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Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (includes $202 (2020) and $120 (2019) of restricted cash) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year (includes $135 (2020), $202 (2019) and $120 (2018) of restricted cash) Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Proceeds from sale of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities U.K. statutory rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Share-based 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Lease Income Lease Income [Abstract] Unrecognized future expense of unvested stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Renewal options to extend term, maximum Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Completed, not yet released Theatrical Film Costs, Completed and Not Released Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] 4.95% Senior Notes due 2050 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2050 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2050 [Member] Balance at Beginning of Period Balance at End of Period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Noncurrent receivables origination in 2018 Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Acquired television and film program rights, including prepaid sports rights Acquired Program Rights Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of acquired program rights. Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Participants’ share and royalties payable (noncurrent) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Accrued Royalties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Accrued Royalties Impact of tax law changes Income Tax Reconciliation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Reconciliation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign exchange contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Composition of Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent 5.50% Senior Debentures due 2033 [Member] Senior Debentures 2033 [Member] Net earnings from continuing operations Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to ViacomCBS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total Assets Assets Assets Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Impairment charge Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Non-vested (shares), beginning balance Non-vested (shares), ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Finance Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Gain on disposition Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Qualified Plan [Member] Qualified Plan [Member] Amortization of internally produced programming, Individual monetization Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Other intangible assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Impairment Testing Assumptions [Line Items] Impairment Testing Assumptions [Line Items] Liabilities Liabilities Pension Protection Act Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Certified Zone Status [Fixed List] Licensing [Member] Licensing [Member] Licensing [Member] Operating lease assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset AFTRA Retirement Plan [Member] AFTRA Retirement Plan [Member] Multiemployer defined benefit plan to which the Company contributes. Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Less amounts representing interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Participants’ contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant CBS Television City [Member] CBS Television City [Member] CBS Television City [Member] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2025 4.75 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2025 4.75 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Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Potential change Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Potential Change Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Potential Change Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Balance, beginning of year (shares) Balance, end of year (shares) Shares, Issued Net earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Interest expense on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Foreign currency hedges Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Value of equity method investments Equity Method Investments Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill, net of impairment, Acquisitions (Dispositions) Goodwill, Acquired (Disposed) During Period, Net Goodwill, Acquired (Disposed) During Period, Net Term of contract Derivative, Term of Contract Translation adjustment Temporary Equity, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Outstanding, beginning balance (USD per share) Outstanding, ending balance (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Other Bank Borrowings [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to acquire business, net Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Rollforward of RSU Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Revenues by Customer Location Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Proceeds from exercise of stock options Cash received from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Impairment Test [Axis] Impairment Test [Axis] Funded status at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] 4.25% 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Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] 2025 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] (Repayments of) proceeds from short-term debt borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Participants’ share and royalties payable Accrued Royalties, Current Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Net cash flow provided by operating activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Directors Guild Of America Producer [Member] Directors Guild Of America Producer [Member] Multiemployer defined benefit plan to which the Company contributes. Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Amount of unrecorded benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Costs Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Minimum Class A shares needed for conversion (in shares) Minimum Class A Shares For Conversion The minimum number of class A shares that need to be outstanding for holders to convert their class A shares to class B shares. 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Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest 4.60% Senior Notes due 2045 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2045 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2045 [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt 2026-2030 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, after Year Five for Next Five Years Current Programming and Other Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and 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Previous Disposed Business [Member] Property and equipment estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Filmed Entertainment [Member] Filmed Entertainment Segment [Member] Filmed Entertainment Segment [Member] Other Other Sundry Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Sundry Nonoperating Income (Expense) Goodwill Rollforward [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Total debt Debt and Lease Obligation Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Reserve for inventory obsolescence [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member] Deferred income tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Redemption and repayment of senior notes, face value Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Commitment to invest, annual amount Business Combination Five Year Commitment, Annual Amount 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Acquisition [Line Items] Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Weighted average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent The C W [Member] The C W [Member] 6.25% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member] Junior Subordinated Debenture February 2057, 10-Year Hybrid [Member] Junior Subordinated Debenture February 2057, 10-Year Hybrid [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Adjusted OIBDA by Segment Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Individual monetization, 2023 Film, Monetized on Its Own, Released Film, Expected Amortization, Year Three Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Exit costs and other [Member] Contract Termination [Member] Less amounts representing interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Internally Produced Television Programming [Member] Internally Produced Television Programming [Member] Internally Produced Television Programming [Member] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Restructuring reserve, beginning balance Restructuring reserve, ending balance Restructuring Reserve Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Gain on sale of property and sound stage operation Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property In process and other Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Production 4.0% Senior Notes due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Tax accounting method change Income Tax Reconciliation, New Accounting Pronouncements Income Tax Reconciliation, New Accounting Pronouncements Deferred income tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance 4.85% Senior Debentures due 2034 [Member] Senior Debentures December 2034 [Member] Senior debentures due in December 2034 with a discount rate of 4.850%. 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[Member] Stock Options [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] 6.75% Senior Debentures due 2037 [Member] Senior Debentures Oct 2037 [Member] Senior debentures due in Oct 2037 with a discount rate of 6.750%. NAI ownership of CBS Corp. Class A and Class B common stock on a combined basis (percentage) Ownership Percent Of Class A And Class B Stock By Controlling Stockholder Percent of Company Corp. 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Investments readily determinable fair value Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Total Equity Balance, beginning of year Balance, end of year Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Other Foreign Currency Other Foreign Currency [Member] Other Foreign Currency [Member] Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Proceeds from dispositions Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Gain on sales Gain on sales Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Assets And Sale Of Business Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Assets And Sale Of Business Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Total Liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Net earnings (in dollars per share) Net earnings (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted 5.25% Senior Debentures due 2044 [Member] Senior Debentures Apr 2044 [Member] Senior Debentures Apr 2044 [Member] Total Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases Depreciation Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Famous Players [Member] Famous Players [Member] Famous Players [Member] 3.70% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2024 Net deferred tax assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Assets Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax provision (benefit) Total deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 7.875% Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member] Senior Debentures Due 2030 Write down property and equipment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Earnings from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Net cash flow used for investing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Net gains (losses) from investments Net (gains) losses from investments Gain (Loss) on Investments Dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Cash 4.875% Senior Debentures due 2043 [Member] Senior Debentures June 2043 [Member] Senior debentures due June 2043 with a discount rate of 4.875%. 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Percent of plan assets' fair value invested in Company common stock Percent Of Plan Assets Fair Value Invested In Company Common Stock The percent of plan assets invested in Company common stock. 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Purchase of Company common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock 2026 and thereafter Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Noncurrent receivables Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Goodwill, net of impairment, Foreign Currency Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss), Net Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss), Net Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Taxes on income at U.S. federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Foreign Currency Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Components of Other Items, Net Supplemental Income Statement 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Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Internally produced television programming: Direct-to-television Film Costs [Abstract] Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Settlement of commercial dispute Litigation Settlement, Expense Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] 4.85% Senior Notes due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes 2042 [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Liabilities of discontinued operations Total Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Establishment (reversal) of valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount fuboTV [Member] fuboTV [Member] fuboTV Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Pension and postretirement benefit costs Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 2024 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four National Amusements Inc [Member] Majority Shareholder [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding stock options (years) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Shares of common stock outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Average price per share repurchased (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Unbilled licensing receivables Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Other Acquisitions [Member] Other Acquisitions [Member] Other Acquisitions Segment and Revenue Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] ConsolidatedVIE [Member] ConsolidatedVIE [Member] ConsolidatedVIE [Member] International broadcast licenses [Member] Operating and Broadcast Rights International [Member] Operating and Broadcast Rights International [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] 3.70% Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 3.70 Percent [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 3.70 Percent [Member] Reclassification of income tax effect of the Tax Reform Act Tax effects reclassified to retained earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Equity securities, gain Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Affiliate [Member] Affiliate [Member] Affiliate [Member] Affiliate [Member] Planned dispositions Business Exit Costs Other assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Operating Operating Lease [Abstract] Operating Lease [Abstract] 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Lessee, Finance Lease, Future Lease Payments Finance Lease, Liability, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Film inventory: Theatrical Film Costs [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Operating Direct Operating Costs Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Change in reserve for uncertain tax positions, excluding related accrued interest and penalties Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Income Tax Provision Components Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] 2.50% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 2.50 Percent [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 2.50 Percent [Member] Adoption of New Accounting Standards [Member] Revision of Prior Period, Change in Accounting Principle, Adjustment [Member] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Tax Status [Axis] Weighted average period over which future expense of unrecognized stock-based compensation will be recognized (years) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 2025 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five 7.875% Debentures due 2023 [Member] Debentures 2023 [Member] Minimum term of publicly traded options used to derive implied volatility of options grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Minimum Expected Term Of Company Option Minimum expected term of company options traded, publicly, near the grant date and at a similar grant price used to derive implied volatility for options granted. Non-US [Member] Non-US [Member] 2025 Other Commitment, to be Paid, Year Five 2022 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two Lease Impairments [Member] Lease Impairments [Member] Lease Impairments Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt, Year Three Other long-term contractual obligations Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class B Common Stock purchased Class B Common Stock purchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to net cash flow provided by operating activities from continuing operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Net earnings Temporary Equity, Net Income Operating Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Reclassifications Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block] Outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Government-related securities [Member] US Government Debt Securities [Member] Released Direct-to-television Film Costs, Released Acquired libraries Acquired Television Library, Monetized On Its Own Acquired Television Library, Monetized on Its Own SMR trust ownership in NAI Chairman Emeritus Trust Ownership Percentage In Controlling Stockholder Chairman Emeritus trust ownership percentage in controlling stockholder 2021 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One Foreign currency hedges Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Post-combination expenses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Expenses and Losses Recognized Service period over which grants vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Gain on sales Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Net actuarial loss and prior service costs Recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Accounting Standards Update 2019-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2019-02 [Member] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Debt Due August 2019 [Member] Debt Due August 2019 [Member] Debt Due August 2019 [Member] 4.90% Senior Notes due 2044 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2044 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2044 Remaining authorization under repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount NAI ownership of CBS Corp. Class A common stock (percentage) Ownership Percent Of Class A Stock By Controlling Stockholder Percent of Company Class A Common Stock owned by controlling stockholder as of the financial statement date Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill, Gross Comprehensive income attributable to ViacomCBS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three 2.250% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes February 2022 [Member] Senior Notes due February 2022 at a discount rate of 2.250% Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] 2021 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase CBS [Member] CBS [Member] CBS [Member] Accumulated impairment losses, Foreign Currency Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Deductions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] City Area Code City Area Code Operating lease liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Programming and Production Costs Entertainment [Table Text Block] Entertainment [Table Text Block] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Curtailment gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax Other current liabilities, extensible list Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests) Net earnings (ViacomCBS and noncontrolling interests) Net earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] In process and other Direct-to-television Film Costs, Production Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Number of law firms retained Number Of Law Firms Retained Number Of Law Firms Retained Remaining term Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Estimated fair value fair value Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Remaining ownership acquired Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt. net of tax Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] CNET Media Group [Member] CNET Media Group [Member] CNET Media Group Company Contributions Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Employer Contribution, Cost 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt, Year Two Accounts payable and accrued expenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Commitment to invest, total Business Combination Five Year Commitment, Total Business Combination Five Year Commitment, Total Equity Method Investees [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] U.S. and Foreign Components of Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Loss of Investee Companies Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Fixed Income Instrument [Member] Fixed Income Securities [Member] Carrying value of notes and debentures Long-term Debt Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Investments Investments Participants’ contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Finance lease cost: Lease, Cost [Abstract] Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax Less: Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Number of pending asbestos claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number 2026-2030 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt, after Year Five Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Total deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Impairment charge on equity-method investment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Property and equipment, net Net property and equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Provisional amount of transition tax on cumulative foreign earnings and profits Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Unrecognized future expense of unvested RSUs Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Film group monetization, 2022 Film, Monetized in Film Group, Released Film, Expected Amortization, Year Two Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Supplemental Cash Flow Information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Equity securities [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Amortization of actuarial losses (gains) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Funded Status and Amounts Recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] RSUs and PSUs Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current United States [Member] UNITED STATES Net periodic cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Exercised (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Discrete tax provision (benefit) Impact On Tax Provision (Benefit) From Discrete Items Impact On Tax Provision (Benefit) From Discrete Items Rollforward of Stock Option Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock-based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Change in Benefit Obligations Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Number of markets with book value of FCC licenses Number Of Markets With Book Value Of FCC Licenses Number Of Markets With Book Value Of FCC Licenses Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current 2022 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Earnings Other Related Parties Consolidated Balance Sheets Tables [Abstract] Other Related Parties Consolidated Balance Sheets Tables [Abstract] Intercompany Revenues by Segment Segment Reporting Intercompany Revenues [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amount of revenue from transactions with other reportable segments of the same entity. 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year One Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Advertising Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Sale of property and sound stage Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Pre-65 [Member] Pre-65 [Member] Pre-65 [Member] Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Released Theatrical Film Costs, Released Internally Produced Television Programming Still In Production [Member] Internally Produced Television Programming Still In Production [Member] Internally Produced Television Programming Still In Production Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] 4.20% Senior Notes due 2032 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2032 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2032 [Member] Customer agreements [Member] Customer Agreements [Member] Customer Agreements [Member] Expected amortization, acquired programming, 2021 Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Expected Amortization, Year One Charged to Expenses and Other Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Other Plans [ Member] Retirement Plan Name, Other [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Receivables, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Ownership of consolidated VIE Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Total minimum payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Non- U.S [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Cash balance interest crediting rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Weighted-Average Interest Crediting Rate Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax and distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Decrease in discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Increase (Decrease) Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Increase (Decrease) Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] 2022 Other Commitment, to be Paid, Year Two Screen Actors Guild Producers [Member] Screen Actors Guild Producers [Member] Multiemployer defined benefit plan to which the Company contributes. 5.625% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes Sept 2019 [Member] Senior notes due in Sept 2019 with a discount rate of 5.625%. Payments Payments for Restructuring Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Income tax provision Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Tax benefit of stock option exercises Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit Credit from sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Credit From Sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Credit From Sale Restructuring and other corporate matters Restructuring and other corporate matters Restructuring and other corporate matters Restructuring Charges And Other Restructuring and other corporate matters Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] CMG consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Noncurrent receivables origination prior to 2016 Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Gain on sale of property and sound stage operation, net Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets, Net Of Tax Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets, Net Of Tax Components of net periodic cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] In process and other Theatrical Film Costs, Production Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Individual monetization, 2021 Film, Monetized on Its Own, Released Film, Expected Amortization, Year One Supplemental Financial Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Producer Writers Guild Of America [Member] Producer Writers Guild Of America [Member] Multiemployer defined benefit plan to which the Company contributes. Adoption of accounting standard Revision of Prior Period, Accounting Standards Update, Adjustment [Member] Restructuring, and Other Corporate Matters Business Acquisition, Integration, Restructuring and Other Related Costs [Text Block] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Mutual funds [Member] Mutual Fund [Member] Net unamortized discount on senior debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Net earnings (in dollars per share) Net earnings (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Amount included in reserve for uncertain tax positions that would affect Company's effective income tax rate (including discontinued operations) if recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 5.875% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2057 [Member] Junior Subordinated Debentures February 2057, 5-Year Hybrid [Member] Junior Subordinated Debentures February 2057, 5-Year Hybrid [Member] Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, potential increase Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Accordion Feature, Increase Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Accordion Feature, Increase Expected term of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Entity File Number Entity File Number Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Pension and postretirement benefit obligations Noncurrent liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Weighted average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Net amounts recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Employer Identification Number/Pension Plan Number Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Employer Identification Number 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four 3.25% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Mar 2023 [Member] Senior notes due in 2023 with a discount rate of 3.250%. Schedule of Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Net prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Available-For-Sale Securities [Member] AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] 3.125% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes June 2022 [Member] Senior Notes due in June 2022 at a discount rate of 3.125%. Related tax benefit Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Home entertainment Home Entertainment And Publishing Inventory, Net Of Allowances Home Entertainment And Publishing Inventory, Net Of Allowances Consolidated Statements of Earnings Other Related Parties Consolidated Statements Of Earnings Tables [Abstract] Other Related Parties Consolidated Statements Of Earnings Tables [Abstract] All Currencies [Domain] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Professional fees Professional Fees Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Stock options Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Stock-based compensation activity and other (shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Change in Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] PlutoTV [Member] PlutoTV [Member] PlutoTV [Member] Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Participants’ share and royalties payable (current) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Royalties Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Royalties Leasehold improvement estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Expected amortization, internally produced programming, Film group monetization, 2023 Film, Monetized in Film Group, Released Film, Expected Amortization, Year Three Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interest Beginning balance Ending balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Foreign exchange forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Participation in Multi-employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan Multiemployer Plan [Table Text Block] Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Retiree Medicare drug subsidy Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Comprehensive Income, Discontinued Operations [Member] Other Comprehensive Income, Discontinued Operations Increase in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Current liabilities of discontinued operations Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Stock Options and RSUs [Member] Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units [Member] Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Balance, beginning of year Balance, end of year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 2023 Other Commitment, to be Paid, Year Three Statute of limitations lapses Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Total current income tax expense provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Impairment Test [Domain] Impairment Test [Domain] Weighted average remaining lease term Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Long-term debt extensible list Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Additions for prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Finite-lived intangible asset useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Estimated Future Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Contributions to grantor trust Contributions To Grantor Trust Contributions To Grantor Trust Other items, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income (Expense) Amount of income (expense) related to nonoperating activities, classified as other, attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Gain on disposition, net Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal, Net Of Tax Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal, Net Of Tax Entity tax identification number Entity Tax Identification Number Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Net earnings attributable to ViacomCBS Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Change in assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Programming and Other Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Trade names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Number of consolidated claims Loss Contingency, Claims Consolidated, Number Loss Contingency, Claims Consolidated, Number Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Impairment Testing Assumptions [Table] Impairment Testing Assumptions [Table] Property and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Obligations under finance leases Total lease liabilities Present value of minimum payments Finance Lease, Liability Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation and Lease Impairments [Member] Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation And Lease Impairments [Member] Restructuring Charges Excluding Stock-Based Compensation And Lease Impairments [Member] 5.85% Senior Debentures due 2043 [Member] Senior Debentures Sep 2043 [Member] Senior debentures due in 2043 with a discount rate of 5.850%. Decrease for reserve for uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions, Transition Tax Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions, Transition Tax Restructuring charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring Charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring Charges Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Senior Notes And Junior Subordinated Debt Redeemed [Member] Senior Notes And Junior Subordinated Debt Redeemed [Member] Senior Notes And Junior Subordinated Debt Redeemed [Member] Stock Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 2026 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five 3.875% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Apr 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Apr 2024 [Member] Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Noncurrent receivables origination in 2020 Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Acquisitions/(Dispositions) Goodwill, Acquired (Disposed) During Period Goodwill, Acquired (Disposed) During Period Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Miramax [Member] Miramax [Member] Miramax [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Noncurrent Asset [Member] Noncurrent Asset [Member] Noncurrent Asset [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] 2025 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Viacom Inc [Member] Viacom Inc [Member] Viacom Inc [Member] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Liability Hedging [Member] US treasury securities [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] Remaining availability Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Theatrical [Member] Theatrical [Member] Theatrical [Member] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement, Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block] 3.375% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes 2022 [Member] Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Conversion of A shares into B shares (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Total costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs and Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs and Expense Provision for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Net actuarial (loss) gain Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Performance obligation satisfied Contract with Customer, Performance Obligation Satisfied in Previous Period Post-65 [Member] Post-65 [Member] Post-65 [Member] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Property and equipment, net Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Share of equity investee Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Share Of Equity Investee Before Tax Share of equity method investee's other comprehensive income included in the Company's other comprehensive income. Lessee, Operating Lease, Future Lease Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] 4.95% Senior Notes due 2031 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] Noncurrent receivables origination in 2019 Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted average shares for basic EPS Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Cash flow hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Retiree Medicare drug subsidy Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Expected amortization, acquired programming, 2023 Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Expected Amortization, Year Three Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Equity interest in investees Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Amortization of actuarial losses (gains) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Noncash additions to operating lease assets Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Stockholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign exchange losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Programming Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Provision) benefit for income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Redemption value adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Health Care Trend Rate [Axis] Health Care Trend Rate [Axis] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt at Face Value Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Gain on sale of equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Debt Finance Lease, Liability, Current Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Upfront cash payment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued programming and production costs Program Rights Obligations, Current Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Assets by Segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Intrinsic value of stock option exercises Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Write-down of investments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Impairment Loss, Annual Amount Other corporate matters Other Corporate Matters, Costs Other Corporate Matters, Costs Outstanding principal Long-term Debt, Gross 6.875% Senior Debentures due 2036 [Member] Senior Debentures Apr 2036 [Member] Senior debentures due in 2036 with a discount rate of 6.875%. Reductions for prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Reorganization of foreign operations Income Tax Reconciliation, Reorganization Of Foreign Operations Income Tax Reconciliation, Reorganization Of Foreign Operations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Finance lease accumulated depreciation and amortization Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax benefit Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Amortization of right-of-use assets, prior to adoption Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense International Joint Venture [Member] International Joint Venture [Member] International Joint Venture [Member] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plan [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs for the year ended December 31: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Commercial paper Commercial Paper Aggregate fair value of RSUs vested during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Other assets (noncurrent) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Debt extensible list Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Number of new asbestos claims Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Other [Member] Service, Other [Member] Net cash flow provided by (used for) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Domestic production deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Lessor, Future Lease Income Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] 2.750% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes Dec 2019 [Member] Senior notes due in December 2019 with a discount rate of 2.750%. Estimated liability Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Period revenue is earned Ultimate Revenue, Period Revenue Is Earned Ultimate Revenue, Period Revenue Is Earned Corporate bonds [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Restructuring Reserve Rollforward Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Home Entertainment [Member] Home Entertainment [Member] Home Entertainment [Member] Exercisable (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Programming and talent commitments Total Other Commitment Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases Supplemental Cash Flow Information Leases [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Leases [Table Text Block] Share conversion ratio Business Combination, Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable, Share Conversion Ratio Business Combination, Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable, Share Conversion Ratio Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Treasury stock, at cost; 503 (2020) and 501 (2019) Class B Shares Treasury Stock, Value Pension benefits [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Common collective funds [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Common Collective Trust [Member] Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Basic net earnings per common share attributable to ViacomCBS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]