Document_and_Entity_Informatio
| Document and Entity Information (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Feb. 14, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 |
| Document Information [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Document Type | '10-K | ' | ' |
| Document period end date | 31-Dec-13 | ' | ' |
| Document Period end focus | 'Q4 | ' | ' |
| Amendment flag | 'false | ' | ' |
| DocumentFiscalYearFocus | '2013 | ' | ' |
| Current fiscal year end date | '--12-31 | ' | ' |
| Entity central index key | '0001468516 | ' | ' |
| Entity current reporting status | 'Yes | ' | ' |
| Entity filer category | 'Large Accelerated Filer | ' | ' |
| Entity registrant name | 'AOL Inc. | ' | ' |
| Entity voluntary filers | 'No | ' | ' |
| Entity well known seasoned issuer | 'Yes | ' | ' |
| Entity common stock shares outstanding | ' | 79,453,253 | ' |
| Entity public float | ' | ' | $2,700 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Income Statement Abstract | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | $1,613.40 | $1,418.50 | $1,314.20 |
| Subscription | 650.1 | 705.3 | 803.2 |
| Other | 56.4 | 67.9 | 84.7 |
| Total revenues | 2,319.90 | 2,191.70 | 2,202.10 |
| Costs of revenues | 1,706.20 | 1,587.20 | 1,584.40 |
| General and administrative | 322 | 413.2 | 440 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 45.1 | 38.2 | 92 |
| Restructuring costs | 41.3 | 10.1 | 38.3 |
| Goodwill impairment charge | 17.5 | 0 | 0 |
| (Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | -2.5 | -962.9 | 1.6 |
| Income from licensing of intellectual property | 0 | -96 | 0 |
| Operating income (Loss) | 190.3 | 1,201.90 | 45.8 |
| Other income (loss), net | -6.6 | 8.2 | -3.5 |
| Income before income taxes | 183.7 | 1,210.10 | 42.3 |
| Income tax provision | 93.1 | 162.4 | 29.2 |
| Net income | 90.6 | 1,047.70 | 13.1 |
| Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0 |
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | 92.4 | 1,048.40 | 13.1 |
| Basic net income (loss) per common share | $1.19 | $11.51 | $0.13 |
| Diluted net income per common share | $1.13 | $11.21 | $0.12 |
| Shares used in computing basic income per common share | 77.6 | 91.1 | 104.2 |
| Shares used in computing diluted income per common share | 82 | 93.5 | 106 |
| Cash dividends paid per common share | $0 | $5.15 | $0 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 0.4 | -7.9 | 0.4 |
| Unrealized gains on equity method investments | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 1 | -7.5 | 0.4 |
| Comprehensive income | 91.6 | 1,040.20 | 13.5 |
| Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4.5 | 1.6 | 0 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to AOL Inc. | $96.10 | $1,041.80 | $13.50 |
CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Current assets: | ' | ' |
| Cash and equivalents | $207.30 | $466.60 |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8.3 and $6.6, respectively | 491 | 351.9 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 34.1 | 28.5 |
| Deferred income taxes, net | 30.7 | 40.6 |
| Total current assets | 763.1 | 887.6 |
| Property and equipment, net | 467.9 | 478.3 |
| Goodwill | 1,361.70 | 1,084.10 |
| Intangible assets, net | 208.4 | 133.2 |
| Long-term deferred income taxes, net | 110.6 | 148.8 |
| Other long-term assets | 71.7 | 65.3 |
| Total assets | 2,983.40 | 2,797.30 |
| Current liabilities: | ' | ' |
| Accounts payable | 101 | 76.1 |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 127 | 151.4 |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 197.3 | 175.3 |
| Deferred revenue | 67.2 | 57.8 |
| Current portion of obligations under capital leases | 55.5 | 49.6 |
| Total current liabilities | 548 | 510.2 |
| Total long-term capital lease obligations | 56.2 | 56.3 |
| Long-term deferred income taxes | 4.4 | 5.8 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 97.6 | 73.8 |
| Total liabilities | 706.2 | 646.1 |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest: | ' | ' |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest (See Note 1) | 9.7 | 13.4 |
| Equity: | ' | ' |
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 114.1 million shares issued and 79.2 million shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 110.1 million shares issued and 76.6 million shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,592.70 | 3,457.50 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net | -290.4 | -294.1 |
| Accumulated deficit | -93.6 | -188 |
| Treasury Stock, at cost, 34.9 million shares as of December 31, 2013 and 33.5 million shares as of December 31, 2012 | -942.9 | -838.4 |
| Total stockholders' equity | 2,266.90 | 2,138.10 |
| Noncontrolling interest | 0.6 | -0.3 |
| Total equity | 2,267.50 | 2,137.80 |
| Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity | $2,983.40 | $2,797.30 |
CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current | $8.30 | $6.60 |
| Common Stock Par Value | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Common Stock Shares Issued | 114.1 | 110.1 |
| Common Stock Shares Outstanding | 79.2 | 76.6 |
| Treasury Stock Shares | 34.9 | 33.5 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Statement Of Cash Flows Abstract | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income | $90.60 | $1,047.70 | $13.10 |
| Adjustments for non-cash and non-operating items: | ' | ' | ' |
| Depreciation and amortization | 174 | 176.9 | 252.9 |
| Asset impairments and write-offs | 30.6 | 6.1 | 7.6 |
| (Gain) loss on step acquisitions and disposal of assets, net | -1.5 | -975.5 | 1.6 |
| Equity-based compensation | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 |
| Deferred income taxes | 51.5 | 124.1 | 23.3 |
| Other non-cash adjustments | 4.4 | -2.6 | 2.4 |
| Receivables | -104.5 | -33.4 | 12.2 |
| Accrued Expenses | 21.7 | 4.6 | -29.2 |
| Deferred revenue | 7.9 | -12.7 | -24 |
| Other balance sheet changes | -2.8 | -9.1 | -6.4 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | 318.9 | 365.6 | 296 |
| Investing Activities | ' | ' | ' |
| Investments and acquisitions, net of cash acquired | -337.9 | -32 | -377.9 |
| Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | 1.5 | 952.3 | 4.7 |
| Capital expenditures and product development costs | -65.7 | -64.9 | -82.3 |
| Cash (used) provided by investing activities | -402.1 | 855.4 | -455.5 |
| Financing Activities | ' | ' | ' |
| Repurchase of common stock (see Note 7) | -134.8 | -698.7 | -173.6 |
| Principal payments on capital leases | -61.1 | -55.6 | -49 |
| Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units | -16.5 | -7.6 | -0.4 |
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 35.3 | 35.2 | 1 |
| Cash dividend equivalent payments on restricted stock units | -4.4 | -434.4 | 0 |
| Other financing activities | 6.1 | 0.3 | -12.8 |
| Cash used by financing activities | -175.4 | -1,160.80 | -234.8 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents | -0.7 | -1.1 | 0 |
| (Decrease) increase in cash and equivalents | -259.3 | 59.1 | -394.3 |
| Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 466.6 | 407.5 | 801.8 |
| Cash and equivalents at end of period | 207.3 | 466.6 | 407.5 |
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | ' | ' | ' |
| Cash paid for interest | 6 | 6.1 | 6.4 |
| Cash paid for income taxes | $12.80 | $26.30 | $15 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $) | Total | Common Stock Member | Additional Paid In Capital Member | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Member | Retained Earnings Member | Noncontrolling Interest Member | Treasury Stock Member |
| In Millions | |||||||
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2010 | $2,286.90 | $1.10 | $3,376.60 | ($287.90) | ($802.90) | ' | ' |
| Balance Shares at Dec. 31, 2010 | ' | 106.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | 13.1 | ' | ' | ' | 13.1 | ' | ' |
| Unrealized gains on equity method investments | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 0.4 | ' | ' | 0.4 | ' | ' | ' |
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 13.5 | ' | ' | 0.4 | 13.1 | ' | ' |
| Amounts related to equity-based compensation, including tax benefits | 44.5 | ' | 44.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Issuance of common stock | 0.4 | ' | 0.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Issuance of common stock (shares) | ' | 0.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Repurchase of common stock | -173.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -173.6 |
| Repurchase of common stock (shares) | ' | -12.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other | 0.9 | ' | 0.9 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2011 | 2,172.60 | 1.1 | 3,422.40 | -287.5 | -789.8 | ' | -173.6 |
| Balance Shares at Dec. 31, 2011 | ' | 94.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | 1,047.80 | ' | ' | ' | 1,048.40 | -0.6 | ' |
| Unrealized gains on equity method investments | 0.4 | ' | ' | 0.4 | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -7 | ' | ' | -7 | ' | ' | ' |
| Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners | 0.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.3 | ' |
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 1,041.50 | ' | ' | -6.6 | 1,048.40 | -0.3 | ' |
| Issuance of common stock (shares) | ' | 3.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Amounts related to equity-based compensation, including tax benefits | 33.8 | ' | 33.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Issuance of common stock | 35.2 | ' | 35.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Repurchase of common stock | -698.7 | ' | -33.9 | ' | ' | ' | -664.8 |
| Repurchase of common stock (shares) | ' | -20.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dividends declared | -446.6 | ' | ' | ' | -446.6 | ' | ' |
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2012 | 2,137.80 | 1.1 | 3,457.50 | -294.1 | -188 | -0.3 | -838.4 |
| Balance Shares at Dec. 31, 2012 | ' | 76.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income (loss) | 91.2 | ' | ' | ' | 92.4 | -1.2 | ' |
| Unrealized gains on equity method investments | 0.6 | ' | ' | 0.6 | ' | ' | ' |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 3 | ' | ' | 3.1 | ' | -0.1 | ' |
| Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners | -2.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | -2.2 | ' |
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 94.8 | ' | ' | 3.7 | 92.4 | -1.3 | ' |
| Issuance of common stock (shares) | ' | 6.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Amounts related to equity-based compensation, including tax benefits | 31.4 | ' | 31.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Issuance of common stock | 134.1 | ' | 69.9 | ' | ' | ' | 64.2 |
| Repurchase of common stock | -134.8 | ' | 33.9 | ' | ' | ' | -168.7 |
| Repurchase of common stock (shares) | -3.9 | -3.9 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other | 2 | ' | ' | ' | 2 | ' | ' |
| Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | $2,267.50 | $1.10 | $3,592.70 | ($290.40) | ($93.60) | $0.60 | ($942.90) |
| Balance Shares at Dec. 31, 2013 | ' | 79.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Description_of_Business_Basis_
| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Text Block] | ' | ||||||||
| <>NOTE 1—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |||||||||
| <>Description of Business | |||||||||
| AOL Inc. (“AOL” or the “Company”) is a leading global media and technology company with a substantial worldwide audience and a suite of digital brands, products and services that it offers to consumers, advertisers, publishers and subscribers. AOL is focused on attracting and engaging consumers by creating and offering high quality branded digital content, products and services and providing valuable online advertising services on both its owned and operated properties and third-party websites. | |||||||||
| The Company's strategy is to focus its resources on AOL's core competitive strengths in content, advertising, technology platforms, video and paid services while expanding the distribution of its premium content, product and service offerings on multiple platforms and digital devices, including on internet-enabled televisions, smartphones and tablets. AOL continues to reinvigorate its culture and brand by prioritizing the consumer experience, making greater use of data-driven insights and encouraging innovation. | |||||||||
| AOL's reportable segments are the Brand Group, the Membership Group and AOL Networks. In addition to the above reportable segments, AOL has a corporate and other category that includes activities that are not directly attributable to or allocable to a specific segment. | |||||||||
| Brand Group | |||||||||
| The Brand Group consists of AOL's portfolio of distinct and unique content and certain of its service brands. The results for this segment reflect the performance of the Company's advertising offerings on a number of owned and operated sites, such as AOL.com, The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and MapQuest. The Brand Group also includes co-branded websites owned or operated by third parties for which certain criteria have been met, including that the internet traffic has been assigned to us. | |||||||||
| Membership Group | |||||||||
| The Membership Group consists of offerings that serve AOL registered account holders, both free and paid, and are focused on delivering world-class experiences to AOL's users who rely on these AOL products and properties. The results for this segment include AOL's subscription offerings and advertising offerings on Membership Group properties, including communications products such as AOL Mail. | |||||||||
| AOL Networks | |||||||||
| AOL Networks consists of interconnected programmatic, video and premium advertising offerings that advertisers and publishers use to reach consumers across all devices and includes offerings in formats such as display, video and social. AOL Network's offerings enable publishers and advertisers to utilize AOL's third-party advertising network as well as AOL's inventory within the Brand Group and Membership Group sold by AOL Networks. The results for this segment include the performance of Advertising.com, AdLearn Open Platform, Adap.tv, Marketplace by ADTECH (“Marketplace”), The AOL On Network, Be On, ADTECH and Pictela. The Company generates advertising revenues on AOL Networks through the sale of advertising on third party websites and from advertising inventory on AOL Properties not sold directly to advertisers, as described above. AOL's advertising offerings on AOL Networks consist primarily of the sale of display advertising and also include search advertising through sponsored listings. | |||||||||
| Corporate and Other | |||||||||
| Corporate and other primarily consists of broad corporate functions including legal, human resources, accounting, finance, marketing and activities and costs not directly attributable or allocable to a specific segment such as tax settlements and other general business costs. | |||||||||
| Basis of Presentation | |||||||||
| Basis of Consolidation | |||||||||
| The consolidated financial statements include 100% of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of AOL and all voting interest entities in which AOL has a controlling voting interest (“subsidiaries”) and variable interest entities in which AOL is the primary beneficiary in accordance with the consolidation accounting guidance. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated balances of the Company's variable interest entities are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented. | |||||||||
| The financial position and operating results of the majority of AOL's foreign operations are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, and local currency revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are included in the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net and in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. | |||||||||
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||
| The noncontrolling interest in a joint venture between Mitsui & Company Ltd. (“Mitsui”) and AOL (“Ad.com Japan”) is classified outside of permanent equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, due to a redemption right available to the noncontrolling interest holder in the future. The noncontrolling interest holder's right to redeem its stock is exercisable any time between July 1 and July 30 of any year, commencing with July 1, 2014. Net income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) reflects 100% of the results of Ad.com Japan for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as the Company has a controlling financial interest in the entity. Net income is subsequently adjusted to exclude AOL's noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income attributable to AOL Inc. | |||||||||
| <>Use of Estimates | |||||||||
| <>The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include asset impairments, reserves established for doubtful accounts, equity-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, income taxes, litigation matters and contingencies. | |||||||||
| <>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | |||||||||
| <>Revenues | |||||||||
| <>The Company generates revenue primarily from advertising and from its subscription services. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance under the contract has begun, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured. | |||||||||
| <>Advertising Revenues | |||||||||
| <>Advertising revenues are generated on AOL Properties through display advertising and search advertising. Display advertising revenue is generated by the display of graphical advertisements and other performance-based advertising. Agreements for advertising on AOL Properties typically take the forms of impression-based contracts, time-based contracts or performance-based contracts. Search advertising revenue is generated when a consumer clicks on a text-based advertisement on their screen. These text-based advertisements are either generated from a consumer-initiated search query or generated based on the content of the webpage the consumer is viewing. In addition to advertising revenues generated on AOL Properties, the Company also generates revenue from its advertising offerings on its Third Party Network, which consist primarily of the sale of display advertising and also include search advertising. Advertising arrangements for the sale of Third Party Network inventory typically take the form of impression-based contracts or performance-based contracts. | |||||||||
| Advertising revenues derived from impression-based contracts, in which AOL provides impressions in exchange for a fixed fee (generally stated as cost-per-thousand impressions), are generally recognized as the impressions are delivered. An “impression” is delivered when an advertisement appears in web pages viewed by users. Revenues derived from time-based contracts, in which AOL provides promotion over a specified time period for a fixed fee, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract, provided that AOL is meeting and will continue to meet its obligations under the contract (<>e.g.<>, delivery of impressions over the term of the contract). Advertising revenues derived from contracts where AOL is compensated based on certain performance criteria are recognized as AOL completes the contractually specified performance. Performance is measured in terms of either “click-throughs” when a user clicks on a company's advertisement or other user actions such as product/customer registrations, survey participation, sales leads, product purchases or other revenue sharing relationships. | |||||||||
| <>Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition | |||||||||
| <>In the normal course of business, the Company sometimes acts as or uses an intermediary or agent in executing transactions with third parties. The determination of whether revenue should be reported gross or net is based on an assessment of whether the Company is acting as the principal or an agent in the transaction. If the Company is acting as the principal in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. If the Company is acting as an agent in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a net basis. In determining whether the Company acts as the principal or an agent, the Company follows the accounting guidance for principal-agent considerations and the Company places the most weight on whether or not the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement. | |||||||||
| <>Multiple-Element Transactions | |||||||||
| Management analyzes contracts with multiple elements under the accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The Company's multiple-element arrangements generally include online advertising and non-advertising (i.e., insertion orders and production of a “microsite”) and involve multiple deliverables to customers across AOL Properties and/or the Third Party Network. The guidance requires that revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement have value to the customer on a standalone basis, and if the delivery of the undelivered items in the arrangement is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. If these criteria are met, then the arrangement consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative estimated selling prices. In such circumstances, the Company uses a selling price hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to the deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price, and (iii) best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”). VSOE generally exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately and VSOE is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. BESPs reflect the Company's best estimates of what the selling prices of deliverables would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis. The Company recognizes revenue from the provision of online advertising and non-advertising contracts when the advertising campaigns and the productions are delivered. | |||||||||
| If the deliverables cannot be separated into multiple units of accounting, then the arrangement is accounted for as a combined unit of accounting and recognized into revenue based on the lower of (i) performance or (ii) straight-line as calculated in aggregate for the entire deal. Straight-line revenue recognition is determined by taking the total sold value of all deal components and recognizing that value evenly over the entire deal term. | |||||||||
| <>Subscription Revenues | |||||||||
| <>The Company earns revenue from its subscription services in the form of monthly or annual fees paid by subscribers to its service offerings, and such revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis as the service is provided. | |||||||||
| <>Traffic Acquisition Costs | |||||||||
| <>AOL incurs costs through arrangements in which it acquires online advertising inventory from publishers for resale to advertisers and arrangements whereby partners distribute AOL's free products or services or otherwise direct traffic to AOL Properties. AOL considers these costs to be traffic acquisition costs (“TAC”). TAC arrangements have a number of different economic structures, the most common of which are: (i) payments based on a cost-per-thousand impressions or based on a percentage of the ultimate advertising revenues generated from the advertising inventory acquired for resale, (ii) payments for direct traffic delivered to AOL Properties priced on a per-click basis (<>e.g.<>, search engine marketing fees) and (iii) payments to partners in exchange for distributing AOL products to their users (<>e.g.<>, agreements with computer manufacturers to distribute the AOL toolbar or a co-branded web portal on computers shipped to end users). These arrangements can be on a fixed-fee basis (which often carry reciprocal performance guarantees by the counterparty), on a variable basis or, in some cases, a combination of the two. TAC agreements with fixed payments are typically expensed ratably over the term of the agreement. TAC agreements with variable payments are typically expensed based on the volume of the underlying activity at the specified contractual rates. TAC agreements with a combination of a fixed fee for a minimum amount of traffic delivered or other underlying activity and variable payments for delivery or performance in excess of the minimum are typically recognized into expense at the greater of straight-line or actual performance, taking into account counterparty performance to date and the projected counterparty performance over the term of the agreement. | |||||||||
| <>Restructuring Costs | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs consist primarily of employee termination benefits and contract termination costs, including lease exit costs. The Company's restructuring actions include one-time involuntary termination benefits as well as certain contractual termination benefits or employee terminations under ongoing benefit arrangements. One-time involuntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when the plan of termination has been communicated to employees and certain other criteria are met. Ongoing termination benefit arrangements are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when it is probable that amounts will be paid to employees and such amounts are reasonably estimable. Contract termination costs are recognized as a liability at fair value when a contract is terminated in accordance with its terms, or when AOL has otherwise executed a written termination of the contract. When AOL ceases using a facility but does not intend to or is unable to terminate the operating lease, AOL records a liability for the present value of the remaining lease payments, net of estimated sublease income, if any, that could be reasonably obtained for the property (even if the Company does not intend to sublease the facility for the remaining term of the lease). Costs associated with exit or disposal activities, including the related one-time and ongoing involuntary termination benefits, are reflected as restructuring costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. See “Note 9” for additional information about the Company's restructuring activities. | |||||||||
| <> | |||||||||
| <>Equity-Based Compensation | |||||||||
| <>AOL records compensation expense under AOL's equity-based compensation incentive plans based on the equity awards granted to employees. | |||||||||
| In accounting for equity-based compensation awards, the Company follows the accounting guidance for equity-based compensation, which requires that a company measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost associated with stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The cost of equity instruments granted to employees is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The Company begins recording equity-based compensation expense related to employee awards with performance conditions when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. See “Note 8” for additional information on equity-based compensation. | |||||||||
| <>Asset Impairments | |||||||||
| <>Goodwill | |||||||||
| Goodwill is tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate goodwill is more likely than not impaired. These indicators include a sustained, significant decline in the Company's stock price; a decline in its expected future cash flows; significant disposition activity; a significant adverse change in the economic or business environment; and the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group, among others. The occurrence of these indicators could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. | |||||||||
| The testing of goodwill for impairment is required to be performed at the level referred to as the reporting unit. During 2013, the Company had four reporting units for purposes of the goodwill impairment test; the Brand Group, the Membership Group, AOL Networks and Patch. | |||||||||
| Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. To measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, AOL determines the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Specifically, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. | |||||||||
| The Company determined that certain events occurring in the third quarter of 2013 constituted substantive changes in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company's Patch reporting unit below its carrying amount. Accordingly, the Company tested the Patch reporting unit for impairment as of August 31, 2013 (the “interim testing date”), which resulted in the Company recording a goodwill impairment charge to the full balance of Patch goodwill of $17.5 million during the third quarter of 2013. | |||||||||
| See “Note 3” for more information on the goodwill impairment testing for 2013. | |||||||||
| <>Long-lived Assets | |||||||||
| <>Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets (<>e.g.<>, acquired technology and customer relationships), do not require that an annual impairment test be performed; instead, long-lived assets are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of an indicator of potential impairment. Once an indicator of potential impairment has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset group against the carrying value of the asset group. The Company groups long-lived assets for purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. Impairment, if any, would then be measured as the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset and its carrying value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset group. If the intent is to hold the asset group for sale and certain other criteria are met (<>i.e.<>, the asset group can be disposed of currently, appropriate levels of authority have approved the sale and there is an active program to locate a buyer), the impairment test involves comparing the asset group's carrying value to its estimated fair value less estimated costs of disposal. To the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset group's estimated fair value less estimated costs of disposal, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. | |||||||||
| <>AOL recorded non-cash asset impairments and write-offs related to long-lived assets held and used and held for sale of $12.1 million, $4.9 million and $7.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, included in costs of revenues and general and administrative costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The charge recorded in 2013 included a $7.5 million charge related to internal-use software related to Patch. The charges recorded in 2012 and 2011 related primarily to asset write-offs in connection with facility consolidation, computer retirements and capitalized internal-use software project terminations. | |||||||||
| <>Income Taxes | |||||||||
| Income taxes are presented in the consolidated financial statements using the asset and liability method prescribed by the accounting guidance for income taxes. <>Income taxes (<>e.g.<>, deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, taxes currently payable/refunds receivable and tax expense) are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current year and include the deferred income tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases, stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e., assets) and future tax costs (i.e., liabilities). The tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryovers result in deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are established when management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence in evaluating its ability to realize its deferred income tax assets, including its historical operating results, ongoing tax planning, and forecast of future taxable income, on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. | |||||||||
| <>With respect to uncertain tax positions, AOL recognizes in the consolidated financial statements those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. AOL records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to the accounting guidance for income taxes and the tax position taken on its tax return. The Company adjusts its estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. The consolidated tax provision for any given year includes adjustments to prior year income tax accruals that are considered appropriate and any related estimated interest. The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. | |||||||||
| <>Certain Risks and Concentrations | |||||||||
| <>The Company's financial instruments include primarily cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities, their carrying amounts approximate their fair value. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and accounts receivable. | |||||||||
| <>The Company maintains its cash and equivalents balances in the form of money market accounts and time deposits. The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits. The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. | |||||||||
| <>The Company's exposure to customer credit risk relates primarily to advertising customers and individual subscribers to AOL's subscription services, and is dispersed among many different counterparties, with no single customer having a receivable balance in excess of 10% of total net receivables at December 31, 2013 or 2012. | |||||||||
| <>For each of the periods presented herein, the Company has had a contractual relationship with Google whereby Google provides paid text-based search advertising on AOL Properties. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the revenues associated with the Google relationship (substantially all of which were search revenues generated on AOL Properties), were $373.3 million, $350.9 million and $335.3 million, respectively. | |||||||||
| Cash and Equivalents | |||||||||
| <>Cash equivalents primarily consist of highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which include money market accounts and time deposits that are readily convertible into cash. Cash equivalents are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. These are included within cash and cash equivalents as level one fair value measurements. | |||||||||
| Restricted Cash | |||||||||
| In the first quarter of 2011, the Company posted cash collateral for letters of credit related to certain of the Company's lease agreements. The collateral amounts are legally restricted as to withdrawal and use for a period in excess of twelve months. Accordingly, the collateral balances have been classified as restricted cash within other long-term assets and are omitted from cash and equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets. Also included in restricted cash are security deposits held by the Company from lessees that are restricted as to use. <>The Company had $11.2 million of restricted cash included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. | |||||||||
| <>Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | |||||||||
| <>AOL's receivables consist primarily of two components, receivables from individual subscribers to AOL's subscription services and receivables from advertising customers. Management performs separate evaluations of these components to determine if the balances will ultimately be fully collected considering management's views on trends in the overall aging of receivables as well as past collection experience. In addition, for certain advertising receivables, management prepares an analysis of specific risks on a customer-by-customer basis. Using this information, management reserves an amount that is expected to be uncollectible. Receivables are written off when amounts are deemed to be uncollectible and internal collection efforts are closed. | |||||||||
| <>Property and Equipment | |||||||||
| <>Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation, which includes amortization of capitalized software costs and amortization of assets under capital leases, is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. AOL evaluates the depreciation periods of property and equipment to determine whether events or circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. Depreciation expense, recorded in costs of revenues and general and administrative expense, totaled $128.9 million, $138.7 million and $160.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Costs related to leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the economic useful life of the improvements or the remaining lease term. | |||||||||
| <>Property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, consist of ($ in millions): | |||||||||
| December 31, | Estimated Useful Lives | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Land(a) | $ | 39.2 | $ | 39.2 | - | ||||
| Buildings and building improvements | 275.6 | 280.2 | 15 to 40 years | ||||||
| Capitalized internal-use software costs | 434.6 | 484.5 | 1 to 5 years | ||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 108.6 | 99.2 | Up to 16 years | ||||||
| Furniture, fixtures and other equipment | 591.5 | 640.6 | 2 to 5 years | ||||||
| 1,449.50 | 1,543.70 | ||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | -981.6 | -1,065.40 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 467.9 | $ | 478.3 | |||||
| (a) | Land is not depreciated. | ||||||||
| <>Capitalized Internal-Use Software Costs | |||||||||
| <>AOL capitalizes certain costs incurred for the purchase and development of internal-use software. These costs, which include the costs associated with coding, software configuration, major upgrades and enhancements and are related to both AOL's internal systems (such as billing and accounting) and AOL's user-facing internet offerings, are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, AOL capitalized $43.7 million, $40.5 million and $21.1 million, respectively, related to the purchase and development of internal-use software. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net book value of capitalized internal-use software was $68.2 million and $57.6 million, respectively. | |||||||||
| <>Research and Development | |||||||||
| <>Research and development costs, which are expensed as incurred, are included in costs of revenues and totaled $40.6 million, $44.8 million and $56.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. These costs consist primarily of personnel and related costs that are incurred related to the development of software and user-facing internet offerings that do not qualify for capitalization. | |||||||||
| <>Leases | |||||||||
| <>The Company leases operating equipment and office space in various locations worldwide. Lease obligations are classified as operating leases or capital leases, as appropriate. Leased equipment and property that meets the capital lease criteria is capitalized and the present value of the future minimum lease payments is recorded as an asset under capital lease with a related capital lease obligation in the consolidated balance sheets. | |||||||||
| <>Rent expense under operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term taking into consideration scheduled rent increases and any lease incentives. | |||||||||
| <>Intangible Assets | |||||||||
| <>AOL has a significant number of intangible assets, including acquired technology, trademarks and customer relationships. AOL does not recognize the fair value of internally generated intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Intangible assets subject to amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. AOL does not have any indefinite lived intangible assets other than goodwill. | |||||||||
| <>Advertising Costs | |||||||||
| <>The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense was $61.6 million, $85.8 million and $76.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and is included in general and administrative costs on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). | |||||||||
| <>Loss Contingencies | |||||||||
| <>In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in legal proceedings, tax audits (other than income taxes) and other matters that give rise to potential loss contingencies. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In situations where the Company can determine a best estimate within the range of potential loss, the Company records the best estimate of the potential loss as a liability. In situations where the Company has determined a range of loss, but no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the Company records the minimum amount of the range of loss as a liability. | |||||||||
| <>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||
| <>Other comprehensive income (loss) is included within comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets and consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under GAAP are excluded from net income (loss). | |||||||||
Income_per_Common_Share
| Income per Common Share | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Income Per Common Share Text Block [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Income (Loss) Per Common Share [Text Block] | ' | ||||||||
| <>NOTE 2—INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE | |||||||||
| <>Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to AOL common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per common share is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive effect of outstanding equity-based compensation awards is reflected in diluted income per common share by application of the treasury stock method, only in periods in which such effect would have been dilutive for the period. | |||||||||
| For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company had 1.0 million, 2.9 million and 9.0 million, respectively, of weighted-average potentially dilutive common shares that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive for those periods. | |||||||||
| The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income attributable to AOL common stockholders per common share (in millions, except per share amounts): | |||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders | $ | 92.4 | $ | 1,048.40 | $ | 13.1 | |||
| Shares used in computing basic income per common share | 77.6 | 91.1 | 104.2 | ||||||
| Dilutive effect of equity-based awards | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.8 | ||||||
| Shares used in computing diluted income per common share | 82 | 93.5 | 106 | ||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 1.19 | $ | 11.51 | $ | 0.13 | |||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 1.13 | $ | 11.21 | $ | 0.12 | |||
Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <>NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A summary of changes in the Company's goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31-Dec-11 | Acquisitions | Translation adjustments | Allocations at December 1, 2012 | Acquisitions | Translation adjustments | 31-Dec-12 | Acquisitions | Dispositions | Impairments | Translation Adjustments | 31-Dec-13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 282.1 | $ | 0.1 | $ | - | $ | 282.2 | $ | 1.5 | $ | -0.2 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 283.5 | ||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 282.1 | 0.1 | - | 282.2 | 1.5 | -0.2 | - | - | 283.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Membership Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | - | 0.8 | 605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | - | 0.8 | 605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOL Networks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 175.2 | 4.7 | 0.3 | 180.2 | 295.1 | -3.5 | - | 1.4 | 473.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 175.2 | 4.7 | 0.3 | 180.2 | 295.1 | -3.5 | - | 1.4 | 473.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | - | - | 17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -17.5 | - | -17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | -17.5 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 35,625.10 | - | - | 35,625.10 | - | - | - | - | 35,625.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | - | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | - | - | -35,625.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | 36,689.10 | 18.7 | -3.7 | 36,704.10 | 4.8 | 0.3 | 36,709.20 | 296.6 | -3.7 | - | 2.2 | 37,004.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -17.5 | - | -35,642.60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | $ | 1,064.00 | $ | 18.7 | $ | -3.7 | $ | 1,079.00 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 1,084.10 | $ | 296.6 | $ | -3.7 | $ | -17.5 | $ | 2.2 | $ | 1,361.70 | ||||||||||||
| The increase in goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2013 was due primarily to the acquisition of adap.tv Inc. (“Adap.tv”) during the third quarter of 2013. See “Note 4” for additional information on this acquisition. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment Testing of Goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As discussed in more detail in “Note 1”, goodwill is tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate goodwill is more likely than not impaired. As part of the Company's continuing effort to reduce its expenses and invest in areas of strategic focus, on August 15, 2013, the Company approved a restructuring plan for its Patch operations. The Company determined that the restructuring of its Patch operations constituted a substantive change in circumstances that could potentially reduce the fair value of the Patch reporting unit below its carrying amount. Accordingly, the Company tested the Patch reporting unit goodwill for impairment as of the interim testing date. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Based on the goodwill impairment analysis as of the interim testing date, the carrying value of the Patch reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, step two of the goodwill impairment test was performed, where the Company determined the estimated fair value of Patch's assets and liabilities. As a result of the step two evaluation, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $17.5 million during the third quarter of 2013, fully impairing the goodwill related to Patch. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test for the Brand Group, AOL Networks and Membership Group reporting units as of December 1, 2013. The Company determined the fair value for each of its reporting units using an income approach, or discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method. The reasonableness of the DCF approach was assessed by reference to a market-based approach based on analysis of comparable multiples by reporting unit, and the fair value determined under the market-based approach corroborated the fair values determined by the DCF approach. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Based on the goodwill impairment tests performed at December 1, 2013, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value for each reporting unit, and therefore, the second step of the goodwill impairment test was not required for any of the Company's four reporting units. For each of the Membership Group, Brand Group and AOL Networks reporting units, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its respective book value by an amount in excess of 20%. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgments about the appropriate discount rates, terminal growth rates, weighted average costs of capital and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The judgments used in determining the fair value of the Company's reporting units are based on significant unobservable inputs which causes the determination of the implied fair value of goodwill to fall within level three of the GAAP fair value hierarchy. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis are based on the most recent budgets, forecasts and business plans as well as various growth rate assumptions for years beyond the current business plan period. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future revenue streams and cash flows of the reporting unit. The discount rates utilized in the 2013 analysis ranged from 10% to 23% and a constant terminal growth rate was used in the DCF analysis of 3%. Failure to execute against AOL's business plan for any of its reporting units could have a negative effect on the fair value of such reporting unit, and increase the risk of a goodwill impairment in the future. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 and 2011 Goodwill Impairment Analysis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a result of a change in management structure described in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company concluded that it had four reporting units; the Brand Group, the Membership Group, AOL Networks and Patch. As such, the Company was required to perform a goodwill impairment analysis immediately before its change in reporting units and immediately after the change. As a result, as of December 1, 2012, the Company performed both a consolidated goodwill impairment analysis (prior to the change in reporting units, the company had a single consolidated reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing) and a goodwill impairment analysis for each of the four reporting units subsequently. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company had no goodwill impairment charges in 2012 and 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <>Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <>The Company's intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31-Dec-13 | 31-Dec-12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Accumulated Amortization (a) | Net | Gross | Accumulated Amortization (a) | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquired technology | $ | 907.4 | $ | -824.4 | $ | 83 | $ | 844.9 | $ | -822.7 | $ | 22.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 278.9 | -222.2 | 56.7 | 248.3 | -203.1 | 45.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | 144.7 | -79.4 | 65.3 | 132.1 | -71 | 61.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 69.2 | -65.8 | 3.4 | 69.1 | -64.4 | 4.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,400.20 | $ | -1,191.80 | $ | 208.4 | $ | 1,294.40 | $ | -1,161.20 | $ | 133.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Amortization of intangible assets is provided on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives, which generally range from one to ten years. The Company evaluates the useful lives of its finite-lived intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events or circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <>The Company recorded amortization expense of $45.1 million, $38.2 million and $92.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Based on the amount of intangible assets as of December 31, 2013, the estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding five years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 ………………………………………… | $ | 53.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 ………………………………………… | 43.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 …………………………………………. | 35.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 …………………………………………. | 33.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 …………………………………………. | 24.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total …………………………………………. | $ | 190.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The amounts above may vary as acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, or as a result of the events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Business_Acquisitions_Disposit
| Business Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |
| Acquisitions Dispositions And Other Significant Transactions [Abstract] | ' |
| Business Acquisitions Dispositions And Other Significant Transactions [Text Block] | ' |
| <>NOTE 4—BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS | |
| 2013 Acquisitions | |
| Adap.tv | |
| On September 5, 2013, the Company acquired Adap.tv for a purchase price of $405.0 million plus a working capital adjustment (which increased the total consideration paid to $410.6 million). The consideration paid to acquire Adap.tv included $329.5 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and 2.4 million shares of AOL common stock with a fair value of $80.8 million based on AOL's closing stock price on the closing date. Adap.tv is an online video advertising company whose advertising technology platform provides advertisers and publishers the ability to buy and sell video advertising inventory across desktop, mobile, and connected TV platforms. This acquisition is expected to enhance the Company's offerings to publishers and advertisers, and this expectation along with market conditions at the time of acquisition contributed to a purchase price that resulted in the allocation of a significant portion of the purchase price to goodwill. The results of operations of Adap.tv are reflected within the AOL Networks segment from the date of acquisition. | |
| In connection with the acquisition, the Company replaced unvested in-the-money options held by Adap.tv employees under the Adap.tv Stock Incentive Plan (the “Adap.tv Plan”) with unvested AOL restricted stock of $35.6 million in fair value. Of the total fair value, $10.8 million was attributable to pre-acquisition service and included in the purchase price, bringing the total purchase price of Adap.tv for accounting purposes to $421.4 million. The remaining $24.8 million of the fair value of this restricted stock is being recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining award service periods. | |
| AOL recorded $295.1 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $120.3 million of intangible assets associated with this acquisition. The intangible assets associated with this acquisition consist of technology, advertiser and publisher relationships, and trade names, all of which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years. The fair value of the significant identified intangible assets was estimated by using relief from royalty, cost savings and multi-period excess earnings valuation methodologies, which represent level 3 fair value measurements. Inputs used in the methodologies primarily included projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. | |
| <2012 Acquisitions | |
| Ad.com Japan | |
| On February 9, 2012, AOL entered into a share-purchase agreement with Mitsui to purchase an additional 3% interest in Ad.com Japan for approximately $1.2 million. Ad.com Japan, which operates a display advertising network business in Japan, was formed in 2006. Prior to the execution of the share purchase agreement, AOL and Mitsui each owned a 50% interest in Ad.com Japan, and AOL accounted for its 50% interest using the equity method of accounting. As part of this transaction, AOL obtained control of the board and of the day-to-day operations of Ad.com Japan. AOL accounted for the incremental 3% share purchase as a business combination achieved in stages (“step acquisition”) and consolidated Ad.com Japan beginning on the closing date. | |
| Under the accounting guidance for step acquisitions, AOL is required to record all assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and Mitsui's noncontrolling interests at fair value, and recognize the entire goodwill of the acquired business. The step acquisition guidelines also require that AOL remeasure its preexisting investment in Ad.com Japan at fair value, and recognize any gains or losses from such remeasurement. The fair value of AOL's interest immediately before the closing date was $15.4 million, which resulted in the Company recognizing a non-cash gain of approximately $10.8 million within other income (loss), net on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the first quarter of 2012. The Company used a combination of the market based approach (guideline public company) and an income approach (discounted cash flow analysis), both of which represent level 3 fair value measurements, to measure both the fair value of AOL's preexisting investment and the fair value of Mitsui's noncontrolling interest. As Mitsui has a right to put its interest to AOL based on a pre-established and determinable price in the future, the noncontrolling interest is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interest outside permanent equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The noncontrolling interest holder's right to redeem its stock is exercisable any time between July 1 and July 30 of any year, commencing with July 1, 2014. The amount payable from AOL to Mitsui if Mitsui were to exercise its redemption right is determined by taking the sum of 2 billion Japanese yen (approximately $26.0 million as of the closing date) plus any incremental cash over the $7.8 million cash balance at December 31, 2011, and multiplying that total by Mitsui's percentage ownership of Ad.com Japan (47% at closing). The Company has elected to recognize changes in the redemption value as they occur; however, this has no impact on the carrying value of Mitsui's interest in Ad.com Japan because it exceeds the current redemption value. The undiscounted redemption value of the put option held by Mitsui was calculated to be approximately $9.2 million and $12.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is below the $9.7 million and $13.4 million carrying value of Mitsui's interest in Ad.com Japan as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. | |
| AOL recorded $9.7 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $19.2 million of intangible assets associated with this acquisition. The intangible assets associated with this acquisition consist primarily of trade names to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of ten years and advertiser relationships to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years. The weighted average amortization period for all intangible assets is approximately eight years. The fair value of the significant identified intangible assets was estimated by using relief from royalty, cost savings and multi-period excess earnings valuation methodologies, which represent level 3 fair value measurements. Inputs used in the methodologies primarily included projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. | |
| Other 2012 Acquisitions | |
| The Company also completed the following acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2012: | |
| During the third quarter of 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the following: a 49% interest that the Company did not already own in AJM Productions, LLC, a company that operates a leading online content and lifestyle platform for pre-teen and teen audiences, and StyleMePretty, a company which operates a leading online provider of style-savvy wedding resources devoted to the modern bride. | |
| During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Everlater, Inc., a company that produces software to simplify the creation and sharing of web content and Buysight, Inc. (“Buysight”), a company that operates a targeted advertising platform which uses machine learning technology to allow for real time optimization of advertising campaigns. | |
| The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $27.8 million, net of cash acquired. AOL recorded $12.5 million of goodwill, of which $6.6 million is deductible for tax purposes, and $16.4 million of intangible assets related to these acquisitions. With respect to the Buysight acquisition, during negotiations the Company agreed to pay a bonus to certain employees of Buysight immediately after the closing, and the $4.7 million paid was recognized as compensation expense during the fourth quarter of 2012. | |
| The intangible assets associated with these acquisitions consist of acquired technology and trademarks to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of five years, non-compete agreements to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of three years and customer relationships to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of four years. The weighted average amortization period for all intangible assets is approximately five years. | |
| <>2011 Acquisitions | |
| goviral | |
| On January 31, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of goviral ApS (“goviral”, now referred to as Be On), a company that distributes branded online video for media agencies, creative agencies and content producers, for a purchase price of $69.1 million, net of cash acquired. | |
| AOL recorded $58.3 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $18.4 million of intangible assets related to this acquisition. The intangible assets associated with this acquisition consist primarily of customer relationships and acquired technology to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately four years. | |
| In addition to the purchase price paid for this business, the Company agreed to pay up to $22.6 million to certain employees of goviral over the expected future service period of two years contingent on their future service to AOL. These payments were recognized as compensation expense on an accelerated basis over the expected service period of two years from the acquisition date. For tax purposes, a significant majority of the incentive compensation was treated as additional basis in goviral and a tax deduction will only be obtained upon disposition of goviral. | |
| The Huffington Post | |
| On March 4, 2011, the Company acquired The Huffington Post.com, Inc. (“The Huffington Post”) for a purchase price of $295.5 million, net of cash acquired. The Huffington Post is an innovative internet source of online news, analysis, commentary, entertainment and community engagement. In addition to the market conditions at the time of acquisition and the early stage of development of The Huffington Post, the Company's expectation that the acquisition would enhance the Company's ability to serve audiences across several platforms contributed to the allocation of a significant portion of the purchase price to goodwill. | |
| In addition to the purchase price of $295.5 million disclosed above, the Company incurred $8.7 million of restructuring charges associated with payments made for stock options that vested on or shortly after the closing date as a result of the termination of certain The Huffington Post employees. In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed The Huffington Post Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Huffington Post Plan”). The fair value of unvested Huffington Post Plan options held by The Huffington Post employees that were converted into unvested AOL stock options was $12.1 million. Of the fair value of The Huffington Post options that were converted, $3.6 million was included in the purchase price, $8.1 million was recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining award vesting periods (subject to adjustments for actual forfeitures), which for most employees is 24 months from the acquisition date, and the remaining $0.4 million was recorded as a restructuring charge. | |
| AOL recorded $192.4 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $108.2 million of intangible assets associated with this acquisition. The intangible assets associated with this acquisition consist primarily of trade names to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of ten years and customer relationships to be amortized over a period of four years. | |
| Additional Information on Acquisitions | |
| The businesses acquired by the Company during the periods presented herein were all in their early stages of development. This fact, along with market conditions at the time of acquisition, contributed to purchase prices that resulted in the allocation of a significant portion of such purchase prices to goodwill. | |
| The amounts assigned to intangible assets were based on the Company's best estimate of the fair value of such assets. The Company used an independent valuation specialist to assist in determining the fair value of the identified intangible assets in significant acquisitions. In most instances, the fair value of the significant identified intangible assets was estimated by performing a discounted cash flow analysis using the “income” approach, which represents a level 3 fair value measurement. The income approach includes a forecast of direct revenues and costs associated with the respective intangible assets and charges for economic returns on tangible and intangible assets utilized in cash flow generation. Net cash flows attributable to the identified intangible assets are discounted to their present value at a rate commensurate with the perceived risk. The projected cash flow assumptions considered contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition. | |
| The useful lives of trade names were estimated based on the Company's evaluation of the useful lives of comparable intangible assets purchased under similar circumstances. The useful lives of customer relationships were estimated based upon the length of the contracts currently in place, probability-based estimates of contract renewals in the future and natural growth and diversification of the customer base. | |
| In connection with incentive cash compensation arrangements made in connection with acquisitions, the Company recorded $5.0 million, $12.3 million and $35.2 million in compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |
| For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred $3.6 million, $1.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of third-party transaction expenses primarily related to the acquisitions discussed above. These transaction costs were recorded within general and administrative costs in the consolidated financial statements. | |
| Unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming these acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of each period are not provided because the historical operating results of the acquired companies were not significant and pro forma results would not be significantly different from reported results for the periods presented. | |
| Dispositions | |
| StudioNow and about.me | |
| During the first quarter of 2013, the Company disposed of controlling interests in both StudioNow and about.me in two separate transactions. In aggregate, the Company recorded a gain of $2.2 million on these transactions which is included in gain on disposal of assets in the Company's statement of comprehensive income (loss). The retained interests held by the Company in StudioNow and about.me are accounted for under the cost method as the Company does not exercise significant influence over either business. Due to the Company's significant continuing involvement with each of the disposed entities, these dispositions did not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations in the Company's financial statements. | |
| Patent Portfolio Sale and License | |
| On June 15, 2012, the Company sold approximately 800 patents and their related patent applications (the “Sold Patents”) to Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”), and granted Microsoft a non-exclusive license to the Company's retained patent portfolio, for aggregate proceeds of $1,056 million in cash (excluding transaction costs). The transaction was structured as a sale of all of the outstanding shares of a wholly owned non-operating subsidiary and the direct sale of certain other patents not held by the subsidiary. | |
| The disposed assets had a carrying value of $3.2 million on the Company's balance sheet and accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on the disposition of the Sold Patents of $946.5 million (which represents the consideration allocated to the sale less the carrying value of the disposed assets and transaction costs that were contingent on closing). With respect to the licensing portion of the transaction, the Company recognized income from licensing its retained patent portfolio of $96.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. | |
| Subsequent Acquisitions and Dispositions | |
| Gravity | |
| On January 23, 2014, the Company acquired Project Rover, Inc., dba Gravity (“Gravity”) for a purchase price of approximately $83.2 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price includes $0.8 million related to the fair value of unvested in-the-money options and restricted shares of Gravity stock, attributable to pre-acquisition services, that were converted into unvested AOL restricted stock units (“RSUs”). An additional $7.6 million of cash consideration will be deferred and paid over a two-year service period to certain Gravity employees. Gravity provides content personalization technology and publisher solutions to create relevant consumer and advertiser experiences. | |
| Patch | |
| On January 29, 2014, the Company entered into a joint venture with DMEP Corp. dba Hale Global (“Hale Global”) whereby the Company contributed Patch into a new limited liability company which will be operated and majority owned by Hale Global. The loss on disposition will be determined based on the difference between the fair value of the Company's retained interest, less the value of the deconsolidated net assets and the Company's cash contribution into the joint venture. The Company's retained interest will be accounted for as an equity method investment. Due to the Company's significant continuing involvement with Patch, this disposition did not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations in the Company's financial statements. | |
| Summary of Discontinued Operations | |
| There were no discontinued operations in 2013, 2012 and 2011. |
LongTerm_Debt_and_Other_Financ
| Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Long Term Debt Abstract | ' | ||||||||||
| Long Term Debt Text Block | ' | ||||||||||
| <>NOTE 5—LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS | |||||||||||
| <>Capital Leases | |||||||||||
| <>Capital lease obligations consist of ($ in millions): | |||||||||||
| Weighted Average Interest Rate at December 31, 2013 | Outstanding Amount | ||||||||||
| Maturities | 31-Dec-13 | 31-Dec-12 | |||||||||
| Capital lease obligations | 5.30% | 2014-2018 | $ | 111.7 | $ | 105.9 | |||||
| Amount due within one year | -55.5 | -49.6 | |||||||||
| Total long-term capital lease obligations | $ | 56.2 | $ | 56.3 | |||||||
| <>Assets recorded under capital lease obligations totaled $233.0 million and $209.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Related accumulated amortization totaled $124.6 million and $106.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. | |||||||||||
| <>Future minimum capital lease payments at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 59.8 | |||||||||
| 2015 | 31.7 | ||||||||||
| 2016 | 18.3 | ||||||||||
| 2017 | 9.6 | ||||||||||
| 2018 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
| Total | 119.5 | ||||||||||
| Amount representing interest | -7.8 | ||||||||||
| Present value of minimum lease payments | 111.7 | ||||||||||
| Current portion | -55.5 | ||||||||||
| Total long-term portion | $ | 56.2 | |||||||||
| <>Interest Expense | |||||||||||
| <>Interest expense was $6.5 million, $5.9 million and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is included in other income (loss), net on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The weighted-average interest rate on AOL's capital lease obligations was 5.30% and 5.35% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average rate on capital lease obligations due within one year was 5.33% at December 31, 2013. | |||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | |||||||||||
| On July 1, 2013, AOL entered into a $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility Agreement”), together with the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Under the terms of the Credit Facility Agreement, AOL may request an increase in the commitments of up to an additional $250 million with commitments from either new lenders or increased commitments from existing lenders, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Credit Facility Agreement is guaranteed by all of AOL's material domestic subsidiaries, as defined in the Credit Facility Agreement, and substantially all of the property and assets of AOL have been pledged as collateral, subject to customary exceptions. | |||||||||||
| Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility Agreement is payable at rates per annum equal to, at the option of AOL: (1) a fluctuating base rate equal to JPMorgan's adjusted base rate (“ABR”) plus the applicable margin, or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin. The ABR will be the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, (ii) JPMorgan's publicly announced prime rate, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0 percent. The applicable margin relating to any Eurodollar loan is 2.0% and the applicable margin relating to any ABR loan is 1.0%. AOL is required to pay a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the commitments under the Credit Facility Agreement. | |||||||||||
| The Credit Facility Agreement contains various affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Financial covenants in the agreement include a ratio of debt (net of unrestricted cash up to an agreed cap) to EBITDA and a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense. The debt to EBITDA ratio must not exceed a specified maximum. The EBITDA to interest expense ratio requires the Company to meet or exceed a specified minimum. Each of the above ratios are tested at the end of each fiscal quarter and measured on a rolling four-quarter basis. To date, the Company is in compliance with its covenants under the Credit Facility Agreement. | |||||||||||
| All amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility Agreement will be due and payable on July 1, 2018, and the commitments thereunder will terminate on such date. The Company intends to use borrowings under the Credit Facility Agreement for general corporate purposes. No amounts have been borrowed under the Credit Facility Agreement to date. | |||||||||||
Income_Taxes
| Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Income Taxes Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
| Income Taxes [Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| <>NOTE 6—INCOME TAXES | |||||||||||
| The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 189.2 | $ | 1,189.90 | $ | 132.4 | |||||
| Foreign | -5.5 | 20.2 | -90.1 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 183.7 | $ | 1,210.10 | $ | 42.3 | |||||
| The components of the provision for income tax expense provided on income from continuing operations | |||||||||||
| were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| U.S. federal: | |||||||||||
| Current | $ | 31.5 | $ | 22.4 | $ | 0.4 | |||||
| Deferred | 42.9 | 110.8 | 20.2 | ||||||||
| Foreign: | |||||||||||
| Current | 3.1 | 4 | -0.4 | ||||||||
| Deferred | 2.6 | -2.4 | -2.1 | ||||||||
| State and local: | |||||||||||
| Current | 7 | 11.9 | 5.9 | ||||||||
| Deferred | 6 | 15.7 | 5.2 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 93.1 | $ | 162.4 | $ | 29.2 | |||||
| The items accounting for the difference between income tax expense computed at the federal statutory | |||||||||||
| rate of 35% and the provision for income taxes were as follows: | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| U.S. federal statutory rate | 35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | |||||
| State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefits | 6.2 | 1.8 | 19.1 | ||||||||
| Effect of non-U.S. operations | 6.6 | 0.4 | 4.4 | ||||||||
| Non-deductible goodwill | 3.3 | - | - | ||||||||
| Unrecognized tax benefits | -0.5 | 0.1 | 0.8 | ||||||||
| Gain/loss on sale of assets | - | -24.7 | - | ||||||||
| Worthless stock deduction | - | - | -15.9 | ||||||||
| Shortfall on employee equity awards | 0.1 | 0.2 | 6.7 | ||||||||
| Escrow adjustments | -1.5 | -0.1 | -17.2 | ||||||||
| Non-deductible acquisition related costs | 0.9 | 0.5 | 28 | ||||||||
| Federal research credit, net of unrecognized tax benefits | -4.4 | - | -2.9 | ||||||||
| Non-U.S. deferred gain charge | 2.4 | 0.2 | - | ||||||||
| Other | 2.6 | - | 11 | ||||||||
| Total | 50.7 | % | 13.4 | % | 69 | % | |||||
| The significant components of AOL's deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Reserves and allowances | $ | 10.4 | $ | 7.3 | |||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 27.4 | 24.9 | |||||||||
| Net operating loss, capital loss and credit carryforwards | 1,894.50 | 1,815.70 | |||||||||
| Outside basis differences | 121.5 | 137.3 | |||||||||
| Other | 53.1 | 54.2 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,106.90 | 2,039.40 | |||||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | -1,730.30 | -1,664.30 | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 376.6 | 375.1 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Capitalized software | -23.3 | -18.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange tax gain | -132 | -107.3 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment | -29.2 | -37.2 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets and goodwill | -50.2 | -21.1 | |||||||||
| Other | -5 | -7.8 | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | -239.7 | -191.5 | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | $ | 136.9 | $ | 183.6 | |||||||
| <>AOL had net operating losses from various foreign jurisdictions of $4,406.9 million and $4,175.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Many of these foreign losses are attributable to specific operations and may not be utilized to offset taxable income of other operations of AOL. Although an immaterial amount of foreign net operating losses begin to expire in 2014, the majority of the losses carry forward indefinitely. | |||||||||||
| <>AOL had $217.3 million and $271.0 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. When realized, approximately $59.7 million of net operating loss carryforwards will be recognized as a benefit through additional paid in capital. AOL had approximately $658.0 million and $773.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards in various state and local jurisdictions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Certain of these U.S. federal, state and local net operating loss carryforwards are subject to statutory annual use limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state tax laws. If not utilized, these federal, state and local net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2014 and 2033. | |||||||||||
| AOL had $1,251.7 million and $1,254.6 million of U.S. federal and foreign capital loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively, which are subject to a full valuation allowance. If sufficient capital gains are not generated during the carryforward period, the U.S. federal capital loss carryforward will expire between 2015 and 2017. | |||||||||||
| AOL had $40.2 million and $23.4 million of credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. If not utilized, certain credit carryforwards that do not carry forward indefinitely will begin to expire in 2014. | |||||||||||
| Included in total deferred tax asset balances are valuation allowances of $1,730.3 million and $1,664.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the total valuation allowance of $1,730.3 million included $1,163.4 million related to foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards, $499.9 million related to capital loss carryforwards and $49.2 million related to outside basis differences. Of the $66.0 million increase in valuation allowance from 2012 to 2013, $61.3 million is related to additional foreign losses, with the remainder of the increase attributable to valuation allowances on state tax attributes and outside basis differences. | |||||||||||
| Realization of deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established is dependent upon generation of sufficient future taxable income. The Company expects to realize the benefit of remaining deferred tax assets through future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities and through future taxable income. The Company believes it is more likely than not these deferred tax assets will be realized. | |||||||||||
| <>U.S. federal income taxes are provided on the portion of AOL's income from certain foreign subsidiaries that is expected to be remitted to the United States. The Company has recorded deferred income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries in the amount of $4.8 million and $8.2 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For AOL's other foreign subsidiaries, the Company has not provided for U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes on approximately $17.6 million of certain foreign subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2013, because such earnings have been retained and are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that would be payable upon remittance of these earnings because such tax, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs. | |||||||||||
| <>Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes | |||||||||||
| <>Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for interest and penalties, from January 1 to December 31 are set forth below (in millions): | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 152.1 | $ | 151.7 | $ | 150.6 | |||||
| Increases for current year tax positions | 4.2 | - | 1.3 | ||||||||
| Increases for prior year tax positions | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 | ||||||||
| Decreases for prior year tax positions | -4.3 | -1.2 | -0.5 | ||||||||
| Settlements | -0.5 | - | - | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 154.1 | $ | 152.1 | $ | 151.7 | |||||
| The Company accrues interest and penalties where there is an underpayment of taxes, based on management's best estimate of the amount ultimately to be paid, in the same period that the interest would begin accruing or the penalties would first be assessed. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. <>Interest expense (benefit) recorded through the income tax provision related to uncertain tax positions was ($0.6) million, $0.7 million, and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of accrued interest in the consolidated balance sheet associated with uncertain tax positions was $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Amounts of penalties recorded and accrued for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are immaterial. <> | |||||||||||
| The Company's liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, which include interest and penalties, were $55.6 million and $21.7 million as of December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The remainder, if recognized, would affect deferred tax balances. <>As of December 31, 2013, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate, is $146.1 million. This amount includes the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions. | |||||||||||
| In conjunction with the complete legal and structural separation of the Company from Time Warner Inc. (the “spin-off”), <>AOL entered into a Second Tax Matters Agreement with Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”), effective December 9, 2009, that governs the respective post spin-off rights, responsibilities and obligations of Time Warner and AOL with respect to tax matters for the pre spin-off tax periods. Under the Second Tax Matters Agreement, Time Warner agreed to assume liabilities for U.S. federal, state or local income taxes that are determined on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar basis for each taxable period in which AOL was included in such group with Time Warner. <>AOL remains responsible for any foreign income taxes and any other income taxes (primarily state taxes) that are not determined on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar basis with Time Warner. | |||||||||||
| The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. <><>The statute of limitations of certain foreign jurisdictions in which AOL filed separately from Time Warner have not expired and therefore, the periods from 2003 through the current period remain open to examination by the taxing authorities. For the periods following the spin-off, the examination periods in all significant jurisdictions, including U.S., New York, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Luxembourg and United Kingdom, remain open and subject to examination by the taxing authorities. In addition, Virginia remains open for examination for the periods 2010 through 2013. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), New York State Department of Taxation and other foreign and state taxing authorities. | |||||||||||
| A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is finally resolved. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position. The Company reevaluates and adjusts its unrecognized tax benefits for income taxes, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement of any particular position would usually require the use of cash and result in the reduction of the related liability. The resolution of a matter would be recognized as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate in the period of resolution. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months. | |||||||||||
Stockholders_Equity
| Stockholders' Equity | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |
| Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | ' |
| Stockholders' Equity [Text Block] | ' |
| <>NOTE 7—STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |
| AOL is authorized to issue up to 660 million shares of all classes of stock, consisting of 60 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”), and 600 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. In August 2012, in connection with the Tax Asset Protection Plan discussed further below, AOL filed a Certificate of Designation to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation creating a series of approximately 0.1 million shares of Preferred Stock designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The Series A Preferred Stock has the voting and such other rights as provided for in the Certificate of Designation. Rights and privileges associated with shares of Preferred Stock are subject to authorization by the Company's Board of Directors (the “Board”) and may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. All shares of common stock will be identical and will entitle the holders thereof to the same rights and privileges. | |
| During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $31.4 million increase to additional paid-in capital as a result of equity-based compensation transactions. Included in this amount was $49.2 million related to expense incurred under AOL's equity-based compensation plan, which includes $2.2 million recorded within restructuring costs related to the vesting of certain equity awards granted to the Company's former chief operating officer upon his departure in the first quarter of 2013, as well as an offsetting reduction of $17.8 million related to tax withholdings on the vesting of RSUs. | |
| 2013 Stock Repurchase Programs | |
| On February 8, 2013, the Company announced that the Board approved a stock repurchase program (“Original Repurchase Program”), which authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100 million of its outstanding shares of common stock from time to time until February 8, 2014. | |
| Concurrent with the closing of the $250 million senior secured revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility Agreement”), on July 8, 2013, the Company announced that the Board approved a new stock repurchase program (the “New Repurchase Program”), which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $150 million of outstanding shares of AOL common stock from time to time over the twelve months following the announcement of the New Repurchase Program. The New Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The New Repurchase Program does not affect in any way the terms of the Original Repurchase Program. | |
| Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in the open market, in block trades, pursuant to pre-arranged trading plans, private transactions, and may include derivative transactions. | |
| As of December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 3.9 million shares under these programs at a weighted-average price of $34.75 per share (approximately $134.8 million). | |
| Tax Asset Protection Plan | |
| As of December 31, 2013, AOL had significant domestic tax attributes, including both net operating loss deferred tax assets and capital loss carry forward deferred tax assets. Unless otherwise restricted, AOL can utilize these tax attributes in certain circumstances to offset future U.S. taxable income, including in connection with capital gains that may be generated from a potential asset sale. Should a “change of control” be triggered under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company may not be able to utilize these tax attributes to offset future U.S. taxable income, or such utilization could be significantly delayed. As a result, during the third quarter of 2012, the Company adopted a Tax Asset Protection Plan (the “TAPP”) that is intended to act as a deterrent to any individual, individual fund or family of funds with common dispositive power acquiring 4.9% or more of the Company's outstanding shares without the approval of the Company's Board. | |
| Pursuant to the TAPP, the Company declared a dividend of one right on each outstanding share of common stock held of record as of the close of business on September 7, 2012. One right will also be issued together with each share of common stock issued after September 7, 2012 but before the date the rights are exercisable and, in certain circumstances, after such date. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the TAPP, if the rights become exercisable, each right would initially represent the right to purchase from the Company one ten-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $100. If issued, each fractional share of Series A Preferred Stock would give the stockholder approximately the same dividend, voting and liquidation rights as one share of common stock. However, prior to exercise, a right does not give its holder any rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, any dividend, voting or liquidation rights. | |
| The rights will expire on August 27, 2015, or such earlier time as the Company's Board determines that the Company has no remaining designated tax attributes as of the beginning of a taxable year. The TAPP was approved by the stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders on May 3, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, no event occurred that caused the Company to believe it was appropriate to invoke an action under the TAPP. Thus, the adoption of the TAPP did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013. | |
| Accelerated Stock Repurchase Agreement | |
| On August 26, 2012, the Company entered into a fixed dollar collared accelerated stock repurchase agreement with Barclay's Capital Inc. (“Barclays”), as agent for Barclays Bank PLC, effective August 27, 2012 (the “ASR Agreement”). Under the ASR Agreement, on August 30, 2012, the Company paid $654.1 million from cash on hand to Barclays to repurchase outstanding shares of common stock. The consideration paid to Barclays to repurchase shares included $54.1 million in contemplation of a cash dividend announced by the Company on August 27, 2012 (the “Special Cash Dividend”) and discussed further below, which was calculated as the present value of the Special Cash Dividend with respect to those shares deliverable under the ASR Agreement prior to the ex-dividend date of December 3, 2012. No shares were repurchased under the ASR Agreement during 2013. | |
| On April 22, 2013, the repurchase program under the ASR Agreement was completed. Since the final volume-weighted average price of the Company's stock was above the adjusted cap price established under the ASR Agreement, no additional shares were delivered upon completion of the program. The total amount of shares repurchased by the Company under the ASR Agreement was 18.4 million shares at a cap price of $32.69. The remaining $33.9 million recorded within APIC under the ASR Agreement was reclassified to treasury stock during the second quarter of 2013. The $654.1 million is reflected within treasury stock in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. | |
| Special Cash Dividend | |
| On August 26, 2012, AOL declared the Special Cash Dividend of $5.15 per share to be paid to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2012. The total amount of the Special Cash Dividend paid to shareholders on December 14, 2012 was $434.4 million with an offsetting reduction to retained earnings in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the payment of the Special Cash Dividend and in accordance with and pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (“2010 SIP”), the Company made an equitable adjustment to outstanding stock options, such that both the fair value and intrinsic value of employee awards immediately following the Special Cash Dividend were essentially unchanged from the fair value and intrinsic value prior to the Special Cash Dividend. This dividend was treated as a return of capital for tax purposes. In addition to the amount paid on December 14, 2012, individuals who hold RSUs and performance stock units (“PSUs”) will be paid out dividend equivalents in cash as the respective RSUs and PSUs vest. The Company did not record any incremental compensation expense in connection with the adjustment of stock options or payment of dividend equivalents on RSUs and PSUs given that the adjustments were made pursuant to an existing anti-dilution provision included in the Company's 2010 SIP, and the adjustments were made so that the holders of the awards were in the same economic position after the equity restructuring as before. | |
| Dutch Auction Tender Offer | |
| On June 28, 2012, AOL announced a $400.0 million modified Dutch auction tender offer. The tender offer began on the date of the announcement, June 28, 2012, and expired on August 2, 2012. Through the Dutch tender offer, AOL's shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $27.00 to $30.00 per share. Upon expiration, approximately 0.3 million shares were tendered through the offer at a final purchase price of $30.00 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $8.8 million. AOL accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company's consolidated balance sheet during the third quarter of 2012. | |
| 2011 Stock Repurchase Program | |
| On August 10, 2011, the Company's Board approved a stock repurchase program, which authorized the Company to repurchase up to $250.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock from time to time through August 2012. Repurchases were subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. Repurchases were made in accordance with applicable securities laws in the open market or in private transactions and may have included derivative transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. From the inception of the program through December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased a total of 14.8 million shares at a weighted average price of $14.11 per share as part of this program, for total consideration of $209.4 million. Shares repurchased under the program were recorded as treasury stock on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The shares repurchased under this program during the years ended 2012 and 2011 were not the result of an accelerated share repurchase agreement and did not result in any derivative transactions. The Company's Board re-authorized the purchase of the remaining shares under the 2011 stock repurchase program to be purchased as part of the accelerated stock repurchase agreement entered into on August 26, 2012 as defined above. | |
EquityBased_Compensation_and_E
| Equity-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Equity Based Compensation Abstract | ' | ||||||||||
| Equity Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| <>NOTE 8—EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | |||||||||||
| <>Defined Contribution Plans | |||||||||||
| <>AOL employees participate in domestic and international defined contribution plans, primarily consisting of AOL's domestic savings plan. AOL's contributions to these plans are based on a percentage of the employees' elected contributions and are subject to plan provisions. | |||||||||||
| <>Expenses related to AOL's contribution to plans amounted to $14.7 million, $14.5 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |||||||||||
| <>Equity-Based Compensation | |||||||||||
| <>AOL Equity Plan | |||||||||||
| <>Pursuant to the Company's 2010 SIP stock options are granted to employees, advisors and non-employee directors of AOL with exercise prices equal to the quoted market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Performance stock options are also granted to certain senior level executives. Generally, the stock options vest ratably over a three to four year vesting period and expire ten years from the date of grant. Certain stock option awards provide for accelerated vesting upon an election to retire after reaching a specified age and years of service, as well as certain additional circumstances for non-employee directors. | |||||||||||
| <>Also pursuant to the 2010 SIP, AOL may also grant shares of common stock, RSUs or PSUs to its employees, advisors and non-employee directors, which generally vest ratably over a three to four year period from the date of grant. Holders of restricted stock, RSU and PSU awards are generally entitled to receive regular cash dividends or dividend equivalents, respectively, at the discretion of the Board, if paid by the Company during the period of time that the restricted stock or RSU awards are unvested. Certain of the Company's PSU awards are subject to quarterly remeasurement of expense with corresponding adjustments to cumulative recognized compensation expense, as the service inception date precedes the grant date for these awards. | |||||||||||
| <>The Company is authorized to grant equity awards to employees, advisors and non-employee directors covering an aggregate of 24.6 million shares of AOL common stock under the 2010 SIP. Shares that are subject to Restricted Stock Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards (as such terms are defined in the 2010 SIP) shall be counted against the share authorization limit and the per participant limit as 1.61 shares for every share granted. Amounts available for issuance pursuant to grants under the 2010 SIP will change over time based on such activities as the conversion of equity awards into common stock, the forfeiture of equity awards and the cancellation of equity awards, among other activities. | |||||||||||
| <>Upon the (i) exercise of a stock option award, (ii) vesting of a RSU or (iii) grant of restricted stock, shares of AOL common stock are issued from authorized but unissued shares or from treasury stock. | |||||||||||
| AOL Employee Stock Purchase Plan | |||||||||||
| Pursuant to the Company's 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), eligible employees who elect to participate are granted the opportunity to purchase AOL's common stock at a discount. The purchase price for the shares will be the lower of (i) 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the first day of the offering period, or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the last day of the offering period. The Company has accounted for the ESPP as compensatory given the presence of a look-back feature, a 15% stock purchase discount from market price which is significant and incremental, and the fact that plan terms are not available to all common stock holders. A maximum of 9.4 million shares is available for issuance pursuant to the ESPP as of December 31, 2013. | |||||||||||
| Acquisition of Adap.tv | |||||||||||
| In connection with the acquisition of Adap.tv, the Company replaced unvested in-the-money options held by Adap.tv employees under the Adap.tv Plan with approximately 1.1 million shares of unvested AOL restricted stock with a fair value of $35.6 million in aggregate. Of the total fair value, $10.8 million related to pre-acquisition service was included in the purchase price, and the remaining $24.8 million is expected to be recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining award vesting periods. In addition, the Company also issued to Adap.tv employees approximately 0.3 million shares of unvested AOL restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) with a fair value of $10.5 million in aggregate. The fair value of these awards is expected to be recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining portion of the original 3 to 4 year vesting period for each respective award. See “Note 4” for additional information on the acquisition of Adap.tv and related stock conversion. | |||||||||||
| Acquisition of The Huffington Post | |||||||||||
| In connection with the acquisition of The Huffington Post in March 2011, the Company assumed the Huffington Post Plan and, as discussed above, agreed to consideration valued at $12.1 million related to the fair value of unvested stock options held by The Huffington Post employees that were generally converted into unvested AOL stock options. Of the fair value of The Huffington Post options that were converted, $8.1 million is being recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining award vesting periods (subject to adjustments for actual forfeitures), which for most employees is 24 months from the acquisition date. See “Note 4” for additional information on the acquisition of The Huffington Post and related stock conversion. | |||||||||||
| Equity-Based Compensation Expense | |||||||||||
| Compensation expense recognized by AOL related to its equity-based compensation plans is as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Stock options | $ | 11.2 | $ | 17.7 | $ | 21 | |||||
| RSUs and performance stock units (PSUs) | 33.7 | 21.6 | 21.5 | ||||||||
| ESPP | 2.1 | 0.2 | - | ||||||||
| Total equity-based compensation expense | $ | 47 | $ | 39.5 | $ | 42.5 | |||||
| Tax benefit recognized | $ | 18.3 | $ | 15.5 | $ | 16.7 | |||||
| AOL Stock Options | |||||||||||
| The assumptions presented in the table below represent the weighted-average value of the applicable assumption used to value AOL stock options at their grant date for stock options granted during the periods presented: | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Expected volatility | 37.50% | 39.00% | 38.80% | ||||||||
| Expected term to exercise from grant date | 5.01 years | 5.10 years | 5.52 years | ||||||||
| Risk-free rate | 1.00% | 1.10% | 2.10% | ||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||
| The volatility assumptions were determined based on a blend of AOL's implied volatility and the historical and implied volatilities of a comparable peer group of publicly traded companies. The expected term, which represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, is estimated based on the historical exercise experience and termination behaviors of the individuals that hold options to acquire AOL common stock. The risk-free rate assumed in valuing the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. As the Company does not currently intend to pay dividends, the expected dividend yield is zero for all AOL equity awards granted. | |||||||||||
| The following table summarizes AOL stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013: | |||||||||||
| Options | Number of Options (in millions) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 8.4 | $18.59 | 7.8 years | $93,009 | |||||||
| Exercised | -2 | $17.57 | $43,098 | ||||||||
| Granted | 1.1 | $38.20 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | -1 | $22.41 | |||||||||
| Expired | - | $17.93 | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 6.5 | $21.76 | 6.9 years | $161,134 | |||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 4.2 | $18.47 | 7.0 years | $46,631 | |||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 4.1 | $18.92 | 6.2 years | $114,065 | |||||||
| (a) | Represents The Huffington Post options converted at the time of acquisition. | ||||||||||
| (b) | Represents a one-time equitable adjustment to holders of outstanding stock options as of November 30, 2012, in consideration for the decrease in value of options due to the $5.15 one-time special dividend that option holders were not entitled to receive. | ||||||||||
| <>As of December 31, 2013, 8.7 million shares of AOL common stock were available for future grants of stock options. As of December 31, 2013, there was $18.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding employee stock options expected to vest. The Company expects to recognize this amount over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from what the Company has estimated, equity-based compensation expense related to these awards will be different from the Company's expectations. | |||||||||||
| <>The weighted-average grant date fair value of an AOL stock option granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12.96, $6.93 and $7.77, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $43.1 million, $19.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively. | |||||||||||
| <>AOL Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units | |||||||||||
| <>The following table summarizes information about unvested AOL RSUs, RSAs and PSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2013: | |||||||||||
| Number of RSUs, RSAs and PSUs (in millions) | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2012 | 2.8 | $24.44 | |||||||||
| Vested | -1.2 | $22.85 | |||||||||
| Granted | 2.6 | $40.71 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | -0.7 | $36.48 | |||||||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2013 | 3.5 | $35.10 | |||||||||
| <>At December 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of unvested AOL RSUs, RSAs and PSUs was $162.8 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was $72.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding RSUs, RSAs and PSUs expected to vest. The Company expects to recognize this amount over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from what the Company has estimated, equity-based compensation expense related to these awards will be different from the Company's expectations. Total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $28.2 million, $15.5 million and $24.7 million, respectively. | |||||||||||
Restructuing_Costs
| Restructuing Costs | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Restructuring Costs [Text Block] | ' | ||||||||
| <>NOTE 9—RESTRUCTURING COSTS | |||||||||
| 2013 Restructuring Costs | |||||||||
| As part of the Company's continuing effort to reduce its expenses and invest in areas of strategic focus, the Company incurred restructuring costs of $41.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The 2013 restructuring costs primarily related to the Company's efforts to align its organizational structure with its strategy, including the restructuring of its Patch operations. | |||||||||
| 2012 Restructuring Costs | |||||||||
| In connection with the Company's restructuring initiatives, the Company incurred $10.1 million in restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to organizational changes made in an effort to improve its ability to execute its strategy. These restructuring costs were primarily related to involuntary employee terminations. | |||||||||
| 2011 Restructuring Costs | |||||||||
| In connection with the Company's restructuring initiatives, the Company incurred $38.3 million in restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2011 related to organizational changes made in an effort to improve its ability to execute its strategy. These restructuring costs related to the Company's acquisition of The Huffington Post, a reassessment of its operations in India and actions in the United States to align the Company's costs with its strategy, and were primarily related to involuntary terminations of employees ranging from executives to line personnel. | |||||||||
| <>A summary of AOL's restructuring activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions): | |||||||||
| Employee Terminations | Other Exit Costs | Total | |||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2010 | $ | 18 | $ | 18.2 | $ | 36.2 | |||
| 2011 restructuring expense | 37.2 | 1.1 | 38.3 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | -1.1 | -0.5 | -1.6 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -48.5 | -11.7 | -60.2 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2011 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 12.7 | ||||||
| 2012 restructuring expense | 9 | 1.1 | 10.1 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 0.8 | 0.2 | 1 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -14 | -5.8 | -19.8 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2012 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 4 | ||||||
| 2013 restructuring expense | 41.3 | - | 41.3 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | -1.3 | -0.1 | -1.4 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -25.7 | -1.7 | -27.4 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2013 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 16.5 | |||
| <>At December 31, 2013, of the remaining liability of $16.5 million, $16.0 million was classified as a current liability within accrued expenses and other current liabilities, with the remaining $0.5 million classified as a long-term liability in the consolidated balance sheet. Amounts classified as long-term are expected to be paid through 2016. | |||||||||
Commitments_and_Contingencies
| Commitments and Contingencies | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
| Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||
| Commitments And Contingencies [Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||
| <>NOTE 10— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||||||
| <>Commitments | ||||||||||||
| <>AOL's net rent expense was $33.0 million, $35.2 million and $39.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company has long-term lease commitments for office space in various locations around the world, a number of which have renewal options at market rates to be determined prior to the renewal option being exercised. In addition, certain leases have rent escalation clauses with either fixed scheduled rent increases or rent increases based on the Consumer Price Index. The minimum rental commitments under long-term operating leases during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
| Gross operating lease commitments | Sublease income | Net operating lease commitments | ||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 47.6 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 40.4 | ||||||
| 2015 | 41.8 | 6.4 | 35.4 | |||||||||
| 2016 | 34.9 | 6.5 | 28.4 | |||||||||
| 2017 | 28.4 | 3.2 | 25.2 | |||||||||
| 2018 | 23.4 | - | 23.4 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 77.4 | - | 77.4 | |||||||||
| Total (a) | $ | 253.5 | $ | 23.3 | $ | 230.2 | ||||||
| <>(a) Included in the above table are approximately $164.2 million of payments associated with the lease of the Company's corporate headquarters in New York. AOL has leased its corporate headquarters for an initial lease term that ends in February 2023, with the option to extend the lease for an additional five years. Monthly rental payments to the landlord under this lease escalate by approximately 7% after the end of the fifth year and tenth year of the lease term. Included in the above table are approximately $28.6 million of payments associated with a leased building in California. AOL has leased this space for an initial lease term that ends in June 2017 with no renewal options. Rent was abated for the first nine months of the lease term with partial rent abatement for an additional three months. Only operating expenses were paid during the rent abatement period. | ||||||||||||
| <>AOL has commitments under certain software licensing, TAC, business analysis, royalty and other agreements aggregating approximately $84.2 million at December 31, 2013, which are payable principally over a three-year period, as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 62.3 | ||||||||||
| 2015-2016 | 21.4 | |||||||||||
| 2017-2018 | 0.3 | |||||||||||
| Thereafter | 0.2 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 84.2 | ||||||||||
| <>The Company also has certain contractual arrangements that would require it to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur (“contingent commitments”). At December 31, 2013, these arrangements related primarily to letters of credit and totaled $11.8 million. The Company does not expect that these contingent commitments will result in any material amounts being paid by the Company in the foreseeable future. | ||||||||||||
| Contingencies | ||||||||||||
| AOL is a party to a variety of claims, suits and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including actions with respect to intellectual property claims, tax matters, labor and unemployment claims, commercial claims, claims related to the Company's business model for content creation and other matters. While the results of such normal course claims, suits and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that, based on current knowledge and the likely timing of resolution of various matters, any additional reasonably possible potential losses above the amount accrued for such matters would be material to the Company's financial statements. Regardless of the outcome, legal proceedings can have an adverse effect on AOL because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. | ||||||||||||
Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur
| Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||
| Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Abstract | ' | ||||||
| Accounts Payable Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities Disclosure Current [Text Block] | ' | ||||||
| NOTE 11 – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of (in millions): | |||||||
| December 31, | |||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
| TAC | $ | 80.7 | $ | 46.4 | |||
| Costs of revenues (excluding TAC) | 35.3 | 42.4 | |||||
| Taxes | 12.1 | 17.6 | |||||
| General and administrative costs | 19.7 | 38.6 | |||||
| Restructuring liabilities | 16 | 3.3 | |||||
| Rent and facilities expense | 12.9 | 8.2 | |||||
| Network and related costs | 2.3 | 5.5 | |||||
| Member support services | 8.5 | 4.6 | |||||
| Other accrued expenses | 9.8 | 8.7 | |||||
| Total accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | 197.3 | $ | 175.3 | |||
Segment_Information
| Segment Information | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
| Segment Information Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Segment Information [Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||
| <>NOTE 12—SEGMENT INFORMATION | ||||||||||||||||
| The Company's segments are determined based on the properties, products and services it provides and how the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) evaluates the business. The Company's chief executive officer is the Company's CODM for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company has the following operating segments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Brand Group, which consists of AOL's portfolio of distinct and unique content and certain service brands. The results for this segment reflect the performance of AOL's advertising offerings on a number of owned and operated sites, such as AOL.com, The Huffington Post, TechCrunch and MapQuest. The Brand Group also includes co-branded websites owned or operated by third parties for which certain criteria have been met, including that the internet traffic has been assigned to AOL. | ||||||||||||||||
| Membership Group, which consists of offerings that serve AOL's registered account holders, both free and paid, and are focused on delivering world-class experiences to AOL's users who rely on these AOL products and properties. The results for this segment include AOL's subscription offerings and advertising offerings on Membership Group properties, including communications products such as AOL Mail, as well as from performance compensation received for marketing third party products and services. | ||||||||||||||||
| AOL Networks, which consists of interconnected programmatic, video and premium advertising offerings that advertisers and publishers use to reach consumers across all devices (i.e., desktop, mobile, tablet and internet-enabled television) and includes offerings in formats such as display, video and social. The results for this segment include the performance of Advertising.com, AdLearn Open Platform, Adap.tv, Marketplace, The AOL On Network, Be On, ADTECH and Pictela. | ||||||||||||||||
| Patch, which is a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities. | ||||||||||||||||
| During 2013 and 2012, the Company concluded that both Patch and the Brand Group have similar characteristics in that both segments are focused on providing high quality content to internet users by creating original content, aggregating third party content and encouraging user content, and the primary source of revenue for both segments is online display and search advertising presented along with the content. As a result, Patch and the Brand Group were aggregated into one reportable segment referred to herein as the Brand Group. The Company disposed of substantially all of the assets of its Patch operating segment in the first quarter of 2014, and accordingly, Patch is no longer an operating segment of the Company. | ||||||||||||||||
| In addition to the above reportable segments, the Company has a corporate and other category that includes activities that are not directly attributable or allocable to a specific segment. This category primarily consists of costs associated with broad corporate functions including legal, human resources, finance and accounting, and activities not directly attributable to a segment such as tax settlements and other general business costs. | ||||||||||||||||
| AOL Networks sells advertising on third party websites and from advertising inventory managed within the Membership and Brand Groups. The revenues associated with these transactions are included in the revenues from external customers for AOL Networks. An intersegment TAC expense is included in the expenses recorded for AOL Networks, with a corresponding amount of intersegment revenues included in the respective segment results for the Membership and Brand Groups. The intersegment revenues and TAC expense are determined based on similar transactions that AOL Networks has with large third-party publishers. | ||||||||||||||||
| The CODM uses adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted OIBDA”) to evaluate the performance of the segments and allocate resources. Management considers Adjusted OIBDA to be the appropriate metric to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of the Company's business on a consistent basis across reporting periods, as it eliminates the effect of noncash items which the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance. This measure of profit or loss is considered to be a non-GAAP measure, and may be different than similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. | ||||||||||||||||
| The Company views Adjusted OIBDA as the segment measure of profit or loss that is most useful to investors since it is indicative of a segment's performance and is representative of the method management uses to evaluate performance and make decisions about allocating resources. The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization excluding the impact of restructuring costs, non-cash equity-based compensation, gains and losses on all disposals of assets, non-cash asset impairments and write-offs and special items, which management does not believe are indicative of the Company's core operating performance. Segment Adjusted OIBDA includes revenue from external customers and intersegment revenues, costs and expenses directly attributable to the segment and allocations of shared corporate and technology costs which are determined to be directly related to a particular segment. | ||||||||||||||||
| Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Brand Group | Membership Group | AOL Networks | Corporate and Other | Consolidated Total | ||||||||||||
| 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 716.1 | $ | 152.9 | $ | 744.3 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 1,613.40 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 650.1 | - | - | 650.1 | |||||||||||
| Other | 17.3 | 8.3 | 30.3 | 0.5 | 56.4 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 61 | 27.8 | 10.4 | -99.2 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 794.4 | $ | 839.1 | $ | 785 | $ | -98.6 | $ | 2,319.90 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 40.2 | $ | 593.7 | $ | -15 | $ | -138.2 | $ | 480.7 | ||||||
| 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 661.7 | $ | 162.7 | $ | 593.9 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 1,418.50 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 705.3 | - | - | 705.3 | |||||||||||
| Other | 15.2 | 14.1 | 37.3 | 1.3 | 67.9 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 53.3 | 32.5 | 12.9 | -98.7 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 730.2 | $ | 914.6 | $ | 644.1 | $ | -97.2 | $ | 2,191.70 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | -32.8 | $ | 632.9 | $ | 7.3 | $ | -194.8 | $ | 412.6 | ||||||
| 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 689.6 | $ | 174.1 | $ | 449.8 | $ | 0.7 | $ | 1,314.20 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 803.2 | - | - | 803.2 | |||||||||||
| Other | 16.8 | 29.3 | 32.3 | 6.3 | 84.7 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 26.2 | 28.9 | 9.1 | -64.2 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 732.6 | $ | 1,035.50 | $ | 491.2 | $ | -57.2 | $ | 2,202.10 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | -48.4 | $ | 711.9 | $ | -39.5 | $ | -215.3 | $ | 408.7 | ||||||
| The following table presents the Company's reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to operating income (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 190.3 | $ | 1,201.90 | $ | 45.8 | ||||||||||
| Add: Depreciation | 128.9 | 138.7 | 160.9 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Amortization of intangible assets | 45.1 | 38.2 | 92 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Restructuring costs | 41.3 | 10.1 | 38.3 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Equity-based compensation | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Asset impairments and write-offs | 30.6 | 6.1 | 7.6 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Losses/(gains) on disposal of assets, net | -2.5 | -964.2 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Special items | - | -57.7 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 480.7 | $ | 412.6 | $ | 408.7 | ||||||||||
| Special items for the year ended December 31, 2012 include patent licensing income of $96.0 million, partially offset by costs related to the patent sale and return of the related proceeds to shareholders of $15.7 million, costs related to the proxy contest of $8.9 million, expense relating to the Virginia sales tax settlement of $7.6 million and acquisition-related costs of $5.1 million. Special items for the year ended December 31, 2011 include acquisition-related costs of $12.0 million and $8.5 million of legal settlement expenses. | ||||||||||||||||
| Due to the nature of the Company's operations, a majority of its assets are utilized across all segments. In addition, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, the CODM to allocate resources or assess performance of the Company's segments. Accordingly, the Company has not disclosed asset information by segment. | ||||||||||||||||
| Information about Geographical Areas | ||||||||||||||||
| The following table presents revenues in different geographical locations (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, (a) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 2,059.40 | $ | 1,959.20 | $ | 2,001.40 | ||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 96.8 | 97.8 | 98.8 | |||||||||||||
| Canada | 48.8 | 40.2 | 37.7 | |||||||||||||
| Germany | 39 | 33.4 | 40 | |||||||||||||
| Japan | 32.5 | 34.6 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||
| Other international | 43.4 | 26.5 | 22.7 | |||||||||||||
| Total international | 260.5 | 232.5 | 200.7 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,319.90 | $ | 2,191.70 | $ | 2,202.10 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of customers. | |||||||||||||||
| <>Net property and equipment located outside the United States, which represent 4% of total assets, are not material. | ||||||||||||||||
Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D
| Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Selected Quarterly Financial Information Abstract | ' | ||||||||||||
| Quarterly Financial Information Text Block | ' | ||||||||||||
| <>NOTE 13 —SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)<> | |||||||||||||
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||
| 2013 | March 31, | June 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 359.2 | $ | 361.2 | $ | 386 | $ | 507 | |||||
| Subscription | 165.8 | 166 | 161.6 | 156.7 | |||||||||
| Other | 13.3 | 14.1 | 13.7 | 15.3 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 538.3 | 541.3 | 561.3 | 679 | |||||||||
| Costs of revenues | 393.1 | 399.9 | 418.6 | 494.6 | |||||||||
| Operating income (a) | 49.9 | 51.9 | 16.7 | 71.8 | |||||||||
| Net income | 25.6 | 28 | 1.5 | 35.5 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | $ | 25.9 | $ | 28.5 | $ | 2 | $ | 36 | |||||
| Per share information attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders: | |||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.46 | |||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.43 | |||||
| 2012 | March 31, | June 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 330.1 | $ | 337.8 | $ | 340 | $ | 410.6 | |||||
| Subscription | 182.1 | 175.5 | 173.5 | 174.2 | |||||||||
| Other | 17.2 | 17.8 | 18.2 | 14.7 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 529.4 | 531.1 | 531.7 | 599.5 | |||||||||
| Costs of revenues | 384.6 | 396.2 | 382.3 | 424.1 | |||||||||
| Operating income (b) | 31.4 | 1,059.20 | 43.1 | 68.2 | |||||||||
| Net income | 21 | 970.6 | 20.7 | 35.4 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | $ | 21.1 | $ | 970.8 | $ | 20.8 | $ | 35.7 | |||||
| Per share information attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders: (c) | |||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 10.37 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.43 | |||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 10.17 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.41 | |||||
| (a) Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $17.5 million related to Patch in the third quarter. | |||||||||||||
| (b) Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes the gain of $946.5 million (net of transaction costs) on the disposition of the Sold Patents and income of $96.0 million from licensing of intellectual property both related to the second quarter of 2012. | |||||||||||||
| (c) For the year ended December 31, 2012, the sum of the Company's quarterly earnings per share does not equal its annual earnings per share due to timing impacts of the patent transaction in the second quarter and the significant repurchases of common stock in the third quarter on net income and quarterly and annual weighted-average shares outstanding, respectively. | |||||||||||||
Description_of_Business_Basis_1
| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ' |
| Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Text Block] | ' |
| <>Description of Business | |
| AOL Inc. (“AOL” or the “Company”) is a leading global media and technology company with a substantial worldwide audience and a suite of digital brands, products and services that it offers to consumers, advertisers, publishers and subscribers. AOL is focused on attracting and engaging consumers by creating and offering high quality branded digital content, products and services and providing valuable online advertising services on both its owned and operated properties and third-party websites. | |
| The Company's strategy is to focus its resources on AOL's core competitive strengths in content, advertising, technology platforms, video and paid services while expanding the distribution of its premium content, product and service offerings on multiple platforms and digital devices, including on internet-enabled televisions, smartphones and tablets. AOL continues to reinvigorate its culture and brand by prioritizing the consumer experience, making greater use of data-driven insights and encouraging innovation. | |
| AOL's reportable segments are the Brand Group, the Membership Group and AOL Networks. In addition to the above reportable segments, AOL has a corporate and other category that includes activities that are not directly attributable to or allocable to a specific segment. | |
| Brand Group | |
| The Brand Group consists of AOL's portfolio of distinct and unique content and certain of its service brands. The results for this segment reflect the performance of the Company's advertising offerings on a number of owned and operated sites, such as AOL.com, The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and MapQuest. The Brand Group also includes co-branded websites owned or operated by third parties for which certain criteria have been met, including that the internet traffic has been assigned to us. | |
| Membership Group | |
| The Membership Group consists of offerings that serve AOL registered account holders, both free and paid, and are focused on delivering world-class experiences to AOL's users who rely on these AOL products and properties. The results for this segment include AOL's subscription offerings and advertising offerings on Membership Group properties, including communications products such as AOL Mail. | |
| AOL Networks | |
| AOL Networks consists of interconnected programmatic, video and premium advertising offerings that advertisers and publishers use to reach consumers across all devices and includes offerings in formats such as display, video and social. AOL Network's offerings enable publishers and advertisers to utilize AOL's third-party advertising network as well as AOL's inventory within the Brand Group and Membership Group sold by AOL Networks. The results for this segment include the performance of Advertising.com, AdLearn Open Platform, Adap.tv, Marketplace by ADTECH (“Marketplace”), The AOL On Network, Be On, ADTECH and Pictela. The Company generates advertising revenues on AOL Networks through the sale of advertising on third party websites and from advertising inventory on AOL Properties not sold directly to advertisers, as described above. AOL's advertising offerings on AOL Networks consist primarily of the sale of display advertising and also include search advertising through sponsored listings. | |
| Corporate and Other | |
| Corporate and other primarily consists of broad corporate functions including legal, human resources, accounting, finance, marketing and activities and costs not directly attributable or allocable to a specific segment such as tax settlements and other general business costs. | |
| Basis of Presentation | |
| Basis of Consolidation | |
| The consolidated financial statements include 100% of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of AOL and all voting interest entities in which AOL has a controlling voting interest (“subsidiaries”) and variable interest entities in which AOL is the primary beneficiary in accordance with the consolidation accounting guidance. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated balances of the Company's variable interest entities are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented. | |
| The financial position and operating results of the majority of AOL's foreign operations are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, and local currency revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are included in the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net and in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. | |
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | |
| The noncontrolling interest in a joint venture between Mitsui & Company Ltd. (“Mitsui”) and AOL (“Ad.com Japan”) is classified outside of permanent equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, due to a redemption right available to the noncontrolling interest holder in the future. The noncontrolling interest holder's right to redeem its stock is exercisable any time between July 1 and July 30 of any year, commencing with July 1, 2014. Net income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) reflects 100% of the results of Ad.com Japan for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as the Company has a controlling financial interest in the entity. Net income is subsequently adjusted to exclude AOL's noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income attributable to AOL Inc. | |
| <>Use of Estimates | |
| <>The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include asset impairments, reserves established for doubtful accounts, equity-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, business combinations, income taxes, litigation matters and contingencies. | |
| Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy Text Block | ' |
| Cash and Equivalents | |
| <>Cash equivalents primarily consist of highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which include money market accounts and time deposits that are readily convertible into cash. Cash equivalents are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. These are included within cash and cash equivalents as level one fair value measurements. | |
| Cash And Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy | ' |
| Restricted Cash | |
| In the first quarter of 2011, the Company posted cash collateral for letters of credit related to certain of the Company's lease agreements. The collateral amounts are legally restricted as to withdrawal and use for a period in excess of twelve months. Accordingly, the collateral balances have been classified as restricted cash within other long-term assets and are omitted from cash and equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets. Also included in restricted cash are security deposits held by the Company from lessees that are restricted as to use. <>The Company had $11.2 million of restricted cash included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. | |
| Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy Advertising Revenues Disclosure [Text Block] | ' |
| <>Advertising Revenues | |
| <>Advertising revenues are generated on AOL Properties through display advertising and search advertising. Display advertising revenue is generated by the display of graphical advertisements and other performance-based advertising. Agreements for advertising on AOL Properties typically take the forms of impression-based contracts, time-based contracts or performance-based contracts. Search advertising revenue is generated when a consumer clicks on a text-based advertisement on their screen. These text-based advertisements are either generated from a consumer-initiated search query or generated based on the content of the webpage the consumer is viewing. In addition to advertising revenues generated on AOL Properties, the Company also generates revenue from its advertising offerings on its Third Party Network, which consist primarily of the sale of display advertising and also include search advertising. Advertising arrangements for the sale of Third Party Network inventory typically take the form of impression-based contracts or performance-based contracts. | |
| Advertising revenues derived from impression-based contracts, in which AOL provides impressions in exchange for a fixed fee (generally stated as cost-per-thousand impressions), are generally recognized as the impressions are delivered. An “impression” is delivered when an advertisement appears in web pages viewed by users. Revenues derived from time-based contracts, in which AOL provides promotion over a specified time period for a fixed fee, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract, provided that AOL is meeting and will continue to meet its obligations under the contract (<>e.g.<>, delivery of impressions over the term of the contract). Advertising revenues derived from contracts where AOL is compensated based on certain performance criteria are recognized as AOL completes the contractually specified performance. Performance is measured in terms of either “click-throughs” when a user clicks on a company's advertisement or other user actions such as product/customer registrations, survey participation, sales leads, product purchases or other revenue sharing relationships. | |
| Revenue Recognition Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Revenues | |
| <>The Company generates revenue primarily from advertising and from its subscription services. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance under the contract has begun, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured. | |
| Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy Gross And Net Revenue Disclosure | ' |
| <>Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition | |
| <>In the normal course of business, the Company sometimes acts as or uses an intermediary or agent in executing transactions with third parties. The determination of whether revenue should be reported gross or net is based on an assessment of whether the Company is acting as the principal or an agent in the transaction. If the Company is acting as the principal in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. If the Company is acting as an agent in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a net basis. In determining whether the Company acts as the principal or an agent, the Company follows the accounting guidance for principal-agent considerations and the Company places the most weight on whether or not the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement. | |
| Revenue Recognition Multiple Element Arrangements | ' |
| <>Multiple-Element Transactions | |
| Management analyzes contracts with multiple elements under the accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The Company's multiple-element arrangements generally include online advertising and non-advertising (i.e., insertion orders and production of a “microsite”) and involve multiple deliverables to customers across AOL Properties and/or the Third Party Network. The guidance requires that revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement have value to the customer on a standalone basis, and if the delivery of the undelivered items in the arrangement is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. If these criteria are met, then the arrangement consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative estimated selling prices. In such circumstances, the Company uses a selling price hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to the deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price, and (iii) best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”). VSOE generally exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately and VSOE is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. BESPs reflect the Company's best estimates of what the selling prices of deliverables would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis. The Company recognizes revenue from the provision of online advertising and non-advertising contracts when the advertising campaigns and the productions are delivered. | |
| If the deliverables cannot be separated into multiple units of accounting, then the arrangement is accounted for as a combined unit of accounting and recognized into revenue based on the lower of (i) performance or (ii) straight-line as calculated in aggregate for the entire deal. Straight-line revenue recognition is determined by taking the total sold value of all deal components and recognizing that value evenly over the entire deal term. | |
| Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy Subscription Revenues Disclosure [Text Block] | ' |
| <>Subscription Revenues | |
| <>The Company earns revenue from its subscription services in the form of monthly or annual fees paid by subscribers to its service offerings, and such revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis as the service is provided. | |
| Traffic Acquisition Costs Policy [Text Block] | ' |
| <>Traffic Acquisition Costs | |
| <>AOL incurs costs through arrangements in which it acquires online advertising inventory from publishers for resale to advertisers and arrangements whereby partners distribute AOL's free products or services or otherwise direct traffic to AOL Properties. AOL considers these costs to be traffic acquisition costs (“TAC”). TAC arrangements have a number of different economic structures, the most common of which are: (i) payments based on a cost-per-thousand impressions or based on a percentage of the ultimate advertising revenues generated from the advertising inventory acquired for resale, (ii) payments for direct traffic delivered to AOL Properties priced on a per-click basis (<>e.g.<>, search engine marketing fees) and (iii) payments to partners in exchange for distributing AOL products to their users (<>e.g.<>, agreements with computer manufacturers to distribute the AOL toolbar or a co-branded web portal on computers shipped to end users). These arrangements can be on a fixed-fee basis (which often carry reciprocal performance guarantees by the counterparty), on a variable basis or, in some cases, a combination of the two. TAC agreements with fixed payments are typically expensed ratably over the term of the agreement. TAC agreements with variable payments are typically expensed based on the volume of the underlying activity at the specified contractual rates. TAC agreements with a combination of a fixed fee for a minimum amount of traffic delivered or other underlying activity and variable payments for delivery or performance in excess of the minimum are typically recognized into expense at the greater of straight-line or actual performance, taking into account counterparty performance to date and the projected counterparty performance over the term of the agreement. | |
| Costs Associated With Exit Or Disposal Activities Or Restructurings Policy | ' |
| <>Restructuring Costs | |
| Restructuring costs consist primarily of employee termination benefits and contract termination costs, including lease exit costs. The Company's restructuring actions include one-time involuntary termination benefits as well as certain contractual termination benefits or employee terminations under ongoing benefit arrangements. One-time involuntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when the plan of termination has been communicated to employees and certain other criteria are met. Ongoing termination benefit arrangements are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when it is probable that amounts will be paid to employees and such amounts are reasonably estimable. Contract termination costs are recognized as a liability at fair value when a contract is terminated in accordance with its terms, or when AOL has otherwise executed a written termination of the contract. When AOL ceases using a facility but does not intend to or is unable to terminate the operating lease, AOL records a liability for the present value of the remaining lease payments, net of estimated sublease income, if any, that could be reasonably obtained for the property (even if the Company does not intend to sublease the facility for the remaining term of the lease). Costs associated with exit or disposal activities, including the related one-time and ongoing involuntary termination benefits, are reflected as restructuring costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. See “Note 9” for additional information about the Company's restructuring activities. | |
| Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy | ' |
| <>Equity-Based Compensation | |
| <>AOL records compensation expense under AOL's equity-based compensation incentive plans based on the equity awards granted to employees. | |
| In accounting for equity-based compensation awards, the Company follows the accounting guidance for equity-based compensation, which requires that a company measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost associated with stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The cost of equity instruments granted to employees is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The Company begins recording equity-based compensation expense related to employee awards with performance conditions when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. See “Note 8” for additional information on equity-based compensation. | |
| Goodwill And Intangible Assets Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Goodwill | |
| Goodwill is tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate goodwill is more likely than not impaired. These indicators include a sustained, significant decline in the Company's stock price; a decline in its expected future cash flows; significant disposition activity; a significant adverse change in the economic or business environment; and the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group, among others. The occurrence of these indicators could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. | |
| The testing of goodwill for impairment is required to be performed at the level referred to as the reporting unit. During 2013, the Company had four reporting units for purposes of the goodwill impairment test; the Brand Group, the Membership Group, AOL Networks and Patch. | |
| Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. To measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, AOL determines the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Specifically, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. | |
| The Company determined that certain events occurring in the third quarter of 2013 constituted substantive changes in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company's Patch reporting unit below its carrying amount. Accordingly, the Company tested the Patch reporting unit for impairment as of August 31, 2013 (the “interim testing date”), which resulted in the Company recording a goodwill impairment charge to the full balance of Patch goodwill of $17.5 million during the third quarter of 2013. | |
| See “Note 3” for more information on the goodwill impairment testing for 2013. | |
| Impairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived And Intangible Assets Impairment Policy [Text Block] | ' |
| <>Long-lived Assets | |
| <>Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets (<>e.g.<>, acquired technology and customer relationships), do not require that an annual impairment test be performed; instead, long-lived assets are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of an indicator of potential impairment. Once an indicator of potential impairment has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset group against the carrying value of the asset group. The Company groups long-lived assets for purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. Impairment, if any, would then be measured as the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset and its carrying value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with that asset group. If the intent is to hold the asset group for sale and certain other criteria are met (<>i.e.<>, the asset group can be disposed of currently, appropriate levels of authority have approved the sale and there is an active program to locate a buyer), the impairment test involves comparing the asset group's carrying value to its estimated fair value less estimated costs of disposal. To the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset group's estimated fair value less estimated costs of disposal, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. | |
| <>AOL recorded non-cash asset impairments and write-offs related to long-lived assets held and used and held for sale of $12.1 million, $4.9 million and $7.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, included in costs of revenues and general and administrative costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The charge recorded in 2013 included a $7.5 million charge related to internal-use software related to Patch. The charges recorded in 2012 and 2011 related primarily to asset write-offs in connection with facility consolidation, computer retirements and capitalized internal-use software project terminations. | |
| Income Tax Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Income Taxes | |
| Income taxes are presented in the consolidated financial statements using the asset and liability method prescribed by the accounting guidance for income taxes. <>Income taxes (<>e.g.<>, deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, taxes currently payable/refunds receivable and tax expense) are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current year and include the deferred income tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases, stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e., assets) and future tax costs (i.e., liabilities). The tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryovers result in deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are established when management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence in evaluating its ability to realize its deferred income tax assets, including its historical operating results, ongoing tax planning, and forecast of future taxable income, on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. | |
| <>With respect to uncertain tax positions, AOL recognizes in the consolidated financial statements those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. AOL records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to the accounting guidance for income taxes and the tax position taken on its tax return. The Company adjusts its estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. The consolidated tax provision for any given year includes adjustments to prior year income tax accruals that are considered appropriate and any related estimated interest. The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense. | |
| Receivables Trade And Other Accounts Receivable Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Policy | ' |
| <>Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | |
| <>AOL's receivables consist primarily of two components, receivables from individual subscribers to AOL's subscription services and receivables from advertising customers. Management performs separate evaluations of these components to determine if the balances will ultimately be fully collected considering management's views on trends in the overall aging of receivables as well as past collection experience. In addition, for certain advertising receivables, management prepares an analysis of specific risks on a customer-by-customer basis. Using this information, management reserves an amount that is expected to be uncollectible. Receivables are written off when amounts are deemed to be uncollectible and internal collection efforts are closed. | |
| Property Plant And Equipment Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Property and Equipment | |
| <>Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation, which includes amortization of capitalized software costs and amortization of assets under capital leases, is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. AOL evaluates the depreciation periods of property and equipment to determine whether events or circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. Depreciation expense, recorded in costs of revenues and general and administrative expense, totaled $128.9 million, $138.7 million and $160.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Costs related to leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the economic useful life of the improvements or the remaining lease term. | |
| Internal Use Software Policy | ' |
| <>Capitalized Internal-Use Software Costs | |
| <>AOL capitalizes certain costs incurred for the purchase and development of internal-use software. These costs, which include the costs associated with coding, software configuration, major upgrades and enhancements and are related to both AOL's internal systems (such as billing and accounting) and AOL's user-facing internet offerings, are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, AOL capitalized $43.7 million, $40.5 million and $21.1 million, respectively, related to the purchase and development of internal-use software. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net book value of capitalized internal-use software was $68.2 million and $57.6 million, respectively. | |
| Research And Development Expense Policy | ' |
| <>Research and Development | |
| <>Research and development costs, which are expensed as incurred, are included in costs of revenues and totaled $40.6 million, $44.8 million and $56.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. These costs consist primarily of personnel and related costs that are incurred related to the development of software and user-facing internet offerings that do not qualify for capitalization. | |
| Lease Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Leases | |
| <>The Company leases operating equipment and office space in various locations worldwide. Lease obligations are classified as operating leases or capital leases, as appropriate. Leased equipment and property that meets the capital lease criteria is capitalized and the present value of the future minimum lease payments is recorded as an asset under capital lease with a related capital lease obligation in the consolidated balance sheets. | |
| <>Rent expense under operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term taking into consideration scheduled rent increases and any lease incentives. | |
| Goodwill And Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Policy | ' |
| <>Intangible Assets | |
| <>AOL has a significant number of intangible assets, including acquired technology, trademarks and customer relationships. AOL does not recognize the fair value of internally generated intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Intangible assets subject to amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. AOL does not have any indefinite lived intangible assets other than goodwill. | |
| Advertising Costs Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Advertising Costs | |
| <>The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense was $61.6 million, $85.8 million and $76.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and is included in general and administrative costs on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). | |
| Commitments And Contingencies Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Loss Contingencies | |
| <>In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in legal proceedings, tax audits (other than income taxes) and other matters that give rise to potential loss contingencies. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In situations where the Company can determine a best estimate within the range of potential loss, the Company records the best estimate of the potential loss as a liability. In situations where the Company has determined a range of loss, but no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the Company records the minimum amount of the range of loss as a liability. | |
| Stockholders Equity Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |
| <>Other comprehensive income (loss) is included within comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets and consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under GAAP are excluded from net income (loss). | |
| Earnings Per Share Policy Text Block | ' |
| <>Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to AOL common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per common share is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive effect of outstanding equity-based compensation awards is reflected in diluted income per common share by application of the treasury stock method, only in periods in which such effect would have been dilutive for the period. | |
| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
| <>Certain Risks and Concentrations | |
| <>The Company's financial instruments include primarily cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities, their carrying amounts approximate their fair value. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and accounts receivable. | |
| <>The Company maintains its cash and equivalents balances in the form of money market accounts and time deposits. The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits. The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. | |
| <>The Company's exposure to customer credit risk relates primarily to advertising customers and individual subscribers to AOL's subscription services, and is dispersed among many different counterparties, with no single customer having a receivable balance in excess of 10% of total net receivables at December 31, 2013 or 2012. | |
| <>For each of the periods presented herein, the Company has had a contractual relationship with Google whereby Google provides paid text-based search advertising on AOL Properties. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the revenues associated with the Google relationship (substantially all of which were search revenues generated on AOL Properties), were $373.3 million, $350.9 million and $335.3 million, respectively. |
Description_of_Business_Basis_2
| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Property Plant And Equipment Text Block | ' | ||||||||
| December 31, | Estimated Useful Lives | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Land(a) | $ | 39.2 | $ | 39.2 | - | ||||
| Buildings and building improvements | 275.6 | 280.2 | 15 to 40 years | ||||||
| Capitalized internal-use software costs | 434.6 | 484.5 | 1 to 5 years | ||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 108.6 | 99.2 | Up to 16 years | ||||||
| Furniture, fixtures and other equipment | 591.5 | 640.6 | 2 to 5 years | ||||||
| 1,449.50 | 1,543.70 | ||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | -981.6 | -1,065.40 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 467.9 | $ | 478.3 | |||||
| (a) | Land is not depreciated. | ||||||||
Income_per_Common_Share_Tables
| Income per Common Share (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Income Per Common Share Text Block [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders | $ | 92.4 | $ | 1,048.40 | $ | 13.1 | |||
| Shares used in computing basic income per common share | 77.6 | 91.1 | 104.2 | ||||||
| Dilutive effect of equity-based awards | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.8 | ||||||
| Shares used in computing diluted income per common share | 82 | 93.5 | 106 | ||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 1.19 | $ | 11.51 | $ | 0.13 | |||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 1.13 | $ | 11.21 | $ | 0.12 | |||
Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets Abstract | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule Of Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class Text Block | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31-Dec-13 | 31-Dec-12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Accumulated Amortization (a) | Net | Gross | Accumulated Amortization (a) | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquired technology | $ | 907.4 | $ | -824.4 | $ | 83 | $ | 844.9 | $ | -822.7 | $ | 22.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 278.9 | -222.2 | 56.7 | 248.3 | -203.1 | 45.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | 144.7 | -79.4 | 65.3 | 132.1 | -71 | 61.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 69.2 | -65.8 | 3.4 | 69.1 | -64.4 | 4.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,400.20 | $ | -1,191.80 | $ | 208.4 | $ | 1,294.40 | $ | -1,161.20 | $ | 133.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Amortization of intangible assets is provided on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives, which generally range from one to ten years. The Company evaluates the useful lives of its finite-lived intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events or circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 ………………………………………… | $ | 53.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 ………………………………………… | 43.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 …………………………………………. | 35.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 …………………………………………. | 33.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 …………………………………………. | 24.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total …………………………………………. | $ | 190.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill [Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A summary of changes in the Company's goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31-Dec-11 | Acquisitions | Translation adjustments | Allocations at December 1, 2012 | Acquisitions | Translation adjustments | 31-Dec-12 | Acquisitions | Dispositions | Impairments | Translation Adjustments | 31-Dec-13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 282.1 | $ | 0.1 | $ | - | $ | 282.2 | $ | 1.5 | $ | -0.2 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 283.5 | ||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 282.1 | 0.1 | - | 282.2 | 1.5 | -0.2 | - | - | 283.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Membership Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | - | 0.8 | 605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | 604.2 | - | - | - | 0.8 | 605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOL Networks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 175.2 | 4.7 | 0.3 | 180.2 | 295.1 | -3.5 | - | 1.4 | 473.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 175.2 | 4.7 | 0.3 | 180.2 | 295.1 | -3.5 | - | 1.4 | 473.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | - | - | 17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -17.5 | - | -17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | 17.5 | - | - | -17.5 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | - | - | - | 35,625.10 | - | - | 35,625.10 | - | - | - | - | 35,625.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | - | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | - | - | -35,625.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Goodwill | 36,689.10 | 18.7 | -3.7 | 36,704.10 | 4.8 | 0.3 | 36,709.20 | 296.6 | -3.7 | - | 2.2 | 37,004.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -35,625.10 | - | - | -17.5 | - | -35,642.60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Goodwill | $ | 1,064.00 | $ | 18.7 | $ | -3.7 | $ | 1,079.00 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 1,084.10 | $ | 296.6 | $ | -3.7 | $ | -17.5 | $ | 2.2 | $ | 1,361.70 | ||||||||||||
LongTerm_Debt_and_Other_Financ1
| Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Long Term Debt Abstract | ' | ||||||||||
| Schedule Of Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Weighted Average Interest Rate at December 31, 2013 | Outstanding Amount | ||||||||||
| Maturities | 31-Dec-13 | 31-Dec-12 | |||||||||
| Capital lease obligations | 5.30% | 2014-2018 | $ | 111.7 | $ | 105.9 | |||||
| Amount due within one year | -55.5 | -49.6 | |||||||||
| Total long-term capital lease obligations | $ | 56.2 | $ | 56.3 | |||||||
| Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments For Capital Leases [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 59.8 | |||||||||
| 2015 | 31.7 | ||||||||||
| 2016 | 18.3 | ||||||||||
| 2017 | 9.6 | ||||||||||
| 2018 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
| Total | 119.5 | ||||||||||
| Amount representing interest | -7.8 | ||||||||||
| Present value of minimum lease payments | 111.7 | ||||||||||
| Current portion | -55.5 | ||||||||||
| Total long-term portion | $ | 56.2 | |||||||||
Income_Taxes_Tables
| Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Income Taxes Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
| Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 189.2 | $ | 1,189.90 | $ | 132.4 | |||||
| Foreign | -5.5 | 20.2 | -90.1 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 183.7 | $ | 1,210.10 | $ | 42.3 | |||||
| Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| The components of the provision for income tax expense provided on income from continuing operations | |||||||||||
| were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| U.S. federal: | |||||||||||
| Current | $ | 31.5 | $ | 22.4 | $ | 0.4 | |||||
| Deferred | 42.9 | 110.8 | 20.2 | ||||||||
| Foreign: | |||||||||||
| Current | 3.1 | 4 | -0.4 | ||||||||
| Deferred | 2.6 | -2.4 | -2.1 | ||||||||
| State and local: | |||||||||||
| Current | 7 | 11.9 | 5.9 | ||||||||
| Deferred | 6 | 15.7 | 5.2 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 93.1 | $ | 162.4 | $ | 29.2 | |||||
| Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| The items accounting for the difference between income tax expense computed at the federal statutory | |||||||||||
| rate of 35% and the provision for income taxes were as follows: | |||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| U.S. federal statutory rate | 35 | % | 35 | % | 35 | % | |||||
| State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefits | 6.2 | 1.8 | 19.1 | ||||||||
| Effect of non-U.S. operations | 6.6 | 0.4 | 4.4 | ||||||||
| Non-deductible goodwill | 3.3 | - | - | ||||||||
| Unrecognized tax benefits | -0.5 | 0.1 | 0.8 | ||||||||
| Gain/loss on sale of assets | - | -24.7 | - | ||||||||
| Worthless stock deduction | - | - | -15.9 | ||||||||
| Shortfall on employee equity awards | 0.1 | 0.2 | 6.7 | ||||||||
| Escrow adjustments | -1.5 | -0.1 | -17.2 | ||||||||
| Non-deductible acquisition related costs | 0.9 | 0.5 | 28 | ||||||||
| Federal research credit, net of unrecognized tax benefits | -4.4 | - | -2.9 | ||||||||
| Non-U.S. deferred gain charge | 2.4 | 0.2 | - | ||||||||
| Other | 2.6 | - | 11 | ||||||||
| Total | 50.7 | % | 13.4 | % | 69 | % | |||||
| Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| The significant components of AOL's deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Reserves and allowances | $ | 10.4 | $ | 7.3 | |||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 27.4 | 24.9 | |||||||||
| Net operating loss, capital loss and credit carryforwards | 1,894.50 | 1,815.70 | |||||||||
| Outside basis differences | 121.5 | 137.3 | |||||||||
| Other | 53.1 | 54.2 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,106.90 | 2,039.40 | |||||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | -1,730.30 | -1,664.30 | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 376.6 | 375.1 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Capitalized software | -23.3 | -18.1 | |||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange tax gain | -132 | -107.3 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment | -29.2 | -37.2 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets and goodwill | -50.2 | -21.1 | |||||||||
| Other | -5 | -7.8 | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | -239.7 | -191.5 | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | $ | 136.9 | $ | 183.6 | |||||||
| Summary Of Income Tax Contingencies Text Block | ' | ||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 152.1 | $ | 151.7 | $ | 150.6 | |||||
| Increases for current year tax positions | 4.2 | - | 1.3 | ||||||||
| Increases for prior year tax positions | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 | ||||||||
| Decreases for prior year tax positions | -4.3 | -1.2 | -0.5 | ||||||||
| Settlements | -0.5 | - | - | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 154.1 | $ | 152.1 | $ | 151.7 | |||||
EquityBased_Compensation_and_E1
| Equity-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
| Equity Based Compensation Abstract | ' | ||||||||||
| Schedule Of Compensation Cost For Share Based Payment Arrangements Allocation Of Share Based Compensation Costs By Plan [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Stock options | $ | 11.2 | $ | 17.7 | $ | 21 | |||||
| RSUs and performance stock units (PSUs) | 33.7 | 21.6 | 21.5 | ||||||||
| ESPP | 2.1 | 0.2 | - | ||||||||
| Total equity-based compensation expense | $ | 47 | $ | 39.5 | $ | 42.5 | |||||
| Tax benefit recognized | $ | 18.3 | $ | 15.5 | $ | 16.7 | |||||
| Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||
| AOL Stock Options | |||||||||||
| The assumptions presented in the table below represent the weighted-average value of the applicable assumption used to value AOL stock options at their grant date for stock options granted during the periods presented: | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
| Expected volatility | 37.50% | 39.00% | 38.80% | ||||||||
| Expected term to exercise from grant date | 5.01 years | 5.10 years | 5.52 years | ||||||||
| Risk-free rate | 1.00% | 1.10% | 2.10% | ||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||||||
| Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Text Block | ' | ||||||||||
| Options | Number of Options (in millions) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 8.4 | $18.59 | 7.8 years | $93,009 | |||||||
| Exercised | -2 | $17.57 | $43,098 | ||||||||
| Granted | 1.1 | $38.20 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | -1 | $22.41 | |||||||||
| Expired | - | $17.93 | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 6.5 | $21.76 | 6.9 years | $161,134 | |||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2012 | 4.2 | $18.47 | 7.0 years | $46,631 | |||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 4.1 | $18.92 | 6.2 years | $114,065 | |||||||
| (a) | Represents The Huffington Post options converted at the time of acquisition. | ||||||||||
| (b) | Represents a one-time equitable adjustment to holders of outstanding stock options as of November 30, 2012, in consideration for the decrease in value of options due to the $5.15 one-time special dividend that option holders were not entitled to receive. | ||||||||||
| Number of RSUs, RSAs and PSUs (in millions) | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2012 | 2.8 | $24.44 | |||||||||
| Vested | -1.2 | $22.85 | |||||||||
| Granted | 2.6 | $40.71 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | -0.7 | $36.48 | |||||||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2013 | 3.5 | $35.10 | |||||||||
Restructuring_Costs_Tables
| Restructuring Costs (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
| Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Schedule Of Restructuring Reserve By Type Of Cost Text Block | ' | ||||||||
| Employee Terminations | Other Exit Costs | Total | |||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2010 | $ | 18 | $ | 18.2 | $ | 36.2 | |||
| 2011 restructuring expense | 37.2 | 1.1 | 38.3 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | -1.1 | -0.5 | -1.6 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -48.5 | -11.7 | -60.2 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2011 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 12.7 | ||||||
| 2012 restructuring expense | 9 | 1.1 | 10.1 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | 0.8 | 0.2 | 1 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -14 | -5.8 | -19.8 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2012 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 4 | ||||||
| 2013 restructuring expense | 41.3 | - | 41.3 | ||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other adjustments | -1.3 | -0.1 | -1.4 | ||||||
| Cash paid | -25.7 | -1.7 | -27.4 | ||||||
| Liability at December 31, 2013 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 16.5 | |||
Commitments_and_Contingencies_
| Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
| Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||
| Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||
| Gross operating lease commitments | Sublease income | Net operating lease commitments | ||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 47.6 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 40.4 | ||||||
| 2015 | 41.8 | 6.4 | 35.4 | |||||||||
| 2016 | 34.9 | 6.5 | 28.4 | |||||||||
| 2017 | 28.4 | 3.2 | 25.2 | |||||||||
| 2018 | 23.4 | - | 23.4 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 77.4 | - | 77.4 | |||||||||
| Total (a) | $ | 253.5 | $ | 23.3 | $ | 230.2 | ||||||
| Schedule Of Purchase Commitments And Other Long Term Commitments [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||||
| 2014 | $ | 62.3 | ||||||||||
| 2015-2016 | 21.4 | |||||||||||
| 2017-2018 | 0.3 | |||||||||||
| Thereafter | 0.2 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 84.2 | ||||||||||
Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1
| Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||
| Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Abstract | ' | ||||||
| Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||
| December 31, | |||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
| TAC | $ | 80.7 | $ | 46.4 | |||
| Costs of revenues (excluding TAC) | 35.3 | 42.4 | |||||
| Taxes | 12.1 | 17.6 | |||||
| General and administrative costs | 19.7 | 38.6 | |||||
| Restructuring liabilities | 16 | 3.3 | |||||
| Rent and facilities expense | 12.9 | 8.2 | |||||
| Network and related costs | 2.3 | 5.5 | |||||
| Member support services | 8.5 | 4.6 | |||||
| Other accrued expenses | 9.8 | 8.7 | |||||
| Total accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | 197.3 | $ | 175.3 | |||
Segment_Information_Tables
| Segment Information (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
| SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract | ' | |||||||||||||||
| ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Brand Group | Membership Group | AOL Networks | Corporate and Other | Consolidated Total | ||||||||||||
| 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 716.1 | $ | 152.9 | $ | 744.3 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 1,613.40 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 650.1 | - | - | 650.1 | |||||||||||
| Other | 17.3 | 8.3 | 30.3 | 0.5 | 56.4 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 61 | 27.8 | 10.4 | -99.2 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 794.4 | $ | 839.1 | $ | 785 | $ | -98.6 | $ | 2,319.90 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 40.2 | $ | 593.7 | $ | -15 | $ | -138.2 | $ | 480.7 | ||||||
| 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 661.7 | $ | 162.7 | $ | 593.9 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 1,418.50 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 705.3 | - | - | 705.3 | |||||||||||
| Other | 15.2 | 14.1 | 37.3 | 1.3 | 67.9 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 53.3 | 32.5 | 12.9 | -98.7 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 730.2 | $ | 914.6 | $ | 644.1 | $ | -97.2 | $ | 2,191.70 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | -32.8 | $ | 632.9 | $ | 7.3 | $ | -194.8 | $ | 412.6 | ||||||
| 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 689.6 | $ | 174.1 | $ | 449.8 | $ | 0.7 | $ | 1,314.20 | ||||||
| Subscription | - | 803.2 | - | - | 803.2 | |||||||||||
| Other | 16.8 | 29.3 | 32.3 | 6.3 | 84.7 | |||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other segments | 26.2 | 28.9 | 9.1 | -64.2 | - | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 732.6 | $ | 1,035.50 | $ | 491.2 | $ | -57.2 | $ | 2,202.10 | ||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | -48.4 | $ | 711.9 | $ | -39.5 | $ | -215.3 | $ | 408.7 | ||||||
| The following table presents the Company's reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to operating income (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 190.3 | $ | 1,201.90 | $ | 45.8 | ||||||||||
| Add: Depreciation | 128.9 | 138.7 | 160.9 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Amortization of intangible assets | 45.1 | 38.2 | 92 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Restructuring costs | 41.3 | 10.1 | 38.3 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Equity-based compensation | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Asset impairments and write-offs | 30.6 | 6.1 | 7.6 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Losses/(gains) on disposal of assets, net | -2.5 | -964.2 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||
| Add: Special items | - | -57.7 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 480.7 | $ | 412.6 | $ | 408.7 | ||||||||||
| Schedule Of Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Foreign Countries By Geographic Area Text Block | ' | |||||||||||||||
| Information about Geographical Areas | ||||||||||||||||
| The following table presents revenues in different geographical locations (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, (a) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 2,059.40 | $ | 1,959.20 | $ | 2,001.40 | ||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 96.8 | 97.8 | 98.8 | |||||||||||||
| Canada | 48.8 | 40.2 | 37.7 | |||||||||||||
| Germany | 39 | 33.4 | 40 | |||||||||||||
| Japan | 32.5 | 34.6 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||
| Other international | 43.4 | 26.5 | 22.7 | |||||||||||||
| Total international | 260.5 | 232.5 | 200.7 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,319.90 | $ | 2,191.70 | $ | 2,202.10 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of customers. | |||||||||||||||
Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1
| Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Selected Quarterly Financial Information Abstract | ' | ||||||||||||
| Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||
| 2013 | March 31, | June 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 359.2 | $ | 361.2 | $ | 386 | $ | 507 | |||||
| Subscription | 165.8 | 166 | 161.6 | 156.7 | |||||||||
| Other | 13.3 | 14.1 | 13.7 | 15.3 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 538.3 | 541.3 | 561.3 | 679 | |||||||||
| Costs of revenues | 393.1 | 399.9 | 418.6 | 494.6 | |||||||||
| Operating income (a) | 49.9 | 51.9 | 16.7 | 71.8 | |||||||||
| Net income | 25.6 | 28 | 1.5 | 35.5 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | $ | 25.9 | $ | 28.5 | $ | 2 | $ | 36 | |||||
| Per share information attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders: | |||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.46 | |||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.43 | |||||
| 2012 | March 31, | June 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||
| Advertising | $ | 330.1 | $ | 337.8 | $ | 340 | $ | 410.6 | |||||
| Subscription | 182.1 | 175.5 | 173.5 | 174.2 | |||||||||
| Other | 17.2 | 17.8 | 18.2 | 14.7 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 529.4 | 531.1 | 531.7 | 599.5 | |||||||||
| Costs of revenues | 384.6 | 396.2 | 382.3 | 424.1 | |||||||||
| Operating income (b) | 31.4 | 1,059.20 | 43.1 | 68.2 | |||||||||
| Net income | 21 | 970.6 | 20.7 | 35.4 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | $ | 21.1 | $ | 970.8 | $ | 20.8 | $ | 35.7 | |||||
| Per share information attributable to AOL Inc. common stockholders: (c) | |||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 10.37 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.43 | |||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 10.17 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.41 | |||||
Description_of_Business_Basis_3
| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Noncurrent | $11.20 | $12.30 | ' |
| Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use And Held For Sale | 12.1 | 4.9 | 7.6 |
| Impairment Of Real Estate | ' | ' | 6.2 |
| Revenues From Advertising Partnerships | 373.3 | 350.9 | 335.3 |
| Land | 39.2 | 39.2 | ' |
| Buildings and building improvements | 275.6 | 280.2 | ' |
| Capitalized internal-use software costs | 434.6 | 484.5 | ' |
| Leasehold improvements | 108.6 | 99.2 | ' |
| Furniture, fixtures and other equipment | 591.5 | 640.6 | ' |
| Less accumulated depreciation | -981.6 | -1,065.40 | ' |
| Research And Development Expense | 40.6 | 44.8 | 56.9 |
| Advertising Expense | 61.6 | 85.8 | 76.9 |
| Capitalized Computer Software Additions | 43.7 | 40.5 | 21.1 |
| Depreciation | 128.9 | 138.7 | 160.9 |
| CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet | 68.2 | 57.6 | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Excluding Capital Leased Assets | 1,449.50 | 1,543.70 | ' |
| Property and equipment, net | 467.9 | 478.3 | ' |
| Other Asset Impairment Charges | 7.5 | ' | ' |
| Goodwill impairment charge | ($17.50) | $0 | $0 |
| Building And Building Improvements Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Useful Lives [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives | '15 to 40 years | ' | ' |
| Software And Software Development Costs Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Useful Lives [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives | '1 to 5 years | ' | ' |
| Leaseholds And Leasehold Improvements Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Useful Lives [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives | 'Up to 16 years | ' | ' |
| Furniture ixtures And Other Equipment [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Useful Lives [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives | '2 to 5 years | ' | ' |
Income_per_Common_Share_Detail
| Income per Common Share (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Net income attributable to AOL Inc. | $36 | $2 | $28.50 | $25.90 | $35.70 | $20.80 | $970.80 | $21.10 | $92.40 | $1,048.40 | $13.10 |
| Shares used in computing basic income per common share | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 77.6 | 91.1 | 104.2 |
| Dilutive effect of equity-based awards | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.8 |
| Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 82 | 93.5 | 106 |
| Earnings Per Share Basic | $0.46 | $0.03 | $0.37 | $0.34 | $0.43 | $0.22 | $10.37 | $0.22 | $1.19 | $11.51 | $0.13 |
| Earnings Per Share Diluted | $0.43 | $0.02 | $0.35 | $0.32 | $0.41 | $0.22 | $10.17 | $0.22 | $1.13 | $11.21 | $0.12 |
| Income Per Common Share Text Block [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1 | 2.9 | 9 |
Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 11 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 01, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 01, 2012 |
| Developed Technology Rights Member | Developed Technology Rights Member | Customer Relationships Member | Customer Relationships Member | Trade Names Member | Trade Names Member | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Gross Goodwill [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Impairments [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | Net Goodwill [Member] | ||||
| Brand Group [Member] | Brand Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | Brand Group [Member] | Brand Group [Member] | Brand Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | Brand Group [Member] | Brand Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | Membership Group [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | AOL Networks [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | Patch Segment [Member] | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | CorporateAndOtherMember | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization Of Intangible Assets [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Amortization Of Intangible Assets | $45.10 | $38.20 | $92 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Other Asset Impairment Charges | 7.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate | 3.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Utilized Fair Value Discount Rate | '10% to 23% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Reporting unit percentage of fair value | 20.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Future Amortization Expense Year One | 53.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Future Amortization Expense Year Two | 43.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Future Amortization Expense Year Three | 35.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Future Amortization Expense Year Four | 33.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Future Amortization Expense Year Five | 24.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense Next Five Years | 190.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Goodwill Disclosure [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Balance at the beginning of the period | 1,084.10 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 36,704.10 | 36,689.10 | 36,709.20 | 282.1 | 282.2 | 604.2 | 604.2 | 175.2 | 180.2 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 35,625.10 | 35,625.10 | 35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | ' | ' | 0 | ' | 0 | ' | ' | 0 | ' | 0 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | 1,079 | 1,064 | 1,084.10 | 282.1 | 282.2 | 604.2 | 604.2 | 175.2 | 180.2 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acquisitions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.8 | 18.7 | 296.6 | 0.1 | 1.5 | ' | ' | 4.7 | 295.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.8 | 18.7 | 296.6 | 0.1 | 1.5 | ' | ' | 4.7 | 295.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dispositions | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -3.7 | ' | -0.2 | ' | ' | ' | -3.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -3.7 | ' | -0.2 | ' | ' | ' | -3.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Goodwill impairment charge | -17.5 | 0 | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Translation adjustments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.3 | -3.7 | 2.2 | ' | ' | 0.8 | ' | 0.3 | 1.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.3 | -3.7 | 2.2 | ' | ' | 0.8 | ' | 0.3 | 1.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Balance at the end of the period | 1,361.70 | 1,084.10 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 36,709.20 | 36,704.10 | 37,004.30 | 282.2 | 283.5 | 605 | 604.2 | 180.2 | 473.2 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 35,625.10 | 35,625.10 | 35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,642.60 | 0 | ' | 0 | ' | 0 | 0 | ' | 0 | ' | -17.5 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | -35,625.10 | 1,084.10 | 1,079 | 1,361.70 | 282.2 | 283.5 | 605 | 604.2 | 180.2 | 473.2 | 0 | 17.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Goodwill Impaired Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Goodwill impairment charge | -17.5 | 0 | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -17.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Goodwill Analysis Number Of Reporting Units | 'four reporting units | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross | 1,400.20 | 1,294.40 | ' | 907.4 | 844.9 | 278.9 | 248.3 | 144.7 | 132.1 | 69.2 | 69.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accumulated Amortization | -1,191.80 | -1,161.20 | ' | -824.4 | -822.7 | -222.2 | -203.1 | -79.4 | -71 | -65.8 | -64.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net | $208.40 | $133.20 | ' | $83 | $22.20 | $56.70 | $45.20 | $65.30 | $61.10 | $3.40 | $4.70 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Business_Acquisitions_Disposit1
| Business Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 05, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Jun. 15, 2012 | Mar. 04, 2011 | Jan. 31, 2011 | Mar. 04, 2011 | Mar. 04, 2011 | Mar. 04, 2011 | Feb. 09, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Feb. 09, 2012 | Feb. 09, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 05, 2013 | Jan. 23, 2014 |
| goviral [Member] | The Huffington Post [Member] | The Huffington Post [Member] | The Huffington Post [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Mitsui [Member] | Cambio [Member] | Other Acquisitions [Member] | Other Acquisitions [Member] | Other Acquisitions [Member] | Adap.tv [Member] | Gravity member [Member] | ||||||||
| Customer Relationships Member | Trade Names Member | Customer Relationships Member | Trade Names Member | Customer Relationships Member | Trade Names Member | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions Dispositions And Other Significant Transactions [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Patent Agreement Number Of Patents Sold | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '800 patents | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Patent Agreement Price Total | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $1,056 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Intellectual Property Carrying Value | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Gain On Sale Of Intellectual Property | ' | ' | ' | 946.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 69.1 | 295.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 27.8 | ' | ' | 421.4 | 83.2 |
| Business Combination Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 58.3 | 192.4 | ' | ' | 9.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 12.5 | ' | ' | 295.1 | ' |
| BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 6.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 18.4 | 108.2 | ' | ' | 19.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 16.4 | ' | ' | 120.3 | ' |
| Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset Weighted Average Useful Life | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '4 years | ' | '4 years | '10 years | '8 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | '5 years | '10 years | ' | '3 years | '4 years | '5 years | ' | ' |
| Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Potential Cash Payment | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 22.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Contingent Consideration Expense Recognition Period | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '2 years | '24 months | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Cost Of Acquired Entity Planned Restructuring Activities | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.7 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 12.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| BusinesBusiness Acquisition Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1.1 | ' |
| Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock Allocated To Purchase Price | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.8 |
| Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock Compensation Expense | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.1 | ' | 8.1 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock Restructuring Charge | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs | ' | ' | 3.6 | 1 | 9.9 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Business Combination Compensation Expense | ' | ' | 5 | 12.3 | 35.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.7 | ' | ' | ' | 7.6 |
| Joint Venture Interest Purchased | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 49.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payments To Acquire Interest In Joint Venture | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Joint Venture Interest Before Additional Acquisition | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 50.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 15.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Gain Associated With Acquisition Of Additional Interest | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payable Associated With Redemption Of Noncontrolling Interest Base Denominated In Holder Currency | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '2,000,000,000 yen | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payable Associated With Redemption Of Noncontrolling Interest Base Denominated In Entity Currency | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 26 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payable Associated With Redemption Of Noncontrolling Interest Threshold For Additional Amount Due | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 7.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 47.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Put Option Redemption Value | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 9.2 | 12.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Gain on disposal of businesses | ' | 2.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired | ' | ' | 337.9 | 32 | 377.9 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 329.5 | ' |
| Business Acquisition, preliminary purchase price | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 405 | ' |
| Business Acquisition, estimated final purchase price | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 410.6 | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 80.8 | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2.4 | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures | 35.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 35.6 | ' |
| Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | 10.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10.8 | ' |
| Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 9.7 | 13.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options | 24.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired | ' | ' | $337.90 | $32 | $377.90 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $329.50 | ' |
LongTerm_Debt_and_Other_Financ2
| Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jul. 02, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current | ' | $59.80 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years | ' | 31.7 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years | ' | 18.3 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years | ' | 9.6 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due | ' | 119.5 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Interest Included In Payments | ' | -7.8 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments | ' | 111.7 | ' | ' |
| Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years | ' | 0.1 | ' | ' |
| Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 0.50% | ' | ' | ' |
| Debt Instrument, Adjusted Base Rate LIBOR Plus Applicable Margin | 1.00% | ' | ' | ' |
| Debt Instrument, Applicable Margin Rate Related To Eurodollar Loan | 2.00% | ' | ' | ' |
| Debt Instrument, Applicable Margin Rate Related To ABR Loan | 1.00% | ' | ' | ' |
| Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases | 250 | ' | ' | ' |
| Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings | 250 | ' | ' | ' |
| Other Longterm Debt Current And Noncurrent Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Capital Lease Obligations Current And Noncurrent | ' | 111.7 | 105.9 | ' |
| Amount due within one year | ' | -55.5 | -49.6 | ' |
| Total long-term capital lease obligations | ' | 56.2 | 56.3 | ' |
| Capital Lease Obligations Gross | ' | 233 | 209.1 | ' |
| Capital Lease Accumulated Amortization | ' | 124.6 | 106.2 | ' |
| Interest Expense | ' | $6.50 | $5.90 | $6.50 |
| Capital Lease Weighted Average Interest Rate | ' | 5.30% | 5.35% | ' |
| Capital Lease Obligation Current WeightedAverage Interest Rate | ' | 5.33% | ' | ' |
| Capital Lease Obligations Maturities | ' | '2014-2018 | ' | ' |
Income_Taxes_Details
| Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Components Of Income Loss Before Continuing Operations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Domestic | $189.20 | $1,189.90 | $132.40 |
| Foreign | -5.5 | 20.2 | -90.1 |
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit | 31.5 | 22.4 | 0.4 |
| Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit | 42.9 | 110.8 | 20.2 |
| Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit | 3.1 | 4 | -0.4 |
| Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit | 2.6 | -2.4 | -2.1 |
| Current State And Local Tax Expense Benefit | 7 | 11.9 | 5.9 |
| Deferred State And Local Income Tax Expense Benefit | 6 | 15.7 | 5.2 |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation State And Local Income Taxes | 6.20% | 1.80% | 19.10% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Impairment Losses | 3.30% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Unrecognized Tax Benefits | -0.50% | 0.10% | 0.80% |
| EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDispositionOfAssets | 0.00% | -24.70% | 0.00% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Worthless Stock Deduction | 0.00% | 0.00% | -15.90% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Share Based Compensation Cost | 0.10% | 0.20% | 6.70% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Escrow Adjustments | -1.50% | -0.10% | -17.20% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Acquisition Related Costs | 0.90% | 0.50% | 28.00% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments | 2.60% | 0.00% | 11.00% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Foreign Income | 6.60% | 0.40% | 4.40% |
| Federal Research Credit, Net Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits | -4.40% | 0.00% | -2.90% |
| Non-U.S. deferred gain charge | 2.40% | 0.20% | 0.00% |
| Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves And Accruals Returns And Allowances | 10.4 | 7.3 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Share Based Compensation Cost | 27.4 | 24.9 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carry forwards | 1,894.50 | 1,815.70 | ' |
| Outside basis differences | 121.5 | 137.3 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Other | 53.1 | 54.2 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Gross | 2,106.90 | 2,039.40 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance | -1,730.30 | -1,664.30 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Net | 376.6 | 375.1 | ' |
| Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Expense Capitalized Software | -23.3 | -18.1 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Unrealized Foreign Exchange Tax Gain | -132 | -107.3 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Property Plant And Equipment | -29.2 | -37.2 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Other | -5 | -7.8 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities | -239.7 | -191.5 | ' |
| Intangible Assets And Goodwill | -50.2 | -21.1 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net | 136.9 | 183.6 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Capital Loss Carryforwards | 1,251.70 | 1,254.60 | ' |
| Capital Loss Carryforward Expiration Date | 'between 2015 and 2017 expire in 2014 2014 to indefinite between 2014 and 2033 | ' | ' |
| Tax Credit Carryforwards | 40.2 | 23.4 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carry forwards | 1,894.50 | 1,815.70 | ' |
| Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Asset Change In Amount | 66 | ' | ' |
| Entity Not Subject To Income Taxes Difference In Bases Amount | 49.2 | ' | ' |
| Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance | 1,163.40 | ' | ' |
| Capital Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance | 499.9 | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Undistributed Foreign Earnings | 4.8 | 8.2 | ' |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities Undistributed Foreign Earnings Reinvest | 17.6 | ' | ' |
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest On Income Taxes Expense | -0.6 | 0.7 | 0.1 |
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest On Income Taxes Accrued | 0.7 | 1.3 | ' |
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate | 146.1 | ' | ' |
| Liabilities For Unrecognized Tax Benefits | 55.6 | 21.7 | ' |
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign | 61.3 | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Domestic | 59.7 | ' | ' |
| Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Amounts Pertaining To Examined Tax Returns Roll Forward | ' | ' | ' |
| Beginning Balance | 152.1 | 151.7 | 150.6 |
| Additions for current year tax positions | 4.2 | 0 | 1.3 |
| Reductions for prior year tax positions | -4.3 | -1.2 | -0.5 |
| Increases For Prior Year Tax Positions | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 |
| Settlements | -0.5 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 154.1 | 152.1 | 151.7 |
| Income Taxes Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Income from operations before income taxes | 183.7 | 1,210.10 | 42.3 |
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 93.1 | 162.4 | 29.2 |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations | 50.70% | 13.40% | 69.00% |
| Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate | 35.00% | 35.00% | 35.00% |
| Domestic Country Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Domestic | 217.3 | 271 | ' |
| Foreign Country Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign | 4,406.90 | 4,175.70 | ' |
| State And Local Jurisdiction Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Domestic | $658 | $773.50 | ' |
Stockholders_Equity_Details
| Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 14 Months Ended | |||||||||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Jul. 08, 2013 | Feb. 08, 2013 | Dec. 14, 2012 | Oct. 19, 2012 | Aug. 26, 2012 | Jun. 28, 2012 | Aug. 10, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Aug. 30, 2012 |
| Stockholders Equity Disclosure [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Authorized All Classes | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 660 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Preferred Stock Shares Authorized | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 60 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $0.01 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Common Stock Shares Authorized | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 600 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $0.01 | $0.01 | ' | $0.01 | ' |
| Business Acquisition Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable Value Assigned | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $17.80 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Amounts related to equity-based compensation, including tax benefits | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 31.4 | 33.8 | 44.5 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 | ' | ' |
| Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount | 150 | 100 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 250 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Treasury Stock Shares Acquired | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3.9 | ' | ' | 14.8 | ' |
| Treasury Stock Acquired Average Cost Per Share | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $34.75 | ' | ' | $14.11 | ' |
| Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Designation | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 | ' | 0.1 | ' |
| Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Designation Par Value | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $0.01 | ' | $0.01 | ' |
| Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Total Including Restructuring Charges | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 49.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Related To Restructuring Charges | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2.2 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dutch Tender Offer Aggregate Purchase Price Authorized | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 400 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dutch Tender Offer Purchase Price Per Share Range | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '$27.00 to $30.00 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dutch Tender Offer Shares Purchased | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dutch Tender Offer Amount Paid Per Share | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $30 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dutch Tender Offer Total Amount Paid | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Amount Paid Including Dividends | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 654.1 |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Amount Paid For Estimated Dividend | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 54.1 |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Cap Price | ' | ' | ' | $32.69 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Minimum Shares To Be Delivered | ' | ' | ' | 18.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Maximum Shares To Be Delivered | ' | ' | ' | 22.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Number Of Shares Purchased | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 18.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared | ' | ' | ' | ' | $5.15 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Payments Of Dividends Common Stock | ' | ' | 434.4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.4 | 434.4 | 0 | ' | ' |
| Tax Asset Protection Plan Ownership Threshold | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.90% | ' | 4.90% | ' |
| Tax Asset Protection Plan Preferred Stock Purchase Price | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $100 | ' | $100 | ' |
| Stock Repurchase Program Consideration Paid | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 134.8 | ' | ' | 209.4 | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Amount Recorded As Treasury Stock | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 654.1 | ' | ' | ' |
| Accelerated Share Repurchase Amount Recorded In Paid In Capital | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $33.90 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
EquityBased_Compensation_and_E2
| Equity-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
| In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 05, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Mar. 04, 2011 |
| Defined Contribution Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Defined Contribution Plan Cost Recognized | ' | $14.70 | $14.50 | $13.20 | ' |
| Cash dividends paid per common share | ' | $0 | $5.15 | $0 | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | 300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | 10.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period | ' | '4 years | ' | ' | ' |
| Equity Based Compensation Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period | ' | '4 years | ' | ' | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period | ' | '10 years | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Authorized | ' | 24,600,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Equity Based Compensation Authorized Awards Per Participant Limit | ' | ' | 1.61 | ' | ' |
| Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Unvested Stock Options Converted To Acquiror Stock Compensation Expense | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.1 |
| Stock Option Plan Expense | ' | 11.2 | 17.7 | 21 | ' |
| Restricted Stock Expense | ' | 33.7 | 21.6 | 21.5 | ' |
| EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPCompensationExpense | ' | 2.1 | 0.2 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation | ' | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 | ' |
| Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense | ' | 18.3 | 15.5 | 16.7 | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number | ' | 6,500,000 | 8,400,000 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number | ' | 3,500,000 | 2,800,000 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $21.76 | $18.59 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Attributable to Awards Granted During Subsidiary Status | ' | ' | ' | 0.6 | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ' | $35.10 | $24.44 | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Option Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized | ' | 18 | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Option Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition | ' | '2 years 2 months | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Other Than Options Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized | ' | 72.5 | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options | 24.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition | ' | '2 years 3 months | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate | ' | 37.50% | 39.00% | 38.80% | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term | ' | '5 years 0 months | '5 years 1 month | '5 years 6 months | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate | ' | 1.00% | 1.10% | 2.10% | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate | ' | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Options Available For Future Issuance | ' | 8,700,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Total Intrinsic Value | ' | 162.8 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Fair Value | ' | 28.2 | 15.5 | 24.7 | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Roll Forward | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised | ' | -2,000,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period | ' | 1,100,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period | ' | -1,000,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expirations In Period | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised | ' | 43.1 | 19.3 | 1.9 | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Additional Disclosures Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number | ' | 4,100,000 | 4,200,000 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $17.57 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $38.20 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $22.41 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expirations In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $17.93 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price | ' | $18.92 | $18.47 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ' | '6 years 10 months | '7 years 9 months | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ' | '6 years 2 months | '7 years 0 months | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value | ' | 161,134 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Total Intrinsic Value | ' | 43,098 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value | ' | 114,065 | 46,631 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period | ' | 2,600,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period | ' | -700,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Additional Disclosures Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ' | $22.85 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ' | $40.71 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ' | $36.48 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Fair Value | ' | 28.2 | 15.5 | 24.7 | ' |
| Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | 10.8 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| SharesHeldInEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanAbstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan Contribution Percentage Maximum | ' | 15.00% | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan Purchase Price Percent Of Market Value | ' | 85.00% | ' | ' | ' |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan Purchase Price Discount | ' | ' | 15.00% | ' | ' |
| EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPSharesContributedToESOP | ' | 9,400,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | 300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures | 35.6 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | 10.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| AOL [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Additional Disclosures Abstract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value | ' | ' | $93,009 | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Roll Forward | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period | ' | -1,200,000 | ' | ' | ' |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ' | $12.96 | $6.93 | $7.77 | ' |
Restructuring_Costs_Details
| Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Charges | $41.30 | $10.10 | $38.30 |
| Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Reserve Current | 16 | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Reserve Noncurrent | 0.5 | ' | ' |
| Employee Severance Member | ' | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Liability at the beginning of the period | 1.4 | 5.6 | 18 |
| Restructuring Reserve Accrual Adjustment | 41.3 | 9 | 37.2 |
| Restructuring Reserve Translation Adjustment | -1.3 | 0.8 | -1.1 |
| Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash | -25.7 | -14 | -48.5 |
| Liability at the end of the period | 15.7 | 1.4 | 5.6 |
| Other Exit Costs [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Liability at the beginning of the period | 2.6 | 7.1 | 18.2 |
| Restructuring Reserve Accrual Adjustment | 0 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Restructuring Reserve Translation Adjustment | -0.1 | 0.2 | -0.5 |
| Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash | -1.7 | -5.8 | -11.7 |
| Liability at the end of the period | 0.8 | 2.6 | 7.1 |
| Total Restructuring [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Liability at the beginning of the period | 4 | 12.7 | 36.2 |
| Restructuring Reserve Accrual Adjustment | 41.3 | 10.1 | 38.3 |
| Restructuring Reserve Translation Adjustment | -1.4 | 1 | -1.6 |
| Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash | -27.4 | -19.8 | -60.2 |
| Liability at the end of the period | $16.50 | $4 | $12.70 |
Commitments_and_Contingencies_1
| Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Commitments [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Lease And Rental Expense | $33 | $35.20 | $39.60 |
| Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current | 47.6 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years | 41.8 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years | 34.9 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years | 28.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years | 23.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter | 77.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due | 253.5 | ' | ' |
| Operating Lease Rent Increase | 7.00% | ' | ' |
| Lease Extension Option | 'P05Y | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due Current | 7.2 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due In Two Years | 6.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due In Three Years | 6.5 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due In Four Years | 3.2 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due In Five Years | 0 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due Thereafter | 0 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Sublease Income Due | 23.3 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Current | 40.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due In Two Years | 35.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due In Three Years | 28.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due In Four Years | 25.2 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due In Five Years | 23.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due Thereafter | 77.4 | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Net of Sublease Income Due | 230.2 | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases Due Current | 62.3 | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases Due In Two To Three Years | 21.4 | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases Due In Four To Five Years | 0.3 | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases Due Thereafter | 0.2 | ' | ' |
| Commitments Excluding Operating Leases Due | 84.2 | ' | ' |
| Contingent Commitment Relating To Letter Of Credit | 11.8 | ' | ' |
| Headquarters [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due | 164.2 | ' | ' |
| Lease Expiration Date | 1-Feb-23 | ' | ' |
| California [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due | $28.60 | ' | ' |
| Lease Expiration Date | 1-Jun-17 | ' | ' |
Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2
| Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
| Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Abstract | ' | ' |
| TAC | $80.70 | $46.40 |
| Costs of revenues (excluding TAC) | 35.3 | 42.4 |
| Taxes | 12.1 | 17.6 |
| General and administrative costs | 19.7 | 38.6 |
| Restructuring liabilities | 16 | 3.3 |
| Rent and facilities expense | 12.9 | 8.2 |
| Network and related costs | 2.3 | 5.5 |
| Member support services | 8.5 | 4.6 |
| Other accrued liabilities | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $197.30 | $175.30 |
Segment_Information_Details
| Segment Information (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
| In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | $507 | $386 | $361.20 | $359.20 | $410.60 | $340 | $337.80 | $330.10 | $1,613.40 | $1,418.50 | $1,314.20 |
| Subscription | 156.7 | 161.6 | 166 | 165.8 | 174.2 | 173.5 | 175.5 | 182.1 | 650.1 | 705.3 | 803.2 |
| Other | 15.3 | 13.7 | 14.1 | 13.3 | 14.7 | 18.2 | 17.8 | 17.2 | 56.4 | 67.9 | 84.7 |
| Total revenues | 679 | 561.3 | 541.3 | 538.3 | 599.5 | 531.7 | 531.1 | 529.4 | 2,319.90 | 2,191.70 | 2,202.10 |
| Adjusted OIBDA | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 480.7 | 412.6 | 408.7 |
| Property Plant And Equipment Foreign Percent Of Total Assets | 4.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.00% | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Operating income | 71.8 | 16.7 | 51.9 | 49.9 | 68.2 | 43.1 | 1,059.20 | 31.4 | 190.3 | 1,201.90 | 45.8 |
| Depreciation | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 128.9 | 138.7 | 160.9 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 45.1 | 38.2 | 92 |
| Restructuring costs | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 41.3 | 10.1 | 38.3 |
| Equity-based compensation | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 47 | 39.5 | 42.5 |
| Asset impairments and write-offs | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 30.6 | 6.1 | 7.6 |
| Losses/(gains) on disposal of assets, net | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -2.5 | -964.2 | 0.4 |
| Special Items | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | -57.7 | 21.2 |
| Patent licensing income | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 96 | 0 |
| Costs Related To Sale Of Intellectual Property | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 15.7 | ' |
| Costs Incurred Proxy Contest | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.9 | ' |
| Sales Tax Settlement | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 7.6 | ' |
| Acquisition Costs Recognized As Expense | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 5.1 | 12 |
| Legal Settlement Costs | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.5 |
| United States | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2,059.40 | 1,959.20 | 2,001.40 |
| United Kingdom | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 96.8 | 97.8 | 98.8 |
| Canada | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 48.8 | 40.2 | 37.7 |
| Germany | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 39 | 33.4 | 40 |
| Japan | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 32.5 | 34.6 | 1.5 |
| Other International | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 43.4 | 26.5 | 22.7 |
| Total International | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Entitys Country Of Domicile | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 260.5 | 232.5 | 200.7 |
| Brand Group [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 716.1 | 661.7 | 689.6 |
| Subscription | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 17.3 | 15.2 | 16.8 |
| Revenues From Transactions With Other Segments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 61 | 53.3 | 26.2 |
| Total revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 794.4 | 730.2 | 732.6 |
| Adjusted OIBDA | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 40.2 | -32.8 | -48.4 |
| Membership Group [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 152.9 | 162.7 | 174.1 |
| Subscription | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 650.1 | 705.3 | 803.2 |
| Other | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.3 | 14.1 | 29.3 |
| Revenues From Transactions With Other Segments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 27.8 | 32.5 | 28.9 |
| Total revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 839.1 | 914.6 | 1,035.50 |
| Adjusted OIBDA | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 593.7 | 632.9 | 711.9 |
| AOL Networks [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 744.3 | 593.9 | 449.8 |
| Subscription | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 30.3 | 37.3 | 32.3 |
| Revenues From Transactions With Other Segments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10.4 | 12.9 | 9.1 |
| Total revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 785 | 644.1 | 491.2 |
| Adjusted OIBDA | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -15 | 7.3 | -39.5 |
| CorporateAndOtherMember | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.7 |
| Subscription | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.5 | 1.3 | 6.3 |
| Revenues From Transactions With Other Segments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -99.2 | -98.7 | -64.2 |
| Total revenues | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -98.6 | -97.2 | -57.2 |
| Adjusted OIBDA | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ($138.20) | ($194.80) | ($215.30) |
Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2
| Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
| In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
| Revenues: | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Advertising | $507 | $386 | $361.20 | $359.20 | $410.60 | $340 | $337.80 | $330.10 | $1,613.40 | $1,418.50 | $1,314.20 |
| Subscription | 156.7 | 161.6 | 166 | 165.8 | 174.2 | 173.5 | 175.5 | 182.1 | 650.1 | 705.3 | 803.2 |
| Other | 15.3 | 13.7 | 14.1 | 13.3 | 14.7 | 18.2 | 17.8 | 17.2 | 56.4 | 67.9 | 84.7 |
| Total revenues | 679 | 561.3 | 541.3 | 538.3 | 599.5 | 531.7 | 531.1 | 529.4 | 2,319.90 | 2,191.70 | 2,202.10 |
| Costs of revenues | 494.6 | 418.6 | 399.9 | 393.1 | 424.1 | 382.3 | 396.2 | 384.6 | 1,706.20 | 1,587.20 | 1,584.40 |
| Operating income | 71.8 | 16.7 | 51.9 | 49.9 | 68.2 | 43.1 | 1,059.20 | 31.4 | 190.3 | 1,201.90 | 45.8 |
| Net income (loss) | 35.5 | 1.5 | 28 | 25.6 | 35.4 | 20.7 | 970.6 | 21 | 90.6 | 1,047.70 | 13.1 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to AOL Inc. | $36 | $2 | $28.50 | $25.90 | $35.70 | $20.80 | $970.80 | $21.10 | $92.40 | $1,048.40 | $13.10 |
| Basic net income (loss) per common share | $0.46 | $0.03 | $0.37 | $0.34 | $0.43 | $0.22 | $10.37 | $0.22 | $1.19 | $11.51 | $0.13 |
| Diluted net income per common share | $0.43 | $0.02 | $0.35 | $0.32 | $0.41 | $0.22 | $10.17 | $0.22 | $1.13 | $11.21 | $0.12 |