0001166691-22-000009 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer

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Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 116,385	$ 103,564	$ 108,942
Costs and Expenses:
Programming and production	38,450	33,121	34,440
Other operating and administrative	35,619	33,109	32,807
Advertising, marketing and promotion	7,695	6,741	7,617
Depreciation	8,628	8,320	8,663
Amortization	5,176	4,780	4,290
Total costs and expenses	95,568	86,071	87,817
Operating income	20,817	17,493	21,125
Interest expense	(4,281)	(4,588)	(4,567)
Investment and other income (loss), net	2,557	1,160	438
Income before income taxes	19,093	14,065	16,996
Income tax expense	(5,259)	(3,364)	(3,673)
Net income	13,833	10,701	13,323
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock	(325)	167	266
Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation	$ 14,159	$ 10,534	$ 13,057
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 3.09	$ 2.30	$ 2.87
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 3.04	$ 2.28	$ 2.83

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,833	$ 10,701	$ 13,323
Currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes of $76, $(331) and $(66)	(664)	1,213	1,375
Cash flow hedges:
Deferred gains (losses), net of deferred taxes of $(36), $26 and $(4)	229	(101)	19
Realized (gains) losses reclassified to net income, net of deferred taxes of $(4), $31 and $(10)	(16)	(147)	65
Employee benefit obligations and other, net of deferred taxes of $(16), $20 and $16	54	(68)	(57)
Comprehensive income	13,436	11,598	14,725
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock	(325)	167	266
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	7	60	(13)
Comprehensive income attributable to Comcast Corporation	$ 13,755	$ 11,371	$ 14,472

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, deferred taxes	$ 76	$ (331)	$ (66)
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, deferred taxes	(36)	26	(4)
Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges, deferred taxes	(4)	31	(10)
Employee benefit obligations and other, deferred taxes	$ (16)	$ 20	$ 16

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 13,833	$ 10,701	$ 13,323
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,804	13,100	12,953
Share-based compensation	1,315	1,193	1,021
Noncash interest expense (income), net	482	697	417
Net (gain) loss on investment activity and other	(1,311)	(970)	(20)
Deferred income taxes	1,892	(550)	563
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Current and noncurrent receivables, net	(1,335)	(20)	(57)
Film and television costs, net	(680)	(244)	(929)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors	765	(266)	(347)
Other operating assets and liabilities	382	1,096	(1,227)
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,146	24,737	25,697
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(9,174)	(9,179)	(9,953)
Cash paid for intangible assets	(2,883)	(2,455)	(2,475)
Construction of Universal Beijing Resort	(976)	(1,498)	(1,116)
Purchase of spectrum	0	(459)	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(1,374)	(233)	(370)
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments	684	2,339	886
Purchases of investments	(174)	(812)	(1,899)
Other	451	250	86
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(13,446)	(12,047)	(14,841)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net	0	0	(1,288)
Proceeds from borrowings	2,628	18,644	5,479
Proceeds from collateralized obligation	0	0	5,175
Repurchases and repayments of debt	(11,498)	(18,777)	(14,354)
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans	(4,672)	(534)	(504)
Dividends paid	(4,532)	(4,140)	(3,735)
Other	(544)	(1,706)	46
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(18,618)	(6,513)	(9,181)
Impact of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(71)	2	5
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(2,989)	6,179	1,680
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year	11,768	5,589	3,909
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$ 8,778	$ 11,768	$ 5,589

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,711	$ 11,740
Receivables, net	12,008	11,466
Other current assets	4,088	3,535
Total current assets	24,807	26,741
Film and television costs	12,806	13,340
Investments	8,082	7,820
Investment securing collateralized obligation	605	447
Property and equipment, net	54,047	51,995
Goodwill	70,189	70,669
Franchise rights	59,365	59,365
Other intangible assets, net	33,580	35,389
Other noncurrent assets, net	12,424	8,103
Total assets	275,905	273,869
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors	12,455	11,364
Accrued participations and residuals	1,822	1,706
Deferred revenue	3,040	2,963
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	9,899	9,617
Current portion of long-term debt	2,132	3,146
Total current liabilities	29,348	28,796
Long-term debt, less current portion	92,718	100,614
Collateralized obligation	5,170	5,168
Deferred income taxes	30,041	28,051
Other noncurrent liabilities	20,620	18,222
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock	519	1,280
Equity:
Preferred stock—authorized, 20,000,000 shares; issued, zero	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	40,173	39,464
Retained earnings	61,902	56,438
Treasury stock, 872,791,028 Class A common shares	(7,517)	(7,517)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,480	1,884
Total Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity	96,092	90,323
Noncontrolling interests	1,398	1,415
Total equity	97,490	91,738
Total liabilities and equity	275,905	273,869
Class A Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	54	54
Class B Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock (in shares)	872,791,028	872,791,028
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	7,500,000,000	7,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,396,576,978	5,444,002,825
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	4,523,785,950	4,571,211,797
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	9,444,375	9,444,375
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	9,444,375	9,444,375

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Retained Earnings Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards	Treasury Stock at Cost	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests	Class A Common Stock Common Stock	Class B Common Stock Common Stock
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 1,316
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock		0
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net		(62)
Other		(38)
Net income (loss)		156
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019		1,372
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2018			$ 37,461	$ 41,983	$ 0		$ (368)	$ 889	$ 54	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock compensation plans			783
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans			(34)	(485)					0
Employee stock purchase plans			222
Dividends declared				(3,860)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							1,415	(13)
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net								176
Other			15	0				(14)
Net income (loss)	$ 13,057			13,057
Net income (loss)								110
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 83,874		38,447	50,695	(124)	$ (7,517)	1,047	1,148	54	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.84
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock		0
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net		(51)
Other		(190)
Net income (loss)		149
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,280	1,280
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock compensation plans			920
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans			(143)	(407)					0
Employee stock purchase plans			255
Dividends declared				(4,250)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							837	60
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net								192
Other			(15)	(10)				(3)
Net income (loss)	10,534			10,534
Net income (loss)								18
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 91,738		39,464	56,438	$ 0	(7,517)	1,884	1,415	54	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.92
Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock		(725)
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net		(77)
Other		(10)
Net income (loss)		51
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 519	$ 519
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock compensation plans			1,037
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans			(596)	(4,088)					0
Employee stock purchase plans			269
Dividends declared				(4,613)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(404)	7
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net								353
Other			(2)	6				0
Net income (loss)	14,159			14,159
Net income (loss)								(377)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 97,490		$ 40,173	$ 61,902		$ (7,517)	$ 1,480	$ 1,398	$ 54	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all entities in which we have a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) required to be consolidated, including Universal Beijing Resort (see Note 7).

We translate assets and liabilities of our foreign operations where the functional currency is the local currency into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date and translate revenue and expenses using average monthly exchange rates. The related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheet. Any foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included in our consolidated statement of income in investment and other income (loss), net. For disclosures containing future amounts where the functional currency is the local currency, we translate the amounts into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications have been made to our notes to consolidated financial statements for the prior year period to conform to classifications used in 2021. See Note 2 for a discussion of the changes in our presentation of segment operating results.

Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require us to select accounting policies, including in certain cases industry-specific policies, and make estimates that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following accounting policies are specific to the industries in which we operate:

•capitalization and amortization of film and television costs (see Note 4)

•costs for connecting customers to our cable systems (see Note 9)

Information on other accounting policies and methods that we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are included, where applicable, in their respective footnotes that follow. The collateralized obligation related to our investment in Hulu is discussed in Note 8 and our other long-term debt is discussed in Note 6. Below is a discussion of accounting policies and methods used in our consolidated financial statements that are not presented within other footnotes.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. Our objective is to manage the financial and operational exposure arising from these risks by offsetting gains and losses on the underlying exposures with gains and losses on the derivatives used to economically hedge them.

Our derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. We designate certain derivative instruments as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, including foreign currency denominated cash flows associated with non-functional currency debt and non-functional currency revenue and expenses. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged items affect earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

Refer to Note 6 for further information on certain derivative instruments related to debt. The impact of our remaining derivative financial instruments was not material to our consolidated financial statements in any of the periods presented.

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance related to fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques. The levels of the hierarchy are described below.

•Level 1: Values are determined using quoted market prices for identical financial instruments in an active market.

•Level 2: Values are determined using quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

•Level 3: Values are determined using models that use significant inputs that are primarily unobservable, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

We use the three tier fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of certain financial instruments on a recurring basis, such as for investments (see Note 8); on a non-recurring basis, such as for acquisitions and impairment testing; and for disclosure purposes, such as for long-term debt (see Note 6). Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation and classification within the fair value hierarchy.

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information


Note 2: Segment Information

We are a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal and Sky. In 2021, we changed our presentation of segment operating results. We now present our operations for (1) Comcast Cable in one reportable business segment, referred to as Cable Communications; (2) NBCUniversal in three reportable business segments: Media, Studios and Theme Parks; and (3) Sky in one reportable business segment. The changes reflect a reorganized operating structure in NBCUniversal’s television and streaming businesses and primarily include: (i) the combination of NBCUniversal’s television networks (previously reported in Cable Networks and Broadcast Television) with the operations of Peacock (previously reported in Corporate and Other) in the Media segment, and (ii) the presentation of NBCUniversal’s television studio production operations (previously reported in Cable Networks and Broadcast Television) with the studio operations of Filmed Entertainment in the Studios segment. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this presentation. See Note 3 for a description of the various products and services within each reportable segment.

Our other business interests consist primarily of the operations of Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and other business initiatives including our new Sky Glass and XClass TV smart television product launches.

Our financial data by reportable segment is presented in the tables below. We do not present a measure of total assets for our reportable business segments as this information is not used by management to allocate resources and capital.


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2021
Cable Communications	$	64,328	$	28,097	$	7,811	$	6,930	$	1,438
NBCUniversal
Media	22,780		4,569		1,030		100		163

Studios	9,449		884		53		5		11
Theme Parks	5,051		1,267		906		614		43
Headquarters and Other	87		(840)		478		366		143
Eliminations(a)	(3,048)		(205)		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	34,319		5,675		2,466		1,086		360
Sky	20,285		2,359		3,379		948		814
Corporate and Other	461		(1,358)		147		210		272
Eliminations(a)	(3,008)		(65)		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	116,385	$	34,708	$	13,804	$	9,174	$	2,883


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2020
Cable Communications	$	60,051	$	25,270	$	7,753	$	6,605	$	1,333
NBCUniversal
Media	18,936		5,574		993		122		176

Studios	8,134		1,041		67		12		5
Theme Parks	2,094		(477)		772		1,171		56
Headquarters and Other	53		(563)		475		186		136
Eliminations(a)	(2,006)		(220)		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	27,211		5,355		2,307		1,491		373
Sky	18,594		1,954		3,034		959		741
Corporate and Other	248		(1,785)		6		124		8
Eliminations(a)	(2,540)		32		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	103,564	$	30,826	$	13,100	$	9,179	$	2,455


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2019
Cable Communications	$	58,082	$	23,266	$	7,994	$	6,909	$	1,426
NBCUniversal
Media	19,947		5,834		924		204		101

Studios	9,352		1,058		49		19		10
Theme Parks	6,213		2,498		697		1,605		60
Headquarters and Other	31		(690)		459		244		166
Eliminations(a)	(1,585)		11		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	33,958		8,711		2,129		2,072		337
Sky	19,219		3,099		2,699		768		707
Corporate and Other	333		(820)		131		204		5
Eliminations(a)	(2,650)		2		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	108,942	$	34,258	$	12,953	$	9,953	$	2,475

(a)Included in Eliminations are transactions that our segments enter into with one another. Our segments generally report transactions with one another as if they were stand-alone businesses in accordance with GAAP, and these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. When multiple segments enter into transactions to provide products and services to third parties, revenue is generally allocated to our segments based on relative value. The most significant transactions between our segments include distribution revenue in Media for fees received from Cable Communications for the sale of cable network programming and under retransmission consent agreements; content licensing revenue in Studios for licenses of owned content to Media and Sky; and advertising revenue in Media and Cable Communications. Revenue for licenses of content from Studios to Media and Sky is generally recognized at a point in time, consistent with the recognition of transactions with third parties, when the content is delivered and made available for use. The costs of these licenses in Media and Sky are recognized as the content is used over the license period. The difference in timing of recognition between segments results in an Adjusted EBITDA impact in eliminations, as the profits (losses) on these transactions are deferred in our consolidated results and recognized as the content is used over the license period. Under the previous segment structure, revenue for licenses of content between our previous NBCUniversal segments was recognized over time to correspond with the amortization of the costs of licensed content over the license period.

A summary of revenue for each of our segments resulting from transactions with other segments and eliminated in consolidation is presented in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Cable Communications	$	244	$	202	$	162
NBCUniversal
Media	2,330		1,965		2,202
Studios	3,186		2,214		1,727
Theme Parks	2		—		—
Headquarters and Other	68		31		1
Sky	32		17		21
Corporate and Other	193		117		121
Total intersegment revenue	$	6,055	$	4,546	$	4,235

(b)We use Adjusted EBITDA as the measure of profit or loss for our operating segments. From time to time we may report the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges related to our operating segments (such as certain costs incurred in response to COVID-19, including severance charges), within Corporate and Other. Our reconciliation of the aggregate amount of Adjusted EBITDA for our reportable segments to consolidated income before income taxes is presented in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Adjusted EBITDA	$	34,708	$	30,826	$	34,258

Adjustments	(87)		(233)		(180)
Depreciation	(8,628)		(8,320)		(8,663)
Amortization	(5,176)		(4,780)		(4,290)

Interest expense	(4,281)		(4,588)		(4,567)
Investment and other income (loss), net	2,557		1,160		438
Income before income taxes	$	19,093	$	14,065	$	16,996

Adjustments represent the impacts of certain events, gains, losses or other charges that are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, including Sky transaction-related costs and costs related to our investment portfolio. Adjustments for 2020 also include $177 million related to a legal settlement.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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+ Details

Revenue

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue

Note 3: Revenue


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Residential:
Broadband	$	22,979	$	20,599	$	18,752
Video	22,079		21,937		22,270
Voice	3,417		3,532		3,879
Wireless	2,380		1,574		1,167
Business services	8,933		8,191		7,795
Advertising	2,820		2,594		2,465
Other	1,719		1,624		1,754
Total Cable Communications	64,328		60,051		58,082

Advertising	10,291		8,296		9,267
Distribution	10,449		8,795		8,887
Other	2,040		1,845		1,793
Total Media	22,780		18,936		19,947






Content licensing	7,565		6,557		6,373
Theatrical	691		418		1,469
Home entertainment and other	1,193		1,159		1,510

Total Studios	9,449		8,134		9,352

Total Theme Parks	5,051		2,094		6,213
Headquarters and Other	87		53		31
Eliminations(a)	(3,048)		(2,006)		(1,585)
Total NBCUniversal	34,319		27,211		33,958

Direct-to-consumer	16,455		15,223		15,538
Content	1,341		1,373		1,432
Advertising	2,489		1,998		2,249
Total Sky	20,285		18,594		19,219

Corporate and Other	461		248		333
Eliminations(a)	(3,008)		(2,540)		(2,650)
Total revenue	$	116,385	$	103,564	$	108,942

(a)Included in Eliminations are transactions that our segments enter into with one another. See Note 2 for a description of these transactions.

We operate primarily in the United States but also in select international markets. The table below summarizes our consolidated revenue from customers in certain geographic locations.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
United States	$	90,926	$	80,327	$	82,952
United Kingdom	13,999		11,986		12,501
Other	11,460		11,251		13,489
Total revenue	$	116,385	$	103,564	$	108,942

Cable Communications Segment

Revenue is generated from the sale of our broadband, video, voice, wireless and other services to residential customers in the United States under the Xfinity brand, which we market individually and as bundled services at a discounted rate. We also provide these and other services to business customers and sell advertising.

Residential

We recognize revenue as the services are provided on a monthly basis. Subscription rates and related charges vary according to the services and features customers receive. Revenue from customers that purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated between the separate services based on the respective stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the current prices at which we separately sell the services. Significant judgment is used to determine performance obligations that should be accounted for separately and the allocation of revenue when services are combined in a bundle. Customers are typically billed in advance and pay on a monthly basis. Installation fees are deferred and recognized as revenue over the period of benefit to the customer, which is less than a year. While a portion of our customers are subject to contracts for their services, which are typically 1 to 2 years in length, based on our evaluation of the terms of these contracts, we recognize revenue for these services on a basis that is consistent with our customers that are not subject to contracts. Our services generally involve customer premise equipment, such as set-top boxes, cable modems and wireless gateways. The timing and pattern of recognition for customer premise equipment revenue are consistent with those of our services. We recognize revenue from the sale of wireless handsets at the point of sale. Sales commissions are expensed as incurred, as the related period of benefit is less than a year. We also have arrangements to sell certain DTC streaming services to our customers. We have concluded we are generally the sales agent in these arrangements and we record net commission revenue as earned, which is generally as customers are billed on a monthly basis, within broadband revenue.

Under the terms of cable franchise agreements, we are generally required to pay the cable franchising authority an amount based on gross video revenue. We generally pass these and other similar fees through to our customers and classify these fees in the respective Cable Communications services revenue with the corresponding costs included in other operating and administrative expenses.

Business Services

Revenue is generated from subscribers to a variety of our products and services which are offered to businesses. Our service offerings for small business locations primarily include broadband services, as well as voice and video services, that are similar to those provided to residential customers, and include certain other features specific to businesses. We also offer Ethernet network services that connect multiple locations and other services to meet the needs of medium-sized customers and larger enterprises, and we provide cellular backhaul services to mobile network operators.

We recognize revenue as the services are provided on a monthly basis. Substantially all of our customers are initially under contracts, with terms typically ranging from 2 years for small and medium-sized businesses to up to 5 years for larger enterprises. At any given time, the amount of future revenue to be earned related to fixed pricing under existing agreements is equal to approximately half of our annual business services revenue, of which the substantial majority will be recognized within 2 years. Customers with contracts may only discontinue service in accordance with the terms of their contracts. We receive payments based on a billing schedule established in our contracts, which is typically on a monthly basis. Installation revenue and sales commissions are generally deferred and recognized over the respective contract terms.

Advertising

Revenue is generated from the sale of advertising and technology, tools and solutions relating to advertising businesses. As part of distribution agreements with cable networks, we generally receive an allocation of scheduled advertising time that we sell to local, regional and national advertisers. In most cases, the available advertising units are sold by our sales force. We also represent the advertising sales efforts of other multichannel video providers in some markets. Since we are acting as the principal in these arrangements, we record the advertising that is sold in advertising revenue and the fees paid to multichannel video providers in other operating and administrative expenses. In some cases, we work with representation firms as an extension of our sales force to sell a portion of the advertising units allocated to us and record the revenue net of agency commissions. In addition, we generate revenue from the sale of advertising on digital platforms. We enter into advertising arrangements with customers and have determined that a contract exists once all terms and conditions are agreed upon, typically when the number of advertising units is specifically identified and the timing of airing is scheduled. Advertisements are generally aired or viewed within one year once all terms and conditions are agreed upon. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized in the period in which advertisements are aired or viewed. Payment terms vary by contract, although terms generally require payment within 30 to 60 days from when advertisements are aired or viewed. In addition, we also provide technology, tools, data-driven services and marketplace solutions to customers in the media industry to facilitate advertisers more effectively engaging with their target audiences. Revenue earned in this manner is recognized when services are provided.

NBCUniversal Segments

Advertising

Media generates revenue from the sale of advertising on our television networks, Peacock and digital properties.

We enter into advertising arrangements with customers and have determined that a contract exists once all terms and conditions are agreed upon, typically when the number of advertising units is specifically identified and the timing of airing is scheduled. Advertisements are generally aired or viewed within one year once all terms are agreed upon. Revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period in which advertisements are aired or viewed and payment occurs thereafter, with payment generally required within 30 days. In some instances, we guarantee audience ratings for the advertisements. To the extent there is a shortfall in contracts where the ratings were guaranteed, a portion of the revenue is deferred until the shortfall is settled, typically by providing additional advertising units generally within one year of the original airing.

Distribution

Media generates revenue from the distribution of cable network programming in the United States and internationally to multichannel video providers, including both traditional providers of linear programming and virtual providers who provide streaming services for linear programming. Media also generates revenue from the fees received from multichannel video providers under NBC and Telemundo retransmission consent agreements and associated fees from NBC-affiliated and Telemundo-affiliated local broadcast television stations. Additionally, Media generates revenue from monthly subscription fees received from certain Peacock subscribers.

Monthly fees received under distribution agreements with multichannel video providers are generally under multiyear agreements and based on the number of subscribers. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include payment within 60 days. These arrangements are accounted for as licenses of functional intellectual property and revenue is recognized as programming is provided on a monthly basis.

Content Licensing

Studios generates revenue from the licensing of our owned film and television content in the United States and internationally to cable, broadcast and premium networks and to DTC streaming service providers, as well as through video on demand and pay-per-view services. Media also generates revenue from licensing of our owned television content, which is reported in other revenue. Our agreements generally include fixed pricing and span multiple years. For example, following a film’s theatrical release, Studios may license the exhibition rights of a film to different customers over multiple successive distribution windows.

We recognize revenue when the content is delivered and available for use by the licensee. When the term of an existing agreement is renewed or extended, we recognize revenue at the later of when the content is available or when the renewal or extension period begins. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although payments are generally collected over the license term. The amount of future revenue to be earned related to fixed pricing under existing third-party agreements at any given time equals approximately one half year to 1 year of annual Studios content licensing revenue, which is the segment with the largest portion of this future revenue. The majority of this revenue will be recognized within 2 years. This amount may fluctuate from period to period depending on the timing of the releases and the availability of content under existing agreements and may not represent the total revenue expected to be recognized as it does not include revenue from future agreements or from variable pricing or optional purchases under existing agreements.

For our agreements that include variable pricing, such as pricing based on the number of subscribers to a DTC streaming service sold by our customers, we generally recognize revenue as our customers sell to their subscribers.

Theatrical

Studios generates revenue from the worldwide theatrical release of produced and acquired films for exhibition in movie theaters. Our arrangements with exhibitors generally entitle us to a percentage of ticket sales. We recognize revenue as the films are viewed and exhibited in theaters and payment generally occurs within 30 days after exhibition.

Home Entertainment

Studios generates revenue from the sale of our produced and acquired films on DVDs and through digital distribution services. Media also generates revenue from the sale of owned programming on DVDs and through digital distribution services, which is reported in other revenue. We generally recognize revenue from DVD sales, net of estimated returns and customer incentives, on the date that DVDs are delivered to and made available for sale by retailers. Payment terms generally include payment within 60 to 90 days from delivery to the retailer.

Theme Parks

Theme Parks generates revenue primarily from guest spending at our Universal theme parks in Orlando, Florida; Hollywood, California; Osaka, Japan; and Beijing, China. Guest spending includes ticket sales and in-park spending on food, beverages and merchandise. We also generate revenue from our consumer products business. Additionally, we license the right to use the Universal Studios brand name and other intellectual property and provide other services to third parties, including the party that owns and operates the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on Sentosa Island, Singapore. We recognize revenue from ticket sales when the tickets are used, generally within a year from the date of purchase. For annual passes, we generally recognize revenue on a straight-line basis over the period the pass is available to be used. We recognize revenue from in-park spending and consumer products at the point of sale.

Sky Segment

Direct-to-Consumer

Revenue is generated from subscribers to our video services from both residential and business customers, primarily in the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. We also provide broadband, voice and wireless phone services in select countries. Generally, all of our residential customers are initially under contracts, with terms typically ranging from rolling monthly to 18 months, depending on the product and territory, and may only discontinue service in accordance with the terms of their contracts. Subscription rates and related charges vary according to the services and features customers receive and the types of equipment they use, and customers are typically billed in advance on a monthly basis. Our video, broadband, voice and wireless services generally may be purchased individually or in bundles. We recognize revenue from video, broadband, voice and wireless services as the services are provided on a monthly basis. At any given time, the amount of future revenue to be earned related to existing agreements is equal to less than half of our annual direct-to-consumer revenue, which generally will be recognized within 18 months.

Content

Revenue is generated from the distribution of our owned channels on third-party platforms and the licensing of owned and licensed content to third-party video providers. See the NBCUniversal segment discussion of distribution and content licensing revenue above for accounting policies for these types of arrangements.

Advertising

Revenue is generated from advertising across our owned television channels and where we represent the sales efforts of third-party channels. We also generate revenue from the sale of advertising on digital platforms and various technology, tools and solutions relating to our advertising business. Revenue is recognized when the advertising is aired or viewed. Since we are acting as the principal in the arrangements where we represent the sales efforts of third parties, we record the advertising that is sold in advertising revenue and the fees paid to the third-party channels in other operating and administrative expenses.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

The following table summarizes our accounts receivable:


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Receivables, gross	$	12,666	$	12,273
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	658		807
Receivables, net	$	12,008	$	11,466

The following table presents changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts:


(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Beginning balance	$	807	$	419	$	352
Additions charged to costs and expenses and other accounts	316		912		769
Deductions from reserves	465		524		702
Ending balance	$	658	$	807	$	419

The following table summarizes our other balances that are not separately presented in our consolidated balance sheet that relate to the recognition of revenue and collection of the related cash, as well as the deferred costs associated with our contracts with customers:


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Noncurrent receivables, net (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	$	1,632	$	1,091
Contract acquisition and fulfillment costs (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	$	1,094	$	1,060

Noncurrent deferred revenue (included in other noncurrent liabilities)	$	695	$	750

- Definition

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Programming and Production Costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Other Industries [Abstract]

Programming and Production Costs


Note 4: Programming and Production Costs


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Video distribution programming	$	13,550	$	12,684
Film and television content:
Owned(a)	8,957		7,973
Licensed, including sports rights	14,733		11,264
Other	1,210		1,200
Total programming and production costs	$	38,450	$	33,121

(a) Amount includes amortization of owned content of $7.3 billion and $6.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as participations and residuals expenses.

Video Distribution Programming Expenses

We incur programming expenses related to the license of the rights to distribute the third-party programmed channels, platforms and related content included in video services we sell to end consumers. Programming is generally acquired under multiyear distribution agreements, with fees typically based on the number of customers that receive the programming and the extent of distribution. Programming distribution arrangements are accounted for as executory contracts with expenses generally recognized based on the rates in the agreements and the arrangements are not subject to impairment.

Film and Television Content

We incur costs related to the production of owned content and the license of the rights to use content owned by third parties and sports rights on our owned networks and platforms, which are described as owned and licensed content, respectively. We have determined that the predominant monetization strategy for the substantial majority of our content is on an individual basis.

Capitalized Film and Television Costs


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Owned:
Released, less amortization	$	3,726	$	3,815
Completed, not released	536		139
In production and in development	2,732		2,755
	6,994		6,709
Licensed, including sports advances	5,811		6,631



Film and television costs	$	12,806	$	13,340

The table below summarizes estimated future amortization expense for the capitalized film and television costs recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021.


(in millions)	Owned		Licensed
Completed, not released:
2022	$	345

Released and licensed content:
2022	$	1,799	$	3,649
2023	$	700	$	902
2024	$	387	$	563

We have future minimum commitments for sports rights and licensed content that are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 totaling $59.5 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively.

Capitalization and Recognition of Film and Television Content

We capitalize costs for owned film and television content, including direct costs, production overhead, print costs, development costs and interest, as well as acquired libraries. Amortization for owned content predominantly monetized on an individual basis and accrued costs associated with participations and residuals payments are recorded using the individual film forecast computation method, which recognizes the costs in the same ratio as the associated ultimate revenue. Estimates of ultimate revenue and total costs are based on anticipated release patterns and distribution strategies, public acceptance and historical results for similar productions. Amortization for content predominantly monetized with other owned or licensed content is recorded based on estimated usage. In determining the method of amortization and estimated life of an acquired film or television library, we generally use the method and the life that most closely follow the undiscounted cash flows over the estimated life of the asset. We do not capitalize costs related to the distribution of a film in movie theaters or the licensing or sale of a film or television production, which primarily include costs associated with marketing and distribution.

We may enter into cofinancing arrangements with third parties to jointly finance or distribute certain of our film productions. Cofinancing arrangements can take various forms, but in most cases involve the grant of an economic interest in a film to an investor who owns an undivided copyright interest in the film. The number of investors and the terms of these arrangements can vary, although investors generally assume the full risks and rewards for the portion of the film acquired in these arrangements. We account for the proceeds received from the investor under these arrangements as a reduction of our capitalized film costs and the investor’s interest in the profit or loss of the film is recorded as either a charge or a benefit, respectively, in programming and production costs. The investor’s interest in the profit or loss of a film is recorded each period using the individual film forecast computation method.

We capitalize the costs of licensed content when the license period begins, the content is made available for use and the costs of the licenses are known. Licensed content is amortized as the associated programs are broadcast.

Owned and licensed content are presented as noncurrent assets in film and television costs. We present amortization of owned and licensed content and accrued costs associated with participations and residuals payments in programming and production costs.

When an event or a change in circumstance occurs that was known or knowable as of the balance sheet date and that indicates the fair value of either owned or licensed content is less than the unamortized costs in the balance sheet, we determine the fair value and record an impairment charge to the extent the unamortized costs exceed the fair value. Owned content is assessed either individually or in identified film groups, for content predominantly monetized on an individual basis or with other content, respectively. The substantial majority of our owned content is evaluated for impairment on an individual title basis. Licensed content that is not part of a film group is generally assessed in packages, channels or dayparts. A daypart is an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or programs of a similar type. Licensed content is tested for impairment primarily on a channel, network or platform basis, with the exception of our broadcast networks and owned local broadcast television stations, which are tested on a daypart basis. Estimated fair values of owned and licensed content are generally based on Level 3 inputs including analysis of market participant estimates of future cash flows. We record charges related to impairments or content that is substantively abandoned to programming and production costs. Impairments of capitalized film and television costs were not material in any of the periods presented.

Sports Rights

We recognize the costs of multiyear, live-event sports rights as the rights are utilized over the contract term based on estimated relative value. Estimated relative value is generally based on the terms of the contract and the nature of and potential revenue generation of the deliverables within the contract. Sports rights are accounted for as executory contracts and are not subject to impairment. When cash payments, including advanced payments, exceed the relative value of the sports rights delivered, we recognize an asset in licensed content. Production costs incurred in advance of airing are also presented with licensed content.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes


Note 5: Income Taxes


Income Before Income Taxes
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019

Domestic	$	21,243	$	16,211	$	16,646
Foreign	(2,150)		(2,146)		350
	$	19,093	$	14,065	$	16,996


Components of Income Tax Expense
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Current (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	$	(2,355)	$	(2,824)	$	(2,085)
State	(669)		(836)		(425)
Foreign	(343)		(254)		(600)
	(3,367)		(3,914)		(3,110)
Deferred (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	(1,504)		111		(902)
State	(255)		71		15
Foreign	(133)		368		324
	(1,892)		550		(563)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$	(5,259)	$	(3,364)	$	(3,673)

Our income tax expense differs from the federal statutory amount because of the effect of the items detailed in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Federal tax at statutory rate	$	(4,009)	$	(2,954)	$	(3,569)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(464)		(265)		(306)
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(392)		(24)		(126)


Adjustments to uncertain and effectively settled tax positions, net	(238)		(344)		(3)


Federal research and development credits	85		164		124
Excess tax benefits recognized on share-based compensation	209		150		196
Tax legislation	(498)		(120)		31
Other	48		29		(20)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$	(5,259)	$	(3,364)	$	(3,673)

We base our provision for income taxes on our current period income, changes in our deferred income tax assets and liabilities, income tax rates, changes in estimates of our uncertain tax positions, tax planning opportunities available in the jurisdictions in which we operate and excess tax benefits or deficiencies that arise when the tax consequences of share-based compensation differ from amounts previously recognized in the statement of income. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities when there are temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and for the expected benefits of using net operating loss carryforwards. When a change in the tax rate or tax law has an impact on deferred taxes, we apply the change based on the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. We record the change in our consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment.

The determination of the income tax consequences of a business combination includes identifying the tax basis of assets and liabilities acquired and any contingencies associated with uncertain tax positions assumed or resulting from the business combination. Deferred tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences of an acquired entity are recorded as of the date of the business combination and are based on our estimate of the ultimate tax basis that will be accepted by the various tax authorities. We record liabilities for contingencies associated with prior tax returns filed by the acquired entity based on criteria set forth in the appropriate accounting guidance. We adjust the deferred tax accounts and the liabilities periodically to reflect any revised estimated tax basis and any estimated settlements with the various tax authorities. The effects of these adjustments are recorded to income tax expense.

From time to time, we engage in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. In these cases, we evaluate our tax position using the recognition threshold and the measurement attribute in accordance with the accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Examples of these transactions include business acquisitions and dispositions, including consideration paid or received in connection with these transactions, certain financing transactions, and the allocation of income among state and local tax jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained on examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax (expense) benefit.


Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss and other loss carryforwards	$	3,194	$	2,609

Nondeductible accruals and other	3,246		3,253
Less: Valuation allowance	2,907		2,312
	3,533		3,550
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment and intangible assets	30,584		29,829
Differences between book and tax basis of investments	526		405
Differences between book and tax basis of long-term debt	1,788		680

Differences between book and tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and undistributed foreign earnings	394		468

	33,292		31,382
Net deferred tax liability	$	29,759	$	27,832

The following table presents changes in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:


(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Beginning balance	$	2,312	$	1,906	$	632
Additions charged to income tax expense and other accounts	635		430		1,403
Deductions from reserves	40		24		129
Ending balance	$	2,907	$	2,312	$	1,906

Changes in our net deferred tax liability in 2021 that were not recorded as deferred income tax benefit (expense) are primarily related to an increase of $73 million related to acquisitions and a decrease of $44 million associated with items included in other comprehensive income (loss).

As of December 31, 2021, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $196 million, and various state net operating loss carryforwards, the majority of which expire in periods through 2041. As of December 31, 2021, we also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $9.6 billion related to our foreign operations, primarily at Sky and NBCUniversal, the majority of which can be carried forward indefinitely. The determination of the realization of the state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards is dependent on our subsidiaries’ taxable income or loss, apportionment percentages, redetermination from taxing authorities, and state and foreign laws that can change from year to year and impact the amount of such carryforwards. We recognize a valuation allowance if we determine it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our valuation allowance was primarily related to foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards.

Uncertain Tax Positions


Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	$	1,879	$	1,422	$	1,543
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	352		436		230
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	111		152		133

Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(181)		(31)		(344)
Reductions due to expiration of statutes of limitations	(107)		(76)		(117)
Settlements with tax authorities and other	(12)		(24)		(23)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	$	2,042	$	1,879	$	1,422

Our gross unrecognized tax benefits include both amounts related to positions for which we have recorded liabilities for potential payment obligations and those for which tax has been assessed and paid. The amounts exclude the federal benefits on state tax positions that were recorded to deferred income taxes. If we were to recognize our gross unrecognized tax benefits in the future, $1.5 billion would impact our effective tax rate and the remaining amount would increase our deferred income tax liability. The amount and timing of the recognition of any such tax benefit is dependent on the completion of examinations of our tax filings by the various tax authorities and the expiration of statutes of limitations. It is reasonably possible that certain tax contests could be resolved within the next 12 months that may result in a decrease in our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, accrued interest and penalties associated with our liability for uncertain tax positions were not material.

The IRS has completed its examination of our income tax returns for all years through 2016. Various states are examining our state tax returns and the tax years of those tax returns currently under examination vary by state, with most of the periods relating to tax years 2011 and forward. Various foreign jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and the tax years of those tax returns currently under examination vary by country, with most of the periods relating to tax years 2010 and forward.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

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+ Details

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt


Note 6: Long-Term Debt


Long-Term Debt Outstanding
December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2021			Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2020			2021(b)		2020(b)


Term loans	4.41	%		2.07	%		$	3,148	$	7,641
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less, at face value	3.50	%		3.41	%		18,443		19,190
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years, at face value	3.16	%		3.47	%		22,964		23,114
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years, at face value	3.67	%		4.03	%		54,536		54,203
Finance lease obligations and other							1,713		1,261
Debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting and hedged positions, net							(5,954)		(1,649)
Total debt	3.74	%	(a)	3.67	%	(a)	94,850		103,760
Less: Current portion							2,132		3,146
Long-term debt							$	92,718	$	100,614

(a)Rate represents an effective interest rate and includes the effects of amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting and hedged positions, as well as the effects of our derivative financial instruments.

(b)As of December 31, 2021, included in our outstanding debt were foreign currency denominated senior notes and term loans with principal amounts of £2.6 billion, €7.5 billion and ¥20.0 billion RMB. As of December 31, 2020, included in our outstanding debt were foreign currency denominated senior notes and term loans with principal amounts of £4.7 billion, €7.3 billion, ¥238.5 billion and ¥16.4 billion RMB.

Our senior notes are unsubordinated and unsecured obligations and are subject to parent and/or subsidiary guarantees. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our debt had an estimated fair value of $109.3 billion and $125.6 billion, respectively. The estimated fair value of our publicly traded debt was primarily based on Level 1 inputs that use quoted market value for the debt. The estimated fair value of debt for which there are no quoted market prices was based on Level 2 inputs that use interest rates available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.


Principal Maturities of Debt
(in millions)
2022	$	2,135
2023	$	1,056
2024	$	4,324
2025	$	6,136
2026	$	5,232
Thereafter	$	81,919

We use cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges for certain foreign currency denominated debt obligations with obligations denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer. Cross-currency swaps effectively convert foreign currency denominated debt to debt denominated in the functional currency, which hedge currency exchange risks associated with foreign currency denominated cash flows such as interest and principal debt repayments. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges on $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion of our foreign currency denominated debt, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate estimated fair value of cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges was a net liability of $53 million and a net liability of $45 million, respectively.

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk on the consolidation of our foreign operations. We have foreign currency denominated debt and cross-currency swaps designated as hedges of our net investments in certain of these subsidiaries. Transaction gains and losses resulting from currency movements on debt and changes in the fair value of cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges are recorded within the currency translation adjustments component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries

hedged using foreign currency denominated debt was $8.2 billion and $10.3 billion, respectively, and the amount of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries hedged using cross-currency swaps was $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate estimated fair value of these cross-currency swaps was a net liability of $104 million and $376 million, respectively. The amount of pre-tax gains (losses) related to net investment hedges recognized in the cumulative translation adjustments component of other comprehensive income (loss) were gains of $760 million in 2021, losses of $686 million in 2020 and gains of $343 million in 2019.

Revolving Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs

In March 2021, we entered into a new $11 billion revolving credit facility due March 30, 2026 with a syndicate of banks that may be used for general corporate purposes. We may increase the commitments under the revolving credit facility up to a total of $14 billion, as well as extend the expiration date to no later than March 30, 2028, subject to approval of the lenders. The interest rate on the revolving credit facility consists of a base rate plus a borrowing margin that is determined based on Comcast’s credit rating. As of December 31, 2021, the borrowing margin for borrowings based on the London Interbank Offered Rate was 1.00%. Our revolving credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial ratios based on debt and EBITDA, as defined in the revolving credit facility. We were in compliance with all financial covenants for all periods presented. The new revolving credit facility replaced an aggregate $9.2 billion of existing revolving credit facilities due May 26, 2022, which were terminated.

Our commercial paper program is supported by our revolving credit facility and provides a lower cost source of borrowing to fund short-term working capital requirements.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper programs or revolving credit facilities. As of December 31, 2021, amounts available under our revolving credit facility, net of amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program and outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees, totaled $11 billion.

Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees

As of December 31, 2021, we and certain of our subsidiaries had undrawn irrevocable standby letters of credit and bank guarantees totaling $341 million to cover potential fundings under various agreements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

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+ Details

Significant Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Significant Transactions


Note 7: Significant Transactions

Universal Beijing Resort

In 2018, we entered into an agreement with a consortium of Chinese state-owned companies to build and operate a Universal theme park and resort in Beijing, China (“Universal Beijing Resort”), which opened in September 2021. We own a 30% interest in Universal Beijing Resort and the construction was funded through a combination of debt financing and equity contributions from the investors in accordance with their equity interests. The debt financing, which is being provided by a syndicate of Chinese financial institutions, contains certain covenants and a maximum borrowing limit of ¥29.7 billion RMB (approximately $4.7 billion), which was increased from ¥26.6 billion RMB (approximately $4.2 billion) in the third quarter of 2021. The debt financing is secured by the assets of Universal Beijing Resort and the equity interests of the investors. As of December 31, 2021, Universal Beijing Resort had $3.6 billion of debt outstanding, including $3.1 billion principal amount of a term loan outstanding under the debt financing agreement.

We have concluded that Universal Beijing Resort is a VIE based on its governance structure, and we consolidate it because we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. There are no liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other financial commitments between us and Universal Beijing Resort, and therefore our maximum risk of financial loss is our 30% interest. Universal Beijing Resort’s results of operations are reported in our Theme Parks segment. Our consolidated statement of cash flows includes the costs of construction and related borrowings in the “construction of Universal Beijing Resort” and “proceeds from borrowings” captions, respectively, and equity contributions from the noncontrolling interests are included in other financing activities.

As of December 31, 2021, our consolidated balance sheet included assets and liabilities of Universal Beijing Resort totaling $9.7 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. The assets and liabilities of Universal Beijing Resort primarily consist of property and equipment, operating lease assets and liabilities, and debt.

Acquisitions

In October 2021, we acquired Masergy, a provider of software-defined networking and cloud platforms for global enterprises, for total cash consideration of $1.2 billion. The acquisition accelerates our growth in serving large and mid-sized companies, particularly U.S.-based organizations with multi-site global enterprises. Masergy’s results of operations are included in our consolidated results of operations since the acquisition date and are reported in our Cable Communications segment. We have recorded a preliminary estimate of Masergy’s assets and liabilities with approximately $850 million recorded to goodwill and the remainder primarily attributed to software and customer relationship intangible assets. These estimates are not yet final and are subject to change. The acquisition was not material to our consolidated results of operations.

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Investments [Abstract]

Investments


Note 8: Investments


Investment and Other Income (Loss), Net
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net	$	2,006	$	(113)	$	(505)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net	339		1,014		656
Other income (loss), net	211		259		287
Investment and other income (loss), net	$	2,557	$	1,160	$	438

The amount of unrealized gains (losses), net recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019 that related to marketable and nonmarketable equity securities still held as of the end of each reporting period was $(80) million, $339 million and $237 million, respectively.


Investments
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Equity method	$	6,111	$	6,006
Marketable equity securities	406		460
Nonmarketable equity securities	1,735		1,950
Other investments	803		143
Total investments	9,055		8,559
Less: Current investments	368		292
Less: Investment securing collateralized obligation	605		447
Noncurrent investments	$	8,082	$	7,820

Equity Method

We use the equity method to account for investments in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, or in which we hold a partnership or limited liability company interest in an entity with specific ownership accounts, unless we have virtually no influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize (1) our share, based on percentage ownership or other contractual basis, of the investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment, (2) amortization of the recorded investment that exceeds our share of the book value of the investee’s net assets, (3) additional contributions made and dividends or other distributions received, and (4) impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in fair value. For some investments, we record our share of the investee’s net income or loss one quarter in arrears due to the timing of our receipt of such information. Gains or losses on the sale of equity method investments are recorded to other income (loss), net. If an equity method investee were to issue additional securities that would change our proportionate share of the entity, we would recognize the change, if any, as a gain or loss to other income (loss), net. Cash distributions received from equity method investments are considered returns on investment and presented within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows to the extent of cumulative equity in net income of the investee. Additional distributions are presented as investing activities. Distributions presented within operating activities totaled $1.1 billion, $66 million and $215 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Atairos

On January 1, 2016, we established Atairos Group, Inc., a strategic company focused on investing in and operating companies in a range of industries and business sectors, both domestically and internationally. Atairos is controlled by management companies led by our former CFO through interests that carry all of the voting rights. We are the only third-party investor in Atairos.

In November 2020, we amended our agreement with Atairos, which primarily extended the investment term of the agreement from up to 12 years to up to 16.5 years, extended the period in which capital can be recycled to the full investment period and

decreased our commitment to fund Atairos from up to $5 billion to up to $4.5 billion in the aggregate at any one time, subject to certain offsets, with the maximum amount of annual capital calls reduced to $400 million, plus certain amounts previously distributed. In addition, we have separately committed to fund Atairos $45 million annually for a management fee, subject to certain adjustments. The management company investors have committed to fund from $50 million to $100 million, with at least $40 million to be funded by our former CFO, subject to his continued role with Atairos. Our economic interests do not carry voting rights and obligate us to absorb approximately 99% of any losses and they provide us the right to receive approximately 86% of any residual returns in Atairos, in either case on a cumulative basis.

We have concluded that Atairos is a VIE, that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Atairos as we have no voting rights and only certain consent rights, and that we are not a related party with our former CFO or the management companies. We therefore do not consolidate Atairos and account for our investment as an equity method investment. Certain distributions retained by Atairos on our behalf are accounted for as advances and classified within other investments. Atairos may pledge our remaining unfunded capital commitment as security to lenders in connection with certain financing arrangements. This has no effect on our funding commitments. There are no other liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other financial commitments between Comcast and Atairos, and therefore our maximum risk of financial loss is our investment balance and our remaining unfunded capital commitment of $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Atairos follows investment company accounting and records its investments at their fair values each reporting period with the net gains or losses reflected in its statement of operations. We recognize our share of these gains and losses in equity in net income (losses) of investees, net. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, we made cash capital contributions totaling $47 million, $383 million and $571 million, respectively, to Atairos. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our investment, inclusive of advances classified within other investments, was $4.7 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.

Hulu and Collateralized Obligation

In May 2019, we entered into a series of agreements (the “Hulu Transaction”) with The Walt Disney Company and certain of its subsidiaries, whereby we relinquished our board seats and substantially all voting rights associated with our investment in Hulu, and Disney assumed full operational control. We also acquired our proportionate share of the approximate 10% interest in Hulu previously held by AT&T for approximately $477 million, increasing our ownership interest to approximately 33% from approximately 30%.

Following the Hulu Transaction, future capital calls are limited to $1.5 billion in the aggregate each year, with any excess funding requirements funded with member loans. We have the right, but not the obligation, to fund our proportionate share of these capital calls, and if we elect not to fund our share of future equity capital calls, our ownership interest will be diluted, subject to an ownership floor of 21%. The Hulu Transaction agreements include put and call provisions regarding our ownership interest in Hulu, pursuant to which, as early as January 2024, we can require Disney to buy, and Disney can require us to sell our interest, in either case, for fair value at that future time subject to a minimum equity value of $27.5 billion for 100% of the equity of Hulu. The minimum total equity value and ownership floor guarantee minimum proceeds of approximately $5.8 billion upon exercise of the put or call.

In connection with the Hulu Transaction, we agreed to extend certain licenses of NBCUniversal content until late 2024. We can terminate most of our content license agreements with Hulu beginning in 2022, and we obtained the right, beginning in 2020, to modify certain exclusive content licenses so that we can exhibit the content on our platforms in return for reduced license fees.

In August 2019, we entered into a financing arrangement with a syndicate of banks whereby we received proceeds of $5.2 billion under a term loan facility due March 2024. The principal amount of the term loan is secured by the proceeds guaranteed by Disney under the put/call provisions related to our investment in Hulu. The proceeds from the put/call provisions are available only for the repayment of the term loan and are not available to us unless and until the bank lenders are fully paid under the term loan provisions. The bank lenders have no rights to proceeds from the put/call provisions in excess of amounts owed under the term loan. As a result of this transaction, we now present our investment in Hulu and the term loan separately in our consolidated balance sheet in the captions “investment securing collateralized obligation” and “collateralized obligation”, respectively. The recorded value of our investment reflects our historical cost in applying the equity method, and as a result, is less than its fair value. As of December 31, 2021, our collateralized obligation had both a carrying value and estimated fair value of $5.2 billion. The estimated fair value was based on Level 2 inputs that use interest rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Marketable Equity Securities

We classify investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. The changes in fair value of our marketable equity securities between measurement dates are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net. The fair values of our marketable equity securities are based on Level 1 inputs that use quoted market prices.

Nonmarketable Equity Securities

We classify investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as nonmarketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires nonmarketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. We apply the measurement alternative, adjusting the investments for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer, to a majority of our nonmarketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, we estimate the fair values of our nonmarketable equity securities primarily based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net.

Other Investments

AirTouch

In April 2020, Verizon Americas, Inc., formerly known as AirTouch Communications, Inc. (“AirTouch”), redeemed the two series of preferred stock we previously held and we received cash payments totaling $1.7 billion. Subsequently, we redeemed and repurchased the related three series of preferred shares issued by one of our consolidated subsidiaries and made cash payments totaling $1.8 billion.

Impairment Testing of Investments

We review our investment portfolio, other than our marketable equity securities, each reporting period to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that would indicate there is a decline in the fair value. For our nonpublic investments, if there are no identified events or circumstances that would have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, then the fair value is not estimated. For our equity method investments and held to maturity investments, if an investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its cost basis, we reduce the carrying amount of the investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new cost basis for the investment. For our nonmarketable equity securities, we record the impairment to realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net. For our equity method investments and our held to maturity investments, we record the impairment to other income (loss), net.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment


Note 9: Property and Equipment


December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Original Useful Life as of December 31, 2021	2021		2020
Distribution systems	11 years	$	41,814	$	40,861
Customer premise equipment	6 years	25,772		26,323
Buildings, theme park infrastructure and leasehold improvements	31 years	20,258		15,885
Other equipment	11 years	16,960		14,371
Construction in process	N/A	3,131		7,095
Land	N/A	1,722		1,848
Property and equipment, at cost		109,658		106,383
Less: Accumulated depreciation		55,611		54,388
Property and equipment, net		$	54,047	$	51,995

The table below summarizes our property and equipment by geographic location.


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
United States	$	41,187	$	40,580
Other	12,860		11,415
Property and equipment, net	$	54,047	$	51,995

Property and equipment are stated at cost. We capitalize improvements that extend asset lives and expense repairs and maintenance costs as incurred. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. For assets that are sold or retired, we remove the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation and, unless the gain or loss on disposition is presented separately, we recognize it as a component of depreciation expense. Capital expenditures for the construction of Universal Beijing Resort are presented separately in our consolidated statement of cash flows.

Cable Communications capitalizes the costs associated with the construction of and improvements to our cable transmission and distribution facilities, including scalable infrastructure and line extensions; costs associated with acquiring and deploying new customer premise equipment; and costs associated with installation of our services, including the customer’s connection to our network, in accordance with the accounting guidance related to cable television companies. Costs capitalized include all direct costs for labor and materials, as well as various indirect costs. Costs incurred in connection with subsequent disconnects, and reconnects of previously deployed customer premise equipment, are expensed as they are incurred.

We evaluate the recoverability of our property and equipment whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on the cash flows generated by the underlying asset groups, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded its estimated fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of depreciation expense.

Certain of our cable franchise agreements and lease agreements contain provisions requiring us to restore facilities or remove property in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. We expect to continually renew our cable franchise agreements and therefore cannot reasonably estimate liabilities associated with such agreements. A remote possibility exists that franchise agreements could be terminated unexpectedly, which could result in us incurring significant expense in complying with restoration or removal provisions. We do not have any material liabilities related to asset retirement obligations recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets


Note 10: Goodwill and Intangible Assets


Goodwill by Segment
			NBCUniversal
(in millions)	Cable Communications		Cable Networks		Broadcast Television		Filmed Entertainment		Media		Studios		Theme Parks		Sky		Corporate and Other		Total
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	15,074	$	14,067	$	1,059	$	3,321	$	—	$	—	$	6,739	$	28,461	$	4	$	68,725
Acquisitions	122		—		—		27		—		—		—		—		—		149
Foreign currency translation and other	68		(73)		3		(4)		—		—		314		1,489		(2)		1,795
Balance, December 31, 2020	15,264		13,994		1,062		3,344		—		—		7,053		29,950		2		70,669
Segment change	—		(13,994)		(1,062)		(3,344)		14,728		3,672		—		—		—		—
Acquisitions	950		—		—		—		6		3		—		21		—		979
Foreign currency translation and other	(22)		—		—		—		(34)		(3)		(624)		(775)		(2)		(1,459)
Balance, December 31, 2021	$	16,192	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	14,700	$	3,672	$	6,429	$	29,196	$	—	$	70,189

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from anticipated synergies and intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including increased footprint, assembled workforce, noncontractual relationships and other agreements. We assess the recoverability of our goodwill annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. To determine our reporting units, we evaluate the components one level below the segment level and we aggregate the components if they have similar economic characteristics. We evaluate the determination of our reporting units used to test for impairment periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur. The assessment of recoverability may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense. We have not recognized any material impairment charges.


Intangible Assets
		2021				2020
December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Original Useful Life as of December 31, 2021	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Franchise rights	N/A	$	59,365			$	59,365
FCC licenses	N/A	2,807				2,804
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships	14 years	22,119		$	(10,612)	22,197		$	(8,914)
Software	5 years	20,329		(11,520)		17,819		(9,518)
Other agreements and rights	28 years	11,870		(1,413)		12,394		(1,393)
Total		$	116,491	$	(23,545)	$	114,579	$	(19,825)

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our cable franchise rights. Our cable franchise rights represent the values we attributed to agreements with state and local authorities that allow access to homes and businesses in cable service areas acquired in business combinations. We do not amortize our cable franchise rights because we have determined that they meet the definition of indefinite-lived intangible assets since there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the period over which these rights will contribute to our cash flows. We reassess this determination periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur. The purchase of spectrum rights is presented separately in our consolidated statement of cash flows.

We assess the recoverability of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Our three Cable Communications divisions represent the unit of account we use to test for impairment of our cable franchise rights. We evaluate the unit of account used to test for impairment of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur to ensure impairment testing is performed at an appropriate level. The assessment of recoverability may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. When performing a quantitative assessment, we estimate the fair value of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily based on a discounted cash flow analysis that involves significant judgment. When analyzing the fair values indicated under the discounted cash flow models, we also consider multiples of Adjusted EBITDA generated by the underlying assets, current market transactions and profitability information. If the fair value of our cable franchise rights or other indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than the carrying amount, we would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense. We did not recognize any material impairment charges in any of the periods presented.

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets


Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
(in millions)
2022	$	5,140
2023	$	4,513
2024	$	3,737
2025	$	2,996
2026	$	2,403

Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to amortization and consist primarily of customer relationships acquired in business combinations, software, trade names and intellectual property rights. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life or the term of the associated agreement.

We capitalize direct development costs associated with internal-use software, including external direct costs of material and services and payroll costs for employees devoting time to these software projects. We also capitalize costs associated with arrangements that constitute the purchase of, or convey a license to, software licenses. We generally amortize them on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed five years. We expense maintenance and training costs, as well as costs incurred during the preliminary stage of a project, as they are incurred. We capitalize initial operating system software costs and amortize them over the life of the associated hardware.

We evaluate the recoverability of our finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on the cash flows generated by the underlying asset groups, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded its estimated fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense.

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans


Note 11: Employee Benefit Plans

Deferred Compensation Plans


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Benefit obligation	$	4,002	$	3,648	$	3,273
Interest expense	$	265	$	293	$	285

We maintain unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plans for certain members of management and nonemployee directors. The amount of compensation deferred by each participant is based on participant elections. Participant accounts are credited with income primarily based on a fixed annual rate. Participants are eligible to receive distributions from their account based on elected deferral periods that are consistent with the plans and applicable tax law.

We have purchased life insurance policies to recover a portion of the future payments related to our deferred compensation plans. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the cash surrender value of these policies, which is recorded to other noncurrent assets, net, was $549 million and $481 million, respectively.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We sponsor several 401(k) defined contribution retirement plans that allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their compensation through payroll deductions in accordance with specified plan guidelines. We make contributions to the plans that include matching a percentage of the employees’ contributions up to certain limits. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, expenses related to these plans totaled $595 million, $599 million and $573 million, respectively.

We participate in various multiemployer benefit plans, including pension and postretirement benefit plans, that cover some of our employees and temporary employees who are represented by labor unions. We also participate in other multiemployer benefit plans that provide health and welfare and retirement savings benefits to active and retired participants. If we cease to be obligated to make contributions or were to otherwise withdraw from participation in any of these plans, applicable law would require us to fund our allocable share of the unfunded vested benefits, which is known as a withdrawal liability. In addition, actions taken by other participating employers may lead to adverse changes in the financial condition of one of these plans, which could result in an increase in our withdrawal liability. Total contributions we made to multiemployer benefit plans and any potential withdrawal liabilities were not material in any of the periods presented.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for retirement benefits.

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+ Details

Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Equity


Note 12: Equity

Common Stock

In the aggregate, holders of our Class A common stock have 662/3% of the voting power of our common stock and holders of our Class B common stock have 331/3% of the voting power of our common stock, which percentage is generally non-dilutable under the terms of our articles of incorporation. Each share of our Class B common stock is entitled to 15 votes. The number of votes held by each share of our Class A common stock depends on the number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding at any given time. The 331/3% aggregate voting power of our Class B common stock cannot be diluted by additional issuances of any other class of common stock. Our Class B common stock is convertible, share for share, into Class A common stock, subject to certain restrictions.


Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
(in millions)	Class A	Class B
Balance, December 31, 2018	4,517	9
Stock compensation plans	21	—

Employee stock purchase plans	6	—


Balance, December 31, 2019	4,544	9
Stock compensation plans	20	—

Employee stock purchase plans	7	—
Balance, December 31, 2020	4,571	9
Stock compensation plans	21	—
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	(73)	—
Employee stock purchase plans	5	—
Balance, December 31, 2021	4,524	9


Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021	2020	2019
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic	4,584	4,574	4,548
Effect of dilutive securities	70	50	62
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	4,654	4,624	4,610

Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (“diluted EPS”) considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method. Our potentially dilutive securities include potential common shares related to our stock options and our restricted share units (“RSUs”). Diluted EPS excludes the impact of potential common shares related to our stock options in periods in which the combination of the option exercise price and the associated unrecognized compensation expense is greater than the average market price of our common stock. The amount of potential common shares related to our share-based compensation plans that were excluded from diluted EPS because their effect would have been antidilutive was not material in any of the periods presented.


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Cumulative translation adjustments	$	1,119	$	1,790

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	104		(109)
Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations and other	257		203


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes	$	1,480	$	1,884

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

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+ Details

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation


Note 13: Share-Based Compensation

The tables below provide information on our share-based compensation.


Recognized Share-Based Compensation Expense
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Restricted share units	$	729	$	628	$	564
Stock options	314		294		231
Employee stock purchase plans	38		38		30
Total	$	1,081	$	960	$	825

Our share-based compensation plans consist primarily of awards of RSUs and stock options to certain employees and directors as part of our approach to long-term incentive compensation. Awards generally vest over a period of 5 years and, in the case of stock options, have a 10 year term. Additionally, through our employee stock purchase plans, employees are able to purchase shares of our common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. As of December 31, 2021, all of our stock options outstanding were net settled stock options, which result in fewer shares being issued and no cash proceeds being received by us when the options are exercised.


Stock Options and Restricted Share Units
As of December 31, 2021, unless otherwise stated (in millions, except per share data)	Stock Options		RSUs
Awards granted during 2021	44		17
Weighted-average exercise price of awards granted during 2021	$	54.22
Stock options outstanding and nonvested RSUs	211		44
Weighted-average exercise price of stock options outstanding	$	40.38
Weighted-average fair value at grant date of nonvested RSUs			$	45.33

The cost associated with our share-based compensation is based on an award’s estimated fair value at the date of grant and is recognized over the period in which any related services are provided. RSUs are valued based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant and are discounted for the lack of dividends, if any, during the vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards.

The table below presents the weighted-average fair value on the date of grant of RSUs and stock options awarded under our various plans and the related weighted-average valuation assumptions.


Year ended December 31	2021			2020			2019
RSUs fair value	$	54.52		$	41.71		$	40.42
Stock options fair value	$	9.72		$	6.61		$	7.91
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions:
Dividend yield	1.8		%	2.2		%	2.1		%
Expected volatility	22.8		%	21.0		%	22.0		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%	1.0		%	2.5		%
Expected option life (in years)	5.9			6.0			6.0

As of December 31, 2021, we had unrecognized pretax compensation expense of $1.2 billion related to nonvested RSUs and unrecognized pretax compensation expense of $592 million related to nonvested stock options that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 and 1.7 years, respectively. In 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recognized $209 million, $150 million and $196 million, respectively, as a reduction to income tax expense as a result of excess tax benefits associated with our share-based compensation plans.

Supplemental Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Supplemental Financial Information


Note 14: Supplemental Financial Information


Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Interest	$	3,908	$	3,878	$	4,254
Income taxes	$	2,628	$	3,183	$	3,231

Noncash Activities

During 2021:

•we acquired $2.0 billion of property and equipment and intangible assets that were accrued but unpaid

•we recorded a liability of $1.1 billion for a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share paid in January 2022

During 2020:

•we acquired $1.9 billion of property and equipment and intangible assets that were accrued but unpaid

•we recorded a liability of $1.1 billion for a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share paid in January 2021

During 2019:

•we acquired $1.9 billion of property and equipment and intangible assets that were accrued but unpaid

•we recorded a liability of $956 million for a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share paid in January 2020

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheet to the total of the amounts reported in our consolidated statement of cash flows.


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,711	$	11,740
Restricted cash included in other current assets	56		14
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets, net	12		14
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$	8,778	$	11,768

Our cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and U.S. government obligations, as well as commercial paper and certificates of deposit with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying amounts of our cash equivalents approximate their fair values, which are primarily based on Level 1 inputs.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies


Note 15: Commitments and Contingencies

Sports Rights and Licensed Content

Our most significant fixed-price purchase obligations relate to long-term commitments for sports rights and licensed content. Refer to Note 4 for additional information.

Leases

Our leases consist primarily of real estate, vehicles and other equipment. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We generally utilize our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement of the lease in determining the present value of future payments. The lease asset also includes any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred and excludes lease incentives. Lease assets and liabilities are not recorded for leases with an initial term of one year or less. Lease expense for operating leases recorded in the balance sheet is included in operating costs and expenses and is based on the future minimum lease payments recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease plus any variable lease costs. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, operating lease expenses, inclusive of short-term and variable lease expenses, recognized in our consolidated statement of income were $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. These amounts do not include lease costs associated with production activities or other amounts capitalized in our consolidated balance sheet, which were not material.

The table below summarizes the operating lease assets and liabilities recorded in our consolidated balance sheet.


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Other noncurrent assets, net	$	6,467	$	3,784
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	766	$	718
Other noncurrent liabilities	$	6,473	$	3,740

The table below summarizes our future minimum lease commitments for operating leases as of December 31, 2021.


(in millions)	December 31, 2021
2022	$	932
2023	875
2024	771
2025	626
2026	551
Thereafter	7,933
Total future minimum lease payments	11,688
Less: imputed interest	4,449
Total liability	$	7,239

The weighted-average remaining lease terms for operating leases and the weighted-average discount rates used to calculate our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 were 19 years and 3.94%, respectively, and as of December 31, 2020 were 9 years and 3.58%, respectively.

In 2021, 2020 and 2019, cash payments for operating leases recorded in the consolidated balance sheet were $987 million, $936 million and $914 million respectively. We recognized operating lease assets and liabilities of $2.8 billion related to Universal Beijing Resort in 2021. Lease assets and liabilities associated with other operating leases entered into or modified were not material in any period presented.

Contractual Obligation

We are party to a contractual obligation that involves an interest held by a third party in the revenue of certain theme parks. The arrangement provides the counterparty with the right to periodic payments associated with current period revenue which are recorded as an operating expense, and beginning in June 2017, the option to require NBCUniversal to purchase the interest for cash in an amount based on a contractual formula. The contractual formula is based on an average of specified historical theme park revenue at the time of exercise, which amount could be significantly higher than our carrying value. As of December 31,

2021, our carrying value was $1.1 billion, and the estimated value of the contractual obligation was $1.5 billion based on inputs to the contractual formula as of that date.

Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock

In the first quarter of 2021, we redeemed all of the NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. preferred stock and made cash payments equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of $725 million. As of December 31, 2020, the preferred stock had a carrying value equal to its liquidation preference and was presented in redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock.

Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. While the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions is not expected to materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial position, any litigation resulting from any such legal proceedings or claims could be time-consuming and injure our reputation.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all entities in which we have a controlling voting interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) required to be consolidated, including Universal Beijing Resort (see Note 7).
Foreign Currency Translation	We translate assets and liabilities of our foreign operations where the functional currency is the local currency into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date and translate revenue and expenses using average monthly exchange rates. The related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheet. Any foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included in our consolidated statement of income in investment and other income (loss), net. For disclosures containing future amounts where the functional currency is the local currency, we translate the amounts into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications have been made to our notes to consolidated financial statements for the prior year period to conform to classifications used in 2021. See Note 2 for a discussion of the changes in our presentation of segment operating results.
Use of Estimates	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require us to select accounting policies, including in certain cases industry-specific policies, and make estimates that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following accounting policies are specific to the industries in which we operate: •capitalization and amortization of film and television costs (see Note 4) •costs for connecting customers to our cable systems (see Note 9)
Advertising Cost	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Derivative Financial Instruments	We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. Our objective is to manage the financial and operational exposure arising from these risks by offsetting gains and losses on the underlying exposures with gains and losses on the derivatives used to economically hedge them. Our derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. We designate certain derivative instruments as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, including foreign currency denominated cash flows associated with non-functional currency debt and non-functional currency revenue and expenses. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged items affect earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
Fair Value Measurements	The accounting guidance related to fair value measurements establishes a hierarchy based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques. The levels of the hierarchy are described below. •Level 1: Values are determined using quoted market prices for identical financial instruments in an active market. •Level 2: Values are determined using quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. •Level 3: Values are determined using models that use significant inputs that are primarily unobservable, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. We use the three tier fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of certain financial instruments on a recurring basis, such as for investments (see Note 8); on a non-recurring basis, such as for acquisitions and impairment testing; and for disclosure purposes, such as for long-term debt (see Note 6). Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation and classification within the fair value hierarchy.
Revenue Recognition	Cable Communications Segment Revenue is generated from the sale of our broadband, video, voice, wireless and other services to residential customers in the United States under the Xfinity brand, which we market individually and as bundled services at a discounted rate. We also provide these and other services to business customers and sell advertising. Residential We recognize revenue as the services are provided on a monthly basis. Subscription rates and related charges vary according to the services and features customers receive. Revenue from customers that purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated between the separate services based on the respective stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the current prices at which we separately sell the services. Significant judgment is used to determine performance obligations that should be accounted for separately and the allocation of revenue when services are combined in a bundle. Customers are typically billed in advance and pay on a monthly basis. Installation fees are deferred and recognized as revenue over the period of benefit to the customer, which is less than a year. While a portion of our customers are subject to contracts for their services, which are typically 1 to 2 years in length, based on our evaluation of the terms of these contracts, we recognize revenue for these services on a basis that is consistent with our customers that are not subject to contracts. Our services generally involve customer premise equipment, such as set-top boxes, cable modems and wireless gateways. The timing and pattern of recognition for customer premise equipment revenue are consistent with those of our services. We recognize revenue from the sale of wireless handsets at the point of sale. Sales commissions are expensed as incurred, as the related period of benefit is less than a year. We also have arrangements to sell certain DTC streaming services to our customers. We have concluded we are generally the sales agent in these arrangements and we record net commission revenue as earned, which is generally as customers are billed on a monthly basis, within broadband revenue. Under the terms of cable franchise agreements, we are generally required to pay the cable franchising authority an amount based on gross video revenue. We generally pass these and other similar fees through to our customers and classify these fees in the respective Cable Communications services revenue with the corresponding costs included in other operating and administrative expenses. Business Services Revenue is generated from subscribers to a variety of our products and services which are offered to businesses. Our service offerings for small business locations primarily include broadband services, as well as voice and video services, that are similar to those provided to residential customers, and include certain other features specific to businesses. We also offer Ethernet network services that connect multiple locations and other services to meet the needs of medium-sized customers and larger enterprises, and we provide cellular backhaul services to mobile network operators. We recognize revenue as the services are provided on a monthly basis. Substantially all of our customers are initially under contracts, with terms typically ranging from 2 years for small and medium-sized businesses to up to 5 years for larger enterprises. At any given time, the amount of future revenue to be earned related to fixed pricing under existing agreements is equal to approximately half of our annual business services revenue, of which the substantial majority will be recognized within 2 years. Customers with contracts may only discontinue service in accordance with the terms of their contracts. We receive payments based on a billing schedule established in our contracts, which is typically on a monthly basis. Installation revenue and sales commissions are generally deferred and recognized over the respective contract terms. Advertising Revenue is generated from the sale of advertising and technology, tools and solutions relating to advertising businesses. As part of distribution agreements with cable networks, we generally receive an allocation of scheduled advertising time that we sell to local, regional and national advertisers. In most cases, the available advertising units are sold by our sales force. We also represent the advertising sales efforts of other multichannel video providers in some markets. Since we are acting as the principal in these arrangements, we record the advertising that is sold in advertising revenue and the fees paid to multichannel video providers in other operating and administrative expenses. In some cases, we work with representation firms as an extension of our sales force to sell a portion of the advertising units allocated to us and record the revenue net of agency commissions. In addition, we generate revenue from the sale of advertising on digital platforms. We enter into advertising arrangements with customers and have determined that a contract exists once all terms and conditions are agreed upon, typically when the number of advertising units is specifically identified and the timing of airing is scheduled. Advertisements are generally aired or viewed within one year once all terms and conditions are agreed upon. Revenue from these arrangements is recognized in the period in which advertisements are aired or viewed. Payment terms vary by contract, although terms generally require payment within 30 to 60 days from when advertisements are aired or viewed. In addition, we also provide technology, tools, data-driven services and marketplace solutions to customers in the media industry to facilitate advertisers more effectively engaging with their target audiences. Revenue earned in this manner is recognized when services are provided. NBCUniversal Segments Advertising Media generates revenue from the sale of advertising on our television networks, Peacock and digital properties. We enter into advertising arrangements with customers and have determined that a contract exists once all terms and conditions are agreed upon, typically when the number of advertising units is specifically identified and the timing of airing is scheduled. Advertisements are generally aired or viewed within one year once all terms are agreed upon. Revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period in which advertisements are aired or viewed and payment occurs thereafter, with payment generally required within 30 days. In some instances, we guarantee audience ratings for the advertisements. To the extent there is a shortfall in contracts where the ratings were guaranteed, a portion of the revenue is deferred until the shortfall is settled, typically by providing additional advertising units generally within one year of the original airing. Distribution Media generates revenue from the distribution of cable network programming in the United States and internationally to multichannel video providers, including both traditional providers of linear programming and virtual providers who provide streaming services for linear programming. Media also generates revenue from the fees received from multichannel video providers under NBC and Telemundo retransmission consent agreements and associated fees from NBC-affiliated and Telemundo-affiliated local broadcast television stations. Additionally, Media generates revenue from monthly subscription fees received from certain Peacock subscribers. Monthly fees received under distribution agreements with multichannel video providers are generally under multiyear agreements and based on the number of subscribers. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include payment within 60 days. These arrangements are accounted for as licenses of functional intellectual property and revenue is recognized as programming is provided on a monthly basis. Content Licensing Studios generates revenue from the licensing of our owned film and television content in the United States and internationally to cable, broadcast and premium networks and to DTC streaming service providers, as well as through video on demand and pay-per-view services. Media also generates revenue from licensing of our owned television content, which is reported in other revenue. Our agreements generally include fixed pricing and span multiple years. For example, following a film’s theatrical release, Studios may license the exhibition rights of a film to different customers over multiple successive distribution windows. We recognize revenue when the content is delivered and available for use by the licensee. When the term of an existing agreement is renewed or extended, we recognize revenue at the later of when the content is available or when the renewal or extension period begins. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although payments are generally collected over the license term. The amount of future revenue to be earned related to fixed pricing under existing third-party agreements at any given time equals approximately one half year to 1 year of annual Studios content licensing revenue, which is the segment with the largest portion of this future revenue. The majority of this revenue will be recognized within 2 years. This amount may fluctuate from period to period depending on the timing of the releases and the availability of content under existing agreements and may not represent the total revenue expected to be recognized as it does not include revenue from future agreements or from variable pricing or optional purchases under existing agreements. For our agreements that include variable pricing, such as pricing based on the number of subscribers to a DTC streaming service sold by our customers, we generally recognize revenue as our customers sell to their subscribers. Theatrical Studios generates revenue from the worldwide theatrical release of produced and acquired films for exhibition in movie theaters. Our arrangements with exhibitors generally entitle us to a percentage of ticket sales. We recognize revenue as the films are viewed and exhibited in theaters and payment generally occurs within 30 days after exhibition. Home Entertainment Studios generates revenue from the sale of our produced and acquired films on DVDs and through digital distribution services. Media also generates revenue from the sale of owned programming on DVDs and through digital distribution services, which is reported in other revenue. We generally recognize revenue from DVD sales, net of estimated returns and customer incentives, on the date that DVDs are delivered to and made available for sale by retailers. Payment terms generally include payment within 60 to 90 days from delivery to the retailer. Theme Parks Theme Parks generates revenue primarily from guest spending at our Universal theme parks in Orlando, Florida; Hollywood, California; Osaka, Japan; and Beijing, China. Guest spending includes ticket sales and in-park spending on food, beverages and merchandise. We also generate revenue from our consumer products business. Additionally, we license the right to use the Universal Studios brand name and other intellectual property and provide other services to third parties, including the party that owns and operates the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on Sentosa Island, Singapore. We recognize revenue from ticket sales when the tickets are used, generally within a year from the date of purchase. For annual passes, we generally recognize revenue on a straight-line basis over the period the pass is available to be used. We recognize revenue from in-park spending and consumer products at the point of sale. Sky Segment Direct-to-Consumer Revenue is generated from subscribers to our video services from both residential and business customers, primarily in the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. We also provide broadband, voice and wireless phone services in select countries. Generally, all of our residential customers are initially under contracts, with terms typically ranging from rolling monthly to 18 months, depending on the product and territory, and may only discontinue service in accordance with the terms of their contracts. Subscription rates and related charges vary according to the services and features customers receive and the types of equipment they use, and customers are typically billed in advance on a monthly basis. Our video, broadband, voice and wireless services generally may be purchased individually or in bundles. We recognize revenue from video, broadband, voice and wireless services as the services are provided on a monthly basis. At any given time, the amount of future revenue to be earned related to existing agreements is equal to less than half of our annual direct-to-consumer revenue, which generally will be recognized within 18 months. Content Revenue is generated from the distribution of our owned channels on third-party platforms and the licensing of owned and licensed content to third-party video providers. See the NBCUniversal segment discussion of distribution and content licensing revenue above for accounting policies for these types of arrangements. Advertising Revenue is generated from advertising across our owned television channels and where we represent the sales efforts of third-party channels. We also generate revenue from the sale of advertising on digital platforms and various technology, tools and solutions relating to our advertising business. Revenue is recognized when the advertising is aired or viewed. Since we are acting as the principal in the arrangements where we represent the sales efforts of third parties, we record the advertising that is sold in advertising revenue and the fees paid to the third-party channels in other operating and administrative expenses.
Film and Television Costs	Video Distribution Programming Expenses We incur programming expenses related to the license of the rights to distribute the third-party programmed channels, platforms and related content included in video services we sell to end consumers. Programming is generally acquired under multiyear distribution agreements, with fees typically based on the number of customers that receive the programming and the extent of distribution. Programming distribution arrangements are accounted for as executory contracts with expenses generally recognized based on the rates in the agreements and the arrangements are not subject to impairment. Film and Television Content We incur costs related to the production of owned content and the license of the rights to use content owned by third parties and sports rights on our owned networks and platforms, which are described as owned and licensed content, respectively. We have determined that the predominant monetization strategy for the substantial majority of our content is on an individual basis. We capitalize costs for owned film and television content, including direct costs, production overhead, print costs, development costs and interest, as well as acquired libraries. Amortization for owned content predominantly monetized on an individual basis and accrued costs associated with participations and residuals payments are recorded using the individual film forecast computation method, which recognizes the costs in the same ratio as the associated ultimate revenue. Estimates of ultimate revenue and total costs are based on anticipated release patterns and distribution strategies, public acceptance and historical results for similar productions. Amortization for content predominantly monetized with other owned or licensed content is recorded based on estimated usage. In determining the method of amortization and estimated life of an acquired film or television library, we generally use the method and the life that most closely follow the undiscounted cash flows over the estimated life of the asset. We do not capitalize costs related to the distribution of a film in movie theaters or the licensing or sale of a film or television production, which primarily include costs associated with marketing and distribution. We may enter into cofinancing arrangements with third parties to jointly finance or distribute certain of our film productions. Cofinancing arrangements can take various forms, but in most cases involve the grant of an economic interest in a film to an investor who owns an undivided copyright interest in the film. The number of investors and the terms of these arrangements can vary, although investors generally assume the full risks and rewards for the portion of the film acquired in these arrangements. We account for the proceeds received from the investor under these arrangements as a reduction of our capitalized film costs and the investor’s interest in the profit or loss of the film is recorded as either a charge or a benefit, respectively, in programming and production costs. The investor’s interest in the profit or loss of a film is recorded each period using the individual film forecast computation method.
Entertainment Entities	We capitalize the costs of licensed content when the license period begins, the content is made available for use and the costs of the licenses are known. Licensed content is amortized as the associated programs are broadcast.
Film Costs and Entertainment Entities	Owned and licensed content are presented as noncurrent assets in film and television costs. We present amortization of owned and licensed content and accrued costs associated with participations and residuals payments in programming and production costs. When an event or a change in circumstance occurs that was known or knowable as of the balance sheet date and that indicates the fair value of either owned or licensed content is less than the unamortized costs in the balance sheet, we determine the fair value and record an impairment charge to the extent the unamortized costs exceed the fair value. Owned content is assessed either individually or in identified film groups, for content predominantly monetized on an individual basis or with other content, respectively. The substantial majority of our owned content is evaluated for impairment on an individual title basis. Licensed content that is not part of a film group is generally assessed in packages, channels or dayparts. A daypart is an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or programs of a similar type. Licensed content is tested for impairment primarily on a channel, network or platform basis, with the exception of our broadcast networks and owned local broadcast television stations, which are tested on a daypart basis. Estimated fair values of owned and licensed content are generally based on Level 3 inputs including analysis of market participant estimates of future cash flows. We record charges related to impairments or content that is substantively abandoned to programming and production costs. Impairments of capitalized film and television costs were not material in any of the periods presented. Sports Rights We recognize the costs of multiyear, live-event sports rights as the rights are utilized over the contract term based on estimated relative value. Estimated relative value is generally based on the terms of the contract and the nature of and potential revenue generation of the deliverables within the contract. Sports rights are accounted for as executory contracts and are not subject to impairment. When cash payments, including advanced payments, exceed the relative value of the sports rights delivered, we recognize an asset in licensed content. Production costs incurred in advance of airing are also presented with licensed content.
Income Taxes	We base our provision for income taxes on our current period income, changes in our deferred income tax assets and liabilities, income tax rates, changes in estimates of our uncertain tax positions, tax planning opportunities available in the jurisdictions in which we operate and excess tax benefits or deficiencies that arise when the tax consequences of share-based compensation differ from amounts previously recognized in the statement of income. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities when there are temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and for the expected benefits of using net operating loss carryforwards. When a change in the tax rate or tax law has an impact on deferred taxes, we apply the change based on the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. We record the change in our consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. The determination of the income tax consequences of a business combination includes identifying the tax basis of assets and liabilities acquired and any contingencies associated with uncertain tax positions assumed or resulting from the business combination. Deferred tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences of an acquired entity are recorded as of the date of the business combination and are based on our estimate of the ultimate tax basis that will be accepted by the various tax authorities. We record liabilities for contingencies associated with prior tax returns filed by the acquired entity based on criteria set forth in the appropriate accounting guidance. We adjust the deferred tax accounts and the liabilities periodically to reflect any revised estimated tax basis and any estimated settlements with the various tax authorities. The effects of these adjustments are recorded to income tax expense. From time to time, we engage in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. In these cases, we evaluate our tax position using the recognition threshold and the measurement attribute in accordance with the accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Examples of these transactions include business acquisitions and dispositions, including consideration paid or received in connection with these transactions, certain financing transactions, and the allocation of income among state and local tax jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained on examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax (expense) benefit.
Investments	Equity Method We use the equity method to account for investments in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, or in which we hold a partnership or limited liability company interest in an entity with specific ownership accounts, unless we have virtually no influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize (1) our share, based on percentage ownership or other contractual basis, of the investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment, (2) amortization of the recorded investment that exceeds our share of the book value of the investee’s net assets, (3) additional contributions made and dividends or other distributions received, and (4) impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in fair value. For some investments, we record our share of the investee’s net income or loss one quarter in arrears due to the timing of our receipt of such information. Gains or losses on the sale of equity method investments are recorded to other income (loss), net. If an equity method investee were to issue additional securities that would change our proportionate share of the entity, we would recognize the change, if any, as a gain or loss to other income (loss), net. Cash distributions received from equity method investments are considered returns on investment and presented within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows to the extent of cumulative equity in net income of the investee. Additional distributions are presented as investing activities. Distributions presented within operating activities totaled $1.1 billion, $66 million and $215 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Marketable Equity Securities We classify investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. The changes in fair value of our marketable equity securities between measurement dates are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net. The fair values of our marketable equity securities are based on Level 1 inputs that use quoted market prices. Nonmarketable Equity Securities We classify investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as nonmarketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires nonmarketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. We apply the measurement alternative, adjusting the investments for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer, to a majority of our nonmarketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, we estimate the fair values of our nonmarketable equity securities primarily based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net.
Impairment Testing of Investments	Impairment Testing of Investments We review our investment portfolio, other than our marketable equity securities, each reporting period to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that would indicate there is a decline in the fair value. For our nonpublic investments, if there are no identified events or circumstances that would have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, then the fair value is not estimated. For our equity method investments and held to maturity investments, if an investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its cost basis, we reduce the carrying amount of the investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new cost basis for the investment. For our nonmarketable equity securities, we record the impairment to realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net. For our equity method investments and our held to maturity investments, we record the impairment to other income (loss), net.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost. We capitalize improvements that extend asset lives and expense repairs and maintenance costs as incurred. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. For assets that are sold or retired, we remove the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation and, unless the gain or loss on disposition is presented separately, we recognize it as a component of depreciation expense. Capital expenditures for the construction of Universal Beijing Resort are presented separately in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Cable Communications capitalizes the costs associated with the construction of and improvements to our cable transmission and distribution facilities, including scalable infrastructure and line extensions; costs associated with acquiring and deploying new customer premise equipment; and costs associated with installation of our services, including the customer’s connection to our network, in accordance with the accounting guidance related to cable television companies. Costs capitalized include all direct costs for labor and materials, as well as various indirect costs. Costs incurred in connection with subsequent disconnects, and reconnects of previously deployed customer premise equipment, are expensed as they are incurred. We evaluate the recoverability of our property and equipment whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on the cash flows generated by the underlying asset groups, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded its estimated fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of depreciation expense. Certain of our cable franchise agreements and lease agreements contain provisions requiring us to restore facilities or remove property in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. We expect to continually renew our cable franchise agreements and therefore cannot reasonably estimate liabilities associated with such agreements. A remote possibility exists that franchise agreements could be terminated unexpectedly, which could result in us incurring significant expense in complying with restoration or removal provisions. We do not have any material liabilities related to asset retirement obligations recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from anticipated synergies and intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including increased footprint, assembled workforce, noncontractual relationships and other agreements. We assess the recoverability of our goodwill annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. To determine our reporting units, we evaluate the components one level below the segment level and we aggregate the components if they have similar economic characteristics. We evaluate the determination of our reporting units used to test for impairment periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur. The assessment of recoverability may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense. We have not recognized any material impairment charges.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our cable franchise rights. Our cable franchise rights represent the values we attributed to agreements with state and local authorities that allow access to homes and businesses in cable service areas acquired in business combinations. We do not amortize our cable franchise rights because we have determined that they meet the definition of indefinite-lived intangible assets since there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the period over which these rights will contribute to our cash flows. We reassess this determination periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur. The purchase of spectrum rights is presented separately in our consolidated statement of cash flows.We assess the recoverability of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Our three Cable Communications divisions represent the unit of account we use to test for impairment of our cable franchise rights. We evaluate the unit of account used to test for impairment of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets periodically or whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances occur to ensure impairment testing is performed at an appropriate level. The assessment of recoverability may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. When performing a quantitative assessment, we estimate the fair value of our cable franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily based on a discounted cash flow analysis that involves significant judgment. When analyzing the fair values indicated under the discounted cash flow models, we also consider multiples of Adjusted EBITDA generated by the underlying assets, current market transactions and profitability information. If the fair value of our cable franchise rights or other indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than the carrying amount, we would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense. We did not recognize any material impairment charges in any of the periods presented.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Finite-lived intangible assets are subject to amortization and consist primarily of customer relationships acquired in business combinations, software, trade names and intellectual property rights. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life or the term of the associated agreement. We capitalize direct development costs associated with internal-use software, including external direct costs of material and services and payroll costs for employees devoting time to these software projects. We also capitalize costs associated with arrangements that constitute the purchase of, or convey a license to, software licenses. We generally amortize them on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed five years. We expense maintenance and training costs, as well as costs incurred during the preliminary stage of a project, as they are incurred. We capitalize initial operating system software costs and amortize them over the life of the associated hardware. We evaluate the recoverability of our finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on the cash flows generated by the underlying asset groups, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we would recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded its estimated fair value. Unless presented separately, the impairment charge is included as a component of amortization expense.
Postretirement and Pension Benefits	We sponsor several 401(k) defined contribution retirement plans that allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their compensation through payroll deductions in accordance with specified plan guidelines. We make contributions to the plans that include matching a percentage of the employees’ contributions up to certain limits.We participate in various multiemployer benefit plans, including pension and postretirement benefit plans, that cover some of our employees and temporary employees who are represented by labor unions. We also participate in other multiemployer benefit plans that provide health and welfare and retirement savings benefits to active and retired participants. If we cease to be obligated to make contributions or were to otherwise withdraw from participation in any of these plans, applicable law would require us to fund our allocable share of the unfunded vested benefits, which is known as a withdrawal liability. In addition, actions taken by other participating employers may lead to adverse changes in the financial condition of one of these plans, which could result in an increase in our withdrawal liability.
Earnings Per Share	Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (“diluted EPS”) considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method. Our potentially dilutive securities include potential common shares related to our stock options and our restricted share units (“RSUs”). Diluted EPS excludes the impact of potential common shares related to our stock options in periods in which the combination of the option exercise price and the associated unrecognized compensation expense is greater than the average market price of our common stock. The amount of potential common shares related to our share-based compensation plans that were excluded from diluted EPS because their effect would have been antidilutive was not material in any of the periods presented.
Share-Based Compensation	The cost associated with our share-based compensation is based on an award’s estimated fair value at the date of grant and is recognized over the period in which any related services are provided. RSUs are valued based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant and are discounted for the lack of dividends, if any, during the vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards.
Leases	Our leases consist primarily of real estate, vehicles and other equipment. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We generally utilize our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement of the lease in determining the present value of future payments. The lease asset also includes any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred and excludes lease incentives. Lease assets and liabilities are not recorded for leases with an initial term of one year or less. Lease expense for operating leases recorded in the balance sheet is included in operating costs and expenses and is based on the future minimum lease payments recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease plus any variable lease costs. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, operating lease expenses, inclusive of short-term and variable lease expenses, recognized in our consolidated statement of income were $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. These amounts do not include lease costs associated with production activities or other amounts capitalized in our consolidated balance sheet, which were not material.

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Financial Data by Business Segment


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2021
Cable Communications	$	64,328	$	28,097	$	7,811	$	6,930	$	1,438
NBCUniversal
Media	22,780		4,569		1,030		100		163

Studios	9,449		884		53		5		11
Theme Parks	5,051		1,267		906		614		43
Headquarters and Other	87		(840)		478		366		143
Eliminations(a)	(3,048)		(205)		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	34,319		5,675		2,466		1,086		360
Sky	20,285		2,359		3,379		948		814
Corporate and Other	461		(1,358)		147		210		272
Eliminations(a)	(3,008)		(65)		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	116,385	$	34,708	$	13,804	$	9,174	$	2,883


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2020
Cable Communications	$	60,051	$	25,270	$	7,753	$	6,605	$	1,333
NBCUniversal
Media	18,936		5,574		993		122		176

Studios	8,134		1,041		67		12		5
Theme Parks	2,094		(477)		772		1,171		56
Headquarters and Other	53		(563)		475		186		136
Eliminations(a)	(2,006)		(220)		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	27,211		5,355		2,307		1,491		373
Sky	18,594		1,954		3,034		959		741
Corporate and Other	248		(1,785)		6		124		8
Eliminations(a)	(2,540)		32		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	103,564	$	30,826	$	13,100	$	9,179	$	2,455


(in millions)	Revenue(a)		Adjusted EBITDA(b)		Depreciation and Amortization		Capital Expenditures		Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
2019
Cable Communications	$	58,082	$	23,266	$	7,994	$	6,909	$	1,426
NBCUniversal
Media	19,947		5,834		924		204		101

Studios	9,352		1,058		49		19		10
Theme Parks	6,213		2,498		697		1,605		60
Headquarters and Other	31		(690)		459		244		166
Eliminations(a)	(1,585)		11		—		—		—
NBCUniversal	33,958		8,711		2,129		2,072		337
Sky	19,219		3,099		2,699		768		707
Corporate and Other	333		(820)		131		204		5
Eliminations(a)	(2,650)		2		—		—		—
Comcast Consolidated	$	108,942	$	34,258	$	12,953	$	9,953	$	2,475

A summary of revenue for each of our segments resulting from transactions with other segments and eliminated in consolidation is presented in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Cable Communications	$	244	$	202	$	162
NBCUniversal
Media	2,330		1,965		2,202
Studios	3,186		2,214		1,727
Theme Parks	2		—		—
Headquarters and Other	68		31		1
Sky	32		17		21
Corporate and Other	193		117		121
Total intersegment revenue	$	6,055	$	4,546	$	4,235


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Adjusted EBITDA	$	34,708	$	30,826	$	34,258

Adjustments	(87)		(233)		(180)
Depreciation	(8,628)		(8,320)		(8,663)
Amortization	(5,176)		(4,780)		(4,290)

Interest expense	(4,281)		(4,588)		(4,567)
Investment and other income (loss), net	2,557		1,160		438
Income before income taxes	$	19,093	$	14,065	$	16,996

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Segments to Consolidated

Our reconciliation of the aggregate amount of Adjusted EBITDA for our reportable segments to consolidated income before income taxes is presented in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Adjusted EBITDA	$	34,708	$	30,826	$	34,258

Adjustments	(87)		(233)		(180)
Depreciation	(8,628)		(8,320)		(8,663)
Amortization	(5,176)		(4,780)		(4,290)

Interest expense	(4,281)		(4,588)		(4,567)
Investment and other income (loss), net	2,557		1,160		438
Income before income taxes	$	19,093	$	14,065	$	16,996

Revenue (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Disaggregation of revenue


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Residential:
Broadband	$	22,979	$	20,599	$	18,752
Video	22,079		21,937		22,270
Voice	3,417		3,532		3,879
Wireless	2,380		1,574		1,167
Business services	8,933		8,191		7,795
Advertising	2,820		2,594		2,465
Other	1,719		1,624		1,754
Total Cable Communications	64,328		60,051		58,082

Advertising	10,291		8,296		9,267
Distribution	10,449		8,795		8,887
Other	2,040		1,845		1,793
Total Media	22,780		18,936		19,947






Content licensing	7,565		6,557		6,373
Theatrical	691		418		1,469
Home entertainment and other	1,193		1,159		1,510

Total Studios	9,449		8,134		9,352

Total Theme Parks	5,051		2,094		6,213
Headquarters and Other	87		53		31
Eliminations(a)	(3,048)		(2,006)		(1,585)
Total NBCUniversal	34,319		27,211		33,958

Direct-to-consumer	16,455		15,223		15,538
Content	1,341		1,373		1,432
Advertising	2,489		1,998		2,249
Total Sky	20,285		18,594		19,219

Corporate and Other	461		248		333
Eliminations(a)	(3,008)		(2,540)		(2,650)
Total revenue	$	116,385	$	103,564	$	108,942

(a)Included in Eliminations are transactions that our segments enter into with one another. See Note 2 for a description of these transactions.

We operate primarily in the United States but also in select international markets. The table below summarizes our consolidated revenue from customers in certain geographic locations.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
United States	$	90,926	$	80,327	$	82,952
United Kingdom	13,999		11,986		12,501
Other	11,460		11,251		13,489
Total revenue	$	116,385	$	103,564	$	108,942

Schedule of receivables, net

The following table summarizes our accounts receivable:


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Receivables, gross	$	12,666	$	12,273
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	658		807
Receivables, net	$	12,008	$	11,466

Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts

The following table presents changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts:


(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Beginning balance	$	807	$	419	$	352
Additions charged to costs and expenses and other accounts	316		912		769
Deductions from reserves	465		524		702
Ending balance	$	658	$	807	$	419

Other balance sheet accounts


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Noncurrent receivables, net (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	$	1,632	$	1,091
Contract acquisition and fulfillment costs (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	$	1,094	$	1,060

Noncurrent deferred revenue (included in other noncurrent liabilities)	$	695	$	750

Programming and Production Costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Other Industries [Abstract]

Programming and Production Cost


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Video distribution programming	$	13,550	$	12,684
Film and television content:
Owned(a)	8,957		7,973
Licensed, including sports rights	14,733		11,264
Other	1,210		1,200
Total programming and production costs	$	38,450	$	33,121

(a) Amount includes amortization of owned content of $7.3 billion and $6.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as participations and residuals expenses.

Capitalized Film and Television Costs


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Owned:
Released, less amortization	$	3,726	$	3,815
Completed, not released	536		139
In production and in development	2,732		2,755
	6,994		6,709
Licensed, including sports advances	5,811		6,631



Film and television costs	$	12,806	$	13,340

Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Capitalized Film and Television Costs and Programming Rights

The table below summarizes estimated future amortization expense for the capitalized film and television costs recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021.


(in millions)	Owned		Licensed
Completed, not released:
2022	$	345

Released and licensed content:
2022	$	1,799	$	3,649
2023	$	700	$	902
2024	$	387	$	563

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of income before income taxes


Income Before Income Taxes
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019

Domestic	$	21,243	$	16,211	$	16,646
Foreign	(2,150)		(2,146)		350
	$	19,093	$	14,065	$	16,996

Schedule for the components of income tax expense


Components of Income Tax Expense
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Current (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	$	(2,355)	$	(2,824)	$	(2,085)
State	(669)		(836)		(425)
Foreign	(343)		(254)		(600)
	(3,367)		(3,914)		(3,110)
Deferred (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	(1,504)		111		(902)
State	(255)		71		15
Foreign	(133)		368		324
	(1,892)		550		(563)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$	(5,259)	$	(3,364)	$	(3,673)

Schedule of items that effect income tax expense

Our income tax expense differs from the federal statutory amount because of the effect of the items detailed in the table below.


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Federal tax at statutory rate	$	(4,009)	$	(2,954)	$	(3,569)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(464)		(265)		(306)
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(392)		(24)		(126)


Adjustments to uncertain and effectively settled tax positions, net	(238)		(344)		(3)


Federal research and development credits	85		164		124
Excess tax benefits recognized on share-based compensation	209		150		196
Tax legislation	(498)		(120)		31
Other	48		29		(20)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$	(5,259)	$	(3,364)	$	(3,673)

Schedule of the components of net deferred tax liability


Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss and other loss carryforwards	$	3,194	$	2,609

Nondeductible accruals and other	3,246		3,253
Less: Valuation allowance	2,907		2,312
	3,533		3,550
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment and intangible assets	30,584		29,829
Differences between book and tax basis of investments	526		405
Differences between book and tax basis of long-term debt	1,788		680

Differences between book and tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and undistributed foreign earnings	394		468

	33,292		31,382
Net deferred tax liability	$	29,759	$	27,832

Schedule of changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

The following table presents changes in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:


(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Beginning balance	$	2,312	$	1,906	$	632
Additions charged to income tax expense and other accounts	635		430		1,403
Deductions from reserves	40		24		129
Ending balance	$	2,907	$	2,312	$	1,906

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits


Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
(in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	$	1,879	$	1,422	$	1,543
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	352		436		230
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	111		152		133

Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(181)		(31)		(344)
Reductions due to expiration of statutes of limitations	(107)		(76)		(117)
Settlements with tax authorities and other	(12)		(24)		(23)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	$	2,042	$	1,879	$	1,422

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-Term Debt


Long-Term Debt Outstanding
December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2021			Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2020			2021(b)		2020(b)


Term loans	4.41	%		2.07	%		$	3,148	$	7,641
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less, at face value	3.50	%		3.41	%		18,443		19,190
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years, at face value	3.16	%		3.47	%		22,964		23,114
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years, at face value	3.67	%		4.03	%		54,536		54,203
Finance lease obligations and other							1,713		1,261
Debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting and hedged positions, net							(5,954)		(1,649)
Total debt	3.74	%	(a)	3.67	%	(a)	94,850		103,760
Less: Current portion							2,132		3,146
Long-term debt							$	92,718	$	100,614

Debt Maturities


Principal Maturities of Debt
(in millions)
2022	$	2,135
2023	$	1,056
2024	$	4,324
2025	$	6,136
2026	$	5,232
Thereafter	$	81,919

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Investments [Abstract]

Investment and Other Income (Loss), Net


Investment and Other Income (Loss), Net
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net	$	2,006	$	(113)	$	(505)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net	339		1,014		656
Other income (loss), net	211		259		287
Investment and other income (loss), net	$	2,557	$	1,160	$	438

Investment Summary


Investments
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Equity method	$	6,111	$	6,006
Marketable equity securities	406		460
Nonmarketable equity securities	1,735		1,950
Other investments	803		143
Total investments	9,055		8,559
Less: Current investments	368		292
Less: Investment securing collateralized obligation	605		447
Noncurrent investments	$	8,082	$	7,820

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment


December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Original Useful Life as of December 31, 2021	2021		2020
Distribution systems	11 years	$	41,814	$	40,861
Customer premise equipment	6 years	25,772		26,323
Buildings, theme park infrastructure and leasehold improvements	31 years	20,258		15,885
Other equipment	11 years	16,960		14,371
Construction in process	N/A	3,131		7,095
Land	N/A	1,722		1,848
Property and equipment, at cost		109,658		106,383
Less: Accumulated depreciation		55,611		54,388
Property and equipment, net		$	54,047	$	51,995

Property and Equipment by Geographic Location

The table below summarizes our property and equipment by geographic location.


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
United States	$	41,187	$	40,580
Other	12,860		11,415
Property and equipment, net	$	54,047	$	51,995

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill


Goodwill by Segment
			NBCUniversal
(in millions)	Cable Communications		Cable Networks		Broadcast Television		Filmed Entertainment		Media		Studios		Theme Parks		Sky		Corporate and Other		Total
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	15,074	$	14,067	$	1,059	$	3,321	$	—	$	—	$	6,739	$	28,461	$	4	$	68,725
Acquisitions	122		—		—		27		—		—		—		—		—		149
Foreign currency translation and other	68		(73)		3		(4)		—		—		314		1,489		(2)		1,795
Balance, December 31, 2020	15,264		13,994		1,062		3,344		—		—		7,053		29,950		2		70,669
Segment change	—		(13,994)		(1,062)		(3,344)		14,728		3,672		—		—		—		—
Acquisitions	950		—		—		—		6		3		—		21		—		979
Foreign currency translation and other	(22)		—		—		—		(34)		(3)		(624)		(775)		(2)		(1,459)
Balance, December 31, 2021	$	16,192	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	14,700	$	3,672	$	6,429	$	29,196	$	—	$	70,189

Summary of Intangible Assets


Intangible Assets
		2021				2020
December 31 (in millions)	Weighted-Average Original Useful Life as of December 31, 2021	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Franchise rights	N/A	$	59,365			$	59,365
FCC licenses	N/A	2,807				2,804
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships	14 years	22,119		$	(10,612)	22,197		$	(8,914)
Software	5 years	20,329		(11,520)		17,819		(9,518)
Other agreements and rights	28 years	11,870		(1,413)		12,394		(1,393)
Total		$	116,491	$	(23,545)	$	114,579	$	(19,825)

Amortization of Intangible Assets


Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
(in millions)
2022	$	5,140
2023	$	4,513
2024	$	3,737
2025	$	2,996
2026	$	2,403

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Deferred Compensation Plans


Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Benefit obligation	$	4,002	$	3,648	$	3,273
Interest expense	$	265	$	293	$	285

Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of common stock outstanding


Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
(in millions)	Class A	Class B
Balance, December 31, 2018	4,517	9
Stock compensation plans	21	—

Employee stock purchase plans	6	—


Balance, December 31, 2019	4,544	9
Stock compensation plans	20	—

Employee stock purchase plans	7	—
Balance, December 31, 2020	4,571	9
Stock compensation plans	21	—
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	(73)	—
Employee stock purchase plans	5	—
Balance, December 31, 2021	4,524	9

Schedule of weighted average common shares outstanding


Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021	2020	2019
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic	4,584	4,574	4,548
Effect of dilutive securities	70	50	62
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	4,654	4,624	4,610

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Cumulative translation adjustments	$	1,119	$	1,790

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	104		(109)
Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations and other	257		203


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes	$	1,480	$	1,884

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of recognized share-based compensation expense

The tables below provide information on our share-based compensation.


Recognized Share-Based Compensation Expense
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Restricted share units	$	729	$	628	$	564
Stock options	314		294		231
Employee stock purchase plans	38		38		30
Total	$	1,081	$	960	$	825

Schedule of stock option and restricted share units activity


Stock Options and Restricted Share Units
As of December 31, 2021, unless otherwise stated (in millions, except per share data)	Stock Options		RSUs
Awards granted during 2021	44		17
Weighted-average exercise price of awards granted during 2021	$	54.22
Stock options outstanding and nonvested RSUs	211		44
Weighted-average exercise price of stock options outstanding	$	40.38
Weighted-average fair value at grant date of nonvested RSUs			$	45.33

Schedule of stock option and restricted share units weighted-average fair value and significant assumptions

The table below presents the weighted-average fair value on the date of grant of RSUs and stock options awarded under our various plans and the related weighted-average valuation assumptions.


Year ended December 31	2021			2020			2019
RSUs fair value	$	54.52		$	41.71		$	40.42
Stock options fair value	$	9.72		$	6.61		$	7.91
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions:
Dividend yield	1.8		%	2.2		%	2.1		%
Expected volatility	22.8		%	21.0		%	22.0		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%	1.0		%	2.5		%
Expected option life (in years)	5.9			6.0			6.0

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of cash payments for interest and income taxes


Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes
Year ended December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Interest	$	3,908	$	3,878	$	4,254
Income taxes	$	2,628	$	3,183	$	3,231

Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,711	$	11,740
Restricted cash included in other current assets	56		14
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets, net	12		14
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$	8,778	$	11,768

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of operating lease assets and liabilities

The table below summarizes the operating lease assets and liabilities recorded in our consolidated balance sheet.


December 31 (in millions)	2021		2020
Other noncurrent assets, net	$	6,467	$	3,784
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	766	$	718
Other noncurrent liabilities	$	6,473	$	3,740

Summary of future minimum rental commitments for operating leases under the new guidance

The table below summarizes our future minimum lease commitments for operating leases as of December 31, 2021.


(in millions)	December 31, 2021
2022	$	932
2023	875
2024	771
2025	626
2026	551
Thereafter	7,933
Total future minimum lease payments	11,688
Less: imputed interest	4,449
Total liability	$	7,239

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Operating Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021 business segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of primary businesses \| business	3
Cable Communications
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1
NBCUniversal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Sky
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1

Segment Information - Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	$ 116,385	$ 103,564	$ 108,942
Adjusted EBITDA	34,708	30,826	34,258
Depreciation and Amortization	13,804	13,100	12,953
Capital Expenditures	9,174	9,179	9,953
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	2,883	2,455	2,475
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	64,328	60,051	58,082
Adjusted EBITDA	28,097	25,270	23,266
Depreciation and Amortization	7,811	7,753	7,994
Capital Expenditures	6,930	6,605	6,909
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	1,438	1,333	1,426
Operating Segments \| NBCUniversal
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	34,319	27,211	33,958
Adjusted EBITDA	5,675	5,355	8,711
Depreciation and Amortization	2,466	2,307	2,129
Capital Expenditures	1,086	1,491	2,072
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	360	373	337
Operating Segments \| Media
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	22,780	18,936	19,947
Adjusted EBITDA	4,569	5,574	5,834
Depreciation and Amortization	1,030	993	924
Capital Expenditures	100	122	204
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	163	176	101
Operating Segments \| Studios
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	9,449	8,134	9,352
Adjusted EBITDA	884	1,041	1,058
Depreciation and Amortization	53	67	49
Capital Expenditures	5	12	19
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	11	5	10
Operating Segments \| Theme Parks
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	5,051	2,094	6,213
Adjusted EBITDA	1,267	(477)	2,498
Depreciation and Amortization	906	772	697
Capital Expenditures	614	1,171	1,605
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	43	56	60
Operating Segments \| Sky
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	20,285	18,594	19,219
Adjusted EBITDA	2,359	1,954	3,099
Depreciation and Amortization	3,379	3,034	2,699
Capital Expenditures	948	959	768
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	814	741	707
Eliminations
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	(3,008)	(2,540)	(2,650)
Adjusted EBITDA	(65)	32	2
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures	0	0	0
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	0	0	0
Eliminations \| NBCUniversal
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	(3,048)	(2,006)	(1,585)
Adjusted EBITDA	(205)	(220)	11
Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures	0	0	0
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	0	0	0
Corporate and Other
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	461	248	333
Adjusted EBITDA	(1,358)	(1,785)	(820)
Depreciation and Amortization	147	6	131
Capital Expenditures	210	124	204
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	272	8	5
Corporate and Other \| NBCUniversal
Financial Data by Business Segment
Revenue	87	53	31
Adjusted EBITDA	(840)	(563)	(690)
Depreciation and Amortization	478	475	459
Capital Expenditures	366	186	244
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets	$ 143	$ 136	$ 166

Segment Information - Intersegment Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 116,385	$ 103,564	$ 108,942
Total Intersegment Revenue And Corporate And Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,055	4,546	4,235
Total intersegment revenue \| Cable Communications
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	244	202	162
Total intersegment revenue \| Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,330	1,965	2,202
Total intersegment revenue \| Studios
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,186	2,214	1,727
Total intersegment revenue \| Theme Parks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2	0	0
Total intersegment revenue \| Sky
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	32	17	21
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	193	117	121
Corporate and Other \| NBCUniversal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 68	$ 31	$ 1

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Segment to Consolidated Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 34,708	$ 30,826	$ 34,258
Adjustments	87	233	180
Depreciation	(8,628)	(8,320)	(8,663)
Amortization	(5,176)	(4,780)	(4,290)
Interest expense	(4,281)	(4,588)	(4,567)
Investment and other income (loss), net	2,557	1,160	438
Income before income taxes	$ 19,093	14,065	$ 16,996
Gain (loss) Related to Legal Settlement
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjustments		$ 177

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

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+ Details

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 116,385	$ 103,564	$ 108,942
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	64,328	60,051	58,082
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Residential, Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	22,979	20,599	18,752
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Residential, Video
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	22,079	21,937	22,270
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Residential, Voice
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	3,417	3,532	3,879
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Residential, Wireless
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	2,380	1,574	1,167
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	8,933	8,191	7,795
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	2,820	2,594	2,465
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,719	1,624	1,754
Operating Segments \| NBCUniversal
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	34,319	27,211	33,958
Operating Segments \| Media
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	22,780	18,936	19,947
Operating Segments \| Media \| Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	10,291	8,296	9,267
Operating Segments \| Media \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	2,040	1,845	1,793
Operating Segments \| Media \| Distribution
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	10,449	8,795	8,887
Operating Segments \| Studios
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	9,449	8,134	9,352
Operating Segments \| Studios \| Content licensing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,565	6,557	6,373
Operating Segments \| Studios \| Theatrical
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	691	418	1,469
Operating Segments \| Studios \| Home Entertainment and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,193	1,159	1,510
Operating Segments \| Theme Parks
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	5,051	2,094	6,213
Operating Segments \| Sky
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	20,285	18,594	19,219
Operating Segments \| Sky \| Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	2,489	1,998	2,249
Operating Segments \| Sky \| Direct-to-consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	16,455	15,223	15,538
Operating Segments \| Sky \| Content
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,341	1,373	1,432
Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	(3,008)	(2,540)	(2,650)
Eliminations \| NBCUniversal
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	(3,048)	(2,006)	(1,585)
Corporate and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	461	248	333
Corporate and Other \| NBCUniversal
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 87	$ 53	$ 31

Revenue - Revenue by Geographic Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 116,385	$ 103,564	$ 108,942
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	90,926	80,327	82,952
United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	13,999	11,986	12,501
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 11,460	$ 11,251	$ 13,489

- Definition

Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Revenue - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Revenue - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021
Cable Communications \| Residential \| Minimum
Revenue [Line Items]
Term of contract	1 year
Cable Communications \| Residential \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Term of contract	2 years
Cable Communications \| Business services
Revenue [Line Items]
Backlog as a percent of annual revenue (in percent)	50.00%
Cable Communications \| Business services \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue [Line Items]
Timing period of recognition	2 years
Cable Communications \| Business services \| Minimum
Revenue [Line Items]
Term of contract	2 years
Cable Communications \| Business services \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Term of contract	5 years
Cable Communications \| Advertising \| Minimum
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	30 days
Cable Communications \| Advertising \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	60 days
Studios and Media \| Content licensing \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue [Line Items]
Timing period of recognition	2 years
Media \| Advertising
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	30 days
Media \| Distribution
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	60 days
Studios \| Theatrical
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	30 days
Studios \| Content licensing \| Minimum
Revenue [Line Items]
Backlog as a percent of annual revenue (in percent)	50.00%
Studios \| Content licensing \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Backlog as a percent of annual revenue (in percent)	100.00%
Studios \| Home entertainment \| Minimum
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	60 days
Studios \| Home entertainment \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Expected payment terms	90 days
Sky \| Direct-to-consumer
Revenue [Line Items]
Term of contract	18 months
Sky \| Direct-to-consumer \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue [Line Items]
Timing period of recognition	18 months
Sky \| Direct-to-consumer \| Maximum
Revenue [Line Items]
Backlog as a percent of annual revenue (in percent)	50.00%

Revenue - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Receivables, gross	$ 12,666	$ 12,273
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	658	807
Receivables, net	12,008	11,466
Noncurrent receivables, net (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	1,632	1,091
Contract acquisition and fulfillment costs (included in other noncurrent assets, net)	1,094	1,060
Noncurrent deferred revenue (included in other noncurrent liabilities)	$ 695	$ 750

Revenue - Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 807	$ 419	$ 352
Additions charged to costs and expenses and other accounts	316	912	769
Deductions from reserves	465	524	702
Ending balance	$ 658	$ 807	$ 419

Programming and Production Costs - Programming and Production Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Industries [Abstract]
Video distribution programming	$ 13,550	$ 12,684
Film and television content:
Owned	8,957	7,973
Licensed, including sports rights	14,733	11,264
Other	1,210	1,200
Total programming and production costs	38,450	33,121	$ 34,440
Amortization of owned film and television costs	$ 7,300	$ 6,600

Programming and Production Costs - Capitalized Film and Television Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Owned:
Released, less amortization	$ 3,726	$ 3,815
Completed, not released	536	139
In production and in development	2,732	2,755
Owned:	6,994	6,709
Licensed, including sports advances	5,811	6,631
Film and television costs	$ 12,806	$ 13,340

Programming and Production Costs - Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Capitalized Film and Television Costs (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Completed, not released:
2022	$ 345
Released and licensed content:
2022	1,799
2023	700
2024	387
Released and licensed content:
2022	3,649
2023	902
2024	$ 563

Programming and Production Costs (Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Other Industries [Abstract]
Future minimum commitments for sports rights	$ 59.5
Future minimum commitments for licensed content	$ 5.5

Income Taxes - Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 21,243	$ 16,211	$ 16,646
Foreign	(2,150)	(2,146)	350
Income before income taxes	$ 19,093	$ 14,065	$ 16,996

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	$ (2,355)	$ (2,824)	$ (2,085)
State	(669)	(836)	(425)
Foreign	(343)	(254)	(600)
Current income tax (expense) benefit	(3,367)	(3,914)	(3,110)
Deferred (Expense) Benefit:
Federal	(1,504)	111	(902)
State	(255)	71	15
Foreign	(133)	368	324
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	(1,892)	550	(563)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (5,259)	$ (3,364)	$ (3,673)

Income Taxes - Federal Statutory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal tax at statutory rate	$ (4,009)	$ (2,954)	$ (3,569)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(464)	(265)	(306)
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(392)	(24)	(126)
Adjustments to uncertain and effectively settled tax positions, net	(238)	(344)	(3)
Federal research and development credits	85	164	124
Excess tax benefits recognized on share-based compensation	209	150	196
Tax legislation	(498)	(120)	31
Other	48	29	(20)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (5,259)	$ (3,364)	$ (3,673)

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss and other loss carryforwards	$ 3,194	$ 2,609
Nondeductible accruals and other	3,246	3,253
Less: Valuation allowance	2,907	2,312	$ 1,906	$ 632
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	3,533	3,550
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment and intangible assets	30,584	29,829
Differences between book and tax basis of investments	526	405
Differences between book and tax basis of long-term debt	1,788	680
Differences between book and tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and undistributed foreign earnings	394	468
Total deferred tax liabilities	33,292	31,382
Net deferred tax liability	$ 29,759	$ 27,832

Income Taxes - Changes in the Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes In The Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,312	$ 1,906	$ 632
Additions charged to income tax expense and other accounts	635	430	1,403
Deductions from reserves	40	24	129
Ending balance	$ 2,907	$ 2,312	$ 1,906

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax liability attributable to temporary differences in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 44
Deferred tax liability attributable to acquisitions	73
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1,500
Federal Tax Authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	196
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 9,600

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	$ 1,879	$ 1,422	$ 1,543
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	352	436	230
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	111	152	133
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(181)	(31)	(344)
Reductions due to expiration of statutes of limitations	(107)	(76)	(117)
Settlements with tax authorities and other	(12)	(24)	(23)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	$ 2,042	$ 1,879	$ 1,422

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Debt Outstanding (Details) $ in Millions, € in Billions, ¥ in Billions, ¥ in Billions, £ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2021 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2021 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2020 JPY (¥)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate	3.74%	3.74%	3.74%	3.74%	3.67%	3.67%	3.67%	3.67%	3.67%
Debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting and hedged positions, net	$ (5,954)				$ (1,649)
Total debt	94,850				103,760
Less: Current portion	2,132				3,146
Long-term debt	$ 92,718				$ 100,614
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.41%	4.41%	4.41%	4.41%	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%
Term loans	$ 3,148				$ 7,641
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less, at face value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.41%	3.41%	3.41%	3.41%	3.41%
Senior notes	$ 18,443				$ 19,190
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years, at face value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.16%	3.16%	3.16%	3.16%	3.47%	3.47%	3.47%	3.47%	3.47%
Senior notes	$ 22,964				$ 23,114
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years, at face value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.67%	3.67%	3.67%	3.67%	4.03%	4.03%	4.03%	4.03%	4.03%
Senior notes	$ 54,536				$ 54,203
Foreign currency denominated borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		£ 2.6	€ 7.5	¥ 20.0		£ 4.7	€ 7.3	¥ 16.4	¥ 238.5
Finance lease obligations and other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations and other	$ 1,713				$ 1,261

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2021	Feb. 28, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total fair value of debt	$ 109,300,000,000	$ 125,600,000,000
Cumulative translation gains (losses) related to net investment hedges recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)	760,000,000	(686,000,000)	$ 343,000,000
Amounts available under revolving credit facilities	11,000,000,000
Unused irrevocable standby letters of credit and bank guarantees	341,000,000
Revolving Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving credit facilities				$ 11,000,000,000	$ 9,200,000,000
Potential increase to max borrowing capacity				$ 14,000,000,000
Revolving Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility	0	0
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding under commercial paper program	$ 0	0
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing margin for LIBOR based borrowings	1.00%
Cash Flow Hedging
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of foreign currency denominated debt hedged	$ 1,600,000,000	1,700,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| Currency Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of net investment in foreign subsidiaries hedged	3,600,000,000	4,000,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| Currency Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate asset (liability) fair value	(53,000,000)	(45,000,000)
Net Investment Hedging \| Foreign Currency Denominated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of net investment in foreign subsidiaries hedged	8,200,000,000	10,300,000,000
Net Investment Hedging \| Currency Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate asset (liability) fair value	$ (104,000,000)	$ (376,000,000)

Long-Term Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2022	$ 2,135
2023	1,056
2024	4,324
2025	6,136
2026	5,232
Thereafter	$ 81,919

Significant Transactions (Details) $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 CNY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Consolidated variable interest entity's assets included in condensed consolidated balance sheet		$ 275,905				$ 273,869
Goodwill		$ 70,189				$ 70,669	$ 68,725
Masergy
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	$ 1,200
Goodwill	$ 850
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary \| Universal Beijing Resort
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in variable interest entity		30.00%	30.00%
Proceeds from borrowings		$ 3,600
Consolidated variable interest entity's assets included in condensed consolidated balance sheet		9,700
Consolidated variable interest entity's liabilities the balance sheet		8,100
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary \| Universal Beijing Resort \| Universal Beijing Resort Term Loans
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving credit facilities		4,700	¥ 29.7	$ 4,200	¥ 26.6
Proceeds from borrowings		$ 3,100

Investments - Investment and Other Income (Loss), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments [Abstract]
Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net	$ 2,006	$ (113)	$ (505)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net	339	1,014	656
Other income (loss), net	211	259	287
Investment and other income (loss), net	$ 2,557	$ 1,160	$ 438

Investments - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Equity method	$ 6,111	$ 6,006
Marketable equity securities	406	460
Nonmarketable equity securities	1,735	1,950
Other investments	803	143
Total investments	9,055	8,559
Less: Current investments	368	292
Less: Investment securing collateralized obligation	605	447
Noncurrent investments	$ 8,082	$ 7,820

Investments - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2016	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized					$ (80)	$ 339	$ 237
Additional distributions from equity method investments					1,100	66	215
Proceeds from collateralized obligation			$ 5,200		0	0	5,175
Collateralized obligation					5,170	5,168
Level 2
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of collateralized obligation					5,200
Atairos
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Term of agreement	12 years	16 years 6 months
Funding commitment		$ 4,500						$ 5,000
Maximum amount of annual capital calls		$ 400
Management fee funding commitment					$ 45
Percent of losses					99.00%
Percentage of residual returns					86.00%
Cash capital contributions for equity method investments					$ 47	383	$ 571
Equity method investments					4,700	$ 3,900
Atairos \| Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Funding commitment by management company investors					50
Atairos \| Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Funding commitment by management company investors					100
Atairos \| Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded capital commitment					1,500
Hulu
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				33.00%					30.00%
Cash capital contributions for equity method investments				$ 477
Maximum total capital call in annual period				$ 1,500
Ownership percentage floor				21.00%
Fair market value assessment floor for put and call option				$ 27,500
Ownership percentage representing fair market value floor for put and call option				100.00%
Minimum guaranteed proceeds floor for put and call option				$ 5,800
Hulu \| AT&T Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				10.00%
Former CFO \| Atairos \| Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Funding commitment by management company investors					$ 40

Investments - Other Investments (Details) $ in Billions	1 Months Ended
Investments - Other Investments (Details) $ in Billions	Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($) preferred_stock_series
Schedule of Other Investments [Line Items]
Number of series of preferred stock \| preferred_stock_series	3
Cash payments for the redemption of redeemable preferred shares \| $	$ 1.8
Air Touch
Schedule of Other Investments [Line Items]
Number of series of preferred stock \| preferred_stock_series	2
Cash payments received upon redemption of preferred stock \| $	$ 1.7

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 109,658	$ 106,383
Less: Accumulated depreciation	55,611	54,388
Property and equipment, net	54,047	51,995
United States
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	41,187	40,580
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 12,860	11,415
Distribution systems
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	11 years
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 41,814	40,861
Customer premise equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	6 years
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 25,772	26,323
Buildings, theme park infrastructure and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	31 years
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 20,258	15,885
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	11 years
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 16,960	14,371
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	3,131	7,095
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 1,722	$ 1,848

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Change in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 70,669	$ 68,725
Segment change	0
Acquisitions	979	149
Foreign currency translation and other	(1,459)	1,795
Balance, end of period	70,189	70,669
Operating Segments \| Cable Communications
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	15,264	15,074
Segment change	0
Acquisitions	950	122
Foreign currency translation and other	(22)	68
Balance, end of period	16,192	15,264
Operating Segments \| Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	13,994	14,067
Segment change	(13,994)
Acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation and other	0	(73)
Balance, end of period	0	13,994
Operating Segments \| Broadcast Television
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,062	1,059
Segment change	(1,062)
Acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation and other	0	3
Balance, end of period	0	1,062
Operating Segments \| Filmed Entertainment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	3,344	3,321
Segment change	(3,344)
Acquisitions	0	27
Foreign currency translation and other	0	(4)
Balance, end of period	0	3,344
Operating Segments \| Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0
Segment change	14,728
Acquisitions	6	0
Foreign currency translation and other	(34)	0
Balance, end of period	14,700	0
Operating Segments \| Studios
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0
Segment change	3,672
Acquisitions	3	0
Foreign currency translation and other	(3)	0
Balance, end of period	3,672	0
Operating Segments \| Theme Parks
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	7,053	6,739
Segment change	0
Acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation and other	(624)	314
Balance, end of period	6,429	7,053
Operating Segments \| Sky
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	29,950	28,461
Segment change	0
Acquisitions	21	0
Foreign currency translation and other	(775)	1,489
Balance, end of period	29,196	29,950
Corporate and Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2	4
Segment change	0
Acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation and other	(2)	(2)
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	$ (23,545)	$ (19,825)
Total	116,491	114,579
Franchise rights
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	59,365	59,365
FCC licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,807	2,804
Customer relationships
Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	14 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 22,119	22,197
Accumulated Amortization	$ (10,612)	(8,914)
Software
Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	5 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 20,329	17,819
Accumulated Amortization	$ (11,520)	(9,518)
Other agreements and rights
Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life	28 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 11,870	12,394
Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,413)	$ (1,393)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021 division
Software
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset amortization period (not to exceed)	5 years
Cable Communications \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of divisions	3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2022	$ 5,140
2023	4,513
2024	3,737
2025	2,996
2026	$ 2,403

Employee Benefit Plans - Deferred Compensation Plans (Details) - Deferred Compensation Plans - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	$ 4,002	$ 3,648	$ 3,273
Interest expense	$ 265	$ 293	$ 285

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$ 549	$ 481
Expenses related to retirement investment plans	$ 595	$ 599	$ 573

Equity - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Equity - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021 vote
Equity [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled of each class B common stock	15
Class A Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Voting power	66.66%
Class B Common Stock
Equity [Line Items]
Voting power	33.33%

Equity (Changes in Common Stock) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
Equity (Changes in Common Stock) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding at beginning of period	4,571,211,797	4,544,000,000	4,517,000,000
Stock compensation plans	21,000,000	20,000,000	21,000,000
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	(73,000,000)
Employee stock purchase plans	5,000,000	7,000,000	6,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding at end of period	4,523,785,950	4,571,211,797	4,544,000,000
Class B Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding at beginning of period	9,444,375	9,000,000	9,000,000
Stock compensation plans	0	0	0
Repurchases and retirements of common stock	0
Employee stock purchase plans	0	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding at end of period	9,444,375	9,444,375	9,000,000

Equity (Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic	4,584	4,574	4,548
Effect of dilutive securities	70	50	62
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	4,654	4,624	4,610

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Cumulative translation adjustments	$ 1,119	$ 1,790
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	104	(109)
Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations and other	257	203
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes	$ 1,480	$ 1,884

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

Share-Based Compensation - Recognized Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized share-based compensation expense	$ 1,081	$ 960	$ 825
Restricted share units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized share-based compensation expense	729	628	564
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized share-based compensation expense	314	294	231
Employee stock purchase plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized share-based compensation expense	$ 38	$ 38	$ 30

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period in years	5 years
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, income tax benefit from share-based compensation	$ 209	$ 150	$ 196
Restricted share units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards	$ 1,200
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition (in years)	1 year 7 months 6 days
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period from grant date that an equity-based award expires	10 years
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards	$ 592
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Options and Restricted Share Units (Details) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	44
Weighted-average exercise price of awards granted during the year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 54.22
Stock options outstanding	211
Weighted-average exercise price of shares outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 40.38
Restricted share units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted	17
Awards nonvested	44
Weighted-average fair value at grant date of nonvested awards (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 45.33

Share-Based Compensation - Restricted Share Units and Stock Option Fair Value (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 9.72	$ 6.61	$ 7.91
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions:
Dividend yield	1.80%	2.20%	2.10%
Expected volatility	22.80%	21.00%	22.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.90%	1.00%	2.50%
Expected option life	5 years 10 months 24 days	6 years	6 years
Restricted share units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 54.52	$ 41.71	$ 40.42

Supplemental Financial Information - Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes
Interest	$ 3,908	$ 3,878	$ 4,254
Income taxes	$ 2,628	$ 3,183	$ 3,231

Supplemental Financial Information - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment and intangible assets accrued but not yet paid	$ 2,000	$ 1,900	$ 1,900
Dividends payable	$ 1,100	$ 1,100	$ 956
Dividends payable (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.23	$ 0.21

Supplemental Financial Information - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,711	$ 11,740
Restricted cash included in other current assets	56	14
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets, net	12	14
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year	$ 8,778	$ 11,768	$ 5,589	$ 3,909

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease expense inclusive of short-term and variable lease expenses			$ 1,200	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases			19 years	9 years
Weighted average discount rate used to calculate operating lease liabilities			3.94%	3.58%
Cash payments for operating leases			$ 987	$ 936	$ 914
Carrying value of contractual obligation			1,100
Contractual value of a potential obligation			$ 1,500
Payments for repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred stock		$ 725
Universal Beijing Resort
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease assets and liabilities recognized	$ 2,800

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Operating Lease Assets and Liabilities Recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating lease assets	$ 6,467	$ 3,784
Operating lease liabilities, current	766	718
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent	$ 6,473	$ 3,740
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other noncurrent assets, net	Other noncurrent assets, net
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other noncurrent liabilities	Other noncurrent liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Future Minimum Rental Commitments for Operating Leases (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2022	$ 932
2023	875
2024	771
2025	626
2026	551
Thereafter	7,933
Total future minimum lease payments	11,688
Less: imputed interest	(4,449)
Total liability	$ 7,239