Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair value method	$ 3,544	$ 3,028
Equity method	4,833	4,880
Cost method	2,000	2,000
Total Investments	10,377	9,908
Less: Current investments	228	54
Noncurrent investments	10,149	9,854
Spectrum Co, LLC [Member]
Equity method	1,414	1,417
Clearwire LLC [Member]
Equity method	25	69
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Equity method	736	736
Air Touch [Member]
Cost method	1,527	1,523
Other Cost Method Investment [Member]
Cost method	473	477
A E Television Networks LLC [Member]
Equity method	2,019	2,021
The Weather Channel [Member]
Equity method	464	463
Msnbccom [Member]
Equity method	$ 175	$ 174