Viacom (VIAWE) 10-Q 9 Aug 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document entity information

Document entity information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018
Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Viacom Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,339,947
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Common Class A
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,430,905
Common Class B
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		353,433,073

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 3,237	$ 3,364	$ 9,458	$ 9,944
Expenses:
Operating	1,681	1,788	4,925	5,551
Selling, general and administrative	738	756	2,249	2,205
Depreciation and amortization	51	53	159	167
Restructuring and related costs	15	21	200	237
Total expenses	2,485	2,618	7,533	8,160
Operating income	752	746	1,925	1,784
Interest expense, net	(138)	(155)	(428)	(469)
Equity in net earnings of investee companies	2	47	5	78
Gain on sale of EPIX	0	285	0	285
Other items, net	(9)	(2)	(15)	(37)
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	607	921	1,487	1,641
Provision for income taxes	(93)	(233)	(158)	(417)
Net earnings from continuing operations	514	688	1,329	1,224
Discontinued operations, net of tax	11	3	23	3
Net earnings (Viacom and noncontrolling interests)	525	691	1,352	1,227
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3)	(8)	(27)	(27)
Net earnings attributable to Viacom	522	683	1,325	1,200
Amounts attributable to Viacom:
Net earnings from continuing operations	511	680	1,302	1,197
Discontinued operations, net of tax	11	3	23	3
Net earnings attributable to Viacom	$ 522	$ 683	$ 1,325	$ 1,200
Basic earnings per share attributable to Viacom:
Continuing operations	$ 1.27	$ 1.69	$ 3.23	$ 3
Discontinued operations	0.03	0.01	0.06	0.01
Net earnings	1.30	1.70	3.29	3.01
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Viacom:
Continuing operations	1.27	1.69	3.23	2.99
Discontinued operations	0.02	0.01	0.06	0.01
Net earnings	$ 1.29	$ 1.70	$ 3.29	$ 3
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	402.8	402	402.6	399.1
Diluted (shares)	403.3	402.6	402.9	400
Dividends declared per share of Class A and Class B common stock	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.60	$ 0.60

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (Viacom and noncontrolling interests)	$ 525	$ 691	$ 1,352		$ 1,227
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(228)	59	(175)		(16)
Defined benefit pension plans	1	1	4		4
Cash flow hedges	(3)	5	(3)		7
Available-for-sale securities	9	0	22		0
Other comprehensive income/(loss) (Viacom and noncontrolling interests)	(221)	65	(152)	[1]	(5)	[1]
Comprehensive income	304	756	1,200		1,222
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1	9	25		27
Comprehensive income attributable to Viacom	$ 303	$ 747	$ 1,175		$ 1,195
[1]	The components of other comprehensive loss are net of tax expense of $15 million and $7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 929	$ 1,389
Receivables, net	3,149	2,970
Inventory, net	916	919
Prepaid and other assets	579	523
Total current assets	5,573	5,801
Property and equipment, net	875	978
Inventory, net	3,851	3,982
Goodwill	11,610	11,665
Intangibles, net	311	313
Other assets	941	959
Total assets	23,161	23,698
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	305	431
Accrued expenses	764	869
Participants’ share and residuals	774	825
Program obligations	654	712
Deferred revenue	317	463
Current portion of debt	23	19
Other liabilities	460	434
Total current liabilities	3,297	3,753
Noncurrent portion of debt	10,065	11,100
Participants’ share and residuals	414	384
Program obligations	465	477
Deferred tax liabilities, net	350	294
Other liabilities	1,254	1,323
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	245	248
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Viacom stockholders’ equity:
Additional paid-in capital	10,132	10,119
Treasury stock, 393.1 and 393.8 common shares held in treasury, respectively	(20,562)	(20,590)
Retained earnings	18,247	17,124
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(811)	(618)
Total Viacom stockholders’ equity	7,006	6,035
Noncontrolling interests	65	84
Total equity	7,071	6,119
Total liabilities and equity	23,161	23,698
Common Class A
Viacom stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	0	0
Common Class B
Viacom stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (unaudited) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Treasury Stock (shares)	393.1	393.8
Common Class A
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	375	375
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	49.4	49.4
Common Class B
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000	5,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	353.7	353

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (Viacom and noncontrolling interests)	$ 1,352	$ 1,227
Discontinued operations, net of tax	(23)	(3)
Net earnings from continuing operations	1,329	1,224
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization	159	167
Feature film and program amortization	3,402	3,475
Equity-based compensation	45	52
Equity in net earnings and distributions from investee companies	2	(11)
Gain on sale of EPIX	0	(285)
Deferred income taxes	27	(118)
Operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	(211)	(504)
Production and programming	(3,373)	(3,252)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(384)	(139)
Other, net	1	45
Net cash provided by operating activities	997	654
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions and investments, net	(90)	(358)
Capital expenditures	(102)	(139)
Proceeds from asset sales	57	108
Proceeds from sale of EPIX	0	593
Proceeds from grantor trusts	7	52
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(128)	256
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings	0	2,569
Debt repayments	(1,000)	(3,300)
Dividends paid	(241)	(239)
Exercise of stock options	2	172
Other, net	(70)	(64)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,309)	(862)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(20)	(2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(460)	46
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,389	379
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 929	$ 425

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling entertainment content - including television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, games, consumer products, podcasts, live events and social media experiences - for audiences in 183 countries on various platforms and devices. Viacom operates through two reportable segments: Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment . The Media Networks segment provides entertainment content, services and related branded products for consumers in targeted demographics attractive to advertisers, content distributors and retailers through three brand groups: the Global Entertainment Group, the Nickelodeon Group and BET Networks. The Filmed Entertainment segment develops, produces, finances, acquires and distributes motion pictures, television programming and other entertainment content under the Paramount Pictures, Paramount Players, Paramount Animation and Paramount Television divisions, in various markets and media worldwide, for itself and for third parties. It partners on various projects with key Viacom franchises, including Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films. References in this document to “Viacom,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Viacom Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. Unaudited Interim Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited consolidated quarterly financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 (“fiscal 2018 ”) or any future period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017 , as filed with the SEC on November 16, 2017 (the “ 2017 Form 10-K”). Use of Estimates Preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates presented and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include estimates of film ultimate revenues, product returns, potential outcome of uncertain tax positions, fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, fair value of equity-based compensation and pension benefit assumptions. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Equity-Based Compensation On October 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09 - Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for and presentation of share-based payments in the financial statements. The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies arising from share-based payment activity to be (i) recognized within Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period in which the awards vest or are exercised or canceled, and (ii) reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We retrospectively reclassified $1 million of excess tax benefits in the nine months ended June 30, 2017 from financing activities to operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2017-12 - Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. Among other provisions, ASU 2017-12 expands the eligibility of hedging strategies that qualify for hedge accounting, changes the assessment of hedge effectiveness and modifies the presentation and disclosure of hedging activities. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2020 fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”). ASU 2018-02 allows for reclassification of stranded tax effects on items resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. Certain tax effects become stranded in AOCI when deferred tax balances originally recorded at the historical income tax rate are adjusted in income from continuing operations based on the lower newly enacted income tax rate. We early adopted this guidance in the current quarter and reclassified the stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, increasing the accumulated other comprehensive loss by $43 million with a corresponding increase to retained earnings. The reclassification was primarily comprised of amounts relating to pension benefit plan obligations and available-for-sale securities. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 - Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. ASU 2016-16 will require the tax effects of intercompany transactions, other than sales of inventory, to be recognized currently, eliminating an exception under current GAAP in which the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2019 fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company had approximately $165 million of unrecorded net deferred tax assets, primarily related to an intra-entity transfer of assets. Once recorded, the deferred tax assets will be amortized over the next 12 years . Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 - Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2019 fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The new standard will impact our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows by increasing cash flow from operating activities and decreasing cash flow from financing activities in periods when debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs are paid. The amount that will be reclassified for the nine months ended June 30, 2017 is $33 million . Financial Instruments In connection with its financial instruments project, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments in June 2016 and ASU 2016-01 - Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities in January 2016. • ASU 2016-13 introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model and generally will result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2021 fiscal year, with early adoption in fiscal year 2020 permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard. • ASU 2016-01 addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial instruments. Among other provisions, the new guidance requires the fair value measurement of equity investments. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, entities have the option to either measure these investments at fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. All changes in measurement of equity investments will be recognized in net income. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption is not permitted, except for certain provisions relating to financial liabilities. We expect to adopt ASU 2016-01 using the modified retrospective method and record a transition adjustment to reclassify accumulated other comprehensive income related to our available-for-sale securities to retained earnings (as of June 30, 2018 , the balance was $28 million , net of tax). We further expect to adopt prospectively the “measurement alternative” using subsequent available observable price changes for our investments without readily determinable fair values. Gains and losses resulting from the movements in fair value of equity investments will be recorded as a component of Other items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 - Leases. Subsequent ASUs have also been issued that amend and/or clarify the application of ASU 2016-02. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for most leases. For income statement purposes, leases will be classified as either operating or finance, generally resulting in straight-line expense recognition for operating leases (similar to current operating leases) and accelerated expense recognition for financing leases (similar to current capital leases). The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2020 fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The guidance provides an option to either (1) adopt retrospectively and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements or (2) recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment at the beginning of the period of adoption. We are evaluating the adoption methodology and the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a comprehensive revenue recognition model that supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance. Subsequent ASUs have also been issued that amend and/or clarify the application of ASU 2014-09. The guidance provides a five-step framework to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance will be effective for the first interim period of our 2019 fiscal year, and allows adoption either under a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. We continue to assess the potential impact of adopting this guidance and are finalizing our implementation. We began designing appropriate changes to our processes, systems and controls to support the recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. We expect that the new standard will impact the timing of revenue recognition for renewals or extensions of existing licensing agreements for intellectual property, which upon adoption will be recognized as revenue when the renewal term begins rather than when the agreement is extended or renewed under guidance currently in effect. We have not identified any other significant impacts to our consolidated financial statements based on our assessment to date. Our continued evaluation of the expected impact of the new guidance or the issuance of additional interpretations, if any, could result in an impact that is different from our preliminary conclusions. We expect to apply the modified retrospective method of adoption, which will result in a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance of our 2019 fiscal year.

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	INVENTORY Our total inventory consists of the following: Inventory (in millions) June 30, September 30, Film inventory: Released, net of amortization $ 519 $ 534 Completed, not yet released — 85 In process and other 674 686 1,193 1,305 Television productions: Released, net of amortization 48 15 In process and other 197 237 245 252 Original programming: Released, net of amortization 1,205 1,146 In process and other 587 673 1,792 1,819 Acquired program rights, net of amortization 1,460 1,435 Home entertainment inventory 77 90 Total inventory, net 4,767 4,901 Less current portion 916 919 Noncurrent portion $ 3,851 $ 3,982

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT Our total debt consists of the following: Debt (in millions) June 30, September 30, Senior Notes and Debentures: Senior notes due September 2019, 5.625% $ 550 $ 550 Senior notes due December 2019, 2.750% 252 252 Senior notes due March 2021, 4.500% 497 496 Senior notes due December 2021, 3.875% 596 595 Senior notes due February 2022, 2.250% 102 188 Senior notes due June 2022, 3.125% 194 297 Senior notes due March 2023, 3.250% 180 298 Senior notes due September 2023, 4.250% 1,239 1,237 Senior notes due April 2024, 3.875% 488 545 Senior notes due October 2026, 3.450% 474 587 Senior debentures due December 2034, 4.850% 281 585 Senior debentures due April 2036, 6.875% 1,068 1,067 Senior debentures due October 2037, 6.750% 75 75 Senior debentures due February 2042, 4.500% 61 102 Senior debentures due March 2043, 4.375% 1,100 1,096 Senior debentures due June 2043, 4.875% 32 37 Senior debentures due September 2043, 5.850% 1,230 1,229 Senior debentures due April 2044, 5.250% 345 545 Junior Debentures: Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 5.875% 642 642 Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 6.250% 642 642 Capital lease and other obligations 40 54 Total debt 10,088 11,119 Less current portion 23 19 Noncurrent portion $ 10,065 $ 11,100 In the nine months ended June 30, 2018 , we redeemed $1.039 billion of senior notes and debentures for a redemption price of $1.000 billion . As a result, we recognized a net pre-tax extinguishment gain of $25 million , net of $14 million of unamortized debt costs and transaction fees included in Other items, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Our 5.875% junior subordinated debentures accrue interest at a fixed rate of 5.875% until February 28, 2022, on which date the rate will switch to a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.895%, reset quarterly. Our 6.250% junior subordinated debentures accrue interest at a fixed rate of 6.250% until February 28, 2027, on which date the rate will switch to a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.899%, reset quarterly. The junior subordinated debentures can be called by us at any time after the expiration of the fixed-rate period. The total unamortized discount and issuance fees and expenses related to our notes and debentures outstanding was $435 million and $457 million as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. The fair value of our notes and debentures outstanding was approximately $10.2 billion as of June 30, 2018 . The valuation of our publicly traded debt is based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy). Credit Facility As of June 30, 2018 , there were no amounts outstanding under our $2.5 billion revolving credit facility due November 2019. The credit facility is used for general corporate purposes and to support commercial paper outstanding. The credit facility has one principal financial covenant that requires our interest coverage for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters to be at least 3.0x, which we met as of June 30, 2018 .

Pension Benefits

Pension Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension Benefits	PENSION BENEFITS The components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans, which are currently frozen to future benefit accruals, are set forth below. Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 9 $ 8 $ 26 $ 24 Expected return on plan assets (10 ) (10 ) (30 ) (28 ) Recognized actuarial loss 1 2 5 6 Net periodic benefit cost $ — $ — $ 1 $ 2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure	REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST We are subject to a redeemable put option, payable in a foreign currency, with respect to an international subsidiary. The put option expires in December 2022 and is classified as Redeemable noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest is as follows: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (in millions) Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 248 $ 211 Net earnings 13 13 Distributions (14 ) (13 ) Translation adjustment (4 ) (1 ) Redemption value adjustment 2 (1 ) Ending Balance $ 245 $ 209

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments As more fully described in Note 11 of the 2017 Form 10-K, our commitments primarily consist of programming and talent commitments, operating and capital lease arrangements, and purchase obligations for goods and services. These arrangements result from our normal course of business and represent obligations that may be payable over several years. Contingencies We have certain indemnification obligations with respect to leases primarily associated with the previously discontinued operations of Famous Players Inc. (“Famous Players”). In addition, we have certain indemnities provided by the acquirer of Famous Players. These lease commitments amounted to approximately $151 million , and are recorded as a liability as of June 30, 2018 . The amount of lease commitments varies over time depending on expiration or termination of individual underlying leases, or of the related indemnification obligation, and foreign exchange rates, among other things. We may also have exposure for certain other expenses related to the leases, such as property taxes and common area maintenance. We believe our accrual is sufficient to meet any future obligations based on our consideration of available financial information, the lessees’ historical performance in meeting their lease obligations and the underlying economic factors impacting the lessees’ business models. Legal Matters Litigation is inherently uncertain and always difficult to predict. However, based on our understanding and evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, we believe that the legal matter described below and other litigation to which we are a party are not likely, in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or operating cash flows. Purported Derivative Action In July 2016, a purported derivative action was commenced in the Delaware Chancery Court by a purported Viacom stockholder against Viacom and its directors. The complaint alleged that Viacom’s directors breached their fiduciary duties to Viacom in connection with compensation paid to Mr. Redstone and that these breaches permitted a waste of corporate assets and the unjust enrichment of Mr. Redstone. In October 2017, the Court granted Viacom’s motion to dismiss the action. In May 2018, following an appeal by the plaintiff, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY The components of stockholders’ equity are as follows: Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Stockholders’ Equity (in millions) Total Viacom Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Total Viacom Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Beginning Balance $ 6,035 $ 84 $ 6,119 $ 4,277 $ 53 $ 4,330 Net earnings 1,325 27 1,352 1,200 27 1,227 Other comprehensive loss (1) (150 ) (2 ) (152 ) (5 ) — (5 ) Noncontrolling interests (2 ) (44 ) (46 ) 1 (27 ) (26 ) Dividends declared (243 ) — (243 ) (240 ) — (240 ) Equity-based compensation and other 41 — 41 176 — 176 Ending Balance $ 7,006 $ 65 $ 7,071 $ 5,409 $ 53 $ 5,462 (1) The components of other comprehensive loss are net of tax expense of $15 million and $7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED COSTS In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we launched a program of cost transformation initiatives to improve our margins, including an organizational realignment of support functions across Media Networks , new sourcing and procurement policies, real estate consolidation and technology enhancements. We recognized pre-tax restructuring-related costs of $15 million in the quarter, comprised of third-party professional services. In the nine months ended June 30, 2018 , we recorded $200 million of restructuring and related costs. The charges, as detailed in the table below, included severance charges, exit costs principally resulting from vacating certain leased properties and related costs comprised of third-party professional services. Restructuring and Related Costs (in millions) Nine Months Ended Media Networks Filmed Entertainment Corporate Total Severance (1) $ 123 $ — $ — $ 123 Exit costs 40 — — 40 Other related costs — — 37 37 Total $ 163 $ — $ 37 $ 200 (1) Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million . Our restructuring liability by reportable segment is as follows: Restructuring Liability (in millions) Media Networks Filmed Entertainment Corporate Total September 30, 2017 $ 119 $ 45 $ 44 $ 208 Accruals 157 — — 157 Severance payments (74 ) (21 ) (19 ) (114 ) Lease payments (10 ) — — (10 ) June 30, 2018 $ 192 $ 24 $ 25 $ 241 As of June 30, 2018 , of the remaining $241 million liability, $168 million is classified as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the remaining $73 million classified as a noncurrent liability. We expect to complete our restructuring actions in fiscal 2019. Amounts classified as noncurrent are expected to be substantially paid through 2021, in accordance with applicable contractual terms.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing Net earnings attributable to Viacom by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The determination of diluted earnings per common share includes the weighted average number of common shares plus the dilutive effect of equity awards based upon the application of the treasury stock method. Anti-dilutive common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. The following table sets forth the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in determining basic and diluted earnings per common share and anti-dilutive common shares: Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Common Shares (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic 402.8 402.0 402.6 399.1 Dilutive effect of equity awards 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.9 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted 403.3 402.6 402.9 400.0 Anti-dilutive common shares 18.9 16.8 19.2 14.7

Supplemental Cash Flow and Othe

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER INFORMATION Our supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Supplemental Cash Flow Information (in millions) Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Cash paid for interest $ 403 $ 455 Cash paid for income taxes $ 95 $ 480 Cash paid for income taxes in the nine months ended June 30, 2018 reflects the benefits from a lower corporate United States (“U.S.”) income tax rate as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 and the retroactive reenactment of legislation allowing for accelerated tax deductions on certain qualified film and television productions. Accounts Receivable We had $493 million and $486 million of noncurrent trade receivables as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. Accounts receivables are principally related to long-term television license arrangements at Filmed Entertainment and subscription video-on-demand and other over-the-top arrangements at Media Networks . These amounts are included within Other assets - noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such amounts are due in accordance with the underlying terms of the respective agreements with companies that are investment grade or with which we have historically done business under similar terms. We have determined that credit loss allowances are generally not considered necessary for these amounts. Acquisitions During the nine months ended June 30, 2018 , the Company acquired WhoSay, a leading influence marketing firm, and VidCon, a host of conferences dedicated to online video, for total consideration of $70 million , net of cash acquired. Investments During the nine months ended June 30, 2018 , we recognized an impairment loss of $46 million to write off certain cost method investments. We also completed the sale of a 1% equity interest in Viacom18 to our joint venture partner for $20 million , resulting in a gain of $16 million . The impairment charge and gain on asset sale are included in Other items, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017 , we recognized an impairment loss of $10 million to write off a cost method investment. The impairment charge is included in Other items, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We also completed the sale of our 49.76% interest in EPIX, a premium entertainment network, to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The sale resulted in proceeds of $593 million , net of transaction costs of $4 million , and a gain of $285 million . In addition, prior to the closing of the sale, EPIX paid a dividend, of which our pro rata share was $37 million . Variable Interest Entities In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments with business partners that support our underlying business strategy and provide us the ability to enter new markets to expand the reach of our brands, develop new programming and/or distribute our existing content. In certain instances, an entity in which we make an investment may qualify as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include amounts related to consolidated VIEs totaling $154 million in assets and $6 million in liabilities as of June 30, 2018 , and $159 million in assets and $8 million in liabilities as of September 30, 2017 . The consolidated VIEs’ revenues, expenses and operating income were not significant for all periods presented.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The currently relevant provisions of the Act provide for a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and a “transition tax” to be levied on the deemed repatriation of indefinitely reinvested earnings of international subsidiaries. As a result of these factors, as well as our fiscal year-end, the federal statutory tax rate will decrease from 35% to a prorated rate of 24.5% for fiscal 2018. While the Act includes many provisions, those applicable to Viacom will be phased in and will not be fully effective until fiscal 2019. As a result of the Act, provisional amounts have been recorded in accordance with SEC guidance provided in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the transition tax. For the nine months, we recognized a net discrete tax benefit of $223 million that reflects the impact of the Act on our deferred tax balances. In addition, a provisional expense of $4 million in the quarter and $69 million in the nine months has been recorded on a net basis for the one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of indefinitely reinvested earnings of our international subsidiaries. These amounts are provisional because certain aspects were based on estimates and assumptions where guidance has yet to be provided. As guidance is received from federal and state authorities, the outcome of these provisional amounts could further change. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed international cash not subject to the transition tax or any additional outside basis differences as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. These amounts could be subject to approximately $100 million to $150 million of U.S. tax to the extent they are repatriated in the future. Our effective income tax rate was 15.3% and 10.6% in the quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively. A net discrete tax benefit of $47 million in the quarter and $196 million in the nine months, taken together with the discrete tax impact of the restructuring and related costs, investment impairments, and gain on debt extinguishment, reduced the effective income tax rate by 7.9 and 13.4 percentage points in the quarter and nine months, respectively. The net discrete tax benefit in the quarter was principally related to a tax accounting method change granted by the Internal Revenue Service and the release of tax reserves with respect to certain effectively settled tax positions. In addition to the items in the quarter, the net discrete tax benefit in the nine months was principally related to tax reform, as well as the measurement of the deferred tax balances from the retroactive reenactment of legislation allowing for accelerated tax deductions on certain qualified film and television productions. Our effective income tax rate was 25.3% and 25.4% in the quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. A net discrete tax benefit of $53 million in the quarter and $72 million in the nine months, taken together with the discrete tax impact of the gain on sale of our investment in EPIX, restructuring and programming charges, the gain or loss on debt extinguishment and an investment impairment, reduced the effective income tax rate by 5.2 and 5.1 percentage points, respectively. The net discrete tax benefit in the quarter was principally related to the reversal of a valuation allowance on capital loss carryforwards in connection with the sale of our investment in EPIX and the release of tax reserves with respect to certain effectively settled tax positions. In addition to the items in the quarter, the net discrete tax benefit in the nine months included the reversal of valuation allowances on net operating losses upon receipt of a favorable tax authority ruling.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS During the first fiscal quarter of 2018, an investment previously accounted for using the cost method was listed on a public exchange. As a result, we reclassified our investment as available-for-sale. The fair value of our available-for-sale securities was $46 million as of June 30, 2018 , which is included within Other assets, noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as determined utilizing a market approach based on quoted market prices in active markets at period end (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy). The fair value of our foreign exchange contracts was a liability of $4 million as of June 30, 2018 and an asset of $7 million as of September 30, 2017 , as determined utilizing a market-based approach (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy). The notional value of all foreign exchange contracts was $665 million and $869 million as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. As of June 30, 2018 , $275 million related to our foreign currency balances and $390 million related to future production costs. As of September 30, 2017 , $287 million related to our foreign currency balances and $582 million related to future production costs.

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS The following tables set forth our financial performance by reportable segment. Our reportable segments have been determined in accordance with our internal management structure. We manage our operations through two reportable segments: (i) Media Networks and (ii) Filmed Entertainment . Typical intersegment transactions include the purchase of advertising by the Filmed Entertainment segment on Media Networks’ properties and the licensing of Filmed Entertainment’s feature film and television content by Media Networks . The elimination of such intercompany transactions in the Consolidated Financial Statements is included within eliminations in the tables below. Our measure of segment performance is adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income, before equity-based compensation and certain other items identified as affecting comparability, when applicable. Revenues by Segment (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Media Networks $ 2,502 $ 2,560 $ 7,491 $ 7,543 Filmed Entertainment 772 847 2,057 2,500 Eliminations (37 ) (43 ) (90 ) (99 ) Total revenues $ 3,237 $ 3,364 $ 9,458 $ 9,944 Adjusted Operating Income/(Loss) (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Media Networks $ 799 $ 870 $ 2,418 $ 2,604 Filmed Entertainment 44 9 (77 ) (237 ) Corporate expenses (60 ) (58 ) (175 ) (163 ) Eliminations (6 ) (8 ) (2 ) (1 ) Equity-based compensation (10 ) (8 ) (39 ) (38 ) Programming charges (1) — (38 ) — (144 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (15 ) (21 ) (200 ) (237 ) Operating income 752 746 1,925 1,784 Interest expense, net (138 ) (155 ) (428 ) (469 ) Equity in net earnings of investee companies 2 47 5 78 Gain on sale of EPIX — 285 — 285 Other items, net (9 ) (2 ) (15 ) (37 ) Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes $ 607 $ 921 $ 1,487 $ 1,641 (1) Included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. (2) Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2018 . Includes expense reduction of $6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 due to modification of an equity award and equity-based compensation expense of $14 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2017 . Total Assets (in millions) June 30, September 30, Media Networks $ 17,456 $ 17,984 Filmed Entertainment 5,396 6,188 Corporate/Eliminations 309 (474 ) Total assets $ 23,161 $ 23,698 Revenues by Component (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Advertising $ 1,191 $ 1,235 $ 3,604 $ 3,638 Affiliate 1,153 1,190 3,403 3,490 Feature film 731 781 1,917 2,244 Ancillary 199 201 624 671 Eliminations (37 ) (43 ) (90 ) (99 ) Total revenues $ 3,237 $ 3,364 $ 9,458 $ 9,944

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS National Amusements, Inc. (“National Amusements”), directly and indirectly, is the controlling stockholder of both Viacom and CBS Corporation (“CBS”). National Amusements owns shares in Viacom representing approximately 79.8% of the voting interest in Viacom and approximately 10% of Viacom’s combined common stock. National Amusements is controlled by Sumner M. Redstone, our Chairman Emeritus, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Amusements, through the Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust (the “SMR Trust”), which owns shares in National Amusements representing 80% of the voting interest of National Amusements. The shares representing the other 20% of the voting interest of National Amusements are held through a trust controlled by Shari E. Redstone, who is Mr. Redstone’s daughter and the non-executive Vice Chair of Viacom’s Board of Directors and the President and a member of the Board of Directors of National Amusements. The shares of National Amusements held by the SMR Trust are voted solely by Mr. Redstone until such time as his incapacity or death. Upon Mr. Redstone’s incapacity or death, (1) Ms. Redstone will also become a trustee of the SMR Trust and (2) the shares of National Amusements held by the SMR Trust will be voted by the trustees of the SMR Trust. The current trustees include Mr. Redstone and David R. Andelman, a member of the boards of directors of National Amusements and CBS. The current Board of Directors of National Amusements includes Mr. Redstone, Ms. Redstone and Mr. Andelman. In addition, Mr. Redstone serves as Chairman Emeritus of CBS and Ms. Redstone serves as non-executive Vice Chair of CBS. Transactions between Viacom and related parties are overseen by our Governance and Nominating Committee. Viacom and National Amusements Related Party Transactions National Amusements licenses films in the ordinary course of business for its motion picture theaters from all major studios, including Paramount. During the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , Paramount earned revenues from National Amusements in connection with these licenses in the aggregate amount of approximately $5 million in both periods. Viacom and CBS Corporation Related Party Transactions In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in transactions with CBS and its various businesses that result in the recognition of revenues and expenses by us. Transactions with CBS are settled in cash. Our Filmed Entertainment segment earns revenues and recognizes expenses associated with its distribution of certain television products into the home entertainment market on behalf of CBS. Pursuant to its agreement with CBS, Paramount distributes CBS’s library of television and other content on DVD and Blu-ray disc on a worldwide basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Paramount is entitled to retain a fee based on a percentage of gross receipts and is generally responsible for all out-of-pocket costs, which are recoupable prior to any participation amounts paid. Paramount also earns revenues from CBS through leasing of studio space and licensing of certain film products. Our Media Networks segment recognizes advertising revenues and purchases television programming from CBS. The cost of the programming purchases is initially recorded as acquired program rights inventory and amortized over the estimated period that revenues will be generated. Both of our segments recognize advertising expenses related to the placement of advertisements with CBS. The following table summarizes the transactions with CBS as included in our Consolidated Financial Statements: CBS Related Party Transactions (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings Revenues $ 21 $ 25 $ 90 $ 99 Operating expenses $ 25 $ 39 $ 110 $ 129 June 30, September 30, Consolidated Balance Sheets Accounts receivable $ 7 $ 5 Participants’ share and residuals, current $ 69 $ 69 Program obligations, current 37 54 Program obligations, noncurrent 38 49 Other liabilities 1 1 Total due to CBS $ 145 $ 173 Other Related Party Transactions In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in related party transactions with equity investees. These related party transactions primarily relate to the provision of advertising services, licensing of film and programming content, distribution of films and provision of certain administrative support services, for which the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements is as follows: Other Related Party Transactions (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings Revenues $ 7 $ 15 $ 38 $ 110 Operating expenses $ 3 $ 2 $ 8 $ 59 Selling, general and administrative $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (7 ) June 30, September 30, Consolidated Balance Sheets Accounts receivable $ 41 $ 49 Other assets 3 5 Total due from other related parties $ 44 $ 54 Accounts payable $ 6 $ 8 Other liabilities 5 — Total due to other related parties $ 11 $ 8 All other related party transactions are not material in the periods presented.

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Balances	Our total inventory consists of the following: Inventory (in millions) June 30, September 30, Film inventory: Released, net of amortization $ 519 $ 534 Completed, not yet released — 85 In process and other 674 686 1,193 1,305 Television productions: Released, net of amortization 48 15 In process and other 197 237 245 252 Original programming: Released, net of amortization 1,205 1,146 In process and other 587 673 1,792 1,819 Acquired program rights, net of amortization 1,460 1,435 Home entertainment inventory 77 90 Total inventory, net 4,767 4,901 Less current portion 916 919 Noncurrent portion $ 3,851 $ 3,982

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Our total debt consists of the following: Debt (in millions) June 30, September 30, Senior Notes and Debentures: Senior notes due September 2019, 5.625% $ 550 $ 550 Senior notes due December 2019, 2.750% 252 252 Senior notes due March 2021, 4.500% 497 496 Senior notes due December 2021, 3.875% 596 595 Senior notes due February 2022, 2.250% 102 188 Senior notes due June 2022, 3.125% 194 297 Senior notes due March 2023, 3.250% 180 298 Senior notes due September 2023, 4.250% 1,239 1,237 Senior notes due April 2024, 3.875% 488 545 Senior notes due October 2026, 3.450% 474 587 Senior debentures due December 2034, 4.850% 281 585 Senior debentures due April 2036, 6.875% 1,068 1,067 Senior debentures due October 2037, 6.750% 75 75 Senior debentures due February 2042, 4.500% 61 102 Senior debentures due March 2043, 4.375% 1,100 1,096 Senior debentures due June 2043, 4.875% 32 37 Senior debentures due September 2043, 5.850% 1,230 1,229 Senior debentures due April 2044, 5.250% 345 545 Junior Debentures: Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 5.875% 642 642 Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 6.250% 642 642 Capital lease and other obligations 40 54 Total debt 10,088 11,119 Less current portion 23 19 Noncurrent portion $ 10,065 $ 11,100

Pension Benefits (Tables)

Pension Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Table)	The components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans, which are currently frozen to future benefit accruals, are set forth below. Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 9 $ 8 $ 26 $ 24 Expected return on plan assets (10 ) (10 ) (30 ) (28 ) Recognized actuarial loss 1 2 5 6 Net periodic benefit cost $ — $ — $ 1 $ 2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int24

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest is as follows: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (in millions) Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 248 $ 211 Net earnings 13 13 Distributions (14 ) (13 ) Translation adjustment (4 ) (1 ) Redemption value adjustment 2 (1 ) Ending Balance $ 245 $ 209

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder Equity Components	The components of stockholders’ equity are as follows: Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Stockholders’ Equity (in millions) Total Viacom Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Total Viacom Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Beginning Balance $ 6,035 $ 84 $ 6,119 $ 4,277 $ 53 $ 4,330 Net earnings 1,325 27 1,352 1,200 27 1,227 Other comprehensive loss (1) (150 ) (2 ) (152 ) (5 ) — (5 ) Noncontrolling interests (2 ) (44 ) (46 ) 1 (27 ) (26 ) Dividends declared (243 ) — (243 ) (240 ) — (240 ) Equity-based compensation and other 41 — 41 176 — 176 Ending Balance $ 7,006 $ 65 $ 7,071 $ 5,409 $ 53 $ 5,462 (1) The components of other comprehensive loss are net of tax expense of $15 million and $7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Restructuring Reserve by Type o

Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	Restructuring and Related Costs (in millions) Nine Months Ended Media Networks Filmed Entertainment Corporate Total Severance (1) $ 123 $ — $ — $ 123 Exit costs 40 — — 40 Other related costs — — 37 37 Total $ 163 $ — $ 37 $ 200 (1) Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million .

Restructuring Rollforward (Tabl

Restructuring Rollforward (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	Our restructuring liability by reportable segment is as follows: Restructuring Liability (in millions) Media Networks Filmed Entertainment Corporate Total September 30, 2017 $ 119 $ 45 $ 44 $ 208 Accruals 157 — — 157 Severance payments (74 ) (21 ) (19 ) (114 ) Lease payments (10 ) — — (10 ) June 30, 2018 $ 192 $ 24 $ 25 $ 241

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Common Shares	The following table sets forth the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in determining basic and diluted earnings per common share and anti-dilutive common shares: Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Common Shares (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic 402.8 402.0 402.6 399.1 Dilutive effect of equity awards 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.9 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted 403.3 402.6 402.9 400.0 Anti-dilutive common shares 18.9 16.8 19.2 14.7

Supplemental Cash Flow and Ot29

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Our supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Supplemental Cash Flow Information (in millions) Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Cash paid for interest $ 403 $ 455 Cash paid for income taxes $ 95 $ 480

Reportable Segments (Tables)

Reportable Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenues by Segment	Revenues by Segment (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Media Networks $ 2,502 $ 2,560 $ 7,491 $ 7,543 Filmed Entertainment 772 847 2,057 2,500 Eliminations (37 ) (43 ) (90 ) (99 ) Total revenues $ 3,237 $ 3,364 $ 9,458 $ 9,944
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)	Adjusted Operating Income/(Loss) (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Media Networks $ 799 $ 870 $ 2,418 $ 2,604 Filmed Entertainment 44 9 (77 ) (237 ) Corporate expenses (60 ) (58 ) (175 ) (163 ) Eliminations (6 ) (8 ) (2 ) (1 ) Equity-based compensation (10 ) (8 ) (39 ) (38 ) Programming charges (1) — (38 ) — (144 ) Restructuring and related costs (2) (15 ) (21 ) (200 ) (237 ) Operating income 752 746 1,925 1,784 Interest expense, net (138 ) (155 ) (428 ) (469 ) Equity in net earnings of investee companies 2 47 5 78 Gain on sale of EPIX — 285 — 285 Other items, net (9 ) (2 ) (15 ) (37 ) Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes $ 607 $ 921 $ 1,487 $ 1,641 (1) Included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. (2) Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2018 . Includes expense reduction of $6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 due to modification of an equity award and equity-based compensation expense of $14 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2017 .
Total Assets	Total Assets (in millions) June 30, September 30, Media Networks $ 17,456 $ 17,984 Filmed Entertainment 5,396 6,188 Corporate/Eliminations 309 (474 ) Total assets $ 23,161 $ 23,698
Revenues by Component	Revenues by Component (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Advertising $ 1,191 $ 1,235 $ 3,604 $ 3,638 Affiliate 1,153 1,190 3,403 3,490 Feature film 731 781 1,917 2,244 Ancillary 199 201 624 671 Eliminations (37 ) (43 ) (90 ) (99 ) Total revenues $ 3,237 $ 3,364 $ 9,458 $ 9,944

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Persons Transactions (Tables)	The following table summarizes the transactions with CBS as included in our Consolidated Financial Statements: CBS Related Party Transactions (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings Revenues $ 21 $ 25 $ 90 $ 99 Operating expenses $ 25 $ 39 $ 110 $ 129 June 30, September 30, Consolidated Balance Sheets Accounts receivable $ 7 $ 5 Participants’ share and residuals, current $ 69 $ 69 Program obligations, current 37 54 Program obligations, noncurrent 38 49 Other liabilities 1 1 Total due to CBS $ 145 $ 173
Related Parties Transactions (Tables)	In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in related party transactions with equity investees. These related party transactions primarily relate to the provision of advertising services, licensing of film and programming content, distribution of films and provision of certain administrative support services, for which the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements is as follows: Other Related Party Transactions (in millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings Revenues $ 7 $ 15 $ 38 $ 110 Operating expenses $ 3 $ 2 $ 8 $ 59 Selling, general and administrative $ — $ (1 ) $ — $ (7 ) June 30, September 30, Consolidated Balance Sheets Accounts receivable $ 41 $ 49 Other assets 3 5 Total due from other related parties $ 44 $ 54 Accounts payable $ 6 $ 8 Other liabilities 5 — Total due to other related parties $ 11 $ 8

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Segment	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates	183	183
Number of Reportable Segments | Segment		2
Number of Brand Groups	3	3
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities			$ 1
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	$ 43
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Deferred Tax Asset, Intra-entity Transfer, Asset Other than Inventory	$ 165	$ 165
Amortization Period of Deferred Tax Assets	12 years
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member]
Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost			$ 33
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	$ 28	$ 28

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Film inventory:
Released, net of amortization	$ 519	$ 534
Completed, not yet released	0	85
In process and other	674	686
Television productions:
Released, net of amortization	48	15
In process and other	197	237
Original programming:
Released, net of amortization	1,205	1,146
In process and other	587	673
Acquired program rights, net of amortization	1,460	1,435
Home entertainment inventory	77	90
Total inventory, net	4,767	4,901
Less current portion	916	919
Noncurrent portion	3,851	3,982
Film Inventory
Inventory Net [Line Items]
Total Inventory Net Of Amortization	1,193	1,305
Television Productions
Inventory Net [Line Items]
Total Inventory Net Of Amortization	245	252
Original Programming
Inventory Net [Line Items]
Total Inventory Net Of Amortization	$ 1,792	$ 1,819

Debt Schedule (Details)

Debt Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease and other obligations	$ 40	$ 54
Total debt	10,088	11,119
Less current portion	23	19
Noncurrent portion	$ 10,065	11,100
Senior notes due September 2019, 5.625%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.625%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 550	550
Senior notes due December 2019, 2.750%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	2.75%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 252	252
Senior notes due March 2021, 4.500%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.50%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 497	496
Senior notes due December 2021, 3.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.875%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 596	595
Senior notes due February 2022, 2.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	2.25%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 102	188
Senior notes due June 2022, 3.125%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.125%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 194	297
Senior notes due March 2023, 3.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.25%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 180	298
Senior notes due September 2023, 4.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.25%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 1,239	1,237
Senior notes due April 2024, 3.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.875%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 488	545
Senior notes due October 2026, 3.450%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	3.45%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 474	587
Senior debentures due December 2034, 4.850%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.85%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 281	585
Senior debentures due April 2036, 6.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	6.875%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 1,068	1,067
Senior debentures due October 2037, 6.750%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	6.75%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 75	75
Senior debentures due February 2042, 4.500%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.50%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 61	102
Senior debentures due March 2043, 4.375%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.375%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 1,100	1,096
Senior debentures due June 2043, 4.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	4.875%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 32	37
Senior debentures due September 2043, 5.850%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.85%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 1,230	1,229
Senior debentures due April 2044, 5.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.25%
Senior Notes and Debentures	$ 345	545
Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 5.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	5.875%
Junior Subordinated Debentures	$ 642	642
Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 6.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon Rate	6.25%
Junior Subordinated Debentures	$ 642	$ 642

Debt Narrative (Details)

Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 1,039
Repayments of Debt	1,000
Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of debt	25
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	$ 14
Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 5.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	Our 5.875% junior subordinated debentures accrue interest at a fixed rate of 5.875% until February 28, 2022, on which date the rate will switch to a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.895%, reset quarterly.
Junior subordinated debentures due February 2057, 6.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	Our 6.250% junior subordinated debentures accrue interest at a fixed rate of 6.250% until February 28, 2027, on which date the rate will switch to a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.899%, reset quarterly.
Senior Notes and Senior and Junior Debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized net discount related to notes and debentures	$ 435	$ 457
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Senior Notes and Senior and Junior Debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of notes and debentures	$ 10,200

Credit Facility Narrative (Deta

Credit Facility Narrative (Details) - Revolving Credit Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 2,500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	The credit facility has one principal financial covenant that requires our interest coverage for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters to be at least 3.0x, which we met as of June 30, 2018

Pension Benefits (Details)

Pension Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Abstract
Interest cost	$ 9	$ 8	$ 26	$ 24
Expected return on plan assets	(10)	(10)	(30)	(28)
Recognized actuarial loss	1	2	5	6
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	$ 2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int38

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 248	$ 211
Net earnings	13	13
Distributions	(14)	(13)
Translation adjustment	(4)	(1)
Redemption value adjustment	2	(1)
Ending Balance	$ 245	$ 209

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Recorded liability for lease indemnifications	$ 151

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2017
Schedule of Capitalization Equity [Line Items]
OCI Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 15		$ 7
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				6,119		4,330
Net earnings				1,352		1,227
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		$ (221)	$ 65	(152)	[1]	(5)	[1]
Noncontrolling interests				(46)		(26)
Dividends declared				(243)		(240)
Equity-based compensation and other				41		176
Ending Balance		7,071	5,462	7,071		5,462
Total Viacom Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				6,035		4,277
Net earnings				1,325		1,200
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	[1]			(150)		(5)
Noncontrolling interests				(2)		1
Dividends declared				(243)		(240)
Equity-based compensation and other				41		176
Ending Balance		7,006	5,409	7,006		5,409
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				84		53
Net earnings				27		27
Other comprehensive income/(loss)				(2)		0
Noncontrolling interests				(44)		(27)
Dividends declared				0		0
Equity-based compensation and other				0		0
Ending Balance		$ 65	$ 53	$ 65		$ 53
[1]	The components of other comprehensive loss are net of tax expense of $15 million and $7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Restructuring Reserve by Type (

Restructuring Reserve by Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs	[1]	$ 15	$ 21	$ 200	$ 237
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring	[2]			123
Exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				40
Other related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				37
Allocated Share-Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring			$ (6)	6	$ 14
Media Networks
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs				163
Media Networks | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring	[2]			123
Media Networks | Exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				40
Media Networks | Other related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Filmed Entertainment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs				0
Filmed Entertainment | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Filmed Entertainment | Exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Filmed Entertainment | Other related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs				37
Corporate | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Corporate | Exit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				0
Corporate | Other related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring				$ 37
[1]	Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2018. Includes expense reduction of $6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 due to modification of an equity award and equity-based compensation expense of $14 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2017.
[2]	Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million.

Restructuring Reserve Rollforwa

Restructuring Reserve Rollforward (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 208
Accruals	157
Severance payments	(114)
Lease payments	(10)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	241
Media Networks
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	119
Accruals	157
Severance payments	(74)
Lease payments	(10)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	192
Filmed Entertainment
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	45
Accruals	0
Severance payments	(21)
Lease payments	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	24
Corporate
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	44
Accruals	0
Severance payments	(19)
Lease payments	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 25

Restructuring Narrative (Detail

Restructuring Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs	[1]	$ 15	$ 21	$ 200	$ 237
Restructuring Reserve		241		241		$ 208
Restructuring Reserve, Current		168		168
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent		$ 73		$ 73
[1]	Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2018. Includes expense reduction of $6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 due to modification of an equity award and equity-based compensation expense of $14 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2017.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Common Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Common Shares [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic	402.8	402	402.6	399.1
Dilutive effect of equity awards	0.5	0.6	0.3	0.9
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	403.3	402.6	402.9	400
Anti-dilutive common shares	18.9	16.8	19.2	14.7

Supplemental Cash Flow and Ot45

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest	$ 403	$ 455
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 95	$ 480

Supplemental Cash Flow and Ot46

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$ 493		$ 493		$ 486
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation			70
Investments [Abstract]
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment		$ 10	46	$ 10
Proceeds from sale of EPIX		593	0	593
Gain on sale of EPIX	0	$ 285	0	$ 285
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	154		154		159
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	$ 6		$ 6		$ 8
Viacom18 [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Percentage Sold			1.00%
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments			$ 20
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal			$ 16
EPIX [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Percentage Sold		49.76%		49.76%
Transaction Costs Disposal Of Equity Method Investment		$ 4		$ 4
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution		$ 37		$ 37

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%			24.50%		35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount					$ 223
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount			$ 4		$ 69
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent			15.30%	25.30%	10.60%	25.40%
Net Discrete Tax Benefit			$ 47	$ 53	$ 196	$ 72
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent			(7.90%)	(5.20%)	(13.40%)	(5.10%)
Minimum | Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	$ 100
Maximum | Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	$ 150

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional value of all foreign currency contracts	$ 665	$ 869
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	46
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	(4)	7
Net Investments In Foreign Operations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional value of all foreign currency contracts	275	287
Future Production Costs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional value of all foreign currency contracts	$ 390	$ 582

Reportable Segments - Narrative

Reportable Segments - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	2

Reportable Segments - Revenues

Reportable Segments - Revenues by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Eliminations	$ (37)	$ (43)	$ (90)	$ (99)
Total revenues	3,237	3,364	9,458	9,944
Media Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,502	2,560	7,491	7,543
Filmed Entertainment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 772	$ 847	$ 2,057	$ 2,500

Reportable Segments - Adjusted

Reportable Segments - Adjusted Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs	[1]	$ (15)	$ (21)	$ (200)	$ (237)
Operating income		752	746	1,925	1,784
Interest expense, net		(138)	(155)	(428)	(469)
Equity in net earnings of investee companies		2	47	5	78
Gain on sale of EPIX		0	285	0	285
Other items, net		(9)	(2)	(15)	(37)
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		607	921	1,487	1,641
Media Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted operating income (loss) by Segment		799	870	2,418	2,604
Restructuring and Related Costs				(163)
Filmed Entertainment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted operating income (loss) by Segment		44	9	(77)	(237)
Restructuring and Related Costs				0
Corporate expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate expenses		(60)	(58)	(175)	(163)
Restructuring and Related Costs				(37)
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Eliminations		(6)	(8)	(2)	(1)
Operating Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges	[2]	0	(38)	0	(144)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation		$ (10)	(8)	(39)	(38)
Allocated Share-Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring			$ (6)	$ 6	$ 14
[1]	Includes equity-based compensation expense of $6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2018. Includes expense reduction of $6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 due to modification of an equity award and equity-based compensation expense of $14 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2017.
[2]	Included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Reportable Segments - Total Ass

Reportable Segments - Total Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 23,161	$ 23,698
Media Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	17,456	17,984
Filmed Entertainment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	5,396	6,188
Corporate/Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 309	$ (474)

Reportable Segments - Revenue53

Reportable Segments - Revenues by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 3,237	$ 3,364	$ 9,458	$ 9,944
Advertising
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,191	1,235	3,604	3,638
Affiliate
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,153	1,190	3,403	3,490
Feature film
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	731	781	1,917	2,244
Ancillary
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	199	201	624	671
Revenue Reconciling Items
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (37)	$ (43)	$ (90)	$ (99)

Related Party Transactions Narr

Related Party Transactions Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Ownership Percent Of Class A Stock By Controlling Stockholder	79.80%
Ownership Percent Of Class A And Class B Stock By Controlling Stockholder	10.00%
Percentage Of Voting Interest Controlled By The Chairman Of The Controlling Stockholder Entity	80.00%
Percentage Of Voting Interest Controlled By Non-Chairman Member Of The Controlling Stockholder Entity	20.00%
NAI license revenues earned	$ 5	$ 5

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
CBS
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Revenues	$ 21	$ 25	$ 90	$ 99
Operating expenses	25	39	110	129
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	7		7		$ 5
Participants’ share and residuals, current	69		69		69
Program obligations, current	37		37		54
Program obligations, noncurrent	38		38		49
Other liabilities	1		1		1
Total due to CBS and other related parties	145		145		173
Other Related Parties
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Revenues	7	15	38	110
Operating expenses	3	2	8	59
Selling, general and administrative	0	$ (1)	0	$ (7)
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	41		41		49
Other assets	3		3		5
Total due from CBS and other related parties	44		44		54
Accounts payable	6		6		8
Other liabilities	5		5		0
Total due to CBS and other related parties	$ 11		$ 11		$ 8