Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) 10-Q 3 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 26, 2015
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	Discovery Communications, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,437,107
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Series A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		149,505,563
Series B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,537,977
Series C Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		274,439,399

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262	$ 367
Receivables, net	1,556	1,433
Content rights, net	341	329
Deferred income taxes	80	87
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	153	17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	327	258
Total current assets	2,719	2,491
Noncurrent content rights, net	2,067	1,973
Property and equipment, net	500	554
Goodwill	8,180	8,236
Intangible assets, net	1,772	1,971
Equity method investments	562	644
Other noncurrent assets	119	101
Total assets	15,919	15,970
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	249	225
Accrued liabilities	1,506	1,094
Deferred revenues	237	178
Current portion of debt	116	1,107
Total current liabilities	2,108	2,604
Noncurrent portion of debt	6,941	6,002
Deferred income taxes	589	588
Other noncurrent liabilities	395	425
Total liabilities	$ 10,033	$ 9,619
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 240	$ 747
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	6,935	6,917
Treasury stock, at cost	(5,086)	(4,763)
Retained earnings	4,297	3,809
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(508)	(368)
Total Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity	5,645	5,602
Noncontrolling interests	1	2
Total equity	5,646	5,604
Total liabilities and equity	15,919	15,970
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock	1	1
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	0
Series A Common Stock [Member]
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1	1
Treasury stock, at cost	(171)
Series B Common Stock [Member]
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Convertible common stock	0	0
Series C Common Stock [Member]
Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock	4	$ 4
Treasury stock, at cost	$ (4,900)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Stock, shares issued	71,000,000	71,000,000
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Stock, shares issued	38,000,000	42,000,000
Series A Common Stock [Member]
Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock, shares authorized	1,700,000,000	1,700,000,000
Stock, shares issued	152,000,000	151,000,000
Series B Common Stock [Member]
Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Stock, shares issued	7,000,000	7,000,000
Series C Common Stock [Member]
Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stock, shares authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Stock, shares issued	376,000,000	375,000,000

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Distribution	$ 776	$ 748	$ 2,309	$ 2,097
Advertising	699	725	2,200	2,258
Other	82	95	239	234
Total revenues	1,557	1,568	4,748	4,589
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	574	529	1,703	1,526
Selling, general and administrative	394	432	1,224	1,247
Depreciation and amortization	80	85	243	243
Restructuring and other charges	4	11	37	19
Gain on disposition	0	0	(3)	(31)
Total costs and expenses	1,052	1,057	3,204	3,004
Operating income	505	511	1,544	1,585
Interest expense	(82)	(83)	(248)	(247)
(Loss) income from equity investees, net	(10)	13	(2)	34
Other income (expense), net	0	1	(78)	11
Income before income taxes	413	442	1,216	1,383
Provision for income taxes	(130)	(155)	(394)	(481)
Net income	283	287	822	902
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4)	(7)	(7)	(11)
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	$ 279	$ 280	$ 815	$ 889
Series A, B and C Common Stock [Member]
Basic earnings per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders:
Net income per share	$ 0.43	$ 0.41	$ 1.25	$ 1.29
Diluted earnings per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders:
Net income per share	$ 0.43	$ 0.41	$ 1.24	$ 1.28
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	432	449	434	458
Diluted	653	682	658	693

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 283	$ 287	$ 822	$ 902
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	238	103	659	677
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(2)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(7)	20	16	15
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	$ 231	$ 123	$ 675	$ 690

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 822	$ 902
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Equity-based compensation expense	16	66
Depreciation and amortization	243	243
Content amortization and impairment expense	1,243	1,083
Gain on disposition	(3)	(31)
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest	(2)	(29)
Equity in earnings of investee companies, net of cash distributions	9	(15)
Deferred income taxes	4	(124)
Realized loss from derivative instruments	11	0
Other, net	29	35
Cash provided by operating activities	652	893
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(76)	(85)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(24)	(369)
Payments for derivative instruments	(11)	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	61	45
Distributions from equity method investees	67	58
Investments in equity method investees, net	(26)	(174)
Investments in cost method investments	(16)	(3)
Other investing activities, net	(1)	(1)
Cash used in investing activities	(26)	(529)
Financing Activities
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	(140)	126
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	222	585
Principal repayments of revolving credit facility	(179)	(440)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	936	415
Principal repayments of debt	(849)	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(22)	(13)
Repurchases of stock	(576)	(1,067)
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(38)	(2)
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	(9)	39
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	(29)	0
Other financing activities, net	(15)	(12)
Cash used in financing activities	(699)	(369)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:
Receivables, net	(133)	3
Content rights, net	(1,386)	(1,269)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(14)	92
Equity-based compensation liabilities	(25)	(81)
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	(136)	53
Other, net	(26)	(35)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(32)	(27)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(105)	(32)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	367	408
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 262	$ 376

Consolidated Statements Of Equi

Consolidated Statements Of Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Discovery Stockholders [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 6,197	$ 6,196	$ 1
Comprehensive income attributable to Parent	690	690
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)		2
Comprehensive income excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	692
Repurchases of stock	(1,067)	(1,067)	0
Equity-based compensation	39	39	0
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation	30	30	0
Issuance of common stock for equity-based compensation plans	36	36	0
Tax settlements associated with equity-based compensation	(27)	(27)	0
Other adjustments for equity-based compensation plans	(2)	(2)	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value	(16)	(16)	0
Noncontrolling interests of disposed businesses	0	0	0
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)	0	(1)
PurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest	5	5	0
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity	(1)	(1)	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	5,885	5,883	2
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2014	6,034	6,031	3
Comprehensive income attributable to Parent	123	123
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Comprehensive income excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	123
Repurchases of stock	(298)	(298)	0
Equity-based compensation	12	12	0
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation	9	9	0
Issuance of common stock for equity-based compensation plans	17	17	0
Tax settlements associated with equity-based compensation	0	0	0
Other adjustments for equity-based compensation plans	(1)	(1)	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value	(15)	(15)	0
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)	0	(1)
PurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest	5	5	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	5,885	5,883	2
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	5,604	5,602	2
Comprehensive income attributable to Parent	675	675
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Comprehensive income excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	675
Repurchases of stock	(576)	(576)	0
Equity-based compensation	27	27	0
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation	6	6	0
Issuance of common stock for equity-based compensation plans	12	12	0
Tax settlements associated with equity-based compensation	(27)	(27)	0
Other adjustments for equity-based compensation plans	0	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value	(74)	(74)	0
Noncontrolling interests of disposed businesses	(1)	0	(1)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
PurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest	0	0	0
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity	0	0	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2015	5,646	5,645	1
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2015	5,486	5,485	1
Comprehensive income attributable to Parent	231	231
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Comprehensive income excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	231
Repurchases of stock	(52)	(52)	0
Equity-based compensation	7	7	0
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation	1	1	0
Issuance of common stock for equity-based compensation plans	2	2	0
Tax settlements associated with equity-based compensation	(1)	(1)	0
Other adjustments for equity-based compensation plans	0	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value	(28)	(28)	0
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
PurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest	0	0	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 5,646	$ 5,645	$ 1

Description Of Business And Bas

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery” or the “Company”) is a global media company that provides content across multiple distribution platforms, including pay-TV, free-to-air and broadcast television networks, websites, digital distribution arrangements and content licensing agreements. The Company also develops and sells curriculum-based education products and services and operates production studios. The Company classifies its operations in two reportable segments: U.S. Networks, consisting principally of domestic television networks and websites, and International Networks, consisting principally of international television networks and websites; and two combined operating segments referred to as Education and Other, consisting principally of curriculum-based product and service offerings and production studios. Financial information for Discovery’s reportable segments is discussed in Note 16. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Discovery and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. For each non-wholly owned subsidiary, the Company evaluates its ownership and other interests to determine whether it should consolidate the entity or account for its ownership interest as an investment. As part of its evaluation, the Company makes judgments in determining whether the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE") and, if so, whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is thus required to consolidate the entity. (See Note 3.) Inter-company accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. Recasting of Certain Prior Period Information The Company’s reportable segments are determined based on (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company changed its organizational structure and reorganized its production studios into an operating segment. Previously, components of this segment were part of the U.S. Networks and International Networks segments. The Company has recast amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and total assets by segment as of December 31, 2014 to conform to the current structure for internally managing and monitoring segment performance. The segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds of a separate reportable segment and has been combined with the Education operating segment, which also does not meet the quantitative thresholds of a separate reportable segment . The combined results are referred to as Education and Other for financial statement presentation in all periods as a reconciling item to consolidated figures. (See Note 16.) Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or future periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Discovery’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “ 2014 Form 10-K”). Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management continually re-evaluates its estimates, judgments and assumptions, and management’s evaluation could change. These estimates are sometimes complex, sensitive to changes in assumptions and require fair value determinations using Level 3 fair value measurements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, content rights, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, equity-based compensation, income taxes, other financial instruments and contingencies. Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance requiring all debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt instead of being presented as an asset on the balance sheet. The Company retrospectively adopted the new guidance effective April 1, 2015 and reclassified its unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Company's debt from other noncurrent assets to noncurrent portion of debt on the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented. The balance of unamortized debt issuance costs reclassified as of December 31, 2014 was $44 million . (See Note 6.) Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, which are currently recognized on a retrospective basis. Under the new requirements, adjustments will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income arising from changes to the provisional amounts, if any, are included in earnings of the reporting period in which the adjustments to the provisional amounts are determined. An entity is also required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The new requirements will be effective beginning January 1, 2016, and are required to be implemented on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements. Business Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends the analysis that a reporting entity performs to determine whether it should consolidate certain legal entities. The changes in this guidance include how related parties and de facto agents are considered in the primary beneficiary determination and the analysis for determining whether a fee paid to a decision maker or service provider is a variable interest. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to stockholders' equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements. Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring management to perform interim and annual assessments regarding conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures, if applicable. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to revenue recognition, which applies a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. This standard contains principles with respect to the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The Company will recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the pronouncement's effective date to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. However, reporting entities may choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is required to apply the new revenue standard beginning in the first interim period within the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements. Concentrations Risk Customers The Company has long-term contracts with distributors around the world. In the U.S., more than 90% of distribution revenue comes from the Company's top 10 distributors. Outside of the U.S., approximately 45% of distribution revenue comes from the Company's top 10 distributors. Agreements in place with the major cable and satellite operators in the U.S. expire at various times beginning in 2016 through 2021 . Although the Company seeks to renew its agreements with its distributors, a delay in securing a renewal that results in a service disruption, a failure to secure a renewal or a renewal on less favorable terms may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Not only could the Company experience a reduction in distribution revenue, but it could also experience a reduction in advertising revenue, as viewership is impacted by affiliate subscriber levels. No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company’s trade receivables did not represent a significant concentration of credit risk as the customers and markets in which the Company operates are varied and dispersed across many geographic areas. Financial Institutions Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk. Additionally, the Company has cash and cash equivalents held by its foreign subsidiaries that would result in U.S. tax consequences should the Company decide it needs to repatriate these funds to the U.S. Lender Counterparties There is a risk that the counterparties associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility will not be available to fund as obligated under the terms of the facility and that the Company may, at the time of such unavailability to fund, have limited or no access to the commercial paper market. If funding under the revolving credit facility is unavailable, the Company may have to acquire a replacement credit facility from different counterparties at a higher cost or may be unable to find a suitable replacement. Typically, the Company seeks to manage such risks from its revolving credit facility by contracting with experienced large financial institutions and monitoring the credit quality of its lenders. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of its counterparties.

Acquisitions And Dispositions

Acquisitions And Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions And Dispositions	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS Acquisitions Eurosport On December 21, 2012, the Company acquired a 20% equity method investment in Eurosport, which includes both Eurosport International and Eurosport France. On May 30, 2014 , the Company acquired an additional 31% equity in Eurosport International to obtain a controlling interest in Eurosport International for €259 million ( $351 million ) and committed to acquire a similar controlling interest in Eurosport France upon resolution of certain regulatory matters. The outstanding regulatory matters in France were subsequently resolved, and the Company completed its acquisition of an additional 31% interest in Eurosport France for €38 million ( $40 million ) on March 31, 2015 . These transactions gave the Company a 51% controlling stake in Eurosport. The Company recognized gains of $29 million and $2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2015, respectively, to account for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the previously held 20% equity method investments in Eurosport International and Eurosport France, respectively. The gains were included in other income (expense), net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 13.) On July 22, 2015, TF1 announced its intent to exercise its right to put the entirety of its remaining 49% noncontrolling interest in Eurosport to the Company. On October 1, 2015 , the Company acquired the remaining 49% of Eurosport for €491 million ( $548 million ). (See Note 8.) Eurosport is a leading pan-European sports media platform. The flagship Eurosport network focuses on regionally popular sports, such as tennis, skiing, cycling and motor sports. Eurosport’s brands and platforms also include Eurosport HD (high definition simulcast), Eurosport 2, Eurosport 2 HD (high definition simulcast), Eurosport Asia-Pacific and Eurosportnews. The acquisitions are intended to increase the growth of Eurosport and enhance the Company's pay-TV offerings in Europe. The Company used discounted cash flow ("DCF") analyses, which represent Level 3 fair value measurements, to assess certain components of the Eurosport purchase price allocations. The fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests recognized and the remeasurement gains recorded on the previously held equity interests is presented in the table below (in millions). The Company's process of identifying the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and determining their fair values for Eurosport France is not complete as of the date of this filing, principally with respect to liabilities assumed. Eurosport France (Provisional) Eurosport International March 31, 2015 May 30, 2014 Goodwill $ 69 $ 785 Intangible assets 40 467 Other assets acquired 27 169 Cash 35 47 Removal of TF1 put right 2 27 Currency translation adjustment (6 ) 7 Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest (2 ) (29 ) Liabilities assumed (30 ) (169 ) Deferred tax liabilities (14 ) (164 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 8) (60 ) (558 ) Carrying value of previously held equity interest (21 ) (231 ) Net assets acquired $ 40 $ 351 The goodwill reflects the workforce and synergies expected from increased pan-European market penetration as the operations of Eurosport and the Company are combined. The goodwill recorded as part of these acquisitions is assigned to the Eurosport reporting unit, which is a component of the Company's International Networks segment and is not amortizable for tax purposes. Intangible assets primarily consist of distribution and advertising customer relationships, advertiser backlog and trademarks with a weighted average estimated useful life of 10 years . Discovery Family (formerly known as the Hub Network) On September 23, 2014 , the Company acquired an additional 10% ownership interest in Discovery Family from Hasbro, Inc. ("Hasbro") for $64 million and obtained control of the joint venture. Discovery Family is a pay-TV network in the U.S. that provides entertainment for children and families. The purchase increased the Company's ownership interest from 50% to 60% . As a result of acquiring a controlling interest, the Company changed its accounting for Discovery Family from an equity method investment to a consolidated subsidiary. There was no gain or loss recorded at the time of acquisition as the fair value of the Company's previously held equity method investment in Discovery Family was equal to the carrying amount as of the acquisition date. The acquisition of Discovery Family supports the Company's strategic priority of broadening the scope of the network to increase viewership. The Company rebranded the network to Discovery Family on October 13, 2014. The Company used DCF analyses, which represent Level 3 fair value measurements, to assess certain components of its purchase price allocation. The fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest recognized is presented in the table below (in millions). September 23, 2014 Goodwill $ 310 Intangible assets 301 Other assets acquired 96 Cash 33 Liabilities assumed (125 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 8) (238 ) Carrying value of previously held equity interest (313 ) Net assets acquired $ 64 The goodwill reflects the workforce and synergies expected from combining the operations of Discovery Family with the Company's existing U.S. networks. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is assigned to the U.S. Networks reporting segment. It is not amortizable for tax purposes. Intangible assets primarily consist of distribution customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 25 years , based on three renewals. Other In 2015, the Company acquired several other unrelated businesses for total cash and contingent consideration of $32 million , net of cash acquired. Total consideration, net of cash acquired, includes contingent consideration of $9 million and cash not yet paid of $3 million . The Company provisionally recorded $19 million and $18 million of goodwill and intangible assets, respectively, in connection with these acquisitions. The acquisitions included a free-to-air network in Italy, cable networks in Denmark and a pay-TV sports channel in Asia. The goodwill reflects the synergies and regional market penetration from combining the operations of these acquisitions with the Company's operations. In 2014, the Company acquired several other unrelated businesses for total consideration of $40 million , net of cash acquired. The Company recorded $37 million and $10 million of goodwill and intangible assets, respectively, in connection with these acquisitions. The acquisitions included a factual entertainment production company in the U.K. and cable networks in New Zealand. The goodwill reflects the synergies and market expansion from combining the operations of these acquisitions with the Company's operations. Pro Forma Financial Information The following table presents the unaudited pro forma results of the Company as though all of the business combinations from 2014 had been made on January 1, 2013 . These pro forma results do not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the business combinations above had taken place on January 1, 2013 , nor do they represent the results that may occur in the future. This pro forma financial information includes the historical financial statement amounts of Discovery and its business combinations with the following adjustments: (i) the Company converted historical financial statements to GAAP, (ii) the Company applied its accounting policies, (iii) the Company adjusted for amortization expense assuming the fair value adjustments to intangible assets had been applied beginning January 1, 2013 , (iv) the Company removed the gains recognized upon the consolidation of previously held equity interests in 2014 and reclassified them to 2013 , (v) the Company adjusted amounts for the mark-to-market of the TF1 put liabilities recognized in connection with previously held equity interests and reclassified them to 2013, and (vii) the Company included adjustments for income taxes associated with these pro forma adjustments. The Company's 2015 business combinations are not material individually or in aggregate and have not been included in the pro forma table. The pro forma adjustments were based on available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of these acquisitions on the Company's historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis (in millions). September 30, 2014 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Revenue $ 1,590 $ 4,883 Net income 298 904 Impact of Business Combinations The operations of each of the business combinations in 2015 and 2014 discussed above were included in the consolidated financial statements as of each of their respective acquisition dates. The following table presents their revenue and earnings as reported within the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Distribution $ 115 $ 89 $ 328 $ 119 Advertising 50 31 111 52 Other 30 35 75 44 Total revenues $ 195 $ 155 $ 514 $ 215 Net income $ 15 $ 8 $ 33 $ 9 Dispositions Russia On October 7, 2015, Discovery contributed its Russian business to a joint venture with a Russian media company, National Media Group ("NMG"), to comply with changes in Russian legislation limiting foreign ownership. No cash consideration was exchanged in the transaction. NMG contributed a FTA license which enables advertising on certain joint venture channels. Discovery obtained a 20% ownership in the joint venture and will account for the joint venture under the equity method of accounting following the contribution date and will no longer consolidate the Russian business, which was a component of its International Networks operating segment. Discovery will provide brands and content to the joint venture under a long-term licensing arrangement. Radio On June 30, 2015 , Discovery sold its radio businesses in Northern Europe to Bauer Media Group ("Bauer") for total consideration, net of cash disposed of €74 million ( $84 million ), which includes €54 million ( $61 million ) of net cash received at closing, €3 million ( $4 million ) of expected working capital adjustments, and €17 million ( $19 million ) for the fair value of contingent consideration. Discovery recorded a pretax gain of $3 million upon completion of the sale. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined in accordance with the sale agreement using revenue and earnings projections of the radio business through the earn-out period ending December 31, 2015. The contingent consideration payable to Discovery is subject to change based on actual performance. Subsequent changes in fair value of the contingent consideration will be recognized as a component of the gain or loss recorded on sale. The Company determined that the disposal did not meet the definition of a discontinued operation because it does not represent a strategic shift that has a significant impact on the Company's operations and consolidated financial results. The Company's radio businesses had no income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . The impact to income before income taxes for the Company's radio businesses was a loss of $2 million and $6 million for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. The Company's radio businesses were part of the International Networks operating segment. HowStuffWorks, LLC On May 30, 2014, Discovery sold HowStuffWorks, LLC ("HSW"), a commercial website which uses various media to explain complex concepts, terminology and mechanisms, to Blucora, Inc. (“Blucora”). Blucora paid Discovery $45 million , and Discovery recorded a pretax gain of $31 million upon completion of the sale. HSW was part of the U.S. Networks operating segment. The Company determined that the disposal did not meet the definition of a discontinued operations due to the migration of sales to its remaining digital business.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	INVESTMENTS The Company’s investments consisted of the following (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 144 $ 147 Equity method investments Equity method investments 562 644 Cost method investments Other noncurrent assets 43 29 Total investments $ 749 $ 820 Trading Securities Trading securities include investments in mutual funds held in a separate trust which are owned as part of the Company’s supplemental retirement plan. (See Note 4.) Equity Method Investments In the normal course of business, the Company makes investments that support its underlying business strategy and enable it to enter new markets and develop programming. All equity method investees are privately owned. The carrying values of the Company’s equity method investments are consistent with its ownership in the underlying net assets of the investees, except for OWN because the Company has recorded losses in excess of its ownership interest. Certain of the Company's equity method investments are VIEs, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company’s estimated risk of loss for all its VIEs including the investment carrying values, unfunded contractual commitments, and guarantees made on behalf of VIEs was approximately $449 million . The Company's estimated risk of loss excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. OWN OWN is a pay-TV network and website that provides adult lifestyle content, which is focused on self-discovery, self-improvement and entertainment. Since the initial equity was not sufficient to fund OWN's activities without additional subordinated financial support in the form of a note receivable held by the Company, OWN is a VIE. While the Company and Harpo, Inc. ("Harpo") are partners who share equally in voting control, power is not shared because Harpo holds operational rights related to programming and marketing, as well as selection and retention of key management personnel, that significantly impact OWN’s economic performance. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of OWN and accounts for its investment in OWN using the equity method. However, the Company provides OWN content licenses and services, such as distribution, sales and administrative support, for a fee and has provided OWN funding. (See Note 14.) The Company's combined advances to and note receivable from OWN, including accrued interest, were $394 million and $457 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. On April 30, 2015, Oprah Winfrey agreed to extend her exclusivity agreement with OWN and the note receivable agreement was modified to reduce its interest rate, compounded annually, from 7.5% to 5.0% , retroactive to January 1, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company received net repayments of $67 million from OWN, accrued interest on the note receivable of $18 million and reduced the note receivable by $14 million for the change in interest rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company received net repayments of $56 million from OWN and accrued interest on the note receivable of $25 million . The note receivable is secured by the net assets of OWN. While the Company has no further funding commitments, the Company will provide additional funding to OWN, if necessary, and expects to recoup amounts funded. There can be no event of default on the borrowing until 2023. However, borrowings are scheduled for repayment four years after the borrowing date to the extent that OWN has excess cash to repay the borrowings then due. Following such repayment, OWN’s subsequent cash distributions will be shared equally between the Company and Harpo. OWN began repaying amounts owed to the Company during 2013. In accordance with the venture agreement, losses generated by OWN are generally allocated to both investors based on their proportionate ownership interests. However, the Company has recorded its portion of OWN’s losses based upon accounting policies for equity method investments. Prior to the contribution of the Discovery Health network to OWN at its launch, the Company had recognized $104 million , or 100% , of OWN’s net losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, accumulated operating losses at OWN exceeded the equity contributed to OWN, and Discovery began again to record 100% of OWN’s net losses. Although OWN has become profitable, the Company will record 100% of any net losses to the extent they occur resulting from OWN's operations as long as Discovery has provided all funding to OWN and OWN’s accumulated losses continue to exceed the equity contributed. All of OWN's net income has been and will continue to be recorded by the Company until the Company recovers losses absorbed in excess of the Company's equity ownership interest. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in OWN of $389 million and $424 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, includes the Company's note receivable and accumulated investment losses. There is a possibility that the results of OWN’s future operations will fall below the Company's long-term projections. The Company monitors the financial results of OWN along with other relevant business information to assess the recoverability of the OWN note receivable. There has been no impairment of the OWN note receivable. Harpo has the right to require the Company to purchase all or part of Harpo’s interest in OWN at fair market value up to a maximum put amount every two and a half years commencing January 1, 2016. The maximum put amount ranges from $100 million on the first put exercise date up to a cumulative cap of $400 million on the fourth put exercise date. The Company has not recorded amounts for the put right because the fair value of this fair value put right was zero as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Other Equity Method Investments Other equity method investments include equity ownership interests in unconsolidated entities, including VIEs other than OWN. On March 31, 2015 and May 30, 2014 , the Company acquired from TF1 a controlling interest in each of its Eurosport France and Eurosport International equity method investments, respectively, by increasing its ownership stake from 20% to 51% . As a result, the Company changed its accounting for Eurosport France and Eurosport International from equity method investments to consolidated subsidiaries as of their respective acquisition dates. (See Note 2.) On September 23, 2014 , the Company acquired an additional 10% ownership interest in Discovery Family and obtained a controlling financial interest. The purchase increased the Company's interest from 50% to 60% . As a result, the Company changed its accounting for Discovery Family from an equity method investment to a consolidated subsidiary. (See Note 2.) On September 23, 2014 , the Company acquired a 50% equity method ownership interest in All3Media, a production studio company, for a cash payment of £90 million ( $147 million ) and with an enterprise value of £556 million ($ 912 million ). All3Media recapitalized its debt structure to effect the transaction. All3Media is not a VIE. Cost Method Investments Cost method investments include ownership rights in entities that do not provide the Company with control or significant influence in these investments and that have no readily determinable fair values. The Company's cost method investments primarily include an educational website for $25 million and newly acquired Formula E racing for $16 million .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories: Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 3 – Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable. The tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). September 30, 2015 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 144 $ — $ — $ 144 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 32 — 32 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets — 4 — 4 Total $ 144 $ 36 $ — $ 180 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 144 $ — $ — $ 144 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities — 8 — 8 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent liabilities — 1 — 1 Total $ 144 $ 9 $ — $ 153 December 31, 2014 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 17 — 17 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets — 7 — 7 Total $ 147 $ 24 $ — $ 171 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities — 1 — 1 Interest rate Accrued liabilities — 28 — 28 TF1 Eurosport France put right Accrued liabilities — — 4 4 Total $ 147 $ 29 $ 4 $ 180 Trading securities are comprised of investments in mutual funds held in a separate trust which are owned as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan. The fair value of Level 1 trading securities was determined by reference to the quoted market price per unit in active markets multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. The fair value of the deferred compensation plan liability was determined based on the fair value of the related investments elected by employees. Derivative financial instruments are comprised of foreign exchange contracts used by the Company to modify its exposure to market risks from foreign exchange rates and interest rate contracts used to modify exposure to market risks from interest rates for forecasted issuances of debt. The fair value of Level 2 derivative financial instruments was determined using a market-based approach. In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, commercial paper, borrowings under the revolving credit facility, capital leases and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of September 30, 2015. The estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding senior notes using quoted prices from over the counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $6.9 billion and $ 7.2 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Content Rights

Content Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Content Rights [Abstract]
Content Rights	CONTENT RIGHTS The table below presents the components of content rights (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Produced content rights: Completed $ 3,583 $ 3,242 In-production 408 377 Coproduced content rights: Completed 716 696 In-production 66 83 Licensed content rights: Acquired 1,048 949 Prepaid 111 82 Content rights, at cost 5,932 5,429 Accumulated amortization (3,524 ) (3,127 ) Total content rights, net 2,408 2,302 Current portion (341 ) (329 ) Noncurrent portion $ 2,067 $ 1,973 Content expense is included in costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following (in millions). Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Content amortization $ 414 $ 372 $ 1,210 $ 1,061 Other production charges 54 41 163 108 Content impairments (a) 3 6 33 22 Total content expense $ 471 $ 419 $ 1,406 $ 1,191 (a) Content impairments are generally recorded as a component of costs of revenue. However, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $ 21 million in content impairments were reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges. These charges resulted from the cancellation of certain high profile series due to legal circumstances pertaining to the associated talent. There were no content impairments reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 .

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 3.70% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2015 $ — $ 850 5.625% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due August 2019 500 500 5.05% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2020 1,300 1,300 4.375% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2021 650 650 2.375% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2022 337 365 3.30% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2022 500 500 3.25% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2023 350 350 3.45% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2025 300 — 1.90% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2027 674 — 6.35% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2040 850 850 4.95% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2042 500 500 4.875% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2043 850 850 Revolving credit facility 80 38 Commercial paper 89 229 Capital lease obligations 145 187 Total debt 7,125 7,169 Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (68 ) (60 ) Debt, net 7,057 7,109 Current portion of debt (116 ) (1,107 ) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 6,941 $ 6,002 Senior Notes On March 19, 2015 , Discovery Communications, LLC ("DCL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued €600 million principal amount ( $637 million , at issuance based on the exchange rate of $1.06 per euro at March 19, 2015 ) of 1.90% Senior Notes due March 19, 2027 (the "2015 Euro Notes"). The proceeds received by DCL from the offering were net of a $1 million issuance discount and $5 million of debt issuance costs. Interest on the 2015 Euro Notes is payable annually on March 19 of each year. The 2015 Euro Notes are denominated in euro and expose Discovery to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates in that currency. The current balance of the 2015 Euro Notes reflects changes in exchange rates; there have been no other changes to the balance. Discovery has reported the change in remeasurement for these 2015 Euro Notes as a component of other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. On March 2, 2015 , DCL issued $ 300 million principal amount of 3.45% Senior Notes due March 15, 2025 (the "2015 USD Notes"). The proceeds received by DCL from the offering were net of an immaterial discount and $2 million of debt issuance costs. Interest on the 2015 USD Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. In contemplation of the issuance of the 2015 USD Notes, the Company terminated and settled all interest rate forward contracts with its counterparties, which were designated as cash flow hedges used to hedge the pricing of the 2015 USD Notes. (See Note 7.) DCL has the option to redeem some or all of the 2015 Euro Notes and 2015 USD Notes at any time prior to their maturity by paying a make-whole premium, if the redemption date is prior to three months from the maturity date or by paying their principal amount on or after such date, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, through the date of repurchase. The 2015 Euro Notes and 2015 USD Notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of DCL's other unsecured senior indebtedness. All of DCL's outstanding senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by Discovery and contain certain nonfinancial covenants, events of default and other customary provisions. The Company and DCL were in compliance with all covenants and customary provisions under DCL's outstanding senior notes, and there were no events of default as of September 30, 2015 . On March 31, 2015, the Company redeemed $ 850 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.70% Senior Notes that had an original maturity of June 1, 2015 . The repayment included a payment of $ 1 million for the original issue discount on the 3.70% Senior Notes and resulted in a pretax loss on extinguishment of debt of $ 5 million for make-whole premiums. The loss on extinguishment of debt was reflected as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Revolving Credit Facility DCL's revolving credit facility allows DCL and certain designated foreign subsidiaries of DCL to borrow up to $1.5 billion , including a $750 million sublimit for multi-currency borrowings, a $100 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $50 million sublimit for swingline loans. Borrowing capacity under this agreement is reduced by the outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program discussed below. DCL also has the ability to request an increase of the revolving credit facility up to an aggregate additional $1.0 billion , upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The revolving credit facility agreement provides for a maturity date of June 20, 2019 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $80 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.37% , of which $20 million was denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2014 , the Company had outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $38 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.98% . The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is variable based on DCL's then-current credit ratings for its publicly traded debt and changes in financial index rates. For dollar-denominated borrowings, the interest rate is based, at the Company's option, on either adjusted LIBOR plus a margin, or an alternate base rate plus a margin. For borrowings denominated in foreign currencies, the interest rate is based on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin. The current margins are 1.10% and 0.10% , respectively, per annum for adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings. A monthly facility fee is charged based on the total capacity of the facility, and interest is charged based on the amount borrowed on the facility. The current facility fee rate is 0.15% per annum and subject to change based on DCL's then-current credit ratings. All obligations of DCL and the other borrowers under the revolving credit facility are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Discovery. The Company borrowed an additional $525 million under the revolving credit facility on October 1, 2015 to facilitate the purchase of the remaining 49% noncontrolling interest in Eurosport from TF1. (See Note 8.) The credit agreement governing the revolving credit facility contains customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as affirmative and negative covenants. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company, DCL and the other borrowers were in compliance with all covenants, and there were no events of default under the revolving credit facility. Commercial Paper The Company's commercial paper program is supported by the revolving credit facility described above. Outstanding commercial paper borrowings were $89 million with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 0.41% as of September 30, 2015 and $229 million with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 0.60% as of December 31, 2014 . The Company's outstanding commercial paper borrowings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had maturities of less than 90 days.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify its exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company designates foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges to mitigate foreign currency risk arising from third-party revenue and inter-company licensing agreements. The Company also designates interest rate contracts used to hedge the pricing for certain senior notes as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on the effective portion of designated cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets and reclassified into the statements of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings. If it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, any related gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets are reclassified to other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations in that period. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company terminated and settled its interest rate cash flow hedges following the pricing of the 2015 USD Notes. The total notional value of the interest rate forward contracts at the termination date was $ 490 million , which exceeded the $300 million principal amount of the 2015 USD Notes. (See Note 6.) Of the $ 40 million pretax loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the termination date, $ 29 million was an effective cash flow hedge that will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the ten year term of the 2015 USD Notes consistent with amortization of the debt discount. The remaining $ 11 million was reclassified into other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations during the three months ended March 31, 2015, because the forecasted borrowing transaction was no longer probable. The Company may also enter into derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts and a zero-cost collar in connection with the purchase of TF1's mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in Eurosport that closed on October 1, 2015 . (See Note 8.) These derivatives, which economically hedged the Company's exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, did not qualify for hedge accounting. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reflected in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company records all unsettled derivative contracts at their gross fair values on the consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 4.) There were no amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The cash flows from the effective portion of derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows from the hedged item. For example, the cash paid to settle the effective portion of interest rate derivatives intended to hedge the pricing of the 2015 USD Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is reported as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows consistent with the classification of cash proceeds from borrowings of debt, net of discount. The cash flows from the ineffective portion of derivative instruments used as hedges and derivative contracts not designated as hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table summarizes the notional amount and fair value of the Company's derivative positions (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 357 $ 23 $ 425 $ 17 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets 44 4 20 7 Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities 273 7 35 1 Interest rate Accrued liabilities — — 475 28 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent liabilities 38 1 — — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets 368 9 3 — Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities 155 1 — — The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive (loss) income (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange $ 10 $ 7 $ 22 $ 3 Interest rate 1 (3 ) (11 ) (10 ) Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion): Foreign exchange - distribution revenue 7 (1 ) 15 (2 ) Foreign exchange - advertising revenue — — 1 — Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 2 — 6 — Foreign exchange - other income (expense), net 1 1 2 2 Interest rate - interest expense (1 ) — (1 ) — Losses reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss (ineffective portion): Interest rate - other income (expense), net — — (11 ) — If current fair values as of September 30, 2015 remained static over the next twelve months, the Company would reclassify $ 12 million of net deferred gains from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the next twelve months. The following table presents the pretax net gains on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign exchange derivatives $ 8 $ 1 $ 8 $ 1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Disclosure [Text Block]	REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates (i.e., the "floor"). Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive (loss) income ; however, such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to Discovery stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of redemption value to the floor are reflected in retained earnings. Any adjustment of redemption value to the floor that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. There were no current period adjustments to reflect a redemption in excess of fair value. (See Note 12.) The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 754 $ 598 $ 747 $ 36 Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses — 238 60 796 Reclassification of redeemable equity to current liabilities (551 ) (6 ) (551 ) (6 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests (2 ) — (38 ) (2 ) Comprehensive income adjustments: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 4 7 7 11 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 3 (27 ) (23 ) (26 ) Currency translation on redemption values 4 (40 ) (36 ) (40 ) Retained earnings adjustments: Adjustments of redemption values to the floor 28 15 74 16 Ending balance $ 240 $ 785 $ 240 $ 785 Redeemable noncontrolling interests consist of the following arrangements: In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Eurosport France on March 31, 2015 and Eurosport International on May 30, 2014 , the Company recognized $60 million and $ 558 million , respectively, for TF1's 49% redeemable noncontrolling interest. On July 22, 2015 , TF1 exercised its right to put the entirety of its remaining 49% noncontrolling interest in Eurosport to the Company for €491 million ( $551 million as of September 30, 2015 ), which includes €25 million ( $28 million as of September 30, 2015 ) of working capital adjustments. The carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was adjusted to its fair value of $551 million at the date redemption became mandatory with a corresponding offsetting adjustment to retained earnings. The redeemable noncontrolling interest balance has become mandatorily redeemable and has been reclassified to accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2015 . The transaction closed on October 1, 2015 for $548 million . In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Discovery Family on September 23, 2014 , the Company recognized $238 million for Hasbro's redeemable noncontrolling interest in Discovery Family. Hasbro has the right to put the entirety of its remaining 40% non-controlling interest to the Company for one year after December 31, 2021, or in the event a Discovery performance obligation related to Discovery Family is not met. Embedded in the redeemable noncontrolling interest is also a Discovery call right that is exercisable for one year after December 31, 2021. Upon the exercise of the put or call options, the price to be paid for the redeemable noncontrolling interest is generally a function of the then-current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, to which certain discounts and floor values may apply in specified situations depending upon the party exercising the put or call and the basis for the exercise of the put or call. As Hasbro's put right is outside the control of the Company, Hasbro's 40% noncontrolling interest is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of permanent equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Discovery Japan on January 10, 2013 , Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd ("J:COM") obtained the right to put all, but not less than all, of its 20% noncontrolling interest to Discovery at any time for cash. Through January 10, 2017, the redemption value is the January 10, 2013 fair value denominated in Japanese yen; thereafter, the redemption value is the greater of the then-current fair value or the January 10, 2013 fair value denominated in Japanese yen. In connection with the acquisition of SBS Nordic on April 9, 2013 , the Company recognized $6 million redeemable noncontrolling interest for the fair value of a noncontrolling interest in one of its Danish subsidiaries. On September 16, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with the noncontrolling interest holder to purchase their remaining 20% ownership interest. As the redeemable noncontrolling interest was contractually payable, it was reclassified to accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014. On November 19, 2014, the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest for $ 1 million . The difference between the consideration transferred and the recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was recorded to additional paid-in capital.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	EQUITY Common Stock Repurchase Program Under the Company's stock repurchase program, management is authorized to purchase shares of the Company's common stock from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices, pursuant to one or more accelerated stock repurchase agreements, or other derivative arrangements as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to stock price, business and market conditions and other factors. Over the life of the program, authorization under the stock repurchase program prior to October 8, 2015 has totaled $5.5 billion . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had remaining authorization of $416 million for future repurchases under the existing stock repurchase program, which will expire on February 3, 2016 . On October 8, 2015 , the Company's Board of Directors approved an additional $2.0 billion under the Company's stock repurchase program, which will expire on October 8, 2017 . All common stock repurchases have been made through open market transactions. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had repurchased over the life of the program 2.8 million and 101.6 million shares of Series A and Series C common stock, respectively, for the aggregate purchase price of $171 million and $4.9 billion , respectively. The table below presents a summary of common stock repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Series C Common Stock: Shares repurchased — 3.3 10.3 13.4 Purchase price $ — $ 188 $ 323 $ 957 Repurchased common stock is recorded as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company's 2 for 1 stock split in the form of a share dividend distributed on August 6, 2014 was not applied to the Company's treasury shares. Accordingly, the number of common shares repurchased under the common stock repurchase program has not been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split. Preferred Stock Conversion and Repurchase The Company has an agreement with Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (“Advance/Newhouse”) to repurchase, on a quarterly basis, a number of shares of Series C convertible preferred stock convertible into a number of shares of Series C common stock equal to 3/7 of the number of shares of Series C common stock purchased under the Company’s common stock repurchase program during the then most recently completed fiscal quarter. The price paid per preferred share is calculated as 99% of the average price paid for the Series C common shares repurchased by the Company during the applicable fiscal quarter multiplied by the Series C conversion rate. The Advance/Newhouse repurchases are made outside of the Company’s publicly announced common stock repurchase program. The repurchase transactions are recorded as a decrease of par value of preferred stock and retained earnings upon settlement as there is no remaining additional paid-in capital for this class of stock. The table below presents a summary of Series C convertible preferred stock repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Series C Convertible Preferred Stock: Shares repurchased 0.8 1.5 3.9 1.5 Purchase price $ 52 $ 110 $ 253 $ 110 Since no shares of Series C common stock were repurchased during the three months ended September 30, 2015 , there will be no Series C convertible preferred shares converted and retired under the preferred stock conversion and repurchase arrangement during the fourth quarter of 2015. Common Stock On February 13, 2014, John C. Malone, a member of Discovery’s Board of Directors, entered into an agreement granting David Zaslav, the Company’s President and CEO, certain voting and purchase rights with respect to the approximately 5.9 million shares of the Company’s Series B common stock owned by Mr. Malone. The agreement gives Mr. Zaslav the right to vote the Series B shares if Mr. Malone is not otherwise voting or directing the vote of those shares. The agreement also provides that if Mr. Malone proposes to sell the Series B shares, Mr. Zaslav will have the first right to negotiate for the purchase of the shares. If that negotiation is not successful and Mr. Malone proposes to sell the Series B shares to a third party, Mr. Zaslav will have the exclusive right to match that offer. The rights granted under the agreement will remain in effect for as long as Mr. Zaslav is either employed as the principal executive officer of the Company or serving on its Board of Directors. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income The table below presents the tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassifications made into the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Currency translation adjustments: Unrealized losses $ (57 ) $ 11 $ (46 ) $ (195 ) $ 8 $ (187 ) Derivative and market value adjustments: Unrealized gains 11 (4 ) 7 4 (1 ) 3 Reclassifications: Distribution revenue (7 ) 2 (5 ) 1 — 1 Costs of revenues (2 ) 1 (1 ) — — — Interest expense 1 — 1 — — — Other income (expense), net (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) — (1 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (55 ) $ 10 $ (45 ) $ (191 ) $ 7 $ (184 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Currency translation adjustments: Unrealized losses $ (197 ) $ 6 $ (191 ) $ (211 ) $ (1 ) $ (212 ) Reclassifications: Gain on disposition 23 — 23 — — — Other income (expense), net 6 — 6 (7 ) — (7 ) Derivative and market value adjustments: Unrealized gains (losses) 11 (4 ) 7 (5 ) 2 (3 ) Reclassifications: Distribution revenue (15 ) 5 (10 ) 2 — 2 Advertising revenue (1 ) — (1 ) — — — Costs of revenues (6 ) 2 (4 ) — — — Gain on disposition — — — (5 ) 2 (3 ) Interest expense 1 — 1 — — — Other income (expense), net 9 (3 ) 6 (2 ) — (2 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (169 ) $ 6 $ (163 ) $ (228 ) $ 3 $ (225 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss , net of taxes (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Beginning balance $ (457 ) $ (3 ) $ (460 ) $ (41 ) $ 3 $ (38 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (46 ) 7 (39 ) (187 ) 3 (184 ) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (6 ) (6 ) — — — Other comprehensive (loss) income (46 ) 1 (45 ) (187 ) 3 (184 ) Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (3 ) — (3 ) 28 (1 ) 27 Ending balance $ (506 ) $ (2 ) $ (508 ) $ (200 ) $ 5 $ (195 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive income (Loss) Beginning balance $ (367 ) $ (1 ) $ (368 ) $ (8 ) $ 12 $ 4 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (191 ) 7 (184 ) (212 ) (3 ) (215 ) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 29 (8 ) 21 (7 ) (3 ) (10 ) Other comprehensive loss (162 ) (1 ) (163 ) (219 ) (6 ) (225 ) Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 23 — 23 27 (1 ) 26 Ending balance $ (506 ) $ (2 ) $ (508 ) $ (200 ) $ 5 $ (195 )

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-Based Compensation	EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has various incentive plans under which stock options, time-based restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance-based restricted stock units ("PRSUs"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and unit awards have been issued. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the vesting and service requirements of equity-based awards granted were consistent with the arrangements disclosed in the 2014 Form 10-K. The table below presents the components of equity-based compensation expense (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock options $ 4 $ 4 $ 12 $ 19 RSUs 4 3 12 10 PRSUs (5 ) 14 8 32 SARs (12 ) 6 (15 ) (2 ) Unit awards — 5 (2 ) 6 ESPP — 1 1 1 Total equity-based compensation (income) expense $ (9 ) $ 33 $ 16 $ 66 Tax (expense) benefit recognized $ (4 ) $ 11 $ 6 $ 23 Compensation expense for all awards was recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company records expense for the fair value of cash-settled and other liability-classified equity-based compensation awards ratably over the graded vesting service period based on changes in fair value as well as the the probability that performance targets will be met, if applicable, less estimated forfeitures. These liability-classified equity-based compensation awards include SARs, unit awards and certain PRSUs. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company recorded total liabilities for other liability-classified equity-based compensation awards of $47 million and $84 million , respectively. The current liability for liability-classified equity-based compensation awards was $5 million and $32 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company granted 2.9 million stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $32.09 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company granted 1.0 million , 0.5 million and 2.0 million of RSUs, PRSUs and SARs, respectively, at a weighted average grant price of $32.30 , $31.68 and $32.69 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , 0.5 million stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $17.93 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , 0.4 million , 1.2 million and 1.8 million of RSUs, PRSUs and SARs, respectively, were converted or settled, as applicable, at a weighted average grant price of $26.74 , $22.44 and $26.74 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company made cash payments of $14 million to settle all 1.2 million remaining unit awards. The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested equity-based awards and the weighted average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of September 30, 2015 (in millions, except years). Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Net of Expected Forfeitures Weighted Average Amortization Period (years) Stock options $ 33 2.3 RSUs 44 2.6 PRSUs 35 1.4 SARs 4 1.2 Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures $ 116

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The Company's provisions for income taxes were $130 million and $394 million , and the effective income tax rates were 31% and 32% , for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. The Company's provisions for income taxes were $155 million and $481 million , and the effective income tax rate was 35% for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. The following table reconciles the Company's effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% . Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 1 % 2 % 2 % 3 % Effect of foreign operations — % 1 % — % 1 % Domestic production activity deductions (1 )% (3 )% (3 )% (3 )% Change in uncertain tax positions (3 )% — % (2 )% (1 )% Other, net (1 )% — % — % — % Effective income tax rate 31 % 35 % 32 % 35 % The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for its 2009 and 2012 to 2014 consolidated federal income tax returns. The Company does not anticipate any material adjustments. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to audit by any jurisdiction for years prior to 2006. Adjustments that arose as the audits for certain tax years were completed have been included in change in uncertain tax positions in the table above. The Company's reserves for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 totaled $159 million and $176 million , respectively. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company's uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $68 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or regulatory developments. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had accrued approximately $14 million and $17 million of total interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	EARNINGS PER SHARE In calculating earnings per share, the Company follows the two-class method, which distinguishes between the classes of securities based on the proportionate participation rights of each security type in the Company's undistributed income. The Company's Series A, B and C common stock and the Series C convertible preferred stock are treated as one class for purposes of applying the two-class method, because they have substantially equal rights and share equally on an as converted basis with respect to income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Any redeemable noncontrolling interests adjustments of redemption value to the floor that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value are included as an adjustment to net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. The table below sets forth the computation for income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income $ 283 $ 287 $ 822 $ 902 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A convertible preferred stock (61 ) (58 ) (176 ) (183 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4 ) (7 ) (7 ) (11 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value — — — (1 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders for basic net income per share $ 218 $ 222 $ 639 $ 705 Allocation of net income available to Discovery Communications Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders and Series C convertible preferred stockholders for basic net income per share: Series A, B and C common stockholders 185 186 541 592 Series C convertible preferred stockholders 33 36 98 113 Total 218 222 639 705 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A convertible preferred stockholders 61 58 176 183 Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders for diluted net income per share $ 279 $ 280 $ 815 $ 888 Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series C convertible preferred stockholders for diluted net income per share is included in net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders for diluted net income per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series C convertible preferred stockholders for diluted net income per share was $33 million and $35 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series C convertible preferred stockholders for diluted net income per share was $97 million and $112 million , respectively. The table below sets forth the weighted average number of shares outstanding utilized in determining the denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Denominator: Weighted average Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — basic 432 449 434 458 Weighted average impact of assumed preferred stock conversion 217 227 220 228 Weighted average dilutive effect of equity-based awards 4 6 4 7 Weighted average Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — diluted 653 682 658 693 Weighted average Series C convertible preferred stock outstanding — basic and diluted 38 43 39 44 The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding adjusts the weighted average number of shares of Series A, B and C common stock outstanding for the potential dilution that would occur if common stock equivalents, including convertible preferred stock and equity-based awards, were converted into common stock or exercised, calculated using the treasury stock method. Series A, B and C diluted common stock includes the impact of the conversion of Series A preferred stock, the impact of the conversion of Series C preferred stock, and the impact of equity-based compensation. The table below sets forth the Company's calculated earnings per share. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic net income per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders: Series A, B and C common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.41 $ 1.25 $ 1.29 Series C convertible preferred stockholders $ 0.86 $ 0.82 $ 2.50 $ 2.58 Diluted net income per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders: Series A, B and C common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.41 $ 1.24 $ 1.28 Series C convertible preferred stockholders $ 0.86 $ 0.82 $ 2.48 $ 2.56 Series C convertible preferred earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding. The computation of the diluted earnings per share of Series A, B and C common stockholders assumes the conversion of Series A and C convertible preferred stock, while the diluted earnings per share amounts of Series C convertible preferred stockholders does not assume conversion of those shares. The table below presents the details of the equity-based awards and preferred shares that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Anti-dilutive stock options and RSUs 6 4 6 3 PRSUs whose performance targets have not been achieved 3 4 3 3 Only outstanding PRSUs whose performance targets have been achieved as of the last day of the most recent period are included in the dilutive effect calculation.

Supplemental Disclosures

Supplemental Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures	SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES The following tables present supplemental information related to the consolidated financial statements (in millions). Accrued Liabilities September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Mandatorily redeemable equity $ 551 $ — Accrued payroll and related benefits 387 441 Content rights payable 209 198 Accrued interest 106 50 Accrued income taxes 38 120 Current portion of equity-based compensation liabilities 5 32 Other accrued liabilities 210 253 Total accrued liabilities $ 1,506 $ 1,094 Other Income (Expense), Net Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign currency (losses) gains, net $ (6 ) $ 7 $ (73 ) $ (5 ) Gains (losses) on derivative instruments 8 1 (3 ) 1 Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest — — 2 29 Other expense, net (2 ) (7 ) (4 ) (14 ) Total other income (expense), net $ — $ 1 $ (78 ) $ 11 Equity-Based Plan (Payments) Proceeds, Net Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Tax settlements associated with equity-based plans $ (27 ) $ (27 ) Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation 6 30 Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity-based plans 12 36 Total equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net $ (9 ) $ 39 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 609 $ 500 Cash paid for interest, net 188 180 Noncash investing and financing activities: Mandatorily redeemable equity 551 — Working capital adjustments and contingent consideration receivable from business dispositions 19 — Accrued purchases of property and equipment 13 5 Contingent consideration obligations from business acquisitions 9 — Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements 2 14

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties. Related parties include entities that share common directorship, such as Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Liberty Broadband Corporation ("Liberty Broadband") and their subsidiaries and equity method investees (together the “Liberty Group”). Discovery’s Board of Directors includes Mr. Malone, who is Chairman of the Board of Liberty Global and beneficially owns approximately 25% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Global. Mr. Malone is also Chairman of the Board of Liberty Broadband and beneficially owns approximately 46% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Broadband. The majority of the revenue earned from the Liberty Group relates to multi-year network distribution arrangements. Related party transactions also include revenues and expenses for content and services provided to or acquired from equity method investees, such as OWN and All3Media, or minority partners of consolidated subsidiaries, such as Hasbro. The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 40 $ 39 $ 120 $ 118 Equity method investees 12 31 44 79 Other 10 9 27 26 Total revenues and service charges $ 62 $ 79 $ 191 $ 223 Interest income (a) $ 5 $ 8 $ 18 $ 25 Expenses $ (12 ) $ (10 ) $ (43 ) $ (28 ) (a) The Company records interest earnings from loans to equity method investees, such as OWN, as a component of (loss) income from equity investees, net , in the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 3.) The table below presents receivables due from related parties (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Receivables $ 36 $ 37 Note receivable (see Note 3) 394 457

Commitments, Contingencies, And

Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES Commitments In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various commitments, which primarily include programming and talent arrangements, operating and capital leases, employment contracts, arrangements to purchase various goods and services, future funding commitments to equity method investees, and the conditional obligation to issue or acquire additional shares of preferred stock. (See Note 9.) During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company committed to acquire the exclusive broadcast rights across all media platforms throughout Europe for the four Olympic Games between 2018 and 2024 for €1.3 billion ( $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2015 ). The broadcast rights exclude the U.K. and France for the Olympic Games in 2018 and 2020, and exclude Russia. Contingencies Put Rights The Company has granted put rights related to an equity method investment and certain consolidated subsidiaries. Harpo has the right to require the Company to purchase all or part of its interest in OWN for fair value at various dates. No amounts have been recorded by the Company for the Harpo put right. (See Note 3.) Hasbro and J:COM have the right to require the Company to purchase their remaining noncontrolling interests in Discovery Family and Discovery Japan, respectively. The Company recorded the value of the put rights for Discovery Family and Discovery Japan as a component of redeemable equity in the amounts of $214 million and $26 million , respectively. (See Note 8.) On July 22, 2015 , TF1 exercised its right to put the entirety of its remaining 49% noncontrolling interest in Eurosport to the Company for €491 million ( $551 million as of September 30, 2015 ). The redeemable noncontrolling interest balance has become mandatorily redeemable and has been reclassified to accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2015 . The transaction closed on October 1, 2015 for $548 million . (See Note 8.) Legal Matters A former business partner has notified the Company of its intent to pursue breach of contract and various business tort claims against the Company for alleged losses of $ 116 million . Based on the information currently available, the Company does not believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable, and no accrual was recorded as of September 30, 2015 . The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. An adverse outcome in the matter could be material to the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is party to various other lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims related to employees, vendors, other business partners or patent issues. However, a determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about future events. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, future results of operations or cash flows. Guarantees There were no guarantees recorded as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The Company may provide or receive indemnities intended to allocate business transaction risks. Similarly, the Company may remain contingently liable for certain obligations of a divested business in the event that a third party does not fulfill its obligations under an indemnification obligation. The Company records a liability for its indemnification obligations and other contingent liabilities when probable and estimable. There were no material amounts for indemnifications or other contingencies recorded as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS The Company’s operating segments are determined based on (i) financial information reviewed by its CEO, (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company changed its organizational structure and reorganized its production studios into an operating segment, Studios. Previously, components of this segment were classified in the U.S. Networks and International Networks reportable segments. Studios does not meet the quantitative thresholds for a separate reportable segment and has been combined with the Education segment, which also does not meet the quantitative thresholds of a separate reportable segment . The Company will refer to the combination as Education and Other for financial statement presentation. The Company has recast amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to conform to the current year presentation. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content purchases. The Company evaluates the operating performance of its segments based on financial measures such as revenues and adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted OIBDA”). Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income excluding: (i) mark-to-market equity-based compensation, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) amortization of deferred launch incentives, (iv) restructuring and other charges, (v) certain impairment charges, (vi) gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and (vii) certain inter-segment eliminations related to production studios. The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted OIBDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes mark-to-market equity-based compensation, restructuring and other charges, certain impairment charges, and gains and losses on business and asset dispositions from the calculation of Adjusted OIBDA due to their volatility. The Company also excludes depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangible assets and deferred launch incentives, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Certain corporate expenses are excluded from segment results to enable executive management to evaluate segment performance based upon the decisions of segment executives. Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, other operating segments and corporate and inter-segment eliminations (in millions). Revenues by Segment Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. Networks $ 781 $ 723 $ 2,344 $ 2,205 International Networks 740 813 2,276 2,273 Education and Other 36 35 130 117 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations — (3 ) (2 ) (6 ) Total revenues $ 1,557 $ 1,568 $ 4,748 $ 4,589 Adjusted OIBDA by Segment Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. Networks $ 443 $ 426 $ 1,364 $ 1,275 International Networks 218 277 699 795 Education and Other (5 ) 3 (2 ) 15 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations (80 ) (72 ) (237 ) (232 ) Total Adjusted OIBDA $ 576 $ 634 $ 1,824 $ 1,853 Reconciliation of Total Adjusted OIBDA to Income Before Income Taxes Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total Adjusted OIBDA $ 576 $ 634 $ 1,824 $ 1,853 Amortization of deferred launch incentives (4 ) (4 ) (12 ) (8 ) Mark-to-market equity-based compensation 17 (23 ) 9 (29 ) Depreciation and amortization (80 ) (85 ) (243 ) (243 ) Restructuring and other charges (4 ) (11 ) (37 ) (19 ) Gain on disposition — — 3 31 Operating income $ 505 $ 511 $ 1,544 $ 1,585 Interest expense (82 ) (83 ) (248 ) (247 ) (Loss) income from equity investees, net (10 ) 13 (2 ) 34 Other income (expense), net — 1 (78 ) 11 Income before income taxes $ 413 $ 442 $ 1,216 $ 1,383 Total Assets by Segment September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 U.S. Networks $ 3,363 $ 3,315 International Networks 5,203 5,443 Education and Other 347 320 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 7,006 6,892 Total assets $ 15,919 $ 15,970 Total assets for corporate and inter-segment eliminations include goodwill that is allocated to the Company’s segments to account for goodwill. The presentation of segment assets in the table above is consistent with the financial reports that are reviewed by the Company’s CEO.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Overview As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , all of the outstanding senior notes have been issued by DCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to one or more Registration Statements on Form S-3 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). (See Note 6.) The Company fully and unconditionally guarantees the senior notes on an unsecured basis. Each of the Company, DCL, and/or Discovery Communications Holding LLC (“DCH”) (collectively the “Issuers”) may issue additional debt securities under the Company's current Registration Statement on Form S-3 that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the other Issuers. Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations and comprehensive income and cash flows of (i) the Company, (ii) DCH, (iii) DCL, (iv) the non-guarantor subsidiaries of DCL on a combined basis, (v) the other non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Company on a combined basis, and (vi) reclassifications and eliminations necessary to arrive at the consolidated financial statement balances for the Company. DCL and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of DCL are the primary operating subsidiaries of the Company. DCL primarily includes the Discovery Channel and TLC networks in the U.S. The non-guarantor subsidiaries of DCL include substantially all of the Company’s other U.S. and international networks, education businesses, production companies, and most of the Company’s websites and digital distribution arrangements. The non-guarantor subsidiaries of DCL are wholly owned subsidiaries of DCL with the exception of certain equity method investments. DCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of DCH. The Company wholly owns DCH through a 33 1/3% direct ownership interest and a 66 2/3% indirect ownership interest through Discovery Holding Company (“DHC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. DHC is included in the other non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Company. Basis of Presentation Solely for purposes of presenting the condensed consolidating financial statements, investments in the Company’s subsidiaries have been accounted for by their respective parent company using the equity method. Accordingly, in the following condensed consolidating financial statements the equity method has been applied to (i) the Company’s interests in DCH and the other non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Company, (ii) DCH’s interest in DCL, and (iii) DCL’s interests in the non-guarantor subsidiaries of DCL. Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated financial statement amounts for the Company. The Company’s accounting bases in all subsidiaries, including goodwill and recognized intangible assets, have been “pushed down” to the applicable subsidiaries. The operations of certain of the Company’s international subsidiaries are excluded from the Company’s consolidated U.S. income tax return. Tax expense related to permanent differences has been allocated to the entity that created the difference. Tax expense related to temporary differences has been allocated to the entity that created the difference, where identifiable. The remaining temporary differences are allocated to each entity included in the Company’s consolidated U.S. income tax return based on each entity’s relative pretax income. Deferred taxes have been allocated based upon the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the respective assets and liabilities of the applicable entities. The condensed consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 16 $ 246 $ — $ — $ 262 Receivables, net — — 451 1,105 — — 1,556 Content rights, net — — 8 333 — — 341 Deferred income taxes — — 39 41 — — 80 Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes 139 9 — 5 — — 153 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 176 151 — — 327 Inter-company trade receivables, net — — 66 — — (66 ) — Total current assets 139 9 756 1,881 — (66 ) 2,719 Investment in and advances to subsidiaries 5,508 5,500 7,641 — 3,686 (22,335 ) — Noncurrent content rights, net — — 621 1,446 — — 2,067 Goodwill — — 3,769 4,411 — — 8,180 Intangible assets, net — — 294 1,478 — — 1,772 Equity method investments — — 14 548 — — 562 Other noncurrent assets — 20 104 515 — (20 ) 619 Total assets $ 5,647 $ 5,529 $ 13,199 $ 10,279 $ 3,686 $ (22,421 ) $ 15,919 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ — $ — $ 92 $ 24 $ — $ — $ 116 Other current liabilities — — 492 1,500 — — 1,992 Inter-company trade payables, net — — — 66 — (66 ) — Total current liabilities — — 584 1,590 — (66 ) 2,108 Noncurrent portion of debt — — 6,747 194 — — 6,941 Other noncurrent liabilities 2 — 368 613 21 (20 ) 984 Total liabilities 2 — 7,699 2,397 21 (86 ) 10,033 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 240 — — 240 Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. 5,645 5,529 5,500 7,642 3,665 (22,336 ) 5,645 Noncontrolling interests — — — — — 1 1 Total equity 5,645 5,529 5,500 7,642 3,665 (22,335 ) 5,646 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,647 $ 5,529 $ 13,199 $ 10,279 $ 3,686 $ (22,421 ) $ 15,919 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 8 $ 359 $ — $ — $ 367 Receivables, net — — 416 1,017 — — 1,433 Content rights, net — — 8 321 — — 329 Deferred income taxes — — 40 47 — — 87 Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes 1 11 — 5 — — 17 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1 ) — 164 95 — — 258 Inter-company trade receivables, net — — 151 — — (151 ) — Total current assets — 11 787 1,844 — (151 ) 2,491 Investment in and advances to subsidiaries 5,678 5,669 7,750 — 3,800 (22,897 ) — Noncurrent content rights, net — — 613 1,360 — — 1,973 Goodwill — — 3,769 4,467 — — 8,236 Intangible assets, net — — 307 1,664 — — 1,971 Equity method investments — — 21 623 — — 644 Other noncurrent assets — 20 106 549 — (20 ) 655 Total assets $ 5,678 $ 5,700 $ 13,353 $ 10,507 $ 3,800 $ (23,068 ) $ 15,970 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ — $ — $ 1,084 $ 23 $ — $ — $ 1,107 Other current liabilities 73 — 433 991 — — 1,497 Inter-company trade payables, net — — — 151 — (151 ) — Total current liabilities 73 — 1,517 1,165 — (151 ) 2,604 Noncurrent portion of debt — — 5,824 178 — — 6,002 Other noncurrent liabilities 3 — 343 665 22 (20 ) 1,013 Total liabilities 76 — 7,684 2,008 22 (171 ) 9,619 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 747 — — 747 Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. 5,602 5,700 5,669 7,752 3,778 (22,899 ) 5,602 Noncontrolling interests — — — — — 2 2 Total equity 5,602 5,700 5,669 7,752 3,778 (22,897 ) 5,604 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,678 $ 5,700 $ 13,353 $ 10,507 $ 3,800 $ (23,068 ) $ 15,970 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 478 $ 1,082 $ — $ (3 ) $ 1,557 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 159 417 — (2 ) 574 Selling, general and administrative 3 — 63 329 — (1 ) 394 Depreciation and amortization — — 10 70 — — 80 Restructuring and other charges — — (1 ) 5 — — 4 Total costs and expenses 3 — 231 821 — (3 ) 1,052 Operating (loss) income (3 ) — 247 261 — — 505 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 281 281 171 — 187 (920 ) — Interest expense — — (79 ) (3 ) — — (82 ) Loss from equity investees, net — — (2 ) (8 ) — — (10 ) Other (expense) income, net — — (5 ) 5 — — — Income before income taxes 278 281 332 255 187 (920 ) 413 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 1 — (51 ) (80 ) — — (130 ) Net income 279 281 281 175 187 (920 ) 283 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (4 ) (4 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 279 $ 281 $ 281 $ 175 $ 187 $ (924 ) $ 279 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 465 $ 1,104 $ — $ (1 ) $ 1,568 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 108 423 — (2 ) 529 Selling, general and administrative 4 — 47 380 — 1 432 Depreciation and amortization — — 7 78 — — 85 Restructuring and other charges — — — 11 — — 11 Total costs and expenses 4 — 162 892 — (1 ) 1,057 Operating (loss) income (4 ) — 303 212 — — 511 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 282 282 122 — 188 (874 ) — Interest expense — — (81 ) (2 ) — — (83 ) Income from equity investees, net — — 3 10 — — 13 Other income (expense), net — — 20 (19 ) — — 1 Income before income taxes 278 282 367 201 188 (874 ) 442 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 2 — (85 ) (72 ) — — (155 ) Net income 280 282 282 129 188 (874 ) 287 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (7 ) (7 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 280 $ 282 $ 282 $ 129 $ 188 $ (881 ) $ 280 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,434 $ 3,323 $ — $ (9 ) $ 4,748 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 373 1,332 — (2 ) 1,703 Selling, general and administrative 11 — 159 1,061 — (7 ) 1,224 Depreciation and amortization — — 27 216 — — 243 Restructuring and other charges — — 19 18 — — 37 Gain on disposition — — — (3 ) — — (3 ) Total costs and expenses 11 — 578 2,624 — (9 ) 3,204 Operating (loss) income (11 ) — 856 699 — — 1,544 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 822 822 414 — 548 (2,606 ) — Interest expense — — (241 ) (7 ) — — (248 ) Loss from equity investees, net — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Other expense, net — — (16 ) (62 ) — — (78 ) Income before income taxes 811 822 1,013 628 548 (2,606 ) 1,216 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 4 — (191 ) (207 ) — — (394 ) Net income 815 822 822 421 548 (2,606 ) 822 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (7 ) (7 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 815 $ 822 $ 822 $ 421 $ 548 $ (2,613 ) $ 815 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,414 $ 3,181 $ — $ (6 ) $ 4,589 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 337 1,194 — (5 ) 1,526 Selling, general and administrative 11 — 158 1,079 — (1 ) 1,247 Depreciation and amortization — — 24 219 — — 243 Restructuring and other charges — — 1 18 — — 19 Gain on disposition — — — (31 ) — — (31 ) Total costs and expenses 11 — 520 2,479 — (6 ) 3,004 Operating (loss) income (11 ) — 894 702 — — 1,585 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 896 896 434 — 597 (2,823 ) — Interest expense — — (241 ) (6 ) — — (247 ) Income from equity investees, net — — 9 25 — — 34 Other income (expense), net — — 26 (15 ) — — 11 Income before income taxes 885 896 1,122 706 597 (2,823 ) 1,383 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 4 — (226 ) (259 ) — — (481 ) Net income 889 896 896 447 597 (2,823 ) 902 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — (2 ) (2 ) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (11 ) (11 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 889 $ 896 $ 896 $ 447 $ 597 $ (2,836 ) $ 889 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 279 $ 281 $ 281 $ 175 $ 187 $ (920 ) $ 283 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (46 ) (46 ) (46 ) (46 ) (31 ) 169 (46 ) Derivative and market value adjustments 1 1 1 1 — (3 ) 1 Comprehensive income 234 236 236 130 156 (754 ) 238 Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) 7 (7 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 231 $ 233 $ 233 $ 127 $ 154 $ (747 ) $ 231 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 280 $ 282 $ 282 $ 129 $ 188 $ (874 ) $ 287 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (187 ) (187 ) (187 ) (185 ) (125 ) 684 (187 ) Derivative and market value adjustments 3 3 3 5 2 (13 ) 3 Comprehensive income 96 98 98 (51 ) 65 (203 ) 103 Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 27 27 27 27 18 (106 ) 20 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 123 $ 125 $ 125 $ (24 ) $ 83 $ (309 ) $ 123 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 815 $ 822 $ 822 $ 421 $ 548 $ (2,606 ) $ 822 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (162 ) (162 ) (162 ) (160 ) (108 ) 592 (162 ) Derivative and market value adjustments (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) 4 (1 ) Comprehensive income 652 659 659 260 439 (2,010 ) 659 Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 23 23 23 23 15 (91 ) 16 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 675 $ 682 $ 682 $ 283 $ 454 $ (2,101 ) $ 675 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 889 $ 896 $ 896 $ 447 $ 597 $ (2,823 ) $ 902 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (219 ) (219 ) (219 ) (217 ) (146 ) 801 (219 ) Derivative and market value adjustments (6 ) (6 ) (6 ) 3 (4 ) 13 (6 ) Comprehensive income 664 671 671 233 447 (2,009 ) 677 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — (2 ) (2 ) Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 26 26 26 26 17 (106 ) 15 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 690 $ 697 $ 697 $ 259 $ 464 $ (2,117 ) $ 690 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Operating Activities Cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ (222 ) $ 2 $ 409 $ 463 $ — $ — $ 652 Investing Activities Purchases of property and equipment — — (11 ) (65 ) — — (76 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (24 ) — — (24 ) Payments for derivative instruments — — (11 ) — — — (11 ) Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed — — — 61 — — 61 Distributions from equity method investees — — — 67 — — 67 Investments in equity method investees, net — — (1 ) (25 ) — — (26 ) Investments in cost method investments — — — (16 ) — — (16 ) Inter-company distributions — — 31 — — (31 ) — Other investing activities, net — — — (1 ) — — (1 ) Cash provided by (used in) investing activities — — 8 (3 ) — (31 ) (26 ) Financing Activities Commercial paper repayments, net — — (140 ) — — — (140 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facility — — — 222 — — 222 Principal repayments of revolving credit facility — — (13 ) (166 ) — — (179 ) Borrowings from debt, net of discount — — 936 — — — 936 Principal repayments of debt — — (849 ) — — — (849 ) Principal repayments of capital lease obligations — — (3 ) (19 ) — — (22 ) Repurchases of stock (576 ) — — — — — (576 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (38 ) — — (38 ) Equity-based plan payments, net (9 ) — — — — — (9 ) Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments — — (29 ) — — — (29 ) Inter-company distributions — — — (31 ) — 31 — Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net 807 (2 ) (311 ) (509 ) — — (15 ) Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 222 (2 ) (409 ) (541 ) — 31 (699 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (32 ) — — (32 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents — — 8 (113 ) — — (105 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period — — 8 359 — — 367 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ — $ 16 $ 246 $ — $ — $ 262 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Operating Activities Cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 91 $ 6 $ 360 $ 436 $ — $ — $ 893 Investing Activities Purchases of property and equipment — — (17 ) (68 ) — — (85 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (64 ) (305 ) — — (369 ) Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed — — — 45 — — 45 Distributions from equity method investees — — — 58 — — 58 Investments in equity method investees, net — — (4 ) (170 ) — — (174 ) Other investing activities, net — — — (4 ) — — (4 ) Cash used in investing activities — — (85 ) (444 ) — — (529 ) Financing Activities Commercial paper borrowings, net — — 126 — — — 126 Borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 440 145 — — 585 Principal repayments of revolving credit facility — — (440 ) — — — (440 ) Borrowings from debt, net of discount — — 415 — — — 415 Principal repayments of capital lease obligations — — (3 ) (10 ) — — (13 ) Repurchases of stock (1,067 ) — — — — — (1,067 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Equity-based plan proceeds, net 39 — — — — — 39 Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net 937 (6 ) (904 ) (39 ) — — (12 ) Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (91 ) (6 ) (366 ) 94 — — (369 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (27 ) — — (27 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents — — (91 ) 59 — — (32 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period — — 123 285 — — 408 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ — $ 32 $ 344 $ — $ — $ 376

Description Of Business And B25

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management continually re-evaluates its estimates, judgments and assumptions, and management’s evaluation could change. These estimates are sometimes complex, sensitive to changes in assumptions and require fair value determinations using Level 3 fair value measurements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include accounting for asset impairments, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, content rights, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, equity-based compensation, income taxes, other financial instruments and contingencies.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Adopted Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance requiring all debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt instead of being presented as an asset on the balance sheet. The Company retrospectively adopted the new guidance effective April 1, 2015 and reclassified its unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Company's debt from other noncurrent assets to noncurrent portion of debt on the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented. The balance of unamortized debt issuance costs reclassified as of December 31, 2014 was $44 million . (See Note 6.)
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, which are currently recognized on a retrospective basis. Under the new requirements, adjustments will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income arising from changes to the provisional amounts, if any, are included in earnings of the reporting period in which the adjustments to the provisional amounts are determined. An entity is also required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The new requirements will be effective beginning January 1, 2016, and are required to be implemented on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements. Business Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends the analysis that a reporting entity performs to determine whether it should consolidate certain legal entities. The changes in this guidance include how related parties and de facto agents are considered in the primary beneficiary determination and the analysis for determining whether a fee paid to a decision maker or service provider is a variable interest. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to stockholders' equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements. Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring management to perform interim and annual assessments regarding conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures, if applicable. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to revenue recognition, which applies a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. This standard contains principles with respect to the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The Company will recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the pronouncement's effective date to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. However, reporting entities may choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is required to apply the new revenue standard beginning in the first interim period within the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial statements.
Concentrations Risk	Concentrations Risk Customers The Company has long-term contracts with distributors around the world. In the U.S., more than 90% of distribution revenue comes from the Company's top 10 distributors. Outside of the U.S., approximately 45% of distribution revenue comes from the Company's top 10 distributors. Agreements in place with the major cable and satellite operators in the U.S. expire at various times beginning in 2016 through 2021 . Although the Company seeks to renew its agreements with its distributors, a delay in securing a renewal that results in a service disruption, a failure to secure a renewal or a renewal on less favorable terms may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Not only could the Company experience a reduction in distribution revenue, but it could also experience a reduction in advertising revenue, as viewership is impacted by affiliate subscriber levels. No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company’s trade receivables did not represent a significant concentration of credit risk as the customers and markets in which the Company operates are varied and dispersed across many geographic areas. Financial Institutions Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk. Additionally, the Company has cash and cash equivalents held by its foreign subsidiaries that would result in U.S. tax consequences should the Company decide it needs to repatriate these funds to the U.S. Lender Counterparties There is a risk that the counterparties associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility will not be available to fund as obligated under the terms of the facility and that the Company may, at the time of such unavailability to fund, have limited or no access to the commercial paper market. If funding under the revolving credit facility is unavailable, the Company may have to acquire a replacement credit facility from different counterparties at a higher cost or may be unable to find a suitable replacement. Typically, the Company seeks to manage such risks from its revolving credit facility by contracting with experienced large financial institutions and monitoring the credit quality of its lenders. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by any of its counterparties.

Derivative Financial Instrume26

Derivative Financial Instruments (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Gains and losses on the effective portion of designated cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets and reclassified into the statements of operations in the same line item in which the hedged item is recorded in the same period as the hedged item affects earnings. If it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, any related gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets are reclassified to other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations in that period. The cash flows from the effective portion of derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows from the hedged item. For example, the cash paid to settle the effective portion of interest rate derivatives intended to hedge the pricing of the 2015 USD Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is reported as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows consistent with the classification of cash proceeds from borrowings of debt, net of discount. The cash flows from the ineffective portion of derivative instruments used as hedges and derivative contracts not designated as hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reflected in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to modify its exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company records all unsettled derivative contracts at their gross fair values on the consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 4.)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int27

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Policy Text Block]	Redeemable noncontrolling interests reflected as of the balance sheet date are the greater of the noncontrolling interest balances adjusted for comprehensive income items and distributions or the redemption values remeasured at the period end foreign exchange rates (i.e., the "floor"). Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value as a result of changes in exchange rates are reflected in currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive (loss) income ; however, such currency translation adjustments to redemption value are allocated to Discovery stockholders only. Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of redemption value to the floor are reflected in retained earnings. Any adjustment of redemption value to the floor that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value is included as an adjustment to net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. There were no current period adjustments to reflect a redemption in excess of fair value. (See Note 12.)

Equity (Policies)

Equity (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	Repurchased common stock is recorded as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet.

Earnings Per Share (Policies)

Earnings Per Share (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The computation of the diluted earnings per share of Series A, B and C common stockholders assumes the conversion of Series A and C convertible preferred stock, while the diluted earnings per share amounts of Series C convertible preferred stockholders does not assume conversion of those shares. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding adjusts the weighted average number of shares of Series A, B and C common stock outstanding for the potential dilution that would occur if common stock equivalents, including convertible preferred stock and equity-based awards, were converted into common stock or exercised, calculated using the treasury stock method. Series A, B and C diluted common stock includes the impact of the conversion of Series A preferred stock, the impact of the conversion of Series C preferred stock, and the impact of equity-based compensation. In calculating earnings per share, the Company follows the two-class method, which distinguishes between the classes of securities based on the proportionate participation rights of each security type in the Company's undistributed income. The Company's Series A, B and C common stock and the Series C convertible preferred stock are treated as one class for purposes of applying the two-class method, because they have substantially equal rights and share equally on an as converted basis with respect to income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Any redeemable noncontrolling interests adjustments of redemption value to the floor that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value are included as an adjustment to net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share.

Reportable Segments (Policies)

Reportable Segments (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content purchases.
Adjusted OIBDA, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company believes Adjusted OIBDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes mark-to-market equity-based compensation, restructuring and other charges, certain impairment charges, and gains and losses on business and asset dispositions from the calculation of Adjusted OIBDA due to their volatility. The Company also excludes depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangible assets and deferred launch incentives, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period.

Acquisitions And Dispositions (

Acquisitions And Dispositions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Results of Operations for Business Combinations Included in Consolidated Results [Table Text Block]	The following table presents their revenue and earnings as reported within the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Distribution $ 115 $ 89 $ 328 $ 119 Advertising 50 31 111 52 Other 30 35 75 44 Total revenues $ 195 $ 155 $ 514 $ 215 Net income $ 15 $ 8 $ 33 $ 9
Schedule of Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2014 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Revenue $ 1,590 $ 4,883 Net income 298 904
Eurosport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests recognized and the remeasurement gains recorded on the previously held equity interests is presented in the table below (in millions). The Company's process of identifying the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and determining their fair values for Eurosport France is not complete as of the date of this filing, principally with respect to liabilities assumed. Eurosport France (Provisional) Eurosport International March 31, 2015 May 30, 2014 Goodwill $ 69 $ 785 Intangible assets 40 467 Other assets acquired 27 169 Cash 35 47 Removal of TF1 put right 2 27 Currency translation adjustment (6 ) 7 Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest (2 ) (29 ) Liabilities assumed (30 ) (169 ) Deferred tax liabilities (14 ) (164 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 8) (60 ) (558 ) Carrying value of previously held equity interest (21 ) (231 ) Net assets acquired $ 40 $ 351
Discovery Family [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest recognized is presented in the table below (in millions). September 23, 2014 Goodwill $ 310 Intangible assets 301 Other assets acquired 96 Cash 33 Liabilities assumed (125 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 8) (238 ) Carrying value of previously held equity interest (313 ) Net assets acquired $ 64

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Summary Investment Holdings [Table Text Block]	The Company’s investments consisted of the following (in millions). Category Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 144 $ 147 Equity method investments Equity method investments 562 644 Cost method investments Other noncurrent assets 43 29 Total investments $ 749 $ 820

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis	The tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). September 30, 2015 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 144 $ — $ — $ 144 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 32 — 32 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets — 4 — 4 Total $ 144 $ 36 $ — $ 180 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 144 $ — $ — $ 144 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities — 8 — 8 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent liabilities — 1 — 1 Total $ 144 $ 9 $ — $ 153 December 31, 2014 Category Balance Sheet Location Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities - mutual funds Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 17 — 17 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets — 7 — 7 Total $ 147 $ 24 $ — $ 171 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan Accrued liabilities $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Derivatives: Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities — 1 — 1 Interest rate Accrued liabilities — 28 — 28 TF1 Eurosport France put right Accrued liabilities — — 4 4 Total $ 147 $ 29 $ 4 $ 180

Content Rights (Tables)

Content Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Content Rights [Abstract]
Schedule Of Content Rights	The table below presents the components of content rights (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Produced content rights: Completed $ 3,583 $ 3,242 In-production 408 377 Coproduced content rights: Completed 716 696 In-production 66 83 Licensed content rights: Acquired 1,048 949 Prepaid 111 82 Content rights, at cost 5,932 5,429 Accumulated amortization (3,524 ) (3,127 ) Total content rights, net 2,408 2,302 Current portion (341 ) (329 ) Noncurrent portion $ 2,067 $ 1,973
Schedule Of Content Expense	Content expense is included in costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following (in millions). Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Content amortization $ 414 $ 372 $ 1,210 $ 1,061 Other production charges 54 41 163 108 Content impairments (a) 3 6 33 22 Total content expense $ 471 $ 419 $ 1,406 $ 1,191 (a) Content impairments are generally recorded as a component of costs of revenue. However, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $ 21 million in content impairments were reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges. These charges resulted from the cancellation of certain high profile series due to legal circumstances pertaining to the associated talent. There were no content impairments reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 .

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Debt	The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 3.70% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2015 $ — $ 850 5.625% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due August 2019 500 500 5.05% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2020 1,300 1,300 4.375% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2021 650 650 2.375% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2022 337 365 3.30% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2022 500 500 3.25% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2023 350 350 3.45% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2025 300 — 1.90% Senior Notes, euro denominated, annual interest, due March 2027 674 — 6.35% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due June 2040 850 850 4.95% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due May 2042 500 500 4.875% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due April 2043 850 850 Revolving credit facility 80 38 Commercial paper 89 229 Capital lease obligations 145 187 Total debt 7,125 7,169 Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (68 ) (60 ) Debt, net 7,057 7,109 Current portion of debt (116 ) (1,107 ) Noncurrent portion of debt $ 6,941 $ 6,002

Derivative Financial Instrume36

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the notional amount and fair value of the Company's derivative positions (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair Value Notional Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedges: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 357 $ 23 $ 425 $ 17 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent assets 44 4 20 7 Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities 273 7 35 1 Interest rate Accrued liabilities — — 475 28 Foreign exchange Other noncurrent liabilities 38 1 — — Derivatives not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange Prepaid expenses and other current assets 368 9 3 — Foreign exchange Accrued liabilities 155 1 — —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive (loss) income (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange $ 10 $ 7 $ 22 $ 3 Interest rate 1 (3 ) (11 ) (10 ) Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion): Foreign exchange - distribution revenue 7 (1 ) 15 (2 ) Foreign exchange - advertising revenue — — 1 — Foreign exchange - costs of revenues 2 — 6 — Foreign exchange - other income (expense), net 1 1 2 2 Interest rate - interest expense (1 ) — (1 ) — Losses reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss (ineffective portion): Interest rate - other income (expense), net — — (11 ) —
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the pretax net gains on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign exchange derivatives $ 8 $ 1 $ 8 $ 1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int37

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block]	The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 754 $ 598 $ 747 $ 36 Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses — 238 60 796 Reclassification of redeemable equity to current liabilities (551 ) (6 ) (551 ) (6 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests (2 ) — (38 ) (2 ) Comprehensive income adjustments: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 4 7 7 11 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 3 (27 ) (23 ) (26 ) Currency translation on redemption values 4 (40 ) (36 ) (40 ) Retained earnings adjustments: Adjustments of redemption values to the floor 28 15 74 16 Ending balance $ 240 $ 785 $ 240 $ 785

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class	The table below presents a summary of common stock repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Series C Common Stock: Shares repurchased — 3.3 10.3 13.4 Purchase price $ — $ 188 $ 323 $ 957
Schedule of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock Repurchase	The table below presents a summary of Series C convertible preferred stock repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Series C Convertible Preferred Stock: Shares repurchased 0.8 1.5 3.9 1.5 Purchase price $ 52 $ 110 $ 253 $ 110
Components of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	The table below presents the tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassifications made into the consolidated statements of operations (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Currency translation adjustments: Unrealized losses $ (57 ) $ 11 $ (46 ) $ (195 ) $ 8 $ (187 ) Derivative and market value adjustments: Unrealized gains 11 (4 ) 7 4 (1 ) 3 Reclassifications: Distribution revenue (7 ) 2 (5 ) 1 — 1 Costs of revenues (2 ) 1 (1 ) — — — Interest expense 1 — 1 — — — Other income (expense), net (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) — (1 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (55 ) $ 10 $ (45 ) $ (191 ) $ 7 $ (184 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Pretax Tax Benefit (Provision) Net-of-tax Currency translation adjustments: Unrealized losses $ (197 ) $ 6 $ (191 ) $ (211 ) $ (1 ) $ (212 ) Reclassifications: Gain on disposition 23 — 23 — — — Other income (expense), net 6 — 6 (7 ) — (7 ) Derivative and market value adjustments: Unrealized gains (losses) 11 (4 ) 7 (5 ) 2 (3 ) Reclassifications: Distribution revenue (15 ) 5 (10 ) 2 — 2 Advertising revenue (1 ) — (1 ) — — — Costs of revenues (6 ) 2 (4 ) — — — Gain on disposition — — — (5 ) 2 (3 ) Interest expense 1 — 1 — — — Other income (expense), net 9 (3 ) 6 (2 ) — (2 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (169 ) $ 6 $ (163 ) $ (228 ) $ 3 $ (225 )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net Of Taxes	The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss , net of taxes (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Beginning balance $ (457 ) $ (3 ) $ (460 ) $ (41 ) $ 3 $ (38 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (46 ) 7 (39 ) (187 ) 3 (184 ) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income — (6 ) (6 ) — — — Other comprehensive (loss) income (46 ) 1 (45 ) (187 ) 3 (184 ) Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (3 ) — (3 ) 28 (1 ) 27 Ending balance $ (506 ) $ (2 ) $ (508 ) $ (200 ) $ 5 $ (195 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Currency Translation Adjustments Derivative and Market Value Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive income (Loss) Beginning balance $ (367 ) $ (1 ) $ (368 ) $ (8 ) $ 12 $ 4 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (191 ) 7 (184 ) (212 ) (3 ) (215 ) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 29 (8 ) 21 (7 ) (3 ) (10 ) Other comprehensive loss (162 ) (1 ) (163 ) (219 ) (6 ) (225 ) Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 23 — 23 27 (1 ) 26 Ending balance $ (506 ) $ (2 ) $ (508 ) $ (200 ) $ 5 $ (195 )

Equity-Based Compensation (Tabl

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-Based Compensation Expense	The table below presents the components of equity-based compensation expense (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock options $ 4 $ 4 $ 12 $ 19 RSUs 4 3 12 10 PRSUs (5 ) 14 8 32 SARs (12 ) 6 (15 ) (2 ) Unit awards — 5 (2 ) 6 ESPP — 1 1 1 Total equity-based compensation (income) expense $ (9 ) $ 33 $ 16 $ 66 Tax (expense) benefit recognized $ (4 ) $ 11 $ 6 $ 23
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]	The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested equity-based awards and the weighted average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of September 30, 2015 (in millions, except years). Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Net of Expected Forfeitures Weighted Average Amortization Period (years) Stock options $ 33 2.3 RSUs 44 2.6 PRSUs 35 1.4 SARs 4 1.2 Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures $ 116

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles the Company's effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% . Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 1 % 2 % 2 % 3 % Effect of foreign operations — % 1 % — % 1 % Domestic production activity deductions (1 )% (3 )% (3 )% (3 )% Change in uncertain tax positions (3 )% — % (2 )% (1 )% Other, net (1 )% — % — % — % Effective income tax rate 31 % 35 % 32 % 35 %

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Available to Discovery Stockholders [Table Text Block]	The table below sets forth the computation for income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income $ 283 $ 287 $ 822 $ 902 Less: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A convertible preferred stock (61 ) (58 ) (176 ) (183 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4 ) (7 ) (7 ) (11 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value — — — (1 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders for basic net income per share $ 218 $ 222 $ 639 $ 705 Allocation of net income available to Discovery Communications Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders and Series C convertible preferred stockholders for basic net income per share: Series A, B and C common stockholders 185 186 541 592 Series C convertible preferred stockholders 33 36 98 113 Total 218 222 639 705 Add: Allocation of undistributed income to Series A convertible preferred stockholders 61 58 176 183 Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common stockholders for diluted net income per share $ 279 $ 280 $ 815 $ 888
ScheduleOfWeightedAverageBasicAndDilutedSharesOutstanding [Table Text Block]	The table below sets forth the weighted average number of shares outstanding utilized in determining the denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Denominator: Weighted average Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — basic 432 449 434 458 Weighted average impact of assumed preferred stock conversion 217 227 220 228 Weighted average dilutive effect of equity-based awards 4 6 4 7 Weighted average Series A, B and C common shares outstanding — diluted 653 682 658 693 Weighted average Series C convertible preferred stock outstanding — basic and diluted 38 43 39 44
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share [Table Text Block]	The table below sets forth the Company's calculated earnings per share. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic net income per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders: Series A, B and C common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.41 $ 1.25 $ 1.29 Series C convertible preferred stockholders $ 0.86 $ 0.82 $ 2.50 $ 2.58 Diluted net income per share available to Discovery Communications, Inc. Series A, B and C common and Series C convertible preferred stockholders: Series A, B and C common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.41 $ 1.24 $ 1.28 Series C convertible preferred stockholders $ 0.86 $ 0.82 $ 2.48 $ 2.56 Series C convertible preferred earnings per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Anti-dilutive stock options and RSUs 6 4 6 3 PRSUs whose performance targets have not been achieved 3 4 3 3

Supplemental Disclosures (Table

Supplemental Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities	September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Mandatorily redeemable equity $ 551 $ — Accrued payroll and related benefits 387 441 Content rights payable 209 198 Accrued interest 106 50 Accrued income taxes 38 120 Current portion of equity-based compensation liabilities 5 32 Other accrued liabilities 210 253 Total accrued liabilities $ 1,506 $ 1,094
Schedule Of Other Income, Net	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Foreign currency (losses) gains, net $ (6 ) $ 7 $ (73 ) $ (5 ) Gains (losses) on derivative instruments 8 1 (3 ) 1 Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest — — 2 29 Other expense, net (2 ) (7 ) (4 ) (14 ) Total other income (expense), net $ — $ 1 $ (78 ) $ 11
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Cash paid for taxes, net $ 609 $ 500 Cash paid for interest, net 188 180 Noncash investing and financing activities: Mandatorily redeemable equity 551 — Working capital adjustments and contingent consideration receivable from business dispositions 19 — Accrued purchases of property and equipment 13 5 Contingent consideration obligations from business acquisitions 9 — Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements 2 14 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Tax settlements associated with equity-based plans $ (27 ) $ (27 ) Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation 6 30 Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity-based plans 12 36 Total equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net $ (9 ) $ 39

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Related Party Transactions, Revenues and Expenses	The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues and service charges: Liberty Group $ 40 $ 39 $ 120 $ 118 Equity method investees 12 31 44 79 Other 10 9 27 26 Total revenues and service charges $ 62 $ 79 $ 191 $ 223 Interest income (a) $ 5 $ 8 $ 18 $ 25 Expenses $ (12 ) $ (10 ) $ (43 ) $ (28 ) (a) The Company records interest earnings from loans to equity method investees, such as OWN, as a component of (loss) income from equity investees, net , in the consolidated statements of operations.
Schedules Of Related Party Transactions Receivables	The table below presents receivables due from related parties (in millions). September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Receivables $ 36 $ 37 Note receivable (see Note 3) 394 457

Reportable Segments (Tables)

Reportable Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Revenues By Segment	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. Networks $ 781 $ 723 $ 2,344 $ 2,205 International Networks 740 813 2,276 2,273 Education and Other 36 35 130 117 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations — (3 ) (2 ) (6 ) Total revenues $ 1,557 $ 1,568 $ 4,748 $ 4,589
Schedule Of Adjusted OIBDA By Segment	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 U.S. Networks $ 443 $ 426 $ 1,364 $ 1,275 International Networks 218 277 699 795 Education and Other (5 ) 3 (2 ) 15 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations (80 ) (72 ) (237 ) (232 ) Total Adjusted OIBDA $ 576 $ 634 $ 1,824 $ 1,853
Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Adjusted OIBDA To Operating Income	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total Adjusted OIBDA $ 576 $ 634 $ 1,824 $ 1,853 Amortization of deferred launch incentives (4 ) (4 ) (12 ) (8 ) Mark-to-market equity-based compensation 17 (23 ) 9 (29 ) Depreciation and amortization (80 ) (85 ) (243 ) (243 ) Restructuring and other charges (4 ) (11 ) (37 ) (19 ) Gain on disposition — — 3 31 Operating income $ 505 $ 511 $ 1,544 $ 1,585 Interest expense (82 ) (83 ) (248 ) (247 ) (Loss) income from equity investees, net (10 ) 13 (2 ) 34 Other income (expense), net — 1 (78 ) 11 Income before income taxes $ 413 $ 442 $ 1,216 $ 1,383
Schedule Of Total Assets By Segment	September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 U.S. Networks $ 3,363 $ 3,315 International Networks 5,203 5,443 Education and Other 347 320 Corporate and inter-segment eliminations 7,006 6,892 Total assets $ 15,919 $ 15,970

Condensed Consolidating Finan45

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 16 $ 246 $ — $ — $ 262 Receivables, net — — 451 1,105 — — 1,556 Content rights, net — — 8 333 — — 341 Deferred income taxes — — 39 41 — — 80 Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes 139 9 — 5 — — 153 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 176 151 — — 327 Inter-company trade receivables, net — — 66 — — (66 ) — Total current assets 139 9 756 1,881 — (66 ) 2,719 Investment in and advances to subsidiaries 5,508 5,500 7,641 — 3,686 (22,335 ) — Noncurrent content rights, net — — 621 1,446 — — 2,067 Goodwill — — 3,769 4,411 — — 8,180 Intangible assets, net — — 294 1,478 — — 1,772 Equity method investments — — 14 548 — — 562 Other noncurrent assets — 20 104 515 — (20 ) 619 Total assets $ 5,647 $ 5,529 $ 13,199 $ 10,279 $ 3,686 $ (22,421 ) $ 15,919 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ — $ — $ 92 $ 24 $ — $ — $ 116 Other current liabilities — — 492 1,500 — — 1,992 Inter-company trade payables, net — — — 66 — (66 ) — Total current liabilities — — 584 1,590 — (66 ) 2,108 Noncurrent portion of debt — — 6,747 194 — — 6,941 Other noncurrent liabilities 2 — 368 613 21 (20 ) 984 Total liabilities 2 — 7,699 2,397 21 (86 ) 10,033 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 240 — — 240 Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. 5,645 5,529 5,500 7,642 3,665 (22,336 ) 5,645 Noncontrolling interests — — — — — 1 1 Total equity 5,645 5,529 5,500 7,642 3,665 (22,335 ) 5,646 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,647 $ 5,529 $ 13,199 $ 10,279 $ 3,686 $ (22,421 ) $ 15,919 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 8 $ 359 $ — $ — $ 367 Receivables, net — — 416 1,017 — — 1,433 Content rights, net — — 8 321 — — 329 Deferred income taxes — — 40 47 — — 87 Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes 1 11 — 5 — — 17 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1 ) — 164 95 — — 258 Inter-company trade receivables, net — — 151 — — (151 ) — Total current assets — 11 787 1,844 — (151 ) 2,491 Investment in and advances to subsidiaries 5,678 5,669 7,750 — 3,800 (22,897 ) — Noncurrent content rights, net — — 613 1,360 — — 1,973 Goodwill — — 3,769 4,467 — — 8,236 Intangible assets, net — — 307 1,664 — — 1,971 Equity method investments — — 21 623 — — 644 Other noncurrent assets — 20 106 549 — (20 ) 655 Total assets $ 5,678 $ 5,700 $ 13,353 $ 10,507 $ 3,800 $ (23,068 ) $ 15,970 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ — $ — $ 1,084 $ 23 $ — $ — $ 1,107 Other current liabilities 73 — 433 991 — — 1,497 Inter-company trade payables, net — — — 151 — (151 ) — Total current liabilities 73 — 1,517 1,165 — (151 ) 2,604 Noncurrent portion of debt — — 5,824 178 — — 6,002 Other noncurrent liabilities 3 — 343 665 22 (20 ) 1,013 Total liabilities 76 — 7,684 2,008 22 (171 ) 9,619 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 747 — — 747 Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. 5,602 5,700 5,669 7,752 3,778 (22,899 ) 5,602 Noncontrolling interests — — — — — 2 2 Total equity 5,602 5,700 5,669 7,752 3,778 (22,897 ) 5,604 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,678 $ 5,700 $ 13,353 $ 10,507 $ 3,800 $ (23,068 ) $ 15,970
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 478 $ 1,082 $ — $ (3 ) $ 1,557 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 159 417 — (2 ) 574 Selling, general and administrative 3 — 63 329 — (1 ) 394 Depreciation and amortization — — 10 70 — — 80 Restructuring and other charges — — (1 ) 5 — — 4 Total costs and expenses 3 — 231 821 — (3 ) 1,052 Operating (loss) income (3 ) — 247 261 — — 505 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 281 281 171 — 187 (920 ) — Interest expense — — (79 ) (3 ) — — (82 ) Loss from equity investees, net — — (2 ) (8 ) — — (10 ) Other (expense) income, net — — (5 ) 5 — — — Income before income taxes 278 281 332 255 187 (920 ) 413 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 1 — (51 ) (80 ) — — (130 ) Net income 279 281 281 175 187 (920 ) 283 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (4 ) (4 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 279 $ 281 $ 281 $ 175 $ 187 $ (924 ) $ 279 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 465 $ 1,104 $ — $ (1 ) $ 1,568 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 108 423 — (2 ) 529 Selling, general and administrative 4 — 47 380 — 1 432 Depreciation and amortization — — 7 78 — — 85 Restructuring and other charges — — — 11 — — 11 Total costs and expenses 4 — 162 892 — (1 ) 1,057 Operating (loss) income (4 ) — 303 212 — — 511 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 282 282 122 — 188 (874 ) — Interest expense — — (81 ) (2 ) — — (83 ) Income from equity investees, net — — 3 10 — — 13 Other income (expense), net — — 20 (19 ) — — 1 Income before income taxes 278 282 367 201 188 (874 ) 442 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 2 — (85 ) (72 ) — — (155 ) Net income 280 282 282 129 188 (874 ) 287 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (7 ) (7 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 280 $ 282 $ 282 $ 129 $ 188 $ (881 ) $ 280 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,434 $ 3,323 $ — $ (9 ) $ 4,748 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 373 1,332 — (2 ) 1,703 Selling, general and administrative 11 — 159 1,061 — (7 ) 1,224 Depreciation and amortization — — 27 216 — — 243 Restructuring and other charges — — 19 18 — — 37 Gain on disposition — — — (3 ) — — (3 ) Total costs and expenses 11 — 578 2,624 — (9 ) 3,204 Operating (loss) income (11 ) — 856 699 — — 1,544 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 822 822 414 — 548 (2,606 ) — Interest expense — — (241 ) (7 ) — — (248 ) Loss from equity investees, net — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Other expense, net — — (16 ) (62 ) — — (78 ) Income before income taxes 811 822 1,013 628 548 (2,606 ) 1,216 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 4 — (191 ) (207 ) — — (394 ) Net income 815 822 822 421 548 (2,606 ) 822 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (7 ) (7 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 815 $ 822 $ 822 $ 421 $ 548 $ (2,613 ) $ 815 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,414 $ 3,181 $ — $ (6 ) $ 4,589 Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization — — 337 1,194 — (5 ) 1,526 Selling, general and administrative 11 — 158 1,079 — (1 ) 1,247 Depreciation and amortization — — 24 219 — — 243 Restructuring and other charges — — 1 18 — — 19 Gain on disposition — — — (31 ) — — (31 ) Total costs and expenses 11 — 520 2,479 — (6 ) 3,004 Operating (loss) income (11 ) — 894 702 — — 1,585 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 896 896 434 — 597 (2,823 ) — Interest expense — — (241 ) (6 ) — — (247 ) Income from equity investees, net — — 9 25 — — 34 Other income (expense), net — — 26 (15 ) — — 11 Income before income taxes 885 896 1,122 706 597 (2,823 ) 1,383 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 4 — (226 ) (259 ) — — (481 ) Net income 889 896 896 447 597 (2,823 ) 902 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — (2 ) (2 ) Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — — — (11 ) (11 ) Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 889 $ 896 $ 896 $ 447 $ 597 $ (2,836 ) $ 889
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Comprehensive Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 279 $ 281 $ 281 $ 175 $ 187 $ (920 ) $ 283 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (46 ) (46 ) (46 ) (46 ) (31 ) 169 (46 ) Derivative and market value adjustments 1 1 1 1 — (3 ) 1 Comprehensive income 234 236 236 130 156 (754 ) 238 Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) 7 (7 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 231 $ 233 $ 233 $ 127 $ 154 $ (747 ) $ 231 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 280 $ 282 $ 282 $ 129 $ 188 $ (874 ) $ 287 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (187 ) (187 ) (187 ) (185 ) (125 ) 684 (187 ) Derivative and market value adjustments 3 3 3 5 2 (13 ) 3 Comprehensive income 96 98 98 (51 ) 65 (203 ) 103 Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 27 27 27 27 18 (106 ) 20 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 123 $ 125 $ 125 $ (24 ) $ 83 $ (309 ) $ 123 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 815 $ 822 $ 822 $ 421 $ 548 $ (2,606 ) $ 822 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (162 ) (162 ) (162 ) (160 ) (108 ) 592 (162 ) Derivative and market value adjustments (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) 4 (1 ) Comprehensive income 652 659 659 260 439 (2,010 ) 659 Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 23 23 23 23 15 (91 ) 16 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 675 $ 682 $ 682 $ 283 $ 454 $ (2,101 ) $ 675 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Net income $ 889 $ 896 $ 896 $ 447 $ 597 $ (2,823 ) $ 902 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Currency translation adjustments (219 ) (219 ) (219 ) (217 ) (146 ) 801 (219 ) Derivative and market value adjustments (6 ) (6 ) (6 ) 3 (4 ) 13 (6 ) Comprehensive income 664 671 671 233 447 (2,009 ) 677 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — (2 ) (2 ) Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 26 26 26 26 17 (106 ) 15 Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc. $ 690 $ 697 $ 697 $ 259 $ 464 $ (2,117 ) $ 690
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Operating Activities Cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ (222 ) $ 2 $ 409 $ 463 $ — $ — $ 652 Investing Activities Purchases of property and equipment — — (11 ) (65 ) — — (76 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (24 ) — — (24 ) Payments for derivative instruments — — (11 ) — — — (11 ) Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed — — — 61 — — 61 Distributions from equity method investees — — — 67 — — 67 Investments in equity method investees, net — — (1 ) (25 ) — — (26 ) Investments in cost method investments — — — (16 ) — — (16 ) Inter-company distributions — — 31 — — (31 ) — Other investing activities, net — — — (1 ) — — (1 ) Cash provided by (used in) investing activities — — 8 (3 ) — (31 ) (26 ) Financing Activities Commercial paper repayments, net — — (140 ) — — — (140 ) Borrowings under revolving credit facility — — — 222 — — 222 Principal repayments of revolving credit facility — — (13 ) (166 ) — — (179 ) Borrowings from debt, net of discount — — 936 — — — 936 Principal repayments of debt — — (849 ) — — — (849 ) Principal repayments of capital lease obligations — — (3 ) (19 ) — — (22 ) Repurchases of stock (576 ) — — — — — (576 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (38 ) — — (38 ) Equity-based plan payments, net (9 ) — — — — — (9 ) Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments — — (29 ) — — — (29 ) Inter-company distributions — — — (31 ) — 31 — Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net 807 (2 ) (311 ) (509 ) — — (15 ) Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 222 (2 ) (409 ) (541 ) — 31 (699 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (32 ) — — (32 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents — — 8 (113 ) — — (105 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period — — 8 359 — — 367 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ — $ 16 $ 246 $ — $ — $ 262 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in millions) Discovery DCH DCL Non-Guarantor Other Non- Reclassifications Discovery and Operating Activities Cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 91 $ 6 $ 360 $ 436 $ — $ — $ 893 Investing Activities Purchases of property and equipment — — (17 ) (68 ) — — (85 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (64 ) (305 ) — — (369 ) Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed — — — 45 — — 45 Distributions from equity method investees — — — 58 — — 58 Investments in equity method investees, net — — (4 ) (170 ) — — (174 ) Other investing activities, net — — — (4 ) — — (4 ) Cash used in investing activities — — (85 ) (444 ) — — (529 ) Financing Activities Commercial paper borrowings, net — — 126 — — — 126 Borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 440 145 — — 585 Principal repayments of revolving credit facility — — (440 ) — — — (440 ) Borrowings from debt, net of discount — — 415 — — — 415 Principal repayments of capital lease obligations — — (3 ) (10 ) — — (13 ) Repurchases of stock (1,067 ) — — — — — (1,067 ) Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) Equity-based plan proceeds, net 39 — — — — — 39 Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net 937 (6 ) (904 ) (39 ) — — (12 ) Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (91 ) (6 ) (366 ) 94 — — (369 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (27 ) — — (27 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents — — (91 ) 59 — — (32 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period — — 123 285 — — 408 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ — $ 32 $ 344 $ — $ — $ 376

Description Of Business And B46

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015Customers	Sep. 30, 2014Customers	Sep. 30, 2015Customerssegmentsoperating_segmentsdistributors	Sep. 30, 2014Customers	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number Of Reportable Segments | segments			2
Deferred Finance Costs, Net | $					$ 44
Concentration Risk, number of customers | Customers	0	0	0	0
Sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
U.S. Networks [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number Of Cable And Satellite Operators United States			10
U.S. Networks [Member] | Distribution revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			90.00%
International Networks [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number Of Cable And Satellite Operators Non United States			10
International Networks [Member] | Distribution revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			45.00%
Education And Other [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | operating_segments			2

Acquisitions And Dispositions47

Acquisitions And Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions	Oct. 07, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2015EUR (€)	Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2014USD ($)	May. 30, 2014EUR (€)	May. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability														$ 0		$ 0				$ 9,000,000
Goodwill																		$ 8,236,000,000		8,180,000,000
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest													$ 0	0	$ 2,000,000	29,000,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest balance														785,000,000		785,000,000		747,000,000		240,000,000	$ 754,000,000	$ 598,000,000	$ 36,000,000
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments															26,000,000	174,000,000
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed															61,000,000	45,000,000
Business disposal, contingent consideration, asset														0		0				19,000,000
Gain on disposition													0	0	3,000,000	31,000,000
Income before income taxes													$ 413,000,000	442,000,000	1,216,000,000	1,383,000,000
SBS Radio [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration				€ 74																	$ 84,000,000
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed				€ 54	$ 61,000,000
Business disposal, contingent consideration, asset																			€ 17	$ 19,000,000
Gain on disposition					$ 3,000,000
Income before income taxes														$ (2,000,000)	0	$ (6,000,000)
HowStuffWorks, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed										$ 45,000,000
Gain on disposition										$ 31,000,000
Eurosport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life									10 years	10 years
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners																			49.00%	49.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage																								20.00%
Eurosport International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction										51.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred									€ 259	$ 351,000,000
Increase in ownership interest, percentage									31.00%	31.00%
Goodwill										$ 785,000,000
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest										29,000,000
Intangible assets										$ 467,000,000
Eurosport France [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction							51.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred						€ 38	$ 40,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life						10 years	10 years
Increase in ownership interest, percentage						31.00%	31.00%
Goodwill							$ 69,000,000
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest							2,000,000
Intangible assets							$ 40,000,000
Discovery Family [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction								60.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred								$ 64,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life								25 years
Increase in ownership interest, percentage								10.00%
FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalAssumption								3
Goodwill								$ 310,000,000
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest								0
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners																			40.00%	40.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest balance																				$ 214,000,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage																						50.00%
Intangible assets								$ 301,000,000
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred															$ 32,000,000			40,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability																				9,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred																				3,000,000
Goodwill																		37,000,000		19,000,000
Intangible assets																		$ 10,000,000		$ 18,000,000
Forecast [Member] | SBS Radio [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration paid (received) for working capital or other contractual adjustments											€ 3	$ 4,000,000
Forecast [Member] | Discovery Family [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Terms Of Put Arrangement																	1 year
Subsequent Event [Member] | Eurosport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Increase in ownership interest, percentage		49.00%	49.00%
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		€ 491	$ 548,000,000
Russia JV [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%

Acquisitions And Dispositions48

Acquisitions And Dispositions (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 23, 2014	May. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 8,180		$ 8,180		$ 8,236
Removal of TF1 put right								(4)
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest				0	$ 0	(2)	$ (29)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest				$ (240)		$ (240)		$ (747)
Eurosport France [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 69
Intangible assets	40
Other assets acquired	27
Cash	35
Removal of TF1 put right	2
Currency translation adjustment	(6)
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest	(2)
Liabilities assumed	(30)
Deferred tax liabilities	(14)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	(60)
Carrying value of previously held equity interest	(21)
Net assets acquired	$ 40
Eurosport International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 785
Intangible assets			467
Other assets acquired			169
Cash			47
Removal of TF1 put right			27
Currency translation adjustment			7
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest			(29)
Liabilities assumed			(169)
Deferred tax liabilities			(164)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest			(558)
Carrying value of previously held equity interest			(231)
Net assets acquired			$ 351
Discovery Family [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 310
Intangible assets		301
Other assets acquired		96
Cash		33
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest		0
Liabilities assumed		(125)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		(238)
Carrying value of previously held equity interest		(313)
Net assets acquired		$ 64

Acquisitions and Dispositions49

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 1,590	$ 4,883
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income	$ 298	$ 904

Acquisitions and Dispositions50

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Schedule of Consolidation of Business Combinations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Distribution	$ 776	$ 748	$ 2,309	$ 2,097
Advertising	699	725	2,200	2,258
Other	82	95	239	234
Total revenues	1,557	1,568	4,748	4,589
Net income	283	287	822	902
Business Acquistions [Member]
Distribution	115	89	328	119
Advertising	50	31	111	52
Other	30	35	75	44
Total revenues	195	155	514	215
Net income	$ 15	$ 8	$ 33	$ 9

Investments Narrative (Details)

Investments Narrative (Details) £ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 23, 2014GBP (£)	Sep. 23, 2014USD ($)	May. 30, 2014	Jan. 02, 2011USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022	Jul. 01, 2023USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments [Line Items]
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss							$ 449,000,000
Advances to and note receivable from OWN							394,000,000					$ 457,000,000
Put Right Obligations							0					0
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments							26,000,000	$ 174,000,000
Cost Method Investments							43,000,000					29,000,000
OWN [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of investments in VIE's accounted for using the equity method							389,000,000					424,000,000
Funding obligation to OWN							0
Advances to and note receivable from OWN							394,000,000					457,000,000
Variable interest entity net repayment							67,000,000	56,000,000
Interest and Other Income							18,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Debt Modification for Note Receivable							$ 14,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate	7.50%						5.00%
Borrowings schedule repayment period, in years							4
OWN losses recognized at 100%					$ 104,000,000
Proportion of OWN's net loss allocated to Discovery Communications Inc					100.00%	100.00%
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment							$ 0
Put Right Obligations							0					$ 0
Forecast [Member] | OWN [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Terms Of Put Arrangement										2 years 6 months
Cumulative cap of put amount for purchase of Harpo's interest in OWN, fourth put exercise date										$ 400,000,000	$ 100,000,000
All3Media [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%											50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Business Enterprise Value		£ 556											$ 912,000,000
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments		£ 90	$ 147,000,000
Lumos Labs Inc. [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Cost Method Investments							(25,000,000)
Formula E [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Cost Method Investments							$ (16,000,000)
Eurosport International [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Increase in ownership interest, percentage				31.00%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction				51.00%
Eurosport France [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Increase in ownership interest, percentage	31.00%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction	51.00%
Discovery Family [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Increase in ownership interest, percentage		10.00%	10.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage														50.00%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Interest after Purchase Transaction		60.00%											60.00%
Discovery Family [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Terms Of Put Arrangement									1 year

Investments (Schedule of Invest

Investments (Schedule of Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Trading securities - mutual funds	$ 144	$ 147
Equity method investments	562	644
Cost Method Investments	43	29
Total Investments	$ 749	$ 820

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior notes, Fair Value	$ 6.9	$ 7.2

Fair Value Measurements (Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities - mutual funds	$ 144	$ 147
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	180	171
Deferred compensation plan	144	147
TF1 Eurosport France put right		4
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	153	180
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	144	147
Deferred compensation plan	144	147
TF1 Eurosport France put right		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	144	147
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	36	24
Deferred compensation plan	0	0
TF1 Eurosport France put right		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	9	29
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Deferred compensation plan	0	0
TF1 Eurosport France put right		4
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities - mutual funds	144	147
Derivative Assets	32	17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities - mutual funds	144	147
Derivative Assets	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities - mutual funds	0	0
Derivative Assets	32	17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities - mutual funds	0	0
Derivative Assets	0	0
Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	4	7
Other noncurrent assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Other noncurrent assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	4	7
Other noncurrent assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	1
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	1
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	8	1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	8	1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 0	0
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		28
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		0
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		28
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		$ 0

Content Rights (Schedule Of Con

Content Rights (Schedule Of Content Rights) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Licensed content rights:
Accumulated amortization	$ (3,524)	$ (3,127)
Total content rights, net	2,408	2,302
Current portion	(341)	(329)
Noncurrent portion	2,067	1,973
Media Content [Member]
Produced content rights:
Completed	3,583	3,242
In-production	408	377
Coproduced content rights:
Completed	716	696
In-production	66	83
Licensed content rights:
Acquired	1,048	949
Prepaid	111	82
Content rights, at cost	$ 5,932	$ 5,429

Content Rights Content Rights (

Content Rights Content Rights (Schedule Of Content Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Content amortization		$ 414	$ 372	$ 1,210	$ 1,061
Other production charges		54	41	163	108
Content impairments	[1]	3	6	33	22
Total content expense		471	419	1,406	1,191
Other Restructuring [Member]
Content impairments in restructuring and other charges		$ 0	$ 0	$ 21	$ 0
[1]	(a) Content impairments are generally recorded as a component of costs of revenue. However, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, $21 million in content impairments were reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges. These charges resulted from the cancellation of certain high profile series due to legal circumstances pertaining to the associated talent. There were no content impairments reflected as a component of restructuring and other charges for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 7,125					$ 7,169
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date				Jun. 20, 2019
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding				$ 80					38
Commercial paper				89					229
Long-term line of credit, foreign-denominated				$ 20
Maximum period of maturities outstanding				90 days
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral Fees				0.0015
Borrowings under revolving credit facility				$ 222	$ 585
1.90% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date		Mar. 19, 2015
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 674			€ 600	$ 637	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement							1.06	1.06
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				1.90%			1.90%	1.90%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Mar. 19, 2027		Mar. 19, 2027
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount								$ 1
Debt issuance cost		$ 5
3.45% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross			$ 300	$ 300					0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.45%	3.45%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 15, 2025	Mar. 15, 2025
Debt issuance cost			$ 2
3.70% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 0					$ 850
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.70%		3.70%
Pretax loss on extinguishment of debt				$ 5
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Jun. 1, 2015
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount						$ 1
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,500
Expansion option on revolving credit facility				$ 1,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				1.37%					1.98%
Revolver sublimit for multi-currency borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 750
Revolver sublimit for standby letters of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity				100
Revolver sublimit for swing line loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 50
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				0.40%					0.60%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate				1.10%
Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate				0.10%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	$ 525

Debt (Outstanding Debt) (Detail

Debt (Outstanding Debt) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 80				$ 38
Commercial paper	89				229
Capital lease obligations	145				187
Long-term Debt, Gross	7,125				7,169
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(68)				(60)
Long-term debt, net	7,057				7,109
Current portion of debt	(116)				(1,107)
Noncurrent portion of debt	6,941				6,002
3.70% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	0				850
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	500				500
5.05% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,300				1,300
4.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	650				650
2.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	337				365
3.30% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	500				500
3.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	350				350
3.45% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	300			$ 300	0
1.90% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	674	€ 600	$ 637		0
6.35% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	850				850
4.95% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	500				500
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 850				$ 850

Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)

Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)	Mar. 19, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
3.70% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.70%	3.70%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Jun. 1, 2015
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.625%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Aug. 15, 2019
5.05% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.05%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Jun. 1, 2020
4.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.375%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Jun. 15, 2021
2.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			2.375%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 7, 2022
3.30% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.30%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			May 15, 2022
3.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.25%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Apr. 1, 2023
3.45% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.45%	3.45%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Mar. 15, 2025	Mar. 15, 2025
1.90% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.90%		1.90%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 19, 2027		Mar. 19, 2027
6.35% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.35%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Jun. 1, 2040
4.95% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.95%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			May 15, 2042
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.875%
Long-term debt, frequency of periodic payments			semi-annual
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Apr. 1, 2043

Derivative Financial Instrume60

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		120 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2025	Mar. 02, 2015	Feb. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 7,125			$ 7,125					$ 7,169
Amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements	0			0					0
Net deferred losses on derivative instruments expected to be reclassified from AOCI to income in the next 12 months				12
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax								$ 40
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net		$ 11
Accrued liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0			0				$ 490	475
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	1		$ 0	1	$ 0
Interest Expense [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net						$ 29
3.45% Senior Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 300			$ 300			$ 300		$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume61

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 357		$ 425
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	23		17
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	44		20
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	4		7
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	273		35
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	7		1
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	38		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1		0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	$ 490	475
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0		28
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	368		3
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	9		0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	155		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ 1		$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume62

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Comprehensive Income Impact of Items Designated as Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$ 10		$ 7	$ 22	$ 3
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	1		(3)	(11)	(10)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net		$ (11)
Distribution revenue [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	7		(1)	15	(2)
Advertising Revenue [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	0		0	1	0
Cost of Sales [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	2		0	6	0
Other income (expense), net [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	1		1	2	2
Other income (expense), net [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	0		0	(11)	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$ (1)		$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume63

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) of Items Not Designated as Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 8	$ 1	$ (3)	$ 1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 8	$ 1	$ 8	$ 1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int64

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions

Oct. 01, 2015EUR (€)

Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Nov. 19, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 23, 2014USD ($)

May. 30, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 09, 2013USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015EUR (€)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2022

Jan. 09, 2017

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses

$ 0

$ 238

$ 60

$ 796

MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities

$ 551

$ 0

Adjustments of redemption values to the floor

28

$ 15

$ 74

$ 16

Discovery Japan [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

20.00%

20.00%

Discovery Japan [Member] | Forecast [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Terms Of Put Arrangement

4 years

SBS Nordic [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses

$ 6

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

20.00%

20.00%

Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

$ 1

Eurosport [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

49.00%

49.00%

MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities

€ 491

$ 551

Adjustments of redemption values to the floor

€ 25

$ 28

Eurosport France [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses

$ 60

Discovery Family [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses

$ 238

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

40.00%

40.00%

Discovery Family [Member] | Forecast [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Terms Of Put Arrangement

1 year

Eurosport International [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses

$ 558

Subsequent Event [Member] | Eurosport [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

€ 491

$ 548

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int65

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 754	$ 598	$ 747	$ 36
Initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests of acquired businesses	0	238	60	796
Reclassification of redeemable equity to current liabilities	(551)	(6)	(551)	(6)
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2)	0	(38)	(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	4	7	7	11
Other comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	3	(27)	(23)	(26)
Currency translation on redemption values	4	(40)	(36)	(40)
Adjustments of redemption values to the floor	28	15	74	16
Ending balance	$ 240	$ 785	$ 240	$ 785

Equity (Narrative) (Details)

Equity (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 06, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Oct. 08, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Feb. 13, 2014shares
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 5,500		$ 5,500
Treasury Stock, Value			$ 5,086		$ 5,086			$ 4,763
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	2
Number of Series C convertible preferred shares repurchased per Series C common share repurchased | shares			0.429		0.429
Payments for Repurchase of Equity					$ 576	$ 1,067
Additional Paid in Capital			$ 6,935		$ 6,935			$ 6,917
Series A Common Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares | shares			2,800,000		2,800,000
Treasury Stock, Value			$ 171		$ 171
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Additional Paid in Capital			$ 0		$ 0
Series C Common Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares | shares			101,600,000		101,600,000
Treasury Stock, Value			$ 4,900		$ 4,900
Advance Programming Holdings, LLC [Member] | Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares			800,000	1,500,000	3,900,000	1,500,000
Payments for Repurchase of Equity			$ 52	$ 110	$ 253	$ 110
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Series B Common Stock [Member]
Number of shares subject to voting and purchase rights granted by a related party to the Company's CEO | shares									5,900,000
Forecast [Member] | Advance Programming Holdings, LLC [Member] | Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares		0
Expiration of repurchase program1 [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount			$ 416		$ 416
Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							$ 2,000

Equity (Common Stock Repurchase

Equity (Common Stock Repurchase Program) (Details) - Series C Common Stock [Member] - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	0	3.3	10.3	13.4
Purchase price	$ 0	$ 188	$ 323	$ 957

Equity (Preferred Stock Repurch

Equity (Preferred Stock Repurchase Program) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Payments for Repurchase of Equity			$ 576	$ 1,067
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] | Advance Programming Holdings, LLC [Member]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	0.8	1.5	3.9	1.5
Payments for Repurchase of Equity	$ 52	$ 110	$ 253	$ 110

Equity (Components of Other Com

Equity (Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	$ (57)	$ (195)	$ (197)	$ (211)
Derivatives and market value adjustments, before tax amount	11	4	11	(5)
Other comprehensive income, before tax amount	(55)	(191)	(169)	(228)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	11	8	6	(1)
Derivatives and market value adjustments, tax expense	(4)	(1)	(4)	2
Other comprehensive income, tax expense	10	7	6	3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(46)	(187)	(191)	(212)
Derivatives and market value adjustments, Net-of-tax Amount	7	3	7	(3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(45)	(184)	(163)	(225)
Distribution revenue [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax	(7)	1	(15)	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax	2	0	5	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	(5)	1	(10)	2
Advertising Revenue [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax			(1)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax			0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax			(1)	0
Cost of Sales [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax	(2)	0	(6)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax	1	0	2	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	(1)	0	(4)	0
Gain on Disposition [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax			23	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax			0	(5)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax			0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax			0	2
Currency translation adjustments, reclassifications to the income statement, net of tax			23	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax			0	(3)
Interest Expense [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax	1	0	1	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	1	0	1	0
Other income (expense), net [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax			6	(7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, before Tax	(1)	(1)	9	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax			0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Tax	0	0	(3)	0
Currency translation adjustments, reclassifications to the income statement, net of tax			6	(7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives and Market Value Adjustments Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ 6	$ (2)

Equity (Accumulated Other Compr

Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net Of Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Beginning balance	$ (460)	$ (38)	$ (368)	$ 4
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(39)	(184)	(184)	(215)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	(6)	0	21	(10)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(45)	(184)	(163)	(225)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	27	23	26
Ending balance	(508)	(195)	(508)	(195)
Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Beginning balance	(457)	(41)	(367)	(8)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(46)	(187)	(191)	(212)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	0	0	29	(7)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	28	23	27
Ending balance	(506)	(200)	(506)	(200)
Derivative and Market Value Adjustments [Member]
Beginning balance	(3)	3	(1)	12
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	7	3	7	(3)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	(6)	0	(8)	(3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	1	3	(1)	(6)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	(1)	0	(1)
Ending balance	$ (2)	$ 5	$ (2)	$ 5

Equity-Based Compensation (Narr

Equity-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total liability for cash-settled awards	$ 47	$ 84
Current portion of equity-based compensation liabilities	$ 5	$ 32
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards granted in period	2.9
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 32.09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 17.93
RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards granted in period	1
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$ 32.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	0.4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.74
PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards granted in period	0.5
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$ 31.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	1.2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 22.44
SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards granted in period	2
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Price	$ 32.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	1.8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.74
Unit Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	1.2
Cash payments to settle vested awards	$ 14

Equity-Based Compensation (Equi

Equity-Based Compensation (Equity-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	$ (9)	$ 33	$ 16	$ 66
Tax (expense) benefit recognized	(4)	11	6	23
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	4	4	12	19
RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	4	3	12	10
PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	(5)	14	8	32
SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	(12)	6	(15)	(2)
Unit Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	0	5	(2)	6
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Equity-Based Compensation (Unre

Equity-Based Compensation (Unrecognized Compensation Cost) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 116
Stock Options [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 33
Weighted average period of time, in years, compensation expense related to units is expected to be recognized	2 years 95 days
RSUs [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 44
Weighted average period of time, in years, compensation expense related to units is expected to be recognized	2 years 226 days
PRSUs [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 35
Weighted average period of time, in years, compensation expense related to units is expected to be recognized	1 year 146 days
SARs [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 4
Weighted average period of time, in years, compensation expense related to units is expected to be recognized	1 year 62 days

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provisions for income taxes	$ 130	$ 155	$ 394	$ 481
Effective income tax rate	31.00%	35.00%	32.00%	35.00%
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 159		$ 159			$ 176
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$ 14		$ 14			$ 17
Forecast [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions					$ 68

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.00%	2.00%	2.00%	3.00%
Effect of foreign operations	0.00%	1.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Domestic production activity deductions	(1.00%)	(3.00%)	(3.00%)	(3.00%)
Change in uncertain tax positions	(3.00%)	0.00%	(2.00%)	(1.00%)
Other, net	(1.00%)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate	31.00%	35.00%	32.00%	35.00%

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders, Diluted	$ 33	$ 35	$ 97	$ 112

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders	$ 218	$ 222	$ 639	$ 705
Net income	283	287	822	902
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	(61)	(58)	(176)	(183)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4)	(7)	(7)	(11)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value	0	0	0	(1)
Allocation of undistributed income to Series A convertible preferred stockholders	$ 61	$ 58	$ 176	$ 183
Series A, B and C Common Stock [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	653	682	658	693
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders	$ 185	$ 186	$ 541	$ 592
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders, Diluted	$ 279	$ 280	$ 815	$ 888
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	38	43	39	44
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders	$ 33	$ 36	$ 98	$ 113
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders, Diluted	$ 33	$ 35	$ 97	$ 112

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Series A, B and C Common Stock [Member]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	432	449	434	458
Weighted average dilutive effect of assumed preferred stock conversion	217	227	220	228
Weighted average dilutive effect of equity-based awards	4	6	4	7
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	653	682	658	693
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	38	43	39	44
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	38	43	39	44

Earnings Per Share (Schedule 79

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Basic and Dilutive Earnings per Share) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Series A, B and C Common Stock [Member]
Net income per share	$ 0.43	$ 0.41	$ 1.25	$ 1.29
Net income per share	0.43	0.41	1.24	1.28
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Net income per share	0.86	0.82	2.50	2.58
Net income per share	$ 0.86	$ 0.82	$ 2.48	$ 2.56

Earnings Per Share (Schedule 80

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Anti-Dilutive Stock Options and RSU [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	6	4	6	3
PRSUs whose performance targets have not been achieved [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	3	4	3	3

Supplemental Disclosures (Sched

Supplemental Disclosures (Schedule Of Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities	$ 551	$ 0
Accrued payroll and related benefits	387	441
Program Rights Obligations	209	198
Accrued interest	106	50
Accrued income taxes	38	120
Current portion of equity-based compensation liabilities	5	32
Accrued other	210	253
Total accrued liabilities	$ 1,506	$ 1,094

Supplemental Disclosures (Sch82

Supplemental Disclosures (Schedule Of Other (Expense) Income, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Foreign currency losses, net	$ (6)	$ 7	$ (73)	$ (5)
Loss on derivative instruments	8	1	(3)	1
Remeasurement gain on previously held equity interest	0	0	2	29
Other expense, net	(2)	(7)	(4)	(14)
Total other (expense) income, net	$ 0	$ 1	$ (78)	$ 11

Supplemental Disclosures (Sch83

Supplemental Disclosures (Schedule of Cash proceeds from equity-based plans, net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Tax settlements associated with equity-based plans	$ (27)	$ (27)
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation	6	30
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity-based plans	12	36
Total cash payments for equity-based plans, net	$ (9)	$ 39

Supplemental Disclosures (Sch84

Supplemental Disclosures (Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash paid for taxes, net	$ 609	$ 500
Cash paid for interest, net	188	180
MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities	551		$ 0
Working capital adjustments and contingent consideration receivable from business dispositions	19	0
Contingent consideration obligations from business acquisitions	9	0
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	13	5
Assets acquired under capital lease arrangements	$ 2	$ 14

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - Board of Directors Chairman [Member]	Sep. 30, 2015
Liberty Global [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate Voting Power Percentage Of A Related Party	25.00%
Liberty Broadband [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate Voting Power Percentage Of A Related Party	46.00%

Related Party Transactions (Sch

Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Related Party Transactions, Revenues and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue and service charges		$ 62	$ 79	$ 191	$ 223
Expenses		(12)	(10)	(43)	(28)
Liberty Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue and service charges		40	39	120	118
Equity Method Investments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue and service charges		12	31	44	79
Interest and Other Income	[1]	5	8	18	25
OtherRelatedParties [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue and service charges		$ 10	$ 9	$ 27	$ 26
[1]	(a) The Company records interest earnings from loans to equity method investees, such as OWN, as a component of (loss) income from equity investees, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. (See Note 3.)

Related Party Transactions (S87

Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Related Party Transactions, Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Receivables	$ 36	$ 37
Note receivable (see Note 3)	$ 394	$ 457

Commitments, Contingencies, A88

Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees (Details) € in Millions	Oct. 01, 2015EUR (€)	Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Put Right Obligations					$ 0		$ 0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest balance					240,000,000	$ 754,000,000	747,000,000	$ 785,000,000	$ 598,000,000	$ 36,000,000
MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities					551,000,000		0
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value				$ 116,000,000
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value					0		0
Material amounts for indemnifications or other contingencies					$ 0		$ 0
Eurosport [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners			49.00%		49.00%
MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollinginterestreclassifiedtocurrentliabilities			€ 491		$ 551,000,000
Discovery Family [Member]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest balance					$ 214,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners			40.00%		40.00%
Discovery Japan [Member]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest balance					$ 26,000,000
Commitment For Olympic Games [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount			€ 1,300	$ 1,500,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Eurosport [Member]
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	€ 491	$ 548,000,000

Reportable Segments (Schedule O

Reportable Segments (Schedule Of Revenues By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues by segment	$ 1,557	$ 1,568	$ 4,748	$ 4,589
U.S. Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues by segment	781	723	2,344	2,205
International Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues by segment	740	813	2,276	2,273
Education And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues by segment	36	35	130	117
Corporate And Inter-Segment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues by segment	$ 0	$ (3)	$ (2)	$ (6)

Reportable Segments (Schedule90

Reportable Segments (Schedule Of Adjusted OIBDA By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	$ 576	$ 634	$ 1,824	$ 1,853
U.S. Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	443	426	1,364	1,275
International Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	218	277	699	795
Education And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	(5)	3	(2)	15
Corporate And Inter-Segment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	$ (80)	$ (72)	$ (237)	$ (232)

Reportable Segments (Schedule91

Reportable Segments (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Adjusted OIBDA To Operating Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total Adjusted OIBDA	$ 576	$ 634	$ 1,824	$ 1,853
Amortization of deferred launch incentives	(4)	(4)	(12)	(8)
Mark-to-market equity-based compensation	17	(23)	9	(29)
Depreciation and amortization	(80)	(85)	(243)	(243)
Restructuring charges	(4)	(11)	(37)	(19)
Gain on disposition	0	0	3	31
Operating income	505	511	1,544	1,585
Interest expense	(82)	(83)	(248)	(247)
(Loss) income from equity investees, net	(10)	13	(2)	34
Other income (expense), net	0	1	(78)	11
Income before income taxes	$ 413	$ 442	$ 1,216	$ 1,383

Reportable Segments (Schedule92

Reportable Segments (Schedule Of Total Assets By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 15,919	$ 15,970
U.S. Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	3,363	3,315
International Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	5,203	5,443
Education And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	347	320
Corporate And Inter-Segment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 7,006	$ 6,892

Condensed Consolidating Finan93

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Direct ownership percentage in Discovery Communications Holding, LLC	33.30%
Indirect ownership percentage in Discovery Communications Holding, LLC	66.70%

Condensed Consolidating Finan94

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262		$ 367	$ 376		$ 408
Receivables, net	1,556		1,433
Content rights, net	341		329
Deferred income taxes	80		87
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	153		17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	327		258
Total current assets	2,719		2,491
Noncurrent content rights, net	2,067		1,973
Goodwill	8,180		8,236
Intangible assets, net	1,772		1,971
Equity method investments	562		644
Other noncurrent assets	119		101
Total assets	15,919		15,970
Current portion of debt	116		1,107
Total current liabilities	2,108		2,604
Noncurrent portion of debt	6,941		6,002
Other noncurrent liabilities	395		425
Total liabilities	10,033		9,619
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	240		747
Noncontrolling interests	1		2
Total equity	5,646	$ 5,486	5,604	5,885	$ 6,034	6,197
Total liabilities and equity	15,919		15,970
Reclassifications And Eliminations [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0		0
Receivables, net	0		0
Content rights, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		0
Intercompany trade receivables, net	(66)		(151)
Total current assets	(66)		(151)
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	(22,335)		(22,897)
Noncurrent content rights, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets, net	0		0
Equity method investments	0		0
Other noncurrent assets	(20)		(20)
Total assets	(22,421)		(23,068)
Current portion of debt	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	(66)		(151)
Total current liabilities	(66)		(151)
Noncurrent portion of debt	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	(20)		(20)
Total liabilities	(86)		(171)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	(22,336)		(22,899)
Noncontrolling interests	1		2
Total equity	(22,335)		(22,897)
Total liabilities and equity	(22,421)		(23,068)
Discovery [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0		0
Receivables, net	0		0
Content rights, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	139		1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		(1)
Intercompany trade receivables, net	0		0
Total current assets	139		0
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	5,508		5,678
Noncurrent content rights, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets, net	0		0
Equity method investments	0		0
Other noncurrent assets	0		0
Total assets	5,647		5,678
Current portion of debt	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		73
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		73
Noncurrent portion of debt	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	2		3
Total liabilities	2		76
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	5,645		5,602
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	5,645		5,602
Total liabilities and equity	5,647		5,678
DCH [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0		0
Receivables, net	0		0
Content rights, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	9		11
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		0
Intercompany trade receivables, net	0		0
Total current assets	9		11
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	5,500		5,669
Noncurrent content rights, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets, net	0		0
Equity method investments	0		0
Other noncurrent assets	20		20
Total assets	5,529		5,700
Current portion of debt	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Noncurrent portion of debt	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	5,529		5,700
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	5,529		5,700
Total liabilities and equity	5,529		5,700
DCL [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	16		8	32		123
Receivables, net	451		416
Content rights, net	8		8
Deferred income taxes	39		40
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	176		164
Intercompany trade receivables, net	66		151
Total current assets	756		787
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	7,641		7,750
Noncurrent content rights, net	621		613
Goodwill	3,769		3,769
Intangible assets, net	294		307
Equity method investments	14		21
Other noncurrent assets	104		106
Total assets	13,199		13,353
Current portion of debt	92		1,084
Other current liabilities	492		433
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	0		0
Total current liabilities	584		1,517
Noncurrent portion of debt	6,747		5,824
Other noncurrent liabilities	368		343
Total liabilities	7,699		7,684
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	5,500		5,669
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	5,500		5,669
Total liabilities and equity	13,199		13,353
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Of DCL [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	246		359	344		285
Receivables, net	1,105		1,017
Content rights, net	333		321
Deferred income taxes	41		47
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	5		5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	151		95
Intercompany trade receivables, net	0		0
Total current assets	1,881		1,844
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	0		0
Noncurrent content rights, net	1,446		1,360
Goodwill	4,411		4,467
Intangible assets, net	1,478		1,664
Equity method investments	548		623
Other noncurrent assets	515		549
Total assets	10,279		10,507
Current portion of debt	24		23
Other current liabilities	1,500		991
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	66		151
Total current liabilities	1,590		1,165
Noncurrent portion of debt	194		178
Other noncurrent liabilities	613		665
Total liabilities	2,397		2,008
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	240		747
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	7,642		7,752
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	7,642		7,752
Total liabilities and equity	10,279		10,507
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Discovery [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0		0
Receivables, net	0		0
Content rights, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		0
Intercompany trade receivables, net	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	3,686		3,800
Noncurrent content rights, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible assets, net	0		0
Equity method investments	0		0
Other noncurrent assets	0		0
Total assets	3,686		3,800
Current portion of debt	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Noncurrent portion of debt	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	21		22
Total liabilities	21		22
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0		0
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	3,665		3,778
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	3,665		3,778
Total liabilities and equity	3,686		3,800
Discovery and Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	262		367	$ 376		$ 408
Receivables, net	1,556		1,433
Content rights, net	341		329
Deferred income taxes	80		87
Income taxes receivable and prepaid income taxes	153		17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	327		258
Intercompany trade receivables, net	0		0
Total current assets	2,719		2,491
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries	0		0
Noncurrent content rights, net	2,067		1,973
Goodwill	8,180		8,236
Intangible assets, net	1,772		1,971
Equity method investments	562		644
Other noncurrent assets	619		655
Total assets	15,919		15,970
Current portion of debt	116		1,107
Other current liabilities	1,992		1,497
Intercompany Trade Payables, Net	0		0
Total current liabilities	2,108		2,604
Noncurrent portion of debt	6,941		6,002
Other noncurrent liabilities	984		1,013
Total liabilities	10,033		9,619
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	240		747
Equity attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	5,645		5,602
Noncontrolling interests	1		2
Total equity	5,646		5,604
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,919		$ 15,970

Condensed Consolidating Finan95

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues	$ 1,557	$ 1,568	$ 4,748	$ 4,589
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	574	529	1,703	1,526
Selling, general and administrative	394	432	1,224	1,247
Depreciation and amortization	80	85	243	243
Restructuring and other charges	4	11	37	19
Gain on disposition	0	0	(3)	(31)
Total costs and expenses	1,052	1,057	3,204	3,004
Operating income	505	511	1,544	1,585
Interest expense	(82)	(83)	(248)	(247)
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	(10)	13	(2)	34
Other income (expense), net	0	1	(78)	11
Income before income taxes	413	442	1,216	1,383
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(130)	(155)	(394)	(481)
Net income	283	287	822	902
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4)	(7)	(7)	(11)
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	279	280	815	889
Reclassifications And Eliminations [Member]
Revenues	(3)	(1)	(9)	(6)
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	(2)	(2)	(2)	(5)
Selling, general and administrative	(1)	1	(7)	(1)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Restructuring and other charges	0	0	0	0
Gain on disposition			0	0
Total costs and expenses	(3)	(1)	(9)	(6)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(920)	(874)	(2,606)	(2,823)
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	(920)	(874)	(2,606)	(2,823)
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	(920)	(874)	(2,606)	(2,823)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4)	(7)	(7)	(11)
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	(924)	(881)	(2,613)	(2,836)
Discovery [Member]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	3	4	11	11
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Restructuring and other charges	0	0	0	0
Gain on disposition			0	0
Total costs and expenses	3	4	11	11
Operating income	(3)	(4)	(11)	(11)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	281	282	822	896
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	278	278	811	885
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	1	2	4	4
Net income	279	280	815	889
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	279	280	815	889
DCH [Member]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Restructuring and other charges	0	0	0	0
Gain on disposition			0	0
Total costs and expenses	0	0	0	0
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	281	282	822	896
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	281	282	822	896
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	281	282	822	896
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	281	282	822	896
DCL [Member]
Revenues	478	465	1,434	1,414
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	159	108	373	337
Selling, general and administrative	63	47	159	158
Depreciation and amortization	10	7	27	24
Restructuring and other charges	(1)	0	19	1
Gain on disposition			0	0
Total costs and expenses	231	162	578	520
Operating income	247	303	856	894
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	171	122	414	434
Interest expense	(79)	(81)	(241)	(241)
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	(2)	3	0	9
Other income (expense), net	(5)	20	(16)	26
Income before income taxes	332	367	1,013	1,122
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(51)	(85)	(191)	(226)
Net income	281	282	822	896
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	281	282	822	896
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Of DCL [Member]
Revenues	1,082	1,104	3,323	3,181
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	417	423	1,332	1,194
Selling, general and administrative	329	380	1,061	1,079
Depreciation and amortization	70	78	216	219
Restructuring and other charges	5	11	18	18
Gain on disposition			(3)	(31)
Total costs and expenses	821	892	2,624	2,479
Operating income	261	212	699	702
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(3)	(2)	(7)	(6)
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	(8)	10	(2)	25
Other income (expense), net	5	(19)	(62)	(15)
Income before income taxes	255	201	628	706
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(80)	(72)	(207)	(259)
Net income	175	129	421	447
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	175	129	421	447
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Discovery [Member]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Restructuring and other charges	0	0	0	0
Gain on disposition			0	0
Total costs and expenses	0	0	0	0
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	187	188	548	597
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	187	188	548	597
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	187	188	548	597
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	187	188	548	597
Discovery and Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues	1,557	1,568	4,748	4,589
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	574	529	1,703	1,526
Selling, general and administrative	394	432	1,224	1,247
Depreciation and amortization	80	85	243	243
Restructuring and other charges	4	11	37	19
Gain on disposition			(3)	(31)
Total costs and expenses	1,052	1,057	3,204	3,004
Operating income	505	511	1,544	1,585
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(82)	(83)	(248)	(247)
Income (loss) from equity investees, net	(10)	13	(2)	34
Other income (expense), net	0	1	(78)	11
Income before income taxes	413	442	1,216	1,383
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	(130)	(155)	(394)	(481)
Net income	283	287	822	902
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests				(2)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4)	(7)	(7)	(11)
Net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc.	$ 279	$ 280	$ 815	$ 889

Condensed Consolidating Finan96

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 283	$ 287	$ 822	$ 902
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	238	103	659	677
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(2)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(7)	20	16	15
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	231	123	675	690
Reclassifications And Eliminations [Member]
Net income	(920)	(874)	(2,606)	(2,823)
Currency translation adjustments	169	684	592	801
Derivative and market value adjustments	(3)	(13)	4	13
Comprehensive income	(754)	(203)	(2,010)	(2,009)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				(2)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	7	(106)	(91)	(106)
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	(747)	(309)	(2,101)	(2,117)
Discovery [Member]
Net income	279	280	815	889
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	234	96	652	664
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	27	23	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	231	123	675	690
DCH [Member]
Net income	281	282	822	896
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	236	98	659	671
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	27	23	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	233	125	682	697
DCL [Member]
Net income	281	282	822	896
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	236	98	659	671
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	27	23	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	233	125	682	697
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Of DCL [Member]
Net income	175	129	421	447
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(185)	(160)	(217)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	5	(1)	3
Comprehensive income	130	(51)	260	233
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	27	23	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	127	(24)	283	259
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Discovery [Member]
Net income	187	188	548	597
Currency translation adjustments	(31)	(125)	(108)	(146)
Derivative and market value adjustments	0	2	(1)	(4)
Comprehensive income	156	65	439	447
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				0
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2)	18	15	17
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	154	83	454	464
Discovery and Subsidiaries [Member]
Net income	283	287	822	902
Currency translation adjustments	(46)	(187)	(162)	(219)
Derivative and market value adjustments	1	3	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income	238	103	659	677
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests				(2)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(7)	20	16	15
Comprehensive income attributable to Discovery Communications, Inc.	$ 231	$ 123	$ 675	$ 690

Condensed Consolidating Finan97

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$ 652	$ 893
Purchases of property and equipment	(76)	(85)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(24)	(369)
Payments for derivative instruments	(11)	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	61	45
Distributions from equity method investees	67	58
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	(26)	(174)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	(16)	(3)
Other investing activities, net	(1)	(1)
Cash used in investing activities	(26)	(529)
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	(140)	126
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	222	585
Repayments of Lines of Credit	(179)	(440)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	936	415
Principal repayments of debt	(849)	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(22)	(13)
Repurchases of stock	(576)	(1,067)
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(38)	(2)
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	(9)	39
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	(29)	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	(15)	(12)
Cash used in financing activities	(699)	(369)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(32)	(27)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(105)	(32)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	367	408
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	262	376
Reclassifications And Eliminations [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Payments for derivative instruments	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	0	0
Distributions from equity method investees	0	0
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	0	0
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	(31)
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	(31)	0
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit	0	0
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	0	0
Principal repayments of debt	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Repurchases of stock	0	0
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	0	0
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	0
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	31
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in financing activities	31	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Discovery [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(222)	91
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Payments for derivative instruments	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	0	0
Distributions from equity method investees	0	0
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	0	0
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	0	0
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit	0	0
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	0	0
Principal repayments of debt	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Repurchases of stock	(576)	(1,067)
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	(9)	39
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	0
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	807	937
Cash used in financing activities	222	(91)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
DCH [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	2	6
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Payments for derivative instruments	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	0	0
Distributions from equity method investees	0	0
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	0	0
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	0	0
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit	0	0
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	0	0
Principal repayments of debt	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Repurchases of stock	0	0
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	0	0
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	0
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	(2)	(6)
Cash used in financing activities	(2)	(6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
DCL [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	409	360
Purchases of property and equipment	(11)	(17)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(64)
Payments for derivative instruments	(11)
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	0	0
Distributions from equity method investees	0	0
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	(1)	(4)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	31
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	8	(85)
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	(140)	126
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	440
Repayments of Lines of Credit	(13)	(440)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	936	415
Principal repayments of debt	(849)
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(3)	(3)
Repurchases of stock	0	0
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	0	0
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	(29)
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	(311)	(904)
Cash used in financing activities	(409)	(366)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	8	(91)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8	123
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	16	32
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Of DCL [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	463	436
Purchases of property and equipment	(65)	(68)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(24)	(305)
Payments for derivative instruments	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	61	45
Distributions from equity method investees	67	58
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	(25)	(170)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	(16)
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	0
Other investing activities, net	(1)	(4)
Cash used in investing activities	(3)	(444)
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	222	145
Repayments of Lines of Credit	(166)	0
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	0	0
Principal repayments of debt	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(19)	(10)
Repurchases of stock	0	0
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(38)	(2)
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	0	0
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	0
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	(31)
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	(509)	(39)
Cash used in financing activities	(541)	94
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(32)	(27)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(113)	59
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	359	285
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	246	344
Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of Discovery [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Payments for derivative instruments	0
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	0	0
Distributions from equity method investees	0	0
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	0	0
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	0	0
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit	0	0
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	0	0
Principal repayments of debt	0
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Repurchases of stock	0	0
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	0	0
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	0
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	0	0
Cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Discovery and Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	652	893
Purchases of property and equipment	(76)	(85)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(24)	(369)
Payments for derivative instruments	(11)
Proceeds from disposition, net of cash disposed	61	45
Distributions from equity method investees	67	58
Investments in and advances to equity method investees, net	(26)	(174)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	(16)
Inter-company distributions, investing activities	0
Other investing activities, net	(1)	(4)
Cash used in investing activities	(26)	(529)
Commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net	(140)	126
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	222	585
Repayments of Lines of Credit	(179)	(440)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount	936	415
Principal repayments of debt	(849)
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations	(22)	(13)
Repurchases of stock	(576)	(1,067)
Cash distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(38)	(2)
Equity-based plan (payments) proceeds, net	(9)	39
Hedge of borrowings from debt instruments	(29)
Inter-company distributions, financing activities	0
Inter-company contributions and other financing activities, net	(15)	(12)
Cash used in financing activities	(699)	(369)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(32)	(27)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(105)	(32)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	367	408
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 262	$ 376