Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 3,734	$ 3,773
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(82)	(73)
Net income attributable to AT&T	3,652	3,700
Share-based payment	4	4
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ 3,656	$ 3,704
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	5,222	5,513
Share-based payment (in shares)	16	17
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	5,238	5,530
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.70	$ 0.67
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T	$ 0.70	$ 0.67
Stock options issued and outstanding	12	15
Stock options with exercise prices above average market price of company stock	3	4