0000813828-21-000005 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer

Programming and Other Inventory

) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT


At December 31,	2020		2019
Land	$	437	$	438
Buildings	1,253		1,232
Finance leases (a)	159		195
Equipment and other	4,151		4,052
	6,000		5,917
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,006		3,872
Net property and equipment	$	1,994	$	2,045

(a) Accumulated amortization of finance leases was $140 million and $160 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases (a) (b)	$	345	$	362	$	377

(a) Amortization expense related to finance leases was $18 million, $23 million and $28 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(b) Included in depreciation expense for 2020 is $12 million of accelerated depreciation resulting from the abandonment of technology in connection with synergy plans related to the Merger.

Programming and Other Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

5) PROGRAMMING AND OTHER INVENTORY

The following tables present our programming and other inventory by type at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Programming inventory at December 31, 2020 has been grouped according to the predominant monetization strategy in accordance with new FASB guidance adopted in 2020 (see Note 1).


	At
	December 31, 2020
Film Group Monetization:
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,413
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		2,558
In process and other		1,682

Individual Monetization:
Acquired libraries		483
Film inventory:
Released		374
Completed, not yet released		543
In process and other		816
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		1,206
In process and other		1,013

Home entertainment		32
Total programming and other inventory		12,120
Less current portion		1,757
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	10,363


	At
	December 31, 2019
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,477
Acquired television library		99
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		3,627
In process and other		2,626
Film inventory:
Released		502
Completed, not yet released		55
In process and other		1,037
Home entertainment		42
Total programming and other inventory		11,465
Less current portion		2,813
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	8,652

The following table presents amortization of television and film programming and production costs.


	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020
Programming costs, acquired programming		$	3,779

Production costs, internally-produced television and film programming:
Individual monetization		$	2,669
Film group monetization		$	3,133

Programming Charges

During 2020, we recorded programming charges of $159 million primarily related to the abandonment of certain incomplete programs resulting from production shutdowns related to COVID-19. These programming charges are included within the TV Entertainment, Cable Networks and Filmed Entertainment segments for $101 million, $53 million and $5 million, respectively.

During 2019, in connection with the Merger, we implemented management changes across the organization. In connection with these changes, we performed an evaluation of our programming portfolio across all of our businesses, including an assessment of the optimal use of our programming in the marketplace, which resulted in the identification of programs not aligned with management’s strategy. As a result, we recorded programming charges of $589 million principally reflecting accelerated amortization associated with changes in the expected monetization of certain programs, and decisions to cease airing, alter future airing patterns or not renew certain programs.

During 2018, in connection with management changes, we recorded programming charges of $162 million relating to changes to our programming strategy, including at CBS Films, which shifted its focus from theatrical films to developing content for our streaming services, as well as at our Cable Networks segment where we ceased the use of certain programming.

The programming charges for 2020, 2019, and 2018 were included within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table presents the expected amortization over each of the next three years of released programming inventory on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020.


	2021		2022		2023
Programming costs, acquired programming and acquired libraries	$	2,717	$	422	$	232

Production costs, internally-produced television and film programming:
Individual monetization	$	1,089	$	165	$	94
Film group monetization	$	1,251	$	618	$	393

We expect to amortize approximately $456 million of our completed, not yet released film inventory, which is monetized on an individual basis, during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

6) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Impairment Test

We perform a fair value-based impairment test of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, comprised primarily of television FCC licenses, on an annual basis, and also between annual tests if an event occurs or if

circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value.

FCC licenses are tested for impairment at the geographic market level. We consider each geographic market, which is comprised of all of our television stations within that geographic market, to be a single unit of accounting because the FCC licenses at this level represent their highest and best use. At December 31, 2020, we had 14 television markets with FCC license book values.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment, or one level below. At December 31, 2020, we had four reporting units.

For our annual impairment test, we perform qualitative assessments for the reporting units and television markets with FCC licenses that management estimates have fair values that significantly exceed their respective carrying values. In making this determination, we also consider the duration of time since a quantitative test was performed. For the 2020 annual impairment test, we performed qualitative assessments for 10 of our television markets and all of our reporting units. For each reporting unit, we weighed the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting unit as well as industry and macroeconomic factors. For each television market, we weighed the relative impact of market-specific and macroeconomic factors. Based on the qualitative assessments, considering the aggregation of the relevant factors, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair values of these reporting units and the fair value of FCC licenses within each of these markets are less than their respective carrying values. Therefore, performing a quantitative impairment test was unnecessary.

A quantitative impairment test of FCC licenses calculates an estimated fair value using the Greenfield Discounted Cash Flow Method, which values a hypothetical start-up station in the relevant market by adding discounted cash flows over a five-year build-up period to a residual value. The assumptions for the build-up period include industry projections of overall market revenues; the start-up station’s operating costs and capital expenditures, which are based on both industry and internal data; and average market share. The discount rate is determined based on the industry and market-based risk of achieving the projected cash flows, and the residual value is calculated using a long-term growth rate, which is based on projected long-range inflation and industry projections.

During the second quarter of 2020, based on an assessment of the relevant factors that could impact the fair value of FCC licenses, including the effects of COVID-19, we determined that an interim impairment test was necessary for three markets in which we hold FCC licenses. The impairment test indicated that the estimated fair values of FCC licenses in two markets were lower than their respective carrying values, which resulted from recent declines in industry projections in the markets where these FCC licenses are held, that were further accelerated by COVID-19. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $25 million to write down the carrying values of these FCC licenses to their aggregate estimated fair value of $216 million. This charge is included within “Depreciation and amortization” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally, the estimated fair value of the FCC license in the third market exceeded its carrying value of $53 million by 7%.

For the 2020 annual test, which was performed during the fourth quarter, we performed a quantitative impairment test for the three markets tested during the second quarter, as well as a fourth television market. The impairment tests indicated that the estimated fair values of FCC licenses in the three markets we tested during the second quarter, which had an aggregate carrying value of FCC licenses of $269 million at December 31, 2020, were within 10% of their respective carrying values. The fourth market had an estimated fair value that exceeded its carrying value by more than 20%.

The following tables present the changes in the book value of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.


	Balance at			Acquisitions /			Foreign		Balance at
	December 31, 2019			(Dispositions)			Currency		December 31, 2020
TV Entertainment:
Goodwill		$	17,615	$	(113)	(a)	$	—		$	17,502
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		4,261		(113)			—			4,148
Cable Networks:
Goodwill		10,691		28			53			10,772
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		10,691		28			53			10,772
Filmed Entertainment:
Goodwill		1,593		99		(b)	—			1,692
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		1,593		99			—			1,692
Total:
Goodwill		29,899		14			53			29,966
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		$	16,545	$	14		$	53		$	16,612

(a) Amount reflects the disposition of CMG.

(b) Amount relates to the acquisition of Miramax.


	Balance at			Acquisitions			Foreign		Balance at
	December 31, 2018			(Dispositions)			Currency		December 31, 2019
TV Entertainment:
Goodwill		$	17,618	$	(3)		$	—		$	17,615
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		4,264		(3)			—			4,261
Cable Networks:
Goodwill		10,234		451		(a)	6			10,691
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		10,234		451			6			10,691
Filmed Entertainment:
Goodwill		1,593		—			—			1,593
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		1,593		—			—			1,593
Total:
Goodwill		29,445		448			6			29,899
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		$	16,091	$	448		$	6		$	16,545

(a) Primarily reflects the acquisitions of Pluto Inc. and Pop TV.

Our intangible assets were as follows:


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2020	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	249	$	(123)	$	126
Licenses	168		(50)		118
Customer agreements	120		(97)		23
Other intangible assets	251		(169)		82
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	788		(439)		349
FCC licenses	2,416		—		2,416
International broadcast licenses	27		—		27
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,265	$	(439)	$	2,826


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2019	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	404	$	(171)	$	233
Licenses	159		(38)		121
Customer agreements	119		(92)		27
Other intangible assets	255		(146)		109
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	937		(447)		490
FCC licenses	2,441		—		2,441
International broadcast licenses	25		—		25
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,437	$	(447)	$	2,990

Amortization expense was as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020			2019			2018
Amortization expense (a)		$	85		$	76		$	50

(a) For 2020, amortization expense includes an impairment charge of $25 million to write down the carrying value of FCC licenses, and was recorded within the TV Entertainment segment. For 2019, amortization expense includes an impairment charge of $20 million, which reduced the carrying value of broadcast licenses in Australia to their fair value, and was recorded within the Cable Networks segment.

We expect our aggregate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the years, 2021 through 2025, to be as follows:


	2021			2022			2023			2024			2025
Future amortization expense		$	45		$	41		$	39		$	31		$	27

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters

7) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CORPORATE MATTERS

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded the following for costs associated with restructuring and other corporate matters.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Severance	$	472	$	395	$	234
Exit costs and other	70		23		75
Restructuring charges	542		418		309
Restructuring-related costs	—		—		52
Merger-related costs	56		294		—
Other corporate matters	20		57		128
Restructuring and other corporate matters	$	618	$	769	$	489

Restructuring Charges and Related Costs

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded restructuring charges of $542 million, associated with cost-transformation initiatives in connection with the Merger in an effort to reduce redundancies across our businesses. These charges primarily consist of severance costs, including the accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded restructuring charges of $418 million, primarily for severance costs, including the accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation, in connection with the Merger, as well as costs related to a restructuring plan initiated in the first quarter of 2019 under which severance payments were provided to certain eligible employees who voluntarily elected to participate.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded restructuring charges of $309 million, resulting from cost transformation initiatives to improve margins. In addition, in 2018 we recorded restructuring-related costs of $52 million, comprised of third-party professional services associated with such initiatives.

Restructuring charges during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 also included exit costs of $70 million, $23 million, and $75 million, respectively. These costs relate to the termination of contractual obligations and charges associated with the exit of leases.

The following is a rollforward of our restructuring liability, which is recorded in “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining restructuring liability at December 31, 2020, which primarily relates to severance payments, is expected to be substantially paid by the end of 2021.


	Balance at			2020 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2019			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2020
TV Entertainment		$	99	$	137		$	(111)	$	(13)		$	112
Cable Networks		137		179			(158)		(14)			144
Filmed Entertainment		17		25			(12)		—			30
Corporate		143		71			(117)		(11)			86
Total		$	396	$	412		$	(398)	$	(38)		$	372


	Balance at			2019 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2018			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2019
TV Entertainment		$	54	$	128		$	(82)	$	(1)		$	99
Cable Networks		151		97			(104)		(7)			137
Filmed Entertainment		22		8			(12)		(1)			17
Corporate		57		118			(32)		—			143
Total		$	284	$	351		$	(230)	$	(9)		$	396

(a) Excludes stock-based compensation expense of $88 million and $67 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and excludes lease asset impairments of $42 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Merger-related Costs and Other Corporate Matters

In 2020, in addition to the above-mentioned restructuring charges and related costs, we incurred costs of $56 million in connection with the Merger, consisting of professional fees mainly associated with integration activities, as well as transaction-related bonuses. We also incurred costs of $5 million for professional fees associated with dispositions and other corporate matters, and we recorded a charge of $15 million to write down property and equipment that has been classified as held for sale to its fair value less costs to sell.

In 2019, in addition to the above-mentioned restructuring charges and related costs, we incurred costs of $294 million in connection with the Merger, consisting of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees, transaction-related bonuses, and contractual executive compensation, including the accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation, that was triggered by the Merger. We also incurred costs of $40 million in connection with the settlement of a commercial dispute and $17 million associated with legal proceedings involving the Company (see Note 20) and other corporate matters.

In 2018, we recorded expenses of $128 million primarily for professional fees related to legal proceedings, investigations at our Company and the evaluation of potential merger activity.

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters

7) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CORPORATE MATTERS

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded the following for costs associated with restructuring and other corporate matters.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Severance	$	472	$	395	$	234
Exit costs and other	70		23		75
Restructuring charges	542		418		309
Restructuring-related costs	—		—		52
Merger-related costs	56		294		—
Other corporate matters	20		57		128
Restructuring and other corporate matters	$	618	$	769	$	489

Restructuring Charges and Related Costs


	Balance at			2020 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2019			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2020
TV Entertainment		$	99	$	137		$	(111)	$	(13)		$	112
Cable Networks		137		179			(158)		(14)			144
Filmed Entertainment		17		25			(12)		—			30
Corporate		143		71			(117)		(11)			86
Total		$	396	$	412		$	(398)	$	(38)		$	372


	Balance at			2019 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2018			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2019
TV Entertainment		$	54	$	128		$	(82)	$	(1)		$	99
Cable Networks		151		97			(104)		(7)			137
Filmed Entertainment		22		8			(12)		(1)			17
Corporate		57		118			(32)		—			143
Total		$	284	$	351		$	(230)	$	(9)		$	396

Merger-related Costs and Other Corporate Matters

In 2018, we recorded expenses of $128 million primarily for professional fees related to legal proceedings, investigations at our Company and the evaluation of potential merger activity.

Related Parties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Related Parties

8) RELATED PARTIES

National Amusements, Inc. NAI is the controlling stockholder of ViacomCBS. Shari E. Redstone is the Chairperson, CEO and President of NAI and the non-executive Chair of our Board of Directors. At December 31, 2020, NAI directly or indirectly owned approximately 79.4% of our voting Class A Common Stock and 10.2% of our Class A Common Stock and non-voting Class B Common Stock on a combined basis. Until the death of Mr. Sumner M. Redstone on August 11, 2020, NAI was controlled by Mr. Redstone through the Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust (the “SMR Trust”), which owned 80% of the voting interest of NAI, with such voting interest voted solely by Mr. Redstone. Upon Mr. Redstone’s death and in accordance with the terms of the trust agreement governing the SMR Trust and the Continuing Trusts (as defined below), the SMR Trust was succeeded by two continuing trusts (the “Continuing Trusts”), each of which holds 40% of the voting stock of NAI. Under the terms of the trust agreement governing the SMR Trust and the Continuing Trusts, the Continuing Trusts are required to share the same seven voting trustees, who have equal voting power, and each trustee is required to cause each Continuing Trust to vote the NAI shares held by that Continuing Trust in the same manner as the NAI shares held by the other Continuing Trust. Ms. Redstone is one of the seven voting trustees for each Continuing Trust and is one of two voting trustees who are beneficiaries of one of the Continuing Trusts. No member of our management or other member of our Board, is a trustee of either of the Continuing Trusts.

Pursuant to a settlement and release agreement entered into by us, NAI and others, with respect to legal proceedings involving these parties, we paid $30 million for professional fees incurred by NAI during 2018

relating to these legal proceedings, which are included in “Restructuring and other corporate matters” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Other Related Parties. In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in transactions with our equity-method investees, primarily for the licensing of television and film programming. The following tables present the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements related to these transactions.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues	$	106	$	179	$	170
Operating expenses	$	13	$	14	$	22


At December 31,	2020		2019
Amounts due to/from other related parties
Accounts receivable	$	69	$	45
Accounts payable	$	—	$	3

Through the normal course of business, we are involved in transactions with other related parties that have not been material in any of the periods presented.

Revenues

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenues

9) REVENUES

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated into categories based on the nature of such revenues.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues by Type:
Advertising	$	9,751	$	11,074	$	10,841
Affiliate	9,166		8,602		8,376
Content licensing	5,963		6,483		6,163
Theatrical	180		547		744
Other	225		292		301
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

Unrecognized Revenues Under Contract

At December 31, 2020, unrecognized revenues attributable to unsatisfied performance obligations under our long-term contracts was $6.79 billion, of which $3.75 billion is expected to be recognized in 2021, $2.11 billion in 2022, $589 million in 2023, and $339 million thereafter. These amounts only include contracts subject to a guaranteed fixed amount or the guaranteed minimum under variable contracts, primarily consisting of television and film licensing contracts and affiliate agreements that are subject to a fixed or guaranteed minimum fee. Such amounts change on a regular basis as we renew existing agreements or enter into new agreements. Unrecognized revenues under contract disclosed above do not include (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less, mainly consisting of advertising contracts (ii) contracts for which variable consideration is determined based on the customer’s subsequent sale or usage, mainly consisting of affiliate agreements and (iii) long-term licensing agreements for multiple programs for which variable consideration is determined based on the value of the programs delivered to the customer and our right to invoice corresponds with the value delivered.

Performance Obligations Satisfied in Previous Periods

Under certain licensing arrangements, the amount and timing of our revenue recognition is determined based on our licensees’ subsequent sale to its end customers. As a result, under such arrangements, which primarily include

licensing of our content to distributors of transactional video-on-demand and electronic sell-through services, we often satisfy our performance obligation of delivery of our content in advance of revenue recognition. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized revenues of $250 million, $235 million, and $172 million, respectively, in our Filmed Entertainment segment for performance obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in a prior period.

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities were $1.12 billion, $908 million and $743 million at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively and are included within “Deferred revenues” and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily reflects $591 million of revenues recognized that were included in deferred revenues at December 31, 2019 partially offset by cash payments received during the period for which the performance obligation was not satisfied prior to the end of the period. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized revenues of $498 million that were included in deferred revenues at December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized revenues of $558 million that were included in deferred revenues at December 31, 2017.

Receivables

Included in “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are noncurrent receivables of $2.02 billion and $2.15 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Noncurrent receivables primarily relate to revenues recognized under long-term television licensing arrangements. Television license fee revenues are recognized at the beginning of the license period in which programs are made available to the licensee for exhibition, while the related cash is collected over the term of the license period. The year of origination for these receivables at December 31, 2020 was $1.02 billion in 2020, $608 million in 2019, $299 million in 2018, $82 million in 2017, and $15 million for 2016 and prior.

Our receivables do not represent significant concentrations of credit risk at December 31, 2020 and 2019, due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which our products and services are sold.

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

10) DEBT

Our debt consists of the following:


At December 31,	2020		2019
Commercial paper	$	—	$	699
4.3% Senior Notes due 2021	—		300
4.5% Senior Notes due 2021	—		499
3.875% Senior Notes due 2021	—		597
2.250% Senior Notes due 2022	35		49
3.375% Senior Notes due 2022	415		698
3.125% Senior Notes due 2022	117		194
2.50% Senior Notes due 2023	196		398
3.25% Senior Notes due 2023	141		181
2.90% Senior Notes due 2023	242		396
4.25% Senior Notes due 2023	837		1,242
7.875% Debentures due 2023	139		187
7.125% Senior Notes due 2023	35		46
3.875% Senior Notes due 2024	490		489
3.70% Senior Notes due 2024	598		598
3.50% Senior Notes due 2025	596		592
4.75% Senior Notes due 2025	1,239		—
4.0% Senior Notes due 2026	791		789
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026	123		123
2.90% Senior Notes due 2027	691		688
3.375% Senior Notes due 2028	495		494
3.70% Senior Notes due 2028	492		491
4.20% Senior Notes due 2029	493		493
7.875% Senior Debentures due 2030	831		831
4.95% Senior Notes due 2031	1,220		—
4.20% Senior Notes due 2032	969		—
5.50% Senior Debentures due 2033	427		426
4.85% Senior Debentures due 2034	87		87
6.875% Senior Debentures due 2036	1,069		1,068
6.75% Senior Debentures due 2037	75		75
5.90% Senior Notes due 2040	298		297
4.50% Senior Debentures due 2042	45		45
4.85% Senior Notes due 2042	487		486
4.375% Senior Debentures due 2043	1,116		1,109
4.875% Senior Debentures due 2043	18		18
5.85% Senior Debentures due 2043	1,232		1,231
5.25% Senior Debentures due 2044	345		345
4.90% Senior Notes due 2044	540		539
4.60% Senior Notes due 2045	589		589
4.95% Senior Notes due 2050	942		—
5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057	514		643
6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057	643		643
Other bank borrowings	95		—
Obligations under finance leases	26		44
Total debt (a)	19,733		18,719
Less commercial paper	—		699
Less current portion of long-term debt	16		18
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	19,717	$	18,002

(a) At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the senior and junior subordinated debt balances included (i) a net unamortized discount of $491 million and $412 million, respectively, and (ii) unamortized deferred financing costs of $107 million and $92 million, respectively. The face value of our total debt was $20.33 billion at December 31, 2020 and $19.23 billion at December 31, 2019.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued $4.50 billion of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 4.20% to 4.95% and due dates from 2025 to 2050. The net proceeds from these issuances are being used for the redemption of our long-term debt as well as for general corporate purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we redeemed, prior to maturity, senior notes, debentures, and junior subordinated debentures totaling $2.77

billion, for an aggregate redemption price of $2.88 billion. These redemptions resulted in a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $126 million ($97 million, net of tax).

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we issued $500 million of 4.20% senior notes due 2029. We used the net proceeds from this issuance in the redemption of our $600 million outstanding 2.30% senior notes due August 2019. During 2019, we also repaid the $220 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.625% senior notes due September 2019 and the $90 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.75% senior notes due December 2019.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we redeemed $1.13 billion of senior notes and debentures for a redemption price of $1.10 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain on extinguishment of debt of $18 million ($14 million, net of tax).

Our 5.875% junior subordinated debentures due February 2057 and 6.25% junior subordinated debentures due February 2057 accrue interest at the stated fixed rates until February 28, 2022 and February 28, 2027, respectively, on which dates the rates will switch to floating rates based on three-month LIBOR plus 3.895% and 3.899%, respectively, reset quarterly. These debentures can be called by us at any time after the expiration of the fixed-rate period.

The interest rate payable on our 2.25% senior notes due February 2022 and 3.45% senior notes due October 2026, collectively the “Senior Notes”, will be subject to adjustment from time to time if Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. or S&P Global Ratings downgrades (or downgrades and subsequently upgrades) the credit rating assigned to the Senior Notes. The interest rate on these Senior Notes would increase by 0.25% upon each credit agency downgrade up to a maximum of 2.00%, and would similarly be decreased for subsequent upgrades. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal amount of our 2.25% senior notes due February 2022 and 3.45% senior notes due October 2026 was $35 million and $124 million, respectively.

Some of our outstanding notes and debentures provide for certain covenant packages typical for an investment grade company. There is an acceleration trigger for the majority of the notes and debentures in the event of a change in control under specified circumstances coupled with ratings downgrades due to the change in control, as well as certain optional redemption provisions for our junior debentures.

At December 31, 2020, our scheduled maturities of long-term debt at face value, excluding finance leases, and the related interest payments were as follows:


																2026 and
	2021			2022			2023			2024			2025			Thereafter
Long-term debt		$	—		$	569		$	1,596		$	1,092		$	1,850	$	15,103

Commercial Paper

In January 2020, our commercial paper program was increased to $3.50 billion from $2.50 billion in conjunction with the new $3.50 billion revolving credit facility described below. At December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding commercial paper borrowings. At December 31, 2019, we had $699 million outstanding commercial paper borrowings under our commercial paper program at a weighted average interest rate of 2.07% and maturities of less than 90 days.

Credit Facility

In January 2020, the $2.50 billion revolving credit facility held by CBS prior to the Merger, with a maturity in June 2021, was terminated and the revolving credit facility held by Viacom prior to the Merger, with a maturity in

February 2024, was amended and restated to a $3.50 billion revolving credit facility with a maturity in January 2025 (the “Credit Facility”). The credit facility is used for general corporate purposes and to support commercial paper outstanding, if any. We may, at our option, also borrow in certain foreign currencies up to specified limits under the Credit Facility. Borrowing rates under the Credit Facility are determined at our option at the time of each borrowing and are generally based on either the prime rate in the U.S. or LIBOR plus a margin based on our senior unsecured debt rating, depending on the type and tenor of the loans entered. The Credit Facility has one principal financial covenant that requires our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio to be less than 4.5x (which we may elect to increase to 5.0x for up to four consecutive quarters following a qualified acquisition) at the end of each quarter. The Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio reflects the ratio of our Consolidated Indebtedness at the end of a quarter, to our Consolidated EBITDA (each as defined in the amended credit agreement) for the trailing twelve-month period. We met the covenant as of December 31, 2020.

At December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility and the remaining availability under the Credit Facility, net of outstanding letters of credit, was $3.50 billion.

Other Bank Borrowings

At December 31, 2020, we had $95 million of bank borrowings with a weighted average interest rate of 3.50% under Miramax’s $300 million credit facility, which matures in April 2023.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

11) LEASES

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to our leases.


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019

Right-of-Use Assets
Operating lease assets	$	1,602	$	1,738	$	—	$	—
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	19	$	35

Lease Liabilities
Other current liabilities	$	306	$	289	$	—	$	—
Debt	—		—		16		19
Operating lease liabilities	1,583		1,705		—		—
Long-term debt	—		—		10		25
Total lease liabilities	$	1,889	$	1,994	$	26	$	44


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Weighted average remaining lease term	8 years		9 years		2 years		3 years

Weighted average discount rate	4.0	%	4.0	%	4.2	%	4.5	%

Lessee Contracts

We have operating leases primarily for office space, equipment, satellite transponders and studio facilities. We also have finance leases for satellite transponders and equipment. Lease costs are generally fixed, with certain contracts containing variable payments for non-lease costs based on usage and escalations in the lessors’ annual costs.

The following table presents our lease cost.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Operating lease cost (a) (b)	$	379	$	382
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18		23
Interest expense on lease liabilities	2		3
Short-term lease cost (b) (c)	162		242
Variable lease cost (d)	58		80
Sublease income	(24)		(31)
Total lease cost	$	595	$	699

(a) Includes fixed lease costs and non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) associated with long-term operating leases.

(b) Includes costs capitalized in programming assets during the period for leased assets used in the production of programming.

(c) Short-term leases, which are not recorded in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, have a term of 12 months or less and exclude month-to-month leases.

(d) Primarily includes non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) and costs for equipment leases that vary based on usage.

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our leases.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities
Operating lease payments, included in operating cash flows	$	385	$	324
Finance lease payments, included in financing cash flows	$	21	$	27

Noncash additions to operating lease assets	$	221	$	387

The expected future payments relating to our operating and finance lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows:


	Leases
	Operating		Finance
2021	$	372	$	17
2022	315		7
2023	260		2
2024	209		1
2025	197		1
2026 and thereafter	916		—
Total minimum payments	2,269		28
Less amounts representing interest	380		2
Present value of minimum payments	$	1,889	$	26

As of December 31, 2020, we had no material leases that were executed but not yet commenced.

Lessor Contracts

We enter into operating leases for the use of our owned production facilities and office buildings. Lease payments received under these agreements consist of fixed payments for the rental of space and certain building operating costs, as well as variable payments based on usage of production facilities and services, and escalating costs of building operations. We recorded total lease income of $133 million and $148 million, including both fixed and variable amounts, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, future fixed lease income under noncancellable operating leases is as follows:


2021	$	56
2022	49
2023	47
2024	37
2025	28
2026 and thereafter	29
Total	$	246

11) LEASES

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to our leases.


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019

Right-of-Use Assets
Operating lease assets	$	1,602	$	1,738	$	—	$	—
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	19	$	35

Lease Liabilities
Other current liabilities	$	306	$	289	$	—	$	—
Debt	—		—		16		19
Operating lease liabilities	1,583		1,705		—		—
Long-term debt	—		—		10		25
Total lease liabilities	$	1,889	$	1,994	$	26	$	44


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Weighted average remaining lease term	8 years		9 years		2 years		3 years

Weighted average discount rate	4.0	%	4.0	%	4.2	%	4.5	%

Lessee Contracts

The following table presents our lease cost.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Operating lease cost (a) (b)	$	379	$	382
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18		23
Interest expense on lease liabilities	2		3
Short-term lease cost (b) (c)	162		242
Variable lease cost (d)	58		80
Sublease income	(24)		(31)
Total lease cost	$	595	$	699

(a) Includes fixed lease costs and non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) associated with long-term operating leases.

(b) Includes costs capitalized in programming assets during the period for leased assets used in the production of programming.

(c) Short-term leases, which are not recorded in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, have a term of 12 months or less and exclude month-to-month leases.

(d) Primarily includes non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) and costs for equipment leases that vary based on usage.

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our leases.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities
Operating lease payments, included in operating cash flows	$	385	$	324
Finance lease payments, included in financing cash flows	$	21	$	27

Noncash additions to operating lease assets	$	221	$	387

The expected future payments relating to our operating and finance lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows:


	Leases
	Operating		Finance
2021	$	372	$	17
2022	315		7
2023	260		2
2024	209		1
2025	197		1
2026 and thereafter	916		—
Total minimum payments	2,269		28
Less amounts representing interest	380		2
Present value of minimum payments	$	1,889	$	26

As of December 31, 2020, we had no material leases that were executed but not yet commenced.

Lessor Contracts

At December 31, 2020, future fixed lease income under noncancellable operating leases is as follows:


2021	$	56
2022	49
2023	47
2024	37
2025	28
2026 and thereafter	29
Total	$	246

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

11) LEASES

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to our leases.


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019

Right-of-Use Assets
Operating lease assets	$	1,602	$	1,738	$	—	$	—
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	19	$	35

Lease Liabilities
Other current liabilities	$	306	$	289	$	—	$	—
Debt	—		—		16		19
Operating lease liabilities	1,583		1,705		—		—
Long-term debt	—		—		10		25
Total lease liabilities	$	1,889	$	1,994	$	26	$	44


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Weighted average remaining lease term	8 years		9 years		2 years		3 years

Weighted average discount rate	4.0	%	4.0	%	4.2	%	4.5	%

Lessee Contracts

The following table presents our lease cost.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Operating lease cost (a) (b)	$	379	$	382
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18		23
Interest expense on lease liabilities	2		3
Short-term lease cost (b) (c)	162		242
Variable lease cost (d)	58		80
Sublease income	(24)		(31)
Total lease cost	$	595	$	699

(a) Includes fixed lease costs and non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) associated with long-term operating leases.

(b) Includes costs capitalized in programming assets during the period for leased assets used in the production of programming.

(c) Short-term leases, which are not recorded in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, have a term of 12 months or less and exclude month-to-month leases.

(d) Primarily includes non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) and costs for equipment leases that vary based on usage.

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our leases.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities
Operating lease payments, included in operating cash flows	$	385	$	324
Finance lease payments, included in financing cash flows	$	21	$	27

Noncash additions to operating lease assets	$	221	$	387

The expected future payments relating to our operating and finance lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows:


	Leases
	Operating		Finance
2021	$	372	$	17
2022	315		7
2023	260		2
2024	209		1
2025	197		1
2026 and thereafter	916		—
Total minimum payments	2,269		28
Less amounts representing interest	380		2
Present value of minimum payments	$	1,889	$	26

As of December 31, 2020, we had no material leases that were executed but not yet commenced.

Lessor Contracts

At December 31, 2020, future fixed lease income under noncancellable operating leases is as follows:


2021	$	56
2022	49
2023	47
2024	37
2025	28
2026 and thereafter	29
Total	$	246

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Financial Instruments

12) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value of our financial instruments approximates fair value, except for notes and debentures. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value of our outstanding notes and debentures was $19.61 billion and $17.98 billion, respectively, and the fair value, which is determined based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy) was $24.5 billion and $20.6 billion, respectively.

We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage our exposure to market risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative instruments unless there is an underlying exposure and, therefore, we do not hold or enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Investments

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had investments of $601 million and $753 million, respectively, consisting of equity-method investments, equity investments without a readily determinable fair value and marketable

securities. We contributed $59 million, $171 million and $161 million to our investments during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Our equity method investments include a 50% interest in the broadcast network, The CW, as well as interests in several international television joint ventures including a 49% interest in Viacom18, a joint venture in India which owns and operates COLORS pay television channel, a digital advertising platform and a filmed entertainment business. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, we had $536 million and $494 million of equity-method investments. For the year ended December 31, 2020, “Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations includes an impairment charge of $9 million relating to an international television joint venture.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, we had $65 million and $113 million of equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. During 2020, we recorded a gain of $213 million related to an increase in the value of our investment in fuboTV, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2020. For 2020, 2019, and 2018, included in “Net gains (losses) from investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was $7 million, $50 million and $46 million, respectively, for the impairment of investments without a readily determinable fair value.

During 2020, we sold marketable securities for proceeds of $146 million. We did not have any marketable securities at December 31, 2020. The fair value of our marketable securities was $146 million at December 31, 2019 as determined based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy). For 2019 and 2018, included in “Net gains (losses) from investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was an unrealized gain of $113 million and an unrealized loss of $23 million, respectively, resulting from changes in the fair value of our marketable securities.

In 2019, we completed the sale of an international joint venture resulting in a gain of $10 million. In 2018, we completed the sale of a 1% equity interest in Viacom18 to our joint venture partner for $20 million, resulting in a gain of $16 million. These gains have been included in “Net gains (losses) from investments” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts have principally been used to hedge projected cash flows in currencies such as the British Pound, the Euro, the Canadian Dollar and the Australian Dollar, generally for periods up to 24 months. We designate foreign exchange forward contracts used to hedge committed and forecasted foreign currency transactions as cash flow hedges. Additionally, we enter into non-designated forward contracts to hedge non-U.S. dollar denominated cash flows.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the notional amount of all foreign currency contracts was $1.27 billion and $1.44 billion, respectively. For 2020, $740 million related to future production costs and $529 million related to our foreign currency balances and other expected foreign currency cash flows. For 2019, $833 million related to future production costs and $606 million related to our foreign currency balances and other expected foreign currency cash flows.

Losses recognized on derivative financial instruments were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020			2019			Financial Statement Account
Non-designated foreign exchange contracts		$	(20)		$	(4)	Other items, net

The fair value of our derivative instruments was not material to the Consolidated Balance Sheets for any of the periods presented.

We continually monitor our position with, and credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to our financial instruments. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

13) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following tables set forth the balances at December 31, 2020 and 2019 of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities have been categorized according to the three-level fair value hierarchy established by the FASB, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. Level 1 is based on publicly quoted prices for the asset or liability in active markets. Level 2 is based on inputs that are observable other than quoted market prices in active markets, such as quoted prices for the asset or liability in inactive markets or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities. Level 3 is based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We do not have any assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using level 3 inputs.


At December 31, 2020	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets:
Foreign currency hedges	$	—	$	20	$	20
Total Assets	$	—	$	20	$	20
Liabilities:					$	—
Deferred compensation	$	—	$	529	$	529
Foreign currency hedges	—		39		39
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	568	$	568


At December 31, 2019	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets:
Marketable securities	$	146	$	—	$	146
Foreign currency hedges	—		13		13
Total Assets	$	146	$	13	$	159
Liabilities:					$	—
Deferred compensation	$	—	$	490	$	490
Foreign currency hedges	—		14		14
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	504	$	504

The fair value of foreign currency hedges is determined based on the present value of future cash flows using observable inputs including foreign currency exchange rates. The fair value of deferred compensation liabilities is determined based on the fair value of the investments elected by employees. The fair value of marketable securities at December 31, 2019 was determined based on quoted market prices in active markets.

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Stockholders' Equity

14) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In general, ViacomCBS Class A Common Stock and ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock have the same economic rights; however, holders of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock do not have any voting rights, except as required by law. Holders of ViacomCBS Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share with respect to all matters on which the holders of ViacomCBS Common Stock are entitled to vote.

Merger with Viacom—At the Effective Time of the Merger, (1) each share of Viacom Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than shares held directly by Viacom as treasury shares or held by CBS, was converted automatically into 0.59625 shares of ViacomCBS Class A Common Stock, and (2) each share of Viacom Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than shares held directly by Viacom as treasury shares or held by CBS, was converted automatically into 0.59625 shares of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock, resulting in the issuance of 29 million shares of ViacomCBS Class A Common Stock and 211 million shares of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of CBS Class A Common Stock and each share of CBS Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, remained an issued and outstanding share of ViacomCBS Class A Common Stock and ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock, respectively, and was not affected by the Merger.

Dividends—We declared a quarterly cash dividend on our Class A and Class B Common Stock during each of the quarters of 2020, resulting in total dividends for the year of $601 million, or $.96 per share. On December 19, 2019, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.24 per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock, resulting in total dividends of $150 million. Prior to the Merger, Viacom and CBS each declared a quarterly cash dividend during each of the first three quarters of 2019 and during each of the four quarters of 2018. During the first three quarters of 2019, CBS declared total per share dividends of $.54, resulting in total dividends of $205 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, CBS declared total per share dividends of $.72, resulting in total annual dividends of $274 million. During the first three quarters of 2019, Viacom declared total per share dividends of $.60, resulting in total dividends of $245 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Viacom declared total per share dividends of $.80, resulting in total annual dividends of $325 million. During the first half of 2018, dividends were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital as we had an accumulated deficit balance. During the second half of 2018, our retained earnings became positive and as a result, for the remainder of 2018, and for 2019 and 2020, dividends have been recorded to retained earnings.

Treasury Stock—During 2020, we repurchased 1.3 million shares of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock under our share repurchase program for $50 million, at an average cost of $38.63 per share. At December 31, 2020, $2.36 billion of authorization remained under the share repurchase program. During 2019, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock under our share repurchase program for $50 million, at an average cost of $40.78 per share.

In the Merger, all shares of Viacom Class B Common Stock held by Viacom as treasury stock were canceled and recorded to additional paid-in-capital.

Conversion Rights—Holders of Class A Common Stock have the right to convert their shares to Class B Common Stock as long as there are at least 5,000 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding. For 2020, conversions of Class A Common Stock into Class B Common Stock were minimal. Conversions of Class A Common Stock into Class B Common Stock were 12.2 million for 2019 and 2.5 million for 2018.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).


	Continuing Operations										Discontinued Operations
				Net Actuarial										Accumulated
	Cumulative			Loss and							Other			Other
	Translation			Prior				Available-For-Sale			Comprehensive			Comprehensive
	Adjustments			Service Cost				Securities			Income (Loss) (a)			Loss
At December 31, 2017		$	(209)		$	(1,071)			$	30		$	(19)		$	(1,269)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(236)			(123)				—			(12)			(371)
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			62		(b)		—			—			62
Other comprehensive loss		(236)			(61)				—			(12)			(309)
Adoption of accounting standard		—			—				(30)			—			(30)
At December 31, 2018		(445)			(1,132)				—			(31)			(1,608)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7			(205)				—			6			(192)
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			60		(b)		—			—			60
Other comprehensive income (loss)		7			(145)				—			6			(132)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		—			(230)		(c)		—			—			(230)
At December 31, 2019		(438)			(1,507)				—			(25)			(1,970)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		135			(74)				—			5			66
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			72		(b)		—			—			72
Other comprehensive income (loss)		135			(2)				—			5			138
At December 31, 2020		$	(303)		$	(1,509)			$	—		$	(20)		$	(1,832)

(a) Reflects cumulative translation adjustments.

(b) Reflects amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost.

(c) Reflects the reclassification of certain income tax effects of federal tax legislation enacted in December 2017 (the “Tax Reform Act”) on items within accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings upon the adoption of new FASB guidance.

The net actuarial loss and prior service cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans included in other comprehensive income (loss) is net of a tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of $1 million, $44 million and $23 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

15) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We have equity incentive plans (the “Plans”) under which stock options, RSUs and market-based performance share units (“PSUs”) are issued. The purpose of the Plans is to benefit and advance the interests of our company by attracting, retaining and motivating participants and to compensate participants for their contributions to the financial success of our company. The Plans provide for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted and unrestricted shares, RSUs, dividend equivalents, performance awards and other equity-related awards. RSUs and PSUs accrue dividends each time we declare a quarterly cash dividend, which are paid upon vesting when the shares are delivered and are forfeited if the award does not vest. Upon exercise of stock options or vesting of RSUs and PSUs, we issue new shares from our existing authorization. At December 31, 2020, there were 33 million shares available for future grant under the Plans. Stock-based compensation awards were also granted under Viacom’s equity incentive plans until December 31, 2020. Upon exercise of outstanding stock

options or vesting of RSUs and PSUs under Viacom’s equity incentive plans, shares will be issued from Viacom’s existing authorization or from treasury stock.

At the Effective Time of the Merger, each RSU for Viacom Class B common stock was converted into 0.59625 RSUs for ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock and each outstanding stock option for Viacom Class B common stock was converted into 0.59625 options for ViacomCBS Class B common stock. The exercise price of stock options was adjusted by dividing the exercise price of the Viacom stock options by 0.59625. RSU and stock option information is presented herein as if Viacom and CBS had been combined for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
RSUs and PSUs	$	167	$	169	$	167
Stock options	19		27		34
Compensation cost included in operating and SG&A expense	186		196		201
Compensation cost included in restructuring and other corporate matters (a)	88		90		(14)
Stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	274		286		187
Related tax benefit	(54)		(58)		(44)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax benefit	$	220	$	228	$	143

(a) Reflects accelerations as a result of restructuring activities, as well as accelerations triggered by the Merger in 2019, and forfeitures related to changes in senior management in 2018.

Included in net earnings from discontinued operations was stock-based compensation expense of $10 million, $5 million, and $4 million for the years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

RSUs and PSUs

Compensation expense for RSUs is determined based upon the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the date of grant and expensed over the vesting period, which is generally a one- to four-year service period. Certain RSU awards are also subject to satisfying internal performance conditions. Compensation expense is recorded based on the probable outcome of the internal performance conditions. Forfeitures for RSUs are estimated on the date of grant based on historical forfeiture rates. We adjust the compensation expense based on actual forfeitures and on an annual basis we revise the forfeiture rate as necessary.

During 2020 and 2018, we also granted PSU awards. For the 2020 awards, the number of shares to be issued upon vesting of the PSUs is based on the total shareholder return of ViacomCBS Class B Common Stock measured against the companies comprising the S&P 500 Index over a designated measurement period. For the 2018 awards, the number of shares to be issued upon vesting of the PSUs was based on the total shareholder return of Viacom Class B Common Stock measured against the companies comprising the S&P 500 Index over a designated measurement period, as well as the achievement of established operating goals. The fair value of PSU awards is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Compensation expense for PSUs is expensed over the required employee service period. The fair value of the PSU awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018 was $34 million and $35 million, respectively. There were no PSU awards granted in 2019. At the Effective Time of the Merger, all outstanding PSU awards for which the performance period had not been completed were converted into time-based RSUs based on the target number of shares included in the terms of the original PSU award.

The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs granted was $32.35, $41.71 and $51.41 in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The total market value of RSUs that vested during 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $222 million, $159 million and $158 million, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs and PSUs at December 31, 2020 was $358 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.

The following table summarizes our RSU and PSU share activity:


			Weighted Average
	Shares		Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2019		14,489,729		$	45.64
Granted (a)		6,757,535		$	32.35
Vested		(7,014,797)		$	46.40
Forfeited		(231,837)		$	42.05
Non-vested at December 31, 2020		14,000,630		$	38.91

(a) Grant activity includes 1 million of performance-based share units at target for 2020.

Stock Options

Compensation expense for stock options is determined based on the grant date fair value of the award calculated using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. Stock options generally vest over a three- to four-year service period and expire eight years from the date of grant. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on historical forfeiture rates. We adjust the compensation expense based on actual forfeitures.

There were no stock option grants during 2020 and 2019.

In 2018, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted for CBS Class B Common Stock as of the grant date was $14.48. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	2018
Expected dividend yield	1.33	%
Expected stock price volatility	29.52	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.73	%
Expected term of options (years)	5.00

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted for Viacom Class B Common Stock as of the grant date, adjusted by the conversion ratio of 0.59625, was $13.77 in 2018. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions in effect for Viacom at the time of grant:


	2018
Expected dividend yield	2.52	%
Expected stock price volatility	32.60	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.81	%
Expected term of options (years)	5.12

The expected stock price volatility for stock options for CBS Class B Common Stock was determined using a weighted average of historical volatility for CBS Class B Common Stock and implied volatility of publicly traded options to purchase CBS Class B Common Stock. The expected stock price volatility for stock options for

Viacom Class B Common Stock was principally determined based on the implied volatility of publicly traded options to purchase Viacom Class B Common Stock. Given the existence of an actively traded market for CBS and Viacom options prior to the closing of the Merger, we were able to derive implied volatility using publicly traded options that were trading near the grant date of the employee stock options at a similar exercise price and a remaining term of greater than one year.

The risk-free interest rate is based on a U.S. Treasury rate in effect on the date of grant with a term equal to the expected term. The expected term is determined based on historical employee exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected dividend yield represents our future expectation of the annual dividend yield based on the dividend rate on the grant date and historical patterns of dividend changes.

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards at December 31, 2020 was $13 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

The following table summarizes our stock option activity under the Plans.


			Weighted Average
	Stock Options		Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		16,291,709		$	58.98
Granted		—		$	—
Exercised		(378,648)		$	29.31
Forfeited or expired		(1,772,337)		$	51.47
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		14,140,724		$	60.72
Exercisable at December 31, 2020		12,269,735		$	61.63

The following table summarizes other information relating to stock option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Cash received from stock option exercises	$	5	$	15	$	29
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	$	1	$	4	$	4
Intrinsic value of stock option exercises	$	2	$	15	$	16

At December 31, 2020, stock options outstanding and exercisable have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.10 years and 2.79 years, respectively. There was no intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable, based on our closing stock price of $37.26.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

16) INCOME TAXES

The U.S. and foreign components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
United States	$	2,353	$	2,225	$	2,916
Foreign	794		998		1,068
Total	$	3,147	$	3,223	$	3,984

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Current:
Federal	$	160	$	370	$	277
State and local	73		164		92
Foreign	180		202		163
Total current	413		736		532
Deferred:
Federal	146		(67)		20
State and local	42		(43)		20
Foreign	(66)		(655)		8
Total deferred	122		(765)		48
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	535	$	(29)	$	580

In addition, included in net earnings from discontinued operations was an income tax provision of $38 million, $32 million and $47 million for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The equity in loss of investee companies is shown net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The tax benefits relating to losses from equity investments was $19 million in both 2020 and 2019 and $15 million in 2018, which represented an effective tax rate of 40.4%, 26.4% and 24.2% for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The difference between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% and the provision (benefit) for income taxes is summarized as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Taxes on income at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	661	$	676	$	836
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	116		116		109
Effect of foreign operations	(98)		(49)		(108)
Noncontrolling interests	(52)		(2)		(1)
U.K. statutory rate change	(100)		—		—
Reorganization of foreign operations (a)	—		(768)		—
Bankruptcy of an investee	—		(39)		—
Impact of tax law changes	—		—		(80)
Tax benefits from positions relating to the Tax Reform Act (b)	—		(44)		—
Merger related costs	—		41		—
Establishment (reversal) of valuation allowance (c)	—		2		(153)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	29		20		8
Domestic production deduction	—		(1)		24
Tax accounting method change	—		—		(78)
Other, net	(21)		19		23
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	535	$	(29)	$	580

(a) Reflects a deferred tax benefit resulting from the transfer of intangible assets between our subsidiaries in connection with a reorganization of our international operations. The related deferred tax asset is primarily expected to be realized over a 25-year period.

(b) Reflects tax benefits realized in connection with the preparation of the 2018 federal tax return, based on further clarity provided by the United States government on tax positions relating to the Tax Reform Act.

The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Deferred income tax assets:
Reserves and other accrued liabilities	$	476	$	481
Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits	772		766
Lease liability	466		485
Tax credit and loss carryforwards	448		394
Other	56		85
Total deferred income tax assets	2,218		2,211
Valuation allowance	(593)		(547)
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,625		1,664
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(460)		(251)
Unbilled licensing receivables	(237)		(393)
Lease asset	(400)		(422)
Property, equipment and other assets	(198)		(153)
Financing obligations	(71)		(72)
Other	(44)		—
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(1,410)		(1,291)
Deferred income tax assets, net	$	215	$	373

In addition to the amounts reflected in the table above, included in “Assets of discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are net deferred income tax assets of $93 million and $76 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, we had federal foreign tax credit carryforwards of $29 million and net operating loss carryforwards for federal, state and local, and foreign jurisdictions of approximately $2.06 billion, the majority of which expire in various years from 2021 through 2040.

The 2020 and 2019 deferred income tax assets were reduced by a valuation allowance of $593 million and $547 million, respectively, principally relating to income tax benefits from capital losses and net operating losses in foreign jurisdictions which are not expected to be realized.

In March 2020, the U.S. government enacted tax legislation containing provisions to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic (the “CARES Act”), including deferment of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes, refundable payroll tax credits, and technical amendments to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements for 2020. We do not expect the future impact of the CARES Act provisions to be material.

In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Reform Act which contained significant changes to U.S. federal tax law, including a reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and a one-time transition tax on cumulative foreign earnings and profits. During 2017, we recorded a provisional charge associated with the estimated transition tax on cumulative foreign earnings and profits. We completed our analysis of this transition tax in 2018 and as a result, recorded a charge of $48 million in 2018 to adjust the provisional amount. In January 2019, the U.S. government issued guidance relating to the transition tax, which resulted in a decrease of $146

million to our reserve for uncertain tax positions during 2019 for amounts paid as a result of this guidance; however, it did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Tax Reform Act includes a deduction for foreign derived intangible income and a tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), which imposes a U.S. tax on certain income earned by our foreign subsidiaries. We elected to treat the tax on GILTI as a period cost when incurred and therefore, the tax on GILTI is included in our tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Generally, the future remittance of foreign undistributed earnings will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes under the provisions of the Tax Reform Act and as a result, for substantially all of our foreign subsidiaries, we do not intend to assert indefinite reinvestment of both cash held outside of the U.S. and future cash earnings. However, a future repatriation of cash could be subject to state and local income taxes, foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes. Accordingly, we recorded deferred income tax liabilities associated with future repatriations, which were not material to the consolidated financial statements. Additional income taxes have not been provided for outside basis differences inherent in these entities, which could be recognized upon sale or other transaction, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely invested in foreign operations. The determination of the U.S. federal deferred income tax liability for such outside basis difference is not practicable.

The following table sets forth the change in the reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding related accrued interest and penalties.


At January 1, 2018	$	300
Additions for current year tax positions	27
Additions for prior year tax positions	204
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(60)
Cash settlements	(19)
Statute of limitations lapses	(6)
At December 31, 2018	446
Additions for current year tax positions	49
Additions for prior year tax positions	67
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(26)
Cash settlements	(149)
Statute of limitations lapses	(3)
At December 31, 2019	384
Additions for current year tax positions	15
Additions for prior year tax positions	18
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(34)
Cash settlements	(2)
Statute of limitations lapses	(9)
Reclassification to deferred income tax liability	(64)
At December 31, 2020	$	308

The reserve for uncertain tax positions of $308 million at December 31, 2020 includes $281 million which would affect our effective income tax rate, including discontinued operations, if and when recognized in future years.

We recognize interest and penalty charges related to the reserve for uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. We recognized interest and penalties of $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $24 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of

December 31, 2020 and 2019, we have recorded liabilities for accrued interest and penalties of $57 million and $51 million, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.ViacomCBS and its subsidiaries file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and international jurisdictions. For periods prior to the Merger, Viacom and CBS filed separate tax returns. For CBS, the IRS commenced its examination of the 2017 tax year during the fourth quarter of 2019 and commenced its examination of the 2018 tax year in February 2020. For Viacom, the IRS began its examination of the 2014 and 2015 tax years in April 2017. Various tax years are also currently under examination by state and local and foreign tax authorities. With respect to open tax years in all jurisdictions, we currently believe that it is reasonably possible that the reserve for uncertain tax positions may decrease by $50 million within the next 12 months primarily related to potential resolutions of matters involving multiple tax periods and jurisdictions; however, it is difficult to predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter and events could cause our current expectation to change in the future.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

17) PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

ViacomCBS and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, principally non-contributory, covering eligible employees. Our pension plans consist of both funded and unfunded plans. The majority of participants in these plans are retired employees or former employees of previously divested businesses. In November 2020, our remaining defined benefit pension plans subject to benefit accruals, which were sponsored by CBS prior to the merger, were amended to freeze future benefit accruals and benefits were enhanced under defined contribution plans that were previously sponsored by CBS, both of which are effective January 1, 2021. As a result of the pension plan amendments, a curtailment gain of $79 million associated with the elimination of benefit accruals for future services of the impacted employees, is reflected in unrecognized actuarial loss included within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The benefits for some plans are based primarily on an employee’s years of service and average pay near retirement. Benefits under other plans are based primarily on an employee’s pay for each year that the employee participated in the plan. We fund our pension plans in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and other applicable rules and regulations. Plan assets consist principally of corporate bonds, equity securities, common collective trust funds and U.S. government securities. ViacomCBS Common Stock represented approximately 1.8% and 2.1% of the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

In addition, ViacomCBS sponsors health and welfare plans that provide postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees and their covered dependents. Eligibility is based in part on certain age and service requirements at the time of their retirement. Most of the plans are contributory and contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance which are adjusted annually, as well as caps on the annual dollar amount we will contribute toward the cost of coverage. Claims and premiums for which we are responsible are paid with our own funds.

The pension plan disclosures herein include information related to our domestic pension and postretirement benefit plans only, unless otherwise noted. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Consolidated Balance Sheets also include a liability of $77 million and $80 million, respectively, in “Pension and postretirement benefit obligations” relating to our non-U.S. pension plans and certain other retirement severance plans.

We use a December 31 measurement date for all pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	4,963	$	4,511	$	360	$	376
Service cost	30		28		2		1
Interest cost	164		191		11		16
Actuarial loss (gain)	408		593		(8)		8
Curtailment gain	(79)		—		—		—
Benefits paid	(324)		(360)		(58)		(59)
Participants’ contributions	—		—		12		13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	—		—		3		5
Benefit obligation, end of year	$	5,162	$	4,963	$	322	$	360

The actuarial loss of $408 million, included in the change in benefit obligation for pension benefits in 2020, is primarily the result of a 60 basis point decrease in the discount rate from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020.

The following table sets forth the change in plan assets for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	3,176	$	2,932	$	—	$	1
Actual return on plan assets	429		530		—		(1)
Employer contributions	66		74		43		41
Benefits paid	(324)		(360)		(58)		(59)
Participants’ contributions	—		—		12		13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	—		—		3		5
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	3,347	$	3,176	$	—	$	—

The funded status of pension and postretirement benefit obligations and the related amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
At December 31,	2020		2019		2020		2019
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,815)	$	(1,787)	$	(322)	$	(360)
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets	$	7	$	5	$	—	$	—
Current liabilities	(85)		(69)		(38)		(42)
Noncurrent liabilities	(1,737)		(1,723)		(284)		(318)
Net amounts recognized	$	(1,815)	$	(1,787)	$	(322)	$	(360)

Our qualified pension plans were underfunded by $712 million and $734 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following amounts were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
At December 31,	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net actuarial (loss) gain	$	(2,144)	$	(2,153)	$	140	$	147
Net prior service cost	(1)		(3)		—		(1)
Share of equity investee	(2)		(2)		—		—
	(2,147)		(2,158)		140		146
Deferred income taxes	560		563		(13)		(14)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(1,587)	$	(1,595)	$	127	$	132

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $5.16 billion and $4.87 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is set forth below.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Projected benefit obligation	$	5,161	$	4,962
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	5,161	$	4,873
Fair value of plan assets	$	3,340	$	3,170

The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	$	30	$	28	$	30	$	2	$	1	$	1
Interest cost	164		191		180		11		16		17
Expected return on plan assets	(194)		(183)		(214)		—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103		94		87		(15)		(18)		(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	2		1		1		1		1		1

Net periodic cost (a)	$	105	$	131	$	84	$	(1)	$	—	$	1

(a) Includes amounts reflected in net earnings from discontinued operations of $5 million for 2020, $6 million for 2019 and $3 million for 2018.

The service cost component of net periodic cost is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations within operating income. All other components of net periodic cost are presented below operating income, in “Other items, net.”


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial (loss) gain	$	(173)	$	(246)	$	(179)	$	8	$	(9)	$	8
Curtailment gain	79		—		—		—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103		94		87		(15)		(18)		(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	2		1		1		1		1		1
	11		(151)		(91)		(6)		(26)		(9)
Deferred income taxes	(3)		37		25		1		5		2
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	8	$	(114)	$	(66)	$	(5)	$	(21)	$	(7)


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	2.9	%	3.5	%	4.5	%	2.6	%	3.3	%	4.4	%
Rate of compensation increase	—	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs for the year ended December 31:
Discount rate	3.4	%	4.5	%	3.8	%	3.3	%	4.4	%	3.9	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.4	%	6.6	%	6.6	%	N/A		N/A		2.0	%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A

N/A - not applicable

The discount rates are determined primarily based on the yield of a portfolio of high quality bonds, providing cash flows necessary to meet the pension plans’ expected future benefit payments, as determined for the projected benefit obligations. The expected return on plan assets assumption is derived using the current and expected asset allocation of the pension plan assets and considering historical as well as expected returns on various classes of plan assets.

The following additional assumptions were used in accounting for postretirement benefits.


	CBS				Viacom
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.6	%	7.0	%	6.6	%	6.3	%
Projected health care cost trend rate (post-65)	6.6	%	7.0	%	6.6	%	5.7	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%	4.5	%
Year ultimate trend rate is achieved	2025		2025		2025		2026

Plan Assets

Prior to the Merger, the investments committees of Viacom and CBS determined the strategies for the investment of pension plan assets. These committees established target asset allocations for our pension plan trusts based upon an analysis of the timing and amount of projected benefit payments, projected company contributions, the expected returns and risk of the asset classes and the correlation of those returns. The target asset allocation for

CBS’s domestic pension plans is to invest between 70% - 80% in long duration fixed income investments, 16% - 28% in equity securities and the remainder in cash and other investments. At December 31, 2020, this trust was invested approximately 73% in long duration fixed income securities, 25% in equity investments, and the remainder in cash, cash equivalents and other investments. Long duration fixed income investments consist of a diversified portfolio of fixed income instruments that are substantially investment grade, with a duration that approximates the duration of the liabilities covered by the trust. All equity portfolios are diversified between U.S. and non-U.S. equities and include large and small capitalization equities. The asset allocations are reviewed regularly.

The target asset allocation for Viacom’s domestic pension plans is to invest 70% - 90% in return-seeking investments, 10% - 30% in liability hedging and 0% - 10% in cash and cash equivalents. Return-seeking investments consist of diversified equity and credit funds and liability hedging investments consist of U.S. treasury rate funds. At December 31, 2020, the Viacom Pension Plan was invested 78% in return seeking, 21% in liability hedging and 1% in cash and cash equivalents.

The following tables set forth our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019. These assets have been categorized according to the three-level fair value hierarchy established by the FASB which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. Level 1 is based on quoted prices for the asset in active markets. Level 2 is based on inputs that are observable other than quoted market prices in active markets, such as quoted prices for the asset in inactive markets or quoted prices for similar assets. Level 3 is based on unobservable inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. There are no investments categorized as Level 3.


At December 31, 2020	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	8	$	—	$	8
Fixed income securities:
U.S. treasury securities	78		—		78
Government-related securities	—		167		167
Corporate bonds (b)	—		1,634		1,634
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	—		56		56
Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization	82		—		82
U.S. small capitalization	79		—		79
Other	—		30		30
Total assets in fair value hierarchy	$	247	$	1,887	$	2,134
Common collective funds measured at net asset value (c) (d)					1,149
Limited partnerships measured at net asset value (c)					18
Mutual funds measured at net asset value (c)					46
Investments, at fair value					$	3,347


At December 31, 2019	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	1	$	34	$	35
Fixed income securities:
U.S. treasury securities	83		—		83
Government-related securities	—		171		171
Corporate bonds (b)	—		1,562		1,562
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	—		98		98
Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization	113		—		113
U.S. small capitalization	40		—		40
Other	—		25		25
Total assets in fair value hierarchy	$	237	$	1,890	$	2,127
Common collective funds measured at net asset value (c) (d)					978
Limited partnerships measured at net asset value (c)					23
Mutual funds measured at net asset value (c)					48
Investments, at fair value					$	3,176

(a) Assets categorized as Level 2 reflect investments in money market funds.

(b) Securities of diverse sectors and industries, substantially all investment grade.

(c) In accordance with FASB guidance investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

(d) Underlying investments consist mainly of U.S. large capitalization and international equity securities.

Money market investments are carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments. Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices on national security exchanges. The fair value of investments in common collective funds and mutual funds are determined using the net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund as a practical expedient. The NAV is determined by each fund’s trustee based upon the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, less liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding units. The fair value of U.S. treasury securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair value of government related securities and corporate bonds is determined based on quoted market prices on national security exchanges, when available, or using valuation models which incorporate certain other observable inputs including recent trading activity for comparable securities and broker quoted prices. The fair value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is based upon valuation models which incorporate available dealer quotes, projected cash flows and market information. The fair value of limited partnerships has been estimated using the NAV of the ownership interest. The NAV is determined using quarterly financial statements issued by the partnership which determine the value based on the fair value of the underlying investments.

Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:


	2021		2022		2023		2024		2025		2026-2030
Pension	$	464	$	311	$	305	$	305	$	305	$	1,450
Postretirement	$	39	$	36	$	34	$	31	$	28	$	106
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	$	5	$	5	$	4	$	4	$	4	$	18

In 2021, we expect to make contributions of approximately $15 million to our qualified pension plans for minimum funding requirements under ERISA and $86 million to our non-qualified pension plans to satisfy

benefit payments due under these plans. Also in 2021, we expect to contribute approximately $39 million to our other postretirement benefit plans to satisfy our portion of benefit payments due under these plans.

Multiemployer Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees including talent, writers, directors, producers and other employees, primarily in the entertainment industry. The other employers participating in these multiemployer plans are primarily in the entertainment and other related industries. The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans as assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. In addition, if we choose to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans we may be required to pay those plans a withdrawal liability based on the underfunded status of the plan.

The financial health of a multiemployer plan is indicated by the zone status, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Plans in the red zone are in critical status; those in the yellow zone are in endangered status; and those in the green zone are neither critical nor endangered.

The table below presents information concerning our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans.


	Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	Pension Protection Act		Company Contributions						Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
		Zone Status (a)
Pension Plan		2020	2019	2020		2019		2018
AFTRA Retirement Plan (b)	13-6414972-001	Green	Green	$	13	$	12	$	11	(c)
Directors Guild of America - Producer	95-2892780-001	Green	Green	16		19		15		6/30/2020
Producer-Writers Guild of America	95-2216351-001	Green	Green	22		26		25		5/1/2020
Screen Actors Guild - Producers	95-2110997-001	Green	Green	24		43		36		6/30/2020
Motion Picture Industry	95-1810805-001	Green	Green	35		43		42		(d)
I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 33 Pension Trust Fund (e)	95-6377503-001	Green	Green	3		5		10		12/31/2022
Other Plans				7		16		12
	Total contributions			$	120	$	164	$	151

(a) The Zone status for each individual plan listed was certified by each plan’s actuary as of the beginning of the plan years for 2020 and 2019. The plan year is the twelve months ending December 31 for each plan listed above except AFTRA Retirement Plan which has a plan year ending November 30.

(b) The Company was listed in AFTRA Retirement Plan’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of total contributions for the plan year ended November 30, 2019.

(d) The expiration dates range from May 15, 2021 through March 2, 2022.

(e) The Company was listed in I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 33 Pension Trust Fund’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of total contributions for the plan year ended December 31, 2019.

As a result of the above noted zone status there were no funding improvements or rehabilitation plans implemented, as defined by ERISA, nor any surcharges imposed for any of the individual plans listed.

We also contribute to multiemployer plans that provide postretirement healthcare and other benefits to certain employees under collective bargaining agreements. The contributions to these plans were $95 million, $89 million and $74 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We recognize the net periodic cost for multiemployer pension and postretirement benefit plans based on the required contributions to the plans.

Defined Contribution Plans

We sponsor defined contribution plans for the benefit of substantially all employees meeting eligibility requirements. Employer contributions to such plans were $91 million, $95 million and $87 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The entire disclosure for retirement benefits.

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Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

18) REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

We are subject to a redeemable put option, payable in a foreign currency, with respect to an international subsidiary. The put option expires in December 2022 and is classified as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is presented below.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Beginning balance	$	254	$	239	$	249
Net earnings	11		14		18
Distributions	(15)		(16)		(15)
Translation adjustment	7		8		(14)
Redemption value adjustment	(60)		9		1
Ending balance	$	197	$	254	$	239

Segment and Revenue Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment and Revenue Information

19) SEGMENT AND REVENUE INFORMATION

The following tables set forth our financial performance by reportable segment. Our operating segments, which are the same as our reportable segments, have been determined in accordance with our internal management structure, which is organized based upon products and services.

On November 25, 2020, we entered into an agreement to sell Simon & Schuster to Penguin Random House. As a result, Simon & Schuster, which was previously reported as the Publishing segment, has been presented as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation. See Note 3.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues:
Advertising	$	5,035	$	6,008	$	5,751
Affiliate	3,129		2,550		2,082
Content licensing	2,369		3,157		3,006
Other	167		209		222
TV Entertainment	10,700		11,924		11,061
Advertising	4,743		5,129		5,130
Affiliate	6,037		6,052		6,294
Content licensing	1,809		1,268		1,259
Cable Networks	12,589		12,449		12,683
Theatrical	180		547		744
Home Entertainment	709		623		617
Licensing	1,598		1,709		1,493
Other	75		111		102
Filmed Entertainment	2,562		2,990		2,956
Corporate/Eliminations	(566)		(365)		(275)
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

Revenues generated between segments primarily reflect advertising and content licensing. These transactions are recorded at market value as if the sales were to third parties and are eliminated in consolidation.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Intercompany Revenues:
TV Entertainment	$	285	$	226	$	164
Cable Networks	79		53		47
Filmed Entertainment	202		117		95
Total Intercompany Revenues	$	566	$	396	$	306

We present operating income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, costs for restructuring and other corporate matters, programming charges and gain on sales, each where applicable (“Adjusted OIBDA”), as the primary measure of profit and loss for our operating segments in accordance with FASB guidance for segment reporting. We believe the presentation of Adjusted OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view segment performance in a manner similar to the primary method used by our management and enhances their ability to understand our operating performance. Stock-based compensation is excluded from our segment measure of profit and loss because it is set and approved by our Board of Directors in consultation with corporate executive management.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Adjusted OIBDA:
TV Entertainment	$	1,857	$	2,443	$	2,466
Cable Networks	3,746		3,515		4,341
Filmed Entertainment	215		80		(33)
Corporate/Eliminations	(500)		(449)		(433)
Stock-based compensation	(186)		(196)		(201)
Depreciation and amortization	(430)		(438)		(427)
Restructuring and other corporate matters	(618)		(769)		(489)
Programming charges	(159)		(589)		(162)
Gain on sales	214		549		—
Operating income	4,139		4,146		5,062
Interest expense	(1,031)		(962)		(1,030)
Interest income	60		66		79
Net gain (losses) from investments	206		85		(53)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	(126)		—		18
Other items, net	(101)		(112)		(92)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies	3,147		3,223		3,984
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(535)		29		(580)
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax	(28)		(53)		(47)
Net earnings from continuing operations	2,584		3,199		3,357
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	117		140		135
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	2,701		3,339		3,492
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(279)		(31)		(37)
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	2,422	$	3,308	$	3,455


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Depreciation and Amortization:
TV Entertainment	$	162	$	150	$	160
Cable Networks	205		219		194
Filmed Entertainment	36		37		38
Corporate	27		32		35
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	430	$	438	$	427


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Capital Expenditures:
TV Entertainment	$	112	$	113	$	112
Cable Networks	110		166		156
Filmed Entertainment	37		43		52
Corporate	65		23		25
Total Capital Expenditures	$	324	$	345	$	345


At December 31,	2020		2019
Assets:
TV Entertainment	$	19,443	$	19,689
Cable Networks	23,139		22,109
Filmed Entertainment	6,440		5,477
Corporate/Eliminations	2,202		969
Discontinued Operations	1,439		1,341
Total Assets	$	52,663	$	49,585


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues: (a)
United States	$	20,690	$	21,449	$	20,442
International	4,595		5,549		5,983
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

(a) Revenue classifications are based on customers’ locations.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Long-lived Assets: (a)
United States	$	13,435	$	12,417
International	785		498
Total Long-lived Assets	$	14,220	$	12,915

(a) Reflects total assets less current assets, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, noncurrent receivables and noncurrent deferred tax assets.

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies

20) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

Our commitments not recorded on the balance sheet primarily consist of programming and talent commitments and purchase obligations for goods and services resulting from our normal course of business.

Our programming and talent commitments, estimated to aggregate $9.85 billion as of December 31, 2020, include $5.98 billion for sports programming rights and $3.87 billion relating to the production and licensing of television and film programming, including talent contracts. We also have committed purchase obligations which include agreements to purchase goods or services in the future that totaled $1.38 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Other long-term contractual obligations recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include program liabilities, participations, residuals, and a tax liability resulting from the enactment of the Tax Reform Act in December 2017. This tax liability reflects the remaining tax on the Company’s historical accumulated foreign earnings and profits, which is payable to the IRS in 2024 and 2025.

At December 31, 2020, commitments for programming and talent and purchase obligations not recorded on the balance sheet, and other long-term contractual obligations recorded on the balance sheet were payable as follows:


	Payments Due by Period
													2026 and
	Total		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025		Thereafter
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Programming and talent commitments	$	9,852	$	2,625	$	3,005	$	1,264	$	731	$	493	$	1,734
Purchase obligations	$	1,377	$	501	$	396	$	218	$	131	$	70	$	61

On-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other long-term contractual obligations	$	1,734	$	—	$	879	$	382	$	250	$	190	$	33

We also have long-term operating and finance lease commitments for office space, equipment, transponders and studio facilities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020. See Note 11 for details of our operating and finance lease commitments.

Guarantees

Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds. We have indemnification obligations with respect to letters of credit and surety bonds primarily used as security against non-performance in the normal course of business. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds approximated $144 million and were not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

CBS Television City. In connection with the sale of CBS Television City in 2019, we guaranteed a specified level of cash flows to be generated by the business during the first five years following the completion of the sale. Included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020 is a liability of $100 million, reflecting the present value of the remaining estimated amount payable under the guarantee obligation.

Lease Guarantees. We have certain indemnification obligations with respect to leases primarily associated with the previously discontinued operations of Famous Players. These lease commitments amounted to $67 million as of December 31, 2020, and are presented within “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The amount of lease commitments varies over time depending on expiration or termination of individual underlying leases, or the related indemnification obligation, and foreign exchange rates, among other things. We may also have exposure for certain other expenses related to the leases, such as property taxes and common area maintenance. We believe our accrual is sufficient to meet any future obligations based on our consideration of available financial information, the lessees’ historical performance in meeting their lease obligations and the underlying economic factors impacting the lessees’ business models.

In the course of our business, we both provide and receive indemnities which are intended to allocate certain risks associated with business transactions. Similarly, we may remain contingently liable for various obligations of a business that has been divested in the event that a third party does not live up to its obligations under an indemnification obligation. We record a liability for our indemnification obligations and other contingent liabilities when probable and reasonably estimable.

Legal Matters

General

On an ongoing basis, we vigorously defend ourselves in numerous lawsuits and proceedings and respond to various investigations and inquiries from federal, state, local and international authorities (collectively, “litigation’’). Litigation may be brought against us without merit, is inherently uncertain and always difficult to predict. However, based on our understanding and evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, we believe that the following matters are not likely, in the aggregate, to result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation Relating to the Merger

Beginning on February 20, 2020, three purported CBS stockholders filed separate derivative and/or putative class action lawsuits in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. On March 31, 2020, the Court consolidated the three lawsuits and appointed Bucks County Employees’ Retirement Fund and International Union of Operating Engineers of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware as co-lead plaintiffs for the consolidated action. On April 14, 2020, the lead plaintiffs filed a Verified Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Complaint (as used in this paragraph, the “Complaint”) against Shari E. Redstone, NAI, Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust, members of the CBS Board of Directors (comprised of Candace K. Beinecke, Barbara M. Byrne, Gary L. Countryman, Brian Goldner, Linda M. Griego, Robert N. Klieger, Martha L. Minow, Susan Schuman, Frederick O. Terrell and Strauss Zelnick), former CBS President and Acting Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ianniello and nominal defendant ViacomCBS Inc. The Complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duties to CBS stockholders in connection with the negotiation and approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 13, 2019, as amended on October 16, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”). The Complaint also alleges waste and unjust enrichment in connection with Mr. Ianniello’s compensation. The Complaint seeks unspecified damages, costs and expenses, as well as other relief. On June 5, 2020, the defendants filed motions to dismiss. On January 27, 2021, the Court dismissed one disclosure claim, while allowing all other claims against the defendants to proceed. Discovery on the surviving claims will now proceed. We believe that the remaining claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously. We are currently unable to determine a range of potential liability, if any. Accordingly, no accrual for this matter has been made in our consolidated financial statements.

Beginning on November 25, 2019, four purported Viacom stockholders filed separate putative class action lawsuits in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. On January 23, 2020, the Court consolidated the four lawsuits. On February 6, 2020, the Court appointed California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”) as lead plaintiff for the consolidated action. On February 28, 2020, CalPERS, together with Park Employees’ and Retirement Board Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago and Louis M. Wilen, filed a First Amended Verified Class Action Complaint (as used in this paragraph, the “Complaint”) against NAI, NAI Entertainment Holdings LLC, Shari E. Redstone, the members of the Viacom special transaction committee of the Viacom Board of Directors (comprised of Thomas J. May, Judith A. McHale, Ronald L. Nelson and Nicole Seligman) and our President and Chief Executive Officer and director, Robert M. Bakish. The Complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duties to Viacom stockholders in connection with the negotiation and approval of the Merger Agreement. The Complaint seeks unspecified damages, costs and expenses, as well as other relief. On May 22, 2020, the defendants filed motions to dismiss. On December 29, 2020, the Court dismissed the claims against Mr. Bakish, while allowing the claims against the remaining defendants to proceed. Discovery on the surviving claims will now proceed. We believe that the remaining claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously. We are currently unable to determine a range of potential liability, if any. Accordingly, no accrual for this matter has been made in our consolidated financial statements.

Investigation-Related Matters

As announced on August 1, 2018, the CBS Board of Directors retained two law firms to conduct a full investigation of the allegations in press reports about CBS’ former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Leslie Moonves, CBS News and cultural issues at CBS. On December 17, 2018, the CBS Board of Directors announced the completion of its investigation, certain findings of the investigation and the CBS Board of Directors’ determination, discussed below, with respect to the termination of Mr. Moonves’ employment. We have received subpoenas from the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Commission on Human Rights regarding the subject matter of this investigation and related matters. The New York State Attorney General’s Office and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission have also requested information about these matters, including with respect to CBS’ related public disclosures. We may continue to receive additional related regulatory and investigative inquiries from these and other entities in the future. We are cooperating with these inquiries.

On August 27, 2018 and on October 1, 2018, Gene Samit and John Lantz, respectively, filed putative class action lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, for claims that are similar to those alleged in the amended complaint described below. On November 6, 2018, the Court entered an order consolidating the two actions. On November 30, 2018, the Court appointed Construction Laborers Pension Trust for Southern California as the lead plaintiff of the consolidated action. On February 11, 2019, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated amended putative class action complaint against CBS, certain current and former senior executives and members of the CBS Board of Directors. The consolidated action is stated to be on behalf of purchasers of CBS Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock between September 26, 2016 and December 4, 2018. This action seeks to recover damages arising during this time period allegedly caused by the defendants’ purported violations of the federal securities laws, including by allegedly making materially false and misleading statements or failing to disclose material information, and seeks costs and expenses as well as remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On April 12, 2019, the defendants filed motions to dismiss this action, which the Court granted in part and denied in part on January 15, 2020. With the exception of one statement made by Mr. Moonves at an industry event in November 2017, in which he allegedly was acting as the agent of CBS, all claims as to all other allegedly false and misleading statements were dismissed. We believe that the remaining claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously. We are currently unable to determine a range of potential liability, if any. Accordingly, no accrual for this matter has been made in our consolidated financial statements.

Separation Agreement

On September 9, 2018, CBS entered into a separation and settlement agreement and releases (the “Separation Agreement”) with Mr. Moonves, pursuant to which Mr. Moonves resigned as a director and as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS. In October 2018, we contributed $120 million to a grantor trust pursuant to the Separation Agreement. On December 17, 2018, the CBS Board of Directors announced that, following its consideration of the findings of the investigation referred to above, it had determined that there were grounds to terminate Mr. Moonves’ employment for cause under his employment agreement with CBS. Any dispute related to the CBS Board of Directors’ determination is subject to binding arbitration as set forth in the Separation Agreement. On January 16, 2019, Mr. Moonves commenced a binding arbitration proceeding with respect to this matter and the related CBS Board of Directors investigation, which proceeding is ongoing. The assets of the grantor trust will remain in the trust until a final determination in the arbitration. We are currently unable to determine the outcome of the arbitration and the amount, if any, that may be awarded thereunder. Accordingly, no accrual for this matter has been made in our consolidated financial statements.

Litigation Related to Television Station Owners

On September 9, 2019, the Company was added as a defendant in a multi-district putative class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The lawsuit was filed by parties that claim to have purchased broadcast television spot advertising beginning on or about January 1, 2014 on television stations owned by one or more of the defendant television station owners and alleges the sharing of allegedly competitively sensitive information among such television stations in alleged violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The action, which names the Company among fourteen total defendants, seeks monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest as well as injunctions against the allegedly unlawful conduct. On October 8, 2019, the Company and other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the matter, which was denied by the court on November 6, 2020. We believe that the claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously. We are currently unable to determine a range of potential liability, if any. Accordingly, no accrual for this matter has been made in our consolidated financial statements.

Claims Related to Former Businesses: Asbestos

We are a defendant in lawsuits claiming various personal injuries related to asbestos and other materials, which allegedly occurred as a result of exposure caused by various products manufactured by Westinghouse, a predecessor, generally prior to the early 1970s. Westinghouse was neither a producer nor a manufacturer of asbestos. We are typically named as one of a large number of defendants in both state and federal cases. In the majority of asbestos lawsuits, the plaintiffs have not identified which of our products is the basis of a claim. Claims against us in which a product has been identified most commonly relate to allegations of exposure to asbestos-containing insulating material used in conjunction with turbines and electrical equipment.

Claims are frequently filed and/or settled in groups, which may make the amount and timing of settlements, and the number of pending claims, subject to significant fluctuation from period to period. We do not report as pending those claims on inactive, stayed, deferred or similar dockets that some jurisdictions have established for claimants who allege minimal or no impairment. As of December 31, 2020, we had pending approximately 30,710 asbestos claims, as compared with approximately 30,950 as of December 31, 2019 and 31,570 as of December 31, 2018. During 2020, we received approximately 2,910 new claims and closed or moved to an inactive docket approximately 3,150 claims. We report claims as closed when we become aware that a dismissal order has been entered by a court or when we have reached agreement with the claimants on the material terms of a settlement. Settlement costs depend on the seriousness of the injuries that form the basis of the claims, the quality of evidence supporting the claims and other factors. Our total costs for the years 2020 and 2019 for settlement and defense of asbestos claims after insurance recoveries and net of tax were approximately $35 million and $58 million, respectively. Our costs for settlement and defense of asbestos claims may vary year to year and insurance proceeds are not always recovered in the same period as the insured portion of the expenses.

Filings include claims for individuals suffering from mesothelioma, a rare cancer, the risk of which is allegedly increased by exposure to asbestos; lung cancer, a cancer which may be caused by various factors, one of which is alleged to be asbestos exposure; other cancers, and conditions that are substantially less serious, including claims brought on behalf of individuals who are asymptomatic as to an allegedly asbestos-related disease. The predominant number of pending claims against us are non-cancer claims. It is difficult to predict future asbestos liabilities, as events and circumstances may impact the estimate of our asbestos liabilities, including, among others, the number and types of claims and average cost to resolve such claims. We record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We believe that our accrual and insurance are sufficient to cover our asbestos liabilities. Our liability estimate is based upon many factors, including the number of outstanding claims, estimated average cost per claim, the breakdown of claims by disease type, historic claim filings, costs per claim of resolution and

the filing of new claims, as well as consultation with a third party firm on trends that may impact our future asbestos liability.

Other

From time to time we receive claims from federal and state environmental regulatory agencies and other entities asserting that we are or may be liable for environmental cleanup costs and related damages principally relating to our historical and predecessor operations. In addition, from time to time we receive personal injury claims including toxic tort and product liability claims (other than asbestos) arising from our historical operations and predecessors.

Supplemental Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Supplemental Financial Information

21) SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table presents the components of Other items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Pension and postretirement benefit costs	$	(69)	$	(99)	$	(65)
Foreign exchange losses	(35)		(18)		(19)
Other	3		5		(8)
Other items, net	$	(101)	$	(112)	$	(92)

Supplemental Cash Flow Information


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Cash paid for interest	$	965	$	922	$	1,012

Cash paid for income taxes:
Continuing operations	$	411	$	560	$	153
Discontinued operations	55		38		4
Total cash paid for income taxes	$	466	$	598	$	157

Variable Interest Entities

In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments with business partners that support our underlying business strategy and provide us the ability to enter new markets to expand the reach of our brands, develop new programming and/or distribute our existing content. In certain instances, an entity in which we make an investment may qualify as a VIE. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities related to consolidated VIEs totaling $1.39 billion and $197 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020, and $141 million and $22 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019. Revenues and operating income from our consolidated VIEs were $705 million and $498 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenues and operating income from our consolidated VIEs were not significant for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in amounts related to our consolidated VIEs reflects the acquisition of Miramax (see Note 2) and the licensing of the streaming rights to South Park by a consolidated 51%-owned VIE in the second quarter of 2020.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

22) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited):


	First		Second		Third		Fourth
2020 (a) (b)	Quarter		Quarter (c)		Quarter (d)		Quarter (e)		Total Year
Revenues	$	6,499	$	6,075	$	5,837	$	6,874	$	25,285
Operating income	$	902	$	1,251	$	903	$	1,083	$	4,139
Net earnings from continuing operations (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	504	$	698	$	580	$	802	$	2,584
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	519	$	726	$	627	$	829	$	2,701
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	501	$	453	$	568	$	783	$	2,305
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	516	$	481	$	615	$	810	$	2,422

Basic net earnings per common shares
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.82	$	.74	$	.92	$	1.27	$	3.74
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.84	$	.78	$	1.00	$	1.31	$	3.93

Diluted net earnings per common share:
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.81	$	.73	$	.92	$	1.26	$	3.73
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.84	$	.78	$	1.00	$	1.31	$	3.92

Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
Basic	614		615		616		617		616
Diluted	616		617		618		620		618

(a) Publishing has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

(b) Includes costs for restructuring and other corporate matters of $231 million in the first quarter, $158 million in the second quarter, $52 million in the third quarter and $177 million in the fourth quarter.

(c) The second quarter includes programming charges of $121 million primarily related to the abandonment of certain incomplete programs resulting from production shutdowns related to COVID-19; a loss on extinguishment of debt of $103 million; and an increase of $32 million to the carrying value of our investment in fuboTV.

(d) The third quarter includes a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23 million and discrete tax benefits of $117 million, primarily from the remeasurement of our U.K. net deferred income tax asset as a result of an increase in the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 17% to 19% enacted during the quarter.

(e) The fourth quarter includes a gain of $214 million ($183 million, net of tax) on the sale of CMG; programming charges of $38 million primarily related to the abandonment of certain incomplete programs resulting from COVID-19 related production shutdowns; and net gains from investments of $174 million, which primarily includes an increase in the fair value of our investment in fuboTV, which was sold during the quarter.


	First		Second		Third		Fourth
2019 (a) (b)	Quarter (c)		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (d)			Total Year
Revenues	$	6,936	$	6,925	$	6,481		$	6,656	$	26,998
Operating income (loss)	$	1,792	$	1,414	$	984		$	(44)	$	4,146
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	1,944	$	953	$	600		$	(298)	$	3,199
Net earnings (loss) (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	1,964	$	983	$	646		$	(254)	$	3,339
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	1,939	$	947	$	584		$	(302)	$	3,168
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	1,959	$	977	$	630		$	(258)	$	3,308

Basic net earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.16	$	1.54	$	.95		$	(.49)	$	5.15
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.20	$	1.59	$	1.02		$	(.42)	$	5.38

Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.14	$	1.53	$	.95		$	(.49)	$	5.13
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.18	$	1.58	$	1.02		$	(.42)	$	5.36

Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
Basic	613		615		615			615		615
Diluted	617		617		617			615		617

(a) Publishing has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

(b) Includes costs for restructuring and other corporate matters of $173 million in the first quarter, $7 million in the second quarter, $122 million in the third quarter and $467 million in the fourth quarter.

(c) The first quarter includes a gain of $549 million ($386 million, net of tax) on the sale of CBS Television City and a discrete tax benefit of $768 million resulting from the transfer of intangible assets between our subsidiaries in connection with a reorganization of our international operations.

(d) The fourth quarter includes programming charges of $589 million.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(Tabular dollars in millions)


Col. A	Col. B			Col. C			Col. D			Col. E
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period			Charged to Expenses and Other Accounts			Deductions			Balance at End of Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 2020		$	80		$	32		$	27		$	85
Year ended December 31, 2019		$	81		$	25		$	26		$	80
Year ended December 31, 2018		$	97		$	24		$	40		$	81

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets:
Year ended December 31, 2020		$	547		$	67		$	21		$	593
Year ended December 31, 2019		$	838		$	76		$	367		$	547
Year ended December 31, 2018		$	1,120		$	37		$	319		$	838

Reserves for inventory obsolescence:
Year ended December 31, 2020		$	57		$	3		$	2		$	58
Year ended December 31, 2019		$	54		$	5		$	2		$	57
Year ended December 31, 2018		$	66		$	—		$	12		$	54

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Reclassifications

Reclassifications—Certain amounts reported for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates

Business Combinations

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Programming Inventory

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:


Buildings and building improvements			10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements			Shorter of lease term or useful life
Equipment and other (including finance leases)			3 to 20 years

Costs associated with repairs and maintenance of property and equipment are expensed as incurred.

Investments

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Guarantees

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock—Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. Retirements of treasury stock are reflected as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The framework for measuring fair value provides a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used in measuring fair value. Level 1 is based on publicly quoted prices for the asset or liability in active markets. Level 2 is based on inputs that are observable other than quoted market prices in active markets, such as quoted prices for the asset or liability in inactive markets or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities. Level 3 is based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Certain assets and liabilities, including foreign currency hedges and deferred compensation liabilities, are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other assets and liabilities, including television and film production costs, goodwill, intangible assets, and equity-method investments are recorded at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized. Impairment charges, if applicable, are determined using discounted cash flows, which is a Level 3 valuation technique.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

Other Liabilities

Revenues

Advertising revenues are generated by the TV Entertainment and Cable Networks segments.

Affiliate revenues are generated by the TV Entertainment and Cable Networks segments.

Content licensing revenues are generated by the TV Entertainment, Cable Networks and Filmed Entertainment segments.

Collaborative Arrangements

NCAA Tournament, advertisements aired on the CBS Television Network are recorded as revenues and our share of the program rights fees and other operating costs are recorded as operating expenses.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Leases—We have operating leases primarily for office space, equipment, satellite transponders and studio facilities and finance leases for satellite transponders and equipment. We determine that a contract contains a lease if we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of, and the right to direct the use of, an asset identified in the contract. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, we record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability representing the present value of future lease payments. The discount rate used to measure the lease asset and liability is determined at the beginning of the lease term using the rate implicit in the lease, if readily determinable, or our collateralized incremental borrowing rate. For those contracts that include fixed rental payments for both the use of the asset (“lease costs”) as well as for other occupancy or service costs relating to the asset (“non-lease costs”), we generally include both the lease costs and non-lease costs in the measurement of the lease asset and liability. We also own buildings and production facilities where we lease space to lessees. Our leases generally have remaining terms ranging from one to 16 years and often contain renewal options to extend the lease for periods of generally up to 10 years. For leases that contain renewal options, we include the renewal period in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense and income for our operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with the exception of variable lease costs, which are expensed as incurred, and leases of assets used in the production of programming, which are capitalized in programming assets and amortized over the projected useful life of the related programming. For finance leases, amortization of the right-of-use asset is recognized in amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and interest expense is accreted on the lease liability using the effective interest method. This results in an accelerated recognition of cost over the lease term

Advertising

Advertising—Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Interest

Income Taxes

Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Stock-based Compensation

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials

Collaborative Arrangements: Clarifying the Interaction with the New Revenue Standard

Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract

Financial Instruments

Leases

Revenues

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Reference Rate Reform

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Reconciliation from Basic to Diluted Shares

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:


Buildings and building improvements			10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements			Shorter of lease term or useful life
Equipment and other (including finance leases)			3 to 20 years


At December 31,	2020		2019
Land	$	437	$	438
Buildings	1,253		1,232
Finance leases (a)	159		195
Equipment and other	4,151		4,052
	6,000		5,917
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,006		3,872
Net property and equipment	$	1,994	$	2,045

(a) Accumulated amortization of finance leases was $140 million and $160 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases (a) (b)	$	345	$	362	$	377

(a) Amortization expense related to finance leases was $18 million, $23 million and $28 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(b) Included in depreciation expense for 2020 is $12 million of accelerated depreciation resulting from the abandonment of technology in connection with synergy plans related to the Merger.

The table below presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS.


Year Ended December 31,	2020	2019	2018
(in millions)
Weighted average shares for basic EPS	616	615	617
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans	2	2	4
Weighted average shares for diluted EPS	618	617	621

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Allocation of Purchase Price

The following table summarizes our allocation of the purchase price as of the acquisition date.


Assets
Cash	$	32
Accounts receivable and other current assets	19
Programming inventory	536
Goodwill	99
Intangible assets	12
Other assets (noncurrent)	7
Assets acquired	$	705

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	13
Participants’ share and royalties payable (current)	16
Deferred revenues	10
Participants’ share and royalties payable (noncurrent)	20
Debt	105
Other liabilities (noncurrent)	28
Liabilities assumed	192
Noncontrolling interests	363
Total purchase price	$	150

Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Discontinued Operations

The following tables set forth details of net earnings from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.


Year Ended December 31, 2020	Simon & Schuster			Other (a)		Total
Revenues		$	901	$	—	$	901
Costs and expenses:
Operating		573		(19)		554
Selling, general and administrative		172		—		172
Depreciation and amortization		5		—		5
Restructuring charges		10		—		10
Total costs and expenses		760		(19)		741
Operating income		141		19		160
Other items, net		(5)		—		(5)
Earnings from discontinued operations		136		19		155
Income tax provision		(34)		(4)		(38)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	102	$	15	$	117


Year Ended December 31, 2019	Simon & Schuster			Other (a)		Total
Revenues		$	814	$	—	$	814
Costs and expenses:
Operating		510		(50)		460
Selling, general and administrative		166		—		166
Depreciation and amortization		5		—		5
Restructuring charges		6		—		6
Total costs and expenses		687		(50)		637
Operating income		127		50		177
Other items, net		(5)		—		(5)
Earnings from discontinued operations		122		50		172
Income tax provision		(20)		(12)		(32)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	102	$	38	$	140


Year Ended December 31, 2018	Simon & Schuster			Other (a)		Total
Revenues		$	825	$	—	$	825
Costs and expenses:
Operating		518		(42)		476
Selling, general and administrative		158		—		158
Depreciation and amortization		6		—		6
Restructuring charges		1		—		1
Total costs and expenses		683		(42)		641
Operating income		142		42		184
Other items, net		(2)		—		(2)
Earnings from discontinued operations		140		42		182
Income tax provision		(37)		(10)		(47)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	103	$	32	$	135

(a) Primarily relates to indemnification obligations for leases associated with the previously discontinued operations of Famous Players Inc. (“Famous Players”).

The following table presents the major classes of assets and liabilities of our discontinued operations.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Receivables, net	$	447	$	369
Other current assets	183		175
Goodwill	435		435
Property and equipment, net	42		40
Operating lease assets	191		201
Other assets	141		121
Total Assets	$	1,439	$	1,341
Royalties payable	$	131	$	116
Other current liabilities	349		317
Operating lease liabilities	194		204
Other liabilities	26		59
Total Liabilities	$	700	$	696

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

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Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Current Programming and Other Inventory

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:


Buildings and building improvements			10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements			Shorter of lease term or useful life
Equipment and other (including finance leases)			3 to 20 years


At December 31,	2020		2019
Land	$	437	$	438
Buildings	1,253		1,232
Finance leases (a)	159		195
Equipment and other	4,151		4,052
	6,000		5,917
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,006		3,872
Net property and equipment	$	1,994	$	2,045

(a) Accumulated amortization of finance leases was $140 million and $160 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases (a) (b)	$	345	$	362	$	377

(a) Amortization expense related to finance leases was $18 million, $23 million and $28 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(b) Included in depreciation expense for 2020 is $12 million of accelerated depreciation resulting from the abandonment of technology in connection with synergy plans related to the Merger.

Programming and Other Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]


	At
	December 31, 2020
Film Group Monetization:
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,413
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		2,558
In process and other		1,682

Individual Monetization:
Acquired libraries		483
Film inventory:
Released		374
Completed, not yet released		543
In process and other		816
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		1,206
In process and other		1,013

Home entertainment		32
Total programming and other inventory		12,120
Less current portion		1,757
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	10,363


	At
	December 31, 2019
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,477
Acquired television library		99
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		3,627
In process and other		2,626
Film inventory:
Released		502
Completed, not yet released		55
In process and other		1,037
Home entertainment		42
Total programming and other inventory		11,465
Less current portion		2,813
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	8,652

Noncurrent Programming and Other Inventory


	At
	December 31, 2020
Film Group Monetization:
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,413
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		2,558
In process and other		1,682

Individual Monetization:
Acquired libraries		483
Film inventory:
Released		374
Completed, not yet released		543
In process and other		816
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		1,206
In process and other		1,013

Home entertainment		32
Total programming and other inventory		12,120
Less current portion		1,757
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	10,363


	At
	December 31, 2019
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$	3,477
Acquired television library		99
Internally-produced television programming:
Released		3,627
In process and other		2,626
Film inventory:
Released		502
Completed, not yet released		55
In process and other		1,037
Home entertainment		42
Total programming and other inventory		11,465
Less current portion		2,813
Total noncurrent programming and other inventory		$	8,652

Programming and Production Costs

The following table presents amortization of television and film programming and production costs.


	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020
Programming costs, acquired programming		$	3,779

Production costs, internally-produced television and film programming:
Individual monetization		$	2,669
Film group monetization		$	3,133

The following table presents the expected amortization over each of the next three years of released programming inventory on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020.


	2021		2022		2023
Programming costs, acquired programming and acquired libraries	$	2,717	$	422	$	232

Production costs, internally-produced television and film programming:
Individual monetization	$	1,089	$	165	$	94
Film group monetization	$	1,251	$	618	$	393

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Book Value of Goodwill by Segment

The following tables present the changes in the book value of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.


	Balance at			Acquisitions /			Foreign		Balance at
	December 31, 2019			(Dispositions)			Currency		December 31, 2020
TV Entertainment:
Goodwill		$	17,615	$	(113)	(a)	$	—		$	17,502
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		4,261		(113)			—			4,148
Cable Networks:
Goodwill		10,691		28			53			10,772
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		10,691		28			53			10,772
Filmed Entertainment:
Goodwill		1,593		99		(b)	—			1,692
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		1,593		99			—			1,692
Total:
Goodwill		29,899		14			53			29,966
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		$	16,545	$	14		$	53		$	16,612

(a) Amount reflects the disposition of CMG.

(b) Amount relates to the acquisition of Miramax.


	Balance at			Acquisitions			Foreign		Balance at
	December 31, 2018			(Dispositions)			Currency		December 31, 2019
TV Entertainment:
Goodwill		$	17,618	$	(3)		$	—		$	17,615
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		4,264		(3)			—			4,261
Cable Networks:
Goodwill		10,234		451		(a)	6			10,691
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		10,234		451			6			10,691
Filmed Entertainment:
Goodwill		1,593		—			—			1,593
Accumulated impairment losses		—		—			—			—
Goodwill, net of impairment		1,593		—			—			1,593
Total:
Goodwill		29,445		448			6			29,899
Accumulated impairment losses		(13,354)		—			—			(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment		$	16,091	$	448		$	6		$	16,545

(a) Primarily reflects the acquisitions of Pluto Inc. and Pop TV.

Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets were as follows:


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2020	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	249	$	(123)	$	126
Licenses	168		(50)		118
Customer agreements	120		(97)		23
Other intangible assets	251		(169)		82
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	788		(439)		349
FCC licenses	2,416		—		2,416
International broadcast licenses	27		—		27
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,265	$	(439)	$	2,826


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2019	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	404	$	(171)	$	233
Licenses	159		(38)		121
Customer agreements	119		(92)		27
Other intangible assets	255		(146)		109
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	937		(447)		490
FCC licenses	2,441		—		2,441
International broadcast licenses	25		—		25
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,437	$	(447)	$	2,990

Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets were as follows:


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2020	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	249	$	(123)	$	126
Licenses	168		(50)		118
Customer agreements	120		(97)		23
Other intangible assets	251		(169)		82
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	788		(439)		349
FCC licenses	2,416		—		2,416
International broadcast licenses	27		—		27
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,265	$	(439)	$	2,826


			Accumulated
At December 31, 2019	Gross		Amortization		Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names	$	404	$	(171)	$	233
Licenses	159		(38)		121
Customer agreements	119		(92)		27
Other intangible assets	255		(146)		109
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	937		(447)		490
FCC licenses	2,441		—		2,441
International broadcast licenses	25		—		25
Other intangible assets	34		—		34
Total intangible assets	$	3,437	$	(447)	$	2,990

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense

Amortization expense was as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020			2019			2018
Amortization expense (a)		$	85		$	76		$	50

Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense

We expect our aggregate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the years, 2021 through 2025, to be as follows:


	2021			2022			2023			2024			2025
Future amortization expense		$	45		$	41		$	39		$	31		$	27

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Restructuring Reserve Rollforward

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded the following for costs associated with restructuring and other corporate matters.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Severance	$	472	$	395	$	234
Exit costs and other	70		23		75
Restructuring charges	542		418		309
Restructuring-related costs	—		—		52
Merger-related costs	56		294		—
Other corporate matters	20		57		128
Restructuring and other corporate matters	$	618	$	769	$	489


	Balance at			2020 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2019			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2020
TV Entertainment		$	99	$	137		$	(111)	$	(13)		$	112
Cable Networks		137		179			(158)		(14)			144
Filmed Entertainment		17		25			(12)		—			30
Corporate		143		71			(117)		(11)			86
Total		$	396	$	412		$	(398)	$	(38)		$	372


	Balance at			2019 Activity							Balance at
	December 31, 2018			Charges (a)		Payments			Other		December 31, 2019
TV Entertainment		$	54	$	128		$	(82)	$	(1)		$	99
Cable Networks		151		97			(104)		(7)			137
Filmed Entertainment		22		8			(12)		(1)			17
Corporate		57		118			(32)		—			143
Total		$	284	$	351		$	(230)	$	(9)		$	396

Related Parties (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Schedule of Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in transactions with our equity-method investees, primarily for the licensing of television and film programming. The following tables present the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements related to these transactions.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues	$	106	$	179	$	170
Operating expenses	$	13	$	14	$	22


At December 31,	2020		2019
Amounts due to/from other related parties
Accounts receivable	$	69	$	45
Accounts payable	$	—	$	3

Revenues (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated into categories based on the nature of such revenues.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues by Type:
Advertising	$	9,751	$	11,074	$	10,841
Affiliate	9,166		8,602		8,376
Content licensing	5,963		6,483		6,163
Theatrical	180		547		744
Other	225		292		301
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt

Our debt consists of the following:


At December 31,	2020		2019
Commercial paper	$	—	$	699
4.3% Senior Notes due 2021	—		300
4.5% Senior Notes due 2021	—		499
3.875% Senior Notes due 2021	—		597
2.250% Senior Notes due 2022	35		49
3.375% Senior Notes due 2022	415		698
3.125% Senior Notes due 2022	117		194
2.50% Senior Notes due 2023	196		398
3.25% Senior Notes due 2023	141		181
2.90% Senior Notes due 2023	242		396
4.25% Senior Notes due 2023	837		1,242
7.875% Debentures due 2023	139		187
7.125% Senior Notes due 2023	35		46
3.875% Senior Notes due 2024	490		489
3.70% Senior Notes due 2024	598		598
3.50% Senior Notes due 2025	596		592
4.75% Senior Notes due 2025	1,239		—
4.0% Senior Notes due 2026	791		789
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026	123		123
2.90% Senior Notes due 2027	691		688
3.375% Senior Notes due 2028	495		494
3.70% Senior Notes due 2028	492		491
4.20% Senior Notes due 2029	493		493
7.875% Senior Debentures due 2030	831		831
4.95% Senior Notes due 2031	1,220		—
4.20% Senior Notes due 2032	969		—
5.50% Senior Debentures due 2033	427		426
4.85% Senior Debentures due 2034	87		87
6.875% Senior Debentures due 2036	1,069		1,068
6.75% Senior Debentures due 2037	75		75
5.90% Senior Notes due 2040	298		297
4.50% Senior Debentures due 2042	45		45
4.85% Senior Notes due 2042	487		486
4.375% Senior Debentures due 2043	1,116		1,109
4.875% Senior Debentures due 2043	18		18
5.85% Senior Debentures due 2043	1,232		1,231
5.25% Senior Debentures due 2044	345		345
4.90% Senior Notes due 2044	540		539
4.60% Senior Notes due 2045	589		589
4.95% Senior Notes due 2050	942		—
5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057	514		643
6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057	643		643
Other bank borrowings	95		—
Obligations under finance leases	26		44
Total debt (a)	19,733		18,719
Less commercial paper	—		699
Less current portion of long-term debt	16		18
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	19,717	$	18,002

Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt at Face Value

At December 31, 2020, our scheduled maturities of long-term debt at face value, excluding finance leases, and the related interest payments were as follows:


																2026 and
	2021			2022			2023			2024			2025			Thereafter
Long-term debt		$	—		$	569		$	1,596		$	1,092		$	1,850	$	15,103

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities, Lessee

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to our leases.


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019

Right-of-Use Assets
Operating lease assets	$	1,602	$	1,738	$	—	$	—
Property and equipment, net	$	—	$	—	$	19	$	35

Lease Liabilities
Other current liabilities	$	306	$	289	$	—	$	—
Debt	—		—		16		19
Operating lease liabilities	1,583		1,705		—		—
Long-term debt	—		—		10		25
Total lease liabilities	$	1,889	$	1,994	$	26	$	44

Composition of Lease Cost


	Operating				Finance
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Weighted average remaining lease term	8 years		9 years		2 years		3 years

Weighted average discount rate	4.0	%	4.0	%	4.2	%	4.5	%

The following table presents our lease cost.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Operating lease cost (a) (b)	$	379	$	382
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18		23
Interest expense on lease liabilities	2		3
Short-term lease cost (b) (c)	162		242
Variable lease cost (d)	58		80
Sublease income	(24)		(31)
Total lease cost	$	595	$	699

(a) Includes fixed lease costs and non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) associated with long-term operating leases.

(b) Includes costs capitalized in programming assets during the period for leased assets used in the production of programming.

(c) Short-term leases, which are not recorded in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, have a term of 12 months or less and exclude month-to-month leases.

(d) Primarily includes non-lease costs (consisting of other occupancy and service costs relating to the use of an asset) and costs for equipment leases that vary based on usage.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our leases.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities
Operating lease payments, included in operating cash flows	$	385	$	324
Finance lease payments, included in financing cash flows	$	21	$	27

Noncash additions to operating lease assets	$	221	$	387

Lessee, Operating Lease, Future Lease Payments

The expected future payments relating to our operating and finance lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows:


	Leases
	Operating		Finance
2021	$	372	$	17
2022	315		7
2023	260		2
2024	209		1
2025	197		1
2026 and thereafter	916		—
Total minimum payments	2,269		28
Less amounts representing interest	380		2
Present value of minimum payments	$	1,889	$	26

Lessee, Finance Lease, Future Lease Payments

The expected future payments relating to our operating and finance lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows:


	Leases
	Operating		Finance
2021	$	372	$	17
2022	315		7
2023	260		2
2024	209		1
2025	197		1
2026 and thereafter	916		—
Total minimum payments	2,269		28
Less amounts representing interest	380		2
Present value of minimum payments	$	1,889	$	26

Lessor, Future Lease Income

At December 31, 2020, future fixed lease income under noncancellable operating leases is as follows:


2021	$	56
2022	49
2023	47
2024	37
2025	28
2026 and thereafter	29
Total	$	246

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Losses recognized on derivative financial instruments were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020			2019			Financial Statement Account
Non-designated foreign exchange contracts		$	(20)		$	(4)	Other items, net

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements


At December 31, 2020	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets:
Foreign currency hedges	$	—	$	20	$	20
Total Assets	$	—	$	20	$	20
Liabilities:					$	—
Deferred compensation	$	—	$	529	$	529
Foreign currency hedges	—		39		39
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	568	$	568


At December 31, 2019	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets:
Marketable securities	$	146	$	—	$	146
Foreign currency hedges	—		13		13
Total Assets	$	146	$	13	$	159
Liabilities:					$	—
Deferred compensation	$	—	$	490	$	490
Foreign currency hedges	—		14		14
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	504	$	504

Tabular disclosure of financial instruments measured at fair value, including those classified in shareholders' equity measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Disclosures include, but are not limited to, fair value measurements recorded and the reasons for the measurements, level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorized and transfers between levels 1 and 2. Nonrecurring fair value measurements are those that are required or permitted in the statement of financial position in particular circumstances.

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).


	Continuing Operations										Discontinued Operations
				Net Actuarial										Accumulated
	Cumulative			Loss and							Other			Other
	Translation			Prior				Available-For-Sale			Comprehensive			Comprehensive
	Adjustments			Service Cost				Securities			Income (Loss) (a)			Loss
At December 31, 2017		$	(209)		$	(1,071)			$	30		$	(19)		$	(1,269)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(236)			(123)				—			(12)			(371)
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			62		(b)		—			—			62
Other comprehensive loss		(236)			(61)				—			(12)			(309)
Adoption of accounting standard		—			—				(30)			—			(30)
At December 31, 2018		(445)			(1,132)				—			(31)			(1,608)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7			(205)				—			6			(192)
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			60		(b)		—			—			60
Other comprehensive income (loss)		7			(145)				—			6			(132)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		—			(230)		(c)		—			—			(230)
At December 31, 2019		(438)			(1,507)				—			(25)			(1,970)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		135			(74)				—			5			66
Reclassifications to net earnings		—			72		(b)		—			—			72
Other comprehensive income (loss)		135			(2)				—			5			138
At December 31, 2020		$	(303)		$	(1,509)			$	—		$	(20)		$	(1,832)

(a) Reflects cumulative translation adjustments.

(b) Reflects amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost.

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-based Compensation

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
RSUs and PSUs	$	167	$	169	$	167
Stock options	19		27		34
Compensation cost included in operating and SG&A expense	186		196		201
Compensation cost included in restructuring and other corporate matters (a)	88		90		(14)
Stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	274		286		187
Related tax benefit	(54)		(58)		(44)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax benefit	$	220	$	228	$	143

(a) Reflects accelerations as a result of restructuring activities, as well as accelerations triggered by the Merger in 2019, and forfeitures related to changes in senior management in 2018.

Rollforward of RSU Activity

The following table summarizes our RSU and PSU share activity:


			Weighted Average
	Shares		Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2019		14,489,729		$	45.64
Granted (a)		6,757,535		$	32.35
Vested		(7,014,797)		$	46.40
Forfeited		(231,837)		$	42.05
Non-vested at December 31, 2020		14,000,630		$	38.91

(a) Grant activity includes 1 million of performance-based share units at target for 2020.

Weighted Average Assumptions for Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	2018
Expected dividend yield	1.33	%
Expected stock price volatility	29.52	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.73	%
Expected term of options (years)	5.00

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions in effect for Viacom at the time of grant:


	2018
Expected dividend yield	2.52	%
Expected stock price volatility	32.60	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.81	%
Expected term of options (years)	5.12

Rollforward of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes our stock option activity under the Plans.


			Weighted Average
	Stock Options		Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		16,291,709		$	58.98
Granted		—		$	—
Exercised		(378,648)		$	29.31
Forfeited or expired		(1,772,337)		$	51.47
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		14,140,724		$	60.72
Exercisable at December 31, 2020		12,269,735		$	61.63

Stock Option Exercise Information

The following table summarizes other information relating to stock option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Cash received from stock option exercises	$	5	$	15	$	29
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	$	1	$	4	$	4
Intrinsic value of stock option exercises	$	2	$	15	$	16

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

U.S. and Foreign Components of Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Loss of Investee Companies

The U.S. and foreign components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
United States	$	2,353	$	2,225	$	2,916
Foreign	794		998		1,068
Total	$	3,147	$	3,223	$	3,984

Income Tax Provision Components

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Current:
Federal	$	160	$	370	$	277
State and local	73		164		92
Foreign	180		202		163
Total current	413		736		532
Deferred:
Federal	146		(67)		20
State and local	42		(43)		20
Foreign	(66)		(655)		8
Total deferred	122		(765)		48
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	535	$	(29)	$	580

Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate

The difference between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% and the provision (benefit) for income taxes is summarized as follows:


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Taxes on income at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	661	$	676	$	836
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	116		116		109
Effect of foreign operations	(98)		(49)		(108)
Noncontrolling interests	(52)		(2)		(1)
U.K. statutory rate change	(100)		—		—
Reorganization of foreign operations (a)	—		(768)		—
Bankruptcy of an investee	—		(39)		—
Impact of tax law changes	—		—		(80)
Tax benefits from positions relating to the Tax Reform Act (b)	—		(44)		—
Merger related costs	—		41		—
Establishment (reversal) of valuation allowance (c)	—		2		(153)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	29		20		8
Domestic production deduction	—		(1)		24
Tax accounting method change	—		—		(78)
Other, net	(21)		19		23
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	535	$	(29)	$	580

Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Deferred income tax assets:
Reserves and other accrued liabilities	$	476	$	481
Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits	772		766
Lease liability	466		485
Tax credit and loss carryforwards	448		394
Other	56		85
Total deferred income tax assets	2,218		2,211
Valuation allowance	(593)		(547)
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,625		1,664
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(460)		(251)
Unbilled licensing receivables	(237)		(393)
Lease asset	(400)		(422)
Property, equipment and other assets	(198)		(153)
Financing obligations	(71)		(72)
Other	(44)		—
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(1,410)		(1,291)
Deferred income tax assets, net	$	215	$	373

Change in Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions

The following table sets forth the change in the reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding related accrued interest and penalties.


At January 1, 2018	$	300
Additions for current year tax positions	27
Additions for prior year tax positions	204
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(60)
Cash settlements	(19)
Statute of limitations lapses	(6)
At December 31, 2018	446
Additions for current year tax positions	49
Additions for prior year tax positions	67
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(26)
Cash settlements	(149)
Statute of limitations lapses	(3)
At December 31, 2019	384
Additions for current year tax positions	15
Additions for prior year tax positions	18
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(34)
Cash settlements	(2)
Statute of limitations lapses	(9)
Reclassification to deferred income tax liability	(64)
At December 31, 2020	$	308

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Change in Benefit Obligations

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	4,963	$	4,511	$	360	$	376
Service cost	30		28		2		1
Interest cost	164		191		11		16
Actuarial loss (gain)	408		593		(8)		8
Curtailment gain	(79)		—		—		—
Benefits paid	(324)		(360)		(58)		(59)
Participants’ contributions	—		—		12		13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	—		—		3		5
Benefit obligation, end of year	$	5,162	$	4,963	$	322	$	360

Change in Plan Assets

The following table sets forth the change in plan assets for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	3,176	$	2,932	$	—	$	1
Actual return on plan assets	429		530		—		(1)
Employer contributions	66		74		43		41
Benefits paid	(324)		(360)		(58)		(59)
Participants’ contributions	—		—		12		13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	—		—		3		5
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	3,347	$	3,176	$	—	$	—

Funded Status and Amounts Recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheets

The funded status of pension and postretirement benefit obligations and the related amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
At December 31,	2020		2019		2020		2019
Funded status at end of year	$	(1,815)	$	(1,787)	$	(322)	$	(360)
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets	$	7	$	5	$	—	$	—
Current liabilities	(85)		(69)		(38)		(42)
Noncurrent liabilities	(1,737)		(1,723)		(284)		(318)
Net amounts recognized	$	(1,815)	$	(1,787)	$	(322)	$	(360)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following amounts were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
At December 31,	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net actuarial (loss) gain	$	(2,144)	$	(2,153)	$	140	$	147
Net prior service cost	(1)		(3)		—		(1)
Share of equity investee	(2)		(2)		—		—
	(2,147)		(2,158)		140		146
Deferred income taxes	560		563		(13)		(14)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(1,587)	$	(1,595)	$	127	$	132

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets

Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is set forth below.


At December 31,	2020		2019
Projected benefit obligation	$	5,161	$	4,962
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	5,161	$	4,873
Fair value of plan assets	$	3,340	$	3,170

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	$	30	$	28	$	30	$	2	$	1	$	1
Interest cost	164		191		180		11		16		17
Expected return on plan assets	(194)		(183)		(214)		—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103		94		87		(15)		(18)		(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	2		1		1		1		1		1

Net periodic cost (a)	$	105	$	131	$	84	$	(1)	$	—	$	1

(a) Includes amounts reflected in net earnings from discontinued operations of $5 million for 2020, $6 million for 2019 and $3 million for 2018.

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial (loss) gain	$	(173)	$	(246)	$	(179)	$	8	$	(9)	$	8
Curtailment gain	79		—		—		—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103		94		87		(15)		(18)		(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	2		1		1		1		1		1
	11		(151)		(91)		(6)		(26)		(9)
Deferred income taxes	(3)		37		25		1		5		2
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	8	$	(114)	$	(66)	$	(5)	$	(21)	$	(7)

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Costs


	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	2020		2019		2018		2020		2019		2018
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	2.9	%	3.5	%	4.5	%	2.6	%	3.3	%	4.4	%
Rate of compensation increase	—	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs for the year ended December 31:
Discount rate	3.4	%	4.5	%	3.8	%	3.3	%	4.4	%	3.9	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.4	%	6.6	%	6.6	%	N/A		N/A		2.0	%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.0	%	3.0	%	3.0	%	N/A		N/A		N/A

N/A - not applicable

Assumptions Regarding Heath Care Cost Trend Rates for Postretirement Benefits

The following additional assumptions were used in accounting for postretirement benefits.


	CBS				Viacom
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.6	%	7.0	%	6.6	%	6.3	%
Projected health care cost trend rate (post-65)	6.6	%	7.0	%	6.6	%	5.7	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%	4.5	%
Year ultimate trend rate is achieved	2025		2025		2025		2026

Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets


At December 31, 2020	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	8	$	—	$	8
Fixed income securities:
U.S. treasury securities	78		—		78
Government-related securities	—		167		167
Corporate bonds (b)	—		1,634		1,634
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	—		56		56
Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization	82		—		82
U.S. small capitalization	79		—		79
Other	—		30		30
Total assets in fair value hierarchy	$	247	$	1,887	$	2,134
Common collective funds measured at net asset value (c) (d)					1,149
Limited partnerships measured at net asset value (c)					18
Mutual funds measured at net asset value (c)					46
Investments, at fair value					$	3,347


At December 31, 2019	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	1	$	34	$	35
Fixed income securities:
U.S. treasury securities	83		—		83
Government-related securities	—		171		171
Corporate bonds (b)	—		1,562		1,562
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	—		98		98
Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization	113		—		113
U.S. small capitalization	40		—		40
Other	—		25		25
Total assets in fair value hierarchy	$	237	$	1,890	$	2,127
Common collective funds measured at net asset value (c) (d)					978
Limited partnerships measured at net asset value (c)					23
Mutual funds measured at net asset value (c)					48
Investments, at fair value					$	3,176

(a) Assets categorized as Level 2 reflect investments in money market funds.

(b) Securities of diverse sectors and industries, substantially all investment grade.

(d) Underlying investments consist mainly of U.S. large capitalization and international equity securities.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:


	2021		2022		2023		2024		2025		2026-2030
Pension	$	464	$	311	$	305	$	305	$	305	$	1,450
Postretirement	$	39	$	36	$	34	$	31	$	28	$	106
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	$	5	$	5	$	4	$	4	$	4	$	18

Participation in Multi-employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The table below presents information concerning our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans.


	Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	Pension Protection Act		Company Contributions						Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
		Zone Status (a)
Pension Plan		2020	2019	2020		2019		2018
AFTRA Retirement Plan (b)	13-6414972-001	Green	Green	$	13	$	12	$	11	(c)
Directors Guild of America - Producer	95-2892780-001	Green	Green	16		19		15		6/30/2020
Producer-Writers Guild of America	95-2216351-001	Green	Green	22		26		25		5/1/2020
Screen Actors Guild - Producers	95-2110997-001	Green	Green	24		43		36		6/30/2020
Motion Picture Industry	95-1810805-001	Green	Green	35		43		42		(d)
I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 33 Pension Trust Fund (e)	95-6377503-001	Green	Green	3		5		10		12/31/2022
Other Plans				7		16		12
	Total contributions			$	120	$	164	$	151

(b) The Company was listed in AFTRA Retirement Plan’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of total contributions for the plan year ended November 30, 2019.

(d) The expiration dates range from May 15, 2021 through March 2, 2022.

(e) The Company was listed in I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 33 Pension Trust Fund’s Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of total contributions for the plan year ended December 31, 2019.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is presented below.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Beginning balance	$	254	$	239	$	249
Net earnings	11		14		18
Distributions	(15)		(16)		(15)
Translation adjustment	7		8		(14)
Redemption value adjustment	(60)		9		1
Ending balance	$	197	$	254	$	239

Segment and Revenue Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Revenues by Segment


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues:
Advertising	$	5,035	$	6,008	$	5,751
Affiliate	3,129		2,550		2,082
Content licensing	2,369		3,157		3,006
Other	167		209		222
TV Entertainment	10,700		11,924		11,061
Advertising	4,743		5,129		5,130
Affiliate	6,037		6,052		6,294
Content licensing	1,809		1,268		1,259
Cable Networks	12,589		12,449		12,683
Theatrical	180		547		744
Home Entertainment	709		623		617
Licensing	1,598		1,709		1,493
Other	75		111		102
Filmed Entertainment	2,562		2,990		2,956
Corporate/Eliminations	(566)		(365)		(275)
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

Intercompany Revenues by Segment


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Intercompany Revenues:
TV Entertainment	$	285	$	226	$	164
Cable Networks	79		53		47
Filmed Entertainment	202		117		95
Total Intercompany Revenues	$	566	$	396	$	306

Adjusted OIBDA by Segment


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Adjusted OIBDA:
TV Entertainment	$	1,857	$	2,443	$	2,466
Cable Networks	3,746		3,515		4,341
Filmed Entertainment	215		80		(33)
Corporate/Eliminations	(500)		(449)		(433)
Stock-based compensation	(186)		(196)		(201)
Depreciation and amortization	(430)		(438)		(427)
Restructuring and other corporate matters	(618)		(769)		(489)
Programming charges	(159)		(589)		(162)
Gain on sales	214		549		—
Operating income	4,139		4,146		5,062
Interest expense	(1,031)		(962)		(1,030)
Interest income	60		66		79
Net gain (losses) from investments	206		85		(53)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	(126)		—		18
Other items, net	(101)		(112)		(92)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies	3,147		3,223		3,984
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(535)		29		(580)
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax	(28)		(53)		(47)
Net earnings from continuing operations	2,584		3,199		3,357
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	117		140		135
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	2,701		3,339		3,492
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(279)		(31)		(37)
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	2,422	$	3,308	$	3,455

Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Depreciation and Amortization:
TV Entertainment	$	162	$	150	$	160
Cable Networks	205		219		194
Filmed Entertainment	36		37		38
Corporate	27		32		35
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	430	$	438	$	427


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Capital Expenditures:
TV Entertainment	$	112	$	113	$	112
Cable Networks	110		166		156
Filmed Entertainment	37		43		52
Corporate	65		23		25
Total Capital Expenditures	$	324	$	345	$	345

Assets by Segment


At December 31,	2020		2019
Assets:
TV Entertainment	$	19,443	$	19,689
Cable Networks	23,139		22,109
Filmed Entertainment	6,440		5,477
Corporate/Eliminations	2,202		969
Discontinued Operations	1,439		1,341
Total Assets	$	52,663	$	49,585

Revenues by Customer Location


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Revenues: (a)
United States	$	20,690	$	21,449	$	20,442
International	4,595		5,549		5,983
Total Revenues	$	25,285	$	26,998	$	26,425

(a) Revenue classifications are based on customers’ locations.

Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area


At December 31,	2020		2019
Long-lived Assets: (a)
United States	$	13,435	$	12,417
International	785		498
Total Long-lived Assets	$	14,220	$	12,915

(a) Reflects total assets less current assets, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, noncurrent receivables and noncurrent deferred tax assets.

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments


	Payments Due by Period
													2026 and
	Total		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025		Thereafter
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Programming and talent commitments	$	9,852	$	2,625	$	3,005	$	1,264	$	731	$	493	$	1,734
Purchase obligations	$	1,377	$	501	$	396	$	218	$	131	$	70	$	61

On-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other long-term contractual obligations	$	1,734	$	—	$	879	$	382	$	250	$	190	$	33

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Other Items, Net

The following table presents the components of Other items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Pension and postretirement benefit costs	$	(69)	$	(99)	$	(65)
Foreign exchange losses	(35)		(18)		(19)
Other	3		5		(8)
Other items, net	$	(101)	$	(112)	$	(92)

Supplemental Cash Flow Information


Year Ended December 31,	2020		2019		2018
Cash paid for interest	$	965	$	922	$	1,012

Cash paid for income taxes:
Continuing operations	$	411	$	560	$	153
Discontinued operations	55		38		4
Total cash paid for income taxes	$	466	$	598	$	157

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


	First		Second		Third		Fourth
2020 (a) (b)	Quarter		Quarter (c)		Quarter (d)		Quarter (e)		Total Year
Revenues	$	6,499	$	6,075	$	5,837	$	6,874	$	25,285
Operating income	$	902	$	1,251	$	903	$	1,083	$	4,139
Net earnings from continuing operations (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	504	$	698	$	580	$	802	$	2,584
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	519	$	726	$	627	$	829	$	2,701
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	501	$	453	$	568	$	783	$	2,305
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	516	$	481	$	615	$	810	$	2,422

Basic net earnings per common shares
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.82	$	.74	$	.92	$	1.27	$	3.74
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.84	$	.78	$	1.00	$	1.31	$	3.93

Diluted net earnings per common share:
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.81	$	.73	$	.92	$	1.26	$	3.73
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$	.84	$	.78	$	1.00	$	1.31	$	3.92

Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
Basic	614		615		616		617		616
Diluted	616		617		618		620		618

(a) Publishing has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.


	First		Second		Third		Fourth
2019 (a) (b)	Quarter (c)		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (d)			Total Year
Revenues	$	6,936	$	6,925	$	6,481		$	6,656	$	26,998
Operating income (loss)	$	1,792	$	1,414	$	984		$	(44)	$	4,146
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	1,944	$	953	$	600		$	(298)	$	3,199
Net earnings (loss) (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	$	1,964	$	983	$	646		$	(254)	$	3,339
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	1,939	$	947	$	584		$	(302)	$	3,168
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	1,959	$	977	$	630		$	(258)	$	3,308

Basic net earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.16	$	1.54	$	.95		$	(.49)	$	5.15
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.20	$	1.59	$	1.02		$	(.42)	$	5.38

Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.14	$	1.53	$	.95		$	(.49)	$	5.13
Net earnings (loss) attributable to ViacomCBS	$	3.18	$	1.58	$	1.02		$	(.42)	$	5.36

Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
Basic	613		615		615			615		615
Diluted	617		617		617			615		617

(a) Publishing has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

(d) The fourth quarter includes programming charges of $589 million.

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 04, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Film development costs, expense period		3 years
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash		$ 135	$ 202	$ 120
Revenues
Allowance for doubtful accounts		85	80
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 32	25	24
Leases
Renewal options to extend term, maximum		10 years
Advertising
Advertising expense		$ 1,310	$ 1,670	$ 1,390
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset useful life		4 years
Leases
Remaining term		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset useful life		40 years
Leases
Remaining term		16 years
Stock Options and RSUs [Member]
Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		22,000,000	19,000,000	19,000,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Revenues
Reserves for sales returns and allowances		$ 64	$ 58
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Common Class B [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share conversion ratio					0.59625
Feature Film [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Period revenue is earned		10 years
Film Libraries [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Period revenue is earned		20 years
Internally Produced Television Programming [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Period revenue is earned		10 years
Internally Produced Television Programming Still In Production [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Period revenue is earned		5 years
Television Licensing [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Revenues
Collection term		1 year
Television Licensing [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Revenues
Collection term		5 years
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] \| Simon & Schuster [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Proceeds from dispositions	$ 2,175

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Buildings and building improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	10 years
Buildings and building improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	40 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold improvement estimated useful life	Shorter of lease term or useful life
Equipment and other (including capital leases) [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	3 years
Equipment and other (including capital leases) [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life	20 years

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Weighted average shares for basic EPS	617	616	615	614	615	615	615	613	616	615	617
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans									2	2	4
Weighted average shares for diluted EPS	620	618	617	616	615	617	617	617	618	617	621

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Programming and other inventory	$ 10,363		$ 8,652
Retained earnings	$ 10,375		$ 8,494
Adoption of New Accounting Standards [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings				$ 350
Accounting Standards Update 2019-02 [Member] \| Noncurrent Asset [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Programming and other inventory		$ 1,170

Acquisitions (Miramax Narrative) (Details) - Miramax [Member] $ in Millions	Apr. 03, 2020 USD ($) title
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	49.00%
Consideration transferred	$ 375
Upfront cash payment	150
Commitment to invest, annual amount	45
Commitment to invest, total	$ 225
Addition oF titles to library \| title	700
Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	10 years

Acquisitions (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Goodwill	$ 16,612		$ 16,545	$ 16,091
Miramax [Member]
Assets
Cash		$ 32
Accounts receivable and other current assets		19
Programming inventory		536
Goodwill		99
Intangible assets		12
Other assets (noncurrent)		7
Assets acquired		705
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		13
Participants’ share and royalties payable (current)		16
Deferred revenues		10
Participants’ share and royalties payable (noncurrent)		20
Debt		105
Other liabilities (noncurrent)		28
Liabilities assumed		192
Noncontrolling interests		363
Total purchase price		$ 150

Acquisitions (Other Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business, net	$ 147	$ 399
PlutoTV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business, net		324
Post-combination expenses		$ 18
POP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired		50.00%
Purchase price		$ 39
Remaining ownership acquired		100.00%
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business, net			$ 118

Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019
CBS Television City [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Sale of property and sound stage					$ 750
Guaranteed cash flow period					5 years
Gain on sales					$ 549
Gain on sale of property and sound stage operation, net			$ 386		$ 386
Simon & Schuster [Member] \| Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from dispositions				$ 2,175
CNET Media Group [Member] \| Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
CMG consideration	$ 484
Proceeds from dispositions	459
Credit from sale	25
Gain on disposition	214	$ 214
Gain on disposition, net	$ 183	$ 183

Dispositions (Schedule of Dispositions, Net Earnings) (Details) - Discontinued Operations [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 901	$ 814	$ 825
Costs and expenses:
Operating	554	460	476
Selling, general and administrative	172	166	158
Depreciation and amortization	5	5	6
Restructuring charges	10	6	1
Total costs and expenses	741	637	641
Operating income	160	177	184
Other items, net	(5)	(5)	(2)
Earnings from discontinued operations	155	172	182
Income tax provision	(38)	(32)	(47)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	117	140	135
Simon & Schuster [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	901	814	825
Costs and expenses:
Operating	573	510	518
Selling, general and administrative	172	166	158
Depreciation and amortization	5	5	6
Restructuring charges	10	6	1
Total costs and expenses	760	687	683
Operating income	141	127	142
Other items, net	(5)	(5)	(2)
Earnings from discontinued operations	136	122	140
Income tax provision	(34)	(20)	(37)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	102	102	103
Other [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Operating	(19)	(50)	(42)
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0	0	0
Total costs and expenses	(19)	(50)	(42)
Operating income	19	50	42
Other items, net	0	0	0
Earnings from discontinued operations	19	50	42
Income tax provision	(4)	(12)	(10)
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 15	$ 38	$ 32

Dispositions (Schedule of Dispositions- Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Total Assets	$ 1,439	$ 1,341
Liabilities
Other current liabilities	480	433
Total Liabilities	220	263
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Assets
Receivables, net	447	369
Other current assets	183	175
Goodwill	435	435
Property and equipment, net	42	40
Operating lease assets	191	201
Other assets	141	121
Total Assets	1,439	1,341
Liabilities
Royalties payable	131	116
Other current liabilities	349	317
Operating lease liabilities	194	204
Other liabilities	26	59
Total Liabilities	$ 700	$ 696

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finance leases	$ 159	$ 195
Gross property and equipment	6,000	5,917
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,006	3,872
Net property and equipment	1,994	2,045
Finance lease accumulated depreciation and amortization	140	160
Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases	345	362	$ 377
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18	23
Amortization of right-of-use assets, prior to adoption			$ 28
Accelerated depreciation	12
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	437	438
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,253	1,232
Equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 4,151	$ 4,052

Programming and Other Inventory (Programming Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Film Group Monetization:
Acquired television program rights, including prepaid sports rights	$ 3,413
Internally produced television programming:
Released	2,558
In process and other	1,682
Individual Monetization:
Acquired libraries	483
Film inventory and Internally produced television programming:
Home entertainment	32	$ 42
Total programming and other inventory	12,120	11,465
Less current portion	1,757	2,813
Programming and other inventory	10,363	$ 8,652
Film Inventory [Member]
Film inventory and Internally produced television programming:
Released	374
Completed, not yet released	543
In process and other	816
Internally Produced Television Programming [Member]
Film inventory and Internally produced television programming:
Released	1,206
In process and other	$ 1,013

Programming and Other Inventory (Programming Inventory, Prior to Adoption) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights		$ 3,477
Acquired television library		99
Internally produced television programming:
Released		3,627
In process and other		2,626
Film inventory:
Released		502
Completed, not yet released		55
In process and other		1,037
Home entertainment	$ 32	42
Total programming and other inventory	12,120	11,465
Less current portion	1,757	2,813
Programming and other inventory	$ 10,363	$ 8,652

Programming and Other Inventory (Programming and Production Costs) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Programming amortization, acquired programming	$ 3,779
Expected amortization, acquired programming, 2021	2,717
Expected amortization, acquired programming, 2022	422
Expected amortization, acquired programming, 2023	232
Production costs, internally produced television and film programming:
Amortization of internally produced programming, Individual monetization	2,669
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Individual monetization, 2021	1,089
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Individual monetization, 2022	165
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Individual monetization, 2023	94
Amortization of internally produced programming, Film group monetization	3,133
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Film group monetization, 2021	1,251
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Film group monetization, 2022	618
Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Film group monetization, 2023	393
Completed, not yet released film inventory expected amortization	$ 456

Programming and Other Inventory (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges	$ 38	$ 121	$ 589	$ 159	$ 589	$ 162
TV Entertainment Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges				101
Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges				53
Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges				$ 5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) market	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) market	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) market reportingunit assessment	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Impairment Testing Assumptions [Line Items]
Number of reporting units \| reportingunit			4
Number of assessments performed \| assessment			10
Number of television markets \| market	4	3
Impairment charge \| $			$ 25	$ 20
FCC Licenses Impairment Test [Member]
Impairment Testing Assumptions [Line Items]
Number of markets lower than carrying value \| market		2
Estimated fair value fair value \| $		$ 216
Indefinite-lived intangible assets \| $	$ 269	$ 53	$ 269
Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying amount	20.00%	7.00%	20.00%
Percent of carrying value	10.00%		10.00%
FCC Licenses Impairment Test Television Stations [Member]
Impairment Testing Assumptions [Line Items]
Number of markets with book value of FCC licenses \| market			14

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 29,899	$ 29,445
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(13,354)	(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment, beginning balance	16,545	16,091
Acquisitions/(Dispositions)	14	448
Accumulated impairment losses, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	14	448
Foreign Currency	53	6
Accumulated impairment losses, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Foreign Currency	53	6
Goodwill, ending balance	29,966	29,899
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(13,354)	(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment, ending balance	16,612	16,545
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	17,615	17,618
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(13,354)	(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment, beginning balance	4,261	4,264
Acquisitions/(Dispositions)	(113)	(3)
Accumulated impairment losses, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	(113)	(3)
Foreign Currency	0	0
Accumulated impairment losses, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	17,502	17,615
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(13,354)	(13,354)
Goodwill, net of impairment, ending balance	4,148	4,261
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	10,691	10,234
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, beginning balance	10,691	10,234
Acquisitions/(Dispositions)	28	451
Accumulated impairment losses, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	28	451
Foreign Currency	53	6
Accumulated impairment losses, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Foreign Currency	53	6
Goodwill, ending balance	10,772	10,691
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, ending balance	10,772	10,691
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,593	1,593
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, beginning balance	1,593	1,593
Acquisitions/(Dispositions)	99	0
Accumulated impairment losses, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Acquisitions (Dispositions)	99	0
Foreign Currency	0	0
Accumulated impairment losses, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, Foreign Currency	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,692	1,593
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0	0
Goodwill, net of impairment, ending balance	$ 1,692	$ 1,593

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 788	$ 937
Accumulated amortization	(439)	(447)
Net	349	490
Total intangible assets, gross	3,265	3,437
Total intangible assets	2,826	2,990
FCC licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	2,416	2,441
International broadcast licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	27	25
Other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	34	34
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	249	404
Accumulated amortization	(123)	(171)
Net	126	233
Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	168	159
Accumulated amortization	(50)	(38)
Net	118	121
Customer agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	120	119
Accumulated amortization	(97)	(92)
Net	23	27
Other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	251	255
Accumulated amortization	(169)	(146)
Net	$ 82	$ 109

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 85	$ 76	$ 50

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Future Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 45
2022	41
2023	39
2024	31
2025	$ 27

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters (Restructuring and Other Corporate Matters) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ 542	$ 418	$ 309
Restructuring-related costs									0	0	52
Merger-related costs									56	294	0
Other corporate matters									20	57	128
Restructuring and other corporate matters	$ 177	$ 52	$ 158	$ 231	$ 467	$ 122	$ 7	$ 173	618	769	489
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									472	395	234
Exit costs and other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges									$ 70	$ 23	$ 75

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 542	$ 418	$ 309
Restructuring-related costs	0	0	52
Planned dispositions	5
Write down property and equipment	15
Merger-related costs	56	294	0
Settlement of commercial dispute		40
Legal proceedings		17
Other corporate matters	20	57	128
Exit costs and other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 70	$ 23	$ 75

Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 396	$ 284
Charges	542	418	$ 309
Payments	(398)	(230)
Other	(38)	(9)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	372	396	284
Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	412	351
Stock-Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	88	67
Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	42
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	99	54
Payments	(111)	(82)
Other	(13)	(1)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	112	99	54
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member] \| Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	137	128
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	137	151
Payments	(158)	(104)
Other	(14)	(7)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	144	137	151
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member] \| Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	179	97
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	17	22
Payments	(12)	(12)
Other	0	(1)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	30	17	22
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member] \| Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	25	8
Corporate [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	143	57
Payments	(117)	(32)
Other	(11)	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	86	143	$ 57
Corporate [Member] \| Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	$ 71	$ 118

Related Parties (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Related Parties (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 numberOfTrusts trustee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
SMR trust ownership in NAI		80.00%
Number of continuing trusts \| numberOfTrusts		2
Continuing trusts, voting stock ownership for each		40.00%
National Amusements Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
NAI ownership of CBS Corp. Class A common stock (percentage)		79.40%
NAI ownership of CBS Corp. Class A and Class B common stock on a combined basis (percentage)		10.20%
Number of trustees		7
Number of beneficiary trustees		2
National Amusements Inc [Member] \| Restructuring Charges and Other Corporate Matters [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Professional fees \| $	$ 30

Related Parties (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) - Other Related Parties [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Revenues	$ 106	$ 179	$ 170
Operating expenses	13	14	$ 22
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Accounts receivable	69	45
Accounts payable	$ 0	$ 3

Revenues (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 6,874	$ 5,837	$ 6,075	$ 6,499	$ 6,656	$ 6,481	$ 6,925	$ 6,936	$ 25,285	$ 26,998	$ 26,425
Advertising [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									9,751	11,074	10,841
Affiliate [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									9,166	8,602	8,376
Content Licensing [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									5,963	6,483	6,163
Theatrical [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									180	547	744
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 225	$ 292	$ 301

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Revenues (Unrecognized Revenues Under Contract) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 6,790
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 3,750
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 2,110
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 589
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 339
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction period

Revenues (Performance Obligations Satisfied in Previous Periods) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligation satisfied	$ 250	$ 235	$ 172

Revenues (Contract Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 1,120	$ 908	$ 743
Revenue recognized	$ 591	$ 498	$ 558

Revenues (Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Noncurrent receivables origination in 2020	$ 1,020
Noncurrent receivables origination in 2019	608
Noncurrent receivables origination in 2018	299
Noncurrent receivables origination in 2017	82
Noncurrent receivables origination prior to 2016	15
Other Assets [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Noncurrent receivables	$ 2,020	$ 2,150

Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 0	$ 699,000,000
Other bank borrowings	95,000,000	0
Obligations under finance leases	26,000,000	44,000,000
Total debt	19,733,000,000	18,719,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt	16,000,000	18,000,000
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	19,717,000,000	18,002,000,000
Net unamortized discount on senior debt	491,000,000	412,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs	107,000,000	92,000,000
Face value of debt	20,330,000,000	19,230,000,000
4.3% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 0	300,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.30%
4.5% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 0	499,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.50%
3.875% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 0	597,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.875%
2.250% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 35,000,000	49,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.25%
3.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 415,000,000	698,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.375%
3.125% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 117,000,000	194,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.125%
2.50% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 196,000,000	398,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.50%
3.25% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 141,000,000	181,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.25%
2.90% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 242,000,000	396,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.90%
4.25% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 837,000,000	1,242,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.25%
7.875% Debentures due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 139,000,000	187,000,000
Stated interest rate	7.875%
7.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 35,000,000	46,000,000
Stated interest rate	7.125%
3.875% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 490,000,000	489,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.875%
3.70% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 598,000,000	598,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.70%
3.50% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 596,000,000	592,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.50%
4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 1,239,000,000	0
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.0% Senior Notes due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 791,000,000	789,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.00%
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 123,000,000	123,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.45%
2.90% Senior Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 691,000,000	688,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.90%
3.375% Senior Notes due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 495,000,000	494,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.375%
3.70% Senior Notes due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 492,000,000	491,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.70%
4.20% Senior Notes due 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 493,000,000	$ 493,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.20%	4.20%
Face value of debt		$ 500,000,000
7.875% Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 831,000,000	831,000,000
Stated interest rate	7.875%
4.95% Senior Notes due 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 1,220,000,000	0
Stated interest rate	4.95%
4.20% Senior Notes due 2032 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 969,000,000	0
Stated interest rate	4.20%
5.50% Senior Debentures due 2033 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 427,000,000	426,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.50%
4.85% Senior Debentures due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 87,000,000	87,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.85%
6.875% Senior Debentures due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 1,069,000,000	1,068,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.875%
6.75% Senior Debentures due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 75,000,000	75,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.75%
5.90% Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 298,000,000	297,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.90%
4.50% Senior Debentures due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 45,000,000	45,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.50%
4.85% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 487,000,000	486,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.85%
4.375% Senior Debentures due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 1,116,000,000	1,109,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.375%
4.875% Senior Debentures due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 18,000,000	18,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.875%
5.85% Senior Debentures due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 1,232,000,000	1,231,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.85%
5.25% Senior Debentures due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 345,000,000	345,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.25%
4.90% Senior Notes due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 540,000,000	539,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.90%
4.60% Senior Notes due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 589,000,000	589,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.60%
4.95% Senior Notes due 2050 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior debt	$ 942,000,000	0
Stated interest rate	4.95%
5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 514,000,000	643,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.875%
6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 643,000,000	$ 643,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.25%

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face value of debt			$ 20,330,000,000	$ 19,230,000,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ (23,000,000)	$ (103,000,000)	(126,000,000)	0	$ 18,000,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt. net of tax			$ (97,000,000)
4.20% Senior Notes due 2029 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face value of debt				$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate			4.20%	4.20%
Debt Due August 2019 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate				2.30%
Redemption and repayment of senior notes, face value				$ 600,000,000
5.625% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate				5.625%
Debt redemptions and repayments, cash				$ 220,000,000
2.750% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate				2.75%
Debt redemptions and repayments, cash				$ 90,000,000
5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			5.875%
5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.895%
6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			6.25%
6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.899%
2.250% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			2.25%
Outstanding principal			$ 35,000,000
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			3.45%
Outstanding principal			$ 124,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face value of debt			$ 4,500,000,000
Redemption and repayment of senior notes, face value					1,130,000,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt					18,000,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt. net of tax					14,000,000
Debt redemptions and repayments, cash					$ 1,100,000,000
Potential change			0.25%
Senior Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.20%
Senior Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.95%
Potential change			2.00%
Senior Notes And Junior Subordinated Debt Redeemed [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Redemption and repayment of senior notes, face value			$ 2,770,000,000
Aggregate redemption price			$ 2,880,000,000

Debt (Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Long-term debt
2021	$ 0
2022	569
2023	1,596
2024	1,092
2025	1,850
2026 and Thereafter	$ 15,103

Debt (Commercial Paper Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Commercial Paper Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 0	$ 699,000,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility		$ 2,500,000,000	$ 3,500,000,000
Debt term	90 days	90 days
Weighted average interest rate		2.07%

Debt (Credit Facility Narrative) (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
CBS Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Remaining availability	$ 2,500,000,000
ViacomCBS Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Remaining availability		$ 3,500,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility	$ 3,500,000,000
Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio		4.5
Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, potential increase		5.0
Borrowings outstanding		$ 0
Period for consolidated EBITDA	12 months

Debt (Other Bank Borrowings Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other bank borrowings	$ 95,000,000	$ 0
Other Bank Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	3.50%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Miramax [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility	$ 300,000,000

Leases (Balance Sheet Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating
Operating lease assets	$ 1,602	$ 1,738
Other current liabilities	$ 306	$ 289
Other current liabilities, extensible list	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities	$ 1,583	$ 1,705
Total lease liabilities	1,889	1,994
Finance
Property and equipment, net	$ 19	35
Property and equipment, net extensible list	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization
Debt	$ 16	19
Debt extensible list	us-gaap:DebtCurrent
Long-term debt	$ 10	25
Long-term debt extensible list	us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Total lease liabilities	$ 26	$ 44

Leases (Weighted Average) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating
Weighted average remaining lease term	8 years	9 years
Weighted average discount rate	4.00%	4.00%
Finance
Weighted average remaining lease term	2 years	3 years
Weighted average discount rate	4.20%	4.50%

Leases (Lease Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Leases (Lease Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 379	$ 382
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	18	23
Interest expense on lease liabilities	2	3
Short-term lease cost	162	242
Variable lease cost	58	80
Sublease income	(24)	(31)
Total lease cost	$ 595	$ 699

Leases (Operating and Financing Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease payments, included in operating cash flows	$ 385	$ 324
Finance lease payments, included in financing cash flows	21	27
Noncash additions to operating lease assets	$ 221	$ 387

Leases (Future Minimum Payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating
2021	$ 372
2022	315
2023	260
2024	209
2025	197
2026	916
Total minimum payments	2,269
Less amounts representing interest	380
Present value of minimum payments	1,889	$ 1,994
Finance
2021	17
2022	7
2023	2
2024	1
2025	1
2026	0
Total minimum payments	28
Less amounts representing interest	2
Present value of minimum payments	$ 26	$ 44

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease income	$ 133	$ 148

Leases (Future Lease Income as Lessor) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 56
2022	49
2023	47
2024	37
2025	28
2026	29
Total	$ 246

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying value of notes and debentures	$ 19,610	$ 17,980
Fair value of senior debt	$ 24,500	$ 20,600

Financial Instruments (Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments [Line Items]
Investments in and advances to investee companies			$ 59	$ 171	$ 161
Value of equity method investments	$ 536		536	494
Impairment charge on equity-method investment			9
Investments readily determinable fair value	65		65	113
Write-down of investments			7	50	46
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities			146
Marketable securities				146
Marketable securities, unrealized gain (loss)				113	(23)
Level 1 [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Marketable securities				146
Viacom18 [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of equity method investment					16
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment					$ 20
fuboTV [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Equity securities, gain	$ 174	$ 32	$ 213
International Joint Venture [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of equity method investment				10
Viacom18 [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest in investees					1.00%
Equity Method Investees [Member] \| The C W [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest in investees	50.00%		50.00%
Equity Method Investees [Member] \| Viacom18 [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest in investees	49.00%		49.00%
Other Assets [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Investments	$ 601		$ 601	$ 753

Financial Instruments (Foreign Exchange Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign exchange contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on non-designated foreign exchange contracts	$ (20)	$ (4)
Cash flow hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Term of contract	24 months
Cash flow hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 1,270	1,440
Cash flow hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contract [Member] \| Future Production Costs
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	740	833
Cash flow hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contract [Member] \| Other Foreign Currency
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 529	$ 606

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Marketable securities		$ 146
Foreign currency hedges	$ 20	13
Total Assets	20	159
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	529	490
Foreign currency hedges	39	14
Total Liabilities	568	504
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities		146
Foreign currency hedges	0	0
Total Assets	0	146
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	0	0
Foreign currency hedges	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities		0
Foreign currency hedges	20	13
Total Assets	20	13
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	529	490
Foreign currency hedges	39	14
Total Liabilities	$ 568	$ 504

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 19, 2019	Dec. 04, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 150			$ 601
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24			$ 0.96
Class B Common Stock purchased (shares)				1,300,000	1,200,000
Class B Common Stock purchased				$ 50	$ 50	$ 600
Average price per share repurchased (in dollars per share)				$ 38.63	$ 40.78
Remaining authorization under repurchase program				$ 2,360
Minimum Class A shares needed for conversion (in shares)				5,000
Conversion of A shares into B shares (shares)					12,200,000	2,500,000
Viacom Inc [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Dividends			$ 245			$ 325
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.60			$ 0.80
CBS [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Dividends			$ 205			$ 274
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.54			$ 0.72
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Common Class B [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Share conversion ratio		0.59625
Number of shares issued (in shares)		211,000,000
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Common Class A [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		29,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ (1,970)	$ (1,608)	$ (1,269)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	66	(192)	(371)
Reclassifications to net earnings	72	60	62
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	138	(132)	(309)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		0
Balance, end of year	(1,832)	(1,970)	(1,608)
Tax (provision) benefit on net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service costs related to pension and other postretirement plans	1	44	23
Adoption of accounting standard
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			(30)
Cumulative translation adjustments [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(438)	(445)	(209)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	135	7	(236)
Reclassifications to net earnings	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	135	7	(236)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		0
Balance, end of year	(303)	(438)	(445)
Cumulative translation adjustments [Member] \| Adoption of accounting standard
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			0
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(1,507)	(1,132)	(1,071)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(74)	(205)	(123)
Reclassifications to net earnings	72	60	62
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	(2)	(145)	(61)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		(230)
Balance, end of year	(1,509)	(1,507)	(1,132)
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost [Member] \| Adoption of accounting standard
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			0
Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0	0	30
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0
Reclassifications to net earnings	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	0	0	0
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		0
Balance, end of year	0	0	0
Available-For-Sale Securities [Member] \| Adoption of accounting standard
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			(30)
Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(25)	(31)	(19)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5	6	(12)
Reclassifications to net earnings	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	5	6	(12)
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		0
Balance, end of year	$ (20)	(25)	(31)
Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Adoption of accounting standard
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			$ 0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings		$ (230)

Stock-Based Compensation (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 04, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for future grant under equity incentive plans (in shares)	33,000,000
RSUs and PSUs	$ 167	$ 169	$ 167
Stock options	19	27	34
Stock-based compensation	274	286	187
Related tax benefit	(54)	(58)	(44)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax benefit	220	228	143
Share-based compensation expense included in discontinued operations	10	5	4
SG&A Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	186	196	201
Restructuring Charges and Other Corporate Matters [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 88	$ 90	$ (14)
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share conversion ratio				0.59625

Stock-Based Compensation (RSUs and PSUs) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
RSU and PSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized future expense of unvested RSUs	$ 358,000,000
Weighted average period over which future expense of unrecognized stock-based compensation will be recognized (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Shares
Non-vested (shares), beginning balance	14,489,729
Granted (shares)	6,757,535
Vested (shares)	(7,014,797)
Forfeited (shares)	(231,837)
Non-vested (shares), ending balance	14,000,630	14,489,729
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (USD per share)	$ 45.64
Granted (USD per share)	32.35	$ 41.71	$ 51.41
Vested (USD per share)	46.40
Forfeited (USD per share)	42.05
Non-vested, ending balance (USD per share)	$ 38.91	$ 45.64
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of RSUs vested during the period	$ 222,000,000	$ 159,000,000	$ 158,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period over which grants vest	1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period over which grants vest	4 years
Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 34,000,000	$ 0	$ 35,000,000
Shares
Granted (shares)	1,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options, Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option term until expiration	8 years
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum term of publicly traded options used to derive implied volatility of options grants	1 year
Weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding stock options (years)	3 years 1 month 6 days
Share price (USD per share)	$ 37.26
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 0
Weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable stock options (years)	2 years 9 months 14 days
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized future expense of unvested stock options	$ 13
Weighted average period over which future expense of unrecognized stock-based compensation will be recognized (years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period over which grants vest	3 years
Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period over which grants vest	4 years
Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options (USD per share)			$ 14.48
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options (USD per share)			$ 13.77

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options, Black-Scholes Assumptions) (Details) - Common Class B [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	1.33%
Expected stock price volatility	29.52%
Risk-free interest rate	2.73%
Expected term of options	5 years
Viacom Inc [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	2.52%
Expected stock price volatility	32.60%
Risk-free interest rate	2.81%
Expected term of options	5 years 1 month 13 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Options, Rollforward) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 $ / shares shares
Stock Options
Outstanding (shares), beginning balance \| shares	16,291,709
Granted (shares) \| shares	0
Exercised (shares) \| shares	(378,648)
Forfeited or expired (shares) \| shares	(1,772,337)
Outstanding (shares), ending balance \| shares	14,140,724
Exercisable (shares) \| shares	12,269,735
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 58.98
Granted (USD per share) \| $ / shares	0
Exercised (USD per share) \| $ / shares	29.31
Forfeited or expired (USD per share) \| $ / shares	51.47
Outstanding, ending balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	60.72
Exercisable (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 61.63

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options, Other Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Cash received from stock option exercises	$ 5	$ 15	$ 29
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	1	4	4
Intrinsic value of stock option exercises	$ 2	$ 15	$ 16

Income Taxes (Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 2,353	$ 2,225	$ 2,916
Foreign	794	998	1,068
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies	$ 3,147	$ 3,223	$ 3,984

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current:
Federal	$ 160	$ 370	$ 277
State and local	73	164	92
Foreign	180	202	163
Total current income tax expense provision	413	736	532
Deferred:
Federal	146	(67)	20
State and local	42	(43)	20
Foreign	(66)	(655)	8
Total deferred	122	(765)	48
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 535	$ (29)	$ 580

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations	$ 38	$ 32	$ 47
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(535)	29	(580)
Net deferred tax assets of discontinued operations	93	76
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,060
Valuation allowance	593	547
Provisional amount of transition tax on cumulative foreign earnings and profits			48
Decrease for reserve for uncertain tax positions		146
Unrecognized tax benefits	308	384	446	$ 300
Amount included in reserve for uncertain tax positions that would affect Company's effective income tax rate (including discontinued operations) if recognized	281
Interest and penalty charges related to the reserve for uncertain tax positions	16	24	24
Liabilities for accrued interest and penalty charges related to the reserve for uncertain tax positions	57	51
Amount of unrecorded benefit	50
Foreign [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	29
Equity Method Investees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	$ 19	$ 19	$ 15
Effective income tax rate	40.40%	26.40%	24.20%

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Taxes on income at U.S. federal statutory rate	$ 661	$ 676	$ 836
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	116	116	109
Effect of foreign operations	(98)	(49)	(108)
Noncontrolling interests	(52)	(2)	(1)
U.K. statutory rate change	(100)	0	0
Reorganization of foreign operations	0	(768)	0
Bankruptcy of an investee	0	(39)	0
Impact of tax law changes	0	0	(80)
Tax benefits from positions relating to the Tax Reform Act	0	(44)	0
Merger related costs	0	41	0
Establishment (reversal) of valuation allowance	0	(2)	153
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	29	20	8
Domestic production deduction	0	(1)	24
Tax accounting method change	0	0	(78)
Other, net	(21)	19	23
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 535	$ (29)	580
CBS Television City [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Establishment (reversal) of valuation allowance			$ 140

Income Taxes (Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred income tax assets:
Reserves and other accrued liabilities	$ 476	$ 481
Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits	772	766
Lease liability	466	485
Tax credit and loss carryforwards	448	394
Other	56	85
Total deferred income tax assets	2,218	2,211
Valuation allowance	(593)	(547)
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,625	1,664
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(460)	(251)
Unbilled licensing receivables	(237)	(393)
Lease asset	(400)	(422)
Property, equipment and other assets	(198)	(153)
Financing obligations	(71)	(72)
Other	(44)	0
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(1,410)	(1,291)
Deferred income tax assets, net	$ 215	$ 373

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Change in reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding related accrued interest and penalties
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$ 384	$ 446	$ 300
Additions for current year tax positions	15	49	27
Additions for prior year tax positions	18	67	204
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(34)	(26)	(60)
Cash settlements	(2)	(149)	(19)
Statute of limitations lapses	(9)	(3)	(6)
Reclassification to deferred income tax liability	(64)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$ 308	$ 384	$ 446

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percent of plan assets' fair value invested in Company common stock	1.80%	2.10%
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	$ 2,098	$ 2,121
Pension benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	1,737	1,723
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	4,963	4,511
Service cost	30	28	$ 30
Interest cost	164	191	180
Actuarial loss (gain)	408	593
Curtailment gain	(79)	0
Benefits paid	(324)	(360)
Participants’ contributions	0	0
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of year	$ 5,162	4,963	4,511
Decrease in discount rate	0.60%
Pension benefits [Member] \| Non- U.S [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	$ 77	80
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	284	318
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	360	376
Service cost	2	1	1
Interest cost	11	16	17
Actuarial loss (gain)	(8)	8
Curtailment gain	0	0
Benefits paid	(58)	(59)
Participants’ contributions	12	13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	3	5
Benefit obligation, end of year	$ 322	$ 360	$ 376

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change In Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 3,176	$ 2,932
Actual return on plan assets	429	530
Employer contributions	66	74
Benefits paid	(324)	(360)
Participants’ contributions	0	0
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	3,347	3,176
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	1
Actual return on plan assets	0	(1)
Employer contributions	43	41
Benefits paid	(58)	(59)
Participants’ contributions	12	13
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy	3	5
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Amount of contribution received by defined benefit plan from employer which increases plan assets.

Amount of asset segregated and restricted to provide benefit under defined benefit plan. Asset includes, but is not limited to, stock, bond, other investment, earning from investment, and contribution by employer and employee.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status of Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent liabilities	$ (2,098)	$ (2,121)
Pension benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Funded status at end of year	(1,815)	(1,787)
Other assets	7	5
Current liabilities	(85)	(69)
Noncurrent liabilities	(1,737)	(1,723)
Net amounts recognized	(1,815)	(1,787)
Pension benefits [Member] \| Qualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Funded status at end of year	(712)	(734)
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Funded status at end of year	(322)	(360)
Other assets	0	0
Current liabilities	(38)	(42)
Noncurrent liabilities	(284)	(318)
Net amounts recognized	$ (322)	$ (360)

Amount of asset, recognized in statement of financial position, for overfunded defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status and Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial (loss) gain	$ (2,144)	$ (2,153)
Net prior service cost	(1)	(3)
Share of equity investee	(2)	(2)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(2,147)	(2,158)
Deferred income taxes	560	563
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,587)	(1,595)
Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans	5,160	4,870
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial (loss) gain	140	147
Net prior service cost	0	(1)
Share of equity investee	0	0
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	140	146
Deferred income taxes	(13)	(14)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 127	$ 132

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 5,161	$ 4,962
Accumulated benefit obligation	5,161	4,873
Fair value of plan assets	$ 3,340	$ 3,170

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Deferred income taxes	$ 1	$ 44	$ 23
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2)	(145)	(61)
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Components of net periodic cost:
Net periodic cost	5	6	3
Pension benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	30	28	30
Interest cost	164	191	180
Expected return on plan assets	(194)	(183)	(214)
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103	94	87
Amortization of prior service cost	2	1	1
Net periodic cost	105	131	84
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial (loss) gain	(173)	(246)	(179)
Curtailment gain	79	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	103	94	87
Amortization of prior service cost	2	1	1
Recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax	11	(151)	(91)
Deferred income taxes	(3)	37	25
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	8	(114)	(66)
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	2	1	1
Interest cost	11	16	17
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	(15)	(18)	(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	1
Net periodic cost	(1)	0	1
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Actuarial (loss) gain	8	(9)	8
Curtailment gain	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)	(15)	(18)	(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	1
Recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax	(6)	(26)	(9)
Deferred income taxes	1	5	2
Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (5)	$ (21)	$ (7)

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Viacom Inc [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	4.50%
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Pre-65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.60%	6.30%
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Post-65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.60%	5.70%
Pension benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	2.90%	3.50%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs for the year ended December 31:
Discount rate	3.40%	4.50%	3.80%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.40%	6.60%	6.60%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	2.60%	3.30%	4.40%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs for the year ended December 31:
Discount rate	3.30%	4.40%	3.90%
Expected long-term return on plan assets			2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Postretirement benefits [Member] \| Pre-65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.60%	7.00%
Postretirement benefits [Member] \| Post-65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Projected health care cost trend rate (pre-65)	6.60%	7.00%

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Plan Asset Allocations) (Details) - United States [Member]	Dec. 31, 2020
Fixed Income Instrument [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocation	73.00%
Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocation	25.00%
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	78.00%
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Liability Hedging [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	21.00%
Viacom Inc [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	1.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Fixed Income Instrument [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	70.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	16.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	70.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Liability Hedging [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	10.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	0.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Fixed Income Instrument [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	80.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	28.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	90.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Liability Hedging [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	30.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Viacom Inc [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations	10.00%

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - Pension benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	$ 3,347	$ 3,176	$ 2,932
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	2,134	2,127
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	8	35
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| US treasury securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	78	83
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Government-related securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	167	171
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	1,634	1,562
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	56	98
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| US large capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	82	113
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| US small capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	79	40
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Other investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	30	25
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	247	237
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	8	1
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US treasury securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	78	83
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Government-related securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US large capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	82	113
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US small capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	79	40
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Other investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	1,887	1,890
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	34
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US treasury securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Government-related securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	167	171
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	1,634	1,562
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	56	98
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US large capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US small capitalization [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Other investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	30	25
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value Measured at net asset value [Member] \| Common collective funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	1,149	978
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value Measured at net asset value [Member] \| Limited partnerships [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	18	23
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value Measured at net asset value [Member] \| Mutual funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value	$ 46	$ 48

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Retiree Medicare drug subsidy
2021	$ 5
2022	5
2023	4
2024	4
2025	4
2026-2030	18
Pension benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	464
2022	311
2023	305
2024	305
2025	305
2026-2030	1,450
Pension benefits [Member] \| Qualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution in the next fiscal year	15
Pension benefits [Member] \| Nonqualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution in the next fiscal year	86
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	39
2022	36
2023	34
2024	31
2025	28
2026-2030	106
Expected contribution in the next fiscal year	$ 39

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Multiemployer Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension benefits [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Company Contributions	$ 120	$ 164	$ 151
Pension benefits [Member] \| AFTRA Retirement Plan [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	136414972
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 13	$ 12	11
Pension benefits [Member] \| AFTRA Retirement Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Jun. 30, 2020
Pension benefits [Member] \| AFTRA Retirement Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Jun. 30, 2021
Pension benefits [Member] \| Directors Guild Of America Producer [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	952892780
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 16	$ 19	15
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Jun. 30, 2020
Pension benefits [Member] \| Producer Writers Guild Of America [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	952216351
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 22	$ 26	25
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	May 01, 2020
Pension benefits [Member] \| Screen Actors Guild Producers [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	952110997
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 24	$ 43	36
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Jun. 30, 2020
Pension benefits [Member] \| Motion Picture Industry [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	951810805
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 35	$ 43	42
Pension benefits [Member] \| Motion Picture Industry [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	May 15, 2021
Pension benefits [Member] \| Motion Picture Industry [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Mar. 02, 2022
Pension benefits [Member] \| I.A.T.S.E. Local No. 33 Pension Trust Fund [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number	956377503
Pension Protection Act	Green	Green
Company Contributions	$ 3	$ 5	10
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement	Dec. 31, 2022
Pension benefits [Member] \| Other Plans [ Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Company Contributions	$ 7	16	12
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Company Contributions	$ 95	$ 89	$ 74

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Contributions to defined contribution plans	$ 91	$ 95	$ 87

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 254	$ 239	$ 249
Net earnings	11	14	18
Distributions	(15)	(16)	(15)
Translation adjustment	7	8	(14)
Redemption value adjustment	(60)	9	1
Ending balance	$ 197	$ 254	$ 239

Carrying amount, attributable to parent and noncontrolling interests, of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

Segment and Revenue Information (Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 6,874	$ 5,837	$ 6,075	$ 6,499	$ 6,656	$ 6,481	$ 6,925	$ 6,936	$ 25,285	$ 26,998	$ 26,425
Advertising [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									9,751	11,074	10,841
Affiliate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									9,166	8,602	8,376
Content Licensing [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									5,963	6,483	6,163
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									225	292	301
Theatrical [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									180	547	744
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									10,700	11,924	11,061
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member] \| Advertising [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									5,035	6,008	5,751
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member] \| Affiliate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									3,129	2,550	2,082
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member] \| Content Licensing [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									2,369	3,157	3,006
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member] \| Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									167	209	222
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									12,589	12,449	12,683
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member] \| Advertising [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									4,743	5,129	5,130
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member] \| Affiliate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									6,037	6,052	6,294
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member] \| Content Licensing [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									1,809	1,268	1,259
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									2,562	2,990	2,956
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member] \| Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									75	111	102
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member] \| Theatrical [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									180	547	744
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member] \| Home Entertainment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									709	623	617
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member] \| Licensing [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									1,598	1,709	1,493
Corporate/Eliminations [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									(566)	(365)	(275)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									(566)	(396)	(306)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									(285)	(226)	(164)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									(79)	(53)	(47)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ (202)	$ (117)	$ (95)

Segment and Revenue Information (Operating Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation									$ (274)	$ (286)	$ (187)
Depreciation and amortization									(430)	(438)	(427)
Restructuring and other corporate matters	$ (177)	$ (52)	$ (158)	$ (231)	$ (467)	$ (122)	$ (7)	$ (173)	(618)	(769)	(489)
Programming charges	(38)		(121)		(589)				(159)	(589)	(162)
Gain on sales									214	549	0
Operating income (loss)	1,083	903	1,251	902	(44)	984	1,414	1,792	4,139	4,146	5,062
Interest expense									(1,031)	(962)	(1,030)
Interest income									60	66	79
Net gains (losses) from investments									206	85	(53)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		(23)	(103)						(126)	0	18
Other items, net									(101)	(112)	(92)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies									3,147	3,223	3,984
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									(535)	29	(580)
Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax									(28)	(53)	(47)
Net earnings from continuing operations	802	580	698	504	(298)	600	953	1,944	2,584	3,199	3,357
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax									117	140	135
Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests)	829	627	726	519	(254)	646	983	1,964	2,701	3,339	3,492
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(279)	(31)	(37)
Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS	$ 810	$ 615	$ 481	$ 516	$ (258)	$ 630	$ 977	$ 1,959	2,422	3,308	3,455
TV Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges									(101)
Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges									(53)
Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Programming charges									(5)
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted OIBDA									1,857	2,443	2,466
Depreciation and amortization									(162)	(150)	(160)
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted OIBDA									3,746	3,515	4,341
Depreciation and amortization									(205)	(219)	(194)
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted OIBDA									215	80	(33)
Depreciation and amortization									(36)	(37)	(38)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									(27)	(32)	(35)
Corporate/Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted OIBDA									(500)	(449)	(433)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation									(186)	(196)	(201)
Depreciation and amortization									(430)	(438)	(427)
Restructuring and other corporate matters									(618)	(769)	(489)
Programming charges									$ (159)	$ (589)	$ (162)

Segment and Revenue Information (Depreciation and Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 430	$ 438	$ 427
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	162	150	160
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	205	219	194
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	36	37	38
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 27	$ 32	$ 35

Segment and Revenue Information (Capital Expenditures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 324	$ 345	$ 345
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	112	113	112
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	110	166	156
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	37	43	52
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 65	$ 23	$ 25

Segment and Revenue Information (Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 52,663	$ 49,585
Assets of discontinued operations	1,439	1,341
Assets held for sale	28	23
Operating Segments [Member] \| TV Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	19,443	19,689
Operating Segments [Member] \| Cable Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	23,139	22,109
Operating Segments [Member] \| Filmed Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	6,440	5,477
Corporate/Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2,202	$ 969

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75031198&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116870748&loc=SL6758485-165988

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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-Section S99
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Segment and Revenue Information (Revenue by Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 6,874	$ 5,837	$ 6,075	$ 6,499	$ 6,656	$ 6,481	$ 6,925	$ 6,936	$ 25,285	$ 26,998	$ 26,425
United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									20,690	21,449	20,442
Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 4,595	$ 5,549	$ 5,983