|
Investments (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|
| Fair value method | $ 3,514 | $ 3,028 |
| Equity method | 4,713 | 4,880 |
| Cost method | 2,022 | 2,000 |
| Total Investments | 10,249 | 9,908 |
| Less: Current investments | 2,231 | 54 |
| Noncurrent investments | 8,018 | 9,854 |
|
Spectrum Co, LLC [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | 1,414 | 1,417 |
|
Clearwire LLC [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | 0 | 69 |
|
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | 652 | 736 |
|
Air Touch [Member]
|
||
| Cost method | 1,530 | 1,523 |
|
Other Cost Method Investment [Member]
|
||
| Cost method | 492 | 477 |
|
Ae Television Networks LLC [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | 2,006 | 2,021 |
|
The Weather Channel [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | 465 | 463 |
|
Msnbccom [Member]
|
||
| Equity method | $ 176 | $ 174 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all investments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity, (2) trading securities, and (3) securities available-for-sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Investments which are intended to be sold in the short term (usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) including trading securities, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, and other short-term investments not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|