v3.3.1.900
Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Severance costs $ 181 $ 152 $ 160
Multiemployer Plans Funded Status At least 80 percent    
NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]      
Severance costs $ 113 113 116
Multiemployer Plans Funded Status At least 80 percent    
Pension Benefits [Member]      
Multiemployer plan contributions $ 77 58 59
Contribution to fully fund and settle plan     55
Reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income before tax     74
Pension Benefits [Member] | NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]      
Multiemployer plan contributions 77 58 59
Deferred Compensation Plans [Member]      
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 658 628  
Retirement Investment Plans [Member]      
Expenses related to retirement investment plans 416 379 324
Retirement Investment Plans [Member] | NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]      
Expenses related to retirement investment plans 174 165 152
NBCUniversal Qualified Pension Plan [Member]      
Contribution to fully fund and settle plan 20    
Reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income before tax 27    
NBCUniversal Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]      
Benefit obligations in excess of plan assets 67 51  
Contribution to fully fund and settle plan 20    
Reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income before tax 27    
Postretirement and Other Benefits [Member]      
Multiemployer plan contributions 119 125 98
Postretirement and Other Benefits [Member] | NBCUniversal Media LLC [Member]      
Multiemployer plan contributions $ 119 $ 125 $ 98