| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Seasonality | Seasonality Consumers’ travel expenditures follow a seasonal pattern. Correspondingly, travel partners’ advertising investments and, therefore, our revenue and profits, also follow a seasonal pattern. Our financial performance tends to be seasonally highest in the second and third quarters of a given year, which includes the seasonal peak in consumer demand, traveler hotel and rental stays, and travel activities and experiences taken, compared to the first and fourth quarters, which represent seasonal low points. Significant shifts in our business mix or adverse economic conditions could result in future seasonal patterns that are different from historical trends . |
| Basis of Presentation and Consolidation | Basis of Presentation and Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Tripadvisor, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities we control, or in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary of expected cash profits or losses. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with the current period presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). We believe that the assumptions underlying our consolidated financial statements are reasonable. However, these consolidated financial statements do not present our future financial position, the results of our future operations and cash flows. One of our subsidiaries that operates in China has variable interests in affiliated entities in China in order to comply with Chinese laws and regulations, which restrict foreign investment in Internet content provision businesses. Although we do not own the capital stock of these Chinese affiliates, we consolidate their results as we are the primary beneficiary of the cash losses or profits of these variable interest affiliates and have the power to direct the activity of these affiliates. Our variable interest entities’ financials results were not material for all periods presented. Investments in entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method, the fair value option, as available-for-sale securities or at cost adjusted for observable price changes and impairments, as appropriate. |
| Accounting Estimates | Accounting Estimates We use estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amount of net income or loss during any period. Our actual financial results could differ significantly from these estimates. The significant estimates underlying our consolidated financial statements include: (i) recognition and recoverability of goodwill, definite-lived intangibles and other long-lived assets; and (ii) accounting for income taxes. Refer to “Note 11: Income Taxes” |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Refer to “Note 4: Revenue Recognition” |
| Cost of Revenue | Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue consists of expenses that are directly related or closely correlated to revenue generation, including direct costs, such as credit card and other booking transaction payment fees, data center costs, costs associated with prepaid tour tickets, ad serving fees, flight search fees, and other transaction costs. In addition, cost of revenue includes personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses for certain customer support personnel who are directly involved in revenue generation. |
| Selling and Marketing | Selling and Marketing Selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of direct costs, including traffic generation costs from SEM and other online traffic acquisition costs, syndication costs and affiliate program commissions, social media costs, brand advertising (including television and other offline advertising), promotions and public relations. In addition, our sales and marketing expenses consist of indirect costs such as personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation, and bonuses for sales, sales support, customer support and marketing employees . We incur advertising expense, which includes traffic generation costs from SEM and other online traffic costs, affiliate program commissions, display advertising, social media, and other online, and offline (primarily television) advertising expense, promotions and public relations to promote our brands. We expense the costs associated with communicating the advertisements in the period in which the advertisement takes place. We expense the production costs associated with advertisements in the period in which the advertisement first takes place. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded advertising expense of $423 million, $544 million, and $629 million, respectively, in selling and marketing expense on our consolidated statements of operations. As of both December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $2 million of prepaid advertising expenses included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We expect to fully expense our prepaid advertising asset of $2 million as of December 31, 2019 to the consolidated statement of operations during 2020. |
| Technology and Content | Technology and Content Technology and content expenses consist primarily of personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and bonuses for salaried employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, testing, content support, and maintenance of our websites and mobile apps. Other costs include licensing, maintenance expense, computer supplies, telecom costs, content translation and localization costs, and consulting costs . |
| General and Administrative | General and Administrative General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel and related overhead costs, including personnel engaged in leadership, finance, legal, and human resources, as well as stock-based compensation expense for those same personnel. General and administrative costs also include professional service fees and other fees including audit, legal, tax and accounting, and other costs including bad debt expense, non-income taxes, such as sales, use and other non-income related taxes . |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation Stock Options. The exercise price for all stock options granted by us has been equal to the market price of the underlying shares of common stock at the date of grant. In this regard, when making stock option awards, our practice is to determine the applicable grant date and to specify that the exercise price shall be the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Our stock options generally have a term of ten years from the date of grant and typically vest equally over a four-year amount of compensation expense recognized at any date at least equaling the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that date . The estimated grant-date fair value of stock options is calculated using a Black-Scholes Merton option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions to fair value stock-based awards, which includes the risk-free rate of return, expected volatility, expected term and expected dividend yield. Our risk-free interest rate is based on the rates currently available on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury issues, in effect at the time of the grant, whose remaining maturity period most closely approximates the stock option’s expected term assumption. Our expected volatility is calculated by equally weighting the historical volatility and implied volatility on our own common stock. Historical volatility is determined using actual daily price observations of our common stock price over a period equivalent to or approximate to the expected term of our stock option grants to date. Implied volatility represents the volatility calculated from the observed prices of our actively traded options on our common stock, with remaining maturities in excess of six months and market prices approximate to the exercise prices of the stock option grant. We estimate our expected term using historical exercise behavior and expected post-vest termination data. Our expected dividend yield is zero as we have not historically paid regular cash dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay regular cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Restricted Stock Units. RSUs are stock awards that are granted to employees entitling the holder to shares of our common stock as the award vests. RSUs are measured at fair value based on the quoted price of our common stock at the date of grant. We amortize the fair value of RSUs as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term, which is typically over a four-year Performance-Based Awards. Performance-based stock options and RSUs vest upon achievement of certain company-based performance conditions and a requisite service period. On the date of grant, the fair value of a performance-based award is calculated using the same method as our service based stock options and RSUs described above. We then assess whether it is probable that the individual performance targets would be achieved. If assessed as probable, compensation expense will be recorded for these awards over the estimated performance period. At each reporting period, we will reassess the probability of achieving the performance targets and the performance period required to meet those targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved and of the performance period required to achieve the targets requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised, or the change in estimate will be applied prospectively depending on whether the change affects the estimate of total compensation cost to be recognized or merely affects the period over which compensation cost is to be recognized. The ultimate number of shares issued and the related compensation expense recognized will be based on a comparison of the final performance metrics to the specified targets. Market-Based Awards . We issue market-based performance RSUs, or market-based RSUs (“MSUs”), which vest upon achievement of specified levels of market conditions. The fair value of our MSUs is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The probabilities of the actual number of market-based performance units expected to vest and resultant actual number of shares of common stock expected to be awarded are reflected in the grant date fair values; therefore, the compensation expense for these awards will be recognized assuming the requisite service period is rendered and are not adjusted based on the actual number of awards that ultimately vest. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive these awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of our original estimates of fair value. The Company accounts for forfeitures in the period in which they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes We record income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our estimation of the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for book and tax purposes. We determine deferred income taxes based on the differences in accounting methods and timing between financial statement and income tax reporting. Accordingly, we determine the deferred tax asset or liability for each temporary difference based on the enacted income tax rates expected to be in effect when we realize the underlying items of income and expense. We consider all relevant factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent earnings experience by jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, and the carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, as well as assessing available tax planning strategies. We may establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. Due to inherent complexities arising from the nature of our businesses, future changes in income tax law, tax sharing agreements or variances between our actual and anticipated operating results, we make certain judgments and estimates. Therefore, actual income taxes could materially vary from these estimates. We classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on our consolidated balance sheet. We record liabilities to address uncertain tax positions we have taken in previously filed tax returns or that we expect to take in a future tax return. The determination for required liabilities is based upon an analysis of each individual tax position, taking into consideration whether it is more likely than not that our tax position, based on technical merits, will be sustained upon examination. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Our cash consists of cash deposits held in global financial institutions. Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, including money market funds and marketable debt securities, with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. For all periods presented, our restricted cash, which primarily consists of escrowed security deposits, was not material and is included in other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheet. |
| Marketable Securities | Marketable Securities We classify our marketable debt securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date and as to whether and when we intend to sell a particular security prior to its maturity date. Marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the date of purchase and 12 months or less remaining at the balance sheet date will be classified as short-term and marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date will generally be classified as long-term. We classify our marketable equity securities, limited by policy to money market funds and mutual funds, as either a cash equivalent, short-term or long-term based on the nature of each security and its availability for use in current operations. Our marketable debt securities are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale, and therefore are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity. Fair values are determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. We determine the appropriate classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate the designations at each balance sheet date. We invest in highly-rated securities, and our investment policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, industry group and currency. The policy requires investments to be investment grade, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss and providing liquidity of investments sufficient to meet our operating and capital spending requirements and debt repayments. Realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined by specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We may sell certain of our marketable securities prior to their stated maturities for strategic reasons including, but not limited to, anticipation of credit deterioration, liquidity, and duration management. The weighted average maturity of our total invested cash shall not exceed 18 months, and no security shall have a final maturity date greater than three years, according to our investment policy. We continually review our available for sale securities to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. When evaluating an investment for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s cost basis. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established. If we do not intend to sell the security, but it is probable that we will not collect all amounts due, then only the impairment due to the credit risk would be recognized in earnings and the remaining amount of the impairment would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. |
| Non-Marketable Equity Investments | Non-Marketable Equity Investments We account for non-marketable equity investments through which we exercise significant influence but do not have control over the investee under the equity method. Under this method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company ’ ’ Our non-marketable equity securities not accounted for under the equity method and that do not have a readily determinable fair value are accounted for under the measurement alternative. Under the measurement alternative, the carrying value is measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Adjustments are determined primarily based on a market approach as of the transaction date. We classify our non-marketable equity investments as long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheet as those investments do not have stated contractual maturity dates. On a quarterly basis, we perform a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators to evaluate whether these investments are impaired. Qualitative factors considered include industry and market conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. When indicators of impairment exist, we prepare a quantitative assessment of the fair value of our equity investments, which may include using both the market and income approaches which require judgment and the use of estimates, including discount rates, investee revenues and costs, and available comparable market data of private and public companies, among others. When our assessment indicates that an impairment exists, we measure our non-marketable equity securities at fair value. Valuations of such privately-held companies are inherently complex and uncertain due to the lack of liquid market for the company’s securities. In addition, such investments are inherently risky in that such companies are typically at an early stage of development, may have no or limited revenues, may not be or may never become profitable, may not be able to secure additional funding or their technologies, services or products may not be successfully developed or introduced into the market. |
| Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to consideration becomes unconditional and are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We record accounts receivable at the invoiced amount. Our customer invoices are generally due 30 days from the time of invoicing. Collateral is not required for accounts receivable. For all accounts, we may determine an allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, a specific customer’s ability to pay its obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The following table presents the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented:
December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance, beginning of period
$
21
$
16
$
9
Charges to earnings
11
11
8
Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments
(7
)
(6
)
(1
)
Balance, end of period
$
25
$
21
$
16 |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments In certain circumstances, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) to reduce, to the extent practical, our potential exposure to the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates on our cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. We account for derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting as either assets or liabilities and carry them at fair value, with any subsequent adjustments to fair value recorded in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a given subsidiary are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, except to the extent of the spot-forward differences. These differences are not expected to be significant due to the short-term nature of the contracts, which to date, have typically had maturities at inception of 90 days or less. The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments are classified in other investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Counterparties to forward contracts consist of major international financial institutions. We monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and, by policy limits, the amount of credit exposure to any one party. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We had not entered into any cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges as of December 31, 2019. Refer to “Note 7: Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” |
| Property and Equipment, Including Website and Software Development Costs | Property and Equipment, Including Website and Software Development Costs We record property and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We capitalize certain costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of websites and internal use software when it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used as intended. Capitalized costs include internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, and deemed by management to be significant. We expense costs related to the planning and post-implementation phases of software and website development as these costs are incurred. Maintenance and enhancement costs (including those costs in the post-implementation stages) are typically expensed as incurred, unless such costs relate to substantial upgrades and enhancements to the website or software resulting in added functionality, in which case the costs are capitalized. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is three to five years for computer equipment, capitalized software and website development, office furniture and other equipment. We depreciate leasehold improvements using the straight-line method, over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease. |
| Leases | Leases We lease office space in a number of countries around the world, generally under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. Our Headquarters Lease is our most significant office space lease, accounted for as a finance lease under the new lease accounting guidance, or ASC 842, Leases Company has also entered into data center and certain equipment leases, such as network equipment and other leases, which are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements , |
| Business Combinations | Business Combinations We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting which requires that the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired and assumed liabilities be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Any excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets may include but are not limited to future expected cash flows from customer and supplier relationships, acquired technology and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. Valuations are performed by management or third party valuation specialists under management's supervision, where appropriate. Any changes to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period, calculated as if the accounting had been completed as of the acquisition date, are recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill We assess goodwill, which is not amortized, for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination as of the acquisition date. We evaluate our reporting units when changes in our operating structure occur, and if necessary, reassign goodwill using a relative fair value allocation approach. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition and becomes identified with the reporting unit in its entirety. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is available to support the recoverability of its goodwill. The Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we generally first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. Periodically, we may choose to forgo the initial qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative analysis to assist in our annual evaluation. When assessing goodwill for impairment, our decision to perform a qualitative impairment assessment for an individual reporting unit in a given year is influenced by a number of factors, including, but not limited to the size of the reporting unit's goodwill, the significance of the excess of the reporting unit's estimated fair value over carrying value at the last quantitative assessment date, the amount of time in between quantitative fair value assessments from the date of acquisition to establish an updated baseline quantitative analysis, and other performance and market indicators. During a qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, we determine that it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying amount, we then perform a quantitative assessment and compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the goodwill impairment is measured using the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting unit; however, any loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In determining the estimated fair values of reporting units in a quantitative goodwill impairment test, we generally use a blend, of the following recognized valuation methods: the income approach (discounted cash flows model) and the market valuation approach, which we believe compensates for the inherent risks of using either model on a stand-alone basis. The discounted cash flows model indicates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that we expect the reporting units to generate in the future. Our significant estimates in the discounted cash flows model include: weighted average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of the reporting unit; income tax rates and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison to comparable publicly traded firms in similar lines of business and other precedent transactions. Our significant estimates in the market approach model include identifying similar companies with comparable business factors such as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment and assessing comparable revenue and/or income multiples in estimating the fair value of the reporting units. Valuations are performed by management or third party valuation specialists under management's supervision, where appropriate. We believe that the estimated fair values assigned to our reporting units in impairment tests are based on reasonable assumptions that marketplace participants would use. However, such assumptions are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ from those estimates. The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments could trigger the need for an impairment charge, or materially increase or decrease the amount of any such impairment charge . During the first quarter of 2019, the composition of our reportable segments was revised, as discussed in “Note 1: Organization and Business Description During the Company's annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of 2019, a qualitative assessment was performed for the following reporting units: (1) Hotels, Media & Platform, (2) SmarterTravel, (3) Flights, Cruises and Car, (4) Dining, and (5) Experiences, while a quantitative assessment of the Rentals and Tripadvisor China reporting units goodwill was performed. For fiscal 2019, we determined the fair value of all our reporting units were in excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we did not recognize any impairment charges during the year ending December 31, 2019 Intangible Assets Intangible assets with estimable useful lives, or definite-lived intangibles, are carried at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment upon certain triggering events. We routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets. If we reduce the estimated useful life assumption, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized over the revised estimated useful life. Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Similar to the qualitative assessment for goodwill, we may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, we determine that it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we compare the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its implied fair value, the individual asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at our discretion. We may bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. We base our quantitative measurement of fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, using the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that the trade name and trademarks have value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires us to estimate future revenues, the appropriate royalty rate and the weighted average cost of capital, h owever, such assumptions are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ from those estimates. The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments could trigger the need for an impairment charge, or materially increase or decrease the amount of any such impairment charge . The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets that is subject to annual assessment for impairment is $30 million at December 31, 2019 and consists of trademarks and tradenames. During the Company's annual indefinite-lived intangible impairment test during the fourth quarter of 2019, a qualitative assessment was performed. As part of our qualitative assessment we considered, amongst other factors, the amount of excess fair value of our trade names and trademarks to the carrying value of those same assets, changes in estimates, and valuation input assumptions, since our previous quantitative analysis. After considering these factors and the impact that changes in such factors would have on the inputs used in our previous quantitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that our indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired as of December 31, 2019. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We periodically review the carrying amount of our definite-lived intangible assets and other long-term assets, including property and equipment and website and internal use software, to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Factors that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, or a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, among others. If such facts indicate a potential impairment, we assess the recoverability of the asset group by determining if the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets over the remaining economic life of the primary asset of the group. If the recoverability test indicates that the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable, we will estimate the fair value of the asset group using appropriate valuation methodologies which would typically include an estimate of discounted cash flows, using an appropriate discount rate. Any impairment would be measured by the amount that the carrying values, of such asset groups, exceed their fair value and would be included in operating income on the consolidated statement of operations. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of asset groups. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. We have not identified any circumstances that would warrant an impairment charge for any recorded definite-lived intangibles or other long term assets on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019. |
| Deferred Merchant Payables | Deferred Merchant Payables In our Experiences and Rentals free-to-list offerings, we generally receive cash from travelers at the time of booking and we record these amounts, net of commissions, on our consolidated balance sheets as deferred merchant payables. We pay the suppliers, or the vacation rental owners and third-party experience providers, respectively, after the travelers’ use. Therefore, we receive cash from the traveler prior to paying the supplier and this operating cycle represents a working capital source or use of cash to us. Our deferred merchant payables balance was $ 159 million and $ 164 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. |
| Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses | Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Certain of our subsidiaries outside of the United States use the related local currency as their functional currency and not the U.S. dollar. Therefore assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date, and the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet. We also have subsidiaries that have transactions in foreign currencies other than their functional currency. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses which are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period-end exchange rate) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Accordingly, we have recorded net foreign currency exchange losses of $2 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and a net gain of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statement of operations. These amounts also include transaction gains and losses, both realized and unrealized from forward contracts. |
| Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures | Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. We measure assets and liabilities at fair value based on the expected exit price, which is the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or amount paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be, in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability at the measurement date. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis whereby inputs, used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level. GAAP provides the following hierarchical levels of inputs used to measure fair value: Level 1—Valuations are based on quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Valuations are based on observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3—Valuations are based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment. |
| Certain Risks and Concentrations | Certain Risks and Concentrations Our business is subject to certain risks and concentrations, including concentration related to dependence on our relationships with our customers. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 our two most significant travel partners, Expedia (and its subsidiaries) and Booking (and its subsidiaries), each accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue and combined accounted for 33%, 37% and 43%, respectively, of our consolidated revenue, with nearly all of this revenue concentrated in our Hotels, Media & Platform segment. Refer to “Note 4: Revenue Recognition” Segment and Geographic Information” Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, corporate debt securities, forward contracts, and accounts receivable. We maintain some cash and cash equivalents balances with financial institutions that are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily composed of bank account balances with financial institutions primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, Euros, British pounds, and Australian dollars, as well as, money market funds. We invest in highly-rated corporate debt securities, and our investment policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, industry group and currency. Our credit risk related to corporate debt securities is also mitigated by the relatively short maturity period required by our investment policy. Forward contracts are transacted with various international financial institutions with high credit standings, which to date, have typically had maturities of less than 90 days . Our overall credit risk related to accounts receivable is mitigated by the relatively short collection period. |
| Contingent Liabilities | Contingent Liabilities Periodically, we review the status of all significant outstanding matters to assess any potential financial exposure. When (i) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record the estimated loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We provide disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies that do not meet both these conditions if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred that would be material to the consolidated financial statements. Significant judgment may be required to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred and whether such liability is reasonably estimable. We base accruals made on the best information available at the time which can be highly subjective. The final outcome of these matters could vary significantly from the amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. |
| Treasury Stock | Treasury Stock Shares of our common stock repurchased are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in the reduction of stockholders' equity in our consolidated balance sheet. We may reissue these treasury shares. When treasury shares are reissued, we use the average cost method for determining the cost of reissued shares. If the issuance price is higher than the cost, the excess of the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in-capital. If the issuance price is lower than the cost, the difference is first charged against any credit balance in additional paid-in-capital from the previous issuances of treasury stock and any remaining balance is charged to retained earnings. |
| Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) | Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Refer to “Note 5: Earnings Per Share” |
| New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements | New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which require a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. The accounting for the cost of the hosting component of the arrangement (i.e., service costs the customer pays for the cloud computing service) is not affected by this new guidance. The Company uses both internally-developed software and third-party software to operate its business. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology on the measurement of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, which includes accounts receivable and available-for-sale debt securities. For financial assets measured at amortized cost, this new guidance requires an entity to: (1) estimate its lifetime expected credit losses upon recognition of the financial assets and establish an allowance to present the net amount expected to be collected; (2) recognize this allowance and changes in the allowance during subsequent periods through net income; and (3) consider relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts in assessing the lifetime expected credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities, this new guidance made several targeted amendments to the existing other-than-temporary impairment model, including: (1) requiring disclosure of the allowance for credit losses; (2) allowing reversals of the previously recognized credit losses until the entity has the intent to sell, is more-likely-than-not required to sell the securities or the maturity of the securities; (3) limiting impairment to the difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value; and (4) not allowing entities to consider the length of time that fair value has been less than amortized cost as a factor in evaluating whether a credit loss exists. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, including interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities are required to adopt this new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption without adjusting the comparative periods presented . We will adopt this new guidance as of January 1, 2020. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which revises the accounting for leases (“ASC 842”). ASC 842 requires entities that lease assets to recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities related to the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet regardless of whether they are classified as finance or operating leases, . In addition, new disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of the financial statements to better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. W to reflect We elected the following practical expedients available in transition upon adoption of ASC 842 and accounting policy updates: 1) the “practical expedients package of three”, which allows us to not reassess the following as of the adoption date: a) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain a lease; b) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and c) the accounting treatment for initial direct costs for existing leases; 2) the “short-term lease recognition exemption”, which allows entities to forego recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases with a lease term of twelve months or less and which also do not include an option to renew the lease term that the entity is reasonably certain to exercise; 3) elect by asset class as an accounting policy, to combine lease and non-lease components as a single component and subsequently account for the combined single component as the lease component; and 4) apply the portfolio approach to similar types of leases where the Company does not reasonably expect the outcome to differ materially from applying the new guidance to individual leases. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact to both our consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2019. The effect on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 from the adoption of ASC 842 is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2018
Adjustments due to ASC 842
Balance at January 1, 2019
(in millions)
Assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
33
$
(3
)
$
30
Property and equipment, net (1)
253
8
261
Operating lease right-of-use assets (1)
—
75
75
Deferred income taxes, net
27
(1
)
26
Other long-term assets
86
(2
)
84
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (2)
151
21
172
Other long-term liabilities (1)
282
53
335
Retained earnings (3)
$
1,043
$
3
$
1,046
(1)
Refer to the below discussion regarding the transition accounting for operating and finance leases upon adoption of ASC 842.
(2)
This adjustment primarily represents the short-term portion of operating and finance lease obligations recorded upon adoption of ASC 842, discussed below.
(3)
Represents a cumulative-effect adjustment of $3 million, net of tax to our beginning balance of retained earnings recorded upon adoption of ASC 842. We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of a contract. We define a lease as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of the identified asset means that we have both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. Our lease contracts contain both lease and non-lease components. We account separately for the lease and non-lease components of office space leases and certain other leases, such as data center leases. We allocate the consideration in the contract to the lease and non-lease components based on each component’s relative standalone price. We determine standalone prices for the lease components based on the prices for which other lessors lease similar assets on a standalone basis. We determine standalone prices for the non-lease component based on the prices that other suppliers charge for services for similar assets on a standalone basis. If observable standalone prices are not readily available, we estimate the standalone prices based on other available observable information. However, for certain categories of equipment leases, such as network equipment and others, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Additionally, for certain equipment leases that have similar characteristics, we apply a portfolio approach to effectively account for operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities, hence we do not expect the outcome to differ materially from applying the new guidance to individual leases. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate in measuring the present value of our lease payments given the rate implicit in our leases is not typically readily determinable. Given we do not currently borrow on a collateralized basis, our incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate in which the Company would expect to pay on a collateralized basis over a similar term and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. We use the portfolio approach to determine the discount rate for leases with similar characteristics or when the Company is reasonably certain that doing so would not materially affect the accounting for those leases to which a single discount rate is applied. We establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred under lease arrangements where we are considered the owner for accounting purposes only, or build-to-suit leases, to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to commencement of a lease. Upon occupancy of facilities under build-to-suit leases, we assess whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance under GAAP. If we continue to be the deemed owner, for accounting purposes, the facilities are accounted for as financing obligations. We also establish assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain of our leased facilities to their original condition for asset retirement obligations. Such assets are depreciated over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs and are included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Our asset retirement obligations were not material as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Operating Leases Our office space leases, exclusive of our Headquarters Lease, are operating leases, which we lease an aggregate of approximately 505,000 square feet of office space at approximately 50 other locations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and South America, in cities such as New York, Boston, London, Sydney, Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Paris, primarily for our sales offices, subsidiary headquarters, and international management teams, pursuant to leases with various expiration dates, with the latest expiring in June 2027 Based on the present value of remaining lease payments on the Company's existing leases, we recognized $88 million of both operating ROU assets and operating lease liabilities, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet upon adoption of ASC 842, as of January 1, 2019. These operating ROU assets were then reduced by a net deferred rent balance of $13 million as of January 1, 2019, which primarily consisted of existing deferred and prepaid rent balances. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities commencing after January 1, 2019 are recognized at lease commencement date, or the date the lessor makes the leased asset available for use, based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate. ROU assets related to operating leases comprise the initial lease liability, and are then adjusted for any prepaid or deferred rent payments, unamortized initial direct costs, and lease incentives received. Amortization expense for operating lease ROU assets and interest accretion on operating lease liabilities are recognized as a single operating lease cost in our consolidated statement of operations, which results effectively in recognition of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period. The carrying amount of operating lease liabilities are (1) accreted to reflect interest using the incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable; and (2) reduced to reflect lease payments made during the period. We present the combination of both the amortization of operating lease ROU assets and the change in the operating lease liabilities in the same line item in the adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Lease incentives are recognized as reductions of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Certain of our operating leases include options to extend the lease terms for up to 6 years and/or terminate the leases within 1 year, which we include in our lease term if we are reasonably certain to exercise these options. Payments under our operating leases are primarily fixed, however, certain of our operating lease agreements include rental payments which are adjusted periodically for inflation. We recognize these costs as variable lease costs on our consolidated statement of operations, which were not material during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. In addition, our short-term lease costs were not material in any period. As of December 31, 2019, we had operating lease ROU assets of $74 million on our consolidated balance sheet. Finance Lease In June 2013, we entered into our Headquarters Lease. Pursuant to the Headquarters Lease, the landlord built an approximately 280,000 square foot rental building in Needham, Massachusetts (the “Premises”), and leased the Premises to the Company as our new corporate headquarters for an initial term of 15 years and 7 months or through December 2030. The Company also has an option to extend the term of the Headquarters Lease for two consecutive terms of five years each. The Company was deemed to be the owner of the Premises for accounting purposes only during the construction period under legacy GAAP lease accounting rules, or ASC 840. Accordingly, the Company recorded project construction costs during the construction period incurred by the landlord as a construction-in-progress asset and a related construction financing obligation on our consolidated balance sheet. The amounts that the Company incurred for normal tenant improvements and structural improvements had also been recorded to the construction-in-progress asset. Upon completion of construction at the end of the second quarter of 2015, we evaluated the construction-in-progress asset and construction financing obligation for de-recognition under the criteria for “sale-leaseback” treatment under ASC 840. We concluded that it did not meet the provisions for sale-leaseback accounting. Therefore, the Headquarters Lease was accounted for as a financing obligation through December 31, 2018, in which we depreciated the building asset over its estimated useful life and incurred interest expense related to the financing obligation, imputed using the effective interest rate method. Upon the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, we derecognized the previous asset and liability recorded for the Headquarters Lease described above, with the exception of a net asset of $26 million, primarily related to structural improvements paid by the Company, net of tenant incentives and accumulated amortization, which is classified as prepaid rent under the new guidance. The Company then assessed the lease classification of our Headquarters Lease and concluded it should be classified and accounted for as a finance lease upon adoption on January 1, 2019. Accordingly, on January 1, 2019, we recognized a finance lease ROU asset and a finance lease liability of $114 million and $88 million, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet. The difference between the finance lease ROU asset and finance lease liability represents the aforementioned $26 million of net prepaid rent, and is being amortized straight-line over the remaining lease term. As of December 31 Finance lease ROU assets and finance lease liabilities commencing after January 1, 2019 are recognized similar to an operating lease, at the lease commencement date or the date the lessor makes the leased asset available for use. Finance lease ROU assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and the carrying amount of the finance lease liabilities are (1) accreted to reflect interest using the incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, and (2) reduced to reflect lease payments made during the period. Amortization expense for finance lease ROU assets and interest accretion on finance lease liabilities are recorded to depreciation and interest expense, respectively, in our consolidated statement of operations. We did not update any financial information or provide any disclosures required under the new guidance for both the years ended December 31 December 31 The components of lease expense were as follows for the periods presented
Year ended December 31, 2019
(in millions)
Operating lease cost (1)
$
24
Finance lease cost
Amortization of right-of-use assets (2)
$
9
Interest on lease liabilities (3)
4
Total finance lease cost
$
13
Sublease income (1)
(3
)
Total lease cost, net
$
34
(1)
Operating lease costs, net of sublease income, are included within operating expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. During both the years ended December 31
(2)
Amount is included in depreciation expense in our consolidated statement of operations. During both the years ended December 31
(3)
Amount is included in interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations. During both the years ended December 31 Additional information related to our leases is as follows for the periods presented:
Year ended December 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flows Information:
(in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows from operating leases
$
26
Operating cash outflows from finance lease
4
Financing cash outflows from finance lease
5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:
Operating leases (1)
$
106
Finance lease (2)
88
(1)
Amount includes operating leases existing on January 1, 2019 of $88 million and those that commenced during the year ended December 31
(2)
Amount represents the finance lease liability arising from obtaining the ROU asset related to our Headquarters Lease, which was recognized upon the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term:
Operating leases
4.4 years
Finance lease
11.0 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases
4.11
%
Finance lease
4.49
% Future lease payments under non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
Operating Leases
Finance Lease
(in millions)
2020
$
23
$
9
2021
23
10
2022
19
10
2023
13
10
2024
8
10
Thereafter
6
57
Total future lease payments
92
106
Less imputed interest
(8
)
(23
)
Total lease liabilities
$
84
$
83
Reported on consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019
Operating Leases
Finance Lease
(in millions)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
20
$
5
Other long-term liabilities
64
78
Total lease liabilities
$
84
$
83
As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease commitments under our Headquarters Lease and other non-cancelable operating leases for office space with terms of more than one year and contractual sublease income were as follows:
Year
Headquarters Lease (1)
Other Operating Leases
Sublease Income
Total Lease Commitments (Net of Sublease Income)
(in millions)
2019
9
$
19
$
(3
)
$
25
2020
9
18
(2
)
25
2021
10
16
(2
)
24
2022
10
16
(2
)
24
2023
10
9
—
19
Thereafter
67
9
—
76
Total
$
115
$
87
$
(9
)
$
193
(1)
Amount includes an $83 million financing obligation in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018, related to the Headquarters Lease. As of December 31, 2019, we did not have any additional operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced but that create significant rights and obligations for us. |
