Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

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

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Investments in Charter Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method      
Carrying value of equity method investment $ 11,835,613 $ 9,315,253  
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts      
Share of (earnings) loses of affiliates, net 2,508,991 641,544 $ (120,962)
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate (17,872) 770,766 (7,198)
Charter      
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the Equity Method      
Carrying value of equity method investment 11,836,000    
Market value of equity method investment $ 18,166,000    
Ownership percentage 22.70%    
Other Comprehensive Income Loss From Equity Method Investments $ 768 811 1,300
Other Comprehensive Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Before Tax 1,200 1,300 2,100
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts      
Property and equipment 361,000    
Customer relationships 689,000    
Franchise fees 1,670,000    
Trademarks 29,000    
Goodwill 986,000    
Debt (98,000)    
Deferred income tax liability (662,000)    
Total $ 2,975,000    
Useful lives of property and equipment 7 years    
Share of (earnings) loses of affiliates, net $ (2,509,000) (642,000) 121,000
Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate $ (18,000) $ 771,000 $ (7,000)
Charter | Customer relationships      
Excess basis allocation within memo accounts      
Useful lives of customer relationships 13 years