Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 24,773
Acquisitions (2)	129
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(15)
Ending balance	24,887
Goodwill accumulated impairment charge	4,800	$ 4,800
Operating Segments \| Consumer
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	17,222
Acquisitions (2)	92
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	3
Ending balance	17,317
Operating Segments \| Business
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	7,535
Acquisitions (2)	0
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(17)
Ending balance	7,518
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16
Acquisitions (2)	37
Reclassifications, adjustments and other	(1)
Ending balance	$ 52

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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Amount of accumulated impairment loss for an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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Amount of increase (decrease), classified as other, of an asset representing the future economic benefits from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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