Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,965	$ 3,658	$ 7,617	$ 7,126
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (includes $(1), $0, $0 and $0 attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(55), $73, $76 and $123	(101)	135	142	228
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(27), $2, $27 and $29	(52)	6	49	55
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income, net of taxes of $(3), $(2), $(6) and $(21)	(6)	(6)	(12)	(41)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized losses, net of taxes of $(58), $(12), $(58) and $(8)	(107)	(21)	(107)	(14)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $4, $2, $7 and $3	7	3	13	5
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net actuarial loss from equity method investees arising during period, net of taxes of $(29), $0, $(29) and $0	(53)	0	(53)	0
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of $(87), $(66), $(171) and $(137)	(137)	(109)	(274)	(224)
Other	1	(1)	1	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(448)	7	(241)	8
Total comprehensive income	3,517	3,665	7,376	7,134
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(62)	(67)	(131)	(127)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T	$ 3,455	$ 3,598	$ 7,245	$ 7,007