The item represents the difference, if any, between the amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and the amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee. A difference can arise between the carrying value of the equity method investment and the value of the Entity's amount of underlying equity in net assets of the investee, for example, from appreciation of certain assets which is not recognized in earnings, but is recognized in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) by the investee.

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The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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Investments (Equity Method Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2006 Spectrum Co, LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Spectrum Co, LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Clearwire LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 A E Television Networks LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Msnbccom [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 The Weather Channel [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 NBCUniversal [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Spectrum Co, LLC [Member]
Equity method investment ownership percentage		64.00%	6.00%	16.00%	50.00%	25.00%
Difference between carrying amount and net assets							$ 1.9
Number of wireless spectrum licenses		137
Cash paid by equity method investment for intangible assets								2.4
Total cost to purchase the licenses	1.3
Expected proceeds received by equity method investment for sale of intangible assets								3.6
Expected proceeds from sale of equity method investment								$ 2.3
Percentage of cash received from investees				57.00%