Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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

v3.8.0.1
Investments in Charter Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method            
Carrying value of equity method investment   $ 9,326,871   $ 9,326,871   $ 9,315,253
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts            
Share of (earnings) loses of affiliates, net   (5,280) $ 19,046 25,109 $ 570,178  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate   (3,718) (16,331) (42,515) 760,074  
Charter            
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method            
Carrying value of equity method investment   9,327,000   9,327,000    
Market value of equity method investment   $ 19,651,000   $ 19,651,000    
Ownership percentage   22.00%   22.00%    
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts            
Property and equipment   $ 174,000   $ 174,000    
Customer relationships   346,000   346,000    
Franchise fees   1,170,000   1,170,000    
Trademarks   29,000   29,000    
Goodwill   1,046,000   1,046,000    
Debt   (20,000)   (20,000)    
Deferred income tax liability   (645,000)   (645,000)    
Total   2,100,000   2,100,000    
Excess basis amortization of debt and intangible assets   (15,300) (18,500) (44,000) (23,200)  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate   $ (3,700) $ (16,300) $ (42,500) $ 760,100  
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 | Charter            
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method            
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities $ 136,000