fee of 0.070%, 0.080%, 0.100% or 0.125% per annum of the amount of the lender commitments, depending on AT&T’s credit rating.

Fair Value Measurements And Dis

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure	NOTE 13. 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: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Notes and debentures 1 $ 169,147 $ 194,891 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 6,586 6,586 — — Investment securities 2 3,374 3,374 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Excludes note payable to DIRECTV. 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 December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities,” “Prepaid and other current assets” and “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,256 $ — $ — $ 1,256 International equities 227 — — 227 Fixed income equities 230 — — 230 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,384 — 1,384 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 211 — 211 Foreign exchange contracts — 8 — 8 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (3,170) — (3,170) Foreign exchange contracts — (41) — (41) 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: For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 293 $ 171 $ 301 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold (5) (25) 100 Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 298 $ 196 $ 201 At December 31, 2021, available-for-sale debt securities totaling $1,384 have maturities as follows - less than one year: $41; one to three years: $171; three to five years: $179; five or more years: $993. 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 value as assets, and unrealized losses are recorded at fair 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 years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, no ineffectiveness was measured on fair value hedges. Cash Flow Hedging We designate most of our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from our foreign-denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominated amounts to fixed U.S. dollar denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate that is usually determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed or floating foreign currency-denominated interest rate to a fixed U.S. dollar denominated interest rate. We also designate some of our foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges. The purpose of these contracts is to hedge certain forecasted film production costs and film tax incentives denominated in foreign currencies. Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses are recorded at fair value as liabilities. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are reported as a component of accumulated OCI and are reclassified into the consolidated statements of income in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. Periodically, we enter into and designate interest rate locks to partially hedge the risk of changes in interest payments attributable to increases in the benchmark interest rate during the period leading up to the probable issuance of fixed-rate debt. We designate our interest rate locks as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses when we settle our interest rate locks are amortized into income over the life of the related debt. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $73 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 for 2021 were $122. 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 December 31, 2021, we had posted collateral of $135 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $7 (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 December, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $36. 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 $2,816. 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 at December 31: 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 40,737 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 30 90 Total $ 40,767 $ 40,835 Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance: Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Fair Value Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (4) $ (6) $ 58 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 4 6 (58) Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (91) — — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 91 — — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (17) — — In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the periods above were offset against “Interest expense.” Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (873) $ (378) $ (1,066) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (17) 3 10 Other income (expense) – net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income 1 (3) 6 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — (648) (84) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (92) (84) (63) Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, impairment indicators may subject goodwill, long-lived assets and film costs to nonrecurring fair value measurements. The implied fair values of the U.S. video and Vrio businesses were estimated using both the discounted cash flow as well as market multiple approaches. The fair values of long-lived assets in the U.S. video business were determined using a present value approach of probability-weighted expected cash flows. The fair values of film productions were estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. The inputs to all of these approaches are considered Level 3. Our nonrecurring fair value measurements also include the valuation of our initial investment in DIRECTV at July 31, 2021 (see Note 10). This nonrecurring fair value measurement was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. The inputs to these models are considered Level 3.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities (assets) are as follows at December 31: 2021 2020 Depreciation and amortization $ 47,433 $ 46,952 Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles 15,576 13,930 Employee benefits (3,338) (5,279) Deferred fulfillment costs 1,797 2,691 Equity in partnership 3,285 — Net operating loss and other carryforwards (6,703) (7,355) Other – net 2,308 4,562 Subtotal 60,358 55,501 Deferred tax assets valuation allowance 4,638 4,773 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 64,996 $ 60,274 Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ 65,226 $ 60,472 Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets (230) (198) Net deferred tax liabilities $ 64,996 $ 60,274 At December 31, 2021, we had combined net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for federal income tax purposes of $452, state of $1,012 and foreign of $2,709, expiring through 2041. Additionally, we had federal credit carryforwards of $604 and state credit carryforwards of $1,926, expiring primarily through 2041. We recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our valuation allowances at December 31, 2021 and 2020 related primarily to state and foreign net operating losses and state credit carryforwards. We consider post-1986 unremitted foreign earnings subjected to the one-time transition tax not to be indefinitely reinvested as such earnings can be repatriated without any significant incremental tax costs. We consider other types of unremitted foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been recorded on temporary differences related to investments in certain foreign subsidiaries as such differences are considered indefinitely reinvested. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability is not practicable. We recognize the financial statement effects of a tax return position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will ultimately be sustained. For tax positions that meet this recognition threshold, we apply our judgment, taking into account applicable tax laws, our experience in managing tax audits and relevant GAAP, to determine the amount of tax benefits to recognize in our financial statements. For each position, the difference between the benefit realized on our tax return and the benefit reflected in our financial statements is recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as an unrecognized tax benefit (UTB). We update our UTBs at each financial statement date to reflect the impacts of audit settlements and other resolutions of audit issues, the expiration of statutes of limitation, developments in tax law and ongoing discussions with taxing authorities. A reconciliation of the change in our UTB balance from January 1 to December 31 for 2021 and 2020 is as follows: Federal, State and Foreign Tax 2021 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 10,001 $ 10,979 Increases for tax positions related to the current year 677 1,580 Increases for tax positions related to prior years 443 112 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (1,344) (994) Lapse of statute of limitations (29) (24) Settlements (342) (1,646) Current year dispositions (4) — Foreign currency effects — (6) Balance at end of year 9,402 10,001 Accrued interest and penalties 2,221 2,450 Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 11,623 12,451 Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits (799) (878) Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above (3,515) (3,588) Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year $ 7,309 $ 7,985 Periodically we make deposits to taxing jurisdictions which reduce our UTB balance but are not included in the reconciliation above. The amount of deposits that reduced our UTB balance was $377 at December 31, 2021 and $702 at December 31, 2020. Accrued interest and penalties included in UTBs were $2,221 as of December 31, 2021 and $2,450 as of December 31, 2020. We record interest and penalties related to federal, state and foreign UTBs in income tax expense. The net interest and penalty expense (benefit) included in income tax expense was $(155) for 2021, $149 for 2020 and $267 for 2019. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As a large taxpayer, our income tax returns are regularly audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other taxing authorities. The IRS has completed field examinations of our tax returns through 2012. All audit periods prior to 2005 are closed for federal examination purposes and we have effectively resolved all outstanding audit issues for years through 2010 with the IRS Appeals Division. Those years will be closed as the final paperwork is processed in the coming months. While we do not expect material changes, we are generally unable to estimate the range of impacts on the balance of the remaining uncertain tax positions or the impact on the effective tax rate from the resolution of these issues until each year is closed; and it is possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit with respect to our uncertain tax positions could increase or decrease within the next 12 months. The components of income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Federal: Current $ (1,198) $ (687) $ 584 Deferred 5,296 1,039 1,656 4,098 352 2,240 State and local: Current 646 (6) 603 Deferred 456 263 144 1,102 257 747 Foreign: Current 516 413 605 Deferred (248) (57) (99) 268 356 506 Total $ 5,468 $ 965 $ 3,493 “Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income included the following components for the years ended December 31: 2021 2020 2019 U.S. income (loss) before income taxes $ 30,223 $ (452) $ 18,301 Foreign income (loss) before income taxes (3,276) (2,404) 167 Total $ 26,947 $ (2,856) $ 18,468 A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Taxes computed at federal statutory rate $ 5,659 $ (600) $ 3,878 Increases (decreases) in income taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit 967 193 611 CARES Act federal NOL carryback (471) — — Tax on foreign investments (68) (141) (115) Noncontrolling interest (294) (285) (230) Permanent items and R&D credit (163) (239) (285) Audit resolutions (298) (112) (156) Divestitures (112) 107 — Goodwill impairment 1 250 2,120 — Other – net (2) (78) (210) Total $ 5,468 $ 965 $ 3,493 Effective Tax Rate 20.3 % (33.8) % 18.9 % 1 Goodwill impairments are not deductible for tax purposes. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted, which allows for a Net Operating Loss (NOL) generated in 2020 to be carried back to a year with a federal rate of 35%. During 2021, we recorded a $471 tax benefit for the rate impact of the 2020 NOL carryback adjusted for the domestic manufacturing deduction limitation in the carryback year and applicable unrecognized tax benefits. AT&T is subject to the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) provisions created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. We report the tax impact of GILTI as a period cost when incurred.

Pension And Postretirement Bene

Pension And Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension And Postretirement Benefits	NOTE 15. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS We offer noncontributory pension programs covering the majority of domestic nonmanagement employees in our Communications business. Nonmanagement employees’ pension benefits are generally calculated using one of two formulas: a flat dollar amount applied to years of service according to job classification or a cash balance plan with negotiated annual pension band credits as well as interest credits. Most employees can elect to receive their pension benefits in either a lump sum payment or an annuity. Pension programs covering U.S. management employees are closed to new entrants. These programs continue to provide benefits to participants that were generally hired before January 1, 2015, who receive benefits under either cash balance pension programs that include annual or monthly credits based on salary as well as interest credits, or a traditional pension formula (i.e., a stated percentage of employees’ adjusted career income). We also provide a variety of medical, dental and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as active employees earn these benefits. WarnerMedia and certain of its subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans, the substantial majority of which are noncontributory plans covering domestic employees. WarnerMedia also sponsors unfunded domestic postretirement benefit plans covering certain retirees and their dependents. At acquisition, the plans were already closed to new entrants and frozen for new accruals. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we committed to, and reflected in our results, plan changes impacting retiree life and death coverage and health and medical subsidy benefits. Changes were also communicated that impact future pension accruals for certain management employees. These plan changes align our benefit plans to, or above market level. Obligations and Funded Status For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, the actuarial present value, as of our December 31 measurement date, of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered to that date. The amount of benefit to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life of employees and their beneficiaries and average years of service rendered. It is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels as applicable. For postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all future benefits attributed under the terms of the postretirement benefit plans to employee service. The following table presents the change in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 62,158 $ 59,873 $ 13,928 $ 16,041 Service cost - benefits earned during the period 957 1,029 45 53 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,276 1,687 210 416 Amendments — (340) — (2,655) Actuarial (gain) loss (1,237) 5,054 (275) 1,423 Benefits paid, including settlements (5,942) (5,124) (1,356) (1,370) Curtailment — (1) — — Plan transfers — (20) — 20 Benefit obligation at end of year $ 57,212 $ 62,158 $ 12,552 $ 13,928 The following table presents the change in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 and the plans’ funded status at December 31: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 54,606 $ 53,530 $ 3,843 $ 4,145 Actual return on plan assets 5,737 6,199 210 302 Benefits paid, including settlements 1 (5,942) (5,124) (1,163) (1,029) Contributions — 2 308 425 Plan transfers — (1) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 54,401 54,606 3,198 3,843 Unfunded status at end of year 2 $ (2,811) $ (7,552) $ (9,354) $ (10,085) 1 At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from our cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances. 2 Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) and applicable regulations. Amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are listed below: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1 $ — $ — $ (1,106) $ (1,213) Employee benefit obligation 2 (2,811) (7,552) (8,248) (8,872) Net amount recognized $ (2,811) $ (7,552) $ (9,354) $ (10,085) 1 Included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.” 2 Included in “Postemployment benefit obligation,” combined with international pension obligations and other postemployment obligations of $364 and $1,226 at December 31, 2021, and $553 and $1,299 at December 31, 2020, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans represents the actuarial present value of benefits based on employee service and compensation as of a certain date and does not include an assumption about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $56,159 at December 31, 2021, and $60,848 at December 31, 2020. Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Periodic Benefit Costs The service cost component of net periodic pension cost (credit) is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net.” Our combined net pension and postretirement cost (credit) recognized in our consolidated statements of income was $(7,652), $711 and $2,762 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit): Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 957 $ 1,029 $ 1,019 $ 45 $ 53 $ 71 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,276 1,687 1,960 210 416 675 Expected return on assets (3,513) (3,557) (3,561) (151) (178) (227) Amortization of prior service credit (144) (113) (113) (2,537) (2,329) (1,820) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) before (1,424) (954) (695) (2,433) (2,038) (1,301) Actuarial (gain) loss (3,461) 2,404 3,088 (334) 1,299 1,670 Net pension and postretirement $ (4,885) $ 1,450 $ 2,393 $ (2,767) $ (739) $ 369 Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the after-tax changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI and the after-tax prior service credits that were amortized from OCI into net periodic benefit costs: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 525 $ 361 $ 447 $ 8,416 $ 8,171 $ 6,086 Prior service (cost) credit — 250 — — 2,001 3,457 Amortization of prior service credit (109) (86) (86) (1,912) (1,756) (1,372) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (109) 164 (86) (1,912) 245 2,085 Balance at end of year $ 416 $ 525 $ 361 $ 6,504 $ 8,416 $ 8,171 Assumptions In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postretirement benefit cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Weighted-average discount rate for determining benefit obligation at December 31 3.00 % 2.70 % 3.40 % 2.80 % 2.40 % 3.20 % Discount rate in effect for determining service cost 1 3.30 % 3.60 % 4.10 % 2.90 % 3.50 % 4.40 % Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost 1 2.30 % 2.90 % 3.50 % 1.60 % 2.70 % 3.70 % Weighted-average interest credit rate for cash balance pension programs 2 3.20 % 3.10 % 3.30 % — % — % — % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.75 % 7.00 % 7.00 % 4.50 % 4.75 % 5.75 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net cost (benefit) 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 1 Weighted-average discount rates shown for years with interim remeasurements: 2021 and 2019 for pension benefits and 2019 for postretirement benefits. 2 Weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance pension programs relate only to the cash balance portion of total pension benefits. A 0.50% increase in the weighted-average interest crediting rate would increase the pension benefit obligation by $125. We recognize gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations immediately in “Other income (expense) – net” in our consolidated statements of income. These gains and losses are generally measured annually as of December 31 and accordingly, will normally be recorded during the fourth quarter, unless an earlier remeasurement is required. Should actual experience differ from actuarial assumptions, the projected pension benefit obligation and net pension cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and postretirement benefit cost would be affected in future years. Discount Rate Our assumed weighted-average discount rate for pension and postretirement benefits of 3.00% and 2.80% respectively, at December 31, 2021, reflects the hypothetical rate at which the projected benefit obligation could be effectively settled or paid out to participants. We determined our discount rate based on a range of factors, including a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date and corresponding to the related expected durations of future cash outflows. These bonds had an average rating of at least Aa3 or AA- by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, denominated in U.S. dollars, and neither callable, convertible nor index linked. For the year ended December 31, 2021, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, we increased our pension discount rate by 0.30%, resulting in a decrease in our pension plan benefit obligation of $1,645 and increased our postretirement discount rate by 0.40%, resulting in a decrease in our postretirement benefit obligation of $341. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we decreased our pension discount rate by 0.70%, resulting in an increase in our pension plan benefit obligation of $5,594 and decreased our postretirement discount rates by 0.80%, resulting in an increase in our postretirement benefit obligation of $1,311. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest components of net periodic benefit costs for pension and other postretirement benefits. Under this approach, we apply discounting using individual spot rates from a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligations and service cost cash flows. The service cost component relates to the active participants in the plan, so the relevant cash flows on which to apply the yield curve are considerably longer in duration on average than the total projected benefit obligation cash flows, which also include benefit payments to retirees. Interest cost is computed by multiplying each spot rate by the corresponding discounted projected benefit obligation cash flows. The full yield curve approach reduces any actuarial gains and losses based upon interest rate expectations (e.g., built-in gains in interest cost in an upward sloping yield curve scenario), or gains and losses merely resulting from the timing and magnitude of cash outflows associated with our benefit obligations. Neither the annual measurement of our total benefit obligations nor annual net benefit cost is affected by the full yield curve approach. Expected Long-Term Rate of Return In 2022, our expected long-term rate of return is 6.75% on pension plan assets and 4.50% on postretirement plan assets. Our long-term rates of return reflect the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. In setting the long-term assumed rate of return, management considers capital markets’ future expectations, the asset mix of the plans’ investment and average historical asset return. Actual long-term returns can, in relatively stable markets, also serve as a factor in determining future expectations. We consider many factors that include, but are not limited to, historical returns on plan assets, current market information on long-term returns (e.g., long-term bond rates) and current and target asset allocations between asset categories. The target asset allocation is determined based on consultations with external investment advisers. If all other factors were to remain unchanged, we expect that a 0.50% decrease in the expected long-term rate of return would cause 2022 combined pension and postretirement cost to increase $272. However, any differences in the rate and actual returns will be included with the actuarial gain or loss recorded in the fourth quarter when our plans are remeasured. Composite Rate of Compensation Increase Our expected composite rate of compensation increase cost of 3.00% in 2021 and 2020 reflects the long-term average rate of salary increases. Healthcare Cost Trend Our healthcare cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Based on our assessment of expectations of healthcare industry inflation, our 2022 assumed annual healthcare prescription drug cost trend and medical cost trend for eligible participants will increase from an annual and ultimate trend rate of 4.00% to an annual and ultimate trend rate of 4.25%. This change in assumption increased our obligation by $31. For 2021, our assumed annual healthcare prescription drug cost trend and medical cost trend for eligible participants remained at 4.00% annual and ultimate rate. Plan Assets Plan assets consist primarily of private and public equity, government and corporate bonds, and real assets (real estate and natural resources). The asset allocations of the pension plans are maintained to meet ERISA requirements. Any plan contributions, as determined by ERISA regulations, are made to a pension trust for the benefit of plan participants. We do not have significant ERISA required contributions to our pension plans for 2022. We maintain VEBA trusts to partially fund postretirement benefits; however, there are no ERISA or regulatory requirements that these postretirement benefit plans be funded annually. We made discretionary contributions of $308 in December 2021 and $425 in December 2020 to our postretirement plan. The principal investment objectives are to ensure the availability of funds to pay pension and postretirement benefits as they become due under a broad range of future economic scenarios, maximize long-term investment return with an acceptable level of risk based on our pension and postretirement obligations, and diversify broadly across and within the capital markets to insulate asset values against adverse experience in any one market. Each asset class has broadly diversified characteristics. Substantial biases toward any particular investing style or type of security are sought to be avoided by managing the aggregation of all accounts with portfolio benchmarks. Asset and benefit obligation forecasting studies are conducted periodically, generally every two to three years, or when significant changes have occurred in market conditions, benefits, participant demographics or funded status. Decisions regarding investment policy are made with an understanding of the effect of asset allocation on funded status, future contributions and projected expenses. The plans’ weighted-average asset targets and actual allocations as a percentage of plan assets, including the notional exposure of future contracts by asset categories at December 31 are as follows: Pension Assets Postretirement (VEBA) Assets Target 2021 2020 Target 2021 2020 Equity securities: Domestic 12 % - 22 % 16 % 19 % 14 % - 24 % 19 % 19 % International 8 % - 18 % 13 15 14 % - 24 % 19 14 Fixed income securities 35 % - 45 % 38 35 34 % - 44 % 39 45 Real assets 7 % - 17 % 10 8 — % - 6 % 1 1 Private equity 3 % - 13 % 12 9 — % - 6 % 1 1 Preferred interests 5 % - 15 % 10 10 — % - — % — — Other — % - 5 % 1 % 4 17 % - 27 % 21 20 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The pension trust holds preferred equity interests valued at $5,562 in AT&T Mobility II LLC (Mobility II), the primary holding company for our wireless business (see Note 17). During 2020, the trust sold a portion of these preferred interests valued at $2,885 to third party investors. The preferred equity interests were valued at $5,771 as of December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, AT&T securities represented 11% of assets held by our pension trust, including the preferred interests in Mobility II. The VEBA trusts included in these financial statements no longer hold AT&T securities. Investment Valuation Investments are stated at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability at the measurement date. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the final business day of the year. If no sale was reported on that date, they are valued at the last reported bid price. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Shares of registered investment companies are valued based on quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of shares held at year-end. Other commingled investment entities are valued at quoted redemption values that represent the net asset values of units held at year-end which management has determined approximates fair value. Real estate and natural resource direct investments are valued at amounts based upon appraisal reports. Fixed income securities valuation is based upon observable prices for comparable assets, broker/dealer quotes (spreads or prices), or a pricing matrix that derives spreads for each bond based on external market data, including the current credit rating for the bonds, credit spreads to Treasuries for each credit rating, sector add-ons or credits, issue-specific add-ons or credits as well as call or other options. The preferred interests in Mobility II are valued by an independent fiduciary using an income approach. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the basis of average cost. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Non-interest bearing cash and overdrafts are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Fair Value Measurements See Note 13 for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2021: Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 167 $ — $ — $ 167 Interest bearing cash 11 — — 11 Foreign currency contracts — 5 — 5 Equity securities: Domestic equities 7,693 — 1 7,694 International equities 4,117 — 7 4,124 Preferred interests — — 5,562 5,562 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments — 11,168 2 11,170 Government and municipal bonds — 6,977 — 6,977 Mortgage-backed securities — 268 — 268 Real estate and real assets — — 3,318 3,318 Securities lending collateral 1,645 1,285 — 2,930 Receivable for variation margin 8 — — 8 Assets at fair value 13,641 19,703 8,890 42,234 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (529) (3) (1) (533) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 13,112 $ 19,700 $ 8,889 $ 41,701 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 6,454 Real estate funds 2,329 Commingled funds 6,780 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 15,563 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,863) Total Plan Net Assets $ 54,401 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 371 $ 295 $ — $ 666 Equity securities: Domestic equities 323 — — 323 International equities 287 — 1 288 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments 1 — — 1 Securities lending collateral — 9 — 9 Assets at fair value 982 304 1 1,287 Securities lending payable and other liabilities — (9) — (9) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 982 $ 295 $ 1 $ 1,278 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Commingled funds 1,883 Private equity 19 Real estate funds 16 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,918 Other assets (liabilities) 1 2 Total Plan Net Assets $ 3,198 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable and accounts payable. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2021: Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ 5,793 $ 53 $ 2,544 $ 8,390 Realized gains (losses) 2 — (31) (29) Unrealized gains (losses) (203) — 558 355 Transfers in — 1 — 1 Transfers out (7) (8) — (15) Purchases 7 1 425 433 Sales (23) (45) (178) (246) Balance at end of year $ 5,569 $ 2 $ 3,318 $ 8,889 Postretirement Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4 Realized gains (losses) — (1) — (1) Unrealized gains (losses) — 1 — 1 Transfers in 1 — — 1 Sales — (4) — (4) Balance at end of year $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2020: Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 173 $ — $ — $ 173 Interest bearing cash 7 — — 7 Foreign currency contracts — 3 — 3 Equity securities: Domestic equities 9,784 — 11 9,795 International equities 4,821 11 12 4,844 Preferred interests — — 5,771 5,771 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments — 11,043 52 11,095 Government and municipal bonds — 6,039 — 6,039 Mortgage-backed securities — 442 1 443 Real estate and real assets — — 2,544 2,544 Securities lending collateral 621 1,435 — 2,056 Receivable for variation margin 23 — — 23 Assets at fair value 15,429 18,973 8,391 42,793 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (450) (8) (1) (459) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 14,979 $ 18,965 $ 8,390 $ 42,334 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 5,154 Real estate funds 1,694 Commingled funds 7,706 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 14,554 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,282) Total Plan Net Assets $ 54,606 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 497 $ 302 $ — $ 799 Equity securities: Domestic equities 363 — — 363 International equities 282 — — 282 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments 5 307 3 315 Government and municipal bonds 6 132 1 139 Mortgage-backed securities — 94 — 94 Securities lending collateral — 28 — 28 Assets at fair value 1,153 863 4 2,020 Securities lending payable and other liabilities (1) (29) — (30) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 1,152 $ 834 $ 4 $ 1,990 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 24 Real estate funds 22 Commingled funds 1,843 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,889 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (36) Total Plan Net Assets $ 3,843 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable and accounts payable. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2020: Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ 8,816 $ 6 $ 2,817 $ 11,639 Realized gains (losses) (150) — 255 105 Unrealized gains (losses) 3 — (178) (175) Transfers in 4 51 36 91 Transfers out — (3) — (3) Purchases 9,114 1 223 9,338 Sales (11,994) (2) (609) (12,605) Balance at end of year $ 5,793 $ 53 $ 2,544 $ 8,390 Postretirement Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ — $ 32 $ — $ 32 Transfers in — 3 — 3 Transfers out — (11) — (11) Sales — (20) — (20) Balance at end of year $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4 Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected benefit payments are estimated using the same assumptions used in determining our benefit obligation at December 31, 2021. Because benefit payments will depend on future employment and compensation levels; average years employed; average life spans; and payment elections, among other factors, changes in any of these assumptions could significantly affect these expected amounts. The following table provides expected benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2022 $ 5,922 $ 1,262 2023 4,237 1,181 2024 4,121 888 2025 4,113 842 2026 3,934 794 Years 2027 - 2031 18,292 3,544 Supplemental Retirement Plans We also provide certain senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. While these plans are unfunded, we have assets in a designated non-bankruptcy remote trust that are independently managed and used to provide for certain of these benefits. These plans include supplemental pension benefits as well as compensation-deferral plans, some of which include a corresponding match by us based on a percentage of the compensation deferral. For our supplemental retirement plans, the projected benefit obligation was $2,326 and the net supplemental retirement pension credit was $41 at and for the year ended December 31, 2021. The projected benefit obligation was $2,687 and the net supplemental retirement pension cost was $330 at and for the year ended December 31, 2020. We use the same significant assumptions for the composite rate of compensation increase in determining our projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postemployment benefit cost. Our discount rates of 2.70% at December 31, 2021 and 2.30% at December 31, 2020 were calculated using the same methodologies used in calculating the discount rate for our qualified pension and postretirement benefit plans. Deferred compensation expense was $171 in 2021, $183 in 2020 and $199 in 2019. Contributory Savings Plans We maintain contributory savings plans that cover substantially all employees. Under the savings plans, we match in cash or company stock a stated percentage of eligible employee contributions, subject to a specified ceiling. There are no debt-financed shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plans, allocated or unallocated. Our match of employee contributions to the savings plans is fulfilled with purchases of our stock on the open market or company cash. Benefit cost, which is based on the cost of shares or units allocated to participating employees’ accounts or the cash contributed to participant accounts, was $760, $814 and $793 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	NOTE 16. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS Under our various plans, senior and other management employees and nonemployee directors have received nonvested stock and stock units. In conjunction with the 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, restricted stock units issued under Time Warner plans were converted to AT&T share units that will be distributed in the form of AT&T common stock and cash. The shares will vest over a period of one We grant performance stock units, which are nonvested stock units, based upon our stock price at the date of grant and award them in the form of AT&T common stock and cash at the end of a three three five three We account for our share-based payment arrangements based on the fair value of the awards on their respective grant date, which may affect our ability to fully realize the value shown on our consolidated balance sheets of deferred tax assets associated with compensation expense. We record a valuation allowance when our future taxable income is not expected to be sufficient to recover the asset. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the current stock price of our common shares will rise to levels sufficient to realize the entire tax benefit currently reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. However, to the extent we generate excess tax benefits (i.e., those additional tax benefits in excess of the deferred taxes associated with compensation expense previously recognized) the potential future impact on income would be reduced. Our consolidated statements of income include the compensation cost recognized for those plans as operating expenses, as well as the associated tax benefits, which are reflected in the table below: 2021 2020 2019 Performance stock units $ 245 $ 348 $ 544 Restricted stock and stock units 385 290 273 Other nonvested stock units 7 — 7 Stock options — — (5) Total $ 637 $ 638 $ 819 Income tax benefit $ 157 $ 157 $ 202 A summary of the status of our nonvested stock units as of December 31, 2021, and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows (shares in millions): Nonvested Stock Units Shares Weighted-Average Grant- Nonvested at January 1, 2021 43 $ 34.50 Granted 36 28.79 Vested (26) 31.56 Forfeited (4) 31.52 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 49 $ 32.06 As of December 31, 2021, there was $916 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payment arrangements granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.95 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the year was $811 for 2021, compared to $647 for 2020 and $798 for 2019. It is our intent to satisfy share option exercises using our treasury stock. Cash received from stock option exercises was $60 for 2021, $65 for 2020 and $446 for 2019.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	NOTE 17. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Authorized Shares We have authorized 14 billion common shares of AT&T stock and 10 million preferred shares of AT&T stock, each with a par value of $1.00 per share. Cumulative perpetual preferred shares consist of the following: • Series A: 48 thousand shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, with a $25,000 per share liquidation preference and a dividend rate of 5.000%. • Series B: 20 thousand shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, with a €100,000 per share liquidation preference, and an initial rate of 2.875%, subject to reset after May 1, 2025. • Series C: 70 thousand shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, with a $25,000 per share liquidation preference, and a dividend rate of 4.75%. So long as the quarterly preferred dividends are declared and paid on a timely basis on each series of preferred shares, there are no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend on or repurchase AT&T common shares. The preferred shares are optionally redeemable by AT&T at the liquidation price on or after five years from the issuance date, or upon certain other contingent events. Stock Repurchase Program From time to time, we repurchase shares of common stock for distribution through our employee benefit plans or in connection with certain acquisitions. Our Board of Directors has approved the following authorization to repurchase common stock: (1) March 2013 authorization program of 300 million shares, which was completed in 2020 and (2) March 2014 authorization program for 300 million shares, with approximately 178 million outstanding at December 31, 2021. To implement these authorizations, we used open market repurchases, relying on Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, where feasible. We also used accelerated share repurchase agreements with large financial institutions to repurchase our stock. During 2020, we repurchased approximately 142 million shares totaling $5,278 under the March 2013 and March 2014 authorizations. During 2021, there were no shares repurchased under the March 2014 authorization. Dividend Declarations In December 2021 and December 2020, AT&T declared a quarterly preferred dividend of $36 and a quarterly common dividend of $0.52 per share of common stock. Preferred Interests Issued by Subsidiaries We have issued cumulative perpetual preferred membership interests in certain subsidiaries. The preferred interests are entitled to cash distributions, subject to declaration. The preferred interests are included in “Noncontrolling interest” on the consolidated balance sheets. Mobility II We previously issued 320 million Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Membership Interests in Mobility II (Mobility preferred interests), representing all currently outstanding Mobility preferred equity interests, which pay cash distributions of $560 per annum, subject to declaration. So long as the distributions are declared and paid, the terms of the Mobility preferred equity interests will not impose any limitations on cash movements between affiliates, or our ability to declare a dividend on or repurchase AT&T shares. A holder of the Mobility preferred interests may put the interests to Mobility II. Mobility II may redeem the interests upon a change in control of Mobility II or on or after September 9, 2022. When either option arises due to a passage of time, that option may be exercised only during certain periods. The price at which a put option or a redemption option can be exercised is the greater of (1) the market value of the interests as of the last date of the quarter preceding the date of the exercise of a put or redemption option and (2) the sum of (a) twenty-five dollars ($8,000 in the aggregate) plus (b) any accrued and unpaid distributions. The redemption price may be paid with cash, AT&T common stock, or a combination of cash and AT&T common stock, at Mobility II’s sole election. In no event shall Mobility II be required to deliver more than 250 million shares of AT&T common stock to settle put and redemption options. We have the intent and ability to settle the Mobility preferred equity interests with cash. Tower Holdings In 2019, we issued $6,000 nonconvertible cumulative preferred interests in a wireless subsidiary (Tower Holdings) that holds interests in various tower assets and have the right to receive approximately $6,000 if the purchase options from the tower companies are exercised. The membership interests in Tower Holdings consist of (1) common interests, which are held by a consolidated subsidiary of AT&T, and (2) two series of preferred interests (collectively the “Tower preferred interests”). The September series (Class A-1) of the preferred interests totals $1,500 and pays an initial preferred distribution of 5.0%, and the December series (Class A-2) totals $4,500 and pays an initial preferred distribution of 4.75%. Distributions are paid quarterly, subject to declaration, and reset every five years. Any failure to declare or pay distributions on the Tower preferred interests would not impose any limitation on cash movements between affiliates, or our ability to declare a dividend on or repurchase AT&T shares. We can call the Tower preferred interests at the issue price beginning five years from the issuance date or upon the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the underlying assets. The holders of the Tower preferred interests have the option to require redemption upon the occurrence of certain contingent events, such as the failure of AT&T to pay the preferred distribution for two or more periods or to meet certain other requirements, including a minimum credit rating. If notice is given upon such an event, all other holders of equal or more subordinate classes of membership interests in Tower Holdings are entitled to receive the same form of consideration payable to the holders of the preferred interests, resulting in a deemed liquidation for accounting purposes. Telco LLC In September 2020, we issued $2,000 nonconvertible cumulative preferred interests out of a newly created limited liability company (Telco LLC) that was formed to hold telecommunication-related assets. Members’ equity in Telco LLC consist of (1) member’s interests, which are held by a consolidated subsidiary of AT&T, and (2) preferred interests (Telco preferred interests), which pay an initial preferred distribution of 4.25% annually, subject to declaration, and subject to reset every seven years. Failure to pay distributions on the Telco preferred interests would not limit cash movements between affiliates, or our ability to declare a dividend on or repurchase AT&T shares. We can call the Telco preferred interests at the issue price beginning seven years from the issuance date. The holders of the Telco preferred interests have the option to require redemption upon the occurrence of certain contingent events, such as the failure of Telco LLC to pay the preferred distribution for two or more periods or to meet certain other requirements, including a minimum credit rating. If notice is given, all other holders of equal or more subordinate classes of members’ equity are entitled to receive the same form of consideration payable to the holders of the preferred interests, resulting in a deemed liquidation for accounting purposes. PR Holdings In 2019, we issued $1,950 nonconvertible cumulative preferred interests in a subsidiary (PR Holdings) that held notes secured by the proceeds from our agreement to sell wireless and wireline operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These preferred interests were redeemed on November 6, 2020. (See Note 6) The membership interests in PR Holdings consisted of (1) common interests, which were held by consolidated subsidiaries of AT&T, and (2) preferred interests (PR preferred interests). The PR preferred interests paid an initial preferred distribution at an annual rate of 4.75%. Distributions were paid quarterly, subject to declaration.

Sales Of Receivables

Sales Of Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Sales Of Receivables	NOTE 18. 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 receivables programs are discussed in detail below. The following table sets forth a summary of the receivables and accounts being serviced at December 31: 2021 2020 Equipment Installment Revolving Equipment Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 4,361 $ 3,527 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,846 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 606 3,337 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,909 190 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,767 6,280 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 6,644 6,280 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: 2021 2020 2019 Gross receivables sold $ 10,793 $ 7,270 $ 9,921 Net receivables sold 1 10,502 7,026 9,483 Cash proceeds received 9,740 6,089 8,189 Deferred purchase price recorded 1,080 1,021 1,451 Guarantee obligation recorded 434 157 341 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 13). The following table presents the previously transferred equipment installment receivables, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price: 2021 2020 2019 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 1,424 $ 1,271 $ 1,418 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 1,334 1,235 1,350 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 90 $ 36 $ 68 1 These gains are included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our deferred purchase price receivable was $3,177 and $1,991, respectively, of which $2,123 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 December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $371 and $228, respectively, of which $101 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 $6,680 of certain receivables (primarily from WarnerMedia) 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 $3,527 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 13). The following table sets forth a summary of receivables sold: 2021 2020 2019 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 20,060 $ 15,888 $ 11,989 Total collections under revolving agreement 2 18,910 14,888 7,689 Receivables repurchased 170 — — Net cash proceeds received $ 980 $ 1,000 $ 4,300 Net receivables sold 3 $ 19,775 $ 15,760 $ 11,604 Obligations recorded 18 271 530 1 Includes initial sale of receivables of $1,380, $1,000 and $4,300 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 2 Includes collections of $400, $0 and $0 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that were not reinvested under the revolving agreement. 3 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Tower Transaction

Tower Transaction	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Tower Transaction	NOTE 19. TOWER TRANSACTION In December 2013, we closed our transaction with Crown Castle International Corp. (Crown Castle) in which Crown Castle gained the exclusive rights to lease and operate 9,048 wireless towers and purchased 627 of our wireless towers for $4,827 in cash. The leases have various terms with an average length of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, Crown Castle will have fixed price purchase options for these towers totaling approximately $4,200, based on their estimated fair market values at the end of the lease terms. We sublease space on the towers from Crown Castle for an initial term of ten years at current market rates, subject to optional renewals in the future. We determined that we did not transfer control of the tower assets, which prevented us from achieving sale-leaseback accounting for the transaction, and we accounted for the cash proceeds from Crown Castle as a financing obligation on our consolidated balance sheets. We record interest on the financing obligation using the effective interest method at a rate of approximately 3.9%. The financing obligation is increased by interest expense and estimated future net cash flows generated and retained by Crown Castle from operation of the tower sites, and reduced by our contractual payments. We continue to include the tower assets in “Property, Plant and Equipment – Net” on our consolidated balance sheets and depreciate them accordingly. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the tower assets had a balance of $725 and $764, respectively. Our depreciation expense for these assets was $39 for each of 2021, 2020 and 2019. Payments made to Crown Castle under this arrangement were $253 for 2021. At December 31, 2021, the future minimum payments under the sublease arrangement are $258 for 2022, $264 for 2023, $269 for 2024, $274 for 2025, $280 for 2026 and $707 thereafter.

Transactions With DIRECTV Discl

Transactions With DIRECTV Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Investments In And Transactions With DIRECTV Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 20. TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTV On July 31, 2021, we closed our transaction with TPG to form a new company named DIRECTV (see Note 6). The transaction resulted in our deconsolidation of the Video business. Effective August 1, 2021, we began accounting for our investment in DIRECTV under the equity method and recorded our share of DIRECTV earnings as equity in net income of affiliates, with DIRECTV considered a related party (see Note 10). For the five months ended December 31, 2021, our share of DIRECTV’s earnings included in equity in net income of affiliates was $619. Cash distributions from DIRECTV totaled $1,942, with $619 classified as operating activities and $1,323 classified as investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition to the assets and liabilities contributed to DIRECTV, we recorded total obligations of approximately $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 6). Cash payments to DIRECTV on the note totaled $459 and were classified as financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Amounts due under the DIRECTV note were $1,341 at December 31, 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 $670 for the five months ended December 31, 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 $600 for the five months ended December 31, 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 five months ended December 31, 2021, we billed DIRECTV approximately $550 for these costs, which were primarily recorded as a reduction to the operations and support expenses incurred and resulted in net retained costs to AT&T of approximately $200. At December 31, 2021, we had accounts receivable from DIRECTV of $436 and accounts payable to DIRECTV of $329. We are not committed, implicitly or explicitly, to provide financial or other support, other than noted above, as our involvement with DIRECTV is limited to the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities recognized on our balance sheet.

FirstNet

FirstNet	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Contractors [Abstract]
FirstNet	NOTE 21. FIRSTNET In 2017, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) selected AT&T to build and manage the first nationwide broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders. Under the 25-year agreement, FirstNet provides 20 MHz of valuable telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6,500 over the first five years to support network buildout. We are required to construct a network that achieves coverage and nationwide interoperability requirements and have a contractual commitment to make sustainability payments of $18,000 over the 25-year contract. These sustainability payments represent our commitment to fund FirstNet’s operating expenses and future reinvestments in the network which we own and operate, which we estimate in the $3,000 or less range over the life of the 25-year contract. After FirstNet’s operating expenses are paid, we anticipate the remaining amount, expected to be in the $15,000 range, will be reinvested into the network. During 2021, we submitted $120 in sustainability payments, with future payments under the agreement of $195 for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; $1,590 for 2026; and $15,030 thereafter. Amounts paid to FirstNet, which are not expected to be returned to AT&T to be reinvested into our network, will be expensed in the period paid. In the event FirstNet does not reinvest any funds to construct, operate, improve and maintain this network, our maximum exposure to loss is the total amount of the sustainability payments, which would be reflected in higher expense. The $6,500 of initial funding from FirstNet is contingent on the achievement of six operating capability milestones and certain first responder subscriber adoption targets. These milestones are based on coverage objectives of the first responder network during the construction period, which is expected to be over five years, and subscriber adoption targets. Funding payments received from FirstNet are reflected as a reduction from the costs capitalized in the construction of the network and, as appropriate, a reduction of associated operating expenses. As of December 31, 2021, we have collected approximately $5,860 for the completion of certain tasks and anticipate collecting the remainder of the $6,500 as we achieve milestones set out by FirstNet in 2022. We also received approximately $170 in 2021 from FirstNet for reinvestment above the original success-based payments.

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent Liabilities	NOTE 22. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES We are party to numerous lawsuits, regulatory proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In evaluating these matters on an ongoing basis, we take into account amounts already accrued on the balance sheet. In our opinion, although the outcomes of these proceedings are uncertain, they should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We have contractual obligations to purchase certain goods or services from various other parties. Our purchase obligations are expected to be approximately $28,860 in 2022, $24,585 in total for 2023 and 2024, $11,636 in total for 2025 and 2026 and $12,540 in total for years thereafter. See Note 13 for a discussion of collateral and credit-risk contingencies.

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	NOTE 23. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 30,756 $ 31,836 Accrued payroll and commissions 3,449 2,988 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1,278 1,415 Accrued participations and residuals 2,966 2,708 Accrued interest 2,463 2,454 Accrued taxes 1,402 1,019 Other 8,347 7,631 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 50,661 $ 50,051 Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 2019 Advertising expense $ 6,316 $ 5,253 $ 6,121 Interest expense incurred $ 7,838 $ 8,048 $ 8,622 Capitalized interest – capital expenditures (173) (123) (200) Capitalized interest – spectrum 1 (781) — — Total interest expense $ 6,884 $ 7,925 $ 8,422 1 Included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 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 on our consolidated balance sheets: December 31, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 2021 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,169 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 $ 5,204 Restricted cash in Other current assets 3 9 69 61 Restricted cash in Other Assets 144 121 96 135 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 21,316 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 $ 5,400 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2021 2020 2019 Cash paid (received) during the year for: Interest $ 7,673 $ 8,237 $ 8,693 Income taxes, net of refunds 700 993 1,421 Spectrum acquisitions 1 24,672 1,613 1,576 1 Included as cash paid for “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excludes interest during construction. 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. We recorded $5,282 of vendor financing commitments related to capital investments in 2021, $4,664 in 2020 and $2,632 in 2019. Total vendor financing payables included in our December 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheet were approximately $5,000, with $3,950 due within one year (in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities”) and the remainder predominantly due within five years (in “Other noncurrent liabilities”). Labor Contracts As of January 31, 2022, we employed approximately 203,000 persons. Approximately 37% of our employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or other unions. After expiration of the agreements, work stoppages or labor disruptions may occur in the absence of new contracts or other agreements being reached. The main contracts included the following: • A contract covering approximately 12,000 Mobility employees in 36 states and the District of Columbia is set to expire in February 2022. • A contract covering approximately 6,000 wireline employees in five Midwest states that was set to expire in April 2022 was extended for a four-year period until April 2026. • A contract covering approximately 3,000 MW IBEW employees is set to expire in June 2022. • A contract covering approximately 2,000 AT&T Corp. employees nationwide that was set to expire in April 2022 was extended for a four-year period until April 2026. • A contract covering approximately 170 Teamsters Alascom employees in Alaska is set to expire in February 2022.

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for Credit Losses COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Charged to Other Acquisitions Deductions (c) Balance at End Year 2021 $ 1,589 $ 1,240 $ — $ — $ 1,693 $ 1,136 Year 2020 $ 1,235 $ 1,972 $ 405 $ — $ 2,023 $ 1,589 Year 2019 $ 907 $ 2,575 $ — $ — $ 2,247 $ 1,235 (a) Includes amounts previously written off which were credited directly to this account when recovered. Excludes direct charges and credits to expense for nontrade receivables in the consolidated statements of income. Includes the impact to operating expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2020, after adoption of ASC 326. (b) Opening adjustments upon adoption of ASC 326, with modified retrospective application, as of January 1, 2020 (see Note 1). (c) Amounts written off as uncollectible, or related to divested entities. (d) Includes balances applicable to trade receivables, loans, contract assets and other assets subject to credit loss measurement (see Note 1). SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E Additions (1) (2) (3) Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Charged to Other Acquisitions Deductions Balance at End Year 2021 $ 4,773 (135) — — — $ 4,638 Year 2020 $ 4,941 (168) — — — $ 4,773 Year 2019 $ 4,588 (18) 371 — — $ 4,941 (a) Includes current year reclassifications from other balance sheet accounts.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships which we do not control but have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included in our results on a one quarter lag. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including translation adjustments. We treat distributions received from equity method investees as returns on investment and classify them as cash flows from operating activities until those distributions exceed our cumulative equity in the earnings of that investment. We treat the excess amount as a return of investment and classify it as cash flows from investing activities.
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, including other estimates of probable losses and expenses, 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.
Credit Losses	Credit Losses As of January 1, 2020, we adopted, through modified retrospective application, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” or Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 326 (ASC 326), which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under prior GAAP with an expected credit loss model. ASC 326 affects trade receivables, loans, contract assets, certain beneficial interests, off-balance-sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance and other financial assets that are not subject to fair value through net income, as defined by the standard. Under the expected credit loss model, we are required to consider future economic trends to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset. Upon adoption on January 1, 2020, we recorded a $293 reduction to “Retained earnings,” $395 increase to “Allowances for credit losses” applicable to our trade and loan receivables, $10 reduction of contract assets, $105 reduction of net deferred income tax liability and $7 reduction of “Noncontrolling interest.” Our adoption of ASC 326 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Leases	Leases As of January 1, 2019, we adopted, with modified retrospective application, the FASB's ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASC 842), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements (see Note 8). ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding “right-of-use” assets. For income statement recognition purposes, leases are classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon bright-line tests. The key change upon adoption of the standard was balance sheet recognition of operating leases, given that the recognition of lease expense on our income statement is similar to our historical accounting. Using the modified retrospective transition method of adoption, we did not adjust the balance sheet for comparative periods but recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2019. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements that were not accounted for as leases. We excluded leases with original terms of one year or less. Additionally, we elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for certain classes of assets. Our accounting for finance leases did not change from our prior accounting for capital leases.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the computed tax basis of those assets and liabilities. We record valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets (included, together with our deferred income tax assets, as part of our reportable net deferred income tax liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets), for which the realization is uncertain. We review these items regularly in light of changes in federal and state tax laws and changes in our business. As of January 1, 2021, we adopted, with modified retrospective application, the FASB’s ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (ASU 2019-12), which is expected to simplify income tax accounting requirements in areas deemed costly and complex. ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amounts approximate fair value. At December 31, 2021, we held $5,204 in cash and $15,965 in money market funds and other cash equivalents. Of our total cash and cash equivalents, $2,706 resided in foreign jurisdictions, some of which is subject to restrictions on repatriation.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses We record expense to maintain an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses that result from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments deemed collectible from the customer when the service was provided or product was delivered. When determining the allowances for trade receivables and loans, we consider the probability of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience, taking into account current collection trends and general economic factors, including bankruptcy rates. We also consider future economic trends to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recoveries, as well as an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved for when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as catastrophes or pending bankruptcies.
Deferral of Episodic Television and Film Costs, Equipment Inventory, and Licensed Programming Inventory Cost Recognition and Impairment	Inventories Inventories primarily consist of wireless devices and accessories and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Licensed Programming Inventory Cost Recognition and Impairment We enter into agreements to license programming exhibition rights from licensors. A programming inventory asset related to these rights and a corresponding liability payable to the licensor are recorded (on a discounted basis if the license agreements are long-term) when (i) the cost of the programming is reasonably determined, (ii) the programming material has been accepted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, (iii) the programming is available for its first showing or telecast, and (iv) the license period has commenced. There are variations in the amortization methods of these rights, depending on whether the network is advertising-supported (e.g., TNT and TBS) or not advertising-supported (e.g., HBO and Turner Classic Movies). For the advertising-supported networks, our general policy is to amortize each program’s costs on a straight-line basis (or per-play basis, if greater) over its license period. In circumstances where the initial airing of the program has more value than subsequent airings, an accelerated method of amortization is used. The accelerated amortization upon the first airing versus subsequent airings is determined based on a study of historical and estimated future advertising sales for similar programming. For rights fees paid for sports programming arrangements, such rights fees are amortized using a revenue-forecast model, in which the rights fees are amortized using the ratio of current period advertising revenue to total estimated remaining advertising revenue over the term of the arrangement. For premium pay television, streaming and over-the-top (OTT) services that are not advertising-supported, each licensed program’s costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over its license period or estimated period of use, beginning with the month of initial exhibition. When we have the right to exhibit feature theatrical programming in multiple windows over a number of years, historical audience viewership is used as the basis for determining the amount of programming amortization attributable to each window. Licensed programming inventory is carried at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. For networks that generate both advertising and subscription revenues, the net realizable value of unamortized programming costs is generally evaluated based on the network’s programming taken as a whole. In assessing whether the programming inventory for a particular advertising-supported network is impaired, the net realizable value for all of the network’s programming inventory is determined based on a projection of the network’s profitability. This assessment would occur upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. Similarly, for premium pay television, streaming and OTT services that are not advertising-supported, an evaluation of the fair value of unamortized programming costs is performed based on services’ licensed programming taken as a whole. Specifically, the fair value for all premium pay television, streaming and OTT service licensed programming is determined based on projections of estimated subscription revenues less certain costs of delivering and distributing the licensed programming. Changes in management’s intended usage of a specific program, such as a decision to no longer exhibit that program and forgo the use of the rights associated with the program license, results in a reassessment of that program’s fair value, which could result in an impairment (see Note 11). Film and Television Production Cost Recognition, Participations and Residuals and Impairments Film and television production costs on our consolidated balance sheets include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. For films and television programs predominantly monetized individually, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs and the amount of participations and residuals to be recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given film or television series in a particular period are determined using the film forecast computation method. Under this method, the amortization of capitalized costs and the accrual of participations and residuals are based on the proportion of the film’s (or television program’s) revenues recognized for such period to the film’s (or television program’s) estimated remaining ultimate revenues (i.e., the total revenue to be received throughout a film’s (or television program’s) life cycle). The process of estimating a film’s ultimate revenues requires us to make a series of judgments related to future revenue-generating activities associated with a particular film. We estimate the ultimate revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation and participation costs), in order to determine whether the value of a film or television series is impaired and requires an immediate write-off of unrecoverable film and television production costs. To the extent that the ultimate revenues are adjusted, the resulting gross margin reported on the exploitation of that film or television series in a period is also adjusted. (See Note 11) Prior to the theatrical release of a film, our estimates are based on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings), international distribution plans and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. In the absence of revenues directly related to the exhibition of owned film or television programs on our television networks, premium pay television, streaming or OTT services, we estimate a portion of the unamortized costs that are representative of the utilization of that film or television program in that exhibition and expense such costs as the film or television program is exhibited. The period over which ultimate revenues are estimated generally does not exceed ten years from the initial release of a motion picture or from the date of delivery of the first episode of an episodic television series. Estimates were updated based on information available during the film’s production and, upon release, the actual results of each film. For a film (or television program) predominantly monetized as part of a film (or television program) group, the amount of capitalized film and television production costs is amortized using a reasonably reliable estimate of the portion of unamortized film costs that is representative of the use of the film. Production costs are expensed as the film (or television program) is exhibited or exploited.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, except for assets acquired using acquisition accounting, which are initially recorded at fair value (see Note 7). The cost of additions and substantial improvements to property, plant and equipment is capitalized, and includes internal compensation costs for these projects. The cost of maintenance and repairs of property, plant and equipment is charged to operating expenses. Property, plant and equipment costs are depreciated using straight-line methods over their estimated economic lives. Certain subsidiaries follow composite group depreciation methodology. Accordingly, when a portion of their depreciable property, plant and equipment is retired in the ordinary course of business, the gross book value is reclassified to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of these assets. Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. (See Note 7) The liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate. The increase in the carrying value of the associated long-lived asset is depreciated over the corresponding estimated economic life.
Software Costs	Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in “Property, Plant and Equipment – Net” on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, there is certain network software that allows the equipment to provide the features and functions unique to the AT&T network, which we include in the cost of the equipment categories for financial reporting purposes. We amortize our capitalized software costs over a three-year to seven-year period, reflecting the estimated period during which these assets will remain in service.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We have the following major classes of intangible assets: goodwill; licenses, which include Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other wireless licenses; distribution networks; film and television libraries; intellectual properties and franchises; trademarks and trade names; customer lists; and various other finite-lived intangible assets (see Note 9). Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Wireless licenses provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services. While wireless licenses are issued for a fixed period of time (generally ten years), renewals of domestic wireless licenses have occurred routinely and at nominal cost. We have determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful lives of our FCC wireless licenses. We amortize our wireless licenses in Mexico over their average remaining economic life of 25 years. We acquired the rights to the AT&T and other trade names in previous acquisitions, classifying certain of those trade names as indefinite-lived. We have the effective ability to retain these exclusive rights permanently at a nominal cost. Goodwill, FCC wireless licenses and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. The testing is performed on the value as of October 1 each year, and compares the book values of the assets to their fair values. Goodwill is tested by comparing the carrying amount of each reporting unit, deemed to be our principal operating segments or one level below them, to the fair value using both discounted cash flow as well as market multiple approaches. FCC wireless licenses are tested on an aggregate basis, consistent with our use of the licenses on a national scope, using a discounted cash flow approach. Prior to 2020, orbital slots were similarly aggregated for purposes of impairment testing and valued using a discounted cash flow approach. Trade names are tested by comparing their book values to their fair values calculated using a discounted cash flow approach on a presumed royalty rate derived from the revenues related to each brand name. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives (see Note 9). As of January 1, 2020, on a prospective basis, orbital slots were amortized using the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over their average remaining economic life (ceased in 2021 in conjunction with the transfer of the orbital slots as part of the DIRECTV transaction). Customer lists and relationships are amortized using primarily the sum-of-the-months-digits method of amortization over the period in which those relationships are expected to contribute to our future cash flows. Finite-lived trademarks and trade names and distribution networks are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Film library is amortized using the film forecast computation method, as previously disclosed. The remaining finite-lived intangible assets are generally amortized using the straight-line method. These assets, along with other long-lived assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable (see Note 6).
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs We expense advertising costs for products and services or for promoting our corporate image as incurred (see Note 23).
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign subsidiaries and foreign investments generally report their earnings in their local currencies. We translate their foreign assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate their revenues and expenses using average rates during the year. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated OCI in our consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3). Operations in countries with highly inflationary economies use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. We hedge a portion of the foreign currency exchange risk involved in certain foreign currency-denominated transactions, which we explain further in our discussion of our methods of managing our foreign currency risk (see Note 13).
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits See Note 15 for a comprehensive discussion of our pension and postretirement benefits, including a discussion of the actuarial assumptions, our policy for recognizing the associated gains and losses and our method used to estimate service and interest cost components.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (ASU 2020-04, as amended), which provides optional expedients, and allows for certain exceptions to existing GAAP, for contract modifications triggered by the expected market transition of certain benchmark interest rates to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 applies to contracts, hedging relationships, certain derivatives and other arrangements that reference the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) or any other rates ending after December 31, 2022. ASU 2020-04, as amended, became effective immediately. We do not believe our adoption of ASU 2020-04, including optional expedients, will materially impact our financial statements. Convertible Instruments Beginning with 2022 interim reporting, we will adopt ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt—Debt With Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (ASU 2020-06). ASU 2020-06 eliminated certain separation models regarding cash conversion and beneficial conversion features to simplify reporting for convertible instruments as a single liability or equity, with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires that instruments which may be settled in cash or stock are presumed settled in stock in calculating diluted earnings per share. While our intent is to settle the Mobility II preferred interests in cash (see Note 17), settlement of this instrument in AT&T shares will result in additional dilutive impact, the magnitude of which is influenced by the fair value of the Mobility II preferred interests and the average AT&T common stock price during the reporting period, which could vary from period-to-period. We are currently evaluating our adoption method and the impact on our financial statements, as our recent decision (February 2022) on methodology of distribution to AT&T’s shareholders (i.e., pro rata dividend) for the pending WarnerMedia transaction could affect the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our financial statements (see Note 6). Government Assistance In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance” (ASU 2021-10), which requires annual disclosures, in the notes to the financial statements, about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy to other guidance. The annual disclosures include terms and conditions, accounting treatment and impacted financial statement lines reflecting the impact of the transactions. ASU 2021-10 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, under prospective or retrospective application for all in scope government transactions in the financial statements as of our adoption date or thereafter. We are evaluating the disclosure impacts of our adoption of ASU 2021-10.
Revenue Recognition	We report our revenues net of sales taxes and record certain regulatory fees, primarily Universal Service Fund (USF) fees, on a net basis. No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in 2021, 2020 or 2019. Wireless, Advanced Data, Legacy Voice & Data Services and Equipment Revenue We offer service-only contracts and contracts that bundle equipment used to access the services and/or with other service offerings. Some contracts have fixed terms and others are cancellable on a short-term basis (i.e., month-to-month arrangements). Examples of service revenues include wireless, strategic services (e.g., virtual private network service), and legacy voice and data (e.g., traditional local and long-distance). These services represent a series of distinct services that is considered a separate performance obligation. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees). Some of our services require customer premises equipment that, when combined and integrated with AT&T’s specific network infrastructure, facilitates the delivery of service to the customer. In evaluating whether the equipment is a separate performance obligation, we consider the customer’s ability to benefit from the equipment on its own or together with other readily available resources and if so, whether the service and equipment are separately identifiable (i.e., is the service highly dependent on, or highly interrelated with the equipment). When the equipment does not meet the criteria to be a separate performance obligation (e.g., equipment associated with certain video services), we allocate the total transaction price to the related service. When equipment is a separate performance obligation, we record the sale of equipment when title has passed and the products are accepted by the customer. For devices sold through indirect channels (e.g., national dealers), revenue is recognized when the dealer accepts the device, not upon activation. Our equipment and service revenues are predominantly recognized on a gross basis, as most of our services do not involve a third party and we typically control the equipment that is sold to our customers. Revenue recognized from fixed term contracts that bundle services and/or equipment is allocated based on the stand-alone selling price of all required performance obligations of the contract (i.e., each item included in the bundle). Promotional discounts are attributed to each required component of the arrangement, resulting in recognition over the contract term. Stand-alone selling prices are determined by assessing prices paid for service-only contracts (e.g., arrangements where customers bring their own devices) and stand-alone device pricing. We offer the majority of our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time, and, in many cases, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, at the point of sale, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of revenue allocated to the customer receivable net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee. The difference between the revenue recognized and the consideration received is recorded as a note receivable when the devices are not discounted and our right to consideration is unconditional. When installment sales include promotional discounts (e.g., “buy one get one free” or equipment discounts with trade-in of a device), the difference between revenue recognized and consideration received is recorded as a contract asset to be amortized over the contract term. Less commonly, we offer certain customers highly discounted devices when they enter into a minimum service agreement term. For these contracts, we recognize equipment revenue at the point of sale based on a stand-alone selling price allocation. The difference between the revenue recognized and the cash received is recorded as a contract asset that will amortize over the contract term. Our contracts allow for customers to frequently modify their arrangement, without incurring penalties in many cases. When a contract is modified, we evaluate the change in scope or price of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a new contract or if it should be considered a change of the existing contract. We generally do not have significant impacts from contract modifications. Revenues from transactions between us and our customers are recorded net of revenue-based regulatory fees and taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Nonrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees associated with service arrangements are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer relationship life. Subscription Revenue Subscription revenues from cable networks and premium pay and basic-tier television services are recognized over the license period as programming is provided to affiliates or digital distributors based on negotiated contractual programming rates. When a distribution contract with an affiliate has expired and a new distribution contract has not been executed, revenues are based on estimated rates, giving consideration to factors including the previous contractual rates, inflation, current payments by the affiliate and the status of the negotiations on a new contract. When the new distribution contract terms are finalized, an adjustment to revenue is recorded, if necessary, to reflect the new terms. Subscription revenues from end-user subscribers are recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage or period of time. Subscription revenues from streaming services are recognized as programming services are provided to customers. Content Revenue Feature films typically are produced or acquired for initial exhibition in theaters, followed by distribution, generally commencing within three years of such initial exhibition. Revenues from film rentals by theaters are recognized as the films are exhibited. Television programs and series are initially produced for broadcast and may be subsequently licensed or sold in physical format and/or electronic delivery. Revenues from the distribution of television programming through broadcast networks, cable networks, first-run syndication and streaming services are recognized when the programs or series are available to the licensee. In certain circumstances, pursuant to the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements, the availability dates granted to customers may precede the date in which the customer can be billed for these sales. Revenues from sales of feature films and television programming in physical format are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date when made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Revenues from the licensing of television programs and series for electronic sell-through or video-on-demand are recognized when the product has been purchased by and made available to the consumer to either download or stream. Upfront or guaranteed payments for the licensing of intellectual property are recognized as revenue at either the inception of the license term if the intellectual property has significant standalone functionality or over the corresponding license term if the licensee’s ability to derive utility is dependent on our continued support of the intellectual property throughout the license term. Revenues from the sales of console games are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that the product is made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns, rebates and pricing allowances. Advertising Revenue Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period that the advertisements are aired. If there is a targeted audience guarantee, revenues are recognized for the actual audience delivery and revenues are deferred for any shortfall until the guaranteed audience delivery is met, typically by providing additional advertisements. Advertising revenues from digital properties are recognized as impressions are delivered or the services are performed.
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.
Recognition of Actuarial Gains and Losses	We recognize gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations immediately in “Other income (expense) – net” in our consolidated statements of income. These gains and losses are generally measured annually as of December 31 and accordingly, will normally be recorded during the fourth quarter, unless an earlier remeasurement is required.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown in the table below: Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Numerators Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock $ 19,874 $ (5,369) $ 13,900 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment 1 22 23 21 Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 19,896 $ (5,346) $ 13,921 Denominators (000,000) Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,168 7,157 7,319 Dilutive potential common shares: Share-based payment (in shares) 1 31 26 29 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 7,199 7,183 7,348 1 For 2020, dilutive potential common shares are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect is antidilutive as a result of the net loss.

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated OCI are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest. Foreign Net Unrealized Net Unrealized Defined Benefit Accumulated Other Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (3,084) $ (2) $ 818 $ 6,517 $ 4,249 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 28 50 (900) 3,457 2,635 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 — 1 45 2 (1,459) 3 (1,414) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 28 50 (855) 1,998 1,221 Balance as of December 31, 2019 (3,056) 48 (37) 8,515 5,470 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (870) 78 (811) 2,250 647 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI — 1 (15) 1 69 2 (1,841) 3 (1,787) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (870) 63 (742) 409 (1,140) Balance as of December 31, 2020 (3,926) 111 (779) 8,924 4,330 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (125) (63) (715) (34) (937) Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 2,087 1,4 (3) 1 72 2 (2,020) 3 136 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,962 (66) (643) (2,054) (801) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ (1,964) $ 45 $ (1,422) $ 6,870 $ 3,529 1 (Gains) losses are included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. 2 (Gains) losses are included in “Interest expense” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 13). 3 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits is included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 15). 4 Represents unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments at Vrio that were released upon sale. (See Note 6)

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenues to Segment Contribution	For the year ended December 31, 2021 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation and Amortization Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 78,254 $ 46,820 $ 31,434 $ 8,122 $ 23,312 $ — $ 23,312 Business Wireline 23,937 14,755 9,182 5,192 3,990 — 3,990 Consumer Wireline 12,539 8,467 4,072 3,095 977 — 977 Total Communications 114,730 70,042 44,688 16,409 28,279 — 28,279 WarnerMedia 35,632 27,737 7,895 656 7,239 38 7,277 Latin America Mexico 2,747 2,652 95 605 (510) — (510) Vrio 2,607 2,302 305 231 74 6 80 Total Latin America 5,354 4,954 400 836 (436) 6 (430) Segment Total 155,716 102,733 52,983 17,901 35,082 $ 44 $ 35,126 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 1,264 4,805 (3,541) 372 (3,913) (32) (3,945) Video 15,513 12,666 2,847 356 2,491 619 3,110 Acquisition-related items — 299 (299) 4,233 (4,532) — (4,532) Certain significant items — 4,961 (4,961) — (4,961) — (4,961) Eliminations and consolidations (3,629) (2,809) (820) — (820) — (820) AT&T Inc. $ 168,864 $ 122,655 $ 46,209 $ 22,862 $ 23,347 $ 631 $ 23,978 1 Includes $2,680 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization and approximately $200 of retained operation and support costs and $240 of depreciation expense previously allocated to Video, net of reimbursements. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 72,564 $ 42,106 $ 30,458 $ 8,086 $ 22,372 $ — $ 22,372 Business Wireline 25,083 15,303 9,780 5,216 4,564 — 4,564 Consumer Wireline 12,318 8,027 4,291 2,914 1,377 — 1,377 Total Communications 109,965 65,436 44,529 16,216 28,313 — 28,313 WarnerMedia 30,442 21,579 8,863 671 8,192 18 8,210 Latin America Mexico 2,562 2,636 (74) 513 (587) — (587) Vrio 3,154 2,800 354 520 (166) 24 (142) Total Latin America 5,716 5,436 280 1,033 (753) 24 (729) Segment Total 146,123 92,451 53,672 17,920 35,752 $ 42 $ 35,794 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 2,207 4,205 (1,998) 310 (2,308) 53 (2,255) Video 28,610 24,174 4,436 2,262 2,174 — 2,174 Acquisition-related items — 468 (468) 8,012 (8,480) — (8,480) Certain significant items — 19,156 (19,156) 14 (19,170) — (19,170) Eliminations and consolidations (5,180) (3,615) (1,565) (2) (1,563) — (1,563) AT&T Inc. $ 171,760 $ 136,839 $ 34,921 $ 28,516 $ 6,405 $ 95 $ 6,500 1 Includes $2,442 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues Operations EBITDA Depreciation Operating Equity in Net Operating Communications Mobility $ 71,056 $ 40,681 $ 30,375 $ 8,054 $ 22,321 $ — $ 22,321 Business Wireline 25,901 15,839 10,062 4,925 5,137 — 5,137 Consumer Wireline 13,012 7,775 5,237 2,880 2,357 — 2,357 Total Communications 109,969 64,295 45,674 15,859 29,815 — 29,815 WarnerMedia 35,259 24,172 11,087 589 10,498 161 10,659 Latin America Mexico 2,869 3,085 (216) 502 (718) — (718) Vrio 4,094 3,378 716 660 56 27 83 Total Latin America 6,963 6,463 500 1,162 (662) 27 (635) Segment Total 152,191 94,930 57,261 17,610 39,651 $ 188 $ 39,839 Corporate and Other Corporate 1 2,203 3,509 (1,306) 645 (1,951) (182) (2,133) Video 32,124 27,275 4,849 2,461 2,388 — 2,388 Acquisition-related items (72) 960 (1,032) 7,460 (8,492) — (8,492) Certain significant items — 2,082 (2,082) 43 (2,125) — (2,125) Eliminations and consolidations (5,253) (3,735) (1,518) (2) (1,516) — (1,516) AT&T Inc. $ 181,193 $ 125,021 $ 56,172 $ 28,217 $ 27,955 $ 6 $ 27,961 1 Includes $1,934 for the reclassification of prior service credit amortization.
Reconciliation of Segment Contributions to Income Before Income Taxes	The following table is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to “Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes” reported in our consolidated statements of income: 2021 2020 2019 Communications $ 28,279 $ 28,313 $ 29,815 WarnerMedia 7,277 8,210 10,659 Latin America (430) (729) (635) Segment Contribution 35,126 35,794 39,839 Reconciling Items: Corporate and Other (3,913) (2,308) (1,951) Video 2,491 2,174 2,388 Merger costs (299) (468) (1,032) Amortization of intangibles acquired (4,233) (8,012) (7,460) Asset impairments and abandonments (4,904) (18,880) (1,458) Gain on spectrum transaction 1 — 900 — Employee separation charges and benefit-related losses (57) (1,177) (624) Other noncash charges (credits), net — (13) (43) Segment equity in net income of affiliates (44) (42) (188) Eliminations and consolidations (820) (1,563) (1,516) AT&T Operating Income 23,347 6,405 27,955 Interest Expense 6,884 7,925 8,422 Equity in net income of affiliates 631 95 6 Other income (expense) – net 9,853 (1,431) (1,071) Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes $ 26,947 $ (2,856) $ 18,468 1 Included as a reduction of “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of income.
Schedule of Revenues Earned from Customers and Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographical Areas	The following table sets forth revenues earned from customers, and property, plant and equipment located in different geographic areas: 2021 2020 2019 Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, Plant & Equipment Revenues Net Property, United States $ 151,631 $ 120,924 $ 155,899 $ 121,208 $ 161,689 $ 122,567 Europe 6,079 1,106 5,387 1,152 6,536 1,854 Mexico 3,043 3,462 2,862 3,530 3,198 3,648 Brazil 1,486 20 1,807 694 2,797 1,057 All other Latin America 3,118 115 2,679 485 3,219 544 Asia/Pacific Rim 2,637 240 2,322 203 2,793 390 Other 870 37 804 43 961 68 Total $ 168,864 $ 125,904 $ 171,760 $ 127,315 $ 181,193 $ 130,128
Schedule of Intersegment Revenues, Assets, Investments in Equity Affiliates, and Capital Expenditures by Segment	The following tables present intersegment revenues, assets, investments in equity affiliates and capital expenditures by segment: Intersegment Reconciliation 2021 2020 2019 Intersegment revenues Communications $ 11 $ 11 $ 26 WarnerMedia 2,573 3,183 3,318 Latin America — — — Total Intersegment Revenues 2,584 3,194 3,344 Consolidations 1,045 1,986 1,909 Eliminations and consolidations $ 3,629 $ 5,180 $ 5,253 At or for the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Investments in Capital Assets Investments in Capital Communications $ 494,063 $ — $ 14,860 $ 506,102 $ — $ 14,107 WarnerMedia 154,369 1,122 764 148,037 1,123 699 Latin America 8,874 — 580 15,811 590 708 Corporate and eliminations (105,684) 6,152 323 (144,189) 67 161 Total $ 551,622 $ 7,274 $ 16,527 $ 525,761 $ 1,780 $ 15,675

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue by Category and Business Unit	Revenue Categories The following tables set forth reported revenue by category and by business unit: For the year ended December 31, 2021 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 57,260 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,834 $ 74 $ — $ 59,168 Video service — — — — 2,607 14,514 — 17,121 Business service — 23,224 — — — 70 — 23,294 Broadband — — 9,085 — — — — 9,085 Subscription — — — 15,596 — — — 13,133 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (1,051) Other 2 — — — — — — (1,412) Content — — — 15,621 — — — 12,622 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (1,923) — — — Other 3 — — — (1,076) — — — Advertising 330 — — 6,522 — 909 (909) 6,852 Legacy voice and data — — 1,977 — — 429 — 2,406 Other — — 1,384 892 — 691 (257) 2,710 Total Service 57,590 23,224 12,446 35,632 4,441 16,687 (3,629) 146,391 Equipment 20,664 713 93 — 913 90 — 22,473 Total $ 78,254 $ 23,937 $ 12,539 $ 35,632 $ 5,354 $ 16,777 $ (3,629) $ 168,864 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($698 with Mobility and $353 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia prior to August 1, 2021 (see Note 20). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 55,251 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,656 $ 528 $ — $ 57,435 Video service — — — — 3,154 26,747 — 29,901 Business service — 24,313 — — — 321 — 24,634 Broadband — — 8,534 — — — — 8,534 Subscription — — — 13,765 — — — 10,655 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — (468) Other 2 — — — — — — (2,642) Content — — — 13,083 — — — 9,819 DTC (HBO Max) 3 — — — (2,249) — — — Other 3 — — — (1,015) — — — Advertising 291 — — 6,125 — 1,718 (1,718) 6,416 Legacy voice and data — — 2,213 — — 554 — 2,767 Other — — 1,564 733 — 661 (352) 2,606 Total Service 55,542 24,313 12,311 30,442 4,810 30,529 (5,180) 152,767 Equipment 17,022 770 7 — 906 288 — 18,993 Total $ 72,564 $ 25,083 $ 12,318 $ 30,442 $ 5,716 $ 30,817 $ (5,180) $ 171,760 1 Represents DTC (HBO Max) intercompany sales to the Communications segment ($285 with Mobility and $183 with Consumer Wireline). 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia (see Note 20). 3 Represents intercompany transactions in the WarnerMedia segment. For the year ended December 31, 2019 Communications Mobility Business Wireline Consumer Wireline WarnerMedia Latin America Corporate & Other Elim. Total Wireless service $ 55,039 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,863 $ 628 $ — $ 57,530 Video service — — — — 4,094 30,451 — 34,545 Business service — 25,116 — — — 325 — 25,441 Broadband — — 8,403 — — — — 8,403 Subscription — — — 13,651 — — — 10,402 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — — Other 2 — — — — — — (3,249) Content — — — 14,938 — — — 13,880 DTC (HBO Max) 1 — — — — — — — Other 3 — — — (1,058) — — — Advertising 292 — — 6,678 — 1,672 (1,672) 6,970 Legacy voice and data — — 2,573 — — 565 — 3,138 Other — — 2,029 1,050 — 443 (332) 3,190 Total Service 55,331 25,116 13,005 35,259 5,957 34,084 (5,253) 163,499 Equipment 15,725 785 7 — 1,006 171 — 17,694 Total $ 71,056 $ 25,901 $ 13,012 $ 35,259 $ 6,963 $ 34,255 $ (5,253) $ 181,193 1 HBO Max was launched in May 2020. 2 Represents intercompany video distribution arrangements primarily to DIRECTV/U-verse from WarnerMedia (see Note 20). 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 at December 31: Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Deferred Acquisition Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,550 $ 3,087 Other Assets 3,248 3,198 Total deferred customer contract acquisition costs $ 5,798 $ 6,285 Deferred Fulfillment Costs Prepaid and other current assets $ 2,601 $ 4,118 Other Assets 4,148 5,634 Total deferred customer contract fulfillment costs $ 6,749 $ 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 6) The following table presents deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment cost amortization included in “Other cost of revenue” for the year ended December 31: Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 Deferred acquisition cost amortization $ 3,072 $ 2,755 Deferred fulfillment cost amortization 4,019 5,110
Schedule of Contract Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents contract assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31: Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Contract asset $ 4,517 $ 3,501 Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets” 2,684 2,054 Contract liability 5,644 6,879 Current portion in “Advanced billings and customer deposits” 5,112 6,071

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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

Property, Plant And Equipment (

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows at December 31: Lives (years) 2021 2020 Land - $ 2,458 $ 2,571 Buildings and improvements 2-44 39,306 39,418 Central office equipment 1 3-10 97,069 95,981 Cable, wiring and conduit 15-50 79,961 75,409 Satellites 14-17 103 908 Other equipment 3-20 86,830 90,883 Software 3-7 17,916 18,482 Under construction - 5,845 4,099 329,488 327,751 Accumulated depreciation and amortization 203,584 200,436 Property, plant and equipment – net $ 125,904 $ 127,315 1 Includes certain network software.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense, Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases, and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	The components of lease expense were as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Operating lease cost $ 5,793 $ 5,896 $ 5,684 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 256 $ 287 $ 271 Interest on lease obligation 162 156 169 Total finance lease cost $ 418 $ 443 $ 440 The following table provides supplemental cash flows information related to leases: 2021 2020 2019 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash paid for amounts included in lease obligations: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 5,012 $ 4,852 $ 4,583 Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $ 4,581 $ 5,270 $ 7,818 The following tables set forth supplemental balance sheet information related to leases at December 31: 2021 2020 Operating Leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 24,180 $ 24,714 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 3,706 $ 3,537 Operating lease obligation 21,261 22,202 Total operating lease obligation $ 24,967 $ 25,739 Finance Leases Property, plant and equipment, at cost $ 2,609 $ 3,586 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,120) (1,361) Property, plant and equipment – net $ 1,489 $ 2,225 Current portion of long-term debt $ 137 $ 189 Long-term debt 1,484 1,847 Total finance lease obligation $ 1,621 $ 2,036 2021 2020 Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) Operating leases 8.4 8.5 Finance leases 8.4 9.9 Weighted-Average Discount Rate Operating leases 3.7 % 4.1 % Finance leases 7.8 % 8.1 %
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At December 31, 2021 Operating Leases Finance 2022 $ 4,922 $ 299 2023 4,502 283 2024 3,970 257 2025 3,232 246 2026 2,540 243 Thereafter 10,686 1,068 Total lease payments 29,852 2,396 Less: imputed interest (4,885) (775) Total $ 24,967 $ 1,621
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Leases	The following table provides the expected future minimum maturities of lease obligations: At December 31, 2021 Operating Leases Finance 2022 $ 4,922 $ 299 2023 4,502 283 2024 3,970 257 2025 3,232 246 2026 2,540 243 Thereafter 10,686 1,068 Total lease payments 29,852 2,396 Less: imputed interest (4,885) (775) Total $ 24,967 $ 1,621

Goodwill And Other Intangible_2

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill, By Segment	The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by operating segment: 2021 2020 Balance at Dispositions, Balance at Balance at Acquisitions Impairments Dispositions, Balance at Communications $ 91,976 $ (76) $ 91,900 $ 100,234 $ — $ (8,253) $ (5) $ 91,976 WarnerMedia 42,447 (1,940) 40,507 42,345 415 — (313) 42,447 Latin America 836 (20) 816 3,662 — (2,212) (614) 836 Total $ 135,259 $ (2,036) $ 133,223 $ 146,241 $ 415 $ (10,465) $ (932) $ 135,259
Schedule of Amortized Intangible Assets	Our other intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows: 2021 2020 Other Intangible Assets Weighted-Average Life Gross Carrying Accumulated Currency Gross Carrying Accumulated Currency Amortized intangible assets: Wireless licenses 21.6 years $ 3,083 $ 307 $ (440) $ 2,979 $ 271 $ (421) Orbital slots N/A — — — 5,825 — — Trademarks and trade names 38.3 years 18,781 2,077 (7) 20,016 1,518 (442) Distribution network 10.0 years 18,399 6,457 — 18,414 4,621 — Released television and film content 17.8 years 10,939 6,978 — 10,940 6,240 — Customer lists and relationships 11.2 years 637 483 (98) 4,100 1,645 (460) Other 22.3 years 10,987 3,221 — 11,311 2,615 (5) Total 24.6 years $ 62,826 $ 19,523 $ (545) $ 73,585 $ 16,910 $ (1,328)
Schedule of Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization	Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: Wireless licenses $ 111,494 $ 85,728 Trade names 5,241 5,241 Total $ 116,735 $ 90,969
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows: Year AT&T Inc. Attributable to WarnerMedia 1 2022 $ 3,907 $ 3,747 2023 3,895 3,741 2024 3,524 3,377 2025 3,394 3,258 2026 3,309 3,174 1 The pending WarnerMedia/Discovery transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to approval by Discovery shareholders and customary closing conditions. (See Note 6)

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Investments In Equity Affiliates	The following table is a reconciliation of our investments in equity affiliates as presented on our consolidated balance sheets: 2021 2020 Beginning of year $ 1,780 $ 3,695 Additional investments 265 178 Receipt of equity interest in DIRECTV 6,852 — Distributions from DIRECTV in excess of cumulative equity in earnings (1,323) — Other capital distributions (26) (22) Dividends and distributions of cumulative earnings received (815) (133) Equity in net income of affiliates 631 95 Acquisition of remaining interest in HBO LAG — (1,141) Disposition of CME — (749) Impairments — (146) Disposition of various investments (68) — Currency translation adjustments (16) (10) Other adjustments (6) 13 End of year $ 7,274 $ 1,780

Inventories And Theatrical Fi_2

Inventories And Theatrical Film And Television Production Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs	The following table summarizes inventories and theatrical film and television production costs as of December 31: 2021 2020 Inventories: Programming costs, less amortization 1 $ 7,101 $ 6,010 Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs 134 103 Total inventories 7,235 6,113 Less: current portion of inventory (134) (103) Total noncurrent inventories 7,101 6,010 Theatrical film production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 525 487 Completed and not released 343 616 In production 1,687 1,130 Development and pre-production 143 190 Television production costs: 2 Released, less amortization 3,335 2,495 Completed and not released 1,350 1,381 In production 4,376 2,353 Development and pre-production 123 90 Total theatrical film and television production costs 11,882 8,742 Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs $ 18,983 $ 14,752 1 Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to the related rights being received. 2 Does not include $3,961 and $4,699 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in “Other Intangible Assets – Net” on our consolidated balance sheets.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt of AT&T and its Subsidiaries	Long-term debt of AT&T and its subsidiaries, including interest rates and maturities, is summarized as follows at December 31: 2021 2020 Notes and debentures Interest Rates Maturities 1 0.69% - 2.99% 2021 - 2039 $ 31,841 $ 25,549 3.00% - 4.99% 2021 - 2061 108,003 110,317 5.00% - 6.99% 2021 - 2095 23,360 24,259 7.00% - 9.15% 2021 - 2097 5,645 5,006 Credit agreement borrowings 10,400 300 Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt 16 20 179,265 165,451 Unamortized (discount) premium – net (9,610) (9,710) Unamortized issuance costs (508) (532) Total notes and debentures 169,147 155,209 Finance lease obligations 1,621 2,036 Total long-term debt, including current maturities 170,768 157,245 Current maturities of long-term debt (7,944) (3,470) Current maturities of credit agreement borrowings (10,100) — Total long-term debt $ 152,724 $ 153,775 1 Maturities assume puttable debt is redeemed by the holders at the next opportunity.
Debt Maturing Within One Year	2021 2020 Current maturities of long-term debt $ 7,944 $ 3,470 Commercial paper 6,586 — Credit agreement borrowings 10,100 — Total $ 24,630 $ 3,470
Schedule of Debt Activity	Our debt activity during 2021 primarily consisted of the following: First Second Third Fourth Full Year 2021 Net commercial paper borrowings 1 $ 7,072 $ (513) $ (2) $ 4 $ 6,561 Issuance of Notes and Debentures 2 : U.S. dollar denominated global notes $ 6,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,000 Initial average rate of 1.27% Euro denominated global notes (converted to USD at issuance) 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) 2.650% Euro denominated global notes due 2021 — — — (1,349) (1,349) Other (253) (253) (498) (140) (1,144) Repayments of long-term debt $ (902) $ (253) $ (498) $ (1,489) $ (3,142) 1 Includes $1,316 net issuance of commercial paper with original maturities of three months or less, $12,755 of commercial paper issued greater than 90 days and $7,510 of commercial paper repaid greater than 90 days. 2 Includes credit agreement borrowing.
Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Repayments	2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Debt repayments 1 $ 18,185 $ 7,739 $ 11,562 $ 6,484 $ 10,557 $ 126,922 Weighted-average interest rate 2 1.9 % 3.4 % 2.9 % 3.9 % 3.3 % 4.2 % 1 Debt repayments represent maturity value and assume puttable debt is redeemed at the next opportunity. Foreign debt includes the impact from hedges, when applicable. Includes credit agreement borrowings. 2 Includes credit agreement borrowings.

Fair Value Measurements And D_2

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Financial Instruments	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities, and other financial instruments, are summarized as follows: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Notes and debentures 1 $ 169,147 $ 194,891 $ 155,209 $ 187,224 Commercial paper 6,586 6,586 — — Investment securities 2 3,374 3,374 3,249 3,249 1 Includes credit agreement borrowings. Excludes note payable to DIRECTV. 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 December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as “Other assets,” “Other noncurrent liabilities,” “Prepaid and other current assets” and “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity Securities Domestic equities $ 1,256 $ — $ — $ 1,256 International equities 227 — — 227 Fixed income equities 230 — — 230 Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — 1,384 — 1,384 Asset Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — 211 — 211 Foreign exchange contracts — 8 — 8 Liability Derivatives Cross-currency swaps — (3,170) — (3,170) Foreign exchange contracts — (41) — (41) 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: For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities $ 293 $ 171 $ 301 Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold (5) (25) 100 Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period $ 298 $ 196 $ 201
Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Positions	Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions at December 31: 2021 2020 Cross-currency swaps $ 40,737 $ 40,745 Foreign exchange contracts 30 90 Total $ 40,767 $ 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 Fair Value Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps (Interest expense): Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps $ (4) $ (6) $ 58 Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 4 6 (58) Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) on cross-currency swaps (91) — — Gain (Loss) on long-term debt 91 — — Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (17) — — Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Cross-currency swaps: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI $ (873) $ (378) $ (1,066) Foreign exchange contracts: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI (17) 3 10 Other income (expense) – net reclassified from accumulated OCI into income 1 (3) 6 Interest rate locks: Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI — (648) (84) Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (92) (84) (63)

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets)	Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities (assets) are as follows at December 31: 2021 2020 Depreciation and amortization $ 47,433 $ 46,952 Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles 15,576 13,930 Employee benefits (3,338) (5,279) Deferred fulfillment costs 1,797 2,691 Equity in partnership 3,285 — Net operating loss and other carryforwards (6,703) (7,355) Other – net 2,308 4,562 Subtotal 60,358 55,501 Deferred tax assets valuation allowance 4,638 4,773 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 64,996 $ 60,274 Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ 65,226 $ 60,472 Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets (230) (198) Net deferred tax liabilities $ 64,996 $ 60,274
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance	A reconciliation of the change in our UTB balance from January 1 to December 31 for 2021 and 2020 is as follows: Federal, State and Foreign Tax 2021 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 10,001 $ 10,979 Increases for tax positions related to the current year 677 1,580 Increases for tax positions related to prior years 443 112 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (1,344) (994) Lapse of statute of limitations (29) (24) Settlements (342) (1,646) Current year dispositions (4) — Foreign currency effects — (6) Balance at end of year 9,402 10,001 Accrued interest and penalties 2,221 2,450 Gross unrecognized income tax benefits 11,623 12,451 Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits (799) (878) Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above (3,515) (3,588) Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year $ 7,309 $ 7,985
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Federal: Current $ (1,198) $ (687) $ 584 Deferred 5,296 1,039 1,656 4,098 352 2,240 State and local: Current 646 (6) 603 Deferred 456 263 144 1,102 257 747 Foreign: Current 516 413 605 Deferred (248) (57) (99) 268 356 506 Total $ 5,468 $ 965 $ 3,493
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	“Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income included the following components for the years ended December 31: 2021 2020 2019 U.S. income (loss) before income taxes $ 30,223 $ (452) $ 18,301 Foreign income (loss) before income taxes (3,276) (2,404) 167 Total $ 26,947 $ (2,856) $ 18,468
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Based on Federal Statutory Rate to Amount Per Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Taxes computed at federal statutory rate $ 5,659 $ (600) $ 3,878 Increases (decreases) in income taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit 967 193 611 CARES Act federal NOL carryback (471) — — Tax on foreign investments (68) (141) (115) Noncontrolling interest (294) (285) (230) Permanent items and R&D credit (163) (239) (285) Audit resolutions (298) (112) (156) Divestitures (112) 107 — Goodwill impairment 1 250 2,120 — Other – net (2) (78) (210) Total $ 5,468 $ 965 $ 3,493 Effective Tax Rate 20.3 % (33.8) % 18.9 % 1 Goodwill impairments are not deductible for tax purposes.

Pension And Postretirement Be_2

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Plan Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	The following table presents the change in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 62,158 $ 59,873 $ 13,928 $ 16,041 Service cost - benefits earned during the period 957 1,029 45 53 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,276 1,687 210 416 Amendments — (340) — (2,655) Actuarial (gain) loss (1,237) 5,054 (275) 1,423 Benefits paid, including settlements (5,942) (5,124) (1,356) (1,370) Curtailment — (1) — — Plan transfers — (20) — 20 Benefit obligation at end of year $ 57,212 $ 62,158 $ 12,552 $ 13,928 The following table presents the change in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 and the plans’ funded status at December 31: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 54,606 $ 53,530 $ 3,843 $ 4,145 Actual return on plan assets 5,737 6,199 210 302 Benefits paid, including settlements 1 (5,942) (5,124) (1,163) (1,029) Contributions — 2 308 425 Plan transfers — (1) — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 54,401 54,606 3,198 3,843 Unfunded status at end of year 2 $ (2,811) $ (7,552) $ (9,354) $ (10,085) 1 At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from our cash accounts, which does not reduce Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) assets. Future benefit payments may be made from VEBA trusts and thus reduce those asset balances. 2 Funded status is not indicative of our ability to pay ongoing pension benefits or of our obligation to fund retirement trusts. Required pension funding is determined in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) and applicable regulations. Amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are listed below: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2021 2020 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1 $ — $ — $ (1,106) $ (1,213) Employee benefit obligation 2 (2,811) (7,552) (8,248) (8,872) Net amount recognized $ (2,811) $ (7,552) $ (9,354) $ (10,085) 1 Included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.” 2 Included in “Postemployment benefit obligation,” combined with international pension obligations and other postemployment obligations of $364 and $1,226 at December 31, 2021, and $553 and $1,299 at December 31, 2020, respectively.
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan And Postretirement Benefits Disclosure	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit): Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 957 $ 1,029 $ 1,019 $ 45 $ 53 $ 71 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,276 1,687 1,960 210 416 675 Expected return on assets (3,513) (3,557) (3,561) (151) (178) (227) Amortization of prior service credit (144) (113) (113) (2,537) (2,329) (1,820) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) before (1,424) (954) (695) (2,433) (2,038) (1,301) Actuarial (gain) loss (3,461) 2,404 3,088 (334) 1,299 1,670 Net pension and postretirement $ (4,885) $ 1,450 $ 2,393 $ (2,767) $ (739) $ 369 Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the after-tax changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI and the after-tax prior service credits that were amortized from OCI into net periodic benefit costs: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 525 $ 361 $ 447 $ 8,416 $ 8,171 $ 6,086 Prior service (cost) credit — 250 — — 2,001 3,457 Amortization of prior service credit (109) (86) (86) (1,912) (1,756) (1,372) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (109) 164 (86) (1,912) 245 2,085 Balance at end of year $ 416 $ 525 $ 361 $ 6,504 $ 8,416 $ 8,171
Schedule of Assumptions in Determining the Projected Benefit Obligation and Net Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost	In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension and postretirement benefit cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Weighted-average discount rate for determining benefit obligation at December 31 3.00 % 2.70 % 3.40 % 2.80 % 2.40 % 3.20 % Discount rate in effect for determining service cost 1 3.30 % 3.60 % 4.10 % 2.90 % 3.50 % 4.40 % Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost 1 2.30 % 2.90 % 3.50 % 1.60 % 2.70 % 3.70 % Weighted-average interest credit rate for cash balance pension programs 2 3.20 % 3.10 % 3.30 % — % — % — % Long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.75 % 7.00 % 7.00 % 4.50 % 4.75 % 5.75 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net cost (benefit) 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 1 Weighted-average discount rates shown for years with interim remeasurements: 2021 and 2019 for pension benefits and 2019 for postretirement benefits. 2 Weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance pension programs relate only to the cash balance portion of total pension benefits. A 0.50% increase in the weighted-average interest crediting rate would increase the pension benefit obligation by $125.
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Targeted and Actual Plan Asset Allocations	The plans’ weighted-average asset targets and actual allocations as a percentage of plan assets, including the notional exposure of future contracts by asset categories at December 31 are as follows: Pension Assets Postretirement (VEBA) Assets Target 2021 2020 Target 2021 2020 Equity securities: Domestic 12 % - 22 % 16 % 19 % 14 % - 24 % 19 % 19 % International 8 % - 18 % 13 15 14 % - 24 % 19 14 Fixed income securities 35 % - 45 % 38 35 34 % - 44 % 39 45 Real assets 7 % - 17 % 10 8 — % - 6 % 1 1 Private equity 3 % - 13 % 12 9 — % - 6 % 1 1 Preferred interests 5 % - 15 % 10 10 — % - — % — — Other — % - 5 % 1 % 4 17 % - 27 % 21 20 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Schedule of Fair Value of Pension and Postretirement Assets and Liabilities by Level	The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2021: Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 167 $ — $ — $ 167 Interest bearing cash 11 — — 11 Foreign currency contracts — 5 — 5 Equity securities: Domestic equities 7,693 — 1 7,694 International equities 4,117 — 7 4,124 Preferred interests — — 5,562 5,562 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments — 11,168 2 11,170 Government and municipal bonds — 6,977 — 6,977 Mortgage-backed securities — 268 — 268 Real estate and real assets — — 3,318 3,318 Securities lending collateral 1,645 1,285 — 2,930 Receivable for variation margin 8 — — 8 Assets at fair value 13,641 19,703 8,890 42,234 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (529) (3) (1) (533) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 13,112 $ 19,700 $ 8,889 $ 41,701 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 6,454 Real estate funds 2,329 Commingled funds 6,780 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 15,563 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,863) Total Plan Net Assets $ 54,401 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 371 $ 295 $ — $ 666 Equity securities: Domestic equities 323 — — 323 International equities 287 — 1 288 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments 1 — — 1 Securities lending collateral — 9 — 9 Assets at fair value 982 304 1 1,287 Securities lending payable and other liabilities — (9) — (9) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 982 $ 295 $ 1 $ 1,278 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Commingled funds 1,883 Private equity 19 Real estate funds 16 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,918 Other assets (liabilities) 1 2 Total Plan Net Assets $ 3,198 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable and accounts payable. The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and postretirement assets and liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2020: Pension Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Non-interest bearing cash $ 173 $ — $ — $ 173 Interest bearing cash 7 — — 7 Foreign currency contracts — 3 — 3 Equity securities: Domestic equities 9,784 — 11 9,795 International equities 4,821 11 12 4,844 Preferred interests — — 5,771 5,771 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments — 11,043 52 11,095 Government and municipal bonds — 6,039 — 6,039 Mortgage-backed securities — 442 1 443 Real estate and real assets — — 2,544 2,544 Securities lending collateral 621 1,435 — 2,056 Receivable for variation margin 23 — — 23 Assets at fair value 15,429 18,973 8,391 42,793 Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value (450) (8) (1) (459) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 14,979 $ 18,965 $ 8,390 $ 42,334 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 5,154 Real estate funds 1,694 Commingled funds 7,706 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 14,554 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (2,282) Total Plan Net Assets $ 54,606 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable, accounts payable and net adjustment for securities lending payable. Postretirement Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Interest bearing cash $ 497 $ 302 $ — $ 799 Equity securities: Domestic equities 363 — — 363 International equities 282 — — 282 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments 5 307 3 315 Government and municipal bonds 6 132 1 139 Mortgage-backed securities — 94 — 94 Securities lending collateral — 28 — 28 Assets at fair value 1,153 863 4 2,020 Securities lending payable and other liabilities (1) (29) — (30) Total plan net assets at fair value $ 1,152 $ 834 $ 4 $ 1,990 Assets held at net asset value practical expedient Private equity funds 24 Real estate funds 22 Commingled funds 1,843 Total assets held at net asset value practical expedient 1,889 Other assets (liabilities) 1 (36) Total Plan Net Assets $ 3,843 1 Other assets (liabilities) include amounts receivable and accounts payable.
Summary of Changes in The Fair Value of the Level 3 Pension and Postretirement Assets	The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2021: Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ 5,793 $ 53 $ 2,544 $ 8,390 Realized gains (losses) 2 — (31) (29) Unrealized gains (losses) (203) — 558 355 Transfers in — 1 — 1 Transfers out (7) (8) — (15) Purchases 7 1 425 433 Sales (23) (45) (178) (246) Balance at end of year $ 5,569 $ 2 $ 3,318 $ 8,889 Postretirement Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4 Realized gains (losses) — (1) — (1) Unrealized gains (losses) — 1 — 1 Transfers in 1 — — 1 Sales — (4) — (4) Balance at end of year $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension and postretirement assets for the year ended December 31, 2020: Pension Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ 8,816 $ 6 $ 2,817 $ 11,639 Realized gains (losses) (150) — 255 105 Unrealized gains (losses) 3 — (178) (175) Transfers in 4 51 36 91 Transfers out — (3) — (3) Purchases 9,114 1 223 9,338 Sales (11,994) (2) (609) (12,605) Balance at end of year $ 5,793 $ 53 $ 2,544 $ 8,390 Postretirement Assets Equities Fixed Income Funds Real Estate and Real Assets Total Balance at beginning of year $ — $ 32 $ — $ 32 Transfers in — 3 — 3 Transfers out — (11) — (11) Sales — (20) — (20) Balance at end of year $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	The following table provides expected benefit payments under our pension and postretirement plans: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2022 $ 5,922 $ 1,262 2023 4,237 1,181 2024 4,121 888 2025 4,113 842 2026 3,934 794 Years 2027 - 2031 18,292 3,544

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Compensation Cost	Our consolidated statements of income include the compensation cost recognized for those plans as operating expenses, as well as the associated tax benefits, which are reflected in the table below: 2021 2020 2019 Performance stock units $ 245 $ 348 $ 544 Restricted stock and stock units 385 290 273 Other nonvested stock units 7 — 7 Stock options — — (5) Total $ 637 $ 638 $ 819 Income tax benefit $ 157 $ 157 $ 202
Status of Nonvested Stock Units Activity and Changes During Year	A summary of the status of our nonvested stock units as of December 31, 2021, and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows (shares in millions): Nonvested Stock Units Shares Weighted-Average Grant- Nonvested at January 1, 2021 43 $ 34.50 Granted 36 28.79 Vested (26) 31.56 Forfeited (4) 31.52 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 49 $ 32.06

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)

Sales Of Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Finance Receivables	Our equipment installment and revolving receivables programs are discussed in detail below. The following table sets forth a summary of the receivables and accounts being serviced at December 31: 2021 2020 Equipment Installment Revolving Equipment Installment Revolving Gross receivables: $ 4,361 $ 3,527 $ 5,565 $ 3,909 Balance sheet classification Accounts receivable Notes receivable 1,846 — 2,716 — Trade receivables 606 3,337 554 3,715 Other Assets Noncurrent notes and trade receivables 1,909 190 2,295 194 Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets 9,767 6,280 7,827 5,300 Cash proceeds received, net of remittances 1 6,644 6,280 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: 2021 2020 2019 Gross receivables sold $ 10,793 $ 7,270 $ 9,921 Net receivables sold 1 10,502 7,026 9,483 Cash proceeds received 9,740 6,089 8,189 Deferred purchase price recorded 1,080 1,021 1,451 Guarantee obligation recorded 434 157 341 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: 2021 2020 2019 Fair value of repurchased receivables $ 1,424 $ 1,271 $ 1,418 Carrying value of deferred purchase price 1,334 1,235 1,350 Gain on repurchases 1 $ 90 $ 36 $ 68 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: 2021 2020 2019 Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received 1 $ 20,060 $ 15,888 $ 11,989 Total collections under revolving agreement 2 18,910 14,888 7,689 Receivables repurchased 170 — — Net cash proceeds received $ 980 $ 1,000 $ 4,300 Net receivables sold 3 $ 19,775 $ 15,760 $ 11,604 Obligations recorded 18 271 530 1 Includes initial sale of receivables of $1,380, $1,000 and $4,300 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 2 Includes collections of $400, $0 and $0 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that were not reinvested under the revolving agreement. 3 Receivables net of allowance, return and incentive reserves and imputed interest.

Additional Financial Informat_2

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Balance Sheets	December 31, Consolidated Balance Sheets 2021 2020 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 30,756 $ 31,836 Accrued payroll and commissions 3,449 2,988 Current portion of employee benefit obligation 1,278 1,415 Accrued participations and residuals 2,966 2,708 Accrued interest 2,463 2,454 Accrued taxes 1,402 1,019 Other 8,347 7,631 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 50,661 $ 50,051
Consolidated Statements of Income	Consolidated Statements of Income 2021 2020 2019 Advertising expense $ 6,316 $ 5,253 $ 6,121 Interest expense incurred $ 7,838 $ 8,048 $ 8,622 Capitalized interest – capital expenditures (173) (123) (200) Capitalized interest – spectrum 1 (781) — — Total interest expense $ 6,884 $ 7,925 $ 8,422 1 Included in “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	The following table summarizes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances on our consolidated balance sheets: December 31, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 2021 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,169 $ 9,740 $ 12,130 $ 5,204 Restricted cash in Other current assets 3 9 69 61 Restricted cash in Other Assets 144 121 96 135 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 21,316 $ 9,870 $ 12,295 $ 5,400 The following table summarizes cash paid during the periods for interest income taxes and spectrum: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 2021 2020 2019 Cash paid (received) during the year for: Interest $ 7,673 $ 8,237 $ 8,693 Income taxes, net of refunds 700 993 1,421 Spectrum acquisitions 1 24,672 1,613 1,576 1 Included as cash paid for “Acquisitions, net of cash acquired” on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excludes interest during construction.

Summary Of Significant Accoun_3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ (42,350)	$ (37,457)
Contract asset	4,517	3,501
Deferred income tax liability	65,226	60,472
Noncontrolling interest	17,523	17,567
Operating lease liability	24,967	25,739
Operating lease right-of-use assets	24,180	24,714
Other current assets	(17,793)	(18,358)
Cash	5,204
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,169	9,740	$ 12,130			$ 5,204
Estimated period of ultimate revenues, from initial release or from delivery of first episode (years)	10 years
Estimated economic useful life	24 years 7 months 6 days
Amortization expense	$ 4,288	$ 8,239	$ 7,932
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ (0.75)	$ 1.89
Wireless Licenses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
FCC licenses - typical term (in years)	10 years
Estimated economic useful life	21 years 7 months 6 days
Money Market Funds and Other Cash Equivalents
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 15,965
Foreign Jurisdictions
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,706
Minimum | Software
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Amortization period for capitalized software costs	3 years
Maximum | Software
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Amortization period for capitalized software costs	7 years
Mexico | Wireless Licenses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life	25 years
ASU 2016-13
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings				$ 293
Allowance for credit loss				395
Contract asset				(10)
Deferred income tax liability				(105)
Noncontrolling interest				$ (7)
ASU 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings					$ (316)
Operating lease liability					22,121
Operating lease right-of-use assets					22,121
Net Assets					$ 20,960

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net Income (Loss)	$ 21,479	$ (3,821)	$ 14,975
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(1,398)	(1,355)	(1,072)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to AT&T	20,081	(5,176)	13,903
Less: Preferred Stock Dividends	(207)	(193)	(3)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	19,874	(5,369)	13,900
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment1	22	23	21
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 19,896	$ (5,346)	$ 13,921
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	7,168	7,157	7,319
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment (in shares)	31	26	29
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	7,199	7,183	7,348
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.77	$ (0.75)	$ 1.90
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ (0.75)	$ 1.89

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock			$ 202	$ 5,498	$ 2,417
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			0	142
Mobility II, LLC | Preferred Stock – Series A
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Preferred interest distributions	$ 140		$ 560
Preferred interest, securities issued (in shares)	320		320
Stock Repurchase Program
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock		$ 4,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		104.8

Other Comprehensive Income (Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$ (937)	$ 647	$ 2,635
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	136	(1,787)	(1,414)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(801)	(1,140)	1,221
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	4,330	5,470	4,249
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(801)	(1,140)	1,221
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	3,529	4,330	5,470
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(3,926)	(3,056)	(3,084)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(125)	(870)	28
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	2,087	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	1,962	(870)	28
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(1,964)	(3,926)	(3,056)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	111	48	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(63)	78	50
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(3)	(15)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(66)	63	50
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	45	111	48
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(779)	(37)	818
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(715)	(811)	(900)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	72	69	45
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(643)	(742)	(855)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(1,422)	(779)	(37)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	8,924	8,515	6,517
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(34)	2,250	3,457
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI	(2,020)	(1,841)	(1,459)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AT&T	(2,054)	409	1,998
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ 6,870	$ 8,924	$ 8,515

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment) (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary Of Operating Revenues And Expenses By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 168,864	$ 171,760	$ 181,193
Operations and Support Expenses		122,655	136,839	125,021
EBITDA		46,209	34,921	56,172
Depreciation and Amortization		22,862	28,516	28,217
Operating Income (Loss)		23,347	6,405	27,955
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		631	95	6
Operating Contribution		23,978	6,500	27,961
Reclassification of prior service credit amortization			2,442	1,934
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		155,716	146,123	152,191
Operations and Support Expenses		102,733	92,451	94,930
EBITDA		52,983	53,672	57,261
Depreciation and Amortization		17,901	17,920	17,610
Operating Income (Loss)		35,082	35,752	39,651
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		44	42	188
Operating Contribution		35,126	35,794	39,839
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		1,264	2,207	2,203
Operations and Support Expenses		4,805	4,205	3,509
EBITDA		(3,541)	(1,998)	(1,306)
Depreciation and Amortization		372	310	645
Operating Income (Loss)		(3,913)	(2,308)	(1,951)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		(32)	53	(182)
Operating Contribution		(3,945)	(2,255)	(2,133)
Reclassification of prior service credit amortization		2,680
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		(44)	(42)	(188)
Video
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		15,513	28,610	32,124
Operations and Support Expenses		12,666	24,174	27,275
EBITDA		2,847	4,436	4,849
Depreciation and Amortization		356	2,262	2,461
Operating Income (Loss)		2,491	2,174	2,388
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		619	0	0
Operating Contribution		3,110	2,174	2,388
Acquisition-related items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	(72)
Operations and Support Expenses		299	468	960
EBITDA		(299)	(468)	(1,032)
Depreciation and Amortization		4,233	8,012	7,460
Operating Income (Loss)		(4,532)	(8,480)	(8,492)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		(4,532)	(8,480)	(8,492)
Certain significant items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	0
Operations and Support Expenses		4,961	19,156	2,082
EBITDA		(4,961)	(19,156)	(2,082)
Depreciation and Amortization		0	14	43
Operating Income (Loss)		(4,961)	(19,170)	(2,125)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		(4,961)	(19,170)	(2,125)
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		(3,629)	(5,180)	(5,253)
Operations and Support Expenses		(2,809)	(3,615)	(3,735)
EBITDA		(820)	(1,565)	(1,518)
Depreciation and Amortization		0	(2)	(2)
Operating Income (Loss)		(820)	(1,563)	(1,516)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		(820)	(1,563)	(1,516)
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		114,730	109,965	109,969
Operations and Support Expenses		70,042	65,436	64,295
EBITDA		44,688	44,529	45,674
Depreciation and Amortization		16,409	16,216	15,859
Operating Income (Loss)		28,279	28,313	29,815
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		28,279	28,313	29,815
Communications | Mobility | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		78,254	72,564	71,056
Operations and Support Expenses		46,820	42,106	40,681
EBITDA		31,434	30,458	30,375
Depreciation and Amortization		8,122	8,086	8,054
Operating Income (Loss)		23,312	22,372	22,321
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		23,312	22,372	22,321
Communications | Consumer Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		12,539	12,318	13,012
Operations and Support Expenses		8,467	8,027	7,775
EBITDA		4,072	4,291	5,237
Depreciation and Amortization		3,095	2,914	2,880
Operating Income (Loss)		977	1,377	2,357
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		977	1,377	2,357
Communications | Business Wireline | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		23,937	25,083	25,901
Operations and Support Expenses		14,755	15,303	15,839
EBITDA		9,182	9,780	10,062
Depreciation and Amortization		5,192	5,216	4,925
Operating Income (Loss)		3,990	4,564	5,137
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		3,990	4,564	5,137
WarnerMedia | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		35,632	30,442	35,259
Operations and Support Expenses		27,737	21,579	24,172
EBITDA		7,895	8,863	11,087
Depreciation and Amortization		656	671	589
Operating Income (Loss)		7,239	8,192	10,498
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		38	18	161
Operating Contribution		7,277	8,210	10,659
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		5,354	5,716	6,963
Operations and Support Expenses		4,954	5,436	6,463
EBITDA		400	280	500
Depreciation and Amortization		836	1,033	1,162
Operating Income (Loss)		(436)	(753)	(662)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		6	24	27
Operating Contribution		(430)	(729)	(635)
Latin America | Vrio | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		2,607	3,154	4,094
Operations and Support Expenses		2,302	2,800	3,378
EBITDA		305	354	716
Depreciation and Amortization		231	520	660
Operating Income (Loss)		74	(166)	56
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		6	24	27
Operating Contribution		80	(142)	83
Latin America | Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		2,747	2,562	2,869
Operations and Support Expenses		2,652	2,636	3,085
EBITDA		95	(74)	(216)
Depreciation and Amortization		605	513	502
Operating Income (Loss)		(510)	(587)	(718)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates		0	0	0
Operating Contribution		(510)	$ (587)	$ (718)
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates	$ 619	619
Related Party Costs	$ 550
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		200
Related Party Costs		$ 240

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Operating Income (Loss) to Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$ 26,947	$ (2,856)	$ 18,468
AT&T Operating Income	23,347	6,405	27,955
Amortization of intangibles acquired	(4,288)	(8,239)	(7,932)
Asset impairments and abandonments	(4,904)	(18,880)	(1,458)
Equity in net income of affiliates	631	95	6
Interest Expense	6,884	7,925	8,422
Other income (expense) – net	9,853	(1,431)	(1,071)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	35,126	35,794	39,839
AT&T Operating Income	35,082	35,752	39,651
Equity in net income of affiliates	44	42	188
Operating Segments | Communications
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	28,279	28,313	29,815
AT&T Operating Income	28,279	28,313	29,815
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	7,277	8,210	10,659
AT&T Operating Income	7,239	8,192	10,498
Equity in net income of affiliates	38	18	161
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(430)	(729)	(635)
AT&T Operating Income	(436)	(753)	(662)
Equity in net income of affiliates	6	24	27
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(3,913)	(2,308)	(1,951)
Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Merger costs	(299)	(468)	(1,032)
Amortization of intangibles acquired	(4,233)	(8,012)	(7,460)
Asset impairments and abandonments	(4,904)	(18,880)	(1,458)
Gain on spectrum transaction	0	900	0
Employee separation charges and benefit-related losses	(57)	(1,177)	(624)
Other noncash charges (credits), net	0	(13)	(43)
Equity in net income of affiliates	(44)	(42)	(188)
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	(820)	(1,563)	(1,516)
Equity in net income of affiliates	0	0	0
Video
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
AT&T Operating Income	2,491	2,174	2,388
Equity in net income of affiliates	$ 619	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Schedule of Revenues Earned from Customers and Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 168,864	$ 171,760	$ 181,193
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	125,904	127,315	130,128
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	151,631	155,899	161,689
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	120,924	121,208	122,567
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	6,079	5,387	6,536
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	1,106	1,152	1,854
Mexico
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	3,043	2,862	3,198
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	3,462	3,530	3,648
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,486	1,807	2,797
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	20	694	1,057
All other Latin America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	3,118	2,679	3,219
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	115	485	544
Asia/Pacific Rim
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	2,637	2,322	2,793
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	240	203	390
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	870	804	961
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	$ 37	$ 43	$ 68

Segment Information (Intersegme

Segment Information (Intersegment Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (168,864)	$ (171,760)	$ (181,193)
Total Intersegment Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,584	3,194	3,344
Consolidations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,045	1,986	1,909
Eliminations and consolidations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	3,629	5,180	5,253
Communications | Total Intersegment Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	11	11	26
WarnerMedia | Total Intersegment Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,573	3,183	3,318
Latin America | Total Intersegment Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Interseg_2

Segment Information (Intersegment Assets, Equity Affiliates Investments and Capital Expenditures Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 551,622	$ 525,761
Investments in Equity Method Investees	7,274	1,780	$ 3,695
Capital Expenditures	16,527	15,675	$ 19,635
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	(105,684)	(144,189)
Investments in Equity Method Investees	6,152	67
Capital Expenditures	323	161
Communications | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	494,063	506,102
Investments in Equity Method Investees	0	0
Capital Expenditures	14,860	14,107
WarnerMedia | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	154,369	148,037
Investments in Equity Method Investees	1,122	1,123
Capital Expenditures	764	699
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	8,874	15,811
Investments in Equity Method Investees	0	590
Capital Expenditures	$ 580	$ 708

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Content revenue, commencement period	3 years
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during period	$ 5,662
Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	42,678
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset balance - current portion	2,684		$ 2,054
Discontinued Operations | 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]
Deferred contract acquisition costs	5,798		6,285
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs	$ 3,248		3,198
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		1,218
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		693
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		525
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Expected customer relationship life	3 years
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Expected customer relationship life	5 years
Deferred Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs	$ 6,749		9,752
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs	$ 4,148		$ 5,634
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		2,025
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		1,134
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit | Other Assets | Scenario, Adjustment
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract acquisition costs		$ 891
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Expected customer relationship life	3 years
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Expected customer relationship life	5 years

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Ca

Revenue Recognition (Revenue Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 168,864	$ 171,760	$ 181,193
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	146,391	152,767	163,499
Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	59,168	57,435	57,530
Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,406	2,767	3,138
Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	6,852	6,416	6,970
Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,710	2,606	3,190
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	22,473	18,993	17,694
Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	17,121	29,901	34,545
Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	23,294	24,634	25,441
IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	9,085	8,534	8,403
Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	13,133	10,655	10,402
Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	12,622	9,819	13,880
Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	155,716	146,123	152,191
Operating Segments | Communications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	114,730	109,965	109,969
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	78,254	72,564	71,056
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	57,590	55,542	55,331
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	57,260	55,251	55,039
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	330	291	292
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	20,664	17,022	15,725
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Mobility | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	23,937	25,083	25,901
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	23,224	24,313	25,116
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	713	770	785
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	23,224	24,313	25,116
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Business Wireline | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	12,539	12,318	13,012
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	12,446	12,311	13,005
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,977	2,213	2,573
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,384	1,564	2,029
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	93	7	7
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	9,085	8,534	8,403
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Communications | Consumer Wireline | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	35,632	30,442	35,259
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	35,632	30,442	35,259
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	6,522	6,125	6,678
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	892	733	1,050
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	15,596	13,765	13,651
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	15,621	13,083	14,938
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,923)	(2,249)	0
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,076)	(1,015)	(1,058)
Operating Segments | WarnerMedia | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	5,354	5,716	6,963
Operating Segments | Latin America | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	4,441	4,810	5,957
Operating Segments | Latin America | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,834	1,656	1,863
Operating Segments | Latin America | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	913	906	1,006
Operating Segments | Latin America | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	2,607	3,154	4,094
Operating Segments | Latin America | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Latin America | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	16,777	30,817	34,255
Corporate and Other | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	16,687	30,529	34,084
Corporate and Other | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	74	528	628
Corporate and Other | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	429	554	565
Corporate and Other | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	909	1,718	1,672
Corporate and Other | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	691	661	443
Corporate and Other | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	90	288	171
Corporate and Other | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	14,514	26,747	30,451
Corporate and Other | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	70	321	325
Corporate and Other | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Corporate and Other | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(3,629)	(5,180)	(5,253)
Eliminations and consolidations | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(3,629)	(5,180)	(5,253)
Eliminations and consolidations | Wireless Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Legacy Voice and Data [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(909)	(1,718)	(1,672)
Eliminations and consolidations | Other Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(257)	(352)	(332)
Eliminations and consolidations | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Video Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Business Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | IP Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Subscription Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Subscription Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,412)	(2,642)	(3,249)
Eliminations and consolidations | Content Service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Content Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Content Service, Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0	0	0
Eliminations and consolidations | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(1,051)	(468)	$ 0
Eliminations and consolidations | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max) With Mobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	(698)	(285)
Eliminations and consolidations | Subscription Service, DTC (HBO Max) With Consumer Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ (353)	$ (183)

Revenue Recognition (Deferred C

Revenue Recognition (Deferred Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 5,798	$ 6,285
Deferred cost amortization	3,072	2,755
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	2,550	3,087
Deferred Acquisition Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	3,248	3,198
Deferred Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	6,749	9,752
Deferred cost amortization	4,019	5,110
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Prepaid and other current assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	2,601	4,118
Deferred Fulfillment Costs | Other Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred costs	$ 4,148	$ 5,634

Revenue Recognition (Contract A

Revenue Recognition (Contract Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract]
Contract asset	$ 4,517		$ 3,501
Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets”	5,644		6,879
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract asset	4,517		3,501
Current portion in “Prepaid and other current assets”	5,644		6,879
Discontinued Operations | Video Business Unit
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract asset balance - current portion		$ 303
Contract liability balance - current portion		$ 1,098
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract asset balance - current portion	2,684		2,054
Other Current Liabilities
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Contract liability balance - current portion	$ 5,112		$ 6,071

Revenue Recognition (Remaining

Revenue Recognition (Remaining Performance Obligations) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (percentage)	57.00%
Expected timing of satisfaction for remaining performance obligations, period	12 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)	43.00%
Expected timing of satisfaction for remaining performance obligations, period

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Spectrum Auctions Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions

Jan. 14, 2022license

Feb. 24, 2021license

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2023USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2022USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Licensing Agreements

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 1,186

39 GHz Licenses

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 949

2,379

24 GHz Licenses

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 982

3.45 GHz Licenses

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 123

3.45 GHz Licenses | Subsequent Event

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Winning bidder, number of licenses | license

1,624

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 8,956

$ 9,079

C-Band Licenses

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Winning bidder, number of licenses | license

1,621

Payments to acquire intangible assets

$ 22,856

$ 23,406

$ 550

Estimated relocation costs

$ 1,000

Intangible Asset Acquisition, Satellite Relocation Cost

$ 650

Phase I Spectrum

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Estimated Incentive Payments upon clearing of spectrum

$ 955

Phase II Spectrum | Forecast

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Estimated Incentive Payments upon clearing of spectrum

$ 2,112

FiberTower Corporation | 39 GHz Licenses

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Book value of indefinite-lived intangible assets

$ 300

Gain on disposition of intangible asset

$ 900

Value of consideration received in a noncash transaction

$ 1,200

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_4

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (HBO LAG, Time Warner, Otter and AppNexus Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 25,453	$ 1,851	$ 1,809
Goodwill		133,223	135,259	146,241
WarnerMedia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 40,507	$ 42,447	$ 42,345
HBO LAG | WarnerMedia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 141
Pre-tax remeasurement gain	68
Acquisition of intangible assets, trade names	640
Goodwill	346
HBO LAG | WarnerMedia | Distribution Networks – Net
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	$ 271

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_5

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Dispositions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions

Sep. 20, 2021

Jul. 31, 2021

Nov. 06, 2020

Oct. 31, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

Jun. 30, 2019

Apr. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2022

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Jul. 15, 2023

Nov. 15, 2021

Jun. 04, 2021

May 17, 2021

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

Debt guarantee, original amount covered

$ 1,100

Debt guarantee

600

Payments to redeem cumulative preferred interest in subsidiary that held notes secured by proceeds of sale

$ 0

$ 1,950

$ 0

Bridge Loan

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

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 31,500

$ 41,500

Credit agreement - advances outstanding

0

Secured Debt

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

Credit agreement - advances outstanding

$ 0

Term Loan Credit Agreement | Secured Debt

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

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 10,000

SKY Mexico

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

Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners

41.30%

DIRECTV

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

Preferred interest in newly formed company

$ 1,800

$ 1,800

Interest in newly formed company, additional distribution preference

$ 4,200

$ 4,200

Economic interest in common units held after disposal of business unit

70.00%

70.00%

Agreement to pay net losses under NFL Sunday Ticket Contract, cap amount

$ 2,100

$ 2,100

DIRECTV | TPG Capital

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

Economic interest in common units

30.00%

30.00%

Cash contribution to newly formed company

$ 1,800

DIRECTV | Junior Preferred Interests

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

Preferred interest in newly formed company

4,250

$ 4,250

Interest in newly formed company, additional distribution preference

3,212

DIRECTV | Senior Preferred Interests | 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

$ 1,800

Otter Media

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

Cash proceeds received at closing

1,540

Goodwill

1,200

Playdemic

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

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 1,370

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business

706

Goodwill

$ 600

CME

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

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 1,100

Percent of interest disposed

65.30%

Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Hudson Yards North Tower Holdings LLC

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

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 2,081

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business

$ (100)

Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Hulu

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

Cash proceeds received at closing

$ 1,430

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business

$ 740

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Vrio

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

Note Receivable from sale of Held-for-Sale assets

$ 610

Financial Receivable

$ 300

Asset Impairment Charges

$ 4,555

Historical currency translation adjustments

2,100

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

2,500

Notes Receivable Payment Period

4 years

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Vrio | Noncontrolling Interest

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

Asset Impairment Charges

$ 80

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Video Business Unit

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

Consideration received at closing

7,170

Cash proceeds received at closing

7,600

Previously received consideration

430

Amount of transferred debt

$ 195

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations

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

Payments to redeem cumulative preferred interest in subsidiary that held notes secured by proceeds of sale

$ 1,950

$ 1,950

Consideration received at closing

1,950

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business

(82)

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations | Net Tax Liabilities

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

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to removal of held-for-sale liabilities upon disposal

(500)

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations | FCC Licenses

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

Decrease in other current assets due to removal of held-for-sale assets upon disposal

(1,100)

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations | Goodwill

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

Decrease in other current assets due to removal of held-for-sale assets upon disposal

(250)

Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations | Property, Plant and Equipment

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

Decrease in other current assets due to removal of held-for-sale assets upon disposal

$ (850)

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

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

Consideration received at closing

$ 43,000

Type of Consideration Received

AT&T shareholder will receive, on a tax-free basis, an estimated 0.24 shares of the new company for each share of AT&T common stock held as of the record date for the pro rata distribution

Termination Fee, Receivable

$ 720

Termination Fee, Payable

$ 1,770

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

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

Ownership percentage by parent

71.00%

Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners

29.00%

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Vrio

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

Held-for-sale assets

$ 851

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets | Held-for-sale | Xandr

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

Goodwill

550

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Vrio

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

Liabilities

$ 2,872

Acquisitions, Dispositions An_6

Acquisitions, Dispositions And Other Adjustments (Held-For-Sale) (Narrative) (Details) - Video Business Unit - Business Unit Held-for-Sale $ 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
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets - net	5,798
Other Intangible Assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets - net	$ 1,634

Property, Plant And Equipment_2

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 329,488	$ 327,751
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	203,584	200,436
Property, plant and equipment – net	125,904	127,315	$ 130,128
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,458	2,571
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 39,306	39,418
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	2 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	44 years
Central office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 97,069	95,981
Central office equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Central office equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Cable, wiring and conduit
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 79,961	75,409
Cable, wiring and conduit | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years
Cable, wiring and conduit | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	50 years
Satellites
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 103	908
Satellites | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	14 years
Satellites | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	17 years
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 86,830	90,883
Other equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Other equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 17,916	18,482
Software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years
Under construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 5,845	$ 4,099

Property, Plant And Equipment_3

Property, Plant And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$ 18,629	$ 20,504	$ 20,758
Video | Communications
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charge recorded	$ 7,255
Video | Communications | Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charge recorded	$ 1,681
Copper Network Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Noncash pre-tax charge to abandon copper assets				1,290
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$ 3,021	$ 3,483	$ 3,313

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

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

Leases (Components of Lease Exp

Leases (Components of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 5,793	$ 5,896	$ 5,684
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	256	287	271
Interest on lease obligation	162	156	169
Total finance lease cost	$ 418	$ 443	$ 440

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow

Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 5,012	$ 4,852	$ 4,583
Supplemental Lease Cash Flow Disclosures
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations	$ 4,581	$ 5,270	$ 7,818

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sh

Leases (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 24,180	$ 24,714
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 3,706	$ 3,537
Operating lease obligation	$ 21,261	$ 22,202
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Operating lease obligation	Operating lease obligation
Total operating lease obligation	$ 24,967	$ 25,739
Finance Leases
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,609	3,586
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,120)	(1,361)
Property, plant and equipment – net	$ 1,489	$ 2,225
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Property, Plant and Equipment – Net	Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 137	$ 189
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Debt maturing within one year	Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt	$ 1,484	$ 1,847
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
Total finance lease obligation	$ 1,621	$ 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 4 months 24 days	9 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Operating leases	3.70%	4.10%
Weighted-Average Discount Rate, Finance leases	7.80%	8.10%

Leases (Future Minimum Maturiti

Leases (Future Minimum Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
2022	$ 4,922
2023	4,502
2024	3,970
2025	3,232
2026	2,540
Thereafter	10,686
Total lease payments	29,852
Less: imputed interest	(4,885)
Total	24,967	$ 25,739
Finance Leases
2022	299
2023	283
2024	257
2025	246
2026	243
Thereafter	1,068
Total lease payments	2,396
Less: imputed interest	(775)
Total	$ 1,621	$ 2,036

Goodwill And Other Intangible_3

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Summary Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill, By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Oct. 01, 2021
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 135,259		$ 133,223	$ 135,259
Goodwill impairment					10,465
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 135,259			135,259	146,241
Acquisitions					415
Impairments					(10,465)
Dispositions, currency exchange and other				(2,036)	(932)
Ending balance		135,259		133,223	135,259
Orbital Slots
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge - intangible assets		4,373
Customer lists
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge - intangible assets		1,201
Communications
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		91,976		91,900	91,976
Goodwill impairment					8,253
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	91,976			91,976	100,234
Acquisitions					0
Impairments					(8,253)
Dispositions, currency exchange and other				(76)	(5)
Ending balance		91,976		91,900	91,976
WarnerMedia
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percent fair values exceeded book values (less than)						10.00%
Goodwill		42,447		40,507	42,447
Goodwill impairment	0				0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	42,447			42,447	42,345
Acquisitions					415
Impairments	0				0
Dispositions, currency exchange and other				(1,940)	(313)
Ending balance		42,447		40,507	42,447
Latin America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		836		816	836
Goodwill impairment					2,212
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 836			836	3,662
Acquisitions					0
Impairments					(2,212)
Dispositions, currency exchange and other				(20)	(614)
Ending balance		836		816	$ 836
Otter Media
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				885
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance				885
Playdemic | WarnerMedia
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				600
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance				600
Business Unit Held-for-Sale | Xandr | WarnerMedia
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				400
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance				$ 400
Video | Communications
Goodwill [Line Items]
Long-lived asset impairment		7,255
Goodwill impairment		8,253
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Impairments		(8,253)
Consumer Wireline | Communications
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Impairments		$ 0
Vrio | Latin America | Latin America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment			$ 2,212
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Impairments			(2,212)
Vrio | Latin America | Latin America | Noncontrolling Interest
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment			105
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Impairments			$ (105)

Goodwill And Other Intangible_4

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Amortized Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	24 years 7 months 6 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 62,826	$ 73,585
Accumulated Amortization	19,523	16,910
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ (545)	(1,328)
Wireless Licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	21 years 7 months 6 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,083	2,979
Accumulated Amortization	307	271
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ (440)	(421)
Orbital Slots
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	15 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 0	5,825
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ 0	0
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	38 years 3 months 18 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 18,781	20,016
Accumulated Amortization	2,077	1,518
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ (7)	(442)
Distribution network
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 18,399	18,414
Accumulated Amortization	6,457	4,621
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ 0	0
Released television and film content
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	17 years 9 months 18 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 10,939	10,940
Accumulated Amortization	6,978	6,240
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ 0	0
Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	11 years 2 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 637	4,100
Accumulated Amortization	483	1,645
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ (98)	(460)
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Life	22 years 3 months 18 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 10,987	11,311
Accumulated Amortization	3,221	2,615
Currency Translation Adjustment	$ 0	$ (5)

Goodwill And Other Intangible_5

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets Not Subject To Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 116,735	$ 90,969
Wireless Licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	111,494	85,728
Trade names
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 5,241	$ 5,241

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Amortized Intangible Expenses) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated amortization expense in 2022	$ 3,907
Estimated amortization expense in 2023	3,895
Estimated amortization expense in 2024	3,524
Estimated amortization expense in 2025	3,394
Estimated amortization expense in 2026	3,309
WarnerMedia
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated amortization expense in 2022	3,747
Estimated amortization expense in 2023	3,741
Estimated amortization expense in 2024	3,377
Estimated amortization expense in 2025	3,258
Estimated amortization expense in 2026	$ 3,174

Goodwill And Other Intangible_7

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for definite-life intangible assets		$ 4,288	$ 8,239	$ 7,932
Goodwill impairment			10,465
Estimated economic useful life		24 years 7 months 6 days
WarnerMedia
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0		0
Latin America
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment			$ 2,212
Orbital Slots
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		15 years
Orbital Slots | Video Business Unit
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets disposed		$ 5,798
Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		11 years 2 months 12 days
Customer lists and relationships | Video Business Unit
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets disposed		$ 1,585
Customer lists and relationships | Latin America | Vrio
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 241
Wireless Licenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated economic useful life		21 years 7 months 6 days
Wireless Licenses | Latin America | Vrio
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 89
Trade names | Latin America | Vrio
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 632

Equity Method Investments (Narr

Equity Method Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2021
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates			$ 631	$ 95	$ 6
Distributions from equity method investment			815	133
Investments in Equity Method Investees		$ 7,274	$ 7,274	1,780	$ 3,695
SKY Mexico | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Economic interest in common units		41.30%	41.30%
The CW | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Economic interest in common units		50.00%	50.00%
DIRECTV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred interest in newly formed company	$ 1,800					$ 1,800
Interest in newly formed company, additional distribution preference	$ 4,200	$ 4,200	$ 4,200
Economic interest in common units held after disposal of business unit	70.00%		70.00%
Distributions from equity method investment			$ 1,323	$ 0
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6,852
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates		619	619
Distributions from equity method investment		1,942	1,942
Investments in Equity Method Investees		5,539	5,539
DIRECTV | Junior Preferred Interests
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred interest in newly formed company	$ 4,250	4,250	4,250
Interest in newly formed company, additional distribution preference		$ 3,212	$ 3,212
DIRECTV | TPG Capital
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Economic interest in common units	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
DIRECTV | TPG Capital | Senior Preferred Interests
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred interest in newly formed company	$ 1,800	$ 1,800	$ 1,800
Distributions from equity method investment			$ 1,800

Equity Method Investments (Reco

Equity Method Investments (Reconciliation Of Investments In Equity Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Beginning of year	$ 1,780	$ 3,695
Additional investments	265	178
Disposition of investments	(68)	0
Equity in net income of affiliates	631	95	$ 6
Dividends and distributions of cumulative earnings received	(815)	(133)
Impairments	0	(146)
Currency translation adjustments	(16)	(10)
Other adjustments	(6)	13
End of year	7,274	1,780	$ 3,695
DIRECTV
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Receipt or Acquisition of Equity Interest	(6,852)	0
Dividends and distributions of cumulative earnings received	(1,323)	0
HBO LAG
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Receipt or Acquisition of Equity Interest	0	(1,141)
CME
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Disposition of investments	0	(749)
Other Capital Distributions
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Dividends and distributions of cumulative earnings received	$ (26)	$ (22)

Inventories And Theatrical Fi_3

Inventories And Theatrical Film And Television Production Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ (18,358)	$ (17,793)
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization	487	525
Completed and not released	616	343
In production	1,130	1,687
Development and pre-production	190	143
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization	2,495	3,335
Completed and not released	1,381	1,350
In production	2,353	4,376
Development and pre-production	90	123
Total theatrical film and television production costs	8,742	11,882
Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs	14,752	18,983
COVID-19 Pandemic
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Impairment based on change in estimates for various film titles	524
Total inventories
Inventories:
Total inventories	6,113	7,235
Less: current portion of inventory	(103)	(134)
Total noncurrent inventories	6,010	7,101
Programming costs, less amortization
Inventories:
Total inventories	6,010	7,101
Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs
Inventories:
Total inventories	103	134
Film and Television Libraries
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	$ 4,699	$ 3,961
Percentage of unamortized film costs		89.00%
Amortization period for unamortized film costs		3 years
Film costs, amortized in next operating cycle		$ 3,464

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt Of AT&T And Its Subsidiaries) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	$ 179,265	$ 165,451
Unamortized (discount) premium – net	(9,610)	(9,710)
Unamortized issuance costs	(508)	(532)
Total notes and debentures	169,147	155,209
Finance lease obligations	1,621	2,036
Total long-term debt, including current maturities	170,768	157,245
Current maturities of long-term debt	(7,944)	(3,470)
Current maturities of credit agreement borrowings	(10,100)	0
Total long-term debt	152,724	153,775
Credit agreement borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	10,400	300
Fair value of interest rate swaps recorded in debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	16	20
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2039 | Notes and debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	$ 31,841	25,549
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2039 | Notes and debentures | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	0.69%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2039 | Notes and debentures | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	2.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2061 | Notes and debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	$ 108,003	110,317
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2061 | Notes and debentures | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	3.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2061 | Notes and debentures | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	4.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2095 | Notes and debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	$ 23,360	24,259
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2095 | Notes and debentures | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	5.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2095 | Notes and debentures | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	6.99%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2097 | Notes and debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of notes and debentures	$ 5,645	$ 5,006
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2097 | Notes and debentures | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	7.00%
Notes And Debentures Maturing 2021-2097 | Notes and debentures | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument - stated percentage rate	9.15%

Debt (Debt Maturing Within One

Debt (Debt Maturing Within One Year) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt	$ 7,944	$ 3,470
Commercial paper	6,586	0
Bank borrowings	10,100	0
Total	$ 24,630	$ 3,470

Debt (Schedule of Debt Activity

Debt (Schedule of Debt Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Transactions [Line Items]
Net commercial paper borrowings	$ 4	$ (2)	$ (513)	$ 7,072	$ 6,561
Issuance of Notes and Debentures:
Issuances of Notes and Debentures					9,931	$ 31,988	$ 17,039
Private financing	0	0	0	750	750
Other	0	835	0	636	1,471
Debt Issuances	0	835	0	18,197	19,032
Repayments:
Private financing	0	0	0	(649)	(649)
Other	(140)	(498)	(253)	(253)	(1,144)
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,489)	(498)	(253)	(902)	(3,142)	$ (39,964)	$ (27,592)
U.S. Dollar Denominated Global Notes
Issuance of Notes and Debentures:
Issuances of Notes and Debentures	$ 0	0	0	6,000	$ 6,000
Initial average rate	1.27%				1.27%
Euro Denominated Global Notes
Issuance of Notes and Debentures:
Issuances of Notes and Debentures	$ 0	0	0	1,461	$ 1,461
Rate	0.00%				0.00%
Repayments:
2.650% Euro denominated global notes due 2021	$ (1,349)	0	0	0	$ (1,349)
2021 Syndicated Term Loan
Issuance of Notes and Debentures:
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan	0	0	0	7,350	7,350
BAML Bilateral Term Loan
Issuance of Notes and Debentures:
Term Loan Credit Agreement / BAML term loan	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,000	$ 2,000

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	$ 179,265	$ 165,451
Weighted-average interest rate	3.80%	4.10%
Debt Issued in Foreign Markets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	$ 41,249	$ 43,399

Debt (Financing Activities) (Na

Debt (Financing Activities) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of commercial paper maturing in three months or less								$ 1,316
Issuance of commercial paper maturing more than 90 days								12,755
Repayments of commercial paper maturing more than 90 days								7,510
Issuances of Notes and Debentures								9,931	$ 31,988	$ 17,039
Current maturities of credit agreement borrowings	$ 0			$ 10,100				$ 10,100	0
Weighted maturity period								2 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average coupon								1.40%
Repayments of Long-term Debt				$ 1,489	$ 498	$ 253	$ 902	$ 3,142	$ 39,964	$ 27,592
Weighted-average interest rate	4.10%			3.80%				3.80%	4.10%
Various Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures								$ 8,931
Debt Instrument - principal/face amount				$ 8,949				$ 8,949
Weighted average coupon								3.50%
Amount of borrowings repaid / debt exchanged								$ 2,904
AT&T Global Notes and Subsidiary Notes due 2021 to 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt			$ 11,384
AT&T and Subsidiary Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of borrowings repaid / debt exchanged		$ 17,677
Repayments of Long-term Debt		1,459
Three New Series of AT&T Global Notes due 2053 to 2059
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures		$ 21,500
AT&T and Subsidiary Notes due 2026 to 2048
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of borrowings repaid / debt exchanged	$ 8,280
Repayments of Long-term Debt	8
Two New Series of Global Notes due 2033 to 2057
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuances of Notes and Debentures	$ 9,678
Minimum | AT&T and Subsidiary Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		4.35%
Minimum | Three New Series of AT&T Global Notes due 2053 to 2059
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		3.50%
Minimum | AT&T and Subsidiary Notes due 2026 to 2048
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	2.95%								2.95%
Minimum | Two New Series of Global Notes due 2033 to 2057
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	2.55%								2.55%
Maximum | AT&T and Subsidiary Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		8.75%
Maximum | Three New Series of AT&T Global Notes due 2053 to 2059
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		3.65%
Maximum | AT&T and Subsidiary Notes due 2026 to 2048
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	7.125%								7.125%
Maximum | Two New Series of Global Notes due 2033 to 2057
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	3.80%								3.80%

Debt (Long-Term Debt - Schedule

Debt (Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Repayments) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Debt repayments
2022	$ 18,185
2023	7,739
2024	11,562
2025	6,484
2026	10,557
Thereafter	$ 126,922
Weighted-average interest rate 2
2022	1.90%
2023	3.40%
2024	2.90%
2025	3.90%
2026	3.30%
Thereafter	4.20%

Debt (Credit Facilities) (Narra

Debt (Credit Facilities) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)renewal_optionRate	Mar. 23, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 6,586				$ 6,586			$ 0
Minimum percentage of facility commitments required for lender involvement in option to extend commitments					50.00%
Number of extension options | renewal_option					2
Term of each optional extension period					1 year
Financial Ratio Covenants through June 30, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum net debt-to-EBITDA financial ratio covenant | Rate					400.00%
Financial Ratio Covenants Thereafter June 30, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum net debt-to-EBITDA financial ratio covenant | Rate					350.00%
High Credit Rating
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage					0.07%
Moderate Credit Rating
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage					0.08%
Low Credit Rating
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage					0.10%
Very Low Credit Rating
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - commitment fee percentage					0.125%
Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate					0.50%
LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate					1.00%
Additional Margin Upon Default
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - basis spread of variable rate					2.00%
2021 Syndicated Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,350	$ 7,350
BAML Bilateral Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	0	$ 0	$ 0	2,000	2,000
Term Loan Credit Agreement | April 2020 Term Loan | 11 Commercial Banks And Bank of America, N.A.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - maximum borrowing capacity										$ 5,500
Term Loan Credit Agreement | 2021 Syndicated Term Loan | Bank of America, N.A.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - maximum borrowing capacity							$ 14,700
Proceeds from Lines of Credit				7,350
Credit agreement - advances outstanding	7,350				7,350
Termination Loans						$ 7,350
Term Loan Credit Agreement | BAML Bilateral Term Loan | Bank of America, N.A.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit				2,000
Credit agreement - advances outstanding	2,000				2,000
Term Loan Credit Agreement | BAML Trach A Facility [Member] | Bank of America, N.A.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit				1,000
Term Loan Credit Agreement | BAML Trach B Facility [Member] | Bank of America, N.A.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit				$ 1,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - maximum borrowing capacity									$ 15,000
Credit agreement - advances outstanding	$ 0				$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Agreement One, Amended Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - maximum borrowing capacity									7,500
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Agreement Two
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement - maximum borrowing capacity									$ 7,500

Fair Value Measurements And D_3

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Long-Term Debt And Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Commercial Paper	$ 6,586	$ 0
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	169,147	155,209
Commercial Paper	6,586	0
Investment securities	3,374	3,249
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes and debentures	194,891	187,224
Commercial Paper	6,586	0
Investment securities	$ 3,374	$ 3,249

Fair Value Measurements And D_4

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Fair Value Leveling) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	$ 1,384	$ 1,479
Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	211	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(3,170)	(1,814)
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	8	6
Liability Derivatives	(41)	(9)
Fixed income equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	230	236
Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,256	1,010
International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	227	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	230	236
Level 1 | Domestic equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	1,256	1,010
Level 1 | International equities | Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities	227	180
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	1,384	1,479
Level 2 | Cross-currency swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	211	1,721
Liability Derivatives	(3,170)	(1,814)
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	8	6
Liability Derivatives	(41)	(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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities	$ 293	$ 171	$ 301
Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold	(5)	(25)	100
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period	$ 298	$ 196	$ 201

Fair Value Measurements And D_6

Fair Value Measurements And Disclosure (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 1,384		$ 1,479
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities less than 1 year	41
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 1 to 3 years	171
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities within 3 to 5 years	179
Available-for-sale debt securities - maturities for 5 or more years	993
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Anticipated reclassification of holding losses during the next 12 months - cash flow hedges	73
Net gains on net investment hedges recognized in accumulated OCI	122
Collateral submitted to counterparty	135		53
Collateral received from counterparty	7		694
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	36
Communications | Video | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Nonrecurring fair value measurements			9,744
Property, plant, and equipment, fair value measurements			2,258
Communications | Video | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Orbital Slots
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, fair value measurements			5,873
Communications | Video | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Customer lists
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, fair value measurements			1,613
WarnerMedia | Warner Bros. [Member] | Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Film costs, fair value measurements			$ 844
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral contingently payable to the counterparty	$ 2,816
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	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 40,767	$ 40,835
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	40,737	40,745
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	$ 30	$ 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on swaps	$ (4)	$ (6)	$ 58
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	4	6	(58)
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on swaps	(91)	0	0
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt	91	0	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(17)	0	0
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(873)	(378)	(1,066)
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	(17)	3	10
Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense) - net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	1	(3)	6
Interest rate locks
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI	0	(648)	(84)
Interest rate locks | Interest income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	$ (92)	$ (84)	$ (63)

Income Taxes (Components Of Def

Income Taxes (Components Of Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 47,433	$ 46,952
Licenses and nonamortizable intangibles	15,576	13,930
Employee benefits	(3,338)	(5,279)
Deferred fulfillment costs	1,797	2,691
Equity in partnership	3,285	0
Net operating loss and other carryforwards	(6,703)	(7,355)
Other – net	2,308	4,562
Subtotal	60,358	55,501
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	4,638	4,773
Net deferred tax liabilities	64,996	60,274
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	65,226	60,472
Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets	$ (230)	$ (198)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for federal income tax purposes	$ 452
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for state income tax purposes	1,012
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards (tax effected) for foreign income tax purposes	2,709
Amount of deposits that reduced UTB balance	377	$ 702
Accrued interest and penalties included in unrecognized tax benefits balance at year end	2,221	2,450
Net interest and penalty expense included in income tax expense	(155)	$ 149	$ 267
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	604
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 1,926

Income Taxes (Changes In Unreco

Income Taxes (Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance For Federal State And Foreign Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 10,001	$ 10,979
Increases for tax positions related to the current year	677	1,580
Increases for tax positions related to prior years	443	112
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(1,344)	(994)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(29)	(24)
Settlements	(342)	(1,646)
Current year dispositions	(4)	0
Foreign currency effects	0	(6)
Balance at end of year	9,402	10,001
Accrued interest and penalties	2,221	2,450
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	11,623	12,451
Less: Deferred federal and state income tax benefits	(799)	(878)
Less: Tax attributable to timing items included above	(3,515)	(3,588)
Total UTB that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year	$ 7,309	$ 7,985

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Federal:
Current	$ (1,198)	$ (687)	$ 584
Deferred	5,296	1,039	1,656
Total federal income tax	4,098	352	2,240
State and local:
Current	646	(6)	603
Deferred	456	263	144
Total state and local income tax	1,102	257	747
Foreign:
Current	516	413	605
Deferred	(248)	(57)	(99)
Total foreign income tax	268	356	506
Total	$ 5,468	$ 965	$ 3,493

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. income (loss) before income taxes	$ 30,223	$ (452)	$ 18,301
Foreign income (loss) before income taxes	(3,276)	(2,404)	167
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$ 26,947	$ (2,856)	$ 18,468

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Based On Federal Statutory Rate To Amount Per Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes computed at federal statutory rate	$ 5,659	$ (600)	$ 3,878
Increases (decreases) in income taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit	967	193	611
CARES Act federal NOL carryback	(471)	0	0
Tax on foreign investments	(68)	(141)	(115)
Noncontrolling interest	(294)	(285)	(230)
Permanent items and R&D credit	(163)	(239)	(285)
Audit resolutions	(298)	(112)	(156)
Divestitures	(112)	107	0
Goodwill impairment	250	2,120	0
Other – net	(2)	(78)	(210)
Total	$ 5,468	$ 965	$ 3,493
Effective Tax Rate	20.30%	(33.80%)	18.90%

Pension And Postretirement Be_3

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost				$ (7,652,000,000)	$ 711,000,000	$ 2,762,000,000
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates				$ (3,848,000,000)	$ (2,992,000,000)	(2,002,000,000)
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%		3.00%	3.00%
Discretionary contributions to postretirement plan	$ 308,000,000	$ 425,000,000
Debt-financed shares held by ESOPs (allocated or unallocated)	0			$ 0
Benefit cost of the contributory savings plans				760,000,000	$ 814,000,000	793,000,000
Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates			$ 272,000,000
Assumptions used, percentage change in weighted-average interest crediting rate that would impact pension benefit obligation			0.50%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation for pension plans	$ 56,159,000,000	$ 60,848,000,000		56,159,000,000	60,848,000,000
Combined net pension and postretirement cost				$ (4,885,000,000)	$ 1,450,000,000	$ 2,393,000,000
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation	3.00%	2.70%		3.00%	2.70%	3.40%
Decrease in discount rate over prior year				0.30%	0.70%
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates				$ (1,645,000,000)	$ 5,594,000,000
Long-term rate of return on plan assets				6.75%	7.00%	7.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%		3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Preferred equity interest value	$ 54,401,000,000	$ 54,606,000,000		$ 54,401,000,000	$ 54,606,000,000	$ 53,530,000,000
Aggregate percentage of the fair value of investments to the fair value of total plan assets held as of the measurement date	11.00%			11.00%
Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Preferred equity interest value	$ 8,889,000,000	8,390,000,000		$ 8,889,000,000	8,390,000,000	11,639,000,000
Pension Benefits | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Preferred equity interest value	5,562,000,000	5,771,000,000		5,562,000,000	5,771,000,000
Preferred equity interest value held by pension trust		5,771,000,000			5,771,000,000
Pension Benefits | Preferred interests | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Preferred equity interest value	$ 5,562,000,000	$ 5,771,000,000		5,562,000,000	5,771,000,000
Pension Benefits | Mobility II, LLC | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of portion of preferred interest sold to third party investors					2,885,000,000
Pension Benefits | Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-term rate of return on plan assets			6.75%
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost				$ (2,767,000,000)	$ (739,000,000)	$ 369,000,000
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation	2.80%	2.40%		2.80%	2.40%	3.20%
Decrease in discount rate over prior year				0.40%	0.80%
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates				$ (341,000,000)	$ 1,311,000,000
Long-term rate of return on plan assets				4.50%	4.75%	5.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%		3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Preferred equity interest value	$ 3,198,000,000	$ 3,843,000,000		$ 3,198,000,000	$ 3,843,000,000	$ 4,145,000,000
Postretirement Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Preferred equity interest value	$ 1,000,000	$ 4,000,000		$ 1,000,000	4,000,000	32,000,000
Postretirement Benefits | Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-term rate of return on plan assets			4.50%
Healthcare Benefits | Prescription Drug Cost - Eligible Participants
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates					$ 31,000,000
Assumed annual and ultimate health care cost trend rate for next fiscal year	4.00%			4.00%
Estimated annual growth rate for health care cost	4.25%	4.00%		4.25%	4.00%
Healthcare Benefits | Medical Cost - Eligible Participants
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in plan benefit obligations due to change in assumed rates					$ 31,000,000
Assumed annual and ultimate health care cost trend rate for next fiscal year	4.00%			4.00%
Estimated annual growth rate for health care cost	4.25%	4.00%		4.25%	4.00%
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Combined net pension and postretirement cost				$ 41,000,000	$ 330,000,000
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation	2.70%	2.30%		2.70%	2.30%
Projected benefit obligation	$ 2,326,000,000	$ 2,687,000,000		$ 2,326,000,000	$ 2,687,000,000
Deferred compensation expense				$ 171,000,000	$ 183,000,000	$ 199,000,000

Pension And Postretirement Be_4

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Change In The Projected Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Actuarial (gain) loss	$ (4,140)	$ 4,169	$ 5,171
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	62,158	59,873
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	957	1,029	1,019
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,276	1,687	1,960
Amendments	0	(340)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(1,237)	5,054
Benefits paid, including settlements	(5,942)	(5,124)
Curtailment	0	(1)
Plan transfers	0	(20)
Benefit obligation at end of year	57,212	62,158	59,873
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	13,928	16,041
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	45	53	71
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	210	416	675
Amendments	0	(2,655)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(275)	1,423
Benefits paid, including settlements	(1,356)	(1,370)
Curtailment	0	0
Plan transfers	0	20
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 12,552	$ 13,928	$ 16,041

Pension And Postretirement Be_5

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Change In The Value Of Plan Assets And The Plans' Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 54,606	$ 53,530
Actual return on plan assets	5,737	6,199
Benefits paid	(5,942)	(5,124)
Contributions	0	2
Plan transfers	0	(1)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	54,401	54,606
Unfunded status at end of year	(2,811)	(7,552)
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3,843	4,145
Actual return on plan assets	210	302
Benefits paid	(1,163)	(1,029)
Contributions	308	425
Plan transfers	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,198	3,843
Unfunded status at end of year	$ (9,354)	$ (10,085)

Pension And Postretirement Be_6

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Employee Benefit Obligation Amounts Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent portion of employee benefit obligation	$ 12,649	$ 18,276
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	0	0
Employee benefit obligation	(2,811)	(7,552)
Net amount recognized	(2,811)	(7,552)
Pension Benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent portion of employee benefit obligation	364	553
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	(1,106)	(1,213)
Employee benefit obligation	(8,248)	(8,872)
Net amount recognized	(9,354)	(10,085)
Postretirement Benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent portion of employee benefit obligation	$ 1,226	$ 1,299

Pension And Postretirement Be_7

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension and postretirement cost (credit)	$ (7,652)	$ 711	$ 2,762
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost – benefits earned during the period	957	1,029	1,019
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,276	1,687	1,960
Expected return on assets	(3,513)	(3,557)	(3,561)
Amortization of prior service credit	(144)	(113)	(113)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) before remeasurement	(1,424)	(954)	(695)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,461)	2,404	3,088
Net pension and postretirement cost (credit)	(4,885)	1,450	2,393
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost – benefits earned during the period	45	53	71
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	210	416	675
Expected return on assets	(151)	(178)	(227)
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,537)	(2,329)	(1,820)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) before remeasurement	(2,433)	(2,038)	(1,301)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(334)	1,299	1,670
Net pension and postretirement cost (credit)	$ (2,767)	$ (739)	$ 369

Pension And Postretirement Be_8

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax [Roll Forward]
Prior service (cost) credit	$ (34)	$ 2,250	$ 3,457
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,020)	(1,841)	(1,459)
Pension Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	525	361	447
Prior service (cost) credit	0	250	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(109)	(86)	(86)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	(109)	164	(86)
Balance at end of year	416	525	361
Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	8,416	8,171	6,086
Prior service (cost) credit	0	2,001	3,457
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,912)	(1,756)	(1,372)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	(1,912)	245	2,085
Balance at end of year	$ 6,504	$ 8,416	$ 8,171

Pension and Postretirement Be_9

Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Weighted Average Assumptions - Projected Benefit Obligation And Net Pension And Postemployment Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate for determining benefit obligation at December 31	3.00%	2.70%	3.40%
Weighted-average interest credit rate for cash balance pension programs	3.20%	3.10%	3.30%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.75%	7.00%	7.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net cost (benefit)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Assumptions used, percentage change in weighted-average interest crediting rate that would impact pension benefit obligation	0.50%
Effect of 0.50% increase in weighted-average interest crediting rate, increase to pension benefit obligation	$ 125
Pension Benefits | Service Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	3.30%	3.60%	4.10%
Pension Benefits | Interest Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	2.30%	2.90%	3.50%
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate for determining benefit obligation at December 31	2.80%	2.40%	3.20%
Weighted-average interest credit rate for cash balance pension programs	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	4.50%	4.75%	5.75%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining benefit obligation	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Composite rate of compensation increase for determining net cost (benefit)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Postretirement Benefits | Service Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	2.90%	3.50%	4.40%
Postretirement Benefits | Interest Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate in effect for determining net cost	1.60%	2.70%	3.70%

Pension And Postretirement B_10

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan Targeted And Actual Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension Assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Assets | Domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	16.00%	19.00%
Pension Assets | Domestic | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	12.00%
Pension Assets | Domestic | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	22.00%
Pension Assets | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	13.00%	15.00%
Pension Assets | International | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	8.00%
Pension Assets | International | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	18.00%
Pension Assets | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	38.00%	35.00%
Pension Assets | Fixed income securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	35.00%
Pension Assets | Fixed income securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	45.00%
Pension Assets | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	10.00%	8.00%
Pension Assets | Real estate and real assets | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	7.00%
Pension Assets | Real estate and real assets | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	17.00%
Pension Assets | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	12.00%	9.00%
Pension Assets | Private equity | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	3.00%
Pension Assets | Private equity | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	13.00%
Pension Assets | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Pension Assets | Preferred interests | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	5.00%
Pension Assets | Preferred interests | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	15.00%
Pension Assets | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	1.00%	4.00%
Pension Assets | Other | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%
Pension Assets | Other | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	5.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	19.00%	19.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Domestic | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	14.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Domestic | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	24.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	19.00%	14.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | International | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	14.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | International | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	24.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	39.00%	45.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Fixed income securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	34.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Fixed income securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	44.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Real estate and real assets | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Real estate and real assets | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	6.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Private equity | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Private equity | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	6.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Preferred interests | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Preferred interests | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	0.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	21.00%	20.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Other | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	17.00%
Postretirement (VEBA) Assets | Other | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocation percentage	27.00%

Pension And Postretirement B_11

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Pension And Postretirement Assets And Liabilities By Level) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 54,401	$ 54,606	$ 53,530
Pension Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	42,234	42,793
Pension Benefits | Non-interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	167	173
Pension Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	11	7
Pension Benefits | Foreign currency contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	5	3
Pension Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	7,694	9,795
Pension Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	4,124	4,844
Pension Benefits | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	5,562	5,771
Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	11,170	11,095
Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	6,977	6,039
Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	268	443
Pension Benefits | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	3,318	2,544
Pension Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	2,930	2,056
Pension Benefits | Receivable for variation margin
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	8	23
Pension Benefits | Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(533)	(459)
Pension Benefits | Private equity funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 6,454	$ 5,154
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Pension Benefits | Real estate funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 2,329	$ 1,694
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Pension Benefits | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 6,780	$ 7,706
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Pension Benefits | Other assets (liabilities)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ (2,863)	$ (2,282)
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	3,198	3,843	4,145
Postretirement Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1,287	2,020
Postretirement Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	666	799
Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	323	363
Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	288	282
Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	315
Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		139
Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		94
Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	9	28
Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending payable and other liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(9)	(30)
Postretirement Benefits | Private equity funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 19	$ 24
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Postretirement Benefits | Real estate funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 16	$ 22
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Postretirement Benefits | Commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 1,883	$ 1,843
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Fair Value by Hierarchy and NAV [Extensible List]	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient	Assets held at net asset value practical expedient
Postretirement Benefits | Other assets (liabilities)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 2	$ (36)
Level 1, 2, and 3 | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	41,701	42,334
Level 1, 2, and 3 | Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1,278	1,990
Level 1 | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	13,112	14,979
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	13,641	15,429
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Non-interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	167	173
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	11	7
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Foreign currency contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	7,693	9,784
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	4,117	4,821
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1,645	621
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Receivable for variation margin
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	8	23
Level 1 | Pension Benefits | Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(529)	(450)
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	982	1,152
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	982	1,153
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	371	497
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	323	363
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	287	282
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	5
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		6
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		0
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending payable and other liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	(1)
Level 2 | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	19,700	18,965
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	19,703	18,973
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Non-interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Foreign currency contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	5	3
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	11
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	11,168	11,043
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	6,977	6,039
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	268	442
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1,285	1,435
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Receivable for variation margin
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Pension Benefits | Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(3)	(8)
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	295	834
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	304	863
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	295	302
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	307
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		132
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		94
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	9	28
Level 2 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending payable and other liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(9)	(29)
Level 3 | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	8,889	8,390	11,639
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	8,890	8,391
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Non-interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Foreign currency contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	5,569	5,793	8,816
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	11
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	7	12
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Preferred interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	5,562	5,771
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Fixed Income Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	2	53	6
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	2	52
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	1
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	3,318	2,544	2,817
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Receivable for variation margin
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Pension Benefits | Investments sold short and other liabilities at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	(1)	(1)
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	4	32
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Assets at fair value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	4
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Interest bearing cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	0	0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: Domestic equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities: International equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	1	0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed Income Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	4	32
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds and other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	3
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Government and municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		1
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Fixed income securities: Mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets		0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Real estate and real assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0	$ 0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending collateral
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Postretirement Benefits | Securities lending payable and other liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	0	0
Assets held at net asset value practical expedient | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	15,563	14,554
Assets held at net asset value practical expedient | Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Plan Net Assets	$ 1,918	$ 1,889

Pension And Postretirement B_12

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input (Level 3) Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 54,606	$ 53,530
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	54,401	54,606
Pension Assets | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,390	11,639
Realized gains (losses)	(29)	105
Unrealized gains (losses)	355	(175)
Transfers in	1	91
Transfers out	(15)	(3)
Purchases	433	9,338
Sales	(246)	(12,605)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,889	8,390
Pension Assets | Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	5,793	8,816
Realized gains (losses)	2	(150)
Unrealized gains (losses)	(203)	3
Transfers in	0	4
Transfers out	(7)	0
Purchases	7	9,114
Sales	(23)	(11,994)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5,569	5,793
Pension Assets | Fixed Income Funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	53	6
Realized gains (losses)	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	0
Transfers in	1	51
Transfers out	(8)	(3)
Purchases	1	1
Sales	(45)	(2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2	53
Pension Assets | Real Estate and Real Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,544
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,318	2,544
Pension Assets | Real Estate and Real Assets | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,544	2,817
Realized gains (losses)	(31)	255
Unrealized gains (losses)	558	(178)
Transfers in	0	36
Transfers out	0	0
Purchases	425	223
Sales	(178)	(609)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,318	2,544
Postretirement Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3,843	4,145
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,198	3,843
Postretirement Assets | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4	32
Realized gains (losses)	(1)
Unrealized gains (losses)	1
Transfers in	1	3
Transfers out		(11)
Sales	(4)	(20)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	4
Postretirement Assets | Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Realized gains (losses)	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0
Transfers in	1	0
Transfers out		0
Sales	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1	0
Postretirement Assets | Fixed Income Funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4	32
Realized gains (losses)	(1)
Unrealized gains (losses)	1
Transfers in	0	3
Transfers out		(11)
Sales	(4)	(20)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	4
Postretirement Assets | Real Estate and Real Assets | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Realized gains (losses)	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0
Transfers in	0	0
Transfers out		0
Sales	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Pension And Postretirement B_13

Pension And Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2022	$ 5,922
2023	4,237
2024	4,121
2025	4,113
2026	3,934
Years 2027 - 2031	18,292
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2022	1,262
2023	1,181
2024	888
2025	842
2026	794
Years 2027 - 2031	$ 3,544

Share-Based Payments (Narrative

Share-Based Payments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of authorized shares of common stock for share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	139
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payment arrangements granted	$ 916
Weighted-average period to recognize the cost (years) - nonvested units	1 year 11 months 12 days
Total fair value of shares vested during the year - nonvested units	$ 811	$ 647	$ 798
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 60	$ 65	$ 446
Restricted stock and stock units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock and stock units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Restricted stock and stock units | Time Warner | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Restricted stock and stock units | Time Warner | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Stock options | Time Warner
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Other nonvested stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

Share-Based Payments (Compensat

Share-Based Payments (Compensation Cost And Valuation Assumption) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total	$ 637	$ 638	$ 819
Income tax benefit	157	157	202
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total	245	348	544
Restricted stock and stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total	385	290	273
Other nonvested stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total	7	0	7
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total	$ 0	$ 0	$ (5)

Share-Based Payments (Summary O

Share-Based Payments (Summary Of Nonvested Stock Units Activity) (Details) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Shares
Nonvested at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	43
Granted (in shares) | shares	36
Vested (in shares) | shares	(26)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(4)
Nonvested at end of period (in shares) | shares	49
Weighted-Average Grant- Date Fair Value
Nonvested at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 34.50
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	28.79
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	31.56
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	31.52
Nonvested at end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.06

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 06, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)period	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)period$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2021€ / sharesshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized (in shares) | shares			14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000				14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000	14,000,000,000		14,000,000,000
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) | shares			10,000,000	10,000,000				10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000		10,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 1	$ 1				$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 1	$ 1				$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Period post issuance date that preferred shares are optionally redeemable at liquidation price									5 years
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares) | shares									0	142,000,000
Amount repurchased										$ 5,278
Preferred stock, quarterly dividend declared			$ 36	$ 36
Common stock, quarterly dividend declared per common shares (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.52	$ 0.52					$ 2.08	$ 2.08	$ 2.05
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redemption of nonconvertible cumulative preferred interests in subsidiary									$ 0	$ 1,950	$ 0
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands Operations
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redemption of nonconvertible cumulative preferred interests in subsidiary	$ 1,950	$ 1,950
Stock Repurchase Program, March 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized for repurchase (in shares) | shares			300,000,000					300,000,000	300,000,000			300,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, March 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized for repurchase (in shares) | shares			300,000,000					300,000,000	300,000,000			300,000,000
Amount outstanding (in shares) | shares			178,000,000					178,000,000	178,000,000			178,000,000
Tower Holdings
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest issued						$ 6,000					6,000
Fixed future purchase option price											$ 6,000
Distribution reset period											5 years
Period post issuance date that preferred interests can be called at issue price											5 years
Option to require redemption, certain contingent events, failure of subsidiary to pay preferred distributions, minimum number of periods | period											2
Telco LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest issued					$ 2,000
Initial preferred distribution percentage					4.25%
Distribution reset period					7 years
Period post issuance date that preferred interests can be called at issue price					7 years
Option to require redemption, certain contingent events, failure of subsidiary to pay preferred distributions, minimum number of periods | period					2
PR Holdings
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest issued						1,950					$ 1,950
Initial preferred distribution percentage											4.75%
Preferred Stock – Series A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) | shares			48,000	48,000				48,000	48,000	48,000		48,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars/Euros per share) | $ / shares			$ 25,000					$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate									5.00%
Preferred Stock – Series A | Mobility II, LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest, securities issued (in shares) | shares			320,000,000					320,000,000	320,000,000			320,000,000
Preferred interest distributions								$ 140	$ 560
Put or redemption option, minimum exercise price calculation, value added to accrued and unpaid distributions (in dollars per share) | $ / shares									$ 25
Put or redemption option, minimum exercise price calculation, value added to accrued and unpaid distributions in the aggregate									$ 8,000
Maximum shares of common stock required to deliver to settle put and redemption options (in shares) | shares									250,000,000
Class A-1 | Tower Holdings
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest issued							$ 1,500
Initial preferred distribution percentage							5.00%
Class A-2 | Tower Holdings
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Preferred interest issued						$ 4,500					$ 4,500
Initial preferred distribution percentage						4.75%
Preferred Stock – Series B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) | shares			20,000	20,000				20,000	20,000	20,000		20,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars/Euros per share) | € / shares												€ 100,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate									2.875%
Preferred Stock – Series C
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) | shares			70,000	70,000				70,000	70,000	70,000		70,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars/Euros per share) | $ / shares			$ 25,000					$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate									4.75%

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivables	$ 4,361	$ 5,565
Other Assets	1,909	2,295
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	9,767	7,827
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	6,644	5,646
Equipment Installment | Notes receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	1,846	2,716
Equipment Installment | Trade receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	606	554
Revolving
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivables	3,527	3,909
Other Assets	190	194
Outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets	6,280	5,300
Cash proceeds received, net of remittances	6,280	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	$ 3,337	$ 3,715

Sales Of Receivables (Finance R

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net receivables sold	$ 19,775	$ 15,760	$ 11,604
Cash proceeds received	20,060	15,888	11,989
Guarantee obligation recorded	18	271	530
Equipment Installment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross receivables sold	10,793	7,270	9,921
Net receivables sold	10,502	7,026	9,483
Cash proceeds received	9,740	6,089	8,189
Deferred purchase price recorded	1,080	1,021	1,451
Guarantee obligation recorded	$ 434	$ 157	$ 341

Sales Of Receivables (Finance_2

Sales Of Receivables (Finance Receivables Repurchased) (Details) - Equipment Installment - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair value of repurchased receivables	$ 1,424	$ 1,271	$ 1,418
Carrying value of deferred purchase price	1,334	1,235	1,350
Gain on repurchases	$ 90	$ 36	$ 68

Sales Of Receivables (Equipme_2

Sales Of Receivables (Equipment Installment and AT&T Revolving Programs) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equipment Installment Program | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	$ 371	$ 228
Equipment Installment Program | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Guarantee Obligation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	101	161
Equipment Installment Program | Deferred Purchase Price Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	3,177	1,991
Equipment Installment Program | Deferred Purchase Price Receivables | Prepaid and other current assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred purchase price receivable	2,123	$ 1,476
Revolving Receivables Program
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Revolving agreement, transfer amount (up to)	6,680
Receivables pledged as collateral	$ 3,527

Sales Of Receivables (Summary o

Sales Of Receivables (Summary of Receivables Sold) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received	$ 20,060	$ 15,888	$ 11,989
Total collections under revolving agreement2	18,910	14,888	7,689
Receivables repurchased	170	0	0
Net cash proceeds received	980	1,000	4,300
Net receivables sold	19,775	15,760	11,604
Obligations recorded	18	271	530
Initial sale of receivables	1,380	1,000	4,300
Total collections under revolving agreement not reinvested	$ 400	$ 0	$ 0

Tower Transaction (Narrative) (

Tower Transaction (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)tower	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Balance of tower assets	$ 125,904	$ 127,315	$ 130,128
Depreciation expense	$ 18,629	20,504	20,758
Crown Castle International
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of wireless towers with exclusive rights to lease | tower	9,048
Number of wireless towers subject to disposition | tower	627
Cash from failed sale-leaseback	$ 4,827
Term of lease	28 years
Approximate fixed future purchase option price on failed sale-leaseback	$ 4,200
Initial term	10 years
Balance of tower assets	$ 725	764
Depreciation expense	$ 39	$ 39	$ 39
Approximate annual interest rate - financing obligation	3.90%
Lease payments	$ 253
Minimum lease payments - 2022	258
Minimum lease payments - 2023	264
Minimum lease payments - 2024	269
Minimum lease payments - 2025	274
Minimum lease payments - 2026	280
Minimum lease payments - thereafter	$ 707

Transactions With DIRECTV (Deta

Transactions With DIRECTV (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2021
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates			$ 631	$ 95	$ 6
Distributions from equity method investment			815	133
Repayments of Related Party Debt			459
Notes Payable, Related Parties	$ 1,800
DIRECTV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Distributions from equity method investment			1,323	$ 0
Agreement to pay net losses under NFL Sunday Ticket Contract, cap amount	2,100		2,100
Preferred interest in newly formed company	$ 1,800					$ 1,800
Repayments of Related Party Debt			459
Notes Payable, Related Parties		$ 1,341	$ 1,341
Network Transport For Products and Sales Services Under Commercial Arrangements Period		5 years	5 years
Operational Support Services Agreement Period		3 years	3 years
Operating Costs and Expenses		$ 200
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties		436	$ 436
Accounts Payable, Related Parties		329	329
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates		619	619
Distributions from equity method investment		1,942	$ 1,942
Related Party Costs		550
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Operating Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Distributions from equity method investment		619
DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Investing Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Distributions from equity method investment		1,323
Content Service | DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		670
Advertising | DIRECTV | Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		$ 600

FirstNet (Narrative) (Details)

FirstNet (Narrative) (Details) - FirstNet $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)milestone
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
Refunds received under contract	$ 170
Licensing Agreements
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
Term of contract		25 years
Amount of success-based payments expected to be received		$ 6,500
Period over which success-based payments are expected to be received, construction period		5 years
Sustainability payment commitment amount		$ 18,000
Amount estimated to be reinvested into the network		$ 15,000
Amount submitted in sustainability payments	120
Future sustainability payments due in 2022	195
Future sustainability payments due in 2023	195
Future sustainability payments due in 2024	195
Future sustainability payments due in 2025	195
Future sustainability payments due in 2026	1,590
Future sustainability payments due thereafter	15,030
Number of operating capability milestones | milestone		6
Refunds received under contract	$ 5,860
Licensing Agreements | Maximum
Government Contracts Subject to Renegotiation [Line Items]
Anticipated amount of operating expenses over life of contract, adjusted for inflation (or less)		$ 3,000

Contingent Liabilities (Narrati

Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual purchase obligations for 2022	$ 28,860
Contractual purchase obligations for 2023 and 2024	24,585
Contractual purchase obligations for 2025 and 2026	11,636
Contractual purchase obligations for total years thereafter	$ 12,540

Additional Financial Informat_3

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	$ 30,756	$ 31,836
Accrued payroll and commissions	3,449	2,988
Current portion of employee benefit obligation	1,278	1,415
Accrued participations and residuals	2,966	2,708
Accrued interest	2,463	2,454
Accrued taxes	1,402	1,019
Other	8,347	7,631
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 50,661	$ 50,051

Additional Financial Informat_4

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Advertising expense	$ 6,316	$ 5,253	$ 6,121
Interest expense incurred	7,838	8,048	8,622
Total interest expense	6,884	7,925	8,422
Capital Expenditures
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	(173)	(123)	(200)
Spectrum Licenses
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ (781)	$ 0	$ 0

Additional Financial Informat_5

Additional Financial Information (Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,169	$ 9,740	$ 12,130	$ 5,204
Restricted cash in Other current assets	3	9	69	61
Restricted cash in Other Assets	144	121	96	135
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 21,316	$ 9,870	$ 12,295	$ 5,400

Additional Financial Informat_6

Additional Financial Information (Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest	$ 7,673	$ 8,237	$ 8,693
Income taxes, net of refunds	700	993	1,421
Spectrum acquisitions1	25,453	1,851	1,809
Spectrum Licenses
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Spectrum acquisitions1	$ 24,672	$ 1,613	$ 1,576

Additional Financial Informat_7

Additional Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)employee	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2022employee
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt maturing within one year | $	$ 18,185
Percentage of employees represented by CWA, IBEW, or other unions	37.00%
Subsequent Event
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Approximate number of persons employed at a point in time				203,000
Contract Covering Employees in 36 States and District of Columbia | Communications | Mobility
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	12,000
Contract Covering Employees In 5 Midwest States | Communications | Wireline
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	6,000
Midwest International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	3,000
Nationwide Corporate Employees
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	2,000
Teamster employees in Alaska | Communications | Alascom
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Number of employees under contracts where union may call a work stoppage	170
Vendor Financing Program
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Noncash investing activities | $	$ 5,282	$ 4,664	$ 2,632
Vendor financing payables | $	$ 5,000
Vendor Financing Program | Minimum
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayment Terms	one year
Vendor Financing Program | Maximum
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayment Terms	five years
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Vendor Financing Program
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt maturing within one year | $	$ 3,950
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Vendor Financing Program
Additional Financial Information [Line Items]
Debt maturing within five years | $	$ 1,050

Valuation And Qualifying Accoun

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Allowance for Credit Loss
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 1,589	$ 1,235	$ 907
Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,240	1,972	2,575
Charged to Other Accounts	0	405	0
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Deductions	1,693	2,023	2,247
Balance at End of Period (d)	1,136	1,589	1,235
Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	4,773	4,941	4,588
Charged to Costs and Expenses	(135)	(168)	(18)
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	371
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance at End of Period (d)	$ 4,638	$ 4,773	$ 4,941