Treasury Stock (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

In December 2011, the Company purchased, in a private transaction with a shareholder, 750,000 shares at $55.18 for a total of $41 million. The Company received 700,668 of the shares prior to December 31, 2011, with 49,332 shares received in January 2012.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company withheld 141,257, 150,258 and 129,417 shares, respectively, of its common stock in payment of $19 million, $15 million and $9 million, respectively, of tax withholdings owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares.

In December 2014 and 2013, Charter's board of directors approved the retirement of treasury stock and 141,257 and 150,258 shares of treasury stock were retired as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company accounted for treasury stock using the cost method and the treasury shares upon repurchase were reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a component of total shareholders’ equity. Upon retirement, these treasury shares were allocated between additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit based on the cost of original issue included in additional paid-in capital.