Programming and Other Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Programming and Other Inventory Details [Abstract]
Program rights	$ 1,228	$ 1,333
Television programming:
Released (including acquired libraries)	580	628
In process and other	229	170
Theatrical programming:
Released	17	15
In process and other	32	25
Publishing, primarily finished goods	65	59
Other	1	1
Total programming and other inventory	2,152	2,231
Less current portion	685	735
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory	$ 1,467	$ 1,496

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of acquired program rights.

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories of partially completed television programming.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Total current and noncurrent inventory.

+ References

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of publishing inventories including primarily finished goods, as well as raw materials and work in process.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventories of completed television programming.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 330

-SubTopic 10

-Section 35

-Paragraph 2

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-Publisher FASB

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-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

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- Definition

Inventories not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within the normal operating cycle.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Section A

-Paragraph 4, 5

-Chapter 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph d

-Article 5

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Gross amount of inventories of a nature not separately disclosed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Publisher AICPA

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- Definition

The amount of direct negative costs incurred in the production of a theatrical film, as well as allocations of production overhead and capitalized interest. Examples of direct negative costs include costs of story and scenario; compensation of cast, directors, producers, extras, and miscellaneous staff; costs of set construction and operations, wardrobe, and accessories; costs of sound synchronization; rental facilities on location; and postproduction costs such as music, special effects, and editing.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 926

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6473108&loc=d3e54431-107959

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- Definition

The amount of direct negative costs incurred in the release of a theatrical film, as well as allocations of production overhead and capitalized interest. Examples of direct negative costs include costs of story and scenario; compensation of cast, directors, producers, extras, and miscellaneous staff; costs of set construction and operations, wardrobe, and accessories; costs of sound synchronization; rental facilities on location; and postproduction costs such as music, special effects, and editing.

+ References

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