Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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

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Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Sep. 30, 2015
Sep. 30, 2016
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2015
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method          
Carrying value of equity method investment $ 9,233,197   $ 9,233,197   $ 2,372,699
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts          
Share of (earnings) loses of affiliates, net 19,046 $ (3,999) 570,178 $ (65,747)  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate (16,331) (851) 760,074 (2,113)  
Charter          
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method          
Carrying value of equity method investment 9,233,000   9,233,000    
Market value of equity method investment $ 14,598,000   $ 14,598,000    
Ownership percentage 20.00%   20.00%    
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts          
Property and equipment $ 238,000   $ 238,000    
Customer relationships 403,000   403,000    
Franchise fees 1,170,000   1,170,000    
Trademarks 29,000   29,000    
Goodwill 70,000   70,000    
Debt (40,000)   (40,000)    
Deferred income tax liability (683,000)   (683,000)    
Total 1,187,000   1,187,000    
Excess basis amortization of debt and intangible assets (18,500) (17,800) (23,200) (27,600)  
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate $ (16,300) $ (851) $ 760,100 $ (2,100)  
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