v3.19.3.a.u2
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, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefit [Member]    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 51,681 $ 45,463
Actual return on plan assets 8,207 (1,044)
Benefits paid [1] (6,356) (4,632)
Contributions 2 9,307
Acquisition 0 2,582
Plan transfers (4) 5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 53,530 51,681
Unfunded status at end of year [2] (6,343) (3,758)
Postretirement Benefit [Member]    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 4,277 5,973
Actual return on plan assets 609 (218)
Benefits paid [1] (941) (1,503)
Contributions 200 25
Acquisition 0 0
Plan transfers 0 0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,145 4,277
Unfunded status at end of year [2] $ (11,896) $ (15,101)
[1]
At our discretion, certain postretirement benefits may be paid from AT&T 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.