Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) 10-K 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 20, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32601
Entity Registrant Name	LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001335258
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-3247759
Entity Address, Address Line One	9348 Civic Center Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Beverly Hills
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	90210
City Area Code	310
Local Phone Number	867-7000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 Par Value per Share
Trading Symbol	LYV
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 9.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		214,531,042

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,470,362,000	$ 2,371,540,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $50,516 and $34,225, respectively	994,606,000	829,320,000
Accounts receivable, allowance, current	50,516,000	34,225,000
Prepaid expenses	667,044,000	597,866,000
Restricted cash	3,880,000	6,663,000
Other current assets	57,007,000	42,685,000
Total current assets	4,192,899,000	3,848,074,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,117,932,000	946,593,000
Operating lease assets	1,402,019,000	0
Intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	870,141,000	661,451,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	368,954,000	368,854,000
Goodwill	1,998,498,000	1,822,943,000
Long-term advances	593,699,000	420,891,000
Other long-term assets	431,473,000	428,080,000
Assets	10,975,615,000	8,496,886,000
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, client accounts	1,005,888,000	1,037,162,000
Accounts payable	100,237,000	90,253,000
Accrued expenses	1,391,486,000	1,245,465,000
Deferred revenue	1,391,032,000	1,227,797,000
Current portion of long-term debt, net	37,795,000	82,142,000
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	121,950,000	0
Other current liabilities	59,211,000	67,047,000
Total current liabilities	4,107,599,000	3,749,866,000
Long-term debt, net	3,271,262,000	2,732,878,000
Long-term operating lease liabilities	1,374,481,000	0
Long-term deferred income taxes	178,173,000	137,067,000
Other long-term liabilities	130,648,000	204,977,000
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	449,498,000	329,355,000
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 450,000,000 shares authorized; 214,117,644 and 210,734,762 shares issued and 213,709,620 and 210,326,738 shares outstanding in 2019 and 2018, respectively	$ 2,113,000	$ 2,091,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	214,117,644	210,734,762
Common stock, shares outstanding	213,709,620	210,326,738
Additional paid-in capital	$ 2,245,619,000	$ 2,268,209,000
Accumulated deficit	(949,334,000)	(1,019,223,000)
Cost of shares held in treasury (408,024 shares)	$ (6,865,000)	$ (6,865,000)
Treasury stock, shares	408,024	408,024
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (145,713,000)	$ (145,231,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	1,145,820,000	1,098,981,000
Noncontrolling interests	318,134,000	243,762,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,463,954,000	1,342,743,000
Liabilities and Equity	10,975,615,000	8,496,886,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock—Series A Junior Participating, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock—Series A Junior Participating, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses	8,467,182	7,967,932	7,181,898
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,145,486	1,997,028	1,907,723
Depreciation and amortization	443,991	386,529	372,201
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	(2,373)	10,369	(969)
Corporate expenses	168,839	153,406	134,972
Operating income (loss)	324,844	272,536	91,397
Interest expense	157,521	140,976	107,770
Interest income	(14,406)	(8,961)	(5,717)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	(5,457)	(2,747)	(1,161)
Other expense (income), net	2,082	12,163	(115)
Income (loss) before income taxes	185,104	131,105	(9,380)
Income tax expense (benefit)	66,892	40,765	(17,154)
Net income	118,212	90,340	7,774
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	48,323	30,091	13,789
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ 69,889	$ 60,249	$ (6,015)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (0.02)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.48)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	210,082,696	207,441,468	204,923,740
Reconciliation to net loss available to common stockholders of Live Nation:
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ 69,889	$ 60,249	$ (6,015)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(74,771)	(77,900)	(91,631)
Basic and diluted net loss available to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (4,882)	$ (17,651)	$ (97,646)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 118,212	$ 90,340	$ 7,774
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(482)	(36,689)	67,704
Other	0	0	461
Comprehensive income	117,730	53,651	75,939
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	48,323	30,091	13,789
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ 69,407	$ 23,560	$ 62,150

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 2,034	$ 2,381,011	$ (1,073,457)	$ (6,865)	$ (176,707)	$ 223,500
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		203,396,066
Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash and stock-based compensation	$ 42,755		42,755	0
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(5,452)	$ 4	(5,456)
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)		342,974
Exercise of stock options	51,069	$ 31	51,038
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		3,137,997
Acquisitions	9,159						9,159
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	(6,452)		(3,616)				(2,836)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests adjustments	(91,631)		(91,631)
Contributions received	10,671						10,671
Cash distributions	(24,715)						(24,715)
Other	117		(95)				212
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net income (loss)	14,942			(6,015)			20,957
Foreign currency translation adjustments	67,704					67,704
Other	461					461
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	1,418,144	$ 2,069	2,374,006	(1,079,472)	(6,865)	(108,542)	236,948
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		206,877,037
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016								$ 347,068
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions								6,640
Purchase of noncontrolling interests								(165,227)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments								91,631
Contributions received								1,875
Cash distributions								(28,994)
Other								(1,099)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)								(7,167)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017								244,727
Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash and stock-based compensation	45,715		45,715
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(12,456)	$ 4	(12,460)
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)		434,707
Exercise of stock options	(24,327)	$ 18	(24,345)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		1,823,809
Conversion of convertible debt (in shares)		28
Fair value of convertible debt conversion feature, net of issuance costs	62,639		62,639
Repurchase of convertible debt conversion feature	(92,641)		(92,641)
Acquisitions	33,564						33,564
Divestitures	(6,684)						(6,684)
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	(13,087)		(8,210)				(4,877)
Sales of noncontrolling interests	452		1,410				(958)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests adjustments	(77,799)		(77,799)
Contributions received	7,501						7,501
Cash distributions	(43,346)						(43,346)
Other	(2,075)		(106)				(1,969)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net income (loss)	83,832			60,249			23,583
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(36,689)					(36,689)
Other	0					0
Balances at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,342,743	$ 2,091	2,268,209	(1,019,223)	(6,865)	(145,231)	243,762
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	209,135,581	209,135,581
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions								25,542
Purchase of noncontrolling interests								(10,356)
Sales of Noncontrolling Interest								0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments								77,799
Contributions received								1,806
Cash distributions								(15,840)
Other								(831)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)								6,508
Balances at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 329,355							329,355
Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash and stock-based compensation	48,887		48,887
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(15,352)	$ 5	(15,357)
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)		392,147
Exercise of stock options	14,104	$ 9	14,095
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		910,006
Conversion of convertible debt	28,586	$ 8	28,578
Conversion of convertible debt (in shares)		824,328
Acquisitions	137,981						137,981
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	(48,745)		(23,878)				(24,867)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests adjustments	(74,771)		(74,771)
Contributions received	14,285						14,285
Cash distributions	(84,115)						(84,115)
Other	(2,323)		(144)				(2,179)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net income (loss)	103,156			69,889			33,267
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(482)					(482)
Other	0
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,463,954	$ 2,113	$ 2,245,619	$ (949,334)	$ (6,865)	$ (145,713)	$ 318,134
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	211,262,062	211,262,062
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions								52,373
Purchase of noncontrolling interests								(1,459)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments								74,771
Contributions received								0
Cash distributions								(23,362)
Other								2,764
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)								15,056
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 449,498							$ 449,498

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 118,212	$ 90,340	$ 7,774
Reconciling items:
Depreciation	220,459	185,376	149,634
Amortization	223,532	201,153	222,567
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances	80,302	80,087	83,334
Deferred income tax benefit	(465)	(6,247)	(71,539)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	24,116	20,219	13,174
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	27,926	26,321	20,295
Non-cash compensation expense	48,785	45,582	42,755
Unrealized changes in fair value of contingent consideration	6,698	14,125	18,011
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets	(2,373)	10,369	(969)
Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions	14,152	11,693	6,898
Other, net	(3,654)	(3,760)	2,083
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(159,792)	(135,429)	(133,020)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(170,486)	(266,241)	(238,549)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(45,920)	323,459	474,301
Increase in deferred revenue	88,291	344,539	26,773
Net cash provided by operating activities	469,783	941,586	623,522
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Advances of notes receivable	(50,035)	(90,705)	(19,120)
Collections of notes receivable	13,216	33,914	9,657
Investments made in nonconsolidated affiliates	(57,280)	(46,497)	(25,170)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(323,566)	(239,833)	(238,435)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(235,071)	(120,228)	(47,946)
Purchases of intangible assets	(42,261)	(35,630)	(10,977)
Other, net	3,997	2,070	4,405
Net cash used in investing activities	(691,000)	(496,909)	(327,586)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	937,400	858,667	60,912
Payments of long-term debt including extinguishment costs	(437,267)	(400,396)	(110,855)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	14,285	4,900	10,671
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(107,476)	(59,187)	(46,036)
Purchases and sales of noncontrolling interest	(50,267)	(159,634)	(71,509)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	14,104	22,568	51,069
Taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards	(15,353)	(55,005)	(5,452)
Payments for deferred and contingent consideration	(26,537)	(18,784)	(15,883)
Other, net	0	(4,345)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	328,889	188,784	(127,083)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(11,633)	(84,080)	130,394
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	96,039	549,381	299,247
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	2,378,203	1,828,822	1,529,575
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	2,474,242	2,378,203	1,828,822
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of interest income	103,915	100,278	87,111
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 66,937	$ 60,016	$ 44,871

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGN

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES History Live Nation was incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 2005 in preparation for the contribution and transfer by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. of substantially all of its entertainment assets and liabilities to us. We completed this separation on December 21, 2005 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “LYV.” On January 25, 2010, we merged with Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Live Nation. Effective with the merger, Live Nation, Inc. changed its name to Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Seasonality Due to the seasonal nature of shows at outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur from May through October, our Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments experience higher revenue during the second and third quarters. Our Ticketing segment’s revenue is impacted by fluctuations in the availability of events for sale to the public, which vary depending upon scheduling by its clients. Our seasonality also results in higher balances in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses and deferred revenue at different times in the year. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reflected in the statements of operations. Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment. All of our cash flow activity reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows is presented net of any non-cash transactions so the amounts reflected may be different than amounts shown in other places in our financial statements that are based on accrual accounting and therefore include non-cash amounts. For example, purchases of property, plant and equipment reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows reflect the amount of cash paid during the year for these purchases and does not include the impact of the changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures during the year. Variable Interest Entities In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments in companies that will allow us to expand our core business and enter new markets. In certain instances, such ventures or investments may be considered a VIE because the equity at risk is insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional financial support from its equity owners. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The activities we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIEs include the unilateral ability to approve the annual budget, the unilateral ability to terminate key management and the unilateral ability to approve entering into agreements with artists, among others. We have certain rights and obligations related to our involvement in the VIEs, including the requirement to provide operational cash flow funding. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, excluding intercompany balances and allocated goodwill and intangible assets, there were approximately $410 million and $265 million of assets and $260 million and $140 million of liabilities, respectively, related to VIEs included in our balance sheets. None of our VIEs are significant on an individual basis. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents include domestic and foreign bank accounts as well as interest-bearing accounts consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. These balances are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in escrow accounts to fund capital improvements of certain leased or operated venues. The cash is held in these accounts pursuant to the related lease or operating agreement. Included in the December 31, 2019 and 2018 cash and cash equivalents balance is $837.7 million and $859.1 million, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of our ticketing clients and their share of service charges (“client cash”), which amounts are to be remitted to these clients. We generally do not utilize client cash for our own financing or investing activities as the amounts are payable to our clients on a regular basis. These amounts due to our clients are included in accounts payable, client accounts. Cash held in interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce our credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents; however, these balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss of or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted in the future by adverse conditions in the financial markets. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Generally, we record specific reserves to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected when a customer’s account ages beyond typical collection patterns, or we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations. We believe that the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of our customers. Prepaid Expenses The majority of our prepaid expenses relate to event expenses including show advances and deposits and other costs directly related to future concert events. For advances that are expected to be recouped over a period of more than twelve months, the long-term portion of the advance is classified as long-term advances. These prepaid costs are charged to operations upon completion of the related events. Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by our clients, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to secure the contract with certain clients and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis. Business Combinations During 2019, 2018 and 2017, we completed several acquisitions that were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. When we make these acquisitions, we often acquire a controlling interest without buying 100% of the business. These acquisitions and the related results of operations were not significant on either an individual basis or in the aggregate. We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, any contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives among other items. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are typically as follows: Buildings and improvements - 10 to 50 years Computer equipment and capitalized software - 3 to 10 years Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 10 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or associated lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for asset renewal and improvements are capitalized. We test for possible impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. Intangible Assets We classify intangible assets as definite-lived or indefinite-lived. Definite-lived intangibles include revenue-generating contracts, client/vendor relationships, trademarks and naming rights, technology, non-compete agreements, and venue management and leasehold agreements, all of which are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements, typically 3 to 10 years, or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived. We periodically review the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to our definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangibles consist of trade names which are not subject to amortization. We test for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. We test for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually. Depending on facts and circumstances, qualitative factors may first be assessed to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that it is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment is not performed first, we perform only this quantitative test. When specific assets are determined to be impaired, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, expected future revenue, discount rates and royalty rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. Goodwill We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process. We also test goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount or when we change our reporting units. The first step is a qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying value using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include historical financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions, reporting unit-specific events, historical results of goodwill impairment testing and the timing of the last performance of a quantitative assessment. If any reporting units are concluded to be more likely than not impaired, or if that conclusion cannot be determined qualitatively, a second step is performed for that reporting unit. Regardless, all reporting units undergo a second step at least once every five years to support our annual qualitative first step. This second step, used to quantitatively screen for potential impairment and measure the impairment, if any, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including our interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations, and assumptions about our strategic plans with regard to our operations. Due to the uncertainties associated with such estimates, actual results could differ from such estimates. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recorded as an impairment to goodwill. If a reporting unit’s carrying value is negative, the reporting unit passes the impairment test. In this case, we will disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit and disclose which reportable segment the reporting unit is included in. In both steps, discount rates, market multiples, and sensitivity tests are derived and/or computed with the assistance of external valuation consultants. In developing fair values for our reporting units, we employ a discounted cash flow or a market multiple methodology, or a combination thereof. The discounted cash flow methodology establishes fair value by estimating the present value of the projected future cash flows to be generated from the reporting unit. The discount rate applied to the projected future cash flows to arrive at the present value is intended to reflect all risks of ownership and the associated risks of realizing the stream of projected future cash flows. The discounted cash flow methodology uses our estimates of future financial performance. The most significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow methodology are the discount rate and expected future revenue, which vary among reporting units. The market multiple methodology compares us to similar companies on the basis of risk characteristics to determine our risk profile relative to those companies as a group. This analysis generally focuses on both quantitative considerations, which include financial performance and other quantifiable data, and qualitative considerations, which include any factors which are expected to impact future financial performance. The most significant assumptions affecting the market multiple methodology are the market multiples used on projected future cash flows and market participant acquisition premium. A market participant acquisition premium represents the additional value a buyer would pay to obtain control of the respective reporting unit because having control would lead to higher cash flows, lower cost of capital or both. Nonconsolidated Affiliates In general, nonconsolidated investments in which we own more than 20% of the common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over an affiliate are accounted for under the equity method. We review the value of equity method investments and record impairment charges in the statements of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. If we obtain control of a nonconsolidated affiliate through the purchase of additional ownership interest or changes in the governing agreements, we remeasure our investment to fair value first and then apply the accounting guidance for business combinations. Any gain or loss resulting from the remeasurement to fair value is recorded as a component of other expense (income), net in the statements of operations. Leases We lease office space, many of our concert venues, festival sites and certain equipment. We do not recognize an operating lease asset or liability on our consolidated balance sheets for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, including multi-year festival site leases where the sum of the non-consecutive periods of rental time is less than twelve months. Rent expense for these short-term leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Some of our lease agreements contain annual rental escalation clauses, as well as provisions for us to pay the related utilities and maintenance. We have elected to account for the lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent, parking and real estate taxes) and non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance costs) as a single lease component. Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options that can extend the lease for additional terms typically ranging from one In addition to fixed rental payments, many of our leases contain contingent rental payments based on a percentage of revenue, tickets sold or other variables, while others include periodic adjustments to rental payments based on the prevailing inflationary index or market rental rates. Contingent rent obligations are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recognized as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. We measure our lease assets and liabilities using an incremental borrowing rate which varies from lease to lease depending on geographical location and length of the lease. Accounts Payable, Client Accounts Accounts payable, client accounts consists of contractual amounts due to our ticketing clients which includes the face value of tickets sold and the clients’ share of service charges. Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the liability method which results in deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if we believe it is more likely than not that some portion of or the entire asset will not be realized. As almost all earnings from our continuing foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, our income tax provision does not include additional United States state and foreign withholding or transaction taxes on those foreign earnings that would be incurred if they were distributed. It is not practicable to determine the amount of state and foreign income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that any remaining available cash associated with these earnings were distributed. The FASB guidance for income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) enacted in December 2017 subjects a United States corporation to tax on its Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”). We have established a policy of treating the taxes due on future GILTI inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred. Revenue Recognition Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the show occurs. Revenue collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor. Revenue from our ticketing operations primarily consists of service fees charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. For primary tickets sold to our concert and festival events, where our concert promoters control ticketing, the revenue for the associated ticket service charges collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs and these service charges are shared between our Ticketing and Concerts segments. For primary tickets sold for events of third-party clients and secondary market sales, the revenue is recognized at the time of the sale and is recorded by our Ticketing segment. We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis. Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition We report revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we act as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether we have control of the good or service before it is transferred to the customer. Our Ticketing segment’s revenue, which primarily consists of service fees from its ticketing operations, is recorded net of the face value of the ticket as we generally act as an agent in these transactions. Foreign Currency Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity in AOCI. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the statements of operations and include the impact of revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets or liabilities held internationally. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017, we recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $11.6 million. We do not currently have significant operations in highly inflationary countries. Advertising Expense We record advertising expense in the year that it is incurred. Throughout the year, general advertising expenses are recognized as they are incurred, but event-related advertising for concerts is recognized once the show occurs. However, all advertising costs incurred during the year and not previously recognized are expensed at the end of the year. Advertising expenses of $452.7 million, $443.2 million and $378.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were recorded as a component of direct operating expenses. Advertising expenses of $27.8 million, $30.9 million and $40.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses include artist fees, show-related marketing and advertising expenses, rent expense for events in third-party venues, credit card fees, telecommunication and data communication costs associated with our call centers, commissions paid on tickets distributed through independent sales outlets away from the box office, and salaries and wages related to seasonal employees at our venues along with other costs, including ticket stock and shipping. These costs are primarily variable in nature. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and other compensation costs related to full-time employees, fixed rent, travel and entertainment, legal expenses and consulting along with other costs. Depreciation and Amortization Our depreciation and amortization is presented as a separate line item in the statements of operations. There is no depreciation or amortization included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses. Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances is recorded as a reduction to revenue. Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation We follow the fair value recognition provisions in the FASB guidance for stock compensation. Stock-based compensation expense recognized includes compensation expense for all share-based payments using the estimated grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur. The fair value for options in Live Nation stock is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. We use an expected volatility based on an even weighting of our own traded options and historical volatility. We use a weighted-average expected life based on historical experience calculated with the assistance of outside consultants. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the United States Treasury note rate. The fair value of restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards, which is generally the stock price on the date of grant, is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period except for restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards with minimum performance or market targets as their vesting condition. The performance-based awards are amortized to expense on a graded basis over the vesting period to the extent that it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. Market-based award fair values are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and are then amortized to expense on a graded basis over the derived service period, which is estimated as the median weighted average vesting period from the Monte Carlo simulation models. However, unlike awards with a service or performance condition, the expense for market-based awards will not be reversed solely because the market condition is not satisfied. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals, acquisition accounting and impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Accounting Pronouncements - Recently Adopted Lease Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet as a lease liability and asset, and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2019, applying the transitional provisions of the standard to the beginning of the period of adoption and elected the package of practical expedients available under the transition guidance within the new guidance which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. We also made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of twelve months or less off the balance sheet, recognizing those lease payments in our statements of operations generally on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. We have implemented third-party lease software, and corresponding internal controls, to account for our leases and facilitate compliance with the new guidance. The new guidance had a material impact on our balance sheet, but did not have a material impact on our statements of operations or an impact on our compliance with the debt covenant requirements under our senior secured credit facility and other debt arrangements. Upon adoption, we recognized operating lease assets and liabilities of $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. The initial operating lease assets and liabilities were based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, discounted using our secured incremental borrowing rate which varies based on geographical region and term of the underlying lease. The operating lease assets were also reduced by $85.3 million for prepaid rent, straight-line rent accruals and lease incentives. Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the current incurred loss impairment model of recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal periods after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that year. The guidance is to be applied through a cummulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We will adopt this standard on January 1, 2020, and the adoption will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implement

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

LONG-LIVED ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]
LONG-LIVED ASSETS	LONG-LIVED ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net includes expenditures for the construction of new venues, major renovations to existing buildings or buildings that are being added to our venue network, the development of new ticketing tools and technology enhancements along with the renewal and improvement of existing venues and technology systems, web development and administrative offices. Property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Land, buildings and improvements $ 1,181,876 $ 984,558 Computer equipment and capitalized software 800,990 742,737 Furniture and other equipment 380,174 329,607 Construction in progress 176,275 160,028 2,539,315 2,216,930 Less accumulated depreciation 1,421,383 1,270,337 $ 1,117,932 $ 946,593 Definite-lived Intangible Assets The following table presents the changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Revenue- Client / Trademarks Venue management & Leaseholds Technology Other (1) Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017: Gross carrying amount $ 789,363 $ 341,449 $ 126,331 $ 63,135 $ 63,666 $ 72,096 $ 1,456,040 Accumulated amortization (410,011) (186,357) (32,681) (35,953) (22,745) (39,028) (726,775) Net 379,352 155,092 93,650 27,182 40,921 33,068 729,265 Gross carrying amount: Acquisitions—current year 6,128 84,146 2,067 15,402 30,029 — 137,772 Acquisitions—prior year 4,447 — — 1,900 — — 6,347 Dispositions — (11,812) — — — (18,754) (30,566) Foreign exchange (14,426) (7,378) (1,756) (1,989) (1,626) (1,220) (28,395) Other (2) (92,549) (12,633) (2,935) (8,400) (6,658) (2,007) (125,182) Net change (96,400) 52,323 (2,624) 6,913 21,745 (21,981) (40,024) Accumulated amortization: Amortization (81,291) (52,879) (12,633) (7,185) (23,727) (12,938) (190,653) Dispositions — 8,146 — — — 13,238 21,384 Foreign exchange 7,526 4,813 536 1,235 973 744 15,827 Other (2) 92,774 12,678 2,970 8,396 6,673 2,161 125,652 Net change 19,009 (27,242) (9,127) 2,446 (16,081) 3,205 (27,790) Balance as of December 31, 2018: Gross carrying amount 692,963 393,772 123,707 70,048 85,411 50,115 1,416,016 Accumulated amortization (391,002) (213,599) (41,808) (33,507) (38,826) (35,823) (754,565) Net 301,961 180,173 81,899 36,541 46,585 14,292 661,451 Gross carrying amount: Acquisitions—current year 94,464 209,398 29,061 80,643 13,839 8,075 435,480 Acquisitions—prior year — — — 43 — — 43 Foreign exchange (4,713) 90 91 896 356 (208) (3,488) Other (2) (82,157) (75,770) 76 (2,044) (12,268) (32,763) (204,926) Net change 7,594 133,718 29,228 79,538 1,927 (24,896) 227,109 Accumulated amortization: Amortization (94,439) (65,059) (14,513) (10,683) (27,512) (11,326) (223,532) Foreign exchange 1,331 (473) (96) (553) (152) 122 179 Other (2) 82,088 75,770 1 2,044 12,270 32,761 204,934 Net change (11,020) 10,238 (14,608) (9,192) (15,394) 21,557 (18,419) Balance as of December 31, 2019: Gross carrying amount 700,557 527,490 152,935 149,586 87,338 25,219 1,643,125 Accumulated amortization (402,022) (203,361) (56,416) (42,699) (54,220) (14,266) (772,984) Net $ 298,535 $ 324,129 $ 96,519 $ 106,887 $ 33,118 $ 10,953 $ 870,141 ___________________ (1) Other primarily includes intangible assets for non-compete agreements. (2) Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets. Included in the current year acquisitions amount above for 2019 are definite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with the acquisitions of concert promotion businesses located in Canada and Chile, venue management businesses located in the United States and Belgium and a festival promotion business located in Brazil that had been accounted for as an equity investment. Included in the current year acquisitions amount above for 2018 are definite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with the acquisitions of various concert and festival promotion business and artist management businesses that are all located in the United States, and the acquisition of certain software assets from a business located in the United States. The 2019 and 2018 additions to definite-lived intangible assets from acquisitions have weighted-average lives as follows: Weighted- 2019 2018 (in years) Revenue-generating contracts 8 7 Client/vendor relationships 9 7 Trademarks and naming rights 8 3 Technology 2 3 Venue management and leaseholds 10 12 Other 5 — All categories 8 7 During all years presented, we reviewed the carrying value of certain definite-lived intangible assets that management determined would not be renewed or that had an indicator that future operating cash flows may not support their carrying value. It was determined that certain assets were impaired since the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with those assets were less than their carrying value. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded impairment charges of $26.8 million as a component of depreciation and amortization primarily related to intangible assets for revenue-generating contracts in the Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for further discussion of the inputs used to determine the fair values. There were no significant impairment charges recorded in 2018 and 2017. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $223.5 million, $190.7 million and $202.6 million, respectively. The following table presents our estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets that exist at December 31, 2019: (in thousands) 2020 $ 219,927 2021 $ 153,233 2022 $ 122,808 2023 $ 103,253 2024 $ 85,218 As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and the valuations of intangible assets for recent acquisitions are completed, amortization expense may vary. Indefinite-lived Intangibles We have indefinite-lived intangible assets which consist of trade names. These indefinite-lived intangible assets had a carrying value of $369.0 million and $368.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Goodwill We currently have seven reporting units with goodwill balances: International Concerts, North America Concerts, Artist Management and Artist Services (non-management) within the Concerts segment; Sponsorship & Advertising; and International Ticketing and North America Ticketing within the Ticketing segment. We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process: a qualitative review and a quantitative analysis. In 2019, as part of our annual test for impairment of goodwill, five reporting units were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not require a quantitative analysis. These reporting units account for approximately 85% of our goodwill at December 31, 2019. Considerations included (a) excess of fair values over carrying values in the most recent quantitative analysis performed, (b) market multiples, (c) discount rates, (d) financial results and (e) sensitivity analyses. Finally, for two reporting units that account for approximately 15% of our goodwill at December 31, 2019, the qualitative analysis was inconclusive due to varied factors such as lower than expected financial results in the current year, mixed changes in market multiples, and a decrease in discount rate. As such, quantitative analysis was performed for these reporting units. We performed the quantitative analysis using a combination of a discounted cash flows methodology, which uses both market-based and internal assumptions, and a market multiple methodology, which uses primarily market-based assumptions applied to our projections of future cash flows. No impairment charges were recorded in 2019 as a result of our annual test. Based upon the results of the annual tests for 2018 and 2017, we recorded impairment charges of $10.5 million and $20.0 million, respectively, related to our Artist Services (non-management) reporting unit. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for discussion of the impairment calculation. The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Concerts Ticketing Sponsorship Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 1,015,913 $ 761,786 $ 401,753 $ 2,179,452 Accumulated impairment losses (424,863) — — (424,863) Net 591,050 761,786 401,753 1,754,589 Acquisitions—current year 42,841 5,875 3,902 52,618 Acquisitions—prior year 53,541 — 1,697 55,238 Dispositions (7,053) — — (7,053) Impairment (10,500) — — (10,500) Foreign exchange (10,638) (4,708) (6,603) (21,949) Balance as of December 31, 2018: Goodwill 1,094,604 762,953 400,749 2,258,306 Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) — — (435,363) Net 659,241 762,953 400,749 1,822,943 Acquisitions—current year 121,355 4,017 38,421 163,793 Acquisitions—prior year 8,428 — — 8,428 Foreign exchange 1,670 (707) 2,371 3,334 Balance as of December 31, 2019: Goodwill 1,226,057 766,263 441,541 2,433,861 Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) — — (435,363) Net $ 790,694 $ 766,263 $ 441,541 $ 1,998,498 Included in the current year acquisitions amount above for 2019 is goodwill associated with the acquisitions of a concert promotion business located in Canada, venue management businesses located in Belgium and the United States and a festival promotion business located in Brazil that had been accounted for as an equity method investment. Included in the current year acquisitions amount above for 2018 is goodwill associated with the acquisitions of various concert and festival promotion businesses and various artist management businesses that are all located in the United States. Included in the prior year acquisitions amount above for 2018 is a purchase price adjustment recognized in connection with contingent consideration paid during 2018 related to an acquisition that occurred prior to our adoption of the current FASB guidance for business combinations. Under the previous guidance, which was in place at the time of this acquisition, such contingent payments were recognized when it was determinable that the applicable financial targets were met. We are in various stages of finalizing our acquisition accounting for recent acquisitions, which include the use of external valuation consultants, and the completion of this accounting could result in a change to the associated purchase price allocations, including goodwill and the allocation between segments. Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates We have investments in various affiliates which are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We record our investments in these entities in the balance sheet as investments in nonconsolidated affiliates reported as part of other long-term assets. Our interests in these operations are recorded in the statements of operations as equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates. For the year ended December 31, 2019, certain of our investments are considered significant on an aggregate basis. Summarized balance sheet and income statement information for these entities is as follows (at 100%): December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Current assets $ 40,937 $ 71,685 Noncurrent assets $ 6,845 $ 4,074 Current liabilities $ 35,662 $ 42,470 Noncontrolling interests $ 1,624 $ 1,095 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue $ 54,173 $ 56,857 $ 56,078 Operating income $ 30,262 $ 34,841 $ 29,684 Net income $ 23,969 $ 28,554 $ 24,116 Net income attributable to the common stockholders of the equity investees $ 23,440 $ 27,935 $ 23,995

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES The significant components of operating lease expense are as follows: Year Ended (in thousands) Operating lease cost $ 201,344 Variable and short-term lease cost 133,526 Sublease income (17,235) Net lease cost $ 317,635 Supplemental cash flow information for our operating leases is as follows: Year Ended (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 183,723 Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations $ 417,394 Future maturities of our operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are as follows: (in thousands) 2020 $ 194,811 2021 185,273 2022 180,865 2023 178,322 2024 161,583 Thereafter 1,370,772 Total lease payments 2,271,626 Less: Interest 775,195 Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,496,431 The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows: December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 13.9 Weighted average discount rate 5.88 % As of December 31, 2019, we have additional operating leases that have not yet commenced with total lease payments of $218.2 million. These operating leases, which are not included on our consolidated balance sheets, have commencement dates ranging from January 2020 to December 2021 with lease terms ranging from 1 to 21 years.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt, which includes capital leases, consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term loan A $ — $ 156,750 Term loan B 947,625 953,148 4.75% Senior Notes due 2027 950,000 — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2024 575,000 575,000 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 300,000 300,000 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 — 250,000 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 550,000 550,000 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 — 28,673 Other long-term debt 80,642 96,308 Total principal amount 3,403,267 2,909,879 Less unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (94,210) (94,859) Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs 3,309,057 2,815,020 Less: current portion 37,795 82,142 Total long-term debt, net $ 3,271,262 $ 2,732,878 Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2019 are as follows: (in thousands) 2020 $ 37,795 2021 36,221 2022 568,817 2023 17,487 2024 586,445 Thereafter 2,156,502 Total $ 3,403,267 All long-term debt without a stated maturity date is considered current and is reflected as maturing in the earliest period shown in the table above. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for discussion of the fair value measurement of our long-term debt. Senior Secured Credit Facility In October 2019, we amended our senior secured credit facility and now have (i) a five seven five The interest rates per annum applicable to revolving credit facility loans and the delayed draw term loan A under the senior secured credit facility are, at our option, equal to either Eurodollar plus 1.75% or a base rate plus 0.75%, subject to stepdowns based on our net leverage ratio. The interest rates per annum applicable to the term loan B are, at our option, equal to either Eurodollar plus 1.75% or a base rate plus 0.75%. We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the undrawn portion available under the revolving credit facility and delayed draw term loan A, subject to a stepdown based on our net leverage ratio, and variable fees on outstanding letters of credit. For the term loan A, we are required to make quarterly payments at a range from 0.625% of the original principal amount during the first three years to 1.25% during the last two years with the balance due at maturity in October 2024. For the term loan B, we are required to make quarterly payments of $2.4 million, with the balance due at maturity in October 2026. We are also required to make mandatory prepayments of the loans under the credit agreement, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and other specified events. Based on our outstanding letters of credit of $83.5 million, $416.5 million was available for future borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2019. 4.75% Senior Notes In October 2019, we issued $950 million principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2027. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year beginning on April 15, 2020, and will mature on October 15, 2027. We may redeem some or all of the notes, at any time prior to October 15, 2022, at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, plus a ‘make-whole’ premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes from the proceeds of certain equity offerings prior to October 15, 2022, at a price equal to 104.750% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, on or after October 15, 2022, we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at redemption prices starting at 103.563% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control. 4.875% Senior Notes At December 31, 2019, we had $575 million principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2024. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually in cash in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, and the notes will mature on November 1, 2024. In addition, on or after November 1, 2019, we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at the redemption prices that start at 103.656% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control. 5.625% Senior Notes In March 2018, we issued $300 million principal amount of 5.625% senior notes due 2026. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, and the notes will mature on March 15, 2026. We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time prior to March 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, plus a ‘make-whole’ premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes from proceeds of certain equity offerings prior to March 15, 2021, at a price equal to 105.625% of the aggregate principal amount being redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of redemption. In addition, on or after March 15, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at redemption prices that start at 104.219% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control. 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 In March 2018, we issued $550 million principal amount of 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2023. The notes pay interest semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at a rate of 2.5% per annum. The notes will mature on March 15, 2023, and may not be redeemed by us prior to the maturity date. The notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, until December 15, 2022, and on or after such date without condition, at an initial conversion rate of 14.7005 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, which represents a 54.4% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price for our common stock of $44.05 on March 19, 2018 prior to issuing the debt. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in shares of common stock or, at our election, cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Assuming we fully settled the notes in shares, the maximum number of shares that could be issued to satisfy the conversion is currently 8.1 million. If we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the notes, the holders of the notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The carrying amount of the equity component of the notes is $64.0 million, which is treated as a debt discount and the principal amount of the liability component (face value of the notes) is $550 million. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining period for the unamortized debt discount balance of $42.4 million was approximately three years and the value of the notes, if converted and fully settled in shares, exceed the principal amount of the notes by $27.9 million. As of December 31, 2019, the effective interest rate on the liability component of the notes was 5.7%. The following table summarizes the amount of pre-tax interest cost recognized on the 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2023 and 2019: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Interest cost recognized relating to: Contractual interest coupon $ 14,015 $ 12,894 $ 6,875 Amortization of debt discount 2,134 10,746 5,080 Amortization of debt issuance costs 12,599 1,940 1,358 Total interest cost recognized on the notes $ 28,748 $ 25,580 $ 13,313 Other Long-term Debt As of December 31, 2019, other long-term debt includes capital leases of $5.2 million, debt to noncontrolling interest partners of $34.5 million and $27.5 million of a subsidiary’s term loan and revolving credit facility. Our other long-term debt has a weighted average cost of debt of 4.6% and maturities at various dates through July 2046. Debt Extinguishment In October 2019,we issued $950 million principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2027 and further amended our senior secured credit facility, including the draw down of $950 million principal amount under the new term loan B facility. The proceeds were used to repay the $1.1 billion principal balance outstanding on the term loans A and B under our then existing senior secured credit facility, to repay the entire $250 million principal amount of the 5.375% senior notes due 2022, to repay the related redemption premium of $3.4 million on the senior notes and accrued interest and fees of $30.8 million, leaving $527.5 million for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. We recorded a $4.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to this refinancing. In March 2018, we issued $300 million principal amount of 5.625% senior notes due 2026, issued $550 million principal amount of 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2023 and amended our senior secured credit facility to reduce the applicable interest rate for the term loan B. Total gross proceeds of $850.0 million from the issuance of the notes were used to repay $246.3 million of the outstanding principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2019, the related repurchase premium of $90.4 million on those convertible senior notes and accrued interest and fees of $20.8 million, leaving $492.5 million in additional cash available for general corporate purposes. We recorded a $2.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to this refinancing. Debt Covenants Our senior secured credit facility contains a number of restrictions that, among other things, require us to satisfy a financial covenant and restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase our stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of our business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets, merge or consolidate, and pay dividends and make distributions (with the exception of subsidiary dividends or distributions to the parent company or other subsidiaries on at least a pro-rata basis with any noncontrolling interest partners). Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions could result in the full or partial principal balance of the credit facility becoming immediately due and payable. The senior secured credit facility agreement has a covenant, measured quarterly, that relates to net leverage. The consolidated net leverage covenant requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated total net debt to consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the credit agreement) of 5.75x over the trailing four consecutive quarters through September 30, 2020. The consolidated total leverage ratio will reduce to 5.50x on December 31, 2020 and 5.25x on December 31, 2021. The indentures governing the 4.75% senior notes, 4.875% senior notes and 5.625% senior notes contain covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, sell certain assets, agree to any restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us, merge, consolidate or sell all of our assets, create certain liens, and engage in transactions with affiliates on terms that are not on an arms-length basis. Certain covenants, including those pertaining to incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, asset sales, mergers and transactions with affiliates will be suspended during any period in which the notes are rated investment grade by both rating agencies and no default or event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing. All of these notes contain two incurrence-based financial covenants, as defined, requiring a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.0x and a maximum secured indebtedness leverage ratio of 3.5x. Some of our other subsidiary indebtedness includes restrictions on entering into various transactions, such as acquisitions and disposals, and prohibits payment of ordinary dividends. They also have financial covenants including minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest payable, minimum consolidated cash flow to consolidated debt service and maximum consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, all as defined in the applicable debt agreements. As of December 31, 2019, we believe we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants related to our senior secured credit facility and our corporate senior notes and convertible senior notes. We expect to remain in compliance with all of these covenants throughout 2020.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS We primarily use forward currency contracts and options to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk associated with short-term artist fee commitments. We may also enter into forward currency contracts to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with changes in foreign currency rates on forecasted operating income. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had forward currency contracts and options outstanding with notional amounts of $66.3 million and $89.4 million, respectively. These instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments and any change in fair value is reported in earnings during the period of the change. Our foreign currency derivative activity, including the related fair values, are not material to any period presented. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes and do not anticipate any significant recognition of derivative activity through the income statement in the future related to the instruments currently held. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for further discussion and disclosure of the fair values for our derivative instruments.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Recurring We currently have various financial instruments carried at fair value, such as marketable securities, derivatives and contingent consideration, but do not currently have nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Our financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from all levels of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB guidance for fair value. For this categorization, only inputs that are significant to the fair value are considered. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date. Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (i.e., market corroborated inputs). Level 3—Unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs would be based on the best information available, including our own data. In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are classified on the balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities: Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 177,159 $ — $ — $ 177,159 $ 86,046 $ — $ — $ 86,046 Forward currency contracts — 11 — 11 — 779 — 779 Total $ 177,159 $ 11 $ — $ 177,170 $ 86,046 $ 779 $ — $ 86,825 Liabilities: Forward currency contracts $ — $ 1,159 $ — $ 1,159 $ — $ 260 $ — $ 260 Put option — — 8,006 8,006 — — 8,002 8,002 Subsidiary equity awards — — 7,661 7,661 — — 3,571 3,571 Contingent consideration — — 64,892 64,892 — — 62,475 62,475 Total $ — $ 1,159 $ 80,559 $ 81,718 $ — $ 260 $ 74,048 $ 74,308 Cash equivalents consist of money market funds. Fair values for cash equivalents are based on quoted prices in an active market. Fair values for forward currency contracts are based on observable market transactions of spot and forward rates. Certain third parties have a put option to sell their noncontrolling interest in one of our subsidiaries to us and such put option is carried at fair value using Level 3 inputs because either (i) the put option is triggered by the occurrence of specific events, one of which is certain to occur, that requires us to buy the noncontrolling interest or (ii) the redemption price is not at fair value and the equity holder does not bear the risk and rewards of ownership. The redemption price for these put options are a variable amount based on a formula linked to historical earnings. We have recorded a current liability for these put options which are valued based on the historic results of that subsidiary. Changes in the fair value are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. We have certain contingent consideration obligations related to acquisitions which are measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The amounts due to the sellers are based on the achievement of agreed-upon financial performance metrics by the acquired companies where the contingent obligation is either earned or not earned. We record the liability at the time of the acquisition based on the present value of management’s best estimates of the future results of the acquired companies compared to the agreed-upon metrics. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, we update the original valuation to reflect current projections of future results of the acquired companies and the passage of time. Accretion of, and changes in the valuations of, contingent consideration are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 7—Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for additional information related to the contingent payments. Due to their short maturity, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated their fair values at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Our outstanding debt held by third-party financial institutions is carried at cost, adjusted for discounts or debt issuance costs. Our debt is not publicly traded and the carrying amounts typically approximate fair value for debt that accrues interest at a variable rate, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs as defined in the FASB guidance. The following table presents the estimated fair values of our senior notes and convertible senior notes at December 31, 2019 and 2018: Estimated Fair Value at: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Level 2 (in thousands) 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 $ 983,735 $ — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2024 $ 596,137 $ 552,368 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 $ 320,553 $ 302,097 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 $ — $ 251,390 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 $ 675,664 $ 561,699 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 $ — $ 40,710 The estimated fair value of our third-party fixed-rate debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar debt, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. Non-recurring The following table shows the fair value of our financial assets that have been adjusted to fair value on a non-recurring basis which had a significant impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Using Loss Description Measurement Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Gain) (in thousands) 2019 Definite-lived intangible assets, net $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 26,751 2018 Goodwill $ 20,332 $ — $ — $ 20,332 $ 10,500 During 2019, we recorded impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets of $26.8 million as a component of depreciation and amortization. The impairment charges are primarily related to intangible assets for revenue-generating contracts in the Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments. It was determined that these assets were impaired since the most recent estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with these assets were less than their carrying value. These impairments were calculated using operating cash flows, which were discounted to approximate fair value. The key inputs in these calculations include future cash flow projections, including revenue profit margins, and, for the fair value computation, a discount rate. The key inputs used for these non-recurring fair value measurements are considered Level 3 inputs.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIAB

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES We have non-cancelable contracts related to minimum performance payments with various artists, other event-related costs and nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances. We also have commitments relating to additions to property, plant, and equipment under certain construction commitments for facilities and venues. As of December 31, 2019, our future minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following: Non-cancelable Contracts Capital Expenditures (in thousands) 2020 $ 1,191,773 $ 21,520 2021 473,417 4,160 2022 290,753 1,236 2023 153,129 1,020 2024 56,361 985 Thereafter 120,008 27,502 Total $ 2,285,441 $ 56,423 In connection with asset and business disposals, we generally provide indemnifications to the buyers including claims resulting from employment matters, commercial claims and governmental actions that may be taken against the assets or businesses sold. Settlement of these claims is subject to various statutory limitations that are dependent upon the nature of the claim. Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for deferred purchase consideration payments at future dates. A liability is established at the time of the acquisition for these fixed payments. For obligations payable at a date greater than twelve months from the acquisition date, we apply a discount rate to calculate the present value of the obligations. As of December 31, 2019, we have accrued $7.1 million in other current liabilities and $9.1 million in other long-term liabilities and, as of December 31, 2018, we had accrued $5.5 million in other current liabilities and $7.3 million in other long-term liabilities, related to these deferred purchase consideration payments. We have contingent obligations related to acquisitions which are accounted for as business combinations. Contingent consideration associated with business combinations is recorded at fair value at the time of the acquisition and reflected at current fair value for each subsequent reporting period thereafter until settled. We record these fair value changes in our statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses. The contingent consideration is generally subject to payout following the achievement of future performance targets and a portion is expected to be payable in the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2019, we have accrued $6.0 million in other current liabilities and $58.9 million in other long-term liabilities and, as of December 31, 2018, we had accrued $39.5 million in other current liabilities and $23.0 million in other long-term liabilities, representing the fair value of these estimated payments. The last contingency period for which we have an outstanding contingent payment is for the period ending March 2026. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for further discussion related to the valuation of these contingent payments. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we guaranteed the debt of third parties of approximately $16.5 million and $15.6 million, respectively, primarily related to maximum credit limits on employee and tour-related credit cards, obligations of a nonconsolidated affiliate and obligations under a venue management agreement. Litigation Consumer Class Actions The following putative class action lawsuits were filed against Live Nation and/or Ticketmaster in the United States and Canada: Vaccaro v. Ticketmaster LLC (Northern District of Illinois, filed September 2018); Ameri v. Ticketmaster LLC (Northern District of California, filed September 2018); Lee v. Ticketmaster LLC, et al. (Northern District of California, filed September 2018); Thompson-Marcial v. Ticketmaster Canada Holdings ULC (Ontario Superior Court of Justice, filed September 2018); McPhee v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Superior Court of Quebec, District of Montreal, filed September 2018); Crystal Watch v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan, by amendments filed September 2018); Gaetano v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Northern District of New York, filed October 2018); Dickey v. Ticketmaster LLC, et al. (Central District of California, filed October 2018); Gomel v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Supreme Court of British Columbia, Vancouver Registry, filed October 2018); Smith v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Ontario Superior Court of Justice, filed October 2018); Messing v. Ticketmaster LLC, et al. (Central District of California, filed November 2018); and Niedbalski v. Ticketmaster LLC, et al. (Central District of California, filed December 2018). In March 2019, the court granted the defendants’ motion to compel arbitration of the Dickey lawsuit and stayed the matter. The parties reached a settlement in October 2019, and the case was thereafter dismissed with prejudice. In April 2019, the court granted the defendants’ motion to compel arbitration of the Lee lawsuit and dismissed the case. Lee subsequently appealed the District Court’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit. The Gaetano lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice by the plaintiff in April 2019. The Ameri lawsuit was dismissed in May 2019 in light of the parties’ agreement to arbitrate the matter and was subsequently settled and dismissed with prejudice in December 2019. The Vaccaro lawsuit was settled and dismissed in June 2019. The Messing and Niedbalski lawsuits are stayed pending the outcome of the appeal in the Lee matter. The remaining lawsuits make similar factual allegations that Live Nation and/or Ticketmaster LLC engage in conduct that is intended to encourage the resale of tickets on secondary ticket exchanges at elevated prices. Based on these allegations, each plaintiff asserts violations of different state/provincial and federal laws. Each plaintiff also seeks to represent a class of individuals who purchased tickets on a secondary ticket exchange, as defined in each plaintiff’s complaint. The complaints seek a variety of remedies, including unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages, restitution, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. Based on information presently known to management, we do not believe that a loss is probable of occurring at this time, and believe that the potential liability, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Further, we do not currently believe that the claims asserted in these lawsuits have merit, and considerable uncertainty exists regarding any monetary damages that will be asserted against us. We intend to vigorously defend these actions. Other Litigation From time to time, we are involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including proceedings and claims based upon purported violations of antitrust laws, intellectual property rights and tortious interference, which could cause us to incur significant expenses. We have also been the subject of personal injury and wrongful death claims relating to accidents at our venues in connection with our operations. As required, we have accrued our estimate of the probable settlement or other losses for the resolution of any outstanding claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, including, in some cases, estimated redemption rates for the settlement offered, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELAT

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transactions Involving Related Parties The following table provides details of the total revenue earned and expenses incurred from all related-party transactions: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Related-party revenue $ 131,909 $ 157,834 $ 125,802 Related-party expenses $ 1,711 $ 4,300 $ 4,430 Related-party acquisition related $ 3,000 $ — $ — The significant related-party transactions included in the table above are detailed below. Liberty Media Two current members of our board of directors were originally nominated by Liberty Media pursuant to a stockholder agreement. These directors receive directors’ fees and stock-based awards on the same basis as other non-employee members of our board of directors. We lease a venue from, and provide ticketing services to, a sports franchise owned by Liberty Media and pay royalty fees and non-recoupable ticketing contract advances to the sports franchise. We also receive transaction fees from the sports franchise for tickets the sports franchise sells using our ticketing software. From time to time, we purchase advertising from a Sirius XM, a satellite radio company that is a subsidiary of Liberty Media. Legends Our Chief Executive Officer became a member of the board of directors of Legends Hospitality Holding Company, LLC (“Legends”) in February 2015. In 2017, our President assumed this role from the Chief Executive Officer. Legends provides concession services to certain of our owned or operated amphitheaters. We receive fees based on concession sales at each of the amphitheaters. Sirius XM In January 2018, our Chief Executive Officer became a member of the board of directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM”), a satellite radio company that is a subsidiary of Liberty Media. From time to time, we purchase advertising from Sirius XM. Transactions Involving Equity Method Investees We conduct business with certain of our equity method investees in the ordinary course of business. Transactions primarily relate to venue rentals and ticketing services. Revenue of $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $2.9 million were earned in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and expenses of $1.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million were incurred in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, from these equity investees for services rendered or provided in relation to these business ventures.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Current: Federal $ — $ (55) $ (702) Foreign 61,834 40,239 50,970 State 5,523 6,828 4,117 Total current 67,357 47,012 54,385 Deferred: Federal 5,314 2,246 (56,442) Foreign (6,345) (8,697) (15,841) State 566 204 744 Total deferred (465) (6,247) (71,539) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 66,892 $ 40,765 $ (17,154) The domestic income (loss) before income taxes was $36.1 million, $43.5 million and $(132.6) million for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Foreign income before income taxes was $149.0 million, $87.6 million and $123.2 million for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: Leases $ 192,870 $ — Intangible assets 161,843 118,275 Prepaid expenses 5,876 2,534 Other 19,186 5,865 Total deferred tax liabilities 379,775 126,674 Deferred tax assets: Intangible assets 40,926 25,981 Accrued expenses 60,479 40,989 Net operating loss carryforwards 488,081 388,459 Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards 47,215 38,919 Equity compensation 22,503 24,211 Leases 211,206 — Other 12,751 15,703 Total gross deferred tax assets 883,161 534,262 Valuation allowance 667,242 530,642 Total deferred tax assets 215,919 3,620 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (163,856) $ (123,054) Each reporting period, we evaluate the realizability of all of our deferred tax assets in each tax jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2019, we continued to maintain a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions due to cumulative pre-tax losses. As a result of the valuation allowances, no tax benefits have been recognized for losses incurred in those tax jurisdictions in 2019, 2018 and 2017. The leases deferred tax liabilities and leases deferred tax assets were recorded in 2019 pursuant to the new lease accounting standard. See Note 1—The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a discussion of the new lease standard. During 2019 and 2018, we recorded net deferred tax liabilities of $43.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, due principally to differences in financial reporting and tax bases in assets acquired in business combinations. This is the primary reason for the increase in intangible assets deferred tax liability As of December 31, 2019, we have United States federal, state and foreign deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards of $99.9 million, $61.6 million and $326.6 million, respectively. The increase in net operating loss carryforwards is primarily attributed to loss carryforwards as reported in our most recently filed tax returns. The majority of the increase in net operating loss carryforwards are in jurisdictions for which we maintain a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. Based on current statutory carryforward periods, the operating loss carryforwards will expire on various dates beginning in 2025. Our federal net operating loss may be subject to statutory limitations on the amount that can be used in any given year. The reconciliation of income tax computed at the United States federal statutory rates to income tax expense (benefit) is: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Income tax expense (benefit) at United States statutory rates (21%, 21% and 35%, respectively) $ 38,872 $ 27,532 $ (3,283) State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 3,137 4,860 1,544 Differences between foreign and United States statutory rates 6,384 2,650 (10,887) United States tax reform rate change — — (55,685) Non-United States income inclusions and exclusions (3,222) (3,425) 3,826 United States income inclusions and exclusions (2,582) (13,790) 11,347 Nondeductible items 10,118 26,376 11,380 Tax contingencies (1,340) 389 1,955 Tax expense from acquired goodwill 6,107 4,353 4,489 Change in valuation allowance 8,536 (8,845) 18,067 Other, net 882 665 93 $ 66,892 $ 40,765 $ (17,154) Income tax expense is principally attributable to our earnings in foreign tax jurisdictions along with state income taxes. Amounts included in differences between foreign and United States statutory rates are impacted by changes in the mix of international earnings subject to various tax rates which can differ greatly in their proximity to the United States statutory rate. The differences between statutory rates is also impacted by our Luxembourg affiliates and tax rulings which include the application of a reduced Luxembourg effective rate to the net income before tax resulting from our financing activities in Luxembourg. The United States tax reform change amount in 2017 pertains to the impact of the provisions associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Amounts included in United States income inclusions and exclusions for 2019 and 2018 include the favorable impact of tax deductions for vesting of restricted stock awards and exercises of stock options partially offset by unfavorable inclusions for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) under the provisions associated with the TCJA. Nondeductible items in 2019 and 2018 include the impact of increased nondeductible expenses pursuant to the provisions of the TCJA including nondeductible executive compensation. Nondeductible items in 2018 and 2017 include our goodwill impairment for Artist Services (non-managment) which was not deductible for income tax purposes. The change in valuation allowance for each period presented resulted primarily from changes in the income within jurisdictions with full valuation allowances, including the United States. The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Balance at January 1 $ 34,071 $ 30,630 $ 15,117 Additions: Increase for current year positions 2,215 1,531 807 Increase for prior year positions 1,898 2,995 15,498 Interest and penalties for prior years 458 106 2,745 Reductions: Decrease for prior year positions (3,272) — — Expiration of applicable statute of limitations — (730) (1,233) Settlements for prior year positions (13,852) (9) (2,033) Foreign exchange 205 (452) (271) Balance at December 31 $ 21,723 $ 34,071 $ 30,630 In February 2019, the Company reached a settlement agreement with the Canadian taxing authority regarding existing uncertain tax positions. The gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits primarily decreased in 2019 due to this settlement. If we were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the net effect would be a decrease to our income tax provision of approximately $1.8 million. The remaining $19.9 million is offset by deferred tax assets that represent tax benefits that would be received in the event that we did not prevail on all uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2019, it is not expected that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will increase or decrease materially within the next year. We regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each taxing jurisdiction resulting from current and subsequent years’ examinations. Liabilities for income taxes are established for future income tax assessments when it is probable there will be future assessments and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Once established, liabilities for uncertain tax positions are adjusted only when there is more information available or when an event occurs necessitating a change to the liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, we believe that the resolution of income tax matters for open years will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements although the resolution of income tax matters could impact our effective tax rate for a particular future period. The tax years 2009 through 2019 remain open to examination by the primary tax jurisdictions to which we are subject.

EQUITY

EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	EQUITY Dividends We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Moreover, the terms of our senior secured credit facility limit the amount of funds that we will have available to declare and distribute as dividends on our common stock. Payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors in accordance with applicable laws after taking into account various factors, including the financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends. Common Stock The following table reconciles common stock reported in the consolidated statements of changes in equity to the consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2019 2018 Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity 211,262,062 209,135,581 Unvested restricted stock awards 1,169,582 1,399,181 Unvested deferred stock awards issued 1,686,000 200,000 Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets 214,117,644 210,734,762 Unvested restricted stock awards and unvested deferred stock awards issued will be reflected in the statements of changes in equity at the time of vesting. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, we issued 1.3 million, 2.3 million and 3.5 million shares, respectively, of common stock in connection with stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock awards. During 2019, we issued 0.8 million shares of common stock to holders of our 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2019 upon conversion of $28.6 million of the principal amount of the notes. Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance Common stock of approximately 22.1 million shares as of December 31, 2019 is reserved for future issuances under the stock incentive plan (including 11.3 million options, 1.2 million restricted stock awards and 2.5 million of deferred stock awards currently granted). Noncontrolling Interests Common securities held by the noncontrolling interests that do not include put arrangements exercisable outside of our control are recorded in equity, separate from our stockholders’ equity. The purchase or sale of additional ownership in an already controlled subsidiary is recorded as an equity transaction with no gain or loss recognized in net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss) as long as the subsidiary remains a controlled subsidiary. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, we acquired all or additional equity interests in several companies that did not have a significant impact to equity either on an individual basis or in the aggregate. The following schedule reflects the change in ownership interests for these transactions: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 69,889 $ 60,249 $ (6,015) Transfers of noncontrolling interests: Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs (23,878) (8,210) (3,616) Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for sales of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs — 1,410 — Net transfers of noncontrolling interests (23,878) (6,800) (3,616) Change from net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests $ 46,011 $ 53,449 $ (9,631) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests We are subject to put arrangements where the holders of the noncontrolling interests can require us to repurchase their shares at specified dates in the future or within specified periods in the future. Certain of these puts can be exercised earlier upon the occurrence of triggering events as specified in the agreements. The redemption amounts for these puts are either at a fixed amount, at fair value at the time of exercise or a variable amount based on a formula linked to earnings. In accordance with the FASB guidance for business combinations, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at their fair value at acquisition date. For put arrangements that are not currently redeemable, we accrete up to the estimated redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date of the individual puts, with the offset recorded to additional paid-in capital. Decreases in accretion are only recognized to the extent that increases had been previously recognized. The estimated redemption values that are based on a formula linked to future earnings are computed each reporting period using projected cash flows, and the estimated redemption values that are based on fair value at the time of exercise are computed each reporting period by applying a multiple to projected earnings, both of which take into account the current expectations regarding profitability and the timing of revenue-generating events. The balances are reflected in our balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity. Our estimate of redemption amounts for puts that are redeemable at fixed or determinable prices on fixed or determinable dates for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are $238.3 million, $27.5 million, $114.1 million, $99.0 million and $29.5 million, respectively. Transactions with Noncontrolling Interest Partners We have loaned or advanced money to noncontrolling interest partners under the terms of the partnership operating agreements, promissory notes or other arrangements. As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding notes receivable and prepayments of $6.5 million in other current assets and $97.5 million in other long-term assets, and as of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding notes receivable and prepayments of $8.9 million in other current assets and $86.9 million in other long-term assets. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table presents changes in the components of AOCI, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Foreign Currency Items Other Total (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (176,246) $ (461) $ (176,707) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 67,704 — 67,704 Amount reclassified from AOCI — 461 461 Net other comprehensive income 67,704 461 68,165 Balance at December 31, 2017 (108,542) — (108,542) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (36,689) — (36,689) Amount reclassified from AOCI — — — Net other comprehensive loss (36,689) — (36,689) Balance at December 31, 2018 (145,231) — (145,231) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (482) — (482) Amount reclassified from AOCI — — — Net other comprehensive loss (482) — (482) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (145,713) $ — $ (145,713) The realized loss in other reclassified from AOCI during 2017 resulted from the termination of a pension plan. Earnings per Share Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share adjusts basic net income per common share for the effects of stock options, restricted stock and other potentially dilutive financial instruments only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive. Our convertible senior notes are considered in the calculation of diluted net income per common share, if dilutive. The calculation of diluted net income per common share includes the effects of the assumed exercise of any outstanding stock options, the assumed vesting of shares of restricted and deferred stock awards and the assumed conversion of the convertible senior notes where dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 there were no reconciling items to the weighted average common shares outstanding in the calculation of diluted net income per common share. The following table shows securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share because such securities were anti-dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Options to purchase shares of common stock 11,347,305 11,784,023 14,238,589 Restricted and deferred stock awards—unvested 3,655,582 3,899,181 4,106,956 Conversion shares related to convertible senior notes 8,374,536 8,912,099 7,929,982 Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 23,377,423 24,595,303 26,275,527

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Notes)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	REVENUE RECOGNITION Concerts Concerts revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Concert Revenue $ 9,428,094 $ 8,770,031 $ 7,892,076 Percentage of consolidated revenue 81.6 % 81.3 % 81.5 % Our Concerts segment generates revenue from the promotion or production of live music events and festivals in our owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, artist management commissions and the sale of merchandise for music artists at events. As a promoter and venue operator, we earn revenue primarily from the sale of tickets, concessions, merchandise, parking, ticket rebates or service charges on tickets sold by Ticketmaster or third-party ticketing agreements, and rental of our owned or operated venues. As an artist manager, we earn commissions on the earnings of the artists and other clients we represent, primarily derived from clients’ earnings for concert tours. Over 95% of Concerts’ revenue, whether related to promotion, venue operations, artist management or artist event merchandising, is recognized on the day of the related event. The majority of consideration for our Concerts segment is collected in advance of or on the day of the event. Consideration received in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue. Any consideration not collected by the day of the event is typically received within three months after the event date. Ticketing Ticketing revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Ticketing Revenue $ 1,545,189 $ 1,529,566 $ 1,346,510 Percentage of consolidated revenue 13.4 % 14.2 % 13.9 % Ticket fee revenue is generated from convenience and order processing fees, or service charges, charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. Our Ticketing segment is primarily an agency business that sells tickets for events on behalf of its clients, which include venues, concert promoters, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, theater producers and museums. Our Ticketing segment is acting as an agent on behalf of its clients and records revenue arising from convenience and order processing fees, regardless of whether these fees are related to tickets sold in the primary or secondary market, and regardless of whether these fees are associated with our concert events or third-party clients’ concert events. Our Ticketing segment does not record the face value of the tickets as revenue. Ticket fee revenue is recognized when the ticket is sold for third-party clients and secondary market sales, as we have no further obligation to our client’s customers following the sale of the ticket. For our concert events where our concert promoters control ticketing, ticket fee revenue is recognized when the event occurs because we also have the obligation to deliver the event to the fan. The delivery of the ticket to the fan is not considered a distinct performance obligation for our concert events because the fan cannot receive the benefits of the ticket unless we also fulfill our obligation to deliver the event. The majority of ticket fee revenue is collected within the month of the ticket sale. Revenue received from the sale of tickets in advance of our concert events is recorded as deferred revenue. Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by the client, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Royalties are typically earned by the client when tickets are sold. Royalties paid to clients are recorded as a reduction to revenue when the tickets are sold and the corresponding service charge revenue is recognized. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to certain clients to secure the contract and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis as a reduction to revenue. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had ticketing contract advances of $100.9 million and $75.5 million, respectively, in prepaid expenses and $105.7 million and $78.5 million, respectively, in long-term advances. We amortized $80.3 million, $80.1 million and $83.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively, related to non-recoupable ticketing contract advances. Sponsorship & Advertising Sponsorship & Advertising revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Sponsorship & Advertising Revenue $ 590,274 $ 503,968 $ 445,148 Percentage of consolidated revenue 5.1 % 4.7 % 4.6 % Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment generates revenue from sponsorship and marketing programs that provide its sponsors with strategic, international, national and local opportunities to reach customers through our venue, concert and ticketing assets, including advertising on our websites. These programs can also include custom events or programs for the sponsors’ specific brands, which are typically experienced exclusively by the sponsors’ customers. Sponsorship agreements may contain multiple elements, which provide several distinct benefits to the sponsor over the term of the agreement, and can be for a single or multi-year term. We also earn revenue from exclusive access rights provided to sponsors in various categories such as ticket pre-sales, beverage pouring rights, venue naming rights, media campaigns, signage within our venues, and advertising on our websites. Revenue from sponsorship agreements is allocated to the multiple elements based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each separate element, which are determined using vendor-specific evidence, third-party evidence or our best estimate of the fair value. Revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor unless the revenue is associated with a specific event, in which case it is recognized when the event occurs. Revenue is collected in installment payments during the year, typically in advance of providing the benefit or the event. Revenue received in advance of the event or the sponsor receiving the benefit is recorded as deferred revenue. At December 31, 2019, we had contracted sponsorship agreements with terms greater than one year that had approximately $1.1 billion of revenue related to future benefits to be provided by us. We expect to recognize approximately 33%, 26%, 17% and 24% of this revenue in 2020, 2021, 2022 and thereafter, respectively. Deferred Revenue The majority of our deferred revenue is classified as current and is shown as a separate line item on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue that is not expected to be recognized within the next twelve months is classified as long-term and reflected in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. We had current deferred revenue of $1.2 billion and $925.2 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The table below summarizes the amount of deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Concerts $ 1,121,945 $ 839,897 Ticketing 62,088 42,512 Sponsorship & Advertising 20,220 21,279 Other & Corporate 3,069 1,591 $ 1,207,322 $ 905,279

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION In December 2005, we adopted our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which has been amended and/or restated on several occasions. In connection with our merger with Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC, we adopted the Amended and Restated Ticketmaster 2008 Stock & Annual Incentive Plan. The plans authorize us to grant stock option awards, director shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and deferred stock awards, other equity-based awards and performance awards. We have granted restricted stock awards, options to purchase our common stock and deferred stock awards to employees, directors, consultants, and our affiliates under the stock incentive plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The stock incentive plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that require the adjustment of the number of shares of our common stock represented by, and the exercise price of, each option for any stock splits or stock dividends. The ten The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense we recorded during the respective periods: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 21,947 $ 18,621 $ 24,364 Corporate expenses 26,838 26,961 18,391 Total $ 48,785 $ 45,582 $ 42,755 As of December 31, 2019, there was $88.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements for stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. Stock Options Stock options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and the non-vested options are generally forfeited in the event the employee, director or consultant terminates his or her employment or relationship with us or one of our affiliates. Any options that have vested at the time of termination are forfeited to the extent they are not exercised within the applicable post-employment exercise period provided in their option agreements. These options vest over two The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of our options on the date of grant: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 1.89% - 2.53% 2.68% - 2.70% 1.87% - 2.27% Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Volatility factors 27.63% - 28.12% 27.66% - 28.00% 25.88% - 27.58% Weighted average expected life (in years) 6.08 5.74 5.78 The following table presents a summary of our stock options outstanding at the dates given, and stock option activity for the period between such dates (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Options Price Options Price Options Price (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding January 1 11,784 $ 16.55 14,239 $ 14.52 16,283 $ 13.55 Granted 487 57.00 255 44.05 1,164 33.48 Exercised (910) 15.50 (2,694) 8.38 (3,138) 16.27 Forfeited or expired (14) 10.82 (16) 28.57 (70) 24.05 Outstanding December 31 11,347 $ 18.36 11,784 $ 16.55 14,239 $ 14.52 Exercisable December 31 10,493 $ 15.77 10,693 $ 14.61 11,906 $ 12.00 Weighted average fair value per option granted $ 18.50 $ 14.05 $ 10.18 The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $39.6 million, $28.1 million and $57.5 million, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $14.1 million, $22.6 million and $51.1 million, respectively. There were 7.1 million shares available for future grants under the stock incentive plans at December 31, 2019. Upon share option exercise or vesting of restricted or deferred stock, we issue new shares or treasury shares to fulfill these grants. Vesting dates on the stock options range from February 2020 to June 2023, and expiration dates range from January 2020 to June 2029 at exercise prices and average contractual lives as follows: Range of Outstanding Weighted Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable Weighted Weighted (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) (in years) $5.00 - $9.99 4,325 2.8 $ 8.80 4,325 2.8 $ 8.80 $10.00 - $14.99 1,754 1.7 $ 11.39 1,754 1.7 $ 11.39 $15.00 - $19.99 921 6.0 $ 19.31 921 6.0 $ 19.31 $20.00 - $24.99 1,596 4.1 $ 21.14 1,595 4.1 $ 21.13 $25.00 - $29.99 1,663 6.0 $ 26.99 1,607 6.0 $ 26.92 $30.00 - $44.99 601 8.1 $ 43.76 291 8.0 $ 43.75 $45.00 - $60.99 487 9.2 $ 56.77 — 0.0 $ — The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable as of December 31, 2019 was $811.0 million and $749.9 million, respectively. Restricted Stock We have granted restricted stock awards to our employees, directors and consultants under our stock incentive plans. These common shares carry a legend which restricts their transferability for a term of one In 2019, we granted 0.2 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plans. These awards will all vest over one In 2018, we granted 0.3 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plans. These awards will all vest over one one In 2017, we granted 0.9 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plans. These awards will vest over one one The following table presents a summary of our unvested restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant): Restricted Stock Awards Price (in thousands, except per share data) Unvested at December 31, 2016 1,080 $ 21.67 Granted 1,132 35.97 Forfeited (82) 22.96 Vested (523) 21.89 Unvested at December 31, 2017 1,607 $ 31.79 Granted 535 44.54 Forfeited (37) 30.38 Vested (706) 28.35 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,399 $ 38.13 Granted 415 57.58 Forfeited (26) 38.45 Vested (618) 36.54 Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,170 $ 45.80 The total grant date fair market value of the shares issued upon the vesting of restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $22.6 million, $20.0 million and $11.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, there were 0.2 million restricted stock awards outstanding which require us or the recipient to achieve minimum performance targets in order for the awards to vest. Deferred Stock We have granted deferred stock awards to our employees where the employees are entitled to receive shares of common stock in the future. Deferred stock can only be settled in stock as determined at the time of the grant. All of the deferred stock awards require us to achieve minimum market conditions in order for these awards to issue and vest. In 2017, we granted 2.5 million shares of deferred stock awards with market conditions under our incentive plans. These awards will all vest over one In 2019 and 2018, we achieved minimum market conditions resulting in the issuance of 1.5 million shares and 0.2 million shares of restricted stock, respectively, subject to vesting over one The following table presents a summary of the Company’s unvested deferred stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (“Price” reflects the weighted average grant date fair value): Deferred Stock Awards Price (in thousands, except per share data) Unvested at December 31, 2016 — 0.00 Awarded 2,500 26.69 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested — 0.00 Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,500 26.69 Awarded — 0.00 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested — 0.00 Unvested at December 31, 2018 2,500 26.69 Awarded — 0.00 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested (14) 36.08 Unvested at December 31, 2019 2,486 26.63

OTHER INFORMATION

OTHER INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
OTHER INFORMATION	OTHER INFORMATION December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) The following details the components of “Other current assets”: Inventory $ 16,106 $ 12,575 Notes receivable 34,842 15,200 Other 6,059 14,910 Total other current assets $ 57,007 $ 42,685 The following details the components of “Other long-term assets”: Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates $ 167,603 $ 137,211 Notes receivable 128,725 112,276 Other 135,145 178,593 Total other long-term assets $ 431,473 $ 428,080 The following details the components of “Accrued expenses”: Accrued compensation and benefits $ 276,417 $ 265,068 Accrued event expenses 394,257 369,843 Accrued insurance 165,071 126,015 Accrued legal 16,978 16,295 Collections on behalf of others 48,467 43,981 Other 490,296 424,263 Total accrued expenses $ 1,391,486 $ 1,245,465 The following details the components of “Other current liabilities”: Contingent and deferred purchase consideration $ 13,165 $ 44,929 Other 46,046 22,118 Total other current liabilities $ 59,211 $ 67,047 The following details the components of “Other long-term liabilities”: Deferred revenue $ 34,390 $ 27,504 Contingent and deferred purchase consideration 67,979 30,333 Other 28,279 147,140 Total other long-term liabilities $ 130,648 $ 204,977

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	SEGMENT DATA For all periods presented, our reportable segments are Concerts, Ticketing and Sponsorship & Advertising. Our Concerts segment involves the promotion of live music events globally in our owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the production of music festivals, the operation and management of music venues, the creation of associated content and the provision of management and other services to artists. Our Ticketing segment involves the management of our global ticketing operations, including providing ticketing software and services to clients, and consumers with a marketplace, both online and mobile, for tickets and event information, and is responsible for our primary ticketing website, www.ticketmaster.com . Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment manages the development of strategic sponsorship programs in addition to the sale of international, national and local sponsorships and placement of advertising such as signage, promotional programs, rich media offerings, including advertising associated with live streaming and music-related content, and ads across our distribution network of venues, events and websites. Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Our capital expenditures below include accruals for amounts incurred but not yet paid for, but are not reduced by reimbursements received from outside parties such as landlords or replacements funded by insurance proceeds. We manage our working capital on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, our management to allocate resources to or assess performance of our segments, and therefore, total segment assets have not been presented. There were no customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in any year. The following table presents the results of operations for our reportable segments for the years ending December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Concerts Ticketing Sponsorship Other Corporate Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) 2019 Revenue $ 9,428,094 $ 1,545,189 $ 590,274 $ 3,162 $ — $ (18,750) $ 11,547,969 Direct operating expenses 7,857,437 514,169 114,326 — — (18,750) 8,467,182 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,386,928 642,052 112,594 3,912 — — 2,145,486 Depreciation and amortization 239,682 156,894 33,084 364 13,967 — 443,991 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets (2,490) 116 — — 1 — (2,373) Corporate expenses — — — — 168,839 — 168,839 Operating income (loss) $ (53,463) $ 231,958 $ 330,270 $ (1,114) $ (182,807) $ — $ 324,844 Intersegment revenue $ 6,672 $ 12,078 $ — $ — $ — $ (18,750) $ — Capital expenditures $ 186,819 $ 105,246 $ 10,261 $ — $ 35,252 $ — $ 337,578 2018 Revenue $ 8,770,031 $ 1,529,566 $ 503,968 $ 3,724 $ — $ (19,489) $ 10,787,800 Direct operating expenses 7,340,757 549,265 92,494 4,905 — (19,489) 7,967,932 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,248,346 634,829 97,540 16,313 — — 1,997,028 Depreciation and amortization 206,772 143,551 30,779 817 4,610 — 386,529 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets 10,361 7 2 — (1) — 10,369 Corporate expenses — — — — 153,406 — 153,406 Operating income (loss) $ (36,205) $ 201,914 $ 283,153 $ (18,311) $ (158,015) $ — $ 272,536 Intersegment revenue $ 5,193 $ 14,296 $ — $ — $ — $ (19,489) $ — Capital expenditures $ 129,129 $ 110,202 $ 7,541 $ 169 $ 15,273 $ — $ 262,314 2017 Revenue $ 7,892,076 $ 1,346,510 $ 445,148 $ 21,012 $ — $ (17,524) $ 9,687,222 Direct operating expenses 6,641,071 460,881 78,725 18,746 — (17,525) 7,181,898 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,119,335 681,948 87,268 19,172 — — 1,907,723 Depreciation and amortization 226,315 112,727 27,669 432 5,057 1 372,201 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets (1,056) 49 — — 38 — (969) Corporate expenses — — — — 134,972 — 134,972 Operating income (loss) $ (93,589) $ 90,905 $ 251,486 $ (17,338) $ (140,067) $ — $ 91,397 Intersegment revenue $ 1,061 $ 16,643 $ — $ — $ — $ (17,524) $ — Capital expenditures $ 109,801 $ 105,317 $ 6,701 $ 149 $ 25,926 $ — $ 247,894 The following table provides revenue and long-lived assets for our foreign operations included in the consolidated financial statements: Total Foreign Operations Total Domestic Operations Consolidated Total (in thousands) 2019 Revenue $ 3,915,426 $ 7,632,543 $ 11,547,969 Long-lived assets $ 263,349 $ 854,583 $ 1,117,932 2018 Revenue $ 3,661,222 $ 7,126,578 $ 10,787,800 Long-lived assets $ 199,299 $ 747,294 $ 946,593 2017 Revenue $ 3,408,661 $ 6,278,561 $ 9,687,222 Long-lived assets $ 201,724 $ 684,212 $ 885,936

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Revenue $ 1,727,828 $ 1,482,384 $ 3,157,009 $ 2,868,315 $ 3,773,684 $ 3,835,246 $ 2,889,448 $ 2,601,855 Operating income (loss) $ (23,863) $ (6,030) $ 171,586 $ 134,725 $ 260,041 $ 234,219 $ (82,920) $ (90,378) Net income (loss) $ (55,241) $ (41,028) $ 116,120 $ 83,356 $ 193,972 $ 183,197 $ (136,639) $ (135,185) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (52,444) $ (33,906) $ 103,355 $ 69,359 $ 178,925 $ 172,683 $ (159,947) $ (147,887) Basic net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (64,756) $ (50,291) $ 89,840 $ 52,187 $ 155,345 $ 151,894 $ (185,311) $ (171,441) Diluted net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (64,756) $ (50,291) $ 89,926 $ 52,187 $ 155,345 $ 152,213 $ (185,311) $ (171,441) Basic net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (0.31) $ (0.24) $ 0.43 $ 0.25 $ 0.74 $ 0.73 $ (0.88) $ (0.82) Diluted net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (0.31) $ (0.24) $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 0.71 $ 0.70 $ (0.88) $ (0.82) The following summarizes unusual or infrequent items affecting the quarterly results of operations: 2019 We recorded impairment charges of $19.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 primarily related to intangible assets for revenue-generating contracts in the Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments. See Note 2—Long-Lived Assets and Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for further discussion. 2018 We recorded a goodwill impairment of $10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 in connection with our annual impairment test. See Note 2—Long-Lived Assets and Note 6—Fair Value Measurements for further discussion. We recorded a net foreign exchange rate loss of $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2018, as a component of other expense (income), net.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTIn February 2020, we issued $400 million principal amount of 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2025. The proceeds will be used to pay estimated fees of $6.5 million, leaving approximately $393.5 million for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, beginning August 15, 2020, at a rate of 2.0% per annum. The notes will mature on February 15, 2025. The notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, until November 15, 2024, and on or after such date without condition, at an initial conversion rate of 9.4469 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, which represents a 50.0% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price for our common stock of $70.57 on January 29, 2020 prior to issuing the debt. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in shares of common stock or, at our election, cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Assuming we fully settled the notes in shares, the maximum number of shares that could be issued to satisfy the conversion is currently 3.8 million. We may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes, at our option, on or after February 21, 2023 and before the 41st scheduled trading day before the maturity date, if the sales price of our common stock reaches specified targets as defined in the indenture. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest, if any. If we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the notes, the holders of the 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2025 may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC. SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other Write-off of Accounts Receivable Other (1) Balance at End of Period (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 29,634 $ 16,664 $ (14,846) $ 1,303 $ 32,755 Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 32,755 $ 21,378 $ (19,777) $ (131) $ 34,225 Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 34,225 $ 24,419 $ (7,968) $ (160) $ 50,516 _________________ (1) Foreign currency adjustments and acquisitions. SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other Deletions Other (1) Balance at End of Period (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 681,566 $ 18,067 $ — $ (103,196) $ 596,437 Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 596,437 $ (8,845) $ — $ (56,950) $ 530,642 Year ended December 31, 2019 $ 530,642 $ 8,536 $ — $ 128,064 $ 667,242 ________________________ (1) During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the valuation allowance was adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency adjustments. The 2017 valuation allowance was also reduced due to the reduction in the federal income tax rate to 21%. This reduced the previously fully valued United States deferred tax asset. The 2018 valuation allowance was also reduced for decreases in fully valued deferred tax assets, primarily United States foreign tax credits utilized to offset the transition tax liability under the provisions of the TCJA and declining net operating loss carryforwards due to improved profitability. The 2019 valuation allowance increased due to increases in fully valued deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carryforwards.

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_2

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reflected in the statements of operations. Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment. All of our cash flow activity reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows is presented net of any non-cash transactions so the amounts reflected may be different than amounts shown in other places in our financial statements that are based on accrual accounting and therefore include non-cash amounts. For example, purchases of property, plant and equipment reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows reflect the amount of cash paid during the year for these purchases and does not include the impact of the changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures during the year.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments in companies that will allow us to expand our core business and enter new markets. In certain instances, such ventures or investments may be considered a VIE because the equity at risk is insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional financial support from its equity owners. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The activities we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIEs include the unilateral ability to approve the annual budget, the unilateral ability to terminate key management and the unilateral ability to approve entering into agreements with artists, among others. We have certain rights and obligations related to our involvement in the VIEs, including the requirement to provide operational cash flow funding. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, excluding intercompany balances and allocated goodwill and intangible assets, there were approximately $410 million and $265 million of assets and $260 million and $140 million of liabilities, respectively, related to VIEs included in our balance sheets. None of our VIEs are significant on an individual basis.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents include domestic and foreign bank accounts as well as interest-bearing accounts consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. These balances are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in escrow accounts to fund capital improvements of certain leased or operated venues. The cash is held in these accounts pursuant to the related lease or operating agreement. Included in the December 31, 2019 and 2018 cash and cash equivalents balance is $837.7 million and $859.1 million, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of our ticketing clients and their share of service charges (“client cash”), which amounts are to be remitted to these clients. We generally do not utilize client cash for our own financing or investing activities as the amounts are payable to our clients on a regular basis. These amounts due to our clients are included in accounts payable, client accounts. Cash held in interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce our credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents; however, these balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss of or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted in the future by adverse conditions in the financial markets.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Generally, we record specific reserves to reduce the amounts recorded to what we believe will be collected when a customer’s account ages beyond typical collection patterns, or we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations.
Prepaid Expenses	Prepaid ExpensesThe majority of our prepaid expenses relate to event expenses including show advances and deposits and other costs directly related to future concert events. For advances that are expected to be recouped over a period of more than twelve months, the long-term portion of the advance is classified as long-term advances. These prepaid costs are charged to operations upon completion of the related events.
Ticketing Contract Advances	Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by our clients, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to secure the contract with certain clients and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations During 2019, 2018 and 2017, we completed several acquisitions that were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. When we make these acquisitions, we often acquire a controlling interest without buying 100% of the business. These acquisitions and the related results of operations were not significant on either an individual basis or in the aggregate.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are typically as follows: Buildings and improvements - 10 to 50 years Computer equipment and capitalized software - 3 to 10 years Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 10 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or associated lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for asset renewal and improvements are capitalized.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets We classify intangible assets as definite-lived or indefinite-lived. Definite-lived intangibles include revenue-generating contracts, client/vendor relationships, trademarks and naming rights, technology, non-compete agreements, and venue management and leasehold agreements, all of which are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements, typically 3 to 10 years, or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived. We periodically review the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to our definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangibles consist of trade names which are not subject to amortization. We test for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations.
Goodwill	Goodwill We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process. We also test goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount or when we change our reporting units. The first step is a qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying value using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include historical financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions, reporting unit-specific events, historical results of goodwill impairment testing and the timing of the last performance of a quantitative assessment. If any reporting units are concluded to be more likely than not impaired, or if that conclusion cannot be determined qualitatively, a second step is performed for that reporting unit. Regardless, all reporting units undergo a second step at least once every five years to support our annual qualitative first step. This second step, used to quantitatively screen for potential impairment and measure the impairment, if any, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including our interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations, and assumptions about our strategic plans with regard to our operations. Due to the uncertainties associated with such estimates, actual results could differ from such estimates. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recorded as an impairment to goodwill. If a reporting unit’s carrying value is negative, the reporting unit passes the impairment test. In this case, we will disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit and disclose which reportable segment the reporting unit is included in. In both steps, discount rates, market multiples, and sensitivity tests are derived and/or computed with the assistance of external valuation consultants. In developing fair values for our reporting units, we employ a discounted cash flow or a market multiple methodology, or a combination thereof. The discounted cash flow methodology establishes fair value by estimating the present value of the projected future cash flows to be generated from the reporting unit. The discount rate applied to the projected future cash flows to arrive at the present value is intended to reflect all risks of ownership and the associated risks of realizing the stream of projected future cash flows. The discounted cash flow methodology uses our estimates of future financial performance. The most significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow methodology are the discount rate and expected future revenue, which vary among reporting units. The market multiple methodology compares us to similar companies on the basis of risk characteristics to determine our risk profile relative to those companies as a group. This analysis generally focuses on both quantitative considerations, which include financial performance and other quantifiable data, and qualitative considerations, which include any factors which are expected to impact future financial performance. The most significant assumptions affecting the market multiple methodology are the market multiples used on projected future cash flows and market participant acquisition premium. A market participant acquisition premium represents the additional value a buyer would pay to obtain control of the respective reporting unit because having control would lead to higher cash flows, lower cost of capital or both.
Nonconsolidated Affiliates	Nonconsolidated Affiliates In general, nonconsolidated investments in which we own more than 20% of the common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over an affiliate are accounted for under the equity method. We review the value of equity method investments and record impairment charges in the statements of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. If we obtain control of a nonconsolidated affiliate through the purchase of additional ownership interest or changes in the governing agreements, we remeasure our investment to fair value first and then apply the accounting guidance for business combinations. Any gain or loss resulting from the remeasurement to fair value is recorded as a component of other expense (income), net in the statements of operations.
Leases	Leases We lease office space, many of our concert venues, festival sites and certain equipment. We do not recognize an operating lease asset or liability on our consolidated balance sheets for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, including multi-year festival site leases where the sum of the non-consecutive periods of rental time is less than twelve months. Rent expense for these short-term leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Some of our lease agreements contain annual rental escalation clauses, as well as provisions for us to pay the related utilities and maintenance. We have elected to account for the lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent, parking and real estate taxes) and non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance costs) as a single lease component. Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options that can extend the lease for additional terms typically ranging from one In addition to fixed rental payments, many of our leases contain contingent rental payments based on a percentage of revenue, tickets sold or other variables, while others include periodic adjustments to rental payments based on the prevailing inflationary index or market rental rates. Contingent rent obligations are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recognized as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. We measure our lease assets and liabilities using an incremental borrowing rate which varies from lease to lease depending on geographical location and length of the lease.
Accounts Payable, Client Accounts	Accounts Payable, Client Accounts Accounts payable, client accounts consists of contractual amounts due to our ticketing clients which includes the face value of tickets sold and the clients’ share of service charges.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the liability method which results in deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if we believe it is more likely than not that some portion of or the entire asset will not be realized. As almost all earnings from our continuing foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, our income tax provision does not include additional United States state and foreign withholding or transaction taxes on those foreign earnings that would be incurred if they were distributed. It is not practicable to determine the amount of state and foreign income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that any remaining available cash associated with these earnings were distributed. The FASB guidance for income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) enacted in December 2017 subjects a United States corporation to tax on its Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”). We have established a policy of treating the taxes due on future GILTI inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the show occurs. Revenue collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor. Revenue from our ticketing operations primarily consists of service fees charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. For primary tickets sold to our concert and festival events, where our concert promoters control ticketing, the revenue for the associated ticket service charges collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs and these service charges are shared between our Ticketing and Concerts segments. For primary tickets sold for events of third-party clients and secondary market sales, the revenue is recognized at the time of the sale and is recorded by our Ticketing segment. We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis. Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity in AOCI. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the statements of operations and include the impact of revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets or liabilities held internationally. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017, we recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $11.6 million. We do not currently have significant operations in highly inflationary countries.
Advertising Expense	Advertising Expense We record advertising expense in the year that it is incurred. Throughout the year, general advertising expenses are recognized as they are incurred, but event-related advertising for concerts is recognized once the show occurs. However, all advertising costs incurred during the year and not previously recognized are expensed at the end of the year. Advertising expenses of $452.7 million, $443.2 million and $378.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were recorded as a component of direct operating expenses. Advertising expenses of $27.8 million, $30.9 million and $40.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Direct Operating Expenses	Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses include artist fees, show-related marketing and advertising expenses, rent expense for events in third-party venues, credit card fees, telecommunication and data communication costs associated with our call centers, commissions paid on tickets distributed through independent sales outlets away from the box office, and salaries and wages related to seasonal employees at our venues along with other costs, including ticket stock and shipping. These costs are primarily variable in nature.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and other compensation costs related to full-time employees, fixed rent, travel and entertainment, legal expenses and consulting along with other costs.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization Our depreciation and amortization is presented as a separate line item in the statements of operations. There is no depreciation or amortization included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses. Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances is recorded as a reduction to revenue.
Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation	Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation We follow the fair value recognition provisions in the FASB guidance for stock compensation. Stock-based compensation expense recognized includes compensation expense for all share-based payments using the estimated grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur. The fair value for options in Live Nation stock is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. We use an expected volatility based on an even weighting of our own traded options and historical volatility. We use a weighted-average expected life based on historical experience calculated with the assistance of outside consultants. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the United States Treasury note rate.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals, acquisition accounting and impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements - Recently Adopted Lease Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet as a lease liability and asset, and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2019, applying the transitional provisions of the standard to the beginning of the period of adoption and elected the package of practical expedients available under the transition guidance within the new guidance which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. We also made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of twelve months or less off the balance sheet, recognizing those lease payments in our statements of operations generally on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. We have implemented third-party lease software, and corresponding internal controls, to account for our leases and facilitate compliance with the new guidance. The new guidance had a material impact on our balance sheet, but did not have a material impact on our statements of operations or an impact on our compliance with the debt covenant requirements under our senior secured credit facility and other debt arrangements. Upon adoption, we recognized operating lease assets and liabilities of $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. The initial operating lease assets and liabilities were based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, discounted using our secured incremental borrowing rate which varies based on geographical region and term of the underlying lease. The operating lease assets were also reduced by $85.3 million for prepaid rent, straight-line rent accruals and lease incentives. Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the current incurred loss impairment model of recognizing credit losses with an expected loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal periods after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that year. The guidance is to be applied through a cummulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We will adopt this standard on January 1, 2020, and the adoption will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amortization period of these implementation costs would include periods covered under renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised. The expense related to the capitalized implementation costs also would be presented in the same financial statement line item as the hosting fees. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within that year, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2020, and will apply it prospectively. Adoption of this guidance will result in expense previously reported as depreciation and amortization to be reported as selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses within our statements of operations. In addition, implementation cost previously reported as property, plant and equipment, net will now be reported as prepaid expenses and other long-term assets on our balance sheets.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Tables)

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Land, buildings and improvements $ 1,181,876 $ 984,558 Computer equipment and capitalized software 800,990 742,737 Furniture and other equipment 380,174 329,607 Construction in progress 176,275 160,028 2,539,315 2,216,930 Less accumulated depreciation 1,421,383 1,270,337 $ 1,117,932 $ 946,593
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table presents the changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Revenue- Client / Trademarks Venue management & Leaseholds Technology Other (1) Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017: Gross carrying amount $ 789,363 $ 341,449 $ 126,331 $ 63,135 $ 63,666 $ 72,096 $ 1,456,040 Accumulated amortization (410,011) (186,357) (32,681) (35,953) (22,745) (39,028) (726,775) Net 379,352 155,092 93,650 27,182 40,921 33,068 729,265 Gross carrying amount: Acquisitions—current year 6,128 84,146 2,067 15,402 30,029 — 137,772 Acquisitions—prior year 4,447 — — 1,900 — — 6,347 Dispositions — (11,812) — — — (18,754) (30,566) Foreign exchange (14,426) (7,378) (1,756) (1,989) (1,626) (1,220) (28,395) Other (2) (92,549) (12,633) (2,935) (8,400) (6,658) (2,007) (125,182) Net change (96,400) 52,323 (2,624) 6,913 21,745 (21,981) (40,024) Accumulated amortization: Amortization (81,291) (52,879) (12,633) (7,185) (23,727) (12,938) (190,653) Dispositions — 8,146 — — — 13,238 21,384 Foreign exchange 7,526 4,813 536 1,235 973 744 15,827 Other (2) 92,774 12,678 2,970 8,396 6,673 2,161 125,652 Net change 19,009 (27,242) (9,127) 2,446 (16,081) 3,205 (27,790) Balance as of December 31, 2018: Gross carrying amount 692,963 393,772 123,707 70,048 85,411 50,115 1,416,016 Accumulated amortization (391,002) (213,599) (41,808) (33,507) (38,826) (35,823) (754,565) Net 301,961 180,173 81,899 36,541 46,585 14,292 661,451 Gross carrying amount: Acquisitions—current year 94,464 209,398 29,061 80,643 13,839 8,075 435,480 Acquisitions—prior year — — — 43 — — 43 Foreign exchange (4,713) 90 91 896 356 (208) (3,488) Other (2) (82,157) (75,770) 76 (2,044) (12,268) (32,763) (204,926) Net change 7,594 133,718 29,228 79,538 1,927 (24,896) 227,109 Accumulated amortization: Amortization (94,439) (65,059) (14,513) (10,683) (27,512) (11,326) (223,532) Foreign exchange 1,331 (473) (96) (553) (152) 122 179 Other (2) 82,088 75,770 1 2,044 12,270 32,761 204,934 Net change (11,020) 10,238 (14,608) (9,192) (15,394) 21,557 (18,419) Balance as of December 31, 2019: Gross carrying amount 700,557 527,490 152,935 149,586 87,338 25,219 1,643,125 Accumulated amortization (402,022) (203,361) (56,416) (42,699) (54,220) (14,266) (772,984) Net $ 298,535 $ 324,129 $ 96,519 $ 106,887 $ 33,118 $ 10,953 $ 870,141 ___________________ (1) Other primarily includes intangible assets for non-compete agreements. (2) Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets.
Weighted Average Lives of Additions to Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	The 2019 and 2018 additions to definite-lived intangible assets from acquisitions have weighted-average lives as follows: Weighted- 2019 2018 (in years) Revenue-generating contracts 8 7 Client/vendor relationships 9 7 Trademarks and naming rights 8 3 Technology 2 3 Venue management and leaseholds 10 12 Other 5 — All categories 8 7
Estimate of Amortization Expense for Each of the Five Succeeding Fiscal Years for Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table presents our estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets that exist at December 31, 2019: (in thousands) 2020 $ 219,927 2021 $ 153,233 2022 $ 122,808 2023 $ 103,253 2024 $ 85,218
Changes in Goodwill by Segment	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Concerts Ticketing Sponsorship Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 1,015,913 $ 761,786 $ 401,753 $ 2,179,452 Accumulated impairment losses (424,863) — — (424,863) Net 591,050 761,786 401,753 1,754,589 Acquisitions—current year 42,841 5,875 3,902 52,618 Acquisitions—prior year 53,541 — 1,697 55,238 Dispositions (7,053) — — (7,053) Impairment (10,500) — — (10,500) Foreign exchange (10,638) (4,708) (6,603) (21,949) Balance as of December 31, 2018: Goodwill 1,094,604 762,953 400,749 2,258,306 Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) — — (435,363) Net 659,241 762,953 400,749 1,822,943 Acquisitions—current year 121,355 4,017 38,421 163,793 Acquisitions—prior year 8,428 — — 8,428 Foreign exchange 1,670 (707) 2,371 3,334 Balance as of December 31, 2019: Goodwill 1,226,057 766,263 441,541 2,433,861 Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) — — (435,363) Net $ 790,694 $ 766,263 $ 441,541 $ 1,998,498
Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates	Summarized balance sheet and income statement information for these entities is as follows (at 100%): December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Current assets $ 40,937 $ 71,685 Noncurrent assets $ 6,845 $ 4,074 Current liabilities $ 35,662 $ 42,470 Noncontrolling interests $ 1,624 $ 1,095 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue $ 54,173 $ 56,857 $ 56,078 Operating income $ 30,262 $ 34,841 $ 29,684 Net income $ 23,969 $ 28,554 $ 24,116 Net income attributable to the common stockholders of the equity investees $ 23,440 $ 27,935 $ 23,995

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Significant Components of Operating Lease Expense	The significant components of operating lease expense are as follows: Year Ended (in thousands) Operating lease cost $ 201,344 Variable and short-term lease cost 133,526 Sublease income (17,235) Net lease cost $ 317,635
Supplemental Cash Flow Information for our Operating Leases	Supplemental cash flow information for our operating leases is as follows: Year Ended (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 183,723 Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations $ 417,394
Future Maturities of Operating Leases	Future maturities of our operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 are as follows: (in thousands) 2020 $ 194,811 2021 185,273 2022 180,865 2023 178,322 2024 161,583 Thereafter 1,370,772 Total lease payments 2,271,626 Less: Interest 775,195 Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,496,431
Operating Leases, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term And Discount Rate	The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows: December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 13.9 Weighted average discount rate 5.88 %

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of long-term debt	Long-term debt, which includes capital leases, consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term loan A $ — $ 156,750 Term loan B 947,625 953,148 4.75% Senior Notes due 2027 950,000 — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2024 575,000 575,000 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 300,000 300,000 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 — 250,000 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 550,000 550,000 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 — 28,673 Other long-term debt 80,642 96,308 Total principal amount 3,403,267 2,909,879 Less unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (94,210) (94,859) Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs 3,309,057 2,815,020 Less: current portion 37,795 82,142 Total long-term debt, net $ 3,271,262 $ 2,732,878
Future maturities of long-term debt	Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2019 are as follows: (in thousands) 2020 $ 37,795 2021 36,221 2022 568,817 2023 17,487 2024 586,445 Thereafter 2,156,502 Total $ 3,403,267
Summary of pretax interest cost recognized on convertible senior notes	The following table summarizes the amount of pre-tax interest cost recognized on the 2.5% convertible senior notes due 2023 and 2019: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Interest cost recognized relating to: Contractual interest coupon $ 14,015 $ 12,894 $ 6,875 Amortization of debt discount 2,134 10,746 5,080 Amortization of debt issuance costs 12,599 1,940 1,358 Total interest cost recognized on the notes $ 28,748 $ 25,580 $ 13,313

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are classified on the balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities: Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 177,159 $ — $ — $ 177,159 $ 86,046 $ — $ — $ 86,046 Forward currency contracts — 11 — 11 — 779 — 779 Total $ 177,159 $ 11 $ — $ 177,170 $ 86,046 $ 779 $ — $ 86,825 Liabilities: Forward currency contracts $ — $ 1,159 $ — $ 1,159 $ — $ 260 $ — $ 260 Put option — — 8,006 8,006 — — 8,002 8,002 Subsidiary equity awards — — 7,661 7,661 — — 3,571 3,571 Contingent consideration — — 64,892 64,892 — — 62,475 62,475 Total $ — $ 1,159 $ 80,559 $ 81,718 $ — $ 260 $ 74,048 $ 74,308
Fair Value of Debt	The following table presents the estimated fair values of our senior notes and convertible senior notes at December 31, 2019 and 2018: Estimated Fair Value at: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Level 2 (in thousands) 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 $ 983,735 $ — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2024 $ 596,137 $ 552,368 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 $ 320,553 $ 302,097 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 $ — $ 251,390 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 $ 675,664 $ 561,699 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 $ — $ 40,710
Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Non-recurring Basis	The following table shows the fair value of our financial assets that have been adjusted to fair value on a non-recurring basis which had a significant impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Using Loss Description Measurement Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (Gain) (in thousands) 2019 Definite-lived intangible assets, net $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 26,751 2018 Goodwill $ 20,332 $ — $ — $ 20,332 $ 10,500

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Commitments, Contract Commitment, and Capital Expenditure Commitments [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2019, our future minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following: Non-cancelable Contracts Capital Expenditures (in thousands) 2020 $ 1,191,773 $ 21,520 2021 473,417 4,160 2022 290,753 1,236 2023 153,129 1,020 2024 56,361 985 Thereafter 120,008 27,502 Total $ 2,285,441 $ 56,423

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND REL_2

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Expenses Incurred and Revenue Earned from Related Parties	The following table provides details of the total revenue earned and expenses incurred from all related-party transactions: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Related-party revenue $ 131,909 $ 157,834 $ 125,802 Related-party expenses $ 1,711 $ 4,300 $ 4,430 Related-party acquisition related $ 3,000 $ — $ —

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Components of the Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Current: Federal $ — $ (55) $ (702) Foreign 61,834 40,239 50,970 State 5,523 6,828 4,117 Total current 67,357 47,012 54,385 Deferred: Federal 5,314 2,246 (56,442) Foreign (6,345) (8,697) (15,841) State 566 204 744 Total deferred (465) (6,247) (71,539) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 66,892 $ 40,765 $ (17,154)
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets	Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: Leases $ 192,870 $ — Intangible assets 161,843 118,275 Prepaid expenses 5,876 2,534 Other 19,186 5,865 Total deferred tax liabilities 379,775 126,674 Deferred tax assets: Intangible assets 40,926 25,981 Accrued expenses 60,479 40,989 Net operating loss carryforwards 488,081 388,459 Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards 47,215 38,919 Equity compensation 22,503 24,211 Leases 211,206 — Other 12,751 15,703 Total gross deferred tax assets 883,161 534,262 Valuation allowance 667,242 530,642 Total deferred tax assets 215,919 3,620 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (163,856) $ (123,054)
Reconciliation of Income Taxes at the United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Expense	The reconciliation of income tax computed at the United States federal statutory rates to income tax expense (benefit) is: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Income tax expense (benefit) at United States statutory rates (21%, 21% and 35%, respectively) $ 38,872 $ 27,532 $ (3,283) State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 3,137 4,860 1,544 Differences between foreign and United States statutory rates 6,384 2,650 (10,887) United States tax reform rate change — — (55,685) Non-United States income inclusions and exclusions (3,222) (3,425) 3,826 United States income inclusions and exclusions (2,582) (13,790) 11,347 Nondeductible items 10,118 26,376 11,380 Tax contingencies (1,340) 389 1,955 Tax expense from acquired goodwill 6,107 4,353 4,489 Change in valuation allowance 8,536 (8,845) 18,067 Other, net 882 665 93 $ 66,892 $ 40,765 $ (17,154)
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Balance at January 1 $ 34,071 $ 30,630 $ 15,117 Additions: Increase for current year positions 2,215 1,531 807 Increase for prior year positions 1,898 2,995 15,498 Interest and penalties for prior years 458 106 2,745 Reductions: Decrease for prior year positions (3,272) — — Expiration of applicable statute of limitations — (730) (1,233) Settlements for prior year positions (13,852) (9) (2,033) Foreign exchange 205 (452) (271) Balance at December 31 $ 21,723 $ 34,071 $ 30,630

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Common Stock Issued	The following table reconciles common stock reported in the consolidated statements of changes in equity to the consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2019 2018 Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity 211,262,062 209,135,581 Unvested restricted stock awards 1,169,582 1,399,181 Unvested deferred stock awards issued 1,686,000 200,000 Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets 214,117,644 210,734,762
Change in Noncontrolling Ownership Interest	The following schedule reflects the change in ownership interests for these transactions: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 69,889 $ 60,249 $ (6,015) Transfers of noncontrolling interests: Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs (23,878) (8,210) (3,616) Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for sales of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs — 1,410 — Net transfers of noncontrolling interests (23,878) (6,800) (3,616) Change from net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests $ 46,011 $ 53,449 $ (9,631)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents changes in the components of AOCI, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Foreign Currency Items Other Total (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (176,246) $ (461) $ (176,707) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 67,704 — 67,704 Amount reclassified from AOCI — 461 461 Net other comprehensive income 67,704 461 68,165 Balance at December 31, 2017 (108,542) — (108,542) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (36,689) — (36,689) Amount reclassified from AOCI — — — Net other comprehensive loss (36,689) — (36,689) Balance at December 31, 2018 (145,231) — (145,231) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (482) — (482) Amount reclassified from AOCI — — — Net other comprehensive loss (482) — (482) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (145,713) $ — $ (145,713)
Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded From Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	The following table shows securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share because such securities were anti-dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Options to purchase shares of common stock 11,347,305 11,784,023 14,238,589 Restricted and deferred stock awards—unvested 3,655,582 3,899,181 4,106,956 Conversion shares related to convertible senior notes 8,374,536 8,912,099 7,929,982 Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 23,377,423 24,595,303 26,275,527

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Concerts Revenue [Table Text Block]	Concerts revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Concert Revenue $ 9,428,094 $ 8,770,031 $ 7,892,076 Percentage of consolidated revenue 81.6 % 81.3 % 81.5 %
Disaggregation Of Ticketing Revenue [Table Text Block]	Ticketing revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Ticketing Revenue $ 1,545,189 $ 1,529,566 $ 1,346,510 Percentage of consolidated revenue 13.4 % 14.2 % 13.9 %
Disaggregation Of Sponsorship & Advertising Revenue [Table Text Block]	Sponsorship & Advertising revenue, including intersegment revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Total Sponsorship & Advertising Revenue $ 590,274 $ 503,968 $ 445,148 Percentage of consolidated revenue 5.1 % 4.7 % 4.6 %
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the amount of deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Concerts $ 1,121,945 $ 839,897 Ticketing 62,088 42,512 Sponsorship & Advertising 20,220 21,279 Other & Corporate 3,069 1,591 $ 1,207,322 $ 905,279

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense we recorded during the respective periods: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 21,947 $ 18,621 $ 24,364 Corporate expenses 26,838 26,961 18,391 Total $ 48,785 $ 45,582 $ 42,755
Assumptions Used to Calculate Fair Value of Options	The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of our options on the date of grant: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 1.89% - 2.53% 2.68% - 2.70% 1.87% - 2.27% Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Volatility factors 27.63% - 28.12% 27.66% - 28.00% 25.88% - 27.58% Weighted average expected life (in years) 6.08 5.74 5.78
Summary of Stock Options Activity	The following table presents a summary of our stock options outstanding at the dates given, and stock option activity for the period between such dates (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share): Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Options Price Options Price Options Price (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding January 1 11,784 $ 16.55 14,239 $ 14.52 16,283 $ 13.55 Granted 487 57.00 255 44.05 1,164 33.48 Exercised (910) 15.50 (2,694) 8.38 (3,138) 16.27 Forfeited or expired (14) 10.82 (16) 28.57 (70) 24.05 Outstanding December 31 11,347 $ 18.36 11,784 $ 16.55 14,239 $ 14.52 Exercisable December 31 10,493 $ 15.77 10,693 $ 14.61 11,906 $ 12.00 Weighted average fair value per option granted $ 18.50 $ 14.05 $ 10.18
Summary of Stock Options, by Range of Exercise Price	Vesting dates on the stock options range from February 2020 to June 2023, and expiration dates range from January 2020 to June 2029 at exercise prices and average contractual lives as follows: Range of Outstanding Weighted Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable Weighted Weighted (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) (in years) $5.00 - $9.99 4,325 2.8 $ 8.80 4,325 2.8 $ 8.80 $10.00 - $14.99 1,754 1.7 $ 11.39 1,754 1.7 $ 11.39 $15.00 - $19.99 921 6.0 $ 19.31 921 6.0 $ 19.31 $20.00 - $24.99 1,596 4.1 $ 21.14 1,595 4.1 $ 21.13 $25.00 - $29.99 1,663 6.0 $ 26.99 1,607 6.0 $ 26.92 $30.00 - $44.99 601 8.1 $ 43.76 291 8.0 $ 43.75 $45.00 - $60.99 487 9.2 $ 56.77 — 0.0 $ —
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Activity	The following table presents a summary of our unvested restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant): Restricted Stock Awards Price (in thousands, except per share data) Unvested at December 31, 2016 1,080 $ 21.67 Granted 1,132 35.97 Forfeited (82) 22.96 Vested (523) 21.89 Unvested at December 31, 2017 1,607 $ 31.79 Granted 535 44.54 Forfeited (37) 30.38 Vested (706) 28.35 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,399 $ 38.13 Granted 415 57.58 Forfeited (26) 38.45 Vested (618) 36.54 Unvested at December 31, 2019 1,170 $ 45.80
Summary of Deferred Stock Activity	The following table presents a summary of the Company’s unvested deferred stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (“Price” reflects the weighted average grant date fair value): Deferred Stock Awards Price (in thousands, except per share data) Unvested at December 31, 2016 — 0.00 Awarded 2,500 26.69 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested — 0.00 Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,500 26.69 Awarded — 0.00 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested — 0.00 Unvested at December 31, 2018 2,500 26.69 Awarded — 0.00 Forfeited — 0.00 Vested (14) 36.08 Unvested at December 31, 2019 2,486 26.63

OTHER INFORMATION (Tables)

OTHER INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Other information	December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) The following details the components of “Other current assets”: Inventory $ 16,106 $ 12,575 Notes receivable 34,842 15,200 Other 6,059 14,910 Total other current assets $ 57,007 $ 42,685 The following details the components of “Other long-term assets”: Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates $ 167,603 $ 137,211 Notes receivable 128,725 112,276 Other 135,145 178,593 Total other long-term assets $ 431,473 $ 428,080 The following details the components of “Accrued expenses”: Accrued compensation and benefits $ 276,417 $ 265,068 Accrued event expenses 394,257 369,843 Accrued insurance 165,071 126,015 Accrued legal 16,978 16,295 Collections on behalf of others 48,467 43,981 Other 490,296 424,263 Total accrued expenses $ 1,391,486 $ 1,245,465 The following details the components of “Other current liabilities”: Contingent and deferred purchase consideration $ 13,165 $ 44,929 Other 46,046 22,118 Total other current liabilities $ 59,211 $ 67,047 The following details the components of “Other long-term liabilities”: Deferred revenue $ 34,390 $ 27,504 Contingent and deferred purchase consideration 67,979 30,333 Other 28,279 147,140 Total other long-term liabilities $ 130,648 $ 204,977

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the results of operations for our reportable segments for the years ending December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: Concerts Ticketing Sponsorship Other Corporate Eliminations Consolidated (in thousands) 2019 Revenue $ 9,428,094 $ 1,545,189 $ 590,274 $ 3,162 $ — $ (18,750) $ 11,547,969 Direct operating expenses 7,857,437 514,169 114,326 — — (18,750) 8,467,182 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,386,928 642,052 112,594 3,912 — — 2,145,486 Depreciation and amortization 239,682 156,894 33,084 364 13,967 — 443,991 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets (2,490) 116 — — 1 — (2,373) Corporate expenses — — — — 168,839 — 168,839 Operating income (loss) $ (53,463) $ 231,958 $ 330,270 $ (1,114) $ (182,807) $ — $ 324,844 Intersegment revenue $ 6,672 $ 12,078 $ — $ — $ — $ (18,750) $ — Capital expenditures $ 186,819 $ 105,246 $ 10,261 $ — $ 35,252 $ — $ 337,578 2018 Revenue $ 8,770,031 $ 1,529,566 $ 503,968 $ 3,724 $ — $ (19,489) $ 10,787,800 Direct operating expenses 7,340,757 549,265 92,494 4,905 — (19,489) 7,967,932 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,248,346 634,829 97,540 16,313 — — 1,997,028 Depreciation and amortization 206,772 143,551 30,779 817 4,610 — 386,529 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets 10,361 7 2 — (1) — 10,369 Corporate expenses — — — — 153,406 — 153,406 Operating income (loss) $ (36,205) $ 201,914 $ 283,153 $ (18,311) $ (158,015) $ — $ 272,536 Intersegment revenue $ 5,193 $ 14,296 $ — $ — $ — $ (19,489) $ — Capital expenditures $ 129,129 $ 110,202 $ 7,541 $ 169 $ 15,273 $ — $ 262,314 2017 Revenue $ 7,892,076 $ 1,346,510 $ 445,148 $ 21,012 $ — $ (17,524) $ 9,687,222 Direct operating expenses 6,641,071 460,881 78,725 18,746 — (17,525) 7,181,898 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,119,335 681,948 87,268 19,172 — — 1,907,723 Depreciation and amortization 226,315 112,727 27,669 432 5,057 1 372,201 Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets (1,056) 49 — — 38 — (969) Corporate expenses — — — — 134,972 — 134,972 Operating income (loss) $ (93,589) $ 90,905 $ 251,486 $ (17,338) $ (140,067) $ — $ 91,397 Intersegment revenue $ 1,061 $ 16,643 $ — $ — $ — $ (17,524) $ — Capital expenditures $ 109,801 $ 105,317 $ 6,701 $ 149 $ 25,926 $ — $ 247,894
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	The following table provides revenue and long-lived assets for our foreign operations included in the consolidated financial statements: Total Foreign Operations Total Domestic Operations Consolidated Total (in thousands) 2019 Revenue $ 3,915,426 $ 7,632,543 $ 11,547,969 Long-lived assets $ 263,349 $ 854,583 $ 1,117,932 2018 Revenue $ 3,661,222 $ 7,126,578 $ 10,787,800 Long-lived assets $ 199,299 $ 747,294 $ 946,593 2017 Revenue $ 3,408,661 $ 6,278,561 $ 9,687,222 Long-lived assets $ 201,724 $ 684,212 $ 885,936

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIO_2

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Revenue $ 1,727,828 $ 1,482,384 $ 3,157,009 $ 2,868,315 $ 3,773,684 $ 3,835,246 $ 2,889,448 $ 2,601,855 Operating income (loss) $ (23,863) $ (6,030) $ 171,586 $ 134,725 $ 260,041 $ 234,219 $ (82,920) $ (90,378) Net income (loss) $ (55,241) $ (41,028) $ 116,120 $ 83,356 $ 193,972 $ 183,197 $ (136,639) $ (135,185) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (52,444) $ (33,906) $ 103,355 $ 69,359 $ 178,925 $ 172,683 $ (159,947) $ (147,887) Basic net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (64,756) $ (50,291) $ 89,840 $ 52,187 $ 155,345 $ 151,894 $ (185,311) $ (171,441) Diluted net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (64,756) $ (50,291) $ 89,926 $ 52,187 $ 155,345 $ 152,213 $ (185,311) $ (171,441) Basic net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (0.31) $ (0.24) $ 0.43 $ 0.25 $ 0.74 $ 0.73 $ (0.88) $ (0.82) Diluted net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation $ (0.31) $ (0.24) $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ 0.71 $ 0.70 $ (0.88) $ (0.82)

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_3

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]
Assets	$ 10,975,615	$ 8,496,886
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]
Assets	410,000	265,000
Liabilities	$ 260,000	$ 140,000

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_4

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Client Cash	$ 837.7	$ 859.1

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_5

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Building and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Building and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	50 years
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Furniture and Other Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Furniture and Other Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_6

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Schedule of Intangible Asset Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_7

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Goodwill) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Impairment Test Type [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Minimum number of years a reporting unit undergoes a quantitative test.	5 years

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_8

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Leases) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Renewal term range for operating leases	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Renewal term range for operating leases	10 years

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI_9

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Foreign Currency) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Net foreign currency transaction gains / (losses)	$ (8.4)	$ 3.2	$ 3.1	$ (11.6)

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF S_10

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Advertising Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Direct Operating Expense [Member]
Income Statement Location [Line Items]
Advertising expense	$ 452.7	$ 443.2	$ 378.1
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Income Statement Location [Line Items]
Advertising expense	$ 27.8	$ 30.9	$ 40.3

(THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIG

(THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Impact of Adoption of Lease Accounting Standard) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 1,402,019		$ 0
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 1,496,431
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets		$ 1,100,000
Present value of lease liabilities		1,200,000
Reduction of operating lease assets upon adoption of lease guidance		$ 85,300

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Property, Pl

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]
Land, buildings and improvements	$ 1,181,876	$ 984,558
Computer equipment and capitalized software	800,990	742,737
Furniture and other equipment	380,174	329,607
Construction in progress	176,275	160,028
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	2,539,315	2,216,930
Less accumulated depreciation	1,421,383	1,270,337
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1,117,932	$ 946,593	$ 885,936

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Definite-liv

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Definite-lived Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 1,416,016		$ 1,456,040
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(754,565)		(726,775)
Net		661,451		729,265
Acquisitions—current year		435,480		137,772
Acquisitions—prior year		43		6,347
Dispositions				(30,566)
Foreign exchange		(3,488)		(28,395)
Other (2)		(204,926)	[1]	(125,182)
Net change		227,109		(40,024)
Amortization		(223,532)		(190,653)	$ (202,600)
Dispositions				21,384
Foreign exchange		179		15,827
Other (2)		204,934	[1]	125,652
Net change		(18,419)		(27,790)
Gross carrying amount - end of period		1,643,125		1,416,016	1,456,040
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(772,984)		(754,565)	(726,775)
Net		$ 870,141		$ 661,451	729,265
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		8 years		7 years
Impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 19,400	$ 26,751
Estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years [Abstract]
2020		219,927
2021		153,233
2022		122,808
2023		103,253
2024		85,218
Revenue-generating contracts [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		692,963		$ 789,363
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(391,002)		(410,011)
Net		301,961		379,352
Acquisitions—current year		94,464		6,128
Acquisitions—prior year		0		4,447
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		(4,713)		(14,426)
Other (2)		(82,157)	[1]	(92,549)
Net change		7,594		(96,400)
Amortization		(94,439)		(81,291)
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		1,331		7,526
Other (2)		82,088	[1]	92,774
Net change		(11,020)		19,009
Gross carrying amount - end of period		700,557		692,963	789,363
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(402,022)		(391,002)	(410,011)
Net		$ 298,535		$ 301,961	379,352
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		8 years		7 years
Client vendor relationships [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 393,772		$ 341,449
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(213,599)		(186,357)
Net		180,173		155,092
Acquisitions—current year		209,398		84,146
Acquisitions—prior year		0		0
Dispositions				(11,812)
Foreign exchange		90		(7,378)
Other (2)		(75,770)	[1]	(12,633)
Net change		133,718		52,323
Amortization		(65,059)		(52,879)
Dispositions				8,146
Foreign exchange		(473)		4,813
Other (2)		75,770	[1]	12,678
Net change		10,238		(27,242)
Gross carrying amount - end of period		527,490		393,772	341,449
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(203,361)		(213,599)	(186,357)
Net		$ 324,129		$ 180,173	155,092
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		9 years		7 years
Trademarks and naming rights [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 123,707		$ 126,331
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(41,808)		(32,681)
Net		81,899		93,650
Acquisitions—current year		29,061		2,067
Acquisitions—prior year		0		0
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		91		(1,756)
Other (2)		76	[1]	(2,935)
Net change		29,228		(2,624)
Amortization		(14,513)		(12,633)
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		(96)		536
Other (2)		1	[1]	2,970
Net change		(14,608)		(9,127)
Gross carrying amount - end of period		152,935		123,707	126,331
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(56,416)		(41,808)	(32,681)
Net		$ 96,519		$ 81,899	93,650
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		8 years		3 years
Venue management and leaseholds [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 70,048		$ 63,135
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(33,507)		(35,953)
Net		36,541		27,182
Acquisitions—current year		80,643		15,402
Acquisitions—prior year		43		1,900
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		896		(1,989)
Other (2)		(2,044)		(8,400)
Net change		79,538		6,913
Amortization		(10,683)		(7,185)
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		(553)		1,235
Other (2)		2,044		8,396
Net change		(9,192)		2,446
Gross carrying amount - end of period		149,586		70,048	63,135
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(42,699)		(33,507)	(35,953)
Net		$ 106,887		$ 36,541	27,182
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		10 years		12 years
Technology [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 85,411		$ 63,666
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(38,826)		(22,745)
Net		46,585		40,921
Acquisitions—current year		13,839		30,029
Acquisitions—prior year		0		0
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		356		(1,626)
Other (2)		(12,268)	[1]	(6,658)
Net change		1,927		21,745
Amortization		(27,512)		(23,727)
Dispositions				0
Foreign exchange		(152)		973
Other (2)		12,270	[1]	6,673
Net change		(15,394)		(16,081)
Gross carrying amount - end of period		87,338		85,411	63,666
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(54,220)		(38,826)	(22,745)
Net		$ 33,118		$ 46,585	40,921
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		2 years		3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period		$ 50,115		$ 72,096
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period		(35,823)		(39,028)
Net		14,292		33,068
Acquisitions—current year		8,075		0
Acquisitions—prior year		0		0
Dispositions				(18,754)
Foreign exchange		(208)		(1,220)
Other (2)		(32,763)		(2,007)
Net change		(24,896)		(21,981)
Amortization		(11,326)		(12,938)
Dispositions				13,238
Foreign exchange		122		744
Other (2)		32,761		2,161
Net change		21,557		3,205
Gross carrying amount - end of period		25,219		50,115	72,096
Accumulated amortization - end of period		(14,266)		(35,823)	(39,028)
Net		$ 10,953		$ 14,292	$ 33,068
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets,		5 years
[1]	Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Indefinite-l

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Indefinite-lived Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 368,954	$ 368,854
Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 369,000	$ 368,900

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Goodwill Ass

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Goodwill Assessment) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)reporting_unit	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units		7
Goodwill impairment | $	$ 10,500	$ 0	$ 10,500	$ 20,000
Qualitative Review [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units		5
Reporting unit percentage of goodwill		85.00%
Qualitative Review & Quantitative Analysis [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units		2
Reporting unit percentage of goodwill		15.00%

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Goodwill) (D

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period		$ 2,258,306	$ 2,179,452
Accumulated impairment losses		(435,363)	(424,863)
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period		1,822,943	1,754,589
Acquisitions—current year		163,793	52,618
Acquisitions—prior year		8,428	55,238
Dispositions			(7,053)
Impairment	$ (10,500)	0	(10,500)	$ (20,000)
Foreign exchange		3,334	(21,949)
Gross Goodwill - End of period	2,258,306	2,433,861	2,258,306	2,179,452
Accumulated impairment losses	(435,363)	(435,363)	(435,363)	(424,863)
Net Goodwill - End of period	1,822,943	1,998,498	1,822,943	1,754,589
Concerts [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period		1,094,604	1,015,913
Accumulated impairment losses		(435,363)	(424,863)
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period		659,241	591,050
Acquisitions—current year		121,355	42,841
Acquisitions—prior year		8,428	53,541
Dispositions			(7,053)
Impairment			(10,500)
Foreign exchange		1,670	(10,638)
Gross Goodwill - End of period	1,094,604	1,226,057	1,094,604	1,015,913
Accumulated impairment losses	(435,363)	(435,363)	(435,363)	(424,863)
Net Goodwill - End of period	659,241	790,694	659,241	591,050
Ticketing [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period		762,953	761,786
Accumulated impairment losses		0	0
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period		762,953	761,786
Acquisitions—current year		4,017	5,875
Acquisitions—prior year		0	0
Dispositions			0
Impairment			0
Foreign exchange		(707)	(4,708)
Gross Goodwill - End of period	762,953	766,263	762,953	761,786
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net Goodwill - End of period	762,953	766,263	762,953	761,786
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period		400,749	401,753
Accumulated impairment losses		0	0
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period		400,749	401,753
Acquisitions—current year		38,421	3,902
Acquisitions—prior year		0	1,697
Dispositions			0
Impairment			0
Foreign exchange		2,371	(6,603)
Gross Goodwill - End of period	400,749	441,541	400,749	401,753
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net Goodwill - End of period	$ 400,749	$ 441,541	$ 400,749	$ 401,753

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Investments

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates) (Details) - Venta de Boletos pr Computadora S.A. de C.V. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summarized balance sheet
Current assets	$ 40,937	$ 71,685
Noncurrent assets	6,845	4,074
Current liabilities	35,662	42,470
Noncontrolling interests	1,624	1,095
Summarized income statement
Revenue	54,173	56,857	$ 56,078
Operating income	30,262	34,841	29,684
Net income	23,969	28,554	24,116
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of the equity investees	$ 23,440	$ 27,935	$ 23,995

LEASES (Significant Components

LEASES (Significant Components of Operating Lease Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 201,344
Variable and short-term lease cost	133,526
Sublease income	(17,235)
Net lease cost	$ 317,635

LEASES (Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES (Supplemental Cash Flow Information For Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$ 183,723
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations	$ 417,394

LEASES (Future Maturities of Op

LEASES (Future Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 194,811
2021	185,273
2022	180,865
2023	178,322
2024	161,583
Thereafter	1,370,772
Total lease payments	2,271,626
Less: Interest	775,195
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 1,496,431

LEASES (Weighted Average Lease

LEASES (Weighted Average Lease Term and Discount Rate) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	13 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average discount rate	5.88%
Total Lease payments due under operating leases that have not yet commenced	$ 218.2
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term for operating leases that have not yet commenced	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term for operating leases that have not yet commenced	21 years

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Lon

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,403,267	$ 2,909,879
Less unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs	(94,210)	(94,859)
Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs	3,309,057	2,815,020
Less: current portion	37,795	82,142
Total long-term debt, net	3,271,262	2,732,878
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	0	156,750
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	947,625	953,148
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	950,000	0
4.875% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	575,000	575,000
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	300,000	300,000
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	0	250,000
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	550,000	550,000
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	0	28,673
Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 80,642	$ 96,308

LONG-TERM DEBT (Future Maturiti

LONG-TERM DEBT (Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2020	$ 37,795
2021	36,221
2022	568,817
2023	17,487
2024	586,445
Thereafter	2,156,502
Total	$ 3,403,267	$ 2,909,879

LONG-TERM DEBT (Senior Secured

LONG-TERM DEBT (Senior Secured Credit Facility) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period	5 years
Face amount	$ 400,000,000
Time period which the delayed draw term loan A facility is available to be drawn	2 years
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument period payment of principal, percentage	0.625%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument period payment of principal, percentage	1.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period	7 years
Face amount	$ 950,000,000	$ 950,000,000
Quarterly payments	$ 2,400,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan B [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan B [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit	83,500,000
Current borrowing capacity available	$ 416,500,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee on undrawn portion available	0.35%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Euro And British Pound Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Other Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured indebtedness leverage ratio, maximum	3.75
Percentage of capital stock of foreign wholly owned (first-tier) subsidiaries	65.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available	$ 985,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility & Term loan A [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility & Term loan A [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%

LONG-TERM DEBT (4.75% Senior No

LONG-TERM DEBT (4.75% Senior Notes) (Details) - 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 950,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%	4.75%
Redemption Period Prior Stated Date [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Redemption, Equity Offerings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of notes which may be redeemed	35.00%
Redemption price, percentage	104.75%
Redemption Period After Stated Date [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	103.563%
Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT (4.875% Senior N

LONG-TERM DEBT (4.875% Senior Notes) (Details) - 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 575,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.875%
Redemption Period After Stated Date [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	103.656%
Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT (5.625% Senior N

LONG-TERM DEBT (5.625% Senior Notes) (Details) - 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%	5.625%
Redemption Period Prior Stated Date [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Redemption, Equity Offerings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	105.625%
Percentage of notes which may be redeemed	35.00%
Redemption Period After Stated Date [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	104.219%
Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT (2.5% Convertibl

LONG-TERM DEBT (2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 550,000,000	$ 550,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.50%
Conversion ratio	0.0147005
Conversion Premium	54.40%
Last reported sale price used to calculate conversion premium | $ / shares	$ 44.05
Maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion | shares	8,100,000
Carrying amount of equity component	$ 64,000,000
Unamortized debt discount balance	$ 42,400,000
Debt discount amortization period	3 years
Value of convertible notes, if fully settled in shares, exceeded the principal amount	$ 27,900,000
Effective interest rate	5.70%
Debt instrument period payment of principal, percentage	2.50%
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 and 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.50%

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Deb

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Debt Interest Expense) (Details) - 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 and 2023 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.50%
Contractual interest coupon	$ 14,015	$ 12,894	$ 6,875
Amortization of debt discount (premium)	2,134	10,746	5,080
Amortization of debt issuance costs	12,599	1,940	1,358
Total interest cost recognized on the notes	$ 28,748	$ 25,580	$ 13,313

LONG-TERM DEBT (Other Long-term

LONG-TERM DEBT (Other Long-term Debt) (Details) - Other Long Term Debt [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 5.2
Debt, weighted average interest rate	4.60%
Noncontrolling Interest Partners [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other long-term debt	$ 34.5
Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other long-term debt	$ 27.5

LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Extinguish

LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Extinguishment) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash available for general corporate purposes	$ 527,500,000	$ 492,500,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,500,000)	2,500,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 950,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%		4.75%
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 1,100,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Term loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 950,000,000		$ 950,000,000
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.375%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 250,000,000
Redemption Premium Payment, Extinguishment of Debt	3,400,000
Payment of Accrued Interest and Fees	$ 30,800,000
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.625%	5.625%
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 550,000,000	$ 550,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.50%
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 & 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		$ 850,000,000
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.50%	2.50%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 246,300,000
Redemption Premium Payment, Extinguishment of Debt		90,400,000
Payment of Accrued Interest and Fees		$ 20,800,000

LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Covenants)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Covenants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019quartercovenant	Oct. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%	4.75%
4.875% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.875%
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%		5.625%
4.75% Senior Notes, 4.875% Senior Notes, and 5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Covenants | covenant	2
Fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum	2
Secured indebtedness leverage ratio, maximum	3.5
First Debt Covenant Period [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA	5.75
Number of consecutive quarters | quarter	4
Second Date Total Leverage Ratio Reduced [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA	5.50
Third Date Total Leverage Ratio Reduced [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA	5.25

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivati

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts	$ 66.3	$ 89.4

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Put Option Trigger Certain Occur	1
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 177,159	$ 86,046
Forward currency contracts	11	779
Total	177,170	86,825
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Forward currency contracts	1,159	260
Put option	8,006	8,002
Subsidiary equity awards	7,661	3,571
Contingent consideration	64,892	62,475
Total	81,718	74,308
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	177,159	86,046
Forward currency contracts	0	0
Total	177,159	86,046
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Forward currency contracts	0	0
Put option	0	0
Subsidiary equity awards	0	0
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Forward currency contracts	11	779
Total	11	779
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Forward currency contracts	1,159	260
Put option	0	0
Subsidiary equity awards	0	0
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total	$ 1,159	260
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Put Option Noncontrolling Interest Partner Subsidiary	1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 0	0
Forward currency contracts	0	0
Total	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Forward currency contracts	0	0
Put option	8,006	8,002
Subsidiary equity awards	7,661	3,571
Contingent consideration	64,892	62,475
Total	$ 80,559	$ 74,048

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value of Debt) (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 983,735	$ 0
4.875% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	596,137	552,368
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	320,553	302,097
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	0	251,390
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	675,664	561,699
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 0	$ 40,710

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value of Assets Measured on Non-recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 19,400		$ 26,751
Goodwill impairment		$ 10,500	0	$ 10,500	$ 20,000
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, fair value disclosure		20,332	0	20,332
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, fair value disclosure		0	0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, fair value disclosure		0	0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, fair value disclosure		$ 20,332	$ 0	$ 20,332

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Leases, Contracts, Capital Expenditures) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Non-cancelable Contracts [Abstract]
2020	$ 1,191,773
2021	473,417
2022	290,753
2023	153,129
2024	56,361
Thereafter	120,008
Total	2,285,441
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
2020	21,520
2021	4,160
2022	1,236
2023	1,020
2024	985
Thereafter	27,502
Total	$ 56,423

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Amount accrued in other liabilities, deferred purchase consideration	$ 7.1	$ 5.5
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Amount accrued in other liabilities, deferred purchase consideration	9.1	7.3
Earn Out Arrangements [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Amount accrued in other liabilities, contingent consideration	6	39.5
Earn Out Arrangements [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Amount accrued in other liabilities, contingent consideration	$ 58.9	$ 23

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI_5

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Commitment Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed debt of third parties	$ 16.5	$ 15.6

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND REL_3

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)director	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related-party revenue	$ 131,909	$ 157,834	$ 125,802
Related-party expenses	1,711	4,300	4,430
Related-party acquisition related	$ 3,000	0	0
Liberty Media [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of directors nominated by related party | director	2
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related-party revenue	$ 2,700	2,700	2,900
Related-party expenses	1,000	1,100	$ 1,400
Due from Related Parties	$ 21,100	$ 10,400

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Incom

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current - Federal	$ 0	$ (55)	$ (702)
Current - Foreign	61,834	40,239	50,970
Current - State	5,523	6,828	4,117
Total current	67,357	47,012	54,385
Deferred - Federal	5,314	2,246	(56,442)
Deferred - Foreign	(6,345)	(8,697)	(15,841)
Deferred - State	566	204	744
Total deferred	(465)	(6,247)	(71,539)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 66,892	$ 40,765	$ (17,154)

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	$ 36.1	$ 43.5	$ (132.6)
Foreign income (loss) before income taxes	149	87.6	$ 123.2
Net deferred tax liability acquired in business combinations	43.3	$ 4
Net operating loss carryforwards - United States federal	99.9
Net operating loss carryforwards - state	61.6
Net operating loss carryforwards - foreign	$ 326.6

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax liabilities
Leases	$ 192,870	$ 0
Intangible assets	161,843	118,275
Prepaid expenses	5,876	2,534
Other	19,186	5,865
Total deferred tax liabilities	379,775	126,674
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets	40,926	25,981
Accrued expenses	60,479	40,989
Net operating loss carryforwards	488,081	388,459
Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards	47,215	38,919
Equity compensation	22,503	24,211
Leases	211,206	0
Other	12,751	15,703
Total gross deferred tax assets	883,161	534,262
Valuation allowance	667,242	530,642
Total deferred tax assets	215,919	3,620
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (163,856)	$ (123,054)

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of

INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of Income Tax from Statutory Rates to Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States statutory income tax rates	21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit) at United States statutory rates (21%, 21% and 35%, respectively)	$ 38,872	$ 27,532	$ (3,283)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits	3,137	4,860	1,544
Differences between foreign and United States statutory rates	6,384	2,650	(10,887)
United States tax reform rate change	0	0	(55,685)
Non-United States income inclusions and exclusions	(3,222)	(3,425)	3,826
United States income inclusions and exclusions	(2,582)	(13,790)	11,347
Nondeductible items	10,118	26,376	11,380
Tax contingencies	(1,340)	389	1,955
Tax expense from acquired goodwill	6,107	4,353	4,489
Change in valuation allowance	8,536	(8,845)	18,067
Other, net	882	665	93
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 66,892	$ 40,765	$ (17,154)

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrec

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$ 34,071	$ 30,630	$ 15,117
Increase for current year positions	2,215	1,531	807
Increase for prior year positions	1,898	2,995	15,498
Interest and penalties for prior years	458	106	2,745
Decrease for prior year positions	(3,272)	0	0
Expiration of applicable statute of limitations	0	(730)	(1,233)
Settlements for prior year positions	(13,852)	(9)	(2,033)
Increase from foreign exchange	205
Decrease from foreign exchange		(452)	(271)
Balance at December 31	21,723	$ 34,071	$ 30,630
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	1,800
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Not Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 19,900

EQUITY (Common Stock) (Details)

EQUITY (Common Stock) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity	211,262,062	209,135,581
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets	214,117,644	210,734,762
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested stock awards	1,169,582	1,399,181	1,607,000	1,080,000
Market Based Stock Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested stock awards	1,686,000	200,000

EQUITY (Common Stock Narrative)

EQUITY (Common Stock Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued in connection with stock incentive plans	1,300,000	2,300,000	3,500,000
Conversion of convertible debt	$ 28,586
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	22,100,000
2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued in connection with the conversion of convertible debt	800,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.50%			2.50%
Conversion of convertible debt	$ 28,600
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options currently granted	11,347,000	11,784,000	14,239,000		16,283,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested stock awards	1,169,582	1,399,181	1,607,000		1,080,000
Market Based Stock Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested stock awards	1,686,000	200,000

EQUITY (Change in ownership int

EQUITY (Change in ownership interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (159,947)	$ 178,925	$ 103,355	$ (52,444)	$ (147,887)	$ 172,683	$ 69,359	$ (33,906)	$ 69,889	$ 60,249	$ (6,015)
Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs									(23,878)	(8,210)	(3,616)
Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for sales of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs									0	1,410	0
Net transfers of noncontrolling interests									(23,878)	(6,800)	(3,616)
Changes from net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests									$ 46,011	$ 53,449	$ (9,631)

EQUITY (Redeemable Noncontrolli

EQUITY (Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - Put Option [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
2020 [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Estimate of redemption amounts of put	$ 238.3
2021 [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Estimate of redemption amounts of put	27.5
2022 [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Estimate of redemption amounts of put	114.1
2023 [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Estimate of redemption amounts of put	99
2024 [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Estimate of redemption amounts of put	$ 29.5

EQUITY (Transactions With Nonco

EQUITY (Transactions With Noncontrolling Interest Partners) (Details) - Noncontrolling Interest [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Assets [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Loans receivable, net	$ 6.5	$ 8.9
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Loans receivable, net	$ 97.5	$ 86.9

EQUITY (Accumulated Other Compr

EQUITY (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (145,231)	$ (108,542)	$ (176,707)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	(482)	(36,689)	67,704
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0	0	461
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(482)	(36,689)	68,165
Ending balance	(145,713)	(145,231)	(108,542)
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(145,231)	(108,542)	(176,246)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	(482)	(36,689)	67,704
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(482)	(36,689)	67,704
Ending balance	(145,713)	(145,231)	(108,542)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0	(461)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	0	0	0
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0	0	461
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	461
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

EQUITY (Antidilutive Securities

EQUITY (Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	23,377,423	24,595,303	26,275,527
Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	11,347,305	11,784,023	14,238,589
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	3,655,582	3,899,181	4,106,956
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	8,374,536	8,912,099	7,929,982

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Concerts R

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Concerts Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Concerts [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 9,428,094	$ 8,770,031	$ 7,892,076
Percentage Of The Concerts Business Revenue To Total Revenue									81.60%	81.30%	81.50%
Percentage Of Concerts Revenue From Events And Festivals									95.00%

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Ticketing

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Ticketing Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Ticketing [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 1,545,189	$ 1,529,566	$ 1,346,510
Percentage of consolidated revenue									13.40%	14.20%	13.90%

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Ticketin_2

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Ticketing Contract Advance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances	$ 80,302	$ 80,087	$ 83,334
Ticketing [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances	80,300	80,100	$ 83,300
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Ticketing [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross	100,900	75,500
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Ticketing [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross	$ 105,700	$ 78,500

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Sponsorshi

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Sponsorship & Advertising Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Operating Segments [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 590,274	$ 503,968	$ 445,148
Percentage of consolidated revenue									5.10%	4.70%	4.60%

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Performanc

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Performance Obligation) (Details) - Sponsorship and Advertising [Member] $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue related to future benefits to be provided by the company.	$ 1.1
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized in 2020	33.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized in 2021	26.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreement to be recognized in 2022	17.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized after 2022	24.00%

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Deferred R

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Deferred Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Deferred Revenue, Current	$ 1,391,032	$ 1,227,797	$ 925,200
Recognition of deferred revenue	1,207,322	905,279
Concerts [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Recognition of deferred revenue	1,121,945	839,897
Ticketing [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Recognition of deferred revenue	62,088	42,512
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Recognition of deferred revenue	20,220	21,279
Other & Corporate
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Recognition of deferred revenue	$ 3,069	$ 1,591

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summa

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of stock-based compensation expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 48,785	$ 45,582	$ 42,755
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 88,900
Amortization period of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 7 months 6 days
Ticketmaster Plan [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 21,947	18,621	24,364
Corporate expenses [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 26,838	$ 26,961	$ 18,391

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Fair

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Fair value assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.89%	2.68%	1.87%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.53%	2.70%	2.27%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility factors, minimum	27.63%	27.66%	25.88%
Volatility factors, maximum	28.12%	28.00%	27.58%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	6 years 29 days	5 years 8 months 26 days	5 years 9 months 10 days

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 39,600	$ 28,100	$ 57,500
Exercise of stock options	14,104	(24,327)	51,069
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 14,104	$ 22,568	$ 51,069
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	22,100
Total intrinsic value, options outstanding	$ 811,000
Total intrinsic value, options exercisable	$ 749,900
Stock Option [Member]
Summary of stock option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	11,784	14,239	16,283
Granted (in shares)	487	255	1,164
Exercised (in shares)	(910)	(2,694)	(3,138)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(14)	(16)	(70)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	11,347	11,784	14,239
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	10,493	10,693	11,906
Summary of stock option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 16.55	$ 14.52	$ 13.55
Granted (in dollars per share)	57	44.05	33.48
Exercised (in dollars per share)	15.50	8.38	16.27
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)	10.82	28.57	24.05
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	18.36	16.55	14.52
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	15.77	14.61	12
Weighted average fair value per option granted (in dollars per share)	$ 18.50	$ 14.05	$ 10.18
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Expiration period	10 years
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	7,100
Minimum [Member] | Stock Option [Member]
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting Period	2 years
Maximum [Member] | Stock Option [Member]
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting Period	5 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Exerc

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Exercise price range) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares
$5.00-$9.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 5
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 9.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	4,325
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 9 months 18 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.80
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	4,325
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.80
$10.00 - $14.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	10
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 14.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,754
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.39
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,754
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.39
$15.00 - $19.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	15
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 19.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	921
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	6 years
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.31
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	921
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	6 years
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.31
$20.00 - $24.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	20
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 24.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,596
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	4 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.14
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,595
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	4 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.13
$25.00 - $29.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	25
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 29.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,663
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	6 years
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 26.99
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,607
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	6 years
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 26.92
$30.00 - $44.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	30
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 44.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	601
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	8 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 43.76
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	291
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	8 years
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 43.75
$45.00 - $60.99 [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range limit (in dollars per share)	45
Upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 60.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares	487
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	9 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 56.77
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	0
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	0 years
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restr

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total fair market value of the shares issued upon vesting	$ 22.6	$ 20	$ 11.5
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	415,000	535,000	1,132,000
Shares that will begin to vest on achieving minimum performance targets (in shares)	1,169,582	1,399,181	1,607,000	1,080,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	1 year
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	5 years
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	200,000	300,000	900,000
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	1 year	1 year	1 year
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Restricted Stock Performance Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period	2 years
Granted (in shares)	200,000	200,000	200,000
Shares that will begin to vest on achieving minimum performance targets (in shares)	200,000
Restricted Stock Performance Based Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period		1 year	1 year
Restricted Stock Performance Based Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period		2 years	2 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Res_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of restricted stock [Roll Forward]
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	1,399,181	1,607,000	1,080,000
Granted (in shares)	415,000	535,000	1,132,000
Forfeited (in shares)	(26,000)	(37,000)	(82,000)
Vested (in shares)	(618,000)	(706,000)	(523,000)
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	1,169,582	1,399,181	1,607,000
Summary of restricted stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 38.13	$ 31.79	$ 21.67
Granted (in dollars per share)	57.58	44.54	35.97
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	38.45	30.38	22.96
Vested (in dollars per share)	36.54	28.35	21.89
Unvested at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 45.80	$ 38.13	$ 31.79

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Defer

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Deferred Stock) (Details) - Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Deferred Stock [Roll Forward]
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	2,500	2,500	0
Awarded (in shares)	0	0	2,500
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0	0
Vested (in shares)	(14)	0	0
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	2,486	2,500	2,500
Summary of deferred stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 26.69	$ 26.69	$ 0
Awarded (in dollars per share)	0	0	26.69
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Vested (in dollars per share)	36.08	0	0
Unvested at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 26.63	$ 26.69	$ 26.69
Awarded (in shares)	0	0	2,500
Deferred compensation arrangement, maximum contractual term			5 years
Deferred compensation arrangement, shares issued	1,500	200
Deferred compensation arrangement, common stock reserved for future issuance	800
Minimum [Member]
Summary of deferred stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting Period	1 year	1 year	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary of deferred stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting Period	4 years	4 years	5 years

OTHER INFORMATION (Details)

OTHER INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
The following details the components of "other current assets" [Abstract]
Inventory	$ 16,106	$ 12,575
Notes receivable	34,842	15,200
Other	6,059	14,910
Total other current assets	57,007	42,685
The following details the components of "other long-term assets"
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates	167,603	137,211
Notes receivable	128,725	112,276
Other	135,145	178,593
Total other long-term assets	431,473	428,080
The following details the components of "accrued expenses"
Accrued compensation and benefits	276,417	265,068
Accrued event expenses	394,257	369,843
Accrued insurance	165,071	126,015
Accrued legal	16,978	16,295
Collections on behalf of others	48,467	43,981
Other	490,296	424,263
Total accrued expenses	1,391,486	1,245,465
The following details the components of "other current liabilities"
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration	13,165	44,929
Other	46,046	22,118
Total other current liabilities	59,211	67,047
The following details the components of "other long-term liabilities"
Deferred revenue	34,390	27,504
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration	67,979	30,333
Other	28,279	147,140
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 130,648	$ 204,977

SEGMENT DATA Segment Results Of

SEGMENT DATA Segment Results Of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Direct operating expenses									8,467,182	7,967,932	7,181,898
Selling, general and administrative expenses									2,145,486	1,997,028	1,907,723
Depreciation and amortization									443,991	386,529	372,201
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									(2,373)	10,369	(969)
Corporate expenses									168,839	153,406	134,972
Operating income (loss)	$ (82,920)	$ 260,041	$ 171,586	$ (23,863)	$ (90,378)	$ 234,219	$ 134,725	$ (6,030)	324,844	272,536	91,397
Capital expenditures									337,578	262,314	247,894
Operating Segments [Member] | Concerts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									9,428,094	8,770,031	7,892,076
Direct operating expenses									7,857,437	7,340,757	6,641,071
Selling, general and administrative expenses									1,386,928	1,248,346	1,119,335
Depreciation and amortization									239,682	206,772	226,315
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									(2,490)	10,361	(1,056)
Corporate expenses									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									(53,463)	(36,205)	(93,589)
Capital expenditures									186,819	129,129	109,801
Operating Segments [Member] | Ticketing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									1,545,189	1,529,566	1,346,510
Direct operating expenses									514,169	549,265	460,881
Selling, general and administrative expenses									642,052	634,829	681,948
Depreciation and amortization									156,894	143,551	112,727
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									116	7	49
Corporate expenses									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									231,958	201,914	90,905
Capital expenditures									105,246	110,202	105,317
Operating Segments [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									590,274	503,968	445,148
Direct operating expenses									114,326	92,494	78,725
Selling, general and administrative expenses									112,594	97,540	87,268
Depreciation and amortization									33,084	30,779	27,669
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									0	2	0
Corporate expenses									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									330,270	283,153	251,486
Capital expenditures									10,261	7,541	6,701
Operating Segments [Member] | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									3,162	3,724	21,012
Direct operating expenses									0	4,905	18,746
Selling, general and administrative expenses									3,912	16,313	19,172
Depreciation and amortization									364	817	432
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									0	0	0
Corporate expenses									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									(1,114)	(18,311)	(17,338)
Capital expenditures									0	169	149
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Direct operating expenses									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									13,967	4,610	5,057
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									1	(1)	38
Corporate expenses									168,839	153,406	134,972
Operating income (loss)									(182,807)	(158,015)	(140,067)
Capital expenditures									35,252	15,273	25,926
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									(18,750)	(19,489)	(17,524)
Direct operating expenses									(18,750)	(19,489)	(17,525)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	1
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets									0	0	0
Corporate expenses									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Concerts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									6,672	5,193	1,061
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Ticketing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									12,078	14,296	16,643
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SEGMENT DATA Geographical Regio

SEGMENT DATA Geographical Region Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Long-lived assets	1,117,932				946,593				1,117,932	946,593	885,936
Total Foreign Operations [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue									3,915,426	3,661,222	3,408,661
Long-lived assets	263,349				199,299				263,349	199,299	201,724
Total Domestic Operations [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue									7,632,543	7,126,578	6,278,561
Long-lived assets	$ 854,583				$ 747,294				$ 854,583	$ 747,294	$ 684,212
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIO_3

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 2,889,448	$ 3,773,684	$ 3,157,009	$ 1,727,828	$ 2,601,855	$ 3,835,246	$ 2,868,315	$ 1,482,384	$ 11,547,969	$ 10,787,800	$ 9,687,222
Operating income (loss)	(82,920)	260,041	171,586	(23,863)	(90,378)	234,219	134,725	(6,030)	324,844	272,536	91,397
Net income (loss)	(136,639)	193,972	116,120	(55,241)	(135,185)	183,197	83,356	(41,028)	118,212	90,340	7,774
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation	(159,947)	178,925	103,355	(52,444)	(147,887)	172,683	69,359	(33,906)	69,889	60,249	(6,015)
Basic net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation	(185,311)	155,345	89,840	(64,756)	(171,441)	151,894	52,187	(50,291)	$ (4,882)	$ (17,651)	$ (97,646)
Diluted net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (185,311)	$ 155,345	$ 89,926	$ (64,756)	$ (171,441)	$ 152,213	$ 52,187	$ (50,291)
Basic net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (0.88)	$ 0.74	$ 0.43	$ (0.31)	$ (0.82)	$ 0.73	$ 0.25	$ (0.24)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share available to common stockholders of Live Nation	$ (0.88)	$ 0.71	$ 0.41	$ (0.31)	$ (0.82)	$ 0.70	$ 0.24	$ (0.24)

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIO_4

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 19,400			$ 26,751
Impairment			$ 10,500	0	$ 10,500	$ 20,000
Net foreign currency transaction gains / (losses)		$ (8,400)		$ 3,200	$ 3,100	$ (11,600)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (2.0% Convert

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (2.0% Convertible Note Due 2025) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash available for general corporate purposes		$ 527,500	$ 492,500
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash available for general corporate purposes	$ 393,500
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 400,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.00%
Payment of estimated fees	$ 6,500
Conversion ratio	0.0094469
Conversion premium	50.00%
Last reported sale price used to calculate conversion premium | $ / shares	$ 70.57
Maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion | shares	3,800,000
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Redemption, Redeem For Cash [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUA_2

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
Valuation allowances and reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 34,225	$ 32,755	$ 29,634
Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other		24,419	21,378	16,664
Write-off of Accounts Receivable		7,968	19,777	14,846
Other	[1]	(160)	(131)	1,303
Balance at End of Period		50,516	34,225	32,755
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Valuation allowances and reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period		530,642	596,437	681,566
Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other		8,536	(8,845)	18,067
Deletions		0	0	0
Other	[2]	128,064	(56,950)	(103,196)
Balance at End of Period		$ 667,242	$ 530,642	$ 596,437
[1]	Foreign currency adjustments and acquisitions.
[2]	During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the valuation allowance was adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency adjustments.