Restructuring and Merger and Acquisition-Related Costs (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended		36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 31	$ 13
Restructuring charges	30	45
Payments for restructuring	(22)	(27)	$ (55)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	39	31	39
Operating segments [Member] | Entertainment Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	19	6
Restructuring charges	16	26
Payments for restructuring	(15)	(13)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	20	19	20
Operating segments [Member] | Cable Networks Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	4
Payments for restructuring	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	4	0	4
Operating segments [Member] | Publishing Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Restructuring charges	1
Payments for restructuring	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	1	0	1
Operating segments [Member] | Local Media Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	11	5
Restructuring charges	6	19
Payments for restructuring	(5)	(13)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	12	11	12
Corporate [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	1	2
Restructuring charges	3	0
Payments for restructuring	(2)	(1)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 2	$ 1	$ 2