Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]
NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]
NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax
Realized (gains) losses on marketable securities, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax
Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax
Employee benefit obligations, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax
Currency translation adjustments, deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Cable Distribution System [Member]
Cable Distribution System [Member]
Cable Distribution System [Member]
Customer Premise Equipment [Member]
Customer Premise Equipment [Member]
Customer premise equipment [Member]
Other Equipment [Member]
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Construction in Process [Member]
Construction in Progress [Member]
Land [Member]
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Property and equipment, at cost
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Comcast Corporation
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Basic EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Diluted EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Net income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified to net income:
Amounts Reclassified To Net Income [Abstract]
Realized (gains) losses on marketable securities, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax
Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax
Employee benefit obligations, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax
Currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock
Amount of net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and dividends on redeemable subsidiary preferred stock.
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Parent
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Deferred Compensation Plans [Member]
Deferred Compensation Plans [Member]
Deferred Compensation Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation
Deferred Compensation Plans Benefit Obligation
Deferred compensation plans benefit obligation
Interest expense
Deferred Compensation Plans interest cost
Deferred compensation plans interest cost
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common Class A [Member]
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common Class B [Member]
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Treasury stock (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Schedule of changes related to adoption of new accounting pronouncement
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial Data by Business Segment
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Cable Communications Segment Revenue Sources
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Segments to Consolidated
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue
Revenues
Costs and Expenses:
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Programming and production
Programming And Production Costs
The amount of expense recognized in the period for costs associated with video programming and content acquisition and production costs. Programming expenses include the fees paid to license the programming distributed to video customers, such as the programming license fees charged by cable networks and fees charged for retransmission of the signals from local broadcast television stations. Production costs include the amortization of owned and acquired programming, sports rights, direct production costs, residual and participation payments, production overhead, costs associated with the distribution of programming to third-party networks and other distribution platforms, and on-air talent costs. It also includes the amortization of capitalized theatrical film production and acquisition costs and distribution expenses.
Other operating and administrative
Other Operating And Administrative
Other operating and administrative expense recognized in the period not presented separately.
Advertising, marketing and promotion
Marketing and Advertising Expense
Depreciation
Depreciation
Amortization
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Other operating gains
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets
Total costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Other Income (Expense):
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Investment income (loss), net
Investment Income, Nonoperating
Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Other income (expense), net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income tax benefit (expense)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Class A Special Common Stock [Member]
Class A Special Common Stock [Member]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Member's Capital [Member]
Member's Capital [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance
Limited Liability Company (LLC) Members' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Stock compensation plans
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Employee stock purchase plans
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Dividends declared / Distributions to member
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Acquisition of Universal Studios Japan
Equity Impact Related To Acquisition
Equity impact related to the acquisition of Universal Studios Japan
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net
Contributions From And Distributions To Noncontrolling Interests
Contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests
Contribution from member
Member Contribution
Contribution from member including, but not limited to, a business, investment or asset.
Reclassification of Class A Special common stock
Reclassification Of Common Stock
Represents the change in dollar amount due to the Common Stock Reclassification
Purchase of Universal Studios Japan noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests
Other
Stockholders' Equity, Other
Net income (loss)
Equity Profit Loss
Profit or loss as represented on the statement of changes in equity.
Ending Balance
Ending Balance
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net
Contributions From And Distributions To Noncontrolling Interests Attributable To Temporary Equity
Contributions from and (distributions to) noncontrolling interests attributable to temporary equity.
Other
Temporary Equity, Other Changes
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Ending Balance
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Statement Of Cash Flows Supplemental Information Abstract
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax
Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax
Cumulative translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Restricted share units [Member]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of RSUs (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Stock option fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions:
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Expected volatility
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Risk-free interest rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Expected option life (in years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Maturing In Next Five Years [Member]
Maturing In Next Five Years [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise Senior Debt Securities [Member]
Senior Notes [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise Credit Facility [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise Credit Facility [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loan Maturing March 2022 [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loan Maturing March 2022 [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loan Maturing March 2022 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due October 2029 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due October 2029 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due October 2029 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due November 2029 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due November 2029 [Member]
Comcast Holdings' ZONES due November 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt securities subject to guarantee
Guarantee Obligations Current Principal Balance
Principal amount of debt securities subject to guarantee.
Guarantee Obligations, Line Of Credit Facility
Guarantee Obligations, Line Of Credit Facility
Guarantee Obligations, Line Of Credit Facility
Term loans subject to guarantee
Guarantee Obligations, Term Loans
Guarantee Obligations, Term Loans
Principal amount of debt securities not subject to guarantee
Non Guarantee Obligations Current Principal Balance
Principal amount of debt instruments not guaranteed by Comcast Corporation, the cable guarantors nor NBCUniversal Media, LLC.
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Business And Basis Of Presentation
Business and Basis of Presentation
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Income Taxes [Table]
Schedule for the components of income tax expense
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of items that effect income tax expense
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of the components of net deferred tax liability
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Receivables, net
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Programming rights
Programming Rights, Current
The current portion of acquired television and cable networks programming rights recorded on the balance sheet. Includes multi-year programming arrangements, acquired movies, series and other programs. Carrying amount is stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable value at the balance sheet date.
Deposits
Deposits Assets, Current
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Film and television costs
Film And Television Costs
The carrying amount of owned films, television series and other television productions and noncurrent acquired television and cable networks programming rights recorded on the balance sheet. Owned films, television series and other television production costs include capitalizable production costs, including direct costs, production overhead, print costs, development costs and interest. Film and television rights include multi-year programming arrangements, acquired movies, series and other programs. The carrying amount is stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable/fair value at the balance sheet date.
Investments
Long-term Investments
Property and equipment, net
Franchise rights
Indefinite-Lived Franchise Rights
Goodwill
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Other intangible assets, net
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other noncurrent assets, net
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total assets
Assets
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current Liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors
Accounts Payable, Current
Accrued participations and residuals
Accrued Participations And Residuals, Current
The total amount of participations, residual and royalty expenses due to another party in less than one year. Royalty expenses are due to content creators, including artists, authors and other talent; participations includes amounts to financial participants in films, including actors, directors, and producers, for contractually defined participations in a film's net profit or gross receipts; residuals include amounts due to unions and guilds.
Program obligations
Program Rights Obligations, Current
Deferred revenue
Deferred Revenue, Current
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Note payable to Comcast
Note Payable To Parent
The total amount due to Parent, with respect to cash management arrangements under the matching revolving credit notes, as of the balance sheet date.
Current portion of long-term debt
Debt, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt, less current portion
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Accrued participations, residuals and program obligations
Accrued Participations Residuals And Program Obligations, Noncurrent
The noncurrent amount of participations, residual, royalty expenses and program obligations due to another party. Royalty expenses are due to content creators, including artists, authors and other talent; participations includes amounts to financial participants in films, including actors, directors, and producers, for contractually defined participations in a film's net profit or gross receipts; residuals include amounts due to unions and guilds.
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Other noncurrent liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity:
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Preferred stock—authorized, 20,000,000 shares; issued, zero
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Member’s capital
Members' Capital
Common stock
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Treasury stock, 872,791,028 Class A common shares
Treasury Stock, Value
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total NBCUniversal member’s equity
Members' Equity
Total Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Noncontrolling interests
Members' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interests
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total equity
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Liabilities and Equity
Condensed Income Statement [Table]
Condensed Income Statement [Table]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Comcast Parent [Member]
Parent Company [Member]
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Elimination and Consolidation Adjustments [Member]
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Comcast Holdings [Member]
Comcast Holdings [Member]
Comcast Holdings
CCCL Parent [Member]
CCCL Parent [Member]
CCCL Parent
NBCUniversal Media Parent [Member]
NBCUniversal Media Parent [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue:
Revenues [Abstract]
Service revenue
Sales Revenue, Services, Net
Management fee revenue
Management Fees Revenue
Total revenue
Income tax (expense) benefit
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Allowance for returns and customer incentives [Member]
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member]
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense
Deductions from Reserves
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions
Balance at End of Year
Deferred Tax Assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Nondeductible accruals and other
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other
Less: Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment and intangible assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant And Equipment And Intangible Assets
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liability attributable to deductible temporary differences from property and equipment and intangible assets.
Differences between book and tax basis of investments
DeferredTaxLiabilityInvestments
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from investments.
Differences between book and tax basis of long-term debt
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-Term Debt
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liability attributable to deductible temporary differences from long-term debt.
Differences between book and tax basis of foreign subsidiaries and undistributed foreign earnings
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Net deferred tax liability
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Comcast Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Comcast Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Commercial Paper [Member]
Commercial Paper [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise Commercial Paper [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise Commercial Paper [Member]
Comcast And Comcast Cable Debt Securities [Member]
Comcast And Comcast Cable Debt Securities [Member]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Counterparty Name [Axis]
Counterparty Name [Axis]
Counterparty Name [Domain]
Counterparty Name [Domain]
NBCUniversal Enterprise [Member]
NBCUniversal Enterprise [Member]
Fair value of debt
Long-term Debt, Fair Value
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Revolving credit facility amount outstanding
Long-term Line of Credit
Potential increase of maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit facility, Potential increase to Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Potential increased maximum borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility, subject to approval of the lenders.
Borrowing margin for LIBOR based borrowings
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Amounts available under revolving credit facilities
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Commercial paper capacity
Commercial Paper Capacity
Amount represents the maximum borrowing capacity under the commercial paper program.
Unused irrevocable standby letters of credit
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount
Ownership in cable holding company subsidiaries
Ownership In Cable Holding Company Subsidiaries
Represents the Company's ownership in its cable holding company subsidiaries.
Related party aggregate principal amount senior notes not subject to guarantee
Related Party Aggregate Principal Amount Senior Notes Not Subject To Guarantee
Represents the related party aggregate principal amount of senior notes not subject to guarantee by NBCUniversal.
Related party credit facility not subject to guarantee
Related Party Credit Facility Not Subject To Guarantee
Represents the related party credit facility not subject to guarantee by NBCUniversal.
Related party liquidation preference preferred stock not subject to guarantee
Related Party Liquidation Preference Preferred Stock Not Subject To Guarantee
Represents the related party liquidation preference of preferred stock not subject to guarantee by NBCUniversal.
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Equity And Cost Method Investments [Table]
Equity And Cost Method Investments [Table]
Equity And Cost Method Investments [Table]
Time Warner, Inc. [Member]
Time Warner, Inc. [Member]
Time Warner, Inc. [Member]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Snap [Member]
Snap [Member]
Snap [Member]
Other Fair Value Method Investments [Member]
Other Fair Value Method Investments [Member]
Other Fair Value Method Investments [Member]
Atairos [Member]
Atairos [Member]
Atairos [Member]
Hulu [Member]
Hulu [Member]
Hulu member.
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Air Touch [Member]
Air Touch [Member]
Air Touch [Member]
BuzzFeed [Member]
BuzzFeed [Member]
Other Cost Method Investments [Member]
Other Cost Method Investments [Member]
Other Cost Method Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Equity And Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Equity And Cost Method Investments [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Fair Value, Equity And Cost Method Investments [Table]
Fair Value Method
Marketable Securities
Equity Method
Equity Method Investments
Cost Method
Cost Method Investments
Total Investments
Investments
Less: Current investments
Short-term Investments
Noncurrent investments
Supplemental Financial Information [Table]
Supplemental Financial Information [Table]
Supplemental Financial Information [Table]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Supplemental Financial Information [Table]
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
Dividends payable
Dividends Payable
Dividends payable (in dollars per share)
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Capital Contribution to VIE accrued but not yet paid
Capital Contribution Accrued But Not Yet Paid
Capital contribution to a VIE recorded in the current period to be paid in a future period.
Fair value equity securities settlement
Fair Value Equity Securities Settlement
Fair value method equity securities used to settle our obligations under prepaid forward sale agreements in the period.
Long-Term Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Senior Notes [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loans [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loans [Member]
Acquired Term Loans
Senior 6.30% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 6.3% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 6.3% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 6.50% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 6.50% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 6.50% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 8.875% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 8.875% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 8.875% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Senior 5.00% Notes Due 2061 [Member]
Senior 5.00% Notes Due 2061 [Member]
Senior 5.00% Notes Due 2061 [Member]
Other Long-Term Debt [Member]
Other Long-Term Debt [Member]
Other Long-Term Debt [Member]
Repurchases and repayments of debt
Repayments of Other Debt
Interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cable Communications Programming Expenses
Cable Communications Programming Expenses Policy [Text Block]
Cable Communications Programming Expenses
Advertising Expenses
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation and Environmental Cost [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Capitalization of Film and Television Costs
Film And Television Costs [Policy Text Block]
Describes an entity's accounting policy for film and television costs. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of film and television costs.
Fair Value and Equity Method
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cost Method
Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment Testing of Investments
Investments Impairment [Policy Text Block]
Disclosure of accounting policy for recognizing and measuring the impairment of long-lived assets.
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Postretirement Benefit and Pension Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Share-Based Compensation
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2019
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2021
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2022
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitment And Contingencies [Table]
Commitment And Contingencies [Table]
Commitment And Contingencies [Table]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Commitment And Contingencies [Table]
Schedule of minimum annual programming and talent commitments
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]
Schedule of rental expenses charged to operations
Rental Expense [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of rental expense from operating leases for each period for which an income statement is presented.
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Universal Studios Japan [Member]
Universal Studios Japan [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire additional interest in noncontrolling interest
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries
Ownership percentage
Ownership Percentage In New Company
The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage
Cash consideration transferred
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Long-term debt
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt
Noncontrolling interest
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets
Noncurrent assets
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets
Current liabilities
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities
Revenue
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue
Operating income (loss)
Operating Income [Summarized Financial Information]
The amount of operating income reported by an equity method investment of the entity.
Net income (loss)
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Cable Communications [Member]
Cable Communications [Member]
Cable Communications Member
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Upon Adoption [Member]
Upon Adoption [Member]
Upon Adoption [Member]
Effect of Adoption [Member]
Effect of Adoption [Member]
Effect of Adoption [Member]
Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation And Amortization
Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation And Amortization
Operating costs and expenses, which are comprised of total costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense and other operating gains.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Stock options granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Weighted-average exercise price of awards granted during the year (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Weighted-average exercise price of shares outstanding (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Awards granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Awards nonvested (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Weighted-average fair value at grant date of nonvested awards (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Senior 3.15% Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Senior 3.15% Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Senior 3.15% Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Senior 3.00% Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Senior 3.0% Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Senior 3.0% Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Senior 3.30% Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Senior 3.3% Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Senior 3.3% Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Senior 4.45% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.45% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.45% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Other Borrowings [Member]
Other Borrowings [Member]
Other Borrowings [Member]
Debt face amount
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount Premium Net and Other Borrowings
Amount of debt discount (premium) and other borrowings.
Proceeds from borrowings
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Time Warner Cable Merger and Related Divestiture Transactions [Member]
Time Warner Cable Merger and Related Divestiture Transactions [Member]
Transaction costs and transaction-related costs
Transaction Costs and Transaction-Related Costs
Transaction costs and transaction related costs recorded in the statement of income.
DreamWorks Animation [Member]
DreamWorks Animation [Member]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Deferred Compensation Plans
Deferred Compensation Plans [Text Block]
Information regarding deferred compensation plans, including benefit obligations and related expense.
Postretirement and Pension Benefits
Condensed Information On Our Postretirement And Pension Benefit Plans [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the change in the benefit obligation of pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans from the beginning to the end of the period, showing separately, if applicable, the effects of the following: service cost, interest cost, contributions by plan participants, actuarial gains and losses, foreign currency exchange rate changes, benefits paid, plan amendments, business combinations, divestitures, curtailments, settlements, and special and contractual termination benefits. Disclosure also includes the certain accumulated beneift obligations dislcosure and the assumptions used to determine for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans the benefit obligation and net benefit cost.
Stock options [Member]
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee stock purchase plans [Member]
Employee Stock [Member]
Recognized share-based compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Equity [Abstract]
Equity [Table]
Equity [Table]
Equity [Table]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
New Authorization [Member]
New Authorization [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Equity [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Equity [Table]
Voting power
Common Stock Voting Power
Common Stock Voting Power
Number of votes entitled of each class B common stock
Number Of Votes Entitled Of Each Class B Common Stock
Number of votes entitled to vote for each share of Class B common stock share.
Shares awarded per exchanged share (in shares)
Number Of Class A Common Shares Entitled in Exchange For Each Class A Special Common Stock
Number of Class A Common Stock Entitled in Exchange for Each Class A Special Common Stock
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Remaining authorized repurchase amount
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
Comcast And Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member]
Comcast And Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance.
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Schedule of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance.
Total
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Franchise Rights [Member]
Franchise Rights [Member]
Trade Names [Member]
Trade Names [Member]
FCC Licenses [Member]
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Customer Relationships [Member]
Customer Relationships [Member]
Software [Member]
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Cable franchise renewal costs and contractual operating rights [Member]
Cable franchise renewal costs and contractual operating rights [Member]
Patents and other technology rights [Member]
Patents and other technology rights [Member]
Other agreements and rights [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Original Useful Life
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Gross Carrying Amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Programming and Talent Commitments
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year
2019
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year
2020
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year
2021
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year
2022
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year
Thereafter
Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year
Operating Leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation, amortization and other operating gains
Depreciation And Amortization And Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets
Depreciation And Amortization Expense And (Gain) Loss On Disposition Of Assets
Share-based compensation
Share-based Compensation
Noncash interest expense (income), net
Noncash Interest Expense (Income) Net
Represents noncash interest expense (income) items as adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities.
Equity in net (income) losses of investees, net
Cash received from investees
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution
Net (gain) loss on investment activity and other
Gain (Loss) On Investments And Noncash Other Income (Expense) Net
The net realized gain or loss on investments sold during the period and other income (expense), net, which, for cash flow reporting, is a component of proceeds from continuing operations.
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Current and noncurrent receivables, net
Change In Current And Noncurrent Receivables Net
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount of current and noncurrent receivables.
Film and television costs, net
Film And Television Costs Net
Amount of net increase (decrease) in film and television costs.
Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Other operating assets and liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Cash paid for intangible assets
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets
Acquisitions and construction of real estate properties
Payments For Acquisitions And Construction Of Real Estate Properties
The cash outflow for the acquisition and construction of buildings (properties) whether for investment or use.
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments
Proceeds From Sales Of Businesses And Investments
The cash inflow associated with the sale of businesses and investments, if any, during the period.
Purchases of investments
Payments to Acquire Investments
Deposits
Deposit
Cash paid for deposits
Other
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt
Repurchases and repayments of debt
Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings from Comcast, net
Proceeds From Note Receivable Issued To And Borrowings From Comcast
Represents the cash inflow from borrowings from Comcast for a note receivable issued to Comcast.
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Dividends paid
Payments of Dividends
Purchase of Universal Studios Japan noncontrolling interests
Issuances of common stock
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
Distributions to member
Payments of Capital Distribution
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders
The cash outflow related to distributions to noncontrolling interests.
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock
Distributions To Noncontrolling Interests And Dividends For Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock
The cash outflow related to distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock.
Other
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Computation of diluted EPS
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Other Industries [Abstract]
Film And Television Cost [Table]
Film And Television Cost [Table]
Film And Television Cost [Table]
Film And Television Cost [Line Items]
Film And Television Cost [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Film And Television Cost [Table]
Film Costs:
Theatrical Film Costs [Abstract]
Released, less amortization
Theatrical Film Costs, Released
Completed, not released
Theatrical Film Costs, Completed and Not Released
In production and in development
Theatrical Film Costs, In Production And In Development
The amount of direct negative costs incurred in the production and development of a theatrical film, as well as allocations of production overhead and capitalized interest. Examples of direct negative costs include costs of story and scenario; compensation of cast, directors, producers, extras, and miscellaneous staff; costs of set construction and operations, wardrobe, and accessories; costs of sound synchronization; rental facilities on location; and postproduction costs such as music, special effects, and editing.
Total film costs
Theatrical Film Costs
Television Costs:
Direct-to-television Film Costs [Abstract]
Released, less amortization
Direct-to-television Film Costs, Released
In production and in development
Direct-to-Television Film Costs, In Production and In Development
The amount of direct negative costs incurred in the production and development of a direct-to-television film, as well as allocations of production overhead and capitalized interest. Examples of direct negative costs include costs of story and scenario; compensation of cast, directors, producers, extras, and miscellaneous staff; costs of set construction and operations, wardrobe, and accessories; costs of sound synchronization; rental facilities on location; and postproduction costs such as music, special effects, and editing.
Total television costs
Direct-to-television Film Costs
Programming rights, less amortization
Programming Rights Less Amortization
The carrying amount of total acquired programming rights, less amortization
Total film costs, television costs and programming rights
Total Film And Television Costs And Programming Rights After Amortization
The carrying amount of owned films, television series and other television productions and the current and noncurrent portion of acquired television and cable networks programming rights recorded on the balance sheet. Owned films, television series and other television production costs include capitalizable production costs, production overhead, interest, development costs and acquired production costs. Film and television rights include multi-year programming arrangements, acquired movies, series and other programs. The carrying amount is stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable/fair value at the balance sheet date.
Less: Current portion of programming rights
Gains (losses) on sales of investments, net
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Investment impairment losses
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments
Interest and dividend income
Investment Income, Interest and Dividend
Other, net
Other Investment Income Loss Net
Nonoperating income (losses), net from investment holdings recorded in the income statement that are not separately stated.
Investment income (loss), net
Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Including Deferred Revenue
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities Including Deferred Revenue
Common stock
Other shareholders’ equity
Other stockholders equity
Other stockholders equity.
Receivables, gross
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current
Less: Allowance for returns and customer incentives
Returns And Incentives Allowance, Current
A valuation allowance for sales returns and other incentives.
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Receivables, net
Noncurrent receivables, net
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent
Debt Conversion Description [Axis]
Debt Conversion Description [Axis]
Debt Conversion, Name [Domain]
Debt Conversion, Name [Domain]
Senior Notes Exchange [Member]
Senior Notes Exchange [Member]
Senior Notes Exchange [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Senior Notes [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Senior Notes [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Senior Notes [Member]
Senior 6.95% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.95% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.95% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.45% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.45% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.45% Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Senior 6.400% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
NBCUniversal Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
NBCUniversal Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
NBCUniversal Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Senior 6.40% Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Senior 6.4% Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Senior 6.4% Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Senior 6.55% Notes Due 2039 [Member]
Senior 6.55% Notes Due 2039 [Member]
Senior 6.55% Notes Due 2039 [Member]
Senior 3.97% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 3.97% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 3.97% Notes Due 2047 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2049 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2049 [Member]
Senior 4.00% Notes Due 2049 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Dues 2052 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Dues 2052 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Dues 2052 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Due 2052 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Due 2052 [Member]
Senior 4.05% Notes Due 2052 [Member]
4.00% Notes Due 2049 To Comcast [Member]
4.00% Notes Due 2049 To Comcast [Member]
4.00% Notes Due 2049 To Comcast [Member]
Aggregate principal amount issued
Aggregate principal amount of certain series of outstanding notes
Debt Exchange, Amount
The aggregate principal amount of the debt being exchanged in a debt exchange transaction.
Interest expense
Rent expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Estimated Amortization Expense of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Amortization of completed film and television production expected to be amortized during the next fiscal year
Film Costs, Amortized in Next Operating Cycle
Expected amortization percentage of released and unamortized film and television costs during the next three fiscal years
Percentage of Unamortized Film Costs
Remaining unamortized costs of acquired film and television libraries
Film And Television Library Costs Unamortized
The remaining amount of costs related to film and television libraries that are expected to be amortized.
Amortization period of acquired film and television library costs
Acquired Film and Television Library Costs, Amortization Period
Acquired Film and Television Library Costs, Amortization Period
Expected amortization percentage of unamortized acquired film and television library costs during the next three fiscal years
Percentage Of Acquired Film And Television Libraries To Be Amortized In The Next Three Years
The percentage of unamortized acquired film and television library costs that are expected to be amortized within three years from the date of the balance sheet.
Tax Receivable Agreement [Axis]
Tax Receivable Agreement [Axis]
Tax Receivable Agreement
Tax Receivable Agreement [Axis] [Domain]
Tax Receivable Agreement [Axis] [Domain]
[Domain] for Tax Receivable Agreement
Tax Receivable Agreement [Member]
Tax Receivable Agreement [Member]
Tax Receivable Agreement [Member]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Axis]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Axis]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Axis]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Domain]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Domain]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Domain]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Member]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Member]
Member's contribution that represented Deferred Income Tax Assets and Other Tax-related Items recorded by Parent but excluded from net assets contributed [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Film and television costs
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets, Film and Television Costs
Amount of film and television costs acquired at the acquisition date.
Intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Working capital
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Working Capital
The amount of working capital (current assets less current liabilities, including cash if any) acquired as of the acquisition date.
Debt
Tax receivable agreement
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Tax Receivable Agreement
Amount of liability for a tax receivable agreement acquired at the acquisition date.
Deferred income taxes
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets
Other noncurrent assets (liabilities)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities
The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to other noncurrent assets and liabilities of the acquired entity not otherwise disclosed separately.
Identifiable net assets (liabilities) acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Noncontrolling interests
Goodwill (see Note 9)
Cash consideration transferred by Comcast
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
The measure used to evaluate the profitability of operating segments.
Adjustment for legal settlement
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement
Depreciation
Amortization
Other operating gains
Total other income (expense)
Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Schedule of Fair Value Method Investments [Table]
Payments to acquire available-for-sale securities
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities
Contributed investment from Comcast
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Supplemental Financial Information
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of recognized share-based compensation expense
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]
Schedule of stock option and restricted share units activity
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]
Schedule of stock option and restricted share units fair value and significant assumptions
Stock Option Fair Value and Significant Assumptions [Text Block]
Stock option fair value and significant assumptions
Common stock, shares outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)
Stock compensation plans (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Repurchases and retirements of common stock (in shares)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Reclassification of Class A Special common stock (in shares)
Reclassification of Class A Special common stock (in shares)
Represents the change in share amount due to the Class A Special Common Stock Reclassification
Other (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other
Common stock, shares outstanding at end of period (in shares)
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Pension Plans [Member]
Pension Plan [Member]
Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis]
Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis]
Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain]
Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain]
Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Postretirement Benefit [Member]
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
Reduction of benefit obligations due to plan amendments
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment
Benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Expenses related to retirement investment plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost
Multiemployer plan contributions
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer
Severance Costs
Other Restructuring Costs
Term Loans [Member]
Term Loans [Member]
Term Loans [Member]
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less [Member]
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years [Member]
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years, at face value [Member]
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years [Member]
Other Including Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Other Including Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Other Including Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Notes 5.50% Due 2029 [Member]
Notes 5.50% Due 2029 [Member]
Notes 5.50% due 2029 [Member]
Universal Studios Japan Term Loans [Member]
Weighted-Average Interest Rate
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Commercial paper
Commercial Paper
Term loans
Other Long-term Debt
Senior notes
Senior Notes
Notes due 2049 to Comcast
Other Notes Payable, Noncurrent
Other, including capital lease obligations
Other Borrowings
Debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and fair value adjustments for hedged positions, net
Debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and fair value adjustments for hedged positions
The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date for the net impact of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and fair value adjustments for hedged positions.
Total debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Less: Current portion
Long-term debt
Related Party Transactions Condensed Financial Statements
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period in years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Period from grant date that an equity-based award expires
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Unrecognized pretax compensation expense on nonvested awards, weighted average period of recognition (in years)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, income tax benefit from share-based compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Table]
Vox Media [Member]
Vox Media [Member]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Number of series of preferred stock
Number of Preferred Stock Series
Number of Preferred Stock Series
Fair value of cost method Investment redeemable preferred shares
Fair Value Of Cost Method Investment Redeemable Preferred Shares
The fair value of a cost method investment related to redeemable preferred shares.
Preferred stock aggregate redemption value
Preferred Stock Aggregate Redemption Value
Preferred stock aggregate redemption value
Redeemable subsidiary preferred shares
Carrying Amount Of Redeemable Preferred Stock
Carrying amount of redeemable preferred stock
Fair value of redeemable preferred shares
Fair value of redeemable preferred shares
Fair value of our redeemable subsidiary preferred shares and/or stock
Nonredeemable subsidiary preferred shares
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock
Nonredeemable preferred stock issued by a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.
Purchases of investments
Cost Method Investments, Original Cost
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Axis]
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Axis]
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Axis]
Cash Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Domain]
Cash Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Domain]
[Domain] for Cash Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Axis]
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Member]
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Member]
Consideration Transferred By Comcast [Member]
Business acquisition, price paid per share (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Share Price
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Segments [Member]
Number of reportable segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Number of divisions
Number of Divisions
Number of Divisions
Finite-lived intangible asset amortization period
Schedule of common stock outstanding
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of shares repurchased
Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Current Expense (Benefit):
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
State
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current income tax expense (benefit)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Withholding tax expense
Foreign Withholding Tax Expense
The amount of tax liability incurred by the Company in licensing its content to non-US territories.
U.S. domestic tax expense
Domestic Tax Expense Benefit
Amount of current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income (loss) from continuing domestic operations within the country of domicile of the entity.
Income tax expense (benefit)
Investments
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]
Equity
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Federal Tax Authority [Member]
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions Indemnified by GE [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions Indemnified By Third Party [Member]
Foreign income before taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Federal corporate income tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Reduction of net deferred tax liabilities
Decrease In Deferred Tax Liabilities 2017 Tax Reform Enactment
Decrease In net Deferred Tax Liabilities due to rate change along with certain immaterial changes in tax basis resulting from the 2017 tax reform legislation.
Net tax benefit related to cumulative undistributed foreign earnings and foreign tax credits
Decrease In Deferred Tax Liabilities Foreign Taxes 2017 Tax Reformenactment
Decrease in net deferred tax liabilities related to undistributed foreign earnings and net deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits resulting from the 2017 tax reform legislation.
One-time repatriation tax on cumulative undistributed foreign earnings and profits
Income tax transition tax 2017 tax reform legislation
Amount of one-time deemed repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings and profits resulting from the 2017 tax reform legislation.
Deferred tax liability attributable to temporary differences in other comprehensive income
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income
Increase in deferred income tax liabilities related to acquisitions
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Income Taxes Asset Liability Net1
Amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to noncurrent deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities.
Deferred tax related to purchase of noncontrolling interest
Deferred Tax Related To Purchase Of Noncontrolling Interest
Impact on deferred taxes related to the purchase of the remaining noncontrolling interest
Net deferred tax liability, franchise rights
Deferred Tax Liability Franchise Rights
Amount of net deferred tax liabilities related to cable franchise rights that will remain unchanged unless an impairment is recognized or a cable franchise is disposed.
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Information [Table]
Quarterly Financial Information [Table]
Quarterly Financial Information [Table]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Quarterly Financial Information [Table]
Operating income
Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation
Income tax benefit as a result of the impact of the 2017 tax reform
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation 2017 tax reform legislation
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the 2017 tax reform legislation.
Income resulting from an agency agreement
Income Resulting From An Agency Agreement
Income recognized in connection with the settlement of amounts owed to us under an agency agreement
Income resulting from an agency agreement, net of tax
Income Resulting From An Agency Agreement, Net of Tax
Income, net of tax, recognized in connection with the settlement of amounts owed to us under an agency agreement
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Legal Entity 1 [Axis]
Legal Entity 1 [Axis]
Entity 1 [Domain]
Entity 1 [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
New accounting pronouncement impact on net income if adopted
New Accounting Pronouncement Impact On Income Statement If Adopted
Represents the amount that would have increased (decreased) our net income attributable to the parent if the new accounting standard was adopted
Increase in income tax benefit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to excess tax benefits recognized on share-based compensation.
Increase in diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest
Interest Paid, Net
Income taxes
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
United States [Member]
UNITED STATES
Foreign [Member]
Non-US [Member]
Revenues from External Customers [Line Items]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Cash consideration
Shares repurchased (in shares)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Cable Networks [Member]
Cable Networks [Member]
Cable Networks Member
Broadcast Television [Member]
Broadcast Television [Member]
Broadcast Television Member
Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Filmed Entertainment Member
Theme Parks [Member]
Theme Parks [Member]
Theme Parks Member
NBCUniversal Segments [Member]
NBCUniversal Segments [Member]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Domain]
Products and Services [Domain]
Residential Video Products And Services [Member]
Residential Video Products And Services [Member]
Residential Video Products And Services [Member]
Residential High-speed Internet Products And Services [Member]
Residential High-speed Internet Products And Services [Member]
Residential High-speed Internet Products And Services [Member]
Residential Voice Products And Services [Member]
Residential Voice Products And Services [Member]
Residential Voice Products And Services [Member]
Business Products And Services [Member]
Business Products And Services [Member]
Business Products And Services [Member]
Advertising Products And Services [Member]
Advertising Products And Services [Member]
Advertising Products And Services [Member]
Other Products And Services [Member]
Other Products And Services [Member]
Other Products And Services [Member]
Franchise And Other Regulatory Fees [Member]
Franchise And Other Regulatory Fees [Member]
Franchise And Other Regulatory Fees [Member]
FCC Spectrum [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization
Capital Expenditures
Cash Paid for Intangible Assets
Cable segment revenue types as percentage of total cable revenue
Cable Segment Revenue Types As Percentage Of Total Cable Revenue
Cable segment revenue types as percentage of total cable revenue
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table]
FCC Spectrum Auction [Line Items]
FCC Spectrum Auction [Line Items]
FCC Spectrum Auction [Line Items]
Proceeds from FCC spectrum auction
Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets
Gain on sale of spectrum rights
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets
Amount of spectrum acquired
Deposit to acquire intangible asset
Deposit To Acquire Intangible Asset
Deposit paid in a prior period for the right to an intangible asset in a future period.
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member]
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member]
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member]
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member]
Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock [Member]
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Sprint Communications Company L.P. Lawsuit [Member]
Sprint Communications Company L.P. Lawsuit [Member]
Sprint Communications Company L.P. Lawsuit [Member]
Litigation Status [Axis]
Litigation Status [Axis]
Litigation Status [Domain]
Litigation Status [Domain]
Settled Litigation [Member]
Settled Litigation [Member]
Number of employees covered under collective bargaining agreements
Number Of Employees Covered Under Collective Bargaining Agreements
Number of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Percentage of full-time equivalent employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that have expired or are schedule to expire during the next year
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Carrying value of contractual obligation
Carrying value of contractual obligation
Carrying value of future obligation classified as a liability which is no longer recorded at fair value.
Contractual value of a potential obligation
Contractual Value of a Potential Future Obligation
Contractual value of a potential future obligation based on a contractual formula on a specified date.
Payment for contingent consideration
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities
Gain on settlement of contingent consideration
Gain Related to Contingent Consideration Settlement
Gain related to the settlement of a contingent consideration obligation recorded in other income (expense), net.
Redeemable subsidiary preferred stock, put period
Preferred Stock, Put Period
The holders have the right to cause NBCUniversal Enterprise to redeem their shares at a price equal to the liquidation preference plus accrued but unpaid dividends for a 30 day period beginning on March 19, 2020 and thereafter on every third anniversary of such date (each such date, a “put date”).
Redeemable subsidiary preferred stock, dividend rate
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage
Redeemable subsidiary preferred stock, call period
Preferred Stock, Call Period
Shares of preferred stock can be called for redemption by NBCUniversal Enterprise at a price equal to the liquidation preference plus accrued but unpaid dividends one year following the put date applicable to such shares.
Temporary equity, fair value of redeemable subsidiary preferred stock
Temporary Equity, Fair Value Of Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock
Temporary Equity, Fair Value of our redeemable subsidiary preferred stock.
Charge related to legal settlement
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, January 1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Additions from acquired subsidiaries
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Acquired Subsidiaries
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Acquired Subsidiaries
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Reductions due to expiration of statutes of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Settlements with tax authorities
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, December 31
Unrecognized tax benefits positions paid
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Positions Paid
Unrecognized tax benefits associated with positions for which tax has been assessed and paid.
Liability for uncertain tax positions
Film and Television Costs
Film And Television Costs Disclosure [Text Block]
Film and Television costs Disclosure [Text Block]
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table]
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net transactions with affiliates
Net transactions with affiliates
Net transactions with affiliates.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract
Document And Entity Information [Table]
Document And Entity Information [Table]
Document And Entity Information [Table]
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Document And Entity Information [Table]
Document Type
Document Type
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Trading Symbol
Trading Symbol
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Schedule of Long-Term Debt
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Debt Maturities
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Debt Borrowings
Debt Borrowings [Table Text Block]
Debt borrowings table.
Debt Repayments and Repurchases
Debt Repayments and Repurchases [Table Text Block]
Debt Repayments and Repurchases [Text Block]
Schedule of senior notes exchange
Schedule Of Debt Exchange [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Debt Exchange [Table Text Block]
Significant Transactions
Significant Transactions [Text Block]
The disclosure of significant transactions entered into or completed during the period.
Film and Television Costs
Schedule Of Film And Television Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Film And Television Costs [Table Text Block]
The Weather Channel [Member]
The Weather Channel [Member]
The Weather Channel [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Former CFO [Member]
Former CFO [Member]
Former CFO [Member]
Term of agreement
Term of agreement
Term of agreement for Atairos
Funding commitment
Equity Method Investment, Funding Commitment
Equity Method Investment, Funding Commitment
Management fee funding commitment
Equity Method Investment, Management Fee Funding Commitment
Equity Method Investment, Management Fee Funding Commitment
Funding commitment by management company investors
Equity Method Investment, Funding Commitment by Management Company Investors
Equity Method Investment, Funding Commitment by Management Company Investors
Percent of losses
Equity Method Investment, Percent of Losses
Represents the percentage of any losses in an equity method investment that the Company is obligated to absorb.
Percentage of residual returns
Percentage of residual returns
Represents the percentage of any residual returns that Comcast has the right to receive
Purchases of investments
Capital Contribution To VIE
The cash outflow associated with a capital contribution to a VIE accounted for as an equity method investment
Equity in net income (losses) of investees
Pretax gain, sale of business
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business
Cash capital contribution, equity method investment
Equity Method Investment, Capital Contribution
Equity Method Investment, Capital Contribution
Ownership percentage
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Put/call period
Equity Method Investment, Put or Call Period
Equity Method Investment, Put or Call Period
Deferred gain
Equity Method Investment Deferred Gain
This element represents disclosure of the amount of gain which has been deferred as the result of a dilution in our ownership percentage in an equity method investment which deferred gain has been reflected in the accompanying statement of financial position.
Pretax gain on sale of investment
Pretax Gain On Sale Of Investment
Pretax gain recognized as a result of the sale of The Weather Channel's product and technology business to IBM
Goodwill impairment loss from equity method investments
Goodwill Impairment Loss From Equity Method Investments
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of a goodwill impairment charge recorded by its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. The amount is recorded in equity in net income (losses) of investees, net.
Benefit obligation
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income not yet recognized in benefits expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax
Carrying Value Of Related Party Contractual Obligation [Member]
Carrying Value Of Related Party Contractual Obligation [Member]
NBCUniversal Holdings Preferred Stock [Member]
NBCUniversal Holdings Preferred Stock [Member]
Former Comcast And NBCUniversal Revolving Credit Agreements [Member]
FormerComcastAndNBCUniversalRevolvingCreditAgreements [Member]
Former Comcast And NBCUniversal Revolving Credit Agreements [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Revolving Credit Agreements [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Revolving Credit Agreements [Member]
Comcast and NBCUniversal Revolving Credit Agreements [Member]
Revolving credit agreement capacity
Revolving Credit Agreement Capacity
The maximum amount of borrowing or lending capacity with respect to the cash management arrangement between Comcast and NBCUniversal under the revolving credit agreement.
Preferred stock, dividend rate
Preferred stock liquidation preference value
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value
Preferred stock dividend rate, spread on variable rate
Preferred Stock Dividend Rate, Spread On Variable Rate
Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on dividend payments on preferred stock; the variable rate will reset every 5 years
Financial Data by Business Segment
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Domain]
Customer [Domain]
Residential Customers [Member]
Residential Customers [Member]
Residential Customers [Member]
Business Customers [Member]
Business Customers [Member]
Business Customers [Member]
Video Customers [Member]
Video Customers [Member]
Video Customers [Member]
High-speed Internet Customers [Member]
High-speed Internet Customers [Member]
High-speed Internet Customers [Member]
Voice Customers [Member]
Voice Customers [Member]
Voice Customers [Member]
Number of primary businesses
Number Of Businesses
Number Of Businesses
Total customer relationships
Total Customer Relationships
Represents the number of residential and business customers that subscribe to at least one of our four primary services of video, high-speed Internet, voice, and security and automation.
Number of customers
Number Of Customers
Represents the number of customers that subscribe to our services.
Stock split, conversion ratio
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Investment Summary
Summary Investment Holdings [Table Text Block]
Summarized Financial Information
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
Investment Income (Loss), Net
Components Of Investment Income Loss Net [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of investment income (loss), including, but not limited to gains on sales and exchanges of investments, other than temporary impairment losses and interest and dividend income.
Operating costs and expenses
Other income (expense)
Other Income (Expense) Related Party
Represents all of the intercompany transactions with Comcast Corporation which are included in other income (expense) captions.
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period
Acquisitions
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Dispositions
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit
Adjustments
Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease)
Foreign currency translation
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Balance, end of period
Schedule of receivables, net
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
Schedule of cash payments for interest and income taxes
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Tax Adjustments [Axis]
Tax Adjustments [Axis]
Tax Adjustments [Axis]
Tax Adjustments [Domain]
Tax Adjustments [Domain]
Tax Adjustments [Domain]
Adjustments to uncertain and effectively settled tax positions, net [Member]
Uncertain And Effectively Settled Tax Positions, Net [Member]
Uncertain And Effectively Settled Tax Positions, Net Member
Accrued interest on uncertain and effectively settled tax positions, net [Member]
Accrued Interest On Uncertain And Effectively Settled Tax Positions Net [Member]
Accrued Interest On Uncertain And Effectively Settled Tax Positions Net [Member]
Federal tax at statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount
Foreign income taxes, net of federal credit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount
Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Amount
Other adjustments
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount
Excess tax benefits recognized on share-based compensation
2017 federal tax reform enactment