Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Investments in Charter Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details)

v3.7.0.1
Investments in Charter Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method        
Carrying value of equity method investment   $ 9,330,239,000   $ 9,315,253,000
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts        
Share of (earnings) loses of affiliates, net   18,922,000 $ (70,278,000)  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate   (32,138,000) (1,724,000)  
Charter        
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method        
Carrying value of equity method investment   9,330,000,000    
Market value of equity method investment   $ 17,699,000,000    
Ownership percentage   20.00%    
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts        
Property and equipment   $ 206,000,000    
Customer relationships   369,000,000    
Franchise fees   1,170,000,000    
Trademarks   29,000,000    
Goodwill   217,000,000    
Debt   (24,000,000)    
Deferred income tax liability   (665,000,000)    
Total   1,302,000,000    
Excess basis amortization of debt and intangible assets   (12,100,000) (22,100,000)  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate   $ (32,100,000) $ (1,700,000)  
Charter | Customer relationships        
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts        
Useful lives of customer relationships   13 years    
Charter | Property, Plant and Equipment        
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts        
Useful lives of property and equipment   7 years    
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09        
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method        
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities   $ 0    
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 | Charter        
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method        
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities $ 136,000,000