Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Trading securities:
Diversified equity securities	$ 276		$ 265
Available-for-sale securities:
Equity securities	15		12
Debt securities	47		41
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	3		17
Other	26		23
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	(60)		(20)
Other	(15)		(28)
Total	292		310
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of the period	(9)	20
Total gains (losses):
Included in operating income	7	0
Included in other income (loss), net	6	(6)
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Settlements	3	(8)
Issuances	0	(50)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	0
Balance as of the end of the period	7	(44)
Total gain (loss) for the period included in net income related to assets and liabilities still held as of the end of the period	13	(6)
Other Financial Instruments Numeric [Abstract]
Difference between carrying value and fair value of debt	2,093		2,269
Non-Financial Instruments Numeric [Abstract]
Fair value of film costs to be abandoned	0
Film production costs, carrying value in inventory subsequent to write down	184	0
Film production costs, carrying value in inventory prior to write down	239	0
Film production costs, carrying value in inventory subsequent to write down during quarter	184	0
Film production costs, carrying value in inventory prior to write down during quarter	234	0
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Trading securities:
Diversified equity securities	271		261
Available-for-sale securities:
Equity securities	15		12
Debt securities	0		0
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	0		0
Other	4		4
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	0		0
Other	0		0
Total	290		277
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Trading securities:
Diversified equity securities	5		4
Available-for-sale securities:
Equity securities	0		0
Debt securities	47		41
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	3		17
Other	0		0
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	(60)		(20)
Other	0		0
Total	(5)		42
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Trading securities:
Diversified equity securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities:
Equity securities	0		0
Debt securities	0		0
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	0		0
Other	22		19
Derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	0		0
Other	(15)		(28)
Total	$ 7		$ (9)

Fair value of other derivative assets.

Name:	twx_DerivativeFairValueOfOtherDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of other derivative liabilities.

+ Details

Name:	twx_DerivativeFairValueOfOtherDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Difference between Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

+ Details

Name:	twx_DifferenceBetweenAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Difference between the carrying value and the fair value of Time Warner's debt.

+ Details

Name:	twx_DifferenceBetweenCarryingValueAndFairValueOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAndLiabilityValue
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in operating income or resulted in a change in net asset value.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOperatingIncome
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity).

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other income (loss), net or resulted in a change in net asset value.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherIncomeLossNet
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents issuances which have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityPurchasesSalesIssuances
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents settlements which have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityPurchasesSalesSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetLiabilityTransfersNet
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The fair value of any film costs associated with a film that management plans to abandon.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FairValueOfFilmCostsToBeAbandoned
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value of certain film production costs recorded as inventory prior to being written down.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FilmProductionCostsCarryingValueInInventoryPriorToWriteDown
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value of certain film production costs recorded as inventory during the most recent quarter, prior to being written down.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FilmProductionCostsCarryingValueInInventoryPriorToWriteDownDuringQuarter
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value of certain film production costs recorded as inventory, subsequent to being written down.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FilmProductionCostsCarryingValueInInventorySubsequentToWriteDown
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value of certain film production costs recorded as inventory during the most recent quarter, subsequent to being written down.

+ Details

Name:	twx_FilmProductionCostsCarryingValueInInventorySubsequentToWriteDownDuringQuarter
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Non-Financial Instruments Numeric abstract

+ Details

Name:	twx_NonFinancialInstrumentsNumericAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Other Financial Instruments Numeric abstract

+ Details

Name:	twx_OtherFinancialInstrumentsNumericAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total gains (losses) included in either net income or other comprehensive income.

+ Details

Name:	twx_TotalGainsLossesIncludedComprehensiveIncomeAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total year-to-date gain (loss) included in net income related to assets and liabilities still held.

+ Details

Name:	twx_YtdGainLossOnLevel3AssetsLiabilitiesStillHeld
Namespace Prefix:	twx
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading which are intended be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains and losses of such securities are excluded from earnings and included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 17

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading which are intended be sold more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer. Equity securities represent ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is not mandatorily redeemable or redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. Unrealized gains and losses related to Available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 17

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 86-40

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph c

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents contracts related to the exchange of different currencies, including foreign currency options, forward (delivery or nondelivery) contracts, and swaps entered into and existing as of the balance sheet date.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 29

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS115
-Paragraph 35

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph a

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant