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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Jan. 31, 2013
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Jun. 30, 2012
|
|
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
| Entity Registrant Name | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. /MO/ | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001091667 | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
| Document Type | 10-K | ||
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2012 | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2012 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
| Trading Symbol | CHTR | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 101,178,821 | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 2.8 |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
If the value is true, then the document is an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
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- Definition
End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
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- Definition
The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word "Other". No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Indicate number of shares or other units outstanding of each of registrant's classes of capital or common stock or other ownership interests, if and as stated on cover of related periodic report. Where multiple classes or units exist define each class/interest by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] or Partnership Interest [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" whether registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, (4) Smaller Reporting Company (Non-accelerated) or (5) Smaller Reporting Accelerated Filer. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
State aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold, or average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The public float should be reported on the cover page of the registrants form 10K. No definition available.
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- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Is used on Form Type: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 20-F, 6-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q/A, 20-F/A, 6-K/A, N-CSR, N-Q, N-1A. No definition available.
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- Definition
Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange. No definition available.
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- Definition
Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the value of the business relationship with existing customers (less anticipated churn). No definition available.
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of property, plant and equipment, franchises, customer relationships, net and goodwill. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and due within one year (or the operating cycle, if longer), including liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received, taxes, interest, rent and utilities, accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Value received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards net of valuation allowances expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the rights acquired through a franchise arrangement having an indefinite period of benefit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items (or Partners' Capital, as applicable), including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The total of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and the aggregate carrying amount of current assets, as of the balance sheet date, not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (PARENTHETICALS) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
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Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
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Dec. 31, 2012
Class B Common Stock [Member]
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Dec. 31, 2011
Class B Common Stock [Member]
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars) | $ 14 | $ 16 | ||||
| Accumulated depreciation, property, plant and equipment (in dollars) | $ 3,563 | $ 2,364 | ||||
| Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.001 | $ 0.001 | $ 0.001 | $ 0.001 | ||
| Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares) | 900,000,000 | 900,000,000 | 25,000,000 | 25,000,000 | ||
| Common Stock, shares issued (in shares) | 101,176,247 | 100,570,418 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 101,176,247 | 100,570,418 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.001 | $ 0.001 | ||||
| Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares) | 250,000,000 | 250,000,000 | ||||
| Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares) | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 0 |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value of common stock per share; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) issued to shareholders (includes related preferred shares that were issued, repurchased, and remain in the treasury). May be all or portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. Excludes preferred shares that are classified as debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
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Apr. 30, 2012
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Jan. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2011
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May 31, 2011
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Jan. 31, 2011
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Sep. 30, 2010
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Apr. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Sep. 30, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Mar. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
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Sep. 30, 2011
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Jun. 30, 2011
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Mar. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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| Income Statement [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||
| REVENUES | $ 1,913 | $ 1,880 | $ 1,884 | $ 1,827 | $ 1,834 | $ 1,809 | $ 1,791 | $ 1,770 | $ 7,504 | $ 7,204 | $ 7,059 | |||||||||
| COSTS AND EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 4,860 | 4,564 | 4,486 | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,713 | 1,592 | 1,524 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses, net | 15 | 7 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 6,588 | 6,163 | 6,035 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 206 | 211 | 269 | 230 | 265 | 237 | 270 | 269 | 916 | 1,041 | 1,024 | |||||||||
| OTHER EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (907) | (963) | (877) | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (33) | (59) | (15) | (19) | (53) | (67) | (34) | (34) | (1) | (55) | (143) | (85) | ||||||||
| Other expense, net | (1) | (5) | (4) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total other expenses | (963) | (1,111) | (966) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | (47) | (70) | 58 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (257) | (299) | (295) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ (40) | $ (87) | $ (83) | $ (94) | $ (67) | $ (85) | $ (107) | $ (110) | $ (304) | $ (369) | $ (237) | |||||||||
| LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED | ||||||||||||||||||||
| LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (in dollars per share) | $ (0.41) | $ (0.87) | $ (0.84) | $ (0.95) | $ (0.63) | $ (0.79) | $ (0.98) | $ (0.97) | $ (3.05) | $ (3.39) | $ (2.09) | |||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares) | 100,003,344 | 99,694,672 | 99,496,755 | 99,432,960 | 105,503,936 | 108,420,169 | 109,265,876 | 113,224,303 | 99,657,989 | 108,948,554 | 113,138,461 | |||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share in instances when basic and diluted earnings per share are the same amount and reported as a single line item on the face of the financial statements. Basic earnings per share is the amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share includes the amount of net income or loss for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net amount of other operating income and expenses, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operations. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). No definition available.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Mar. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ (40) | $ (87) | $ (83) | $ (94) | $ (67) | $ (85) | $ (107) | $ (110) | $ (304) | $ (369) | $ (237) |
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | (10) | (8) | (57) | ||||||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ (314) | $ (377) | $ (294) | ||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Equity impact from exchange of ownership interest No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
This element represents the amount of recognized equity-based compensation during the period, that is, the amount recognized as expense in the income statement (or as asset if compensation is capitalized). Alternate captions include the words "stock-based compensation". Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of decrease of par value, additional paid in capital (APIC) and retained earnings of common and preferred stock retired from treasury when treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable for capital expenditures. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Noncash Gains (Losses) on Extinguishments of Debt No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to allocate debt discount and premium, and the costs to issue debt and obtain financing over the related debt instruments. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable to vendors for goods and services received and the amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of prepaid expenses and other assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows, for example, deferred expenses, intangible assets, or income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Other income (expense) included in net income that results in no cash inflows or outflows in the period. Includes noncash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities that are not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from purchases, sales and disposals of property, plant and equipment and other productive assets, including intangibles. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire preferred stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Notes)
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Organization and Basis of Presentation | Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal asset is a 100% common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”). Charter owns cable systems through its subsidiaries, which are collectively, with Charter, referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company is a cable operator providing services in the United States. The Company offers to residential and commercial customers traditional cable video programming, Internet services, and telephone services, as well as advanced video services such as Charter OnDemand™, high definition television, and digital video recorder (“DVR”) service. The Company sells its cable video programming, Internet, telephone, and advanced video services primarily on a subscription basis. The Company also sells local advertising on cable networks and on the Internet and provides fiber connectivity to cellular towers. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill; income taxes; contingencies and programming expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation. |
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities based upon evaluation of the Company’s power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of another entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; its obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity; and its right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and commercial paper. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts held in escrow accounts pending final resolution from the Bankruptcy Court (see Note 18). Property, Plant and Equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including all material, labor and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities. While the Company’s capitalization is based on specific activities, once capitalized, costs are tracked by fixed asset category at the cable system level and not on a specific asset basis. For assets that are sold or retired, the estimated historical cost and related accumulated depreciation is removed. Costs associated with initial customer installations and the additions of network equipment necessary to enable advanced video services are capitalized. Costs capitalized as part of initial customer installations include materials, labor, and certain indirect costs. Indirect costs are associated with the activities of the Company’s personnel who assist in connecting and activating the new service and consist of compensation and other costs associated with these support functions. Indirect costs primarily include employee benefits and payroll taxes, direct variable costs associated with capitalizable activities, consisting primarily of installation and construction, vehicle costs, the cost of dispatch personnel and indirect costs directly attributable to capitalizable activities. The costs of disconnecting service at a customer’s dwelling or reconnecting service to a previously installed dwelling are charged to operating expense in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred, while plant and equipment replacement and betterments, including replacement of cable drops from the pole to the dwelling, are capitalized. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Asset Retirement Obligations Certain of the Company’s franchise agreements and leases contain provisions requiring the Company to restore facilities or remove equipment in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. The Company expects to continually renew its franchise agreements and has concluded that all of the related franchise rights are indefinite lived intangible assets. Accordingly, the possibility is remote that the Company would be required to incur significant restoration or removal costs related to these franchise agreements in the foreseeable future. A liability is required to be recognized for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Company has not recorded an estimate for potential franchise related obligations, but would record an estimated liability in the unlikely event a franchise agreement containing such a provision were no longer expected to be renewed. The Company also expects to renew many of its lease agreements related to the continued operation of its cable business in the franchise areas. For the Company’s lease agreements, the estimated liabilities related to the removal provisions, where applicable, have been recorded and are not significant to the financial statements. Franchises Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements or authorizations with local and state authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas. Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite life. All franchises that qualify for indefinite life treatment are tested for impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances (see Note 5). The Company has concluded that all of its existing franchises qualify for indefinite life treatment. Customer Relationships Customer relationships represent the value attributable to the Company’s business relationships with its current customers including the right to deploy and market additional services to these customers. Customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis over the period the relationships with current customers are expected to generate cash flows (11-15 years). Goodwill The Company assesses the recoverability of its goodwill as of November 30 of each year, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Other Noncurrent Assets Other noncurrent assets primarily include trademarks, right-of-entry costs and deferred financing costs. Trademarks have been determined to have an indefinite life and are tested annually for impairment. Right-of-entry costs represent costs incurred related to agreements entered into with landlords, real estate companies or owners to gain access to a building in order to provide cable service. Right-of-entry costs are generally deferred and amortized to amortization expense over the term of the agreement. Costs related to borrowings are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related borrowings. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as impairment of the Company’s indefinite life assets, changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets, adverse changes in relationships with local franchise authorities, adverse changes in market conditions or a deterioration of operating results. If a review indicates that the carrying value of such asset is not recoverable from estimated undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value of such asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. While the Company believes that its estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect its evaluations of asset recoverability. No impairments of long-lived assets to be held and used were recorded in 2012, 2011 and 2010. Derivative Financial Instruments Gains or losses related to derivative financial instruments which qualify as hedging activities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For all other derivative instruments, if any, the related gains or losses are recorded in the statements of operations. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Revenue Recognition Revenues from residential and commercial video, Internet and telephone services are recognized when the related services are provided. Advertising sales are recognized at estimated realizable values in the period that the advertisements are broadcast. In some cases, the Company coordinates the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators in a certain market and remits amounts received from customers less an agreed-upon percentage to such cable operator. For those arrangements in which the Company acts as a principal, the Company records the revenues earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the cable operator as an operating expense. Fees imposed on Charter by various governmental authorities are passed through on a monthly basis to the Company’s customers and are periodically remitted to authorities. Fees of $389 million, $388 million and $379 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are reported in video, telephone and commercial revenues, on a gross basis with a corresponding operating expense because the Company is acting as a principal. Other taxes, such as sales taxes imposed on the Company's customers collected and remitted to state and local authorities are recorded on a net basis because the Company is acting as an agent in such situation. The Company’s revenues by product line are as follows:
Programming Costs The Company has various contracts to obtain basic, digital and premium video programming from programming vendors whose compensation is typically based on a flat fee per customer. The cost of the right to exhibit network programming under such arrangements is recorded in operating expenses in the month the programming is available for exhibition. Programming costs are paid each month based on calculations performed by the Company and are subject to periodic audits performed by the programmers. Certain programming contracts contain incentives to be paid by the programmers. The Company receives these payments and recognizes the incentives on a straight-line basis over the life of the programming agreement as a reduction of programming expense. This offset to programming expense was $6 million, $7 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the deferred amount of such economic consideration, included in other long-term liabilities, was $6 million. Programming costs included in the accompanying statements of operations were $2.0 billion, $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs associated with marketing the Company’s products and services are generally expensed as costs are incurred. Such advertising expense was $325 million, $285 million and $267 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Multiple-Element Transactions In the normal course of business, the Company enters into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. Transactions, although negotiated contemporaneously, may be documented in one or more contracts. The Company’s policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each element of the transaction based on the respective estimated fair values of the products or services purchased and the products or services sold. In determining the fair value of the respective elements, the Company refers to quoted market prices (where available), historical transactions or comparable cash transactions. Stock-Based Compensation Restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and performance units and shares are measured at the grant date fair value and amortized to stock compensation expense over the requisite service period. The Company recorded $50 million, $36 million and $26 million of stock compensation expense which is included in operating costs and expenses and other operating expenses, net for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and Monte Carlo simulations for options and restricted stock units with market conditions. The grant date weighted average assumptions used during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were: risk-free interest rate of 1.5%, 2.5% and 2.5%; expected volatility of 38.4%, 38.4% and 47.7%, and expected lives of 6.3 years, 6.6 years and 6.3 years. The grant date weighted average cost of equity used was 16.2% and 15.5% during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Volatility assumptions were based on historical volatility of Charter and a peer group. The Company’s volatility assumptions represent management’s best estimate and were partially based on historical volatility of a peer group because management does not believe Charter’s pre-emergence from bankruptcy historical volatility to be representative of its future volatility. Expected lives were calculated based on the simplified-method due to insufficient historical exercise data. The valuations assume no dividends are paid. Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing loss carryforwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and tax law, if any, applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment (see Note 16). Loss per Common Share Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted loss per common share equals basic loss per common share for the periods presented, as the effect of stock options and other convertible securities are antidilutive because the Company incurred net losses. Segments The Company’s operations are conducted through the use of a unified network and are managed and reported to its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), the Company's chief operating decision maker, on a consolidated basis. The CEO assesses performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results of operations. Under this organizational and reporting structure, the Company has one reportable segment, broadband services. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Notes)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is summarized as follows for the years presented:
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for any allowance and reserve accounts (their beginning and ending balances, as well as a reconciliation by type of activity during the period). Alternatively, disclosure of the required information may be within the footnotes to the financial statements or a supplemental schedule to the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
The Company periodically evaluates the estimated useful lives used to depreciate its assets and the estimated amount of assets that will be abandoned or have minimal use in the future. A significant change in assumptions about the extent or timing of future asset retirements, or in the Company’s use of new technology and upgrade programs, could materially affect future depreciation expense. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1.4 billion, $1.3 billion, and $1.2 billion, respectively. Property, plant and equipment increased $49 million as a result of cable system acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2011. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets | Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements or authorizations with local and state authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas. For valuation purposes, they are defined as the future economic benefits of the right to solicit and service potential customers (customer marketing rights), and the right to deploy and market new services, such as Internet and telephone, to potential customers (service marketing rights). Franchise assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Franchise assets are aggregated into essentially inseparable units of accounting to conduct valuations. The units of accounting have historically represented geographical clustering of our cable systems into groups by which such systems were managed. In 2012, as a result of changes to the Company's organizational structure, the evolution of competition in the industry, and changes in the regulatory environment, the Company concluded that the highest and best use of its franchise assets is at the consolidated level and as such combined its units of accounting into one unit as of November 30, 2012. As required by the accounting guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company tested its franchise assets first based on the prior units of accounting before testing the new unit of accounting. No impairment was identified based on the new or prior units of accounting. During 2012, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This new standard gives the Company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset has been impaired. If, after this qualitative assessment, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset has been impaired, then no further quantitative testing is necessary. In completing the 2012 impairment testing of both the prior units of accounting and the new unit of accounting, the Company elected to perform this qualitative assessment. As such, the Company evaluated the impact of various factors to the expected future cash flows attributable to each of its units of accounting and to the assumed discount rate used to present value those cash flows. Such factors included macro-economic and industry conditions including the capital markets, regulatory, and competitive environment, and costs of programming and customer premise equipment along with changes to our organizational structure and strategies. After consideration of these qualitative factors, the Company concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the franchise assets in each unit of accounting exceeds the carrying value of such assets and therefore did not perform a quantitative analysis in 2012. If we are required to perform a quantitative analysis to test the Company's franchise assets for impairment, the Company determines the estimated fair value of each unit of accounting utilizing an income approach model based on the present value of the estimated discrete future cash flows attributable to each of the intangible assets identified for each unit assuming a discount rate. This approach makes use of unobservable factors such as projected revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, and a discount rate applied to the estimated cash flows. The determination of the discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital approach, which uses a market participant’s cost of equity and after-tax cost of debt and reflects the risks inherent in the cash flows. The Company estimates discounted future cash flows using reasonable and appropriate assumptions including among others, penetration rates for video, high-speed Internet, and telephone; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The estimates and assumptions made in the Company’s valuations are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would significantly affect the measurement value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized. The quantitative franchise valuations completed for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 showed franchise values in excess of book values and thus resulted in no impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment as of November 30 of each year, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Accounting guidance also permits a qualitative assessment for goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If, after this qualitative assessment, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount then no further quantitative testing would be necessary. If the Company is required to perform the two-step test under the accounting guidance, the first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying amount. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired and the second step of the goodwill impairment is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed, and a comparison of the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to its carrying amount to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Reporting units, consistent with the units of accounting used for franchise impairment testing, were consolidated into one reporting unit as of November 30, 2012. Likewise the fair values of the reporting units, when performing the second step of the goodwill impairment test, are determined using a consistent income approach model as that used for franchise impairment testing. As with the Company's franchise impairment testing, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment for its goodwill impairment testing and concluded that none of its reporting units are impaired based on the new or prior reporting units. The Company’s 2011 and 2010 quantitative impairment analyses also did not result in any goodwill impairment charges. Customer relationships, for valuation purposes, represent the value of the business relationship with existing customers (less the anticipated customer churn), and are calculated by projecting the discrete future after-tax cash flows from these customers, including the right to deploy and market additional services to these customers. The present value of these after-tax cash flows yields the fair value of the customer relationships. Customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated method over useful lives of 11-15 years based on the period over which current customers are expected to generate cash flows. Customer relationships are evaluated upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The fair value of trademarks is determined using the relief-from-royalty method which applies a fair royalty rate to estimated revenue. Royalty rates are estimated based on a review of market royalty rates in the communications and entertainment industries. As the Company expects to continue to use each trademark indefinitely, trademarks have been assigned an indefinite life and are tested annually for impairment using either a qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis as elected by management. The qualitative analysis in 2012 did not identify any factors that would indicate that it was more likely than not that the fair value of trademarks were less than the carrying value and thus resulted in no impairment. The Company’s 2011 and 2010 quantitative impairment analyses did not result in any trademark impairment charges. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, indefinite lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:
Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $293 million, $315 million and $337 million, respectively. Franchises and goodwill decreased by $1 million and $1 million, respectively, as a result of cable system divestitures completed during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2011, franchises, customer relationships and goodwill increased by $31 million, $10 million and $3 million, respectively, as a result of cable system acquisitions. The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows.
Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives, impairments and other relevant factors. |
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The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
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The entire disclosure for accounts payable and accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Long-Term Debt (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
The accreted values presented above represent the fair value as of the date the Company emerged from Bankruptcy (see Note 18) or the principal amount of the notes less the original issue discount at the time of sale, plus the accretion to the balance sheet date. However, the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due is equal to the principal amount of the debt. The Company has availability under its credit facilities of approximately $960 million as of December 31, 2012, and as such, debt maturing in the next twelve months is classified as long-term. CCH II Notes In October 2012, the Company redeemed $678 million aggregate principal amount of the CCH II 13.500% senior notes due 2016 at 108.522% of the principal amount. In November 2012, the Company redeemed the remaining $468 million aggregate principal amount of CCH II 13.500% senior notes due 2016 at 106.75% of the principal amount. The transactions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $52 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. CCO Holdings Notes In April 2010, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $900 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% senior notes due 2018 and $700 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125% senior notes due 2020. The net proceeds were used to finance the tender offers and redemptions in which $800 million principal amount of CCO Holdings' outstanding 8.75% senior notes due 2013 and $770 million principal amount of Charter Operating’s outstanding 8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014 were repurchased. The transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In September 2010, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.250% senior notes due 2017. The proceeds were used in October to repay amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The transaction resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In January 2011, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.000% senior notes due 2019. The net proceeds of the issuances were contributed by CCO Holdings to Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating") as a capital contribution and were used to repay indebtedness under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 related to these transactions. In May 2011, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.500% senior notes due 2021. The net proceeds of the issuances were contributed by CCO Holdings to Charter Operating as a capital contribution and intercompany loan and were used to repay indebtedness under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 related to these transactions. In December 2011, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due 2020 ("CCO Holdings 2020 Notes"). The net proceeds of the issuances were used, along with borrowings under the Charter Operating credit facilities, to finance the tender offers in which $407 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's outstanding 8.000% senior second-lien notes due 2012, $234 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's 10.875% senior second-lien notes due 2014 and $286 million aggregate principal amount of CCH II's 13.500% senior notes due 2016 were repurchased. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2011 of approximately $19 million. In January 2012, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $750 million principal amount of 6.625% senior notes due 2022. The notes were issued at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds of the notes were used, along with a draw on the $500 million delayed draw portion of the Charter Operating Term Loan A facility, to repurchase $300 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's outstanding 8.000% senior second-lien notes due 2012, $294 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's 10.875% senior second-lien notes due 2014 and $334 million aggregate principal amount of CCH II's 13.500% senior notes due 2016, as well as to repay amounts outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility. The tender offers closed in January and February 2012 and the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $15 million on this transaction for the year ended December 31, 2012. In August 2012, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior notes due 2022. The notes were issued at a price of 99.026% of the aggregate principal amount. The proceeds from the notes were used for general corporate purposes, including repaying amounts outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility, and to fund the redemption of the CCH II 13.500% senior notes due 2016 during the fourth quarter of 2012. In December 2012, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due 2023. The proceeds from the notes were used for general corporate purposes, including repaying amounts outstanding under the Company's credit facilities. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2012 of approximately $33 million. The CCO Holdings notes are guaranteed by Charter. They are senior debt obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and rank equally with all other current and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. The CCO Holdings notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CCO Holdings, including the Charter Operating notes and Charter Operating credit facilities. CCO Holdings may redeem some or all of the CCO Holdings notes at any time at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the respective series’ principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on or after varying dates in 2015 through 2018. In addition, at any time prior to varying dates in 2013 through 2015, CCO Holdings may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes at a redemption price at a premium plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings (as defined in the indenture); provided that certain conditions are met. In the event of specified change of control events, CCO Holdings must offer to purchase the outstanding CCO Holdings notes from the holders at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Charter Operating Notes In August 2011, Charter Operating repurchased, in private transactions, a total of $193 million principal amount of Charter Operating 8.000% senior second-lien notes due 2012 for approximately $199 million cash. The transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. In March 2012, Charter Operating redeemed the remaining $18 million of 10.875% senior notes due 2014 pursuant to a notice of redemption. High-Yield Restrictive Covenants; Limitation on Indebtedness. The indentures governing the CCO Holdings notes contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of CCO Holdings, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and all of their restricted subsidiaries to:
CCO Holdings Credit Facility CCO Holdings' credit agreement consists of a $350 million term loan facility (the “CCO Holdings credit facility”). The facility matures in September 2014. Borrowings under the CCO Holdings credit facility bear interest at a variable interest rate based on either LIBOR (0.21% as of December 31, 2012) or a base rate plus, in either case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR term loans is 2.50% above LIBOR. If an event of default were to occur, CCO Holdings would not be able to elect LIBOR and would have to pay interest at the base rate plus the applicable margin. The CCO Holdings credit facility is secured by the equity interests of Charter Operating, and all proceeds thereof. In April 2012, CCO Holdings entered into an amendment to its existing credit agreement dated March 6, 2007 which included, among other things, amendments to the Change of Control definition and certain other provisions and definitions related thereto. The Change of Control definition was amended to conform to the provision contained in Charter Operating's credit agreement as described below. Previously, the percentage of voting power necessary for a Change of Control had been 35%, and the definition of Change of Control did not include a Ratings Event. Charter Operating Credit Facilities In March 2010, Charter Operating entered into an amended and restated credit agreement. The refinancing resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In 2010, the Company prepaid $388 million principal amount of term B-1 and B-2 loans under the Charter Operating credit facilities resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In December 2011, the Company entered into a senior secured term loan A facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for $750 million of term loans with a final maturity date of May 15, 2017 and no LIBOR floor. The term loan A facility had a delayed draw component: $250 million was funded on closing of the term loan A and the remaining $500 million was funded in March 2012. The proceeds were used along with proceeds of the CCO Holdings 2020 Notes to finance the repurchase of certain Charter Operating's 8.000% and 10.875% senior second-lien notes and certain of CCH II's 13.500% senior notes discussed above. In April 2012, Charter Operating entered into a senior secured term loan D facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for $750 million of term loans with a final maturity date of May 15, 2019. Pricing on the new term loan D was set at LIBOR plus 3% with a LIBOR floor of 1% , and issued at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount. The proceeds were used to refinance Charter Operating's existing term loan B-1 and term loan B-2, both due 2014, with the remaining amount used to pay down a portion of its existing term loan C due 2016. Charter Operating concurrently amended and restated its existing $1.3 billion revolving credit facility with a new $1.15 billion revolving credit facility due 2017 at the interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% and amended and restated its existing credit agreement dated March 31, 2010 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). The amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement included, among other things, certain allowances under the negative covenants, including an allowance for restricted payments so long as the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as defined in the Charter Operating credit agreement is no greater than 3.5 after giving pro forma effect to such restricted payment, the calculation of certain financial covenants and changes to the related financial definitions, and the thresholds for certain events of default, including a modification of the Change of Control definition. The Change of Control definition was amended to conform to the provision contained in the CCO Holdings' indentures so that a Change of Control would now occur upon both the consummation of a transaction resulting in any person or group having the power to vote more than 50% of the ordinary voting power and a Ratings Event as defined in the Charter Operating credit agreement. The Change of Control definition previously contained the more than 50% threshold without the Ratings Event trigger. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $59 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 related to these transactions. The Charter Operating credit facilities have an outstanding principal amount of $3.3 billion at December 31, 2012 as follows:
Amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating credit facilities bear interest, at Charter Operating’s election, at a base rate or LIBOR (0.22% as of December 31, 2012 and 0.30% as of December 31, 2011 (0.58% for term C as of December 31, 2011)), as defined, plus a margin. The applicable LIBOR margin for the term loan A loans is currently 2.25%, and for the non-revolving loan is currently 1.75%. The applicable margin for the term C loans is currently 3.25% in the case of LIBOR loans. The term D loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 3% with a LIBOR floor of 1%. Charter Operating pays interest equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% on amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility and pays a revolving commitment fee of .5% per annum on the daily average available amount of the revolving commitment, payable quarterly. The Charter Operating credit facilities also allow the Company to enter into incremental term loans in the future with an aggregate, together with all other then outstanding first lien indebtedness, including any first lien notes, of no more than $7.5 billion (less any principal payments of term loan indebtedness and first lien notes as a result of any sale of assets), with amortization as set forth in the notices establishing such term loans, but with no amortization greater than 1% per year prior to the final maturity of the existing term loans. Although the Charter Operating credit facilities allow for the incurrence of a certain amount of incremental term loans, no assurance can be given that the Company could obtain additional incremental term loans in the future if Charter Operating sought to do so or what amount of incremental term loans would be allowable at any given time under the terms of the Charter Operating credit facilities. The obligations of Charter Operating under the Charter Operating credit facilities (the “Obligations”) are guaranteed by Charter Operating’s immediate parent company, CCO Holdings, and subsidiaries of Charter Operating. The Obligations are also secured by (i) a lien on substantially all of the assets of Charter Operating and its subsidiaries, to the extent such lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement, and (ii) a pledge by CCO Holdings of the equity interests owned by it in Charter Operating or any of Charter Operating’s subsidiaries, as well as intercompany obligations owing to it by any of such entities. Credit Facilities — Restrictive Covenants CCO Holdings Credit Facility The CCO Holdings credit facility contains covenants that are substantially similar to the restrictive covenants for the CCO Holdings notes except that the leverage ratio is 5.50 to 1.0. The CCO Holdings credit facility contains provisions requiring mandatory loan prepayments under specific circumstances, including in connection with certain sales of assets, so long as the proceeds have not been reinvested in the business. The CCO Holdings credit facility permits CCO Holdings and its subsidiaries to make distributions to pay interest on the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, and the Charter Operating second-lien notes, provided that, among other things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the CCO Holdings credit facility. Charter Operating Credit Facilities The Charter Operating credit facilities contain representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type. The financial covenants measure performance against standards set for leverage to be tested as of the end of each quarter. The Charter Operating credit facilities contain provisions requiring mandatory loan prepayments under specific circumstances, including in connection with certain sales of assets, so long as the proceeds have not been reinvested in the business. Additionally, the Charter Operating credit facilities provisions contain an allowance for restricted payments so long as the consolidated leverage ratio is no greater than 3.5 after giving pro forma effect to such restricted payment. The Charter Operating credit facilities permit Charter Operating and its subsidiaries to make distributions to pay interest on the currently outstanding subordinated and parent company indebtedness, provided that, among other things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the Charter Operating credit facilities The events of default under the Charter Operating credit facilities include, among other things:
Limitations on Distributions Distributions by the Company’s subsidiaries to a parent company for payment of principal on parent company notes are restricted under the indentures and credit facilities discussed above, unless there is no default under the applicable indenture and credit facilities, and unless each applicable subsidiary’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of such distribution. As of December 31, 2012, there was no default under any of these indentures or credit facilities. Distributions by Charter Operating for payment of principal on parent company notes are further restricted by the covenants in its credit facilities. In addition to the limitation on distributions under the various indentures discussed above, distributions by the Company’s subsidiaries may only be made if they have “surplus” as defined in the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. Liquidity and Future Principal Payments The Company continues to have significant amounts of debt, and its business requires significant cash to fund principal and interest payments on its debt, capital expenditures and ongoing operations. As set forth below, the Company has significant future principal payments beginning in 2013 and beyond. The Company continues to monitor the capital markets, and it expects to undertake refinancing transactions and utilize free cash flow and cash on hand to further extend or reduce the maturities of its principal obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to market conditions. Based upon outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2012, the amortization of term loans, and the maturity dates for all senior and subordinated notes, total future principal payments on the total borrowings under all debt agreements as of December 31, 2012, are as follows:
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The entire disclosure for long-term debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Preferred Stock (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] | |
| Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock On November 30, 2009, Charter issued approximately 5.5 million shares of 15% Pay-In-Kind Preferred Stock having an aggregate liquidation preference of $138 million to holders of Charter convertible notes (the “Preferred Stock”). Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock, the Company was required to pay a dividend at an annual rate equal to 15% on the liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock. The liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock was $25 per share. On April 16, 2010, Charter redeemed all of the shares of the Preferred Stock for a redemption payment of $25.948 per share or a total redemption payment for all shares of approximately $143 million. The Preferred Stock was recorded at fair value with gains or losses recorded in other income (expense), net. |
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The entire disclosure for terms, amounts, nature of changes, rights and privileges, dividends, and other matters related to preferred stock. No definition available.
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Treasury Stock (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Treasury Stock [Abstract] | |
| Treasury Stock | Treasury Stock On March 22, 2011, the Company purchased, in a private transaction, 4.5 million shares of Charter’s Class A common stock from funds advised by Franklin Advisers, Inc. The price paid was $46.10 per share for a total of $207 million. The transaction was funded from existing cash on hand and available liquidity. Under a repurchase program authorized by Charter’s board of directors in August 2011, 4.1 million shares of Charter’s Class A common stock and warrants to purchase Charter’s Class A common stock were purchased during the course of 2011 for a total of approximately $200 million. The average price per share paid was $48.48. 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. In December 2011, the Company also entered into stock repurchase agreements for approximately 3.0 million shares of Charter's Class A common stock from funds advised by Oaktree Capital Management and approximately 2.2 million shares of Charter's Class A common stock from funds advised by Apollo Management Holdings. The price paid was $54.35 per share for a total of $163 million for the shares purchased from Oaktree Capital Management and $117 million for the shares purchased from Apollo Management Holdings. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company withheld 129,417, 141,175 and 176,475 shares, respectively, of its common stock in payment of $9 million, $7 million and $6 million, respectively, tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares. In December 2011, Charter's board of directors approved the retirement of treasury stock and 14.8 million shares of treasury stock were retired as of December 31, 2011. The remaining 49,332 shares received in January 2012 were retired in January 2012. In December 2012, Charter's board of directors approved the retirement of treasury stock and 129,417 shares of treasury stock were retired as of December 31, 2012. These transactions were funded from existing cash on hand and available liquidity. 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. |
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The entire disclosure for an entity's treasury stock, including the average cost per share, carrying basis for each class of treasury stock, description of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's board of directors, the number of shares repurchased, the cost of the shares repurchased, the remaining maximum dollar value of shares available for repurchase under the program, the treatment of the purchase price in excess of the current market value, number of shares held for each class of treasury stock, and other information necessary to a fair presentation. No definition available.
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Common Stock (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Common Stock Charter’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical except with respect to certain voting, transfer and conversion rights. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holder of Class B common stock was entitled to votes equaling 35% of the voting interests in Charter on a fully diluted basis. Charter Holdco membership units were exchangeable on a one-for-one basis for shares of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2010, Paul G. Allen ("Mr. Allen") held all 2,241,299 shares of Class B common stock of Charter. Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation of Charter, on January 18, 2011, the Disinterested Members of the Board of Directors of Charter caused a conversion of the shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Charter has outstanding 5.9 million warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock with an exercise price of $46.86 per share and 1.0 million warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock with an exercise price $51.28 per share, both of which expire on November 30, 2014. Charter also has outstanding 4.7 million warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock with an exercise price of $19.80 per share that expire on November 30, 2016 owned by Mr. Allen. The warrants were valued at approximately $90 million on November 30, 2009, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and are included in the accompanying balance sheets in total shareholders’ equity. The following table summarizes our shares outstanding for the three years ended December 31, 2012:
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Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities | Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts. The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company has certain interest rate derivative instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Such instruments effectively convert variable interest payments on certain debt instruments into fixed payments. For qualifying hedges, realized derivative gains and losses offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company formally documents, designates and assesses the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. The effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is presented in the table below:
Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements that are designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, and that meet effectiveness criteria are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amounts are subsequently reclassified as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the same periods in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affected earnings (losses). The effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and consolidated statements of operations is presented in the table below.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $3.1 billion and $2.0 billion in notional amounts of interest rate swap agreements outstanding. The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged were determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company entered into $1.1 billion in delayed start interest rate swaps that become effective in March 2013 through March 2015. In any future quarter in which a portion of these delayed start hedges first becomes effective, an equal or greater notional amount of the currently effective swaps are scheduled to mature. Therefore, the $2.0 billion notional amount of currently effective interest rate swaps will gradually step down over time as current swaps mature and an equal or lesser amount of delayed start swaps become effective. |
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The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Fair Value Measurements (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements Financial Assets and Liabilities The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are based on quoted market prices and is classified within Level 1 (defined below) of the valuation hierarchy. A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
The interest rate derivatives designated as hedges were valued as $75 million and $65 million liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, using a present value calculation based on an implied forward LIBOR curve (adjusted for Charter Operating’s or counterparties’ credit risk) and were classified within Level 2 (defined below) of the valuation hierarchy. The weighted average pay rate for the Company’s currently effective interest rate swaps was 2.25% at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (exclusive of applicable spreads). The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, as follows:
Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as franchises, property, plant, and equipment, and other intangible assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that an impairment may exist. No impairments were recorded in 2012, 2011 and 2010. In 2011, the Company acquired cable systems for total cash consideration of approximately $89 million and the Company acquired cable systems valued at $16 million in a non-cash transaction in exchange for Company cable systems. The acquisitions were recorded by allocating the cost of the acquisitions to the assets acquired, including property, plant and equipment, franchises and customer relationships based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition dates. The excess of the cost of the acquisitions over the net amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The fair value inputs used for the acquired assets were classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. |
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The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Operating Costs and Expenses (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Costs and Expenses | Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses consist of the following for the years presented:
Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, premium, digital, OnDemand, and pay-per-view programming. Franchise, regulatory and connectivity costs represent payments to franchise and regulatory authorities and costs directly related to providing Internet and telephone services. Costs to service customers include costs related to field operations, network operations and customer care including labor, reconnects, maintenance, billing, occupancy and vehicle costs. Marketing costs represents the costs of marketing to our current and potential commercial and residential customers including labor costs. Other includes bad debt and collections expense, corporate overhead, commercial and advertising sales expenses, property tax and insurance and stock compensation expense, among others. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for Operating Costs and Expenses. No definition available.
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Other Operating Expenses, Net (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Other Cost and Expense Disclosure, Operating [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses, Net | Other Operating Expenses, Net Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the years presented:
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets, net (Gain)/loss on sale of assets represents the gain or loss recognized on the sales of fixed assets and cable systems. Special charges, net Special charges, net for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 primarily includes severance charges as well as net amounts of litigation settlements. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for other income or other expense items (both operating and nonoperating). Sources of nonoperating income or nonoperating expense that may be disclosed, include amounts earned from dividends, interest on securities, profits (losses) on securities, net and miscellaneous other income or income deductions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Stock Compensation Plans (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Compensation Plans | Stock Compensation Plans Charter’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting services for the Company, are eligible for grants under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2009 Stock Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of up to 8 million shares of Charter Class A common stock (or units convertible into Charter Class A common stock). Under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, stock options generally vest annually over four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. A portion of stock options and restricted stock vest based on achievement of stock price hurdles. Stock options generally expire ten years from the grant date. Restricted stock vests annually over a one to four-year period beginning from the date of grant. Restricted stock units have no voting rights and vest ratably over four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. As of December 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation remaining to be recognized in future periods totaled $50 million for stock options, $33 million for restricted stock and $17 million for restricted stock units and the weighted average period over which they are expected to be recognized is three years. The Company recorded $50 million, $36 million and $26 million of stock compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which is included in operating costs and expenses and other operating expenses, net. A summary of the activity for the Company’s stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
No restricted stock units were granted in 2010. A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Income Taxes (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes All of Charter’s operations are held through Charter Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdco and the majority of its subsidiaries are generally limited liability companies that are not subject to income tax. However, certain of these limited liability companies are subject to state income tax. In addition, the indirect subsidiaries that are corporations are subject to federal and state income tax. All of the remaining taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdco are passed through to Charter and its direct subsidiaries. On February 8, 2010, Charter acquired the remaining interests in Charter Holdco that it did not already own in a non-taxable transaction with a Paul Allen related entity, pursuant to an exchange agreement entered into in connection with the Plan, in exchange for 212,923 shares of Charter’s Class A common stock after which Charter Holdco became 100% owned by Charter. As a result of this transaction, Charter recorded the tax attributes previously attributed to the noncontrolling interest which increased net deferred tax liabilities by approximately $99 million. The $99 million is the result of an overall increase in the gross deferred tax liability of $221 million and a corresponding reduction of valuation allowance of $122 million. The combined net effects of this transaction were recorded in the financial statements as a $168 million reduction of additional paid-in capital and a $69 million reduction of income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recorded deferred income tax expense and benefits as shown below. The income tax expense is recognized primarily through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to our investment in Charter Holdco, as well as through current federal and state income tax expense and increases in the deferred tax liabilities of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries. The income tax benefits were realized through reductions in the deferred tax liabilities related to Charter’s investment in Charter Holdco, as well as the deferred tax liabilities of certain of Charter’s indirect corporate subsidiaries. The tax provision in future periods will vary based on current and future temporary differences, as well as future operating results. Current and deferred income tax expense is as follows:
The Company’s effective tax rate differs from that derived by applying the applicable federal income tax rate of 35% for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the change in valuation allowance includes an increase of $4 million, $3 million, and $22 million, respectively, related to adjustments to cash flow hedges included in other comprehensive income, and 2010 also includes an increase of $50 million related to Charter’s investment in partnership interest. The tax effects of these temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below.
Included in net deferred tax liabilities above is net current deferred assets of $21 million and $23 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company. Net deferred tax liabilities included approximately $219 million and $221 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to certain indirect subsidiaries of Charter Holdco that file separate federal or state income tax returns. The remainder of the Company's net deferred tax liability arose from Charter's investment in Charter Holdco, and was largely attributable to the characterization of franchises for financial reporting purposes as indefinite-lived. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Due to the Company’s history of losses and the limitations imposed under Section 382 of the Code, discussed below, on Charter’s ability to use existing loss carryforwards in the future, valuation allowances have been established except for future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable and, therefore, reflected in the consolidated balance sheet, would be increased at such time that it is more-likely-than-not future taxable income will be realized during the carryforward period. At the time this consideration is met, an adjustment to reverse some portion of the existing valuation allowance would result. As of December 31, 2012, Charter and its indirect corporate subsidiaries had approximately $7.7 billion of federal tax net operating loss carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards and suspended losses resulting in a gross deferred tax asset of approximately $2.7 billion. Federal tax net operating and capital loss carryforwards expire in the years 2014 through 2032. Federal suspended losses can generally be carried forward indefinitely. These losses resulted from the operations of Charter Holdco and its subsidiaries. In addition, as of December 31, 2012, Charter and its indirect corporate subsidiaries had state tax net operating loss carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards and suspended losses, resulting in a gross deferred tax asset (net of federal tax benefit) of approximately $252 million. State tax net operating and capital loss carryforwards generally expire in the years 2013 through 2032. State suspended losses can generally be carried forward indefinitely. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, Charter experienced an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Code. Therefore, the use of Charter’s tax loss carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under Section 382. As of December 31, 2012, $3.7 billion of federal tax loss carryforwards are unrestricted and available for Charter’s immediate use, while approximately $3.6 billion of federal tax loss carryforwards are still subject to Section 382 restrictions. Pursuant to these restrictions, an aggregate of $932 million, in varying amounts from 2013 to 2014, and an additional $226 million annually over each of the next 12 years of federal tax loss carryforwards, should become unrestricted and available for Charter’s use. Those limitation amounts accumulate for future use to the extent they are not utilized in a given year. Charter’s state loss carryforwards are also subject to similar, but varying, restrictions on their future use. Charter’s indirect corporate subsidiaries are also subject to separate Section 382 limitations on the utilization of their net operating loss carryforwards. If the Company was to experience another “ownership change” in the future, its ability to use its loss carryforwards could be subject to further limitations. In determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the tax return are “more likely than not” of being sustained. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company is as follows.
The Company's entire reserve for uncertain tax positions includes tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the character of the deductibility. Included in the balance at December 31, 2012 and 2011, are $26 million of net reductions and $4 million of net additions, respecitvely. The change in character of the deduction would not impact the annual effective tax rate after consideration of the valuation allowance. The deductions for the uncertain tax positions are included with the loss carryforwards in the deferred tax assets. The Company anticipates that its existing reserves related to uncertain income tax positions as of December 31, 2012 may significantly decrease during the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2013; however, various events could cause the Company’s current expectations to change in the future. These uncertain tax positions, if ever recognized in the financial statements, would be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as part of the income tax provision. No tax years for Charter or Charter Holdco are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax years ending 2009 through 2012 remain subject to examination and assessment. Years prior to 2009 remain open solely for purposes of examination of Charter’s loss and credit carryforwards. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Related Party Transactions (Notes)
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
| Related Party Transactions Disclosure | Related Party Transactions The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers, and affiliates of the Company are involved or, in the case of the management arrangements, subsidiaries that are debt issuers that pay certain of their parent companies for services. Charter is a party to management arrangements with Charter Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries. Under these agreements, Charter and Charter Holdco provide management services for the cable systems owned or operated by their subsidiaries. Costs associated with providing these services are charged directly to the Company’s operating subsidiaries and are included within operating costs and expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Such costs totaled $247 million, $249 million, and $246 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. All other costs incurred on behalf of Charter’s operating subsidiaries are considered a part of the management fee and are recorded as a component of operating costs and expenses, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The management fee charged to the Company’s operating subsidiaries approximated the expenses incurred by Charter Holdco and Charter on behalf of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in 2012, 2011, and 2010. Registration Rights Agreement As part of the emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009, the Company agreed to a Registration Rights Agreement with certain holders of the Company's Class A common stock which required the Company to file a shelf-registration statement with the SEC to provide for a continuous secondary offering of the stock. The registration statement became effective in November 2010. The Registration Rights Agreement provided that any holder of securities that wished to sell stock under the existing shelf-registration statement must give the Company five business days notice that such holder wishes to sell and that the Company notify the other holders which were party to the Registration Rights Agreement. In August 2012, the Company and the Company's three largest holders, Apollo Management, funds affiliated with Encore LLC and Oaktree Capital, amended the Registration Rights Agreement to provide for sales of shares of the Company's Class A common stock in a block trade through an underwriter and the related mechanics for block trades. Because the amendment involved the Company and affiliates, it was deemed a related party transaction. The amendment was considered and approved by the Audit Committee. Charter received no compensation from entering into the amendment nor from any subsequent sales of shares. Allen Agreement As part of the emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009, Charter, Mr. Allen and CII entered into a separate restructuring agreement (as amended, the “Allen Agreement”), in settlement and compromise of their legal, contractual and equitable rights, claims and remedies against Charter and its subsidiaries. In addition to any amounts received by virtue of CII’s holding other claims against Charter and its subsidiaries, on the Effective Date, CII was issued 2.2 million shares of the new Charter Class B common stock and 35% (determined on a fully diluted basis) of the total voting power of all new capital stock of Charter. Each share of new Charter Class B common stock was convertible, at the option of the holder or the Disinterested Members of the Board of Directors of Charter, into one share of new Charter Class A common stock, and was subject to significant restrictions on transfer and conversion. Certain holders of new Charter Class A common stock (and securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable therefore) and new Charter Class B common stock received certain customary registration rights with respect to their shares. Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation of Charter, on January 18, 2011, the Disinterested Members of the Board of Directors of Charter caused a conversion of the shares of Class B common stock, all held by Mr. Allen, into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. As a result of such conversion, Mr. Allen no longer has the right to appoint four directors and the Class B directors became Class A directors. On January 18, 2011, directors William L. McGrath and Christopher M. Temple, both former Class B directors, resigned from Charter’s board of directors. Stock Repurchases See “Note 9. Treasury Stock” for the description of Charter’s purchase of shares of its Class A common stock from Franklin Advisers, Inc., Oaktree Capital Management and Apollo Management Holdings. At the time of the purchase, funds advised by Franklin Advisers, Inc., Oaktree Capital Management and Apollo Management Holdings beneficially held more than 10% of Charter’s Class A common stock. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The following table summarizes the Company’s payment obligations as of December 31, 2012 for its contractual obligations.
(1) The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $28 million, $27 million, $28 million, respectively. (2) The Company pays programming fees under multi-year contracts ranging from three to ten years, typically based on a flat fee per customer, which may be fixed for the term, or may in some cases escalate over the term. Programming costs included in the accompanying statement of operations were $2.0 billion, $1.9 billion, and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. Certain of the Company’s programming agreements are based on a flat fee per month or have guaranteed minimum payments. The table sets forth the aggregate guaranteed minimum commitments under the Company’s programming contracts. (3) “Other” represents other guaranteed minimum commitments, which consist primarily of commitments to the Company's customer premise equipment vendors and billing services vendors. The following items are not included in the contractual obligation table due to various factors discussed below. However, the Company incurs these costs as part of its operations:
Litigation On March 27, 2009, Charter filed a Chapter 11 petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. On November 17, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court issued its Order and Opinion confirming the Plan over the objections of various objectors. Charter consummated the Plan on November 30, 2009. Two appeals are pending relating to confirmation of the Plan, the appeals by (i) Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (“LDT”) (as the Trustee with respect to the $479 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2027 issued by Charter which are no longer outstanding following consummation of the Plan and the holders of which already received distributions of approximately $168 million pursuant to the Plan); and (ii) R2 Investments, LDC (“R2 Investments”) (a former equity interest holder in Charter). The appeals by LDT and R2 Investments were denied by the District Court for the Southern District of New York in March 2011. On August 31, 2012, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the district court's decision holding that R2 Investments and LDT's appeals are equitably moot. Thereafter, R2 Investments and LDT sought a rehearing en banc with the 2nd Circuit which was denied. On January 10, 2013, R2 Investments and LDT filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, asking that court to review the 2nd Circuit's decision claiming there is a split among the circuit Courts regarding the equitable mootness principle that the Supreme Court should resolve. The Company continues to vigorously contest this matter although it cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit nor can it reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. The Company is also a defendant or co-defendant in several lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of its businesses. Other industry participants are also defendants in certain of these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that the Company infringes on any intellectual property rights, the Company may be subject to substantial damages and/or an injunction that could require the Company or its vendors to modify certain products and services the Company offers to its subscribers, as well as negotiate royalty or license agreements with respect to the patents at issue. While the Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any such claims nor can it reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. The Company is party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its business, including lawsuits claiming violation of anti-trust laws and violation of wage and hour laws. The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against the Company cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits and claims are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Whether or not the Company ultimately prevails in any particular lawsuit or claim, litigation can be time consuming and costly and injure the Company's reputation. Regulation in the Cable Industry The operation of a cable system is extensively regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), some state governments and most local governments. The FCC has the authority to enforce its regulations through the imposition of substantial fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders and/or the imposition of other administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of FCC licenses needed to operate certain transmission facilities used in connection with cable operations. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 altered the regulatory structure governing the nation’s communications providers. It removed barriers to competition in both the cable television market and the telephone market. Among other things, it reduced the scope of cable rate regulation and encouraged additional competition in the video programming industry by allowing telephone companies to provide video programming in their own telephone service areas. Future legislative and regulatory changes could adversely affect the Company’s operations. |
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The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Employee Benefit Plan (Notes)
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Employee Benefit Plan | Employee Benefit Plan The Company’s employees may participate in the Charter Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan. Employees that qualify for participation can contribute up to 50% of their salary, on a pre-tax basis, subject to a maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Each payroll period, the Company will contribute to the 401(k) Plan the total amount of the salary reduction the employee elects to defer between 1% and 50%. The Company’s matching contribution is discretionary with the intent that any contribution be based on performance metrics used in its other bonus and incentive plans. The discretionary performance contribution is made on an annual basis (instead of on a per pay period basis). Each participant who makes before-tax contributions and is employed on the last day of the fiscal year receives a portion of the discretionary performance contribution, if any, on a pro rata basis. The Company divides each participant’s before-tax contributions for the year (up to 5% of eligible earnings, excluding catch-up contributions) by the total employee contributions (up to 5% of eligible earnings, excluding catch-up contributions) for the year to determine each participant’s share of any discretionary performance contribution. The Company made contributions to the 401(k) plan totaling $6 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and expects to make contributions to the 401(k) plan totaling $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, the Company's matching contribution will be equal to 50% of the amount of the salary reduction the participant elects to defer (up to 6% of the participant’s eligible compensation), excluding any catch-up contributions and will be paid by the Company on a per pay period basis. |
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The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Recenlty Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
| Recently Issued Accounting Standards | Recently Issued Accounting Standards In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment ("ASU 2012-02"). ASU 2012-02 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset, other than goodwill, is impaired. This standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2012-02 with its 2012 annual impairment testing. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
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The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data | Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data The following table presents quarterly data for the periods presented on the consolidated statement of operations:
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The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Consolidating Schedules (Notes)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidating Schedules | Consolidating Schedules The CCO Holdings notes and the CCO Holdings credit facility are obligations of CCO Holdings. However, the CCO Holdings notes are also jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Charter. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize an Issue Registered or Being Registered. This information is not intended to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual companies or groups of companies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Condensed consolidating financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 follow.
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The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Subsequent Events (Notes)
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12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
| Subsequent Events [Text Block] | Subsequent Events In February 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement under which it will acquire Cablevision Systems Corporation's former Bresnan cable systems, known as Optimum West, for approximately $1.6 billion in cash. Optimum West manages cable operating systems in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. Charter Operating has obtained a commitment from two financial institutions to provide a $1.5 billion term loan to fund a portion of the purchase price. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2013. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, catastrophic loss, significant foreign exchange rate changes, loans to insiders or affiliates, and transactions not in the ordinary course of business. No definition available.
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidation | Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates variable interest entities based upon evaluation of the Company’s power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of another entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; its obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity; and its right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds and commercial paper. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts held in escrow accounts pending final resolution from the Bankruptcy Court (see Note 18). |
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| Property, Plant and Equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including all material, labor and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities. While the Company’s capitalization is based on specific activities, once capitalized, costs are tracked by fixed asset category at the cable system level and not on a specific asset basis. For assets that are sold or retired, the estimated historical cost and related accumulated depreciation is removed. Costs associated with initial customer installations and the additions of network equipment necessary to enable advanced video services are capitalized. Costs capitalized as part of initial customer installations include materials, labor, and certain indirect costs. Indirect costs are associated with the activities of the Company’s personnel who assist in connecting and activating the new service and consist of compensation and other costs associated with these support functions. Indirect costs primarily include employee benefits and payroll taxes, direct variable costs associated with capitalizable activities, consisting primarily of installation and construction, vehicle costs, the cost of dispatch personnel and indirect costs directly attributable to capitalizable activities. The costs of disconnecting service at a customer’s dwelling or reconnecting service to a previously installed dwelling are charged to operating expense in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred, while plant and equipment replacement and betterments, including replacement of cable drops from the pole to the dwelling, are capitalized. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
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| Asset Retirement Obligations | Asset Retirement Obligations Certain of the Company’s franchise agreements and leases contain provisions requiring the Company to restore facilities or remove equipment in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. The Company expects to continually renew its franchise agreements and has concluded that all of the related franchise rights are indefinite lived intangible assets. Accordingly, the possibility is remote that the Company would be required to incur significant restoration or removal costs related to these franchise agreements in the foreseeable future. A liability is required to be recognized for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Company has not recorded an estimate for potential franchise related obligations, but would record an estimated liability in the unlikely event a franchise agreement containing such a provision were no longer expected to be renewed. The Company also expects to renew many of its lease agreements related to the continued operation of its cable business in the franchise areas. For the Company’s lease agreements, the estimated liabilities related to the removal provisions, where applicable, have been recorded and are not significant to the financial statements. |
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| Franchises | Franchises Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements or authorizations with local and state authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas. Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite life. All franchises that qualify for indefinite life treatment are tested for impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances (see Note 5). The Company has concluded that all of its existing franchises qualify for indefinite life treatment. |
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| Customer Relationships | Customer Relationships Customer relationships represent the value attributable to the Company’s business relationships with its current customers including the right to deploy and market additional services to these customers. Customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis over the period the relationships with current customers are expected to generate cash flows (11-15 years). |
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| Goodwill | Goodwill The Company assesses the recoverability of its goodwill as of November 30 of each year, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. |
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| Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Noncurrent Assets Other noncurrent assets primarily include trademarks, right-of-entry costs and deferred financing costs. Trademarks have been determined to have an indefinite life and are tested annually for impairment. Right-of-entry costs represent costs incurred related to agreements entered into with landlords, real estate companies or owners to gain access to a building in order to provide cable service. Right-of-entry costs are generally deferred and amortized to amortization expense over the term of the agreement. Costs related to borrowings are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related borrowings. |
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| Valuation of Long-Lived Assets | Valuation of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as impairment of the Company’s indefinite life assets, changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets, adverse changes in relationships with local franchise authorities, adverse changes in market conditions or a deterioration of operating results. If a review indicates that the carrying value of such asset is not recoverable from estimated undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value of such asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. While the Company believes that its estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect its evaluations of asset recoverability. |
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| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments Gains or losses related to derivative financial instruments which qualify as hedging activities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For all other derivative instruments, if any, the related gains or losses are recorded in the statements of operations. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. |
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| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Revenues from residential and commercial video, Internet and telephone services are recognized when the related services are provided. Advertising sales are recognized at estimated realizable values in the period that the advertisements are broadcast. In some cases, the Company coordinates the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators in a certain market and remits amounts received from customers less an agreed-upon percentage to such cable operator. For those arrangements in which the Company acts as a principal, the Company records the revenues earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the cable operator as an operating expense. Fees imposed on Charter by various governmental authorities are passed through on a monthly basis to the Company’s customers and are periodically remitted to authorities. Fees of $389 million, $388 million and $379 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are reported in video, telephone and commercial revenues, on a gross basis with a corresponding operating expense because the Company is acting as a principal. Other taxes, such as sales taxes imposed on the Company's customers collected and remitted to state and local authorities are recorded on a net basis because the Company is acting as an agent in such situation. |
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| Programming Costs | Programming Costs The Company has various contracts to obtain basic, digital and premium video programming from programming vendors whose compensation is typically based on a flat fee per customer. The cost of the right to exhibit network programming under such arrangements is recorded in operating expenses in the month the programming is available for exhibition. Programming costs are paid each month based on calculations performed by the Company and are subject to periodic audits performed by the programmers. Certain programming contracts contain incentives to be paid by the programmers. The Company receives these payments and recognizes the incentives on a straight-line basis over the life of the programming agreement as a reduction of programming expense. |
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| Advertising Costs | Advertising Costs Advertising costs associated with marketing the Company’s products and services are generally expensed as costs are incurred. |
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| Multiple-Element Transactions | Multiple-Element Transactions In the normal course of business, the Company enters into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. Transactions, although negotiated contemporaneously, may be documented in one or more contracts. The Company’s policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each element of the transaction based on the respective estimated fair values of the products or services purchased and the products or services sold. In determining the fair value of the respective elements, the Company refers to quoted market prices (where available), historical transactions or comparable cash transactions. |
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| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation Restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and performance units and shares are measured at the grant date fair value and amortized to stock compensation expense over the requisite service period. The Company recorded $50 million, $36 million and $26 million of stock compensation expense which is included in operating costs and expenses and other operating expenses, net for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and Monte Carlo simulations for options and restricted stock units with market conditions. The grant date weighted average assumptions used during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were: risk-free interest rate of 1.5%, 2.5% and 2.5%; expected volatility of 38.4%, 38.4% and 47.7%, and expected lives of 6.3 years, 6.6 years and 6.3 years. The grant date weighted average cost of equity used was 16.2% and 15.5% during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Volatility assumptions were based on historical volatility of Charter and a peer group. The Company’s volatility assumptions represent management’s best estimate and were partially based on historical volatility of a peer group because management does not believe Charter’s pre-emergence from bankruptcy historical volatility to be representative of its future volatility. Expected lives were calculated based on the simplified-method due to insufficient historical exercise data. The valuations assume no dividends are paid. |
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| Income Taxes | Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing loss carryforwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and tax law, if any, applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment (see Note 16). |
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| Loss per Common Share | Loss per Common Share Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted loss per common share equals basic loss per common share for the periods presented, as the effect of stock options and other convertible securities are antidilutive because the Company incurred net losses. |
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| Segments | Segments The Company’s operations are conducted through the use of a unified network and are managed and reported to its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), the Company's chief operating decision maker, on a consolidated basis. The CEO assesses performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results of operations. Under this organizational and reporting structure, the Company has one reportable segment, broadband services. |
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for advertising costs. No definition available.
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for advertising costs. For those costs that cannot be capitalized, discloses whether such costs are expensed as incurred or the first period in which the advertising takes place. For direct response advertising costs that are capitalized, describes those assets and the accounting policy used, including a description of the qualifying activity, the types of costs capitalized and the related amortization period. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for cooperative advertising arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for determining amounts to accrue and charge against earnings so as to satisfy legal obligations associated with the retirement (through sale, abandonment, recycling, or disposal in some other manner) of a tangible long-lived asset that result from the acquisition, construction, or development and (or) the normal operation of a long-lived asset. This accounting policy disclosure excludes obligations arising 1) in connection with leased property, whether imposed by a lease agreement or by a party other than the lessor, that meet the definition of either minimum lease payments or contingent rentals; 2) solely from a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of a long-lived asset and 3) from certain environmental remediation liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents, including the policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for computing basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for goodwill. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill, how reporting units are determined, how goodwill is allocated to such units, and how the fair values of the reporting units are determined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for indefinite-lived intangible assets (that is, those intangible assets not subject to amortization). This accounting policy also may address how the entity assesses whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life and how the entity assesses and measures impairment of such assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for intangible assets. This accounting policy may address both intangible assets subject to amortization and those that are not. The following also may be disclosed: (1) a description of intangible assets (2) the estimated useful lives of those assets (3) the amortization method used (4) how the entity assesses and measures impairment of such assets (5) how future cash flows are estimated (6) how the fair values of such asset are determined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for recognizing and measuring the impairment of long-lived assets. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for long-lived assets to be sold. This policy excludes goodwill and intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for finite-lived intangible assets. This accounting policy also might address: (1) the amortization method used; (2) the useful lives of such assets; and (3) how the entity assesses and measures impairment of such assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition for multiple-deliverable arrangements including, at a minimum (as applicable): (1) the nature of such arrangements, (2) the significant deliverables within the arrangements, (3) the general timing of delivery or performance of service for the deliverables within the arrangements, (4) performance-, cancellation-, termination- or refund-type provisions, (5) a discussion of the significant factors, inputs, assumptions, and methods used to determine selling price (whether vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence, or estimated selling price) for the significant deliverables, (6) whether the significant deliverables in the arrangements qualify as separate units of accounting and the reasons that they do not qualify as separate units of accounting, if applicable, and (7) the general timing of revenue recognition for significant units of accounting. This element is applicable to all multiple-deliverable arrangements, including software arrangements (for example, software products, upgrades or enhancements, postcontract customer support, or services). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for segment reporting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of useful lives of property plant and equipment | Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
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| Schedule of revenues by product line | The Company’s revenues by product line are as follows:
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of entity-wide revenues from external customers for each product or service or each group of similar products or services if the information is not provided as part of the reportable operating segment information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts | Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is summarized as follows for the years presented:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts [Table Text Block] No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment | Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Dec. 31, 2012
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets | As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, indefinite lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:
|
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| Expected future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets | The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows.
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the amount of amortization expense expected to be recorded in succeeding fiscal years for finite-lived intangible assets. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets, which may be broken down by segment or major class. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the (a) carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business (accounts payable); (b) other payables; and (c) accrued liabilities. Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). An alternative caption includes accrued expenses. No definition available.
|
|
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Long-Term Debt | Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
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| Future Principal Payments of Long-term Debt | Based upon outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2012, the amortization of term loans, and the maturity dates for all senior and subordinated notes, total future principal payments on the total borrowings under all debt agreements as of December 31, 2012, are as follows:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to short-term and long-debt instruments or arrangements, including but not limited to identification of terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the combined aggregate amount of maturities and sinking fund requirements for all long-term borrowings for each of the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet date presented. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Common Stock (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock activity | The following table summarizes our shares outstanding for the three years ended December 31, 2012:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the change in common stock outstanding. No definition available.
|
|
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of derivative instruments effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets | The effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is presented in the table below:
|
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| Schedule of derivative instruments effect on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and condensed consolidated statements of operations | The effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and consolidated statements of operations is presented in the table below.
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments) reported in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Carrying and Fair Value of Debt | A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Operating Costs and Expenses (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
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| Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Costs and Expenses | Operating costs and expenses consist of the following for the years presented:
|
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
[Table Text Block] for Table of each detailed component of operating costs and expenses. No definition available.
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Other Operating Expenses, Net (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Other Cost and Expense Disclosure, Operating [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of other operating expenses, net | Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the years presented:
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- Details
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of each detailed component of other operating costs and expenses that are applicable to sales and revenues, but not included in the cost of sales in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of stock option activity | A summary of the activity for the Company’s stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
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| Schedule of restricted stock activity | A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
No restricted stock units were granted in 2010. A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
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- Definition
Disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value for restricted stock and restricted stock units that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, and the number of restricted stock and restricted stock units that were granted, vested, or forfeited during the year. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average exercise prices (or conversion ratios) for share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, vested and expected to vest, exercisable or convertible at the end of the year, and the number of share options or share units that were granted, exercised or converted, forfeited, and expired during the year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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Income Taxes (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current and deferred income tax benefit (expense) | Current and deferred income tax expense is as follows:
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| Effective tax rate differences from applicable federal income tax rate | The Company’s effective tax rate differs from that derived by applying the applicable federal income tax rate of 35% for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, as follows:
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| Deferred tax assets and liabilities | The tax effects of these temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below.
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| Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits | A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company is as follows.
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for each year presented including, but not limited to: current tax expense (benefit), deferred tax expense (benefit), investment tax credits, government grants, the benefits of operating loss carryforwards, tax expense that results from allocating certain tax benefits either directly to contributed capital or to reduce goodwill or other noncurrent intangible assets of an acquired entity, adjustments of a deferred tax liability or asset for enacted changes in tax laws or rates or a change in the tax status of the entity, and adjustments of the beginning-of-the-year balances of a valuation allowance because of a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset in future years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of net deferred tax asset or liability recognized in an entity's statement of financial position, including the following: the total of all deferred tax liabilities, the total of all deferred tax assets, the total valuation allowance recognized for deferred tax assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation using percentage or dollar amounts of the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the year to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Company Payment Obligations | The following table summarizes the Company’s payment obligations as of December 31, 2012 for its contractual obligations.
(1) The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $28 million, $27 million, $28 million, respectively. (2) The Company pays programming fees under multi-year contracts ranging from three to ten years, typically based on a flat fee per customer, which may be fixed for the term, or may in some cases escalate over the term. Programming costs included in the accompanying statement of operations were $2.0 billion, $1.9 billion, and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. Certain of the Company’s programming agreements are based on a flat fee per month or have guaranteed minimum payments. The table sets forth the aggregate guaranteed minimum commitments under the Company’s programming contracts. (3) “Other” represents other guaranteed minimum commitments, which consist primarily of commitments to the Company's customer premise equipment vendors and billing services vendors. |
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- Definition
Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block] No definition available.
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Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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| Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information | The following table presents quarterly data for the periods presented on the consolidated statement of operations:
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and earnings per share data. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Consolidating Schedules (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Dec. 31, 2012
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| Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet |
|
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| Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations |
|
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| Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
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| Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of a condensed statement of comprehensive income (loss). Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, statements of comprehensive income (loss) of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of a condensed balance sheet. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, balance sheets of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of a condensed cash flow statement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, cash flow statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of a condensed income statement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, income statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
|
|
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Feb. 08, 2010
|
|---|---|---|
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
| Equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Governmental Authorities Fees No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Incentives from programmers included In other long-term liabilities No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Programming Expense No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Programming fee incentives No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Cost of Equity No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The range of expected volatilities used and the weighted-average expected volatility for an entity using a valuation technique with different volatilities during the contractual term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Revenue By Product Line) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Mar. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | $ 1,913 | $ 1,880 | $ 1,884 | $ 1,827 | $ 1,834 | $ 1,809 | $ 1,791 | $ 1,770 | $ 7,504 | $ 7,204 | $ 7,059 |
|
Video [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | 3,639 | 3,639 | 3,729 | ||||||||
|
Internet [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | 1,866 | 1,708 | 1,609 | ||||||||
|
Telephone [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | 828 | 858 | 823 | ||||||||
|
Commercial [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | 658 | 544 | 451 | ||||||||
|
Advertising sales [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | 334 | 292 | 291 | ||||||||
|
Other [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Product Information | |||||||||||
| Revenues | $ 179 | $ 163 | $ 156 | ||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
|
|||
| Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ 16 | $ 17 | $ 11 |
| Charged to expense | 105 | 117 | 133 |
| Uncollected balances written off, net of recoveries | (107) | (118) | (127) |
| Balance, end of period | $ 14 | $ 16 | $ 17 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, charged to costs and expenses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of the deductions in a given period to allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, representing receivables written off as uncollectible and portions of the reserves utilized, respectively. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | $ 10,769,000,000 | $ 9,261,000,000 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (3,563,000,000) | (2,364,000,000) | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 7,206,000,000 | 6,897,000,000 | |
| Depreciation | 1,400,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 | 1,200,000,000 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions | 49,000,000 | ||
|
Cable distributions systems [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 6,588,000,000 | 5,916,000,000 | |
|
Customer equipment and installations [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 3,292,000,000 | 2,592,000,000 | |
|
Vehicles and equipment [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 195,000,000 | 136,000,000 | |
|
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 342,000,000 | 318,000,000 | |
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | $ 352,000,000 | $ 299,000,000 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of intangible assets having a projected indefinite period of benefit. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount of assets (excluding financial assets) that lack physical substance, excluding goodwill, having a projected indefinite period of benefit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangibles Assets Other Disclosures (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Customer relationships and other intangible assets, amortization expense | $ 293 | $ 315 | $ 337 |
|
Customer Relationships [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Acquired customer relationships, amount | $ 10 | ||
|
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Customer relationships, useful life (in years) | 15 years | ||
|
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Customer relationships, useful life (in years) | 11 years | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in carrying value of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. No definition available.
|
|
Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
|
Franchises [Member]
|
||
| Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Franchise and goodwill, aquired (divested) | $ 1 | $ 31 |
|
Goodwill [Member]
|
||
| Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Franchise and goodwill, aquired (divested) | $ 1 | $ 3 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The change during the reporting period in the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. The change could be the result of new indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired, indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment during the period, indefinite-lived intangible assets written off related to the sale of a business, or other adjustments to indefinite-lived intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| 2013 | $ 269 | |
| 2014 | 242 | |
| 2015 | 216 | |
| 2016 | 189 | |
| 2017 | 163 | |
| Thereafter | 421 | |
| Net carrying amount | $ 1,500 | $ 1,767 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] | ||
| Accounts payable - trade | $ 107 | $ 80 |
| Accrued capital expenditures | 156 | 143 |
| Deferred revenue | 81 | 73 |
| Accrued expenses: | ||
| Interest | 155 | 191 |
| Programming costs | 323 | 294 |
| Franchise related fees | 52 | 50 |
| Compensation | 145 | 123 |
| Other | 205 | 203 |
| Total | $ 1,224 | $ 1,157 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of accrued capital expenditures for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of accruals that arise from a contractual arrangement with a third party relating to but not limited to franchise rights and license agreements. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of accrued programming rights to third parties. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and due within one year (or the operating cycle, if longer), including liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received, taxes, interest, rent and utilities, accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for obligations related to services received from employees, such as accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
|
1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 2 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Apr. 30, 2012
|
Jan. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
May 31, 2011
|
Jan. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Apr. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Nov. 30, 2012
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Oct. 31, 2012
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Nov. 30, 2012
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Nov. 30, 2009
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016 [Member]
CCH II [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
7.250% senior notes due October 30, 2017 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
7.250% senior notes due October 30, 2017 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2010
7.250% senior notes due October 30, 2017 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
7.875% senior notes due April 30, 2018 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
7.875% senior notes due April 30, 2018 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2010
7.875% senior notes due April 30, 2018 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
7.000% senior notes due January 15, 2019 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
7.000% senior notes due January 15, 2019 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2011
7.000% senior notes due January 15, 2019 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
8.125% senior notes due April 30, 2020 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
8.125% senior notes due April 30, 2020 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2010
8.125% senior notes due April 30, 2020 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
7.375% senior notes due June 1, 2020 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
7.375% senior notes due June 1, 2020 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
6.500% senior notes due April 30, 2021 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
6.500% senior notes due April 30, 2021 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
May 31, 2011
6.500% senior notes due April 30, 2021 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
6.625% senior notes due January 31, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
6.625% senior notes due January 31, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
6.625% senior notes due January 31, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
5.250% senior notes due September 30, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2012
5.250% senior notes due September 30, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
5.250% senior notes due September 30, 2022 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
5.125% Senior Notes Due February 15, 2023 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
5.125% Senior Notes Due February 15, 2023 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
Maximum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
Minimum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
CCO Holdings Credit facility due September 6, 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2011
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2004
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2012
10.875% senior second lien notes due September 15, 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
10.875% senior second lien notes due September 15, 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
10.875% senior second lien notes due September 15, 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
10.875% senior second lien notes due September 15, 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2008
10.875% senior second lien notes due September 15, 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
Maximum [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
Maximum [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
Minimum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Charter Operating Credit Facilities [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2010
8.75% senior notes due 2013 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2005
8.75% senior notes due 2013 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2004
8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014 [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2010
8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Term Loan A [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2012
Term Loan A [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Term Loan A [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Term Loan A [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Term Loan A [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
B-1 and B-2 Loans [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Term Loan C [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Term Loan C [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Term Loan C [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Term Loan D [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Term Loan D [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Term Loan D [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Term Loan D [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
Minimum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Revolving Loan [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Revolving Loan [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Revolving credit facility due 2015 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Revolving credit facility due 2017 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Revolving credit facility due 2017 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Revolving credit facility due 2017 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Apr. 30, 2012
Revolving credit facility due 2017 [Member]
Charter Operating [Member]
LIBOR [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes Payable [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes Payable [Member]
CCO Holdings [Member]
Maximum [Member]
|
|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount, senior notes | $ 12,937,000,000 | $ 12,821,000,000 | $ 12,937,000,000 | $ 12,821,000,000 | $ 1,480,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 900,000,000 | $ 900,000,000 | $ 1,400,000,000 | $ 1,400,000,000 | $ 700,000,000 | $ 700,000,000 | $ 750,000,000 | $ 750,000,000 | $ 1,500,000,000 | $ 1,500,000,000 | $ 750,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 1,250,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 500,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 312,000,000 | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accreted Value | 12,808,000,000 | 12,856,000,000 | 12,808,000,000 | 12,856,000,000 | 9,558,000,000 | 6,567,000,000 | 1,692,000,000 | 0 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 900,000,000 | 900,000,000 | 1,392,000,000 | 1,391,000,000 | 700,000,000 | 700,000,000 | 750,000,000 | 750,000,000 | 1,500,000,000 | 1,500,000,000 | 746,000,000 | 0 | 1,238,000,000 | 0 | 1,000,000,000 | 0 | 332,000,000 | 326,000,000 | 502,000,000 | 0 | 331,000,000 | 0 | 3,250,000,000 | 3,764,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount, credit facilities | 350,000,000 | 350,000,000 | 3,337,000,000 | 3,929,000,000 | 750,000,000 | 500,000,000 | 500,000,000 | 250,000,000 | 1,500,000,000 | 744,000,000 | 750,000,000 | 199,000,000 | 123,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Facility Availability | 960,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | 468,000,000 | 678,000,000 | 334,000,000 | 286,000,000 | 300,000,000 | 407,000,000 | 193,000,000 | 18,000,000 | 294,000,000 | 234,000,000 | 800,000,000 | 770,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 13.50% | 7.25% | 7.875% | 7.00% | 8.125% | 7.375% | 6.50% | 6.625% | 5.25% | 5.125% | 8.00% | 10.875% | 8.75% | 8.375% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Premium, Percentage of Principal | 106.75% | 108.522% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 33,000,000 | 59,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 19,000,000 | 53,000,000 | 67,000,000 | 34,000,000 | 34,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 55,000,000 | 143,000,000 | 85,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 17,000,000 | 52,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 16,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Discount, Percentage of Principal | 99.50% | 99.026% | 99.50% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Percent of Principal Amount Outstanding | 100.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Maximum Redemption Percentage | 35.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Redemption Premium Percent | 101.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of Long-term Debt | 5,901,000,000 | 5,072,000,000 | 4,352,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 826,000,000 | 199,000,000 | 388,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End | 0.21% | 0.22% | 0.30% | 0.58% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 2.50% | 2.25% | 3.25% | 3.00% | 1.75% | 2.25% | 2.25% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 750,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 | 1,150,000,000 | 1,150,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Libor Floor | 1.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| debt instrument leverage ratio | 5.50 | 1 | 3.5 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change of control threshold for voting stock in event of debt default | 35.00% | 50.00% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment | 16,000,000 | 8,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage | 0.50% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instruments, Maximum Incremental Term Loan Borrowings Amount | 7,500,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization percentage of incremental term loans maximum | 1.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Minimum Principal Amount, Failure Pay By Entity Subsidiaries | 100,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next twelve months | 260,000,000 | 260,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year two | 411,000,000 | 411,000,000 | 38,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year three | 98,000,000 | 98,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four | 1,556,000,000 | 1,556,000,000 | 75,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five | 1,655,000,000 | 1,655,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal after year five | $ 8,957,000,000 | $ 8,957,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
amortization percentagen of term loans maximum No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Change of control threshold for voting stock in event of debt default No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Minimum principal amount failure to pay or acceleration of other indebtedness by entity's subsidiaries which would cause an event of default. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt Instrument, Discount, Percentage of Principal No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Libor Floor No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
debt instrument leverage ratio No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum redemption percentage of principal amount of notes at a premium plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings (as defined in the indenture) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt Instrument, Premium, Percentage of Principal No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Redemption premium percent In event of change in control. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Redemption price, percent of principal amount outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on or after varying dates in 2015 through 2018 No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Incremental term loans amount No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effective interest rate at the end of the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the required periodic payments including both interest and principal payments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross amount of debt extinguished. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount borrowed under the credit facility as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Preferred Stock Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
0 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nov. 30, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Apr. 16, 2010
|
|
| Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||
| Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares) | 5,500,000 | 0 | 0 | |
| Preferred Stock, dividend rate, percentage | 15.00% | |||
| Preferred Stock, liquidation preference, value | $ 138 | |||
| Preferred Stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ 25 | |||
| Preferred Stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) | $ 25.948 | |||
| Preferred Stock, redemption amount, value | $ 143 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of the difference between preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the preferred shares. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The redemption (or callable) amount of currently redeemable preferred stock. Includes amounts representing dividends not currently declared or paid but which will be payable under the redemption features or for which ultimate payment is solely within the control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The price per share at which the preferred stock of an entity that has priority over common stock in the distribution of dividends and in the event of liquidation of the entity is redeemed or may be called at. The redemption features of this preferred stock are solely within the control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) issued to shareholders (includes related preferred shares that were issued, repurchased, and remain in the treasury). May be all or portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. Excludes preferred shares that are classified as debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 5 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Income Tax Withholding [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Income Tax Withholding [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Income Tax Withholding [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Franklin Advisers, Inc. [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Shareholder [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Shareholder [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Oaktree Capital Management [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Apollo Management Holdings [Member]
|
|
| Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
| Number of shares purchased (in shares) | 4,100,000 | 178,749 | 14,608,564 | 176,475 | 4,500,000 | 49,332 | 700,668 | 3,000,000 | 2,200,000 | |||||||
| Price per share paid (in dollars per share) | $ 48.48 | $ 46.10 | $ 55.18 | $ 54.35 | $ 54.35 | |||||||||||
| Total consideration of stock purchase | $ 11 | $ 733 | $ 6 | $ 200 | $ 9 | $ 7 | $ 6 | $ 207 | $ 41 | $ 163 | $ 117 | |||||
| Treasury stock, shares, acquired but not yet received | 750,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired | 49,332 | 129,417 | 14,800,000 | |||||||||||||
| Shares withheld in payment of income tax withholding owed by employees (in shares) | 129,417 | 141,175 | 176,475 | |||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period but not yet received. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For net-share settlement of share-based awards when the employer settles employees' income tax withholding obligations, this element represents the number of shares the employees use to repay the employer. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total cost of shares repurchased divided by the total number of shares repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of common and preferred stock retired from treasury during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Common Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nov. 30, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2009
Class A Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock, Exercise Price $46.86 [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock, Exercise Price $51.28 [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class A Common Stock, Exercise Price $19.80 [Member]
Paul G. Allen [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2009
Class B Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Class B Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Class B Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Class B Common Stock [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Paul G. Allen [Member]
|
|
| Common Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||||
| Votes per share (in votes) | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Common stock voting interest | 35.00% | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 101,176,247 | 100,570,418 | 112,317,691 | 112,576,872 | 2,241,299 | 0 | 0 | 2,241,299 | 2,241,299 | ||||
| Warrants outstanding (in shares) | 5,900,000 | 1,000,000 | 4,700,000 | ||||||||||
| Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share) | 46.86 | 51.28 | 19.80 | ||||||||||
| Warrants fair value | $ 90 | ||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Common stock voting interest No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The exercise price of each class of warrants or rights outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate amount of each class of warrants or rights outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Description of voting rights of common stock. Includes eligibility to vote and votes per share owned. Include also, if any, unusual voting rights. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of equity valued at fair value by the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of new shares issued in the conversion of stock in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period related to Restricted Stock Awards, net of any shares forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Derivative instruments effect on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|
|
Other long-term liabilities [Member]
|
||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as hedges | $ 67 | $ 65 |
|
Accrued interest [Member]
|
||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as hedges | 8 | 0 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
|
||
| Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
| Fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as hedges | $ (75) | $ (65) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value as of the balance sheet date of all interest rate derivative liabilities designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Derivative instruments effect on the Company's consolidated statement of operations (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
|
Interest Expense [Member]
|
|||
| Derivatives, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
| Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense | $ (36) | $ (39) | $ (27) |
|
Other comprehensive loss [Member]
|
|||
| Derivatives, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
| Loss on interest rate derivatives designated as hedges (effective portion) | $ (10) | $ (8) | $ (57) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net gains or losses on a cash flow hedge reclassified in the period to interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)
In Billions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Apr. 30, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
| Notional amount of interest rate swap agreements outstanding | $ 3.1 | $ 1.1 | $ 2.0 |
| Notional amount of currently effective interest rate swaps | $ 2.0 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Effective portion of aggregate notional amount of all interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges. Notional amount refers to the monetary amount specified in the interest rate derivative contract. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate notional amount of all interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges. Notional amount refers to the monetary amount specified in the interest rate derivative contract. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Average variable interest rate related to the group of interest rate derivatives. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value as of the balance sheet date of all interest rate derivative liabilities designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The value of an asset or business acquired in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Operating Costs and Expenses (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | $ 4,860 | $ 4,564 | $ 4,486 |
|
Programming costs [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | 1,979 | 1,872 | 1,815 |
|
Franchise, regulatory and connectivity costs [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | 369 | 359 | 367 |
|
Costs to service customers [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | 1,363 | 1,268 | 1,262 |
|
Marketing costs [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | 422 | 387 | 396 |
|
Other [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Costs and Expenses [Line Items] | |||
| Operating costs and expenses | $ 727 | $ 678 | $ 646 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
|
|
Other Operating Expenses, Net (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items] | |||
| Other operating expenses, net | $ 15 | $ 7 | $ 25 |
|
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets, net [Member]
|
|||
| Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items] | |||
| Other operating expenses, net | (5) | (4) | 9 |
|
Special charges, net [Member]
|
|||
| Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items] | |||
| Other operating expenses, net | $ 20 | $ 11 | $ 16 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other operating income and expenses, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expiration period of equity award No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that expired. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price of options that were either forfeited or expired. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average remaining contractual term for option awards outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on stock options awarded. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes - Exchange Agreement - Textuals (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Feb. 08, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Exchange Agreement With CII And Charter Holdco [Member]
|
Feb. 08, 2010
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Exchange Agreement With CII And Charter Holdco [Member]
|
|
| Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] | ||||
| Shares, Issued (in shares) | 212,923 | |||
| Equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||
| Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities | $ 99 | |||
| Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities Gross | 221 | |||
| Change in valuation allowance | (122) | |||
| Increase (Decrease) to Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital | (168) | |||
| Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes | $ (69) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred tax liabilities gross increase decrease No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents increases or decreases in additional paid in capital not separately disclosed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the account that represents the temporary difference that results from Income or Loss that is recognized for accounting purposes but not for tax purposes and vice versa. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings, net of amounts receivable from taxing authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes, and in deferred and other tax liabilities and assets. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of stock issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the change in the period in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes - Current and deferred income tax expense (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Current expense: | |||
| Federal income taxes | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| State income taxes | (7) | (9) | (8) |
| Current income tax expense | (7) | (9) | (8) |
| Deferred expense: | |||
| Federal income taxes | (223) | (258) | (263) |
| State income taxes | (27) | (32) | (24) |
| Deferred income tax expense | (250) | (290) | (287) |
| Income tax expense | $ (257) | $ (299) | $ (295) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes - Effective tax rate differences from the applicable federal rate (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Income Tax [Line Items] | |||
| Federal income tax rate | 35.00% | 35.00% | 35.00% |
| Statutory federal income taxes | $ 17 | $ 24 | $ (20) |
| Statutory state income taxes, net | (7) | (9) | (8) |
| Nondeductible expenses | (6) | (5) | (4) |
| Change in valuation allowance | (264) | (312) | (248) |
| Change in provision estimates | (1) | 1 | (23) |
| Other | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Income tax expense | (257) | (299) | (295) |
|
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
|
|||
| Income Tax [Line Items] | |||
| Change in valuation allowance | 4 | 3 | 22 |
|
Charter's investment in partnership interest [Member]
|
|||
| Income Tax [Line Items] | |||
| Change in valuation allowance | $ 50 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The domestic federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate is the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the differences between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses under enacted tax laws, or differences in the methodologies used to determine expense amounts for financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and enacted tax laws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the year/accounting period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to all other items not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of other amounts reflected in the reconciliation of the statutory tax provision (benefit) to the actual tax provision (benefit). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to state and local income tax expense or benefit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the change in the period in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|---|
| Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
| Goodwill | $ 199 | $ 193 |
| Investment in partnership | 448 | 448 |
| Loss carryforwards | 3,145 | 3,069 |
| Accrued and other | 135 | 114 |
| Total gross deferred tax assets | 3,927 | 3,824 |
| Less: valuation allowance | (2,851) | (2,587) |
| Deferred tax assets | 1,076 | 1,237 |
| Indefinite life intangibles | (1,094) | (838) |
| Other intangibles | (256) | (392) |
| Property, plant and equipment | (575) | (567) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | (2,177) | (2,061) |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | (1,101) | (824) |
|
Indirect corporate subsidiaries [Member]
|
||
| Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
| Indefinite life intangibles | (120) | (119) |
| Other | $ (132) | $ (145) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Tax Liabilities Indefinite Life Intangibles No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax liability to taxable temporary differences. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from intangible assets including goodwill. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from the entity's investment in its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards after valuation allowances. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from intangible assets other than goodwill. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from property, plant, and equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating And Capital Loss Carryforward, Subject to Expiration No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Operating and Capital Loss Carryforward Restriction Expiration Period No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards Restricted No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards Unrestricted Post Bankruptcy No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards after valuation allowances. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax benefits for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes - Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | ||
| Unrecognized tax benefits, period start | $ 228 | $ 224 |
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior year | 1 | 64 |
| Reductions due to tax positions related to prior year | (27) | (60) |
| Unrecognized tax benefits, period end | $ 202 | $ 228 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nov. 30, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||
| Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party | $ 247 | $ 249 | $ 246 | |
| Voting power of all new capital stock (percentage) | 35.00% | |||
| Common Stock, Conversion Basis | one-for-one | |||
| Minimum percentage of stock held by funds at time of repurchase (percentage) | 10.00% | |||
|
Class B Common Stock [Member]
|
||||
| Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares) | 2.2 | |||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The minimum percentage of Charter's Class A common stock held by funds at the time of the repurchase of shares from those funds. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of total voting power on a fully diluted basis after the issue of all new capital stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Describe the conversion features of common stock if such stock is convertible. That is, shares of common stock into which another convertible security was converted, or shares of common stock into which another class of common stock was converted. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expenses recognized resulting from transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of new stock issued during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
|
0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nov. 30, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Oct. 31, 2007
Convertible Debt [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases and Rentals [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leases and Rentals [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Leases and Rentals [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2012
Utility Pole Rental Agreement [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Utility Pole Rental Agreement [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Utility Pole Rental Agreement [Member]
|
|
| Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] | |||||||||||||
| Lease and rental costs charged to expense | $ 28,000,000 | $ 27,000,000 | $ 28,000,000 | $ 47,000,000 | $ 49,000,000 | $ 50,000,000 | |||||||
| Programming fee term (in years) | 3 years | 10 years | |||||||||||
| Programming costs included in statements of operations | 2,000,000,000 | 1,900,000,000 | 1,800,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Franchise fees and other related costs | 176,000,000 | 174,000,000 | 178,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Letters of credit, amount | 67,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Debt instrument, amount | 12,937,000,000 | 12,821,000,000 | 479,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Stated interest rate, percentage | 6.50% | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Cash Disbursements and Reclassifications under Bankruptcy Court Orders | $ 168,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Programming Expense No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Programming fee term No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Costs incurred and are directly related to generating franchise revenues. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Rental expense incurred for leased assets including furniture and equipment which has not been recognized in costs and expenses applicable to sales and revenues; for example, cost of goods sold or other operating costs and expenses. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Cash disbursements made to creditors or reclassifications of liabilities subject to compromise pursuant to the bankruptcy court orders for freight and distribution costs, trade accounts payable, prepetition contingencies and other liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Company Payment Obligations) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2012
|
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractual Obligation [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | $ 1,294 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2013 | 685 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2014 | 240 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2015 | 142 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2016 | 112 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2017 | 101 | |||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due Thereafter | 14 | |||||||
|
Capital and Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
|
||||||||
| Contractual Obligation [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | 125 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2013 | 32 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2014 | 28 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2015 | 21 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2016 | 17 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2017 | 13 | [1] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due Thereafter | 14 | [1] | ||||||
|
Programming Minimum Commitments [Member]
|
||||||||
| Contractual Obligation [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | 521 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2013 | 146 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2014 | 94 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2015 | 98 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2016 | 95 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2017 | 88 | [2] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due Thereafter | 0 | [2] | ||||||
|
Other [Member]
|
||||||||
| Contractual Obligation [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | 648 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2013 | 507 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2014 | 118 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2015 | 23 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2016 | 0 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due 2017 | 0 | [3] | ||||||
| Contractual Obligation, Due Thereafter | $ 0 | [3] | ||||||
|
||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation, including but not limited to, long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations, and other commitments. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of contractual obligation maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. No definition available.
|
|
Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2013
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee, Percent | 50.00% | |||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Minimum Annual Contribution Per Employee, Percent | 1.00% | |||
| Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Employee Compensation for Matching Contribution, Percent | 6.00% | 5.00% | ||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount | $ 6 | $ 7 | ||
| Defined Contribution, Expected Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount | $ 8 | |||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent | 50.00% | |||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expected amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Employee Compensation for Matching Contribution, Percent No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Minimum percentage of employee gross pay, by the terms of the plan, that the employer may contribute to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer contributes a matching contribution to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum percentage of employee gross pay, by the terms of the plan, that the employer may contribute to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
|
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Mar. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||
| Revenues | $ 1,913 | $ 1,880 | $ 1,884 | $ 1,827 | $ 1,834 | $ 1,809 | $ 1,791 | $ 1,770 | $ 7,504 | $ 7,204 | $ 7,059 |
| Income from operations | 206 | 211 | 269 | 230 | 265 | 237 | 270 | 269 | 916 | 1,041 | 1,024 |
| Net loss | $ (40) | $ (87) | $ (83) | $ (94) | $ (67) | $ (85) | $ (107) | $ (110) | $ (304) | $ (369) | $ (237) |
| LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (in dollars per share) | $ (0.41) | $ (0.87) | $ (0.84) | $ (0.95) | $ (0.63) | $ (0.79) | $ (0.98) | $ (0.97) | $ (3.05) | $ (3.39) | $ (2.09) |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares) | 100,003,344 | 99,694,672 | 99,496,755 | 99,432,960 | 105,503,936 | 108,420,169 | 109,265,876 | 113,224,303 | 99,657,989 | 108,948,554 | 113,138,461 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share in instances when basic and diluted earnings per share are the same amount and reported as a single line item on the face of the financial statements. Basic earnings per share is the amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share includes the amount of net income or loss for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the value of the business relationship with existing customers (less anticipated churn). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Investments in subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of property, plant and equipment, franchises, customer relationships, net and goodwill. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and due within one year (or the operating cycle, if longer), including liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received, taxes, interest, rent and utilities, accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, net of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards net of valuation allowances expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of receivables to be collected from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth, at the financial statement date. which are usually due within one year (or one business cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate amount of receivables to be collected from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth, at the financial statement date. which are usually due after one year (or one business cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of such liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Portion of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties that is payable after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the rights acquired through a franchise arrangement having an indefinite period of benefit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items (or Partners' Capital, as applicable), including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and the aggregate carrying amount of current assets, as of the balance sheet date, not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other operating income and expenses, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2012
|
Mar. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Consolidated net income (loss) | $ (40) | $ (87) | $ (83) | $ (94) | $ (67) | $ (85) | $ (107) | $ (110) | $ (304) | $ (369) | $ (237) |
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | (10) | (8) | (57) | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | (314) | (377) | (294) | ||||||||
|
Charter [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | (317) | (382) | (248) | ||||||||
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | (317) | (382) | (248) | ||||||||
|
Intermediate Holding Companies [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | (92) | (116) | (1) | ||||||||
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | (92) | (116) | (1) | ||||||||
|
CCO Holdings [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | (35) | 82 | 194 | ||||||||
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | (35) | 82 | 194 | ||||||||
|
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | 548 | 505 | 390 | ||||||||
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | (10) | (8) | (57) | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 538 | 497 | 333 | ||||||||
|
Eliminations [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Consolidated net income (loss) | (408) | (458) | (572) | ||||||||
| Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ (408) | $ (458) | $ (572) | ||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable for capital expenditures. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Loans payable to related parties borrowing and (payments) No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Noncash Gains (Losses) on Extinguishments of Debt No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow to parent as a source of financing that is recorded as additional paid in capital. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to allocate debt discount and premium, and the costs to issue debt and obtain financing over the related debt instruments. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable to vendors for goods and services received and the amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations to be paid to the following types of related parties: a parent company and its subsidiaries; subsidiaries of a common parent; an entity and trust for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entities' management; an entity and its principal owners, management, or member of their immediate families; affiliates; or other parties with the ability to exert significant influence. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of prepaid expenses and other assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows, for example, deferred expenses, intangible assets, or income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Other income (expense) included in net income that results in no cash inflows or outflows in the period. Includes noncash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities that are not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from purchases, sales and disposals of property, plant and equipment and other productive assets, including intangibles. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire preferred stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The distributions of earnings to an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with extending a long-term loan to a related party. Alternate caption: Payments for Advances to Affiliates. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from an entity that is affiliated with the entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from parent as a source of financing that is recorded as additional paid in capital. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from the proceeds and repayments made on the long-term borrowing from related party where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and such forth. Alternate caption: Proceeds from (Payments for) Advances from Affiliates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
1 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
|
| Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
| Subsequent Event, Amount | $ 1,500 |
|
Optimum West [Member]
|
|
| Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
| Subsequent Event, Amount | $ 1,600 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Reflects the known or estimated financial effect of the event, or transaction that occurred between the balance sheet date and the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|