SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC., 10-K filed on 2/2/2021
Annual Report
v3.20.4
Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Jan. 29, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-34295    
Entity Registrant Name SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 38-3916511    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1221 Avenue of the Americas    
Entity Address, Address Line Two 35th Floor    
Entity Address, City or Town New York    
Entity Address, State or Province NY    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10020    
City Area Code 212    
Local Phone Number 584-5100    
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, $0.001 par value    
Trading Symbol SIRI    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 6,902,732,943
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   4,139,978,947  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Information included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 is incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000908937    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:      
Revenue $ 8,040 $ 7,794 $ 5,771
Cost of services:      
Subscriber acquisition costs 362 427 470
Sales and marketing 957 937 484
Engineering, design and development 263 280 123
General and administrative 511 524 354
Depreciation and amortization 506 468 301
Acquisition and restructuring costs 28 84 3
Impairment charges 976 0 0
Total operating expenses 7,182 6,147 4,044
Income from operations 858 1,647 1,727
Other (expense) income:      
Interest expense (394) (390) (350)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (40) (57) 0
Other income (expense) 6 (3) 44
Total other (expense) income (428) (450) (306)
Income before income taxes 430 1,197 1,421
Income tax expense (299) (283) (245)
Net income 131 914 1,176
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 7 14 (29)
Total comprehensive income $ 138 $ 928 $ 1,147
Net income per common share:      
Basic (in USD per share) $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
Diluted (in USD per share) $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 4,330 4,501 4,462
Diluted (in shares) 4,429 4,616 4,561
Subscriber revenue      
Revenue:      
Revenue $ 6,372 $ 6,120 $ 5,264
Advertising revenue      
Revenue:      
Revenue 1,340 1,336 188
Equipment      
Revenue:      
Revenue 173 173 155
Cost of services:      
Cost of services 19 29 31
Other revenue      
Revenue:      
Revenue 155 165 164
Revenue share and royalties      
Cost of services:      
Cost of services 2,421 2,291 1,394
Programming and content      
Cost of services:      
Cost of services 481 462 406
Customer service and billing      
Cost of services:      
Cost of services 481 475 382
Transmission      
Cost of services:      
Cost of services $ 177 $ 170 $ 96
v3.20.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 71 $ 106
Receivables, net 672 670
Inventory, net 10 11
Related party current assets 20 22
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 194 194
Total current assets 967 1,003
Property and equipment, net 1,629 1,626
Intangible assets, net 3,340 3,467
Goodwill 3,122 3,843
Related party long-term assets 531 452
Deferred tax assets 111 153
Operating lease right-of-use assets 427 466
Other long-term assets 206 139
Total assets 10,333 11,149
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,223 1,151
Accrued interest 174 160
Current portion of deferred revenue 1,721 1,930
Current maturities of debt 1 2
Operating lease current liabilities 48 46
Related party current liabilities 0 4
Total current liabilities 3,167 3,293
Long-term deferred revenue 118 130
Long-term debt 8,499 7,842
Deferred tax liabilities 266 70
Operating lease liabilities 419 456
Other long-term liabilities 149 94
Total liabilities 12,618 11,885
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):    
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 9,000 shares authorized; 4,176 and 4,412 shares issued; 4,173 and 4,412 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 4 4
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax 15 8
Additional paid-in capital 0 395
Treasury stock, at cost; 3 and 0 shares of common stock at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (19) 0
Accumulated deficit (2,285) (1,143)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) (2,285) (736)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 10,333 $ 11,149
v3.20.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Common stock, par value ( in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock authorized (in shares) 9,000,000,000 9,000,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares) 4,176,000,000 4,412,000,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares) 4,173,000,000 4,412,000,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 3,000,000 0
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Cumulative Effect, Adjustment
Common Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cumulative Effect, Adjustment
Additional Paid-in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital
Cumulative Effect, Adjustment
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Deficit
Cumulative Effect, Adjustment
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017     4,531         3    
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ (1,522) $ 44 $ 4 $ 19 $ 4 $ 1,715 $ 30 $ (17) $ (3,243) $ 10
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Comprehensive income, net of tax 1,147     (29)         1,176  
Share-based payment expense 133         133        
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     27              
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units 0                  
Withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock-based compensation (121)         (121)        
Cash dividends paid on common stock (201)         (201)        
Common stock repurchased (in shares)               209    
Common stock repurchased (1,297)             $ (1,297)    
Common stock retired (in shares)     (212)         (212)    
Common stock retired 0         (1,314)   $ 1,314    
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018     4,346         0    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018 (1,817)   $ 4 (6)   242   $ 0 (2,057)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Comprehensive income, net of tax 928     14         914  
Share-based payment expense 263         263        
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     38              
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units 8         8        
Withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock-based compensation (150)         (150)        
Cash dividends paid on common stock (226)         (226)        
Issuance of common stock as part of Pandora Acquisition (in shares)     392              
Issuance of common stock as part of Pandora Acquisition 2,355   $ 1     2,354        
Equity component of convertible note 62         62        
Common stock repurchased (in shares)               364    
Common stock repurchased (2,159)             $ (2,159)    
Common stock retired (in shares)     (364)         (364)    
Common stock retired 0   $ (1)     (2,158)   $ 2,159    
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019     4,412         0    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 (736)   $ 4 8   395   $ 0 (1,143)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Comprehensive income, net of tax 138     7         131  
Share-based payment expense 239         239        
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     28              
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units 0                  
Withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock-based compensation (115)         (115)        
Cash dividends paid on common stock (237)         (170)     (67)  
Common stock repurchased (in shares)               267    
Common stock repurchased (1,574)             $ (1,574)    
Common stock retired (in shares)     (264)         (264)    
Common stock retired 0         (349)   $ 1,555 (1,206)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020     4,176         3    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ (2,285)   $ 4 $ 15   $ 0   $ (19) $ (2,285)  
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Cash dividend per share of common stock (in USD per share) $ 0.05457 $ 0.04961 $ 0.04510
Common stock retired $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 131,000,000 $ 914,000,000 $ 1,176,000,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 506,000,000 468,000,000 301,000,000
Impairment charges 976,000,000 0 0
Non-cash interest expense, net of amortization of premium 20,000,000 17,000,000 9,000,000
Provision for doubtful accounts 60,000,000 53,000,000 51,000,000
Amortization of deferred income related to equity method investment (3,000,000) (3,000,000) (3,000,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 40,000,000 57,000,000 0
Loss on unconsolidated entity investments, net 16,000,000 21,000,000 10,000,000
Gain on fair value instrument 0 0 (43,000,000)
Dividend received from unconsolidated entity investment 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000
Loss on restructuring 24,000,000 0 0
(Gain) loss on other investments (3,000,000) (3,000,000) 1,000,000
Share-based payment expense 223,000,000 250,000,000 133,000,000
Deferred income taxes 238,000,000 259,000,000 257,000,000
Amortization of right-of-use assets 56,000,000 56,000,000 0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Receivables (36,000,000) (137,000,000) (42,000,000)
Inventory (2,000,000) 11,000,000 (2,000,000)
Related party, net 0 (10,000,000) 1,000,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,000,000 10,000,000 (20,000,000)
Other long-term assets (61,000,000) 7,000,000 9,000,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 42,000,000 109,000,000 (20,000,000)
Accrued interest 13,000,000 32,000,000 (9,000,000)
Deferred revenue (223,000,000) (58,000,000) 70,000,000
Operating lease liabilities (53,000,000) (47,000,000) 0
Other long-term liabilities 38,000,000 9,000,000 (1,000,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,018,000,000 2,017,000,000 1,880,000,000
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Additions to property and equipment (350,000,000) (363,000,000) (355,000,000)
Purchases of other investments (8,000,000) (7,000,000) (8,000,000)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (300,000,000) 313,000,000 (2,000,000)
Sale of short-term investments 0 73,000,000 0
Investments in related parties and other equity investees (94,000,000) (19,000,000) (17,000,000)
Repayment from related party 11,000,000 0 3,000,000
Net cash used in investing activities (741,000,000) (3,000,000) (379,000,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 0 8,000,000 0
Taxes paid from net share settlements for stock-based compensation (114,000,000) (150,000,000) (120,000,000)
Revolving credit facility, net of deferred financing costs 649,000,000 (439,000,000) 136,000,000
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of costs 1,481,000,000 2,715,000,000 0
Proceeds from sale of capped call security 0 3,000,000 0
Principal payments of long-term borrowings (1,507,000,000) (1,666,000,000) (16,000,000)
Payment of premiums on redemption of debt (31,000,000) (45,000,000) 0
Common stock repurchased and retired (1,555,000,000) (2,159,000,000) (1,314,000,000)
Dividends paid (237,000,000) (226,000,000) (201,000,000)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,314,000,000) (1,959,000,000) (1,515,000,000)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (37,000,000) 55,000,000 (14,000,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period [1] 120,000,000 65,000,000 79,000,000
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period [1] 83,000,000 120,000,000 65,000,000
Cash paid during the period for:      
Interest, net of amounts capitalized 358,000,000 337,000,000 345,000,000
Income taxes paid 38,000,000 10,000,000 6,000,000
Non-cash investing and financing activities:      
Treasury stock not yet settled (19,000,000) 0 17,000,000
Fair value of shares issued related to acquisition of a business 0 2,355,000,000 0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 7,000,000 $ 14,000,000 $ (29,000,000)
[1] The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the statement of cash flows to the balance sheet. The restricted cash balances are primarily due to letters of credit which have been issued to the landlords of leased office space. The terms of the letters of credit primarily extend beyond one year.
(in millions)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$71 $106 $54 $69 
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets12 14 11 10 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$83 $120 $65 $79 
v3.20.4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 71 $ 106 $ 54 $ 69
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets 12 14 11 10
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period [1] $ 83 $ 120 $ 65 $ 79
[1] The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per the statement of cash flows to the balance sheet. The restricted cash balances are primarily due to letters of credit which have been issued to the landlords of leased office space. The terms of the letters of credit primarily extend beyond one year.
(in millions)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$71 $106 $54 $69 
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets12 14 11 10 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$83 $120 $65 $79 
v3.20.4
Business & Basis of Presentation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Business & Basis of Presentation Business & Basis of Presentation
This Annual Report on Form 10-K presents information for Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Holdings”).  The terms “Holdings,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” as used herein, and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. “Sirius XM” refers to our wholly owned subsidiary Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. “Pandora” refers to Sirius XM's wholly owned subsidiary Pandora Media, LLC (the successor to Pandora Media, Inc.) and its subsidiaries. Holdings has no operations independent of Sirius XM and Pandora.
Business
We operate two complementary audio entertainment businesses - our Sirius XM business and our Pandora business. 

Sirius XM
Our Sirius XM business features music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels and other content, as well as podcasts and infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis. Sirius XM's premier content bundles include live, curated and certain exclusive and on demand programming. The Sirius XM service is distributed through our two proprietary satellite radio systems and streamed via applications for mobile devices, home devices and other consumer electronic equipment. Satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers, retailers and our website. Our Sirius XM service is also available through our user interface, which we call “360L,” that combines our satellite and streaming services into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience.
The primary source of revenue from our Sirius XM business is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing to monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual plans.  We also derive revenue from advertising on select non-music channels, direct sales of our satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services.  As of December 31, 2020, our Sirius XM business had approximately 34.7 million subscribers.
In addition to our audio entertainment businesses, we provide connected vehicle services to several automakers. These services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience of consumers. We also offer a suite of data services that includes graphical weather, fuel prices, sports schedules and scores and movie listings, a traffic information service that includes information as to road closings, traffic flow and incident data to consumers with compatible in-vehicle navigation systems, and real-time weather services in vehicles, boats and planes.
In May 2020, we terminated the Automatic Labs Inc. (“Automatic”) service, which was part of our connected services business. Automatic operated a service for consumers and auto dealers and offered an install-it-yourself adapter and mobile application, which transformed vehicles into connected vehicles. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $24 of restructuring expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income related to this termination of the service. We did not record any restructuring expenses during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Refer to Note 5 for more information.
Sirius XM also holds a 70% equity interest and 33% voting interest in Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM Canada”). Sirius XM Canada's subscribers are not included in our subscriber count or subscriber-based operating metrics.

Pandora
Our Pandora business operates a music, comedy and podcast streaming discovery platform, offering a personalized experience for each listener wherever and whenever they want to listen, whether through mobile devices, car speakers or connected devices.  Pandora enables listeners to create personalized stations and playlists, discover new content, hear artist- and expert-curated playlists, podcasts and select Sirius XM content as well as search and play songs and albums on-demand.  Pandora is available as (1) an ad-supported radio service, (2) a radio subscription service (Pandora Plus) and (3) an on-demand subscription service (Pandora Premium).  As of December 31, 2020, Pandora had approximately 6.3 million subscribers.
The majority of revenue from our Pandora business is generated from advertising on our Pandora ad-supported radio service. We also derive subscription revenue from our Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium subscribers.
Our Pandora business also sells advertising on audio platforms and in podcasts unaffiliated with us. Pandora has an arrangement with SoundCloud Holdings, LLC ("SoundCloud") to be its exclusive US ad sales representative. Through this arrangement Pandora is able to offer advertisers the ability to execute campaigns in the US across the Pandora and SoundCloud listening platforms. We also have arrangements to serve as the ad sales representative for certain podcasts. In addition, through AdsWizz Inc., Pandora provides a comprehensive digital audio and programmatic advertising technology platform, which connects audio publishers and advertisers with a variety of ad insertion, campaign trafficking, yield optimization, programmatic buying, marketplace and podcast monetization solutions.
On October 16, 2020, Sirius XM acquired certain assets and liabilities of Stitcher from The E.W. Scripps Company and certain of its subsidiaries for a total consideration of $296, which included $272 in cash and $30 related to contingent consideration, partially offset by working capital adjustments of $6. The acquisition of Stitcher, in conjunction with Simplecast, created a full-service platform for podcast creators, publishers and advertisers. Refer to Note 3 for more information on this acquisition.
On June 16, 2020, Sirius XM acquired Simplecast for $28 in cash. Simplecast is a podcast management and analytics platform. Refer to Note 3 for more information on this acquisition.
On February 10, 2020, Sirius XM invested $75 in SoundCloud. SoundCloud is the world’s largest open audio platform, with a connected community of creators, listeners, and curators. SoundCloud’s platform enables its users to upload, promote, share and create audio entertainment. The minority investment complements the existing ad sales relationship between SoundCloud and Pandora. Refer to Note 13 for more information on this investment.
Impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic
The precise extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our operational and financial performance will depend on various factors. To date, the pandemic has not increased our costs of or access to capital under our revolving credit facility and in the debt markets, and we do not believe it is reasonably likely to in the future. In addition, we do not believe that the pandemic will affect our ongoing ability to meet the covenants in our debt instruments, including under our revolving credit facility. Due to the nature of our subscription business, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be fully reflected in certain of our results of operations until future periods.
Liberty Media
As of December 31, 2020, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 76% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.  As a result, we are a “controlled company” for the purposes of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Holdings have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain numbers in our prior period consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been reclassified or consolidated to conform to our current period presentation. Music Royalty Fee revenue was reported as Other revenue in our December 31, 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This revenue was reclassified to Subscriber revenue to conform with the current period presentation.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
As ReportedReclassificationCurrent Report
Subscriber revenue$4,594 $670 $5,264 
Advertising revenue188 — 188 
Equipment revenue155 — 155 
Other revenue834 (670)164 
Total revenue$5,771 $— $5,771 
Public companies are required to disclose certain information about their reportable operating segments.  Operating segments are defined as significant components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance of the segment. We have determined that we have two reportable segments as our chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, assesses performance and allocates resources based on the financial results of these segments. Refer to Note 19 for information related to our segments.
We have evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date and prior to the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and have determined that no events have occurred that would require adjustment to our consolidated financial statements.  For a discussion of subsequent events that do not require adjustment to our consolidated financial statements refer to Note 20.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes.  Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.  Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include asset impairment, depreciable lives of our satellites, share-based payment expense and income taxes.
We are not presently aware of any events or circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that would require us to update our estimates, judgments or revise the carrying value of our assets or liabilities. Our estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements.
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
In addition to the significant accounting policies discussed in this Note 2, the following table includes our significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to our consolidated financial statements, including the number and page of the note:
Significant Accounting PolicyNote #Page #
Acquisition
F-16
Fair Value Measurements
F-19
Goodwill
F-21
Intangible Assets10 
F-22
Property and Equipment11 
F-24
Equity Method Investments13 
F-28
Share-Based Compensation16 
F-31
Legal Reserves17 
F-35
Income Taxes18 
F-39
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, money market funds, certificates of deposit, in-transit credit card receipts and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured according to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and is recognized based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over a service or product to a customer. We report revenues net of any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on, and concurrent with, a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Collected taxes are recorded within Other current liabilities until remitted to the relevant taxing authority. For equipment sales, we are responsible for arranging for shipping and handling. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue and are reported as a component of Cost of equipment.
The following is a description of the principal activities from which we generate our revenue, including from self-pay and paid promotional subscribers, advertising, and sales of equipment.
Subscriber revenue consists primarily of subscription fees and other ancillary subscription based revenues. Revenue is recognized on a straight line basis when the performance obligations to provide each service for the period are satisfied, which is over time as our subscription services are continuously transmitted and can be consumed by customers at any time. Consumers purchasing or leasing a vehicle with a factory-installed satellite radio may receive between a three and twelve month subscription to our service.  In certain cases, the subscription fees for these consumers are prepaid by the applicable automaker. Prepaid subscription fees received from automakers or directly from consumers are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to revenue ratably over the service period which commences upon sale. Activation fees are recognized over one month as the activation fees are non-refundable and do not provide for a material right to the customer. There is no revenue recognized for unpaid trial subscriptions. In some cases we pay a loyalty fee to the automakers when we receive a certain amount of payments from self-pay customers acquired from that automaker. These fees are considered incremental costs to obtain a contract and are, therefore, recognized as an asset and amortized to Subscriber acquisition costs over an average subscriber life. Revenue share and loyalty fees paid to an automaker offering a paid trial are accounted for as a reduction of revenue as the payment does not provide a distinct good or service.
Music royalty fee primarily consists of U.S. music royalty fees (“MRF”) collected from subscribers. The related costs we incur for the right to broadcast music and other programming are recorded as Revenue share and royalties expense.  Fees received from subscribers for the MRF are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to Subscriber revenue ratably over the service period.
We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied, which generally occurs as ads are delivered. For our satellite radio service, ads are delivered when they are aired. For our streaming services, ads are delivered primarily based on impressions. Agency fees are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue.  Additionally, we pay certain third parties a percentage of advertising revenue.  Advertising revenue is recorded gross of such revenue share payments as we control the advertising service, including the ability to establish pricing, and we are primarily responsible for providing the service.  Advertising revenue share payments are recorded to Revenue share and royalties during the period in which the advertising is transmitted.
Equipment revenue and royalties from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories are recognized upon shipment, net of discounts and rebates. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue.  Shipping and handling costs associated with shipping goods to customers are reported as a component of Cost of equipment. Other revenue primarily includes revenue recognized from royalties received from Sirius XM Canada.
Customers pay for the services in advance of the performance obligation and therefore these prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income as the services are provided. Changes in the deferred revenue balance during the year ended December 31, 2020 were not materially impacted by other factors.
As the majority of our contracts are one year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14 and do not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less. As of December 31, 2020, less than ten percent of our total deferred revenue balance related to contracts that extend beyond one year. These contracts primarily include prepaid data trials which are typically provided for three to five years as well as for self-pay customers who prepay for their audio subscriptions for up to three years in advance. These amounts are recognized on a straight-line basis as our services are provided.
Revenue Share
We share a portion of our subscription revenues earned from self-pay subscribers with certain automakers.  The terms of the revenue share agreements vary with each automaker, but are typically based upon the earned audio revenue as reported or gross billed audio revenue. Revenue share on self-pay revenue is recognized as an expense and recorded in Revenue share and royalties in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We also pay revenue share to certain talent on non-music stations on our satellite radio service and to podcast talent based on advertising revenue for the related channel or podcast. Revenue share on non-music channels and podcasts is recognized in Revenue share and royalties in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income when it is earned. In some cases we prepay minimum guarantees for revenue share to podcast talent which is recorded in Prepaid and other current assets in our consolidated statements of financial position. The minimum guarantee is recognized in Revenue share and royalties primarily on a straight line basis over the contractual term. The prepaid balance is regularly reviewed for recoverability and any amount not deemed to be recoverable is recognized as an expense in the period.
Royalties
In connection with our businesses, we must enter into royalty arrangements with two sets of rights holders: holders of musical compositions copyrights (that is, the music and lyrics) and holders of sound recordings copyrights (that is, the actual recording of a work). Our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses use both statutory and direct music licenses as part of their businesses. We license varying rights - such as performance and mechanical rights - for use in our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses based on the various radio and interactive services they offer. The music rights licensing arrangements for our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses are complex.
Musical Composition Copyrights
We pay performance royalties for our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses to holders and rights administrators of musical compositions copyrights, including performing rights organizations and other copyright owners. These performance royalties are based on agreements with performing rights organizations which represent the holders of these performance rights. Our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses have arrangements with these performance rights organizations. Arrangements with Sirius XM generally include fixed payments during the term of the agreement and arrangements with Pandora for its ad-supported radio service have variable payments based on usage and ownership of a royalty pool. Pandora must also license reproduction rights, which are also referred to as mechanical rights, to offer the interactive features of the Pandora services. For our Pandora subscription services, copyright holders receive payments for these rights at the rates determined in accordance with the statutory license set forth in Section 115 of the United States Copyright Act. These mechanical royalties are calculated as the greater of a percentage of our revenue or a percentage of our payments to record labels.
For our interactive music services offered by our Pandora business, we pay mechanical royalties to copyright holders at the rates determined by the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”) in accordance with the statutory license set forth in Section 115 of the United States Copyright Act.
Sound Recording Copyrights
For our non-interactive satellite radio or streaming services we may license sound recordings under direct licenses with the owners of sound recordings or based on the royalty rate established by the CRB. For our Sirius XM business, the royalty rate for sound recordings has been set by the CRB. The revenue subject to royalty includes subscription revenue from our U.S. satellite digital audio radio subscribers, and advertising revenue from channels other than those channels that make only incidental performances of sound recordings. The rates and terms permit us to reduce the payment due each month for those sound recording directly licensed from copyright owners and exclude from our revenue certain other items, such as royalties
paid to us for intellectual property, sales and use taxes, bad debt expense and generally revenue attributable to areas of our business that do not involve the use of copyrighted sound recordings.
For our Pandora business, we have entered into direct license agreements with major and independent music labels and distributors for a significant majority of the sound recordings that stream on the Pandora ad-supported service, Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium. For sound recordings that we stream and for which we have not entered into a direct license agreement with the sound recording rights holders, the sound recordings are streamed pursuant to the statutory royalty rates set by the CRB. Pandora pays royalties to owners of sound recordings on either a per-performance fee based on the number of sound recordings transmitted or a percentage of revenue associated with the applicable service. Certain of these agreements also require Pandora to pay a per subscriber minimum amount.
Programming Costs
Programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by-event basis; programming costs which are for a specified season or include programming through a dedicated channel are amortized over the season or period on a straight-line basis. We allocate a portion of certain programming costs which are related to sponsorship and marketing activities to Sales and marketing expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Advertising Costs
Media is expensed when aired and advertising production costs are expensed as incurred.  Advertising production costs include expenses related to marketing and retention activities, including expenses related to direct mail, outbound telemarketing and email communications.  We also incur advertising production costs related to cooperative marketing and promotional events and sponsorships.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded advertising costs of $443, $392 and $267, respectively.  These costs are reflected in Sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs
Subscriber acquisition costs consist of costs incurred to acquire new subscribers which include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid to automakers who include a satellite radio and a prepaid subscription to our service in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; subsidies paid for chipsets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; device royalties for certain radios and chipsets; commissions paid to retailers and automakers as incentives to purchase, install and activate radios; product warranty obligations; freight; and provisions for inventory allowance attributable to inventory consumed in our automotive and retail distribution channels.  Subscriber acquisition costs do not include advertising costs, loyalty payments to distributors and dealers of radios and revenue share payments to automakers and retailers of radios.
Subsidies paid to radio manufacturers and automakers are expensed upon installation, shipment, receipt of product or activation and are included in Subscriber acquisition costs because we are responsible for providing the service to the customers.  Commissions paid to retailers and automakers are expensed upon either the sale or activation of radios.  Chipsets that are shipped to radio manufacturers and held on consignment are recorded as inventory and expensed as Subscriber acquisition costs when placed into production by radio manufacturers.  Costs for chipsets are expensed as Subscriber acquisition costs when the automaker confirms receipt.
Research & Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include the cost of new product development, chipset design, software development and engineering.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded research and development costs of $220, $231 and $106, respectively.  These costs are reported as a component of Engineering, design and development expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income of $15 was primarily comprised of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to Sirius XM Canada (refer to Note 13 for additional information). During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a foreign currency translation adjustment gain of $7, which is recorded net of tax expense of $2. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded foreign currency translation adjustment gain (loss) of $14 and $(29), respectively, net of tax.
Recently Adopted Accounting Policies
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which requires companies to recognize lease assets and liabilities arising from operating leases in the statement of financial position. This ASU does not significantly change the previous lease guidance for how a lessee should recognize, measure, and present expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. Additionally, the criteria for classifying a finance lease versus an operating lease are substantially the same as the previous guidance. This ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption was permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements, amending certain aspects of the new leasing standard. The amendment allows an additional optional transition method whereby an entity records a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption without restating prior periods. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 and elected the additional transition method per ASU 2018-11. Our leases consist of repeater leases, facility leases and equipment leases. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard.
Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities of approximately $347 and $369, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The standard did not impact our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flows or debt. Additionally, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings.
The effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of ASU 2016-02 is included in the table below.
Balance at December 31, 2018Adjustments Due to ASU 2016-02Balance at January 1, 2019
Balance Sheet
Assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assets$— $347 $347 
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$736 $(1)$735 
Operating lease current liabilities— 30 30 
Operating lease liabilities— 339 339 
Other long-term liabilities102 (21)81 
v3.20.4
Acquisitions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisitions
Stitcher
On October 16, 2020, Sirius XM acquired certain assets and liabilities of Stitcher from The E.W. Scripps Company and certain of its subsidiaries ("Scripps") for $272 in cash, which amount includes net working capital adjustments. The agreement provides that Sirius XM will potentially make up to $60 in additional contingent payments to Scripps based on Stitcher achieving certain financial metrics in 2020 and 2021. The total purchase consideration of $296 includes $30 related to the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration, partially offset by working capital adjustments of $6. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a probability-weighted cash flow model and will be remeasured to fair value at each subsequent reporting period. Stitcher is included in our Pandora reporting unit.
The table below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
Acquired Assets:
Receivables, net$21 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets16 
Property and equipment
Intangible assets38 
Goodwill218 
Operating lease right-of-use assets11 
Total assets$312 
Assumed Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$
Deferred revenue
Operating lease current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Total liabilities$16 
Total consideration$296 
The Stitcher acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. We recognized acquisition related costs of $4 that were expensed in Acquisition and restructuring costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2020. The acquisition of Stitcher was financed through borrowings under our Credit Facility.
Simplecast
On June 16, 2020, Sirius XM acquired Simplecast for $28 in cash. Simplecast is a podcast management and analytics platform. Simplecast complements AdsWizz’s advertising technology platform, allowing the company to offer podcasters a simple solution for management, hosting, analytics and advertising sales, and is included in the Pandora reporting unit. The Simplecast acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. We recognized goodwill of $17, amortizable intangible assets of $12, other assets of less than $1 and deferred tax liabilities of $1. Acquisition related costs of less than $1 were expensed in Acquisition and restructuring costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Pandora
On February 1, 2019, through a series of transactions, Pandora Media, Inc., became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sirius XM and continues to operate as Pandora Media, LLC (the “Pandora Acquisition”). In connection with the Pandora Acquisition, we purchased all of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of Pandora for $2,355 by converting each outstanding share of Pandora common stock into 1.44 shares of our common stock and we also canceled our preferred stock investment in Pandora for $524 for total consideration of $2,879. Net cash acquired was $313. As part of the Pandora Acquisition, Holdings unconditionally guaranteed all of the payment obligations of Pandora under its outstanding 1.75% convertible senior notes due 2020 and 1.75% convertible senior notes due 2023.
The table below shows the value of the consideration paid in connection with the Pandora Acquisition:
Total
Pandora common stock outstanding272 
Exchange ratio1.44 
Common stock issued392 
Price per share of Holdings common stock$5.83 
Value of common stock issued to Pandora stockholders$2,285 
Value of replacement equity awards attributable to pre-combination service$70 
Consideration of common stock and replacement equity awards for pre-combination service$2,355 
Sirius XM’s Pandora preferred stock investment (related party fair value instrument) canceled$524 
Total consideration for Pandora Acquisition$2,879 
Value attributed to par at $0.001 par value
$
Balance to capital in excess of par value$2,354 
The table below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
Acquired Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$313 
Receivables, net353 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets109 
Property and equipment65 
Intangible assets1,107 
Goodwill1,553 
Deferred tax assets102 
Operating lease right-of-use assets104 
Long term assets
Total assets$3,713 
Assumed Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$324 
Deferred revenue37 
Operating lease current liabilities28 
Current maturities of debt151 
Long-term debt (a)218 
Operating lease liabilities69 
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities$834 
Total consideration$2,879 
(a)In order to present the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the conversion feature associated with Pandora's convertible notes for $62 has been included within Long-term debt in the table above and included within Additional paid-in-capital within our statement of stockholders' equity (deficit). Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
The Pandora Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets of $1,553 was recorded to Goodwill in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 9 for a further discussion of Pandora goodwill which was impaired in the year ended December 31, 2020. A total of $776 has been allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and relates to the assessed fair value of the acquired customer relationships and software and technology and is being amortized over the estimated weighted average useful lives of 8 and 5 years, respectively. A total of $331 has been allocated to identifiable
indefinite lived intangible assets and relates to the assessed fair value of the acquired trademarks. The fair value assessed for the majority of the remaining assets acquired and liabilities assumed equaled their carrying value. Goodwill represents synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services. Goodwill has been allocated to the Pandora segment. Additionally, in connection with the Pandora Acquisition, we acquired gross net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $1,287 for federal income tax purposes that are available to offset future taxable income. The acquired NOL's are limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Those limitations are not expected to impact our ability to fully utilize those NOL's within the carryforward period.
We recognized acquisition related costs of $84 that were expensed in Acquisition and restructuring costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Pro Forma Financial Information
Pandora was consolidated into our financial statements starting on the acquisition date, February 1, 2019. The aggregate revenue and net loss of Pandora consolidated into our financial statements was $1,607 and $303, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following pro forma financial information presents our results as if the Pandora Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2018:
For the Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Total revenue$8,046 $7,921 $7,348 
Net income$131 $938 $844 

These pro forma results are based on estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable. They are not the results that would have been realized had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2018 and are not indicative of our consolidated results of operations in future periods. The pro forma results primarily include adjustments related to amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation of property and equipment, acquisition costs, fair value gain or loss on the Pandora investment and associated tax impacts.
v3.20.4
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy for input into valuation techniques as follows:
i.Level 1 input: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instrument;
ii.Level 2 input: observable market data for the same or similar instrument but not Level 1, including quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
iii.Level 3 input: unobservable inputs developed using management's assumptions about the inputs used for pricing the asset or liability.
Investments are periodically reviewed for impairment and an impairment is recorded whenever declines in fair value below carrying value are determined to be other than temporary. In making this determination, we consider, among other factors, the severity and duration of the decline as well as the likelihood of a recovery within a reasonable timeframe.
Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value were as follows:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Liabilities:        
Debt (a)
— $9,011 — $9,011 — $8,378 — $8,378 
(a)The fair value for non-publicly traded instruments is based upon estimates from a market maker and brokerage firm.  Refer to Note 14 for information related to the carrying value of our debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
v3.20.4
Restructuring Costs
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring Costs Restructuring CostsIn May 2020, we terminated the Automatic service, which was part of our connected services business. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $24 of restructuring expenses primarily related to the write down of property and equipment, definite lived intangible assets and certain other assets in Acquisition and restructuring costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The termination of the Automatic service does not meet the requirements to be reported as a discontinued operation in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income because the termination of the service does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. There were no restructuring costs during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
v3.20.4
Earnings per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per Share Earnings per Share
Basic net income per common share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during each reporting period.  Diluted net income per common share adjusts the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents (stock options, restricted stock units and convertible debt) were exercised or converted into common stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. We had no participating securities during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Common stock equivalents of 62, 66, and 40 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive. We issued 392 shares of our common stock in connection with the Pandora Acquisition.
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Numerator:
Net Income available to common stockholders for basic net income per common share$131 $914 $1,176 
Effect of interest on assumed conversions of convertible notes, net of tax— 
Net Income available to common stockholders for dilutive net income per common share$139 $921 $1,176 
Denominator: 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share4,330 4,501 4,462 
Weighted average impact of assumed convertible notes30 28 — 
Weighted average impact of dilutive equity instruments69 87 99 
Weighted average shares for diluted net income per common share
4,429 4,616 4,561 
Net income per common share: 
Basic$0.03 $0.20 $0.26 
Diluted$0.03 $0.20 $0.26 
v3.20.4
Receivables, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Receivables, net Receivables, net
Receivables, net, includes customer accounts receivable, receivables from distributors and other receivables. We do not have any customer receivables that individually represent more than ten percent of our receivables.
Customer accounts receivable, net, includes receivables from our subscribers, advertising customers, including advertising agencies and other customers, and is stated at amounts due, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our assessment of various factors.  We consider historical experience, the age of the receivable balances, current economic conditions, industry experience and other factors that may affect the counterparty’s ability to pay.  Bad debt expense is included in Customer service and billing expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Receivables from distributors primarily include billed and unbilled amounts due from automakers for services included in the sale or lease price of vehicles, as well as billed amounts due from wholesale distributors of our satellite radios.  Other receivables primarily include amounts due from manufacturers of our radios, modules and chipsets where we are entitled to subsidies and royalties based on the number of units produced.  We have not established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our receivables from distributors or other receivables as we have historically not experienced any significant collection issues with automakers or other third parties and do not expect issues in the foreseeable future.
Receivables, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Gross customer accounts receivable$574 $546 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(15)(14)
Customer accounts receivable, net$559 $532 
Receivables from distributors73 113 
Other receivables40 25 
Total receivables, net$672 $670 
v3.20.4
Inventory, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventory, net Inventory, net
Inventory consists of finished goods, refurbished goods, chipsets and other raw material components used in manufacturing radios. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market.  We record an estimated allowance for inventory that is considered slow moving or obsolete or whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value.  The provision related to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channel and components held for resale by us is reported as a component of Cost of equipment in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  The provision related to inventory consumed in our OEM channel is reported as a component of Subscriber acquisition costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Inventory, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Raw materials$— $
Finished goods13 13 
Allowance for obsolescence(3)(5)
Total inventory, net$10 $11 
v3.20.4
Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Our annual impairment assessment of our two reporting units is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year, and an assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, states that an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. ASC 350 also states that a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount is not required to perform a qualitative assessment. Our Sirius XM reporting unit, which has an allocated goodwill balance of $2,290, had a negative carrying amount as of December 31, 2020.
We determined the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of an income approach, employing a discounted cash flow model, and a market approach. The discounted cash flow model relies on making assumptions, such as the extent of the economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the expected timing of recovery, expected growth in profitability and discount rate, which we believe are appropriate. Additionally, assumptions related to guideline company financial multiples used in the market approach decreased based on current market observations. The results of our goodwill impairment test indicated that the estimated fair value of the Sirius XM reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount. The carrying amount of the Pandora reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value primarily due to a reduction in the long-term forecast to reflect
increased costs related to royalty rates for streaming and increased uncertainty surrounding the projected demand for advertising and decrease of listening hours. As a result, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $956 during the year ended December 31, 2020 to write down the carrying amount of the Pandora goodwill in the Impairment charges line item in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. No impairment losses were recorded for goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.  
As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative balance of goodwill impairments recorded was $5,722, of which $4,766 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2008 and is included in the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to our Sirius XM reporting unit and $956 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 and is included in the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to our Pandora reporting unit.
As a result of the Simplecast and Stitcher acquisitions, we recorded additional goodwill of $17 and $218, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2020 in our Pandora reporting unit. The goodwill of Simplecast is not deductible for tax purposes, however, the goodwill of Stitcher is deductible as it was an asset acquisition. Refer to Note 3 for information on these acquisitions.
Refer to the table below for our goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Balance at December 31, 2018$2,290 $— $2,290 
Acquisition— 1,553 1,553 
Balance at December 31, 20192,290 1,553 3,843 
Acquisition— 235 235 
Impairment charge— (956)(956)
Balance at December 31, 2020$2,290 $832 $3,122 
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include the following:
  December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Weighted
Average
Useful Lives
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Indefinite life intangible assets:
       
FCC licensesIndefinite$2,084 $— $2,084 $2,084 $— $2,084 
TrademarksIndefinite250 — 250 251 — 251 
Definite life intangible assets:       
OEM relationships15 years220 (105)115 220 (90)130 
Licensing agreements12 years45 (45)— 45 (42)
Software and technology7 years31 (16)15 35 (25)10 
Due to Pandora and Stitcher Acquisitions:
Indefinite life intangible assets:
TrademarksIndefinite$311 $— $311 $331 $— $331 
Definite life intangible assets:
Customer relationships8 years441 (104)337 403 (49)354 
Software and technology5 years373 (145)228 373 (69)304 
Total intangible assets $3,755 $(415)$3,340 $3,742 $(275)$3,467 
Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
We have identified our FCC licenses and XM and Pandora trademarks as indefinite life intangible assets after considering the expected use of the assets, the regulatory and economic environment within which they are used and the effects of obsolescence on their use.
We hold FCC licenses to operate our satellite digital audio radio service and provide ancillary services. Each of the FCC licenses authorizes us to use radio spectrum, a reusable resource that does not deplete or exhaust over time.
ASC 350-30-35, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, provides for an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset exceeds its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is not required. If the qualitative assessment does not support the fair value of the asset, then a quantitative assessment is performed. Our annual impairment assessment of our identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year. An assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
We completed a quantitative assessment of our FCC licenses and XM and Pandora trademarks during the fourth quarter of 2020 and qualitative assessments during the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018. As of the date of our annual assessment for 2020, our impairment assessment of the fair value of our indefinite intangible assets indicated that the carrying value of our Pandora trademark exceeded the fair value of the asset by $20. The excess carrying value has been written off and recognized in the Impairment charges line item in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The impairment assessment for our FCC licenses and XM trademark indicate that the fair value of such assets substantially exceeded their carrying value and therefore were not at risk of impairment. As of the date of our annual assessment for 2019 and 2018, our impairment assessment of the fair value of our indefinite intangible assets indicated that the fair value of such assets substantially exceeded their carrying value and therefore were not at risk of impairment.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we also recognized an impairment loss of less than $1 for intangible assets with indefinite lives related to the termination of the Automatic service.
No impairment loss was recognized for intangible assets with indefinite lives during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Definite Life Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, in a pattern that reflects when the economic benefits will be consumed, and are reviewed for impairment under the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment/Overall/Subsequent Measurement. We review intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. No impairment loss was recognized for intangible assets with definite lives during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Amortization expense for all definite life intangible assets was $152, $141 and $23 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There were retirements of definite lived intangible assets of $17, which included a loss of $4, due to the termination of the Automatic service, during the year ended December 31, 2020. As part of the Simplecast acquisition, $12 was allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and related to the assessed fair value of software and technology, which was determined by using the multi-period excess earnings method, as of the acquisition date. As part of the Stitcher acquisition, $38 was allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and related to the assessed fair value of advertising relationship of $6, trademark of $3 and talent and content contracts of $29.
The expected amortization expense for each of the fiscal years 2021 through 2025 and for periods thereafter is as follows:
Years ending December 31,Amount
2021$153 
2022154 
2023141 
202475 
202569 
Thereafter103 
Total definite life intangible assets, net$695 
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, including satellites, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful life of the asset:
Satellite system15 years
Terrestrial repeater network5-15 years
Broadcast studio equipment3-15 years
Capitalized software and hardware2-7 years
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities3-15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other2-7 years
Building20or30 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of useful life or remaining lease term
We review long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. We did not record any impairments during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Satellite system$1,587 $1,587 
Terrestrial repeater network105 100 
Leasehold improvements111 105 
Broadcast studio equipment100 137 
Capitalized software and hardware1,372 1,086 
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities96 87 
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other92 89 
Land38 38 
Building63 63 
Construction in progress510 505 
Total property and equipment4,074 3,797 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,445)(2,171)
Property and equipment, net$1,629 $1,626 
Construction in progress consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Satellite system$429 $371 
Terrestrial repeater network
Capitalized software and hardware52 107 
Other21 20 
Construction in progress$510 $505 
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $354, $327 and $278 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Property and equipment of $94, which included a loss of $13 related to the termination of the Automatic service, was retired during the year ended December 31, 2020. We retired property and equipment of $9 and $35 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We capitalize a portion of the interest on funds borrowed to finance the construction and launch of our satellites. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset’s cost and depreciated over the satellite’s useful life. Capitalized interest costs were $19, $17 and $12 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which related to the construction of our SXM-7 and SXM-8 satellites. We also capitalize a portion of share-based compensation related to employee time for capitalized software projects. Capitalized share-based compensation costs were $17 and $13 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We did not capitalize any share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Satellites
As of December 31, 2020, we operate a fleet of five satellites.  Each satellite requires an FCC license, and prior to the expiration of each license, we are required to apply for a renewal of the FCC satellite license.  The renewal and extension of our licenses is reasonably certain at minimal cost, which is expensed as incurred. The chart below provides certain information on our satellites as of December 31, 2020:
Satellite DescriptionYear DeliveredEstimated End of
Depreciable Life
FCC License Expiration Year
SIRIUS FM-5200920242025
SIRIUS FM-6201320282022
XM-3200520202021
XM-4200620212022
XM-5201020252026
We have entered into agreements for the design construction and launch of two satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8. On December 13, 2020, SXM-7 was successfully launched. In-orbit testing of SXM-7 began on January 4, 2021. During in-orbit testing of SXM-7, events occurred which have caused failures of certain SXM-7 payload units. An evaluation of SXM-7 is underway. The full extent of the damage to SXM-7 is not yet known. As of December 31, 2020, we had $220 capitalized in construction in progress related to SXM-7.
v3.20.4
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases Leases
We have operating and finance leases for offices, terrestrial repeaters, data centers and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 17 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We elected the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. Additionally, we elected the practical expedient to not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases, which are those leases with a term of twelve months or less at the lease commencement date.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease cost$82 $80 
Finance lease cost
Sublease income(2)(3)
Total lease cost$81 $81 
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$79 $70 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$$83 
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets$427 $466 
Operating lease current liabilities48 46 
Operating lease liabilities419 456 
Total operating lease liabilities$467 $502 
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Finance Leases
Property and equipment, gross$$15 
Accumulated depreciation(7)(12)
Property and equipment, net$$
Current maturities of debt$$
Long-term debt— 
Total finance lease liabilities$$
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases9 years9 years
Finance leases1 year2 years
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases5.3 %5.3 %
Finance leases1.7 %1.7 %
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Year ending December 31,
2020 (remaining)$71 $— 
202174 
202271 — 
202362 — 
202462 — 
Thereafter247 — 
Total future minimum lease payments587 
Less imputed interest(120)— 
Total$467 $
Leases Leases
We have operating and finance leases for offices, terrestrial repeaters, data centers and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 17 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We elected the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. Additionally, we elected the practical expedient to not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases, which are those leases with a term of twelve months or less at the lease commencement date.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease cost$82 $80 
Finance lease cost
Sublease income(2)(3)
Total lease cost$81 $81 
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$79 $70 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$$83 
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets$427 $466 
Operating lease current liabilities48 46 
Operating lease liabilities419 456 
Total operating lease liabilities$467 $502 
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Finance Leases
Property and equipment, gross$$15 
Accumulated depreciation(7)(12)
Property and equipment, net$$
Current maturities of debt$$
Long-term debt— 
Total finance lease liabilities$$
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases9 years9 years
Finance leases1 year2 years
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases5.3 %5.3 %
Finance leases1.7 %1.7 %
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Year ending December 31,
2020 (remaining)$71 $— 
202174 
202271 — 
202362 — 
202462 — 
Thereafter247 — 
Total future minimum lease payments587 
Less imputed interest(120)— 
Total$467 $
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions 
In the normal course of business, we enter into transactions with related parties such as Sirius XM Canada and SoundCloud.

Liberty Media
As of December 31, 2020, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 76% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Liberty Media has one executive, one senior advisor and one of its directors on our board of directors.  Gregory B. Maffei, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media, is the Chairman of our board of directors.

Sirius XM Canada
Sirius XM holds a 70% equity interest and 33% voting interest in Sirius XM Canada, a privately held corporation. We own 591 shares of preferred stock of Sirius XM Canada, which has a liquidation preference of one Canadian dollar per share. Sirius XM also made a loan to Sirius XM Canada in the aggregate amount of $131. The loan is denominated in Canadian dollars and is considered a long-term investment with any unrealized gains or losses reported within Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, Sirius XM Canada repaid $11 and less than $1 of the principal amount of the loan, respectively.
Sirius XM has a Services Agreement and an Advisory Services Agreement with Sirius XM Canada. Each agreement has a thirty-year term. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, Sirius XM Canada currently pays Sirius XM 25% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis, and pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement, Sirius XM Canada pays Sirius XM 5% of its gross revenues on a monthly basis.
Sirius XM Canada is accounted for as an equity method investment, and its results are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. Sirius XM Canada does not meet the requirements for consolidation as we do not have the ability to direct the most significant activities that impact Sirius XM Canada's economic performance.
Our related party long-term assets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 included the carrying value of our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada of $332 and $321, respectively, and, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, also included $123 and $131, respectively, for the long-term value of the outstanding loan to Sirius XM Canada.

Sirius XM Canada paid gross dividends to us of $2 during each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.  Dividends are first recorded as a reduction to our investment balance in Sirius XM Canada to the extent a balance exists and then as Other (expense) income for any remaining portion.
We recorded revenue from Sirius XM Canada as Other revenue in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income of $97, $98 and $97 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

SoundCloud
In February 2020, Sirius XM completed a $75 investment in SoundCloud's Series G Membership Units ("Series G Units"). The Series G Units are convertible at the option of the holders at any time into shares of ordinary membership units of SoundCloud at a ratio of one ordinary membership unit for each Series G Unit. The investment in SoundCloud is accounted for as an equity method investment which is recorded in Related party long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Sirius XM has appointed two individuals to serve on SoundCloud's nine-member board of managers. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Sirius XM's share of SoundCloud's net loss was $1, which was recorded in Other income (expense) in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
In addition to our investment in SoundCloud, Pandora has an agreement with SoundCloud to be its exclusive US ad sales representative. Through this arrangement Pandora offers advertisers the ability to execute campaigns in the US across the Pandora and SoundCloud listening platforms. We recorded revenue share expense of $55, $40 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We also had related party liabilities of $24 as of December 31, 2020 related to this agreement.
v3.20.4
Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt Debt
Our debt as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following:
      
Carrying value(a) at
Issuer / BorrowerIssuedDebtMaturity DateInterest PayablePrincipal Amount at December 31, 2020December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Pandora
(b) (c) (h)
December 2015
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes
December 1, 2020semi-annually on June 1 and December 1$— $— $
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2017
3.875% Senior Notes
August 1, 2022semi-annually on February 1 and August 11,000 997 995 
Sirius XM
(d) (g)
May 2013
4.625% Senior Notes
May 15, 2023semi-annually on May 15 and November 15— — 498 
Pandora
(b) (e)
June 2018
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes
December 1, 2023semi-annually on June 1 and December 1193 170 163 
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2019
4.625% Senior Notes
July 15, 2024semi-annually on January 15 and July 151,500 1,488 1,485 
Sirius XM
(d) (g)
March 2015
5.375% Senior Notes
April 15, 2025semi-annually on April 15 and October 15— — 993 
Sirius XM
(d)
May 2016
5.375% Senior Notes
July 15, 2026semi-annually on January 15 and July 151,000 993 992 
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2017
5.00% Senior Notes
August 1, 2027semi-annually on February 1 and August 11,500 1,490 1,488 
Sirius XM
(d)
June 2019
5.500% Senior Notes
July 1, 2029semi-annually on January 1 and July 11,250 1,237 1,236 
Sirius XM
(d)
June 2020
4.125% Senior Notes
July 1, 2030semi-annually on January 1 and July 11,500 1,484 — 
Sirius XM
(f)
December 2012Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility")June 29, 2023variable fee paid quarterly649 649 — 
Sirius XMVariousFinance leasesVarious n/a n/a
Total Debt8,509 7,853 
Less: total current maturities
Less: total deferred financing costs
Total long-term debt$8,499 $7,842 
(a)The carrying value of the obligations is net of any remaining unamortized original issue discount.
(b)Holdings has unconditionally guaranteed all of the payment obligations of Pandora under these notes.
(c)We acquired $152 in principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 as part of the Pandora Acquisition. On February 14, 2019, Pandora announced a tender offer to repurchase for cash any and all of its outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the repurchase date. On March 18, 2019, we purchased $151 in aggregate principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 that had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the repurchase offer. We recorded a $1 Loss on extinguishment of debt in connection with this transaction. In addition, we unwound a capped call security acquired as part of the Pandora Acquisition in March 2019 for $3.
(d)All material domestic subsidiaries, including Pandora and its subsidiaries, that guarantee the Credit Facility have guaranteed these notes.
(e)We acquired $193 in principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 as part of the Pandora Acquisition. We allocate the principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 between the liability and equity components. The value assigned to the debt components of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is the estimated fair value as of the issuance date of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the fair value of the debt and this estimated fair value represents the value which has been assigned to the equity component. The equity component is recorded to additional paid-in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount of the Notes
over the carrying amount of the liability component is recorded as a debt discount and is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the December 1, 2023 maturity date. The 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were not convertible into common stock and not redeemable as of December 31, 2020. As a result, we have classified the debt as Long-term within our consolidated balance sheets.
(f)The $1,750 Credit Facility expires in June 2023. Sirius XM's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of its material domestic subsidiaries, including Pandora and its subsidiaries, and are secured by a lien on substantially all of Sirius XM's assets and the assets of its material domestic subsidiaries.  Interest on borrowings is payable on a monthly basis and accrues at a rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate.  Sirius XM is also required to pay a variable fee on the average daily unused portion of the Credit Facility which is payable on a quarterly basis.  The variable rate for the unused portion of the Credit Facility was 0.25% per annum as of December 31, 2020.  All of Sirius XM's outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as Long-term debt within our consolidated balance sheets due to the long-term maturity of this debt. Additionally, the amount available for future borrowing under the Credit Facility is reduced by letters of credit issued for the benefit of Pandora, which were $1 as of December 31, 2020.
(g)On July 9, 2020, Sirius XM redeemed $500 in outstanding principal amount of the 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023 for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $507. On July 9, 2020, Sirius XM also redeemed $1,000 in outstanding principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025 for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $1,039. Sirius XM used the proceeds from the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2030 for both redemptions. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $40 to Loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of unamortized discount, deferred financing fees and redemption premium, as a result of these redemptions.
(h)On December 1, 2020, the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 were paid at their stated maturity.

Covenants and Restrictions
Under the Credit Facility, Sirius XM, our wholly owned subsidiary, must comply with a debt maintenance covenant that it cannot exceed a total leverage ratio, calculated as consolidated total debt to consolidated operating cash flow, of 5.0 to 1.0.  The Credit Facility generally requires compliance with certain covenants that restrict Sirius XM's ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) merge or consolidate with another person, (vi) sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Sirius XM's assets, and (vii) make voluntary prepayments of certain debt, in each case subject to exceptions.
The indentures governing Sirius XM's notes restrict Sirius XM's non-guarantor subsidiaries' ability to create, assume, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness without such non-guarantor subsidiary guaranteeing each such series of notes on a pari passu basis.  The indentures governing the notes also contain covenants that, among other things, limit Sirius XM's ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to create certain liens; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; and merge or consolidate.
Under Sirius XM's debt agreements, the following generally constitute an event of default: (i) a default in the payment of interest; (ii) a default in the payment of principal; (iii) failure to comply with covenants; (iv) failure to pay other indebtedness after final maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness exceeding a specified amount; (v) certain events of bankruptcy; (vi) a judgment for payment of money exceeding a specified aggregate amount; and (vii) voidance of subsidiary guarantees, subject to grace periods where applicable.  If an event of default occurs and is continuing, our debt could become immediately due and payable.
The indentures governing the Pandora Convertible Notes contain covenants that limit Pandora’s ability to merge or consolidate and provide for customary events of default, which include nonpayment of principal or interest, breach of covenants, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness and certain events of bankruptcy.
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.
Pandora Convertible Notes
Pandora's 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Pandora 2023 Notes”) are unsecured, senior obligations of Pandora. Holdings has guaranteed the payment and performance obligations of Pandora under the Pandora 2023 Notes and the indenture governing the Pandora 2023 Notes.
The Pandora 2023 Notes will mature on December 1, 2023, unless earlier repurchased or redeemed by Pandora or converted in accordance with their terms. As of December 31, 2020, the conversion rate applicable to the Pandora 2023 Notes
was 151.9533 shares of Holdings' common stock per one thousand principal amount of the Pandora 2023 Notes plus carryforward adjustments not yet effected pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Pandora 2023 Notes.
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
We are authorized to issue up to 9,000 shares of common stock. There were 4,176 and 4,412 shares of common stock issued and 4,173 and 4,412 shares of common stock outstanding on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, there were 259 shares of common stock reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding stock-based awards to members of our board of directors, employees and third parties.
Quarterly Dividends
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we declared and paid the following dividends:
Declaration DateDividend Per ShareRecord DateTotal AmountPayment Date
January 30, 2020$0.01331 February 12, 2020$59 February 28, 2020
April 21, 2020$0.01331 May 8, 2020$58 May 29, 2020
July 14, 2020$0.01331 August 7, 2020$58 August 31, 2020
October 6, 2020$0.01464 November 6, 2020$62 November 30, 2020
Stock Repurchase Program
As of December 31, 2020, our board of directors had approved for repurchase an aggregate of $16,000 of our common stock.  Our board of directors did not establish an end date for this stock repurchase program.  Shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privately negotiated transactions, including transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates, or otherwise.  As of December 31, 2020, our cumulative repurchases since December 2012 under our stock repurchase program totaled 3,314 shares for $14,408, and $1,592 remained available for future share repurchases under our stock repurchase program.
The following table summarizes our total share repurchase activity for the years ended:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Share Repurchase TypeSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
Open Market Repurchases (a)
267 $1,574 364 $2,159 209 $1,297 
(a)As of December 31, 2020, $19 of common stock repurchases had not settled, nor been retired, and were recorded as Treasury stock within our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share
We are authorized to issue up to 50 shares of undesignated preferred stock with a liquidation preference of $0.001 per share.  There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Benefit Plans Benefit Plans 
We recognized share-based payment expense of $223, $250 and $133 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amount recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019 includes $21 of share-based compensation expense recorded in Acquisition and restructuring costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
We account for equity instruments granted in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires all share-based compensation payments to be recognized in the financial statements based on fair value. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to value stock option awards and have elected to treat awards with graded vesting as a single award. Share-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally
the vesting period. We measure restricted stock awards and units using the fair market value of the restricted shares of common stock on the day the award is granted. Stock-based awards granted to employees, non-employees and members of our board of directors include stock options and restricted stock units.
Fair value as determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton model varies based on assumptions used for the expected life, expected stock price volatility, expected dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we estimated the fair value of awards granted using the hybrid approach for volatility, which weights observable historical volatility and implied volatility of qualifying actively traded options on our common stock. The expected life assumption represents the weighted-average period stock-based awards are expected to remain outstanding. These expected life assumptions are established through a review of historical exercise behavior of stock-based award grants with similar vesting periods. Where historical patterns do not exist for non-employees, contractual terms are used. Dividend yield is based on the current expected annual dividend per share and our stock price. The risk-free interest rate represents the daily treasury yield curve rate at the grant date based on the closing market bid yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities in the over-the-counter market for the expected term. Our assumptions may change in future periods.
2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
In May 2015, our stockholders approved the Sirius XM Holdings Inc. 2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”).  Employees, consultants and members of our board of directors are eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Plan.  The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards that the compensation committee of our board of directors deems appropriate.  Stock-based awards granted under the 2015 Plan are generally subject to a graded vesting requirement, which is generally three to four years from the grant date.  Stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant.  Restricted stock units include performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), the vesting of which are subject to the achievement of performance goals and the employee's continued employment and generally cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one share of common stock upon vesting.  As of December 31, 2020, 160 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2015 Plan.
In connection with the Pandora Acquisition, we assumed all shares available for issuance (including any shares that later become available for issuance in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans) under each of the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan of AdsWizz Inc., the Pandora Media, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, the Pandora Media, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan and the TheSavageBeast.com, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, which were previously approved by stockholders of Pandora or the applicable adopting entity. All shares available under these stock plans became additional shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of the 2015 Plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, to reflect the application of the exchange ratio). Subject to certain limitations set forth in the 2015 Plan, such shares may be used for awards under the 2015 Plan.
Other Plans
We maintain six share-based benefit plans in addition to the 2015 Plan — the Sirius XM Radio Inc. 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, the Amended and Restated Sirius Satellite Radio 2003 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan of AdsWizz Inc., the Pandora Media, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, the Pandora Media, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan and the TheSavageBeast.com, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. Excluding dividend equivalent units granted as a result of a declared dividend, no further awards may be made under these plans.
The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to compute the fair value of options granted to employees and members of our board of directors:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Risk-free interest rate1.0%2.4%2.7%
Expected life of options — years3.913.414.38
Expected stock price volatility28%26%23%
Expected dividend yield0.8%0.8%0.7%
The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
 OptionsWeighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at the beginning of January 1, 2018280 $3.76 
Granted32 $6.59 
Exercised(65)$3.35 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(4)$4.76 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018243 $4.22 
Awards granted in connection with acquisition$3.85 
Granted15 $6.10 
Exercised(53)$3.65 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(4)$5.58 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019208 $4.46 
Granted11 $6.87 
Exercised(33)$3.66 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(2)$6.28 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020184 $4.73 4.80$318 
Exercisable as of December 31, 2020147 $4.31 3.96$309 
The weighted average grant date fair value per stock option granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $1.46, $1.26 and $1.45.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $94, $146 and $215, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the number of net settled shares issued as a result of stock option exercises were 8, 15 and 19, respectively.
In connection with the Pandora Acquisition, each option granted by Pandora under its stock incentive plans to purchase shares of Pandora common stock, whether vested or unvested, was assumed and converted into an option to purchase shares of our common stock, with appropriate adjustments (based on the 1.44 exchange ratio) to the exercise price and number of shares of our common stock subject to such option, and has the same vesting schedule and exercise conditions as in effect as of immediately prior to the closing of the Pandora Acquisition; provided, that any Pandora stock option that had an exercise price per share that was equal to or greater than the value, at the closing of the Pandora Acquisition, of our common stock issued as merger consideration in exchange for each share of Pandora common stock, was canceled without payment. We recorded $8 to Goodwill related to pre-acquisition replacement equity awards attributable to pre-combination service.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with stock options of $45, $60 and $67 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, including PRSU, activity under our share-based plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
 SharesGrant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested at the beginning of January 1, 201831 $4.54 
Granted18 $6.40 
Vested(13)$4.43 
Forfeited(1)$4.99 
Nonvested as of December 31, 201835 $5.50 
Awards granted in connection with acquisition48 $5.83 
Granted38 $6.01 
Vested(38)$5.53 
Forfeited(8)$5.85 
Nonvested as of December 31, 201975 $5.95 
Granted37 $6.14 
Vested(32)$5.89 
Forfeited(5)$6.00 
Nonvested as of December 31, 202075 $6.06 
The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, including PRSUs, vesting during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $196, $235 and $85, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the number of net settled shares issued as a result of restricted stock units vesting totaled 20, 23 and 7, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we granted 4, 6 and 5, respectively PRSUs to certain employees. We believe it is probable that the performance target applicable to these PRSUs will be achieved.
In connection with the Pandora Acquisition, each unvested restricted stock unit granted by Pandora under its stock incentive plans was assumed and converted into an unvested restricted stock unit of Holdings, with appropriate adjustments (based on the 1.44 exchange ratio) to the number of shares of our common stock to be received, and has the same vesting schedule and settlement date as in effect as of immediately prior to the closing of the Pandora Acquisition. We recorded $62 to Goodwill related to pre-acquisition replacement equity awards attributable to pre-combination service.
In connection with the cash dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we granted 1 restricted stock units, including PRSUs, in accordance with the terms of existing award agreements. These grants did not result in any additional incremental share-based payment expense being recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
We recognized share-based payment expense associated with restricted stock units, including PRSUs, of $178, $190 and $66 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share-based payment awards for stock options and restricted stock units, including PRSUs, granted to employees, members of our board of directors and third parties at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $385 and $415, respectively.  The total unrecognized compensation costs at December 31, 2020 are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
401(k) Savings Plans
Sirius XM Radio Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan
Sirius XM sponsors the Sirius XM Radio Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Sirius XM Plan”) for eligible employees. The Sirius XM Plan allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute from 1% to 50% of their pre-tax eligible earnings, subject to certain defined limits. We match 50% of an employee’s voluntary contributions per pay period on the first 6% of an employee’s pre-tax salary up to a maximum of 3% of eligible compensation.  We may also make additional discretionary matching, true-up
matching and non-elective contributions to the Sirius XM Plan.  Employer matching contributions under the Sirius XM Plan vest at a rate of 33.33% for each year of employment and are fully vested after three years of employment for all current and future contributions.  Our cash employer matching contributions are not used to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market, unless the employee elects our common stock as their investment option for this contribution.
Pandora Media, LLC 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
Pandora sponsors the Pandora Media, LLC 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the “Pandora Plan”) for eligible employees. The Pandora Plan allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute from 1% to 75% of their pre-tax eligible earnings, subject to certain defined limits. Effective January 1, 2020, we began matching 50% of an employee’s voluntary contributions per pay period on the first 6% of an employee’s pre-tax salary up to a maximum of 3% of eligible compensation.
We recognized expenses of $16, $9 and $9 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in connection with the Sirius XM and Pandora Plans.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
The Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”) allows members of our board of directors and certain eligible employees to defer all or a portion of their base salary, cash incentive compensation and/or board of directors’ cash compensation, as applicable.  Pursuant to the terms of the DCP, we may elect to make additional contributions beyond amounts deferred by participants, but we are under no obligation to do so.  We have established a grantor (or “rabbi”) trust to facilitate the payment of our obligations under the DCP.
Contributions to the DCP, net of withdrawals, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $8, $7 and $8, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of the investments held in the trust were $46 and $34, respectively, which is included in Other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets and classified as trading securities.  Trading gains and losses associated with these investments are recorded in Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  The associated liability is recorded within Other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, and any increase or decrease in the liability is recorded in General and administrative expense within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  For both the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded gains on investments held in the trust of $3.
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies 
The following table summarizes our expected contractual cash commitments as of December 31, 2020:
 20212022202320242025ThereafterTotal
Debt obligations$$1,000 $842 $1,500 $— $5,250 $8,593 
Cash interest payments389 387 341 329 259 788 2,493 
Satellite and transmission50 18 79 
Programming and content382 291 209 156 121 195 1,354 
Sales and marketing69 20 11 111 
Satellite incentive payments38 81 
Operating lease obligations69 68 61 47 45 137 427 
Royalties, minimum guarantees and other327 205 25 — — 564 
Total (1)
$1,295 $1,982 $1,501 $2,054 $439 $6,431 $13,702 
(1)The table does not include our reserve for uncertain tax positions, which at December 31, 2020 totaled $30.
Debt obligations.    Debt obligations include principal payments on outstanding debt and finance lease obligations.
Cash interest payments.    Cash interest payments include interest due on outstanding debt and capital lease payments through maturity.
Satellite and transmission.    We have entered into agreements with several third parties to design, build, launch and insure two satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8. We also have entered into agreements with third parties to operate and maintain satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities and certain components of our terrestrial repeater networks.
Programming and content.    We have entered into various programming and content agreements. Under the terms of these agreements, our obligations include fixed payments, advertising commitments and revenue sharing arrangements. In certain of these agreements, the future revenue sharing costs are dependent upon many factors and are difficult to estimate; therefore, they are not included in our minimum contractual cash commitments.
Sales and marketing.    We have entered into various marketing, sponsorship and distribution agreements to promote our brands and are obligated to make payments to sponsors, retailers, automakers, radio manufacturers and other third parties under these agreements. Certain programming and content agreements also require us to purchase advertising on properties owned or controlled by the licensors.
Satellite incentive payments.    Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc., the manufacturer of certain of our in-orbit satellites, may be entitled to future in-orbit performance payments upon XM-4 meeting its fifteen-year design life, which we expect to occur.  Boeing may also be entitled to up to $10 of additional incentive payments if our XM-4 satellite continues to operate above baseline specifications during the five years beyond the satellite’s fifteen-year design life.
Maxar Technologies (formerly Space Systems/Loral), the manufacturer of certain of our in-orbit satellites, may be entitled to future in-orbit performance payments upon XM-5, SIRIUS FM-5 and SIRIUS FM-6 meeting their fifteen-year design life, which we expect to occur.
Operating lease obligations.    We have entered into both cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases for office space, terrestrial repeaters, data centers and equipment. These leases provide for minimum lease payments, additional operating expense charges, leasehold improvements and rent escalations that have initial terms ranging from one to fifteen years, and certain leases have options to renew. Total rent recognized in connection with leases for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $73, $75 and $43, respectively.
Royalties, Minimum Guarantees and Other. We have entered into music royalty arrangements that include fixed payments. Certain of our content agreements also contain minimum guarantees and require that we make upfront minimum guaranteed payments. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we prepaid $5 in content costs related to minimum guarantees. As of December 31, 2020, we had future fixed minimum guarantee commitments of $26, of which $14 will be paid in 2021 and the remainder will be paid thereafter. On a quarterly basis, we record the greater of the cumulative actual content costs incurred or the cumulative minimum guarantee based on forecasted usage for the minimum guarantee period. The minimum guarantee period is the period of time that the minimum guarantee relates to, as specified in each agreement, which may be annual or a longer period. The cumulative minimum guarantee, based on forecasted usage, considers factors such as listening hours, revenue, subscribers and other terms of each agreement that impact our expected attainment or recoupment of the minimum guarantees based on the relative attribution method.
Several of our content agreements also include provisions related to the royalty payments and structures of those agreements relative to other content licensing arrangements, which, if triggered, could cause our payments under those agreements to escalate. In addition, record labels, publishers and performing rights organizations (“PROs”) with whom we have entered into direct license agreements have the right to audit our content payments, and any such audit could result in disputes over whether we have paid the proper content costs.
We have also entered into various agreements with third parties for general operating purposes. The cost of our common stock acquired in our capital return program but not paid for as of December 31, 2020 was also included in this category.
In addition to the minimum contractual cash commitments described above, we have entered into other variable cost arrangements. These future costs are dependent upon many factors and are difficult to anticipate; however, these costs may be substantial. We may enter into additional programming, distribution, marketing and other agreements that contain similar variable cost provisions. We also have a surety bond of approximately $45 primarily used as security against non-performance in the normal course of business. We do not have any other significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements that are
reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant or party to various claims and lawsuits, including those discussed below.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. We may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others, because: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the relative early stages; (iii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) there remain significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) the relevant law is unsettled; or (vii) the proceedings involve novel or untested legal theories. In such instances, there may be considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including the likelihood or magnitude of a possible eventual loss, if any.

Pre-1972 Sound Recording Litigation. On October 2, 2014, Flo & Eddie Inc. filed a class action suit against Pandora in the federal district court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges a violation of California Civil Code Section 980, unfair competition, misappropriation and conversion in connection with the public performance of sound recordings recorded prior to February 15, 1972 (which we refer to as, “pre-1972 recordings”). On December 19, 2014, Pandora filed a motion to strike the complaint pursuant to California’s Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (“Anti-SLAPP”) statute, which following denial of Pandora’s motion was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In March 2017, the Ninth Circuit requested certification to the California Supreme Court on the substantive legal questions. The California Supreme Court accepted certification. In May 2019, the California Supreme Court issued an order dismissing consideration of the certified questions on the basis that, following the enactment of the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act, Pub. L. No. 115-264, 132 Stat. 3676 (2018) (the “MMA”), resolution of the questions posed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals was no longer “necessary to . . . settle an important question of law.”

The MMA grants a potential federal preemption defense to the claims asserted in the aforementioned lawsuits. In July 2019, Pandora took steps to avail itself of this preemption defense, including making the required payments under the MMA for certain of its uses of pre-1972 recordings. Based on the federal preemption contained in the MMA (along with other considerations), Pandora asked the Ninth Circuit to order the dismissal of the Flo & Eddie, Inc. v. Pandora Media, Inc. case. On October 17, 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a memorandum disposition concluding that the question of whether the MMA preempts Flo and Eddie's claims challenging Pandora's performance of pre-1972 recordings “depends on various unanswered factual questions” and remanded the case to the District Court for further proceedings.

In October 2020, the District Court denied Pandora’s renewed motion to dismiss the case under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, finding the case no longer qualified for anti-SLAPP due to intervening changes in the law, and denied Pandora’s renewed attempt to end the case. Alternatively, the District Court ruled that the preemption defense likely did not apply to Flo & Eddie’s claims, in part because the District Court believed that the Music Modernization Act did not apply retroactively. Pandora promptly appealed the District Court’s decision to the Ninth Circuit, and moved to stay appellate briefing pending the appeal of a related case against Sirius XM. On January 13, 2021, the Ninth Circuit issued an order granting the stay of appellate proceedings pending the resolution of a related case against Sirius XM.

We believe we have substantial defenses to the claims asserted in this action, and we intend to defend these actions vigorously.

Copyright Royalty Board Proceeding to Determine the Rate for Statutory Webcasting. Pursuant to Sections 112 and 114 of the Copyright Act, the Copyright Royalties Board (the "CRB") initiated a proceeding in January 2019 to set the rates and terms by which webcasters may perform sound recordings via digital transmission over the internet and make ephemeral reproductions of those recordings during the 2021-2025 rate period under the authority of statutory licenses provided under
Sections 112 and 114 of the Copyright Act. We filed a petition to participate in the proceeding on behalf of our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses, as did other webcasters including Google Inc. and the National Association of Broadcasters. SoundExchange, a collective organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties to artists and copyright holders, represents the various copyright owner participants in the proceeding, including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Because the proceeding focuses on setting statutory rates for non-interactive online music streaming (commonly identified as “webcasting”), the proceeding will set the rates that our Pandora business pays for music streaming on its free, ad-supported tier and that our Sirius XM business pays for streaming on its subscription internet radio service. This proceeding will not set the rates that we pay for our other music offerings (satellite radio, business establishment services) or that we pay for interactive streaming on our Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium services.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-week hearing before the Copyright Royalty Judges originally scheduled to begin in Washington, DC in March 2020, was postponed and conducted virtually via videoconference between August 4 and September 9, 2020. Subsequent to the hearing, the parties submitted post-trial briefing and reply briefing. Closing arguments were held in November 2020. The final rates proposed for the 2021-2025 period by Sirius XM, Pandora, and the other webcaster participants are below the existing statutory rates. Specifically, Sirius XM and Pandora proposed rates of $0.0011 per performance for nonsubscription commercial webcasters and $0.0016 per performance for subscription commercial webcasters. SoundExchange proposed increasing the existing statutory rates to $0.0028 per performance for nonsubscription commercial webcasters and $0.0031 per performance for commercial subscription webcasters. Given the delay in the proceeding, the deadline for the CRB to deliver its initial rate determination has been extended to April 15, 2021.

Other Matters.  In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various other lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, including derivative actions; actions filed by subscribers, both on behalf of themselves and on a class action basis; former employees; parties to contracts or leases; and owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property. None of these other matters, in our opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
v3.20.4
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
There is no current U.S. federal income tax provision, as all federal taxable income was offset by utilizing U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards.  The current state income tax provision is primarily related to taxable income in certain states that have suspended or limited the ability to use net operating loss carryforwards or where net operating losses have been fully utilized.  Income tax expense is the sum of current income tax plus the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return for all of our wholly owned subsidiaries, including Sirius XM and Pandora. Income tax expense consisted of the following:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Current taxes:   
Federal$— $— $— 
State(61)(24)12 
Total current taxes(61)(24)12 
Deferred taxes:   
Federal(219)(229)(259)
State(19)(30)
Total deferred taxes(238)(259)(257)
Total income tax expense$(299)$(283)$(245)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Federal tax expense, at statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit4.2 %3.9 %3.6 %
Change in valuation allowance0.7 %0.3 %1.0 %
Tax credits(10.2)%(2.7)%(6.8)%
Share-based compensation(3.5)%(2.4)%(3.1)%
Impact of nondeductible compensation2.6 %1.6 %0.7 %
Automatic worthless stock deduction(3.5)%— %— %
Goodwill impairment53.7 %— %— %
Uncertain tax positions4.4 %— %— %
Other, net0.1 %1.9 %0.8 %
Effective tax rate69.5 %23.6 %17.2 %
Our effective tax rate of 69.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily impacted by the nondeductible Pandora goodwill impairment charge, partially offset by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation, a benefit related to state and federal research and development and certain other credits and a worthless stock deduction associated with the termination of the Automatic service. Our effective tax rate of 23.6% for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation and benefits related to state and federal research and development and certain other credits, partially offset by the impact of nondeductible compensation.  Our effective tax rate of 17.2% for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily impacted by the recognition of excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation and a benefit related to state and federal research and development credits. 
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences related to temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes at each year-end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable
income. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences can be carried forward under tax law.  Our evaluation of the realizability of deferred tax assets considers both positive and negative evidence, including historical financial performance, scheduled reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projected taxable income and tax planning strategies.  The weight given to the potential effects of positive and negative evidence is based on the extent to which it can be objectively verified.  A valuation allowance is recognized when, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, shown before jurisdictional netting, are presented below:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 20202019
Deferred tax assets:  
Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits$745 $1,010 
Deferred revenue62 81 
Accrued bonus29 34 
Expensed costs capitalized for tax11 14 
Investments21 22 
Stock based compensation74 72 
Operating lease liability118 126 
Total deferred tax assets1,060 1,359 
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Depreciation of property and equipment(237)(228)
FCC license(521)(519)
Other intangible assets(292)(340)
Right of use asset(106)(116)
Other(5)(3)
Total deferred tax liabilities(1,161)(1,206)
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance(101)153 
Valuation allowance(54)(70)
Total net deferred tax (liability) asset$(155)$83 
Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits decreased as a result of the utilization of net operating losses related to current year taxable income. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $44 and $33 for state and federal tax credits, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, our gross federal net operating loss carryforwards were approximately $1,354. We expect to utilize a majority of our federal income tax credits, which consist of research and development tax credits, refined coal credits and foreign tax credits, by December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of $54 and $70, respectively, which were not likely to be realized due to the timing of certain federal and state net operating loss limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our allowance decreased primarily due to the expiration of unused federal research and development credit carryforwards.
ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires a company to first determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date, assuming that taxing authorities will examine the position and have full knowledge of all relevant information.  A tax position that meets this more likely than not threshold is then measured and recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority.  If the tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained, the gross amount of the unrecognized tax position will not be recorded in the financial statements but will be shown in tabular format within the uncertain income tax positions. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs due to the
following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, (2) the tax position, amount, and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation, or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired.  A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is effectively settled or until there is a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations.  We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had unrecognized tax benefits and uncertain tax positions of $433 and $406, respectively.  If recognized, $310 of unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective tax rate.  Uncertain tax positions are recognized in Other long-term liabilities which, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were $30 and $12, respectively, including accrued interest.   
We have state income tax audits pending.  We do not expect the ultimate outcome of these audits to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.  We also do not currently anticipate that our existing reserves related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2020 will significantly increase or decrease during the year ending December 31, 2021. Various events could cause our current expectations to change. Should our position with respect to the majority of these uncertain tax positions be upheld, the effect would be recorded in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income as part of the income tax provision.  We recorded interest expense of $6 and $2 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits.
Changes in our unrecognized tax benefits and uncertain tax positions from January 1 through December 31 are set forth below:
 20202019
Balance, beginning of year$406 $387 
Increases in tax positions for prior years14 — 
Increases in tax positions for current year20 31 
Decreases in tax positions for prior years(7)(12)
Balance, end of year$433 $406 
v3.20.4
Segments and Geographic Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segments and Geographic Information Segments and Geographic Information
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, we disaggregate our operations into two reportable segments: Sirius XM and Pandora. The financial results of these segments are utilized by the chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer, for evaluating segment performance and allocating resources. We report our segment information based on the "management" approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. For additional information on our segments refer to Note 1.
Segment results include the revenues and cost of services which are directly attributable to each segment. There are no indirect revenues or costs incurred that are allocated to the segments. There are planned intersegment advertising campaigns which will be eliminated. We had less than $1 of intersegment advertising revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Segment revenue and gross profit were as follows during the periods presented:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Revenue
Subscriber revenue$5,857 $515 $6,372 
Advertising revenue157 1,183 1,340 
Equipment revenue173 — 173 
Other revenue155 — 155 
Total revenue6,342 1,698 8,040 
Cost of services (a)
(2,430)(1,105)(3,535)
Segment gross profit$3,912 $593 $4,505 
The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to consolidated income before income tax is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Segment Gross Profit$4,505 
Subscriber acquisition costs(362)
Sales and marketing (a)
(889)
Engineering, design and development (a)
(220)
General and administrative (a)
(443)
Depreciation and amortization(506)
Share-based payment expense(223)
Acquisition and restructuring costs(28)
Impairment charges(976)
Total other (expense) income(428)
Consolidated income before income taxes$430 
(a)     Share-based payment expense of $44 related to cost of services, $68 related to sales and marketing, $43 related to engineering, design and development and $68 related to general and administrative has been excluded for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Revenue
Subscriber revenue$5,644 $476 $6,120 
Advertising revenue205 1,131 1,336 
Equipment revenue173 — 173 
Other revenue165 — 165 
Total revenue6,187 1,607 7,794 
Cost of services (b)
(2,378)(1,005)(3,383)
Segment gross profit$3,809 $602 $4,411 

The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to consolidated income before income tax is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Segment Gross Profit$4,411 
Subscriber acquisition costs(427)
Sales and marketing (b)
(859)
Engineering, design and development (b)
(231)
General and administrative (b)
(466)
Depreciation and amortization(468)
Share-based payment expense(229)
Acquisition and other related costs(84)
Total other (expense) income(450)
Consolidated income before income taxes$1,197 
(b)     Share-based payment expense of $44 related to cost of services, $78 related to sales and marketing, $49 related to engineering, design and development and $58 related to general and administrative has been excluded for the year ended December 31, 2019.

A measure of segment assets is not currently provided to the Chief Executive Officer and has therefore not been provided.

As of December 31, 2020, long-lived assets were predominantly located in the United States. No individual foreign country represented a material portion of our consolidated revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020.
v3.20.4
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events
Capital Return Program
For the period from January 1, 2021 to January 29, 2021 we repurchased 33 shares of our common stock on the open market for an aggregate purchase price of $203, including fees and commissions.
On January 28, 2021, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.014641 per share of common stock payable on February 26, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 10, 2021.
Tax Sharing Agreement
On February 1, 2021, Holdings entered into a tax sharing agreement with Liberty Media governing the allocation of consolidated U.S. income tax liabilities and setting forth agreements with respect to other tax matters. The tax sharing agreement was negotiated and approved by a special committee of Holdings’ board of directors, all of whom are independent of Liberty Media.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, two corporations may form a consolidated tax group, and file a consolidated federal income tax return, if one corporation owns stock representing at least 80% of the voting power and value of the outstanding capital stock of the other corporation. As of December 31, 2020, Liberty Media beneficially owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 76% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. We expect that Liberty Media could beneficially own, directly and indirectly, over 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock at some time in 2021, and Holdings and Liberty Media would then become members of the same consolidated tax group. Should that happen, the tax sharing agreement would govern certain matters related to the resulting consolidated federal income tax returns, as well as state and local returns filed on a consolidated or combined basis.
The tax sharing agreement contains provisions that Holdings believes are customary for tax sharing agreements between members of a consolidated group.
SXM-7 Satellite
We have entered into agreements for the design, construction and launch of two additional satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8. On December 13, 2020, SXM-7 was successfully launched. In-orbit testing of SXM-7 began on January 4, 2021.
During in-orbit testing of SXM-7, events occurred which have caused failures of certain SXM-7 payload units. An evaluation of SXM-7 is underway. The full extent of the damage to SXM-7 is not yet known.
We do not expect our satellite radio service to be impacted by these adverse SXM-7 events. Our XM-3 and XM-4 satellites continue to operate and are expected to support our satellite radio service for several years. In addition, our XM-5 satellite remains available as an in-orbit spare. Construction of our SXM-8 satellite is underway and that satellite is expected to be launched into a geostationary orbit in 2021.
We have procured insurance for SXM-7 and SXM-8 to cover the risks associated with each satellite's launch and first year of in-orbit operation. The aggregate coverage under those insurance policies with respect to SXM-7 is $225. We have notified the underwriters of these policies of a potential claim with respect to SXM-7. As of December 31, 2020, we have $220 capitalized in construction in progress related to SXM-7.
v3.20.4
Quarterly Financial Data -- Unaudited
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Quarterly Financial Data -- Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data--Unaudited 
Our quarterly results of operations are summarized below:
 For the Three Months Ended
 March 31June 30September 30December 31
2020    
Total revenue$1,952 $1,874 $2,025 $2,189 
Cost of services$(850)$(866)$(895)$(968)
Income from operations$468 $415 $478 $(503)
Net income$293 $243 $272 $(677)
Net income per common share--basic (1)
$0.07 $0.06 $0.06 $(0.16)
Net income per common share--diluted (1)
$0.07 $0.05 $0.06 $(0.16)
2019    
Total revenue$1,744 $1,977 $2,011 $2,062 
Cost of services$(748)$(882)$(881)$(916)
Income from operations$333 $439 $476 $399 
Net income$162 $263 $246 $243 
Net income per common share--basic (1)
$0.04 $0.06 $0.06 $0.05 
Net income per common share--diluted (1)
$0.03 $0.06 $0.05 $0.05 
(1)Basic and Diluted earnings per share are computed quarterly and the sum of the quarterly calculation may not necessarily agree to the net income per share for the year due to rounding.
v3.20.4
Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in millions)    
DescriptionBalance
January 1,
Charged to
Expenses
Write-offs/
Payments/ Other
Balance
December 31,
2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts$14 60 (59)$15 
Deferred tax assets—valuation allowance$70 (19)$54 
2019    
Allowance for doubtful accounts$53 (46)$14 
Deferred tax assets—valuation allowance$66 — $70 
2018    
Allowance for doubtful accounts$10 51 (54)$
Deferred tax assets—valuation allowance$53 13 — $66 
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Basis of PresentationThe accompanying consolidated financial statements of Holdings have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain numbers in our prior period consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been reclassified or consolidated to conform to our current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes.  Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.  Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include asset impairment, depreciable lives of our satellites, share-based payment expense and income taxes.
We are not presently aware of any events or circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that would require us to update our estimates, judgments or revise the carrying value of our assets or liabilities. Our estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash EquivalentsOur cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, money market funds, certificates of deposit, in-transit credit card receipts and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured according to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and is recognized based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control over a service or product to a customer. We report revenues net of any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on, and concurrent with, a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Collected taxes are recorded within Other current liabilities until remitted to the relevant taxing authority. For equipment sales, we are responsible for arranging for shipping and handling. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue and are reported as a component of Cost of equipment.
The following is a description of the principal activities from which we generate our revenue, including from self-pay and paid promotional subscribers, advertising, and sales of equipment.
Subscriber revenue consists primarily of subscription fees and other ancillary subscription based revenues. Revenue is recognized on a straight line basis when the performance obligations to provide each service for the period are satisfied, which is over time as our subscription services are continuously transmitted and can be consumed by customers at any time. Consumers purchasing or leasing a vehicle with a factory-installed satellite radio may receive between a three and twelve month subscription to our service.  In certain cases, the subscription fees for these consumers are prepaid by the applicable automaker. Prepaid subscription fees received from automakers or directly from consumers are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to revenue ratably over the service period which commences upon sale. Activation fees are recognized over one month as the activation fees are non-refundable and do not provide for a material right to the customer. There is no revenue recognized for unpaid trial subscriptions. In some cases we pay a loyalty fee to the automakers when we receive a certain amount of payments from self-pay customers acquired from that automaker. These fees are considered incremental costs to obtain a contract and are, therefore, recognized as an asset and amortized to Subscriber acquisition costs over an average subscriber life. Revenue share and loyalty fees paid to an automaker offering a paid trial are accounted for as a reduction of revenue as the payment does not provide a distinct good or service.
Music royalty fee primarily consists of U.S. music royalty fees (“MRF”) collected from subscribers. The related costs we incur for the right to broadcast music and other programming are recorded as Revenue share and royalties expense.  Fees received from subscribers for the MRF are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to Subscriber revenue ratably over the service period.
We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied, which generally occurs as ads are delivered. For our satellite radio service, ads are delivered when they are aired. For our streaming services, ads are delivered primarily based on impressions. Agency fees are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue.  Additionally, we pay certain third parties a percentage of advertising revenue.  Advertising revenue is recorded gross of such revenue share payments as we control the advertising service, including the ability to establish pricing, and we are primarily responsible for providing the service.  Advertising revenue share payments are recorded to Revenue share and royalties during the period in which the advertising is transmitted.
Equipment revenue and royalties from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories are recognized upon shipment, net of discounts and rebates. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue.  Shipping and handling costs associated with shipping goods to customers are reported as a component of Cost of equipment. Other revenue primarily includes revenue recognized from royalties received from Sirius XM Canada.
Customers pay for the services in advance of the performance obligation and therefore these prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income as the services are provided. Changes in the deferred revenue balance during the year ended December 31, 2020 were not materially impacted by other factors.
As the majority of our contracts are one year or less, we have utilized the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14 and do not disclose information about the remaining performance obligations for contracts which have original expected durations of one year or less. As of December 31, 2020, less than ten percent of our total deferred revenue balance related to contracts that extend beyond one year. These contracts primarily include prepaid data trials which are typically provided for three to five years as well as for self-pay customers who prepay for their audio subscriptions for up to three years in advance. These amounts are recognized on a straight-line basis as our services are provided.
Revenue Share
We share a portion of our subscription revenues earned from self-pay subscribers with certain automakers.  The terms of the revenue share agreements vary with each automaker, but are typically based upon the earned audio revenue as reported or gross billed audio revenue. Revenue share on self-pay revenue is recognized as an expense and recorded in Revenue share and royalties in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We also pay revenue share to certain talent on non-music stations on our satellite radio service and to podcast talent based on advertising revenue for the related channel or podcast. Revenue share on non-music channels and podcasts is recognized in Revenue share and royalties in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income when it is earned. In some cases we prepay minimum guarantees for revenue share to podcast talent which is recorded in Prepaid and other current assets in our consolidated statements of financial position. The minimum guarantee is recognized in Revenue share and royalties primarily on a straight line basis over the contractual term. The prepaid balance is regularly reviewed for recoverability and any amount not deemed to be recoverable is recognized as an expense in the period.
Royalties
In connection with our businesses, we must enter into royalty arrangements with two sets of rights holders: holders of musical compositions copyrights (that is, the music and lyrics) and holders of sound recordings copyrights (that is, the actual recording of a work). Our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses use both statutory and direct music licenses as part of their businesses. We license varying rights - such as performance and mechanical rights - for use in our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses based on the various radio and interactive services they offer. The music rights licensing arrangements for our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses are complex.
Musical Composition Copyrights
We pay performance royalties for our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses to holders and rights administrators of musical compositions copyrights, including performing rights organizations and other copyright owners. These performance royalties are based on agreements with performing rights organizations which represent the holders of these performance rights. Our Sirius XM and Pandora businesses have arrangements with these performance rights organizations. Arrangements with Sirius XM generally include fixed payments during the term of the agreement and arrangements with Pandora for its ad-supported radio service have variable payments based on usage and ownership of a royalty pool. Pandora must also license reproduction rights, which are also referred to as mechanical rights, to offer the interactive features of the Pandora services. For our Pandora subscription services, copyright holders receive payments for these rights at the rates determined in accordance with the statutory license set forth in Section 115 of the United States Copyright Act. These mechanical royalties are calculated as the greater of a percentage of our revenue or a percentage of our payments to record labels.
For our interactive music services offered by our Pandora business, we pay mechanical royalties to copyright holders at the rates determined by the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”) in accordance with the statutory license set forth in Section 115 of the United States Copyright Act.
Sound Recording Copyrights
For our non-interactive satellite radio or streaming services we may license sound recordings under direct licenses with the owners of sound recordings or based on the royalty rate established by the CRB. For our Sirius XM business, the royalty rate for sound recordings has been set by the CRB. The revenue subject to royalty includes subscription revenue from our U.S. satellite digital audio radio subscribers, and advertising revenue from channels other than those channels that make only incidental performances of sound recordings. The rates and terms permit us to reduce the payment due each month for those sound recording directly licensed from copyright owners and exclude from our revenue certain other items, such as royalties
paid to us for intellectual property, sales and use taxes, bad debt expense and generally revenue attributable to areas of our business that do not involve the use of copyrighted sound recordings.
For our Pandora business, we have entered into direct license agreements with major and independent music labels and distributors for a significant majority of the sound recordings that stream on the Pandora ad-supported service, Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium. For sound recordings that we stream and for which we have not entered into a direct license agreement with the sound recording rights holders, the sound recordings are streamed pursuant to the statutory royalty rates set by the CRB. Pandora pays royalties to owners of sound recordings on either a per-performance fee based on the number of sound recordings transmitted or a percentage of revenue associated with the applicable service. Certain of these agreements also require Pandora to pay a per subscriber minimum amount.
Programming Costs
Programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by-event basis; programming costs which are for a specified season or include programming through a dedicated channel are amortized over the season or period on a straight-line basis. We allocate a portion of certain programming costs which are related to sponsorship and marketing activities to Sales and marketing expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Advertising Costs
Media is expensed when aired and advertising production costs are expensed as incurred.  Advertising production costs include expenses related to marketing and retention activities, including expenses related to direct mail, outbound telemarketing and email communications.  We also incur advertising production costs related to cooperative marketing and promotional events and sponsorships.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded advertising costs of $443, $392 and $267, respectively.  These costs are reflected in Sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs
Subscriber acquisition costs consist of costs incurred to acquire new subscribers which include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid to automakers who include a satellite radio and a prepaid subscription to our service in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; subsidies paid for chipsets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; device royalties for certain radios and chipsets; commissions paid to retailers and automakers as incentives to purchase, install and activate radios; product warranty obligations; freight; and provisions for inventory allowance attributable to inventory consumed in our automotive and retail distribution channels.  Subscriber acquisition costs do not include advertising costs, loyalty payments to distributors and dealers of radios and revenue share payments to automakers and retailers of radios.
Subsidies paid to radio manufacturers and automakers are expensed upon installation, shipment, receipt of product or activation and are included in Subscriber acquisition costs because we are responsible for providing the service to the customers.  Commissions paid to retailers and automakers are expensed upon either the sale or activation of radios.  Chipsets that are shipped to radio manufacturers and held on consignment are recorded as inventory and expensed as Subscriber acquisition costs when placed into production by radio manufacturers.  Costs for chipsets are expensed as Subscriber acquisition costs when the automaker confirms receipt.
Research and Development Costs Research & Development CostsResearch and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include the cost of new product development, chipset design, software development and engineering.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded research and development costs of $220, $231 and $106, respectively.  These costs are reported as a component of Engineering, design and development expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxAccumulated other comprehensive income of $15 was primarily comprised of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to Sirius XM Canada (refer to Note 13 for additional information). During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a foreign currency translation adjustment gain of $7, which is recorded net of tax expense of $2. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded foreign currency translation adjustment gain (loss) of $14 and $(29), respectively, net of tax.
Recently Adopted Accounting Policies
Recently Adopted Accounting Policies
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which requires companies to recognize lease assets and liabilities arising from operating leases in the statement of financial position. This ASU does not significantly change the previous lease guidance for how a lessee should recognize, measure, and present expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. Additionally, the criteria for classifying a finance lease versus an operating lease are substantially the same as the previous guidance. This ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption was permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements, amending certain aspects of the new leasing standard. The amendment allows an additional optional transition method whereby an entity records a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption without restating prior periods. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 and elected the additional transition method per ASU 2018-11. Our leases consist of repeater leases, facility leases and equipment leases. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard.
Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities of approximately $347 and $369, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The standard did not impact our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flows or debt. Additionally, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings.
Fair Value Measurements Investments are periodically reviewed for impairment and an impairment is recorded whenever declines in fair value below carrying value are determined to be other than temporary. In making this determination, we consider, among other factors, the severity and duration of the decline as well as the likelihood of a recovery within a reasonable timeframe.
Earnings per Share Basic net income per common share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during each reporting period.  Diluted net income per common share adjusts the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents (stock options, restricted stock units and convertible debt) were exercised or converted into common stock, calculated using the treasury stock method.
Receivables, net
Receivables, net, includes customer accounts receivable, receivables from distributors and other receivables. We do not have any customer receivables that individually represent more than ten percent of our receivables.
Customer accounts receivable, net, includes receivables from our subscribers, advertising customers, including advertising agencies and other customers, and is stated at amounts due, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our assessment of various factors.  We consider historical experience, the age of the receivable balances, current economic conditions, industry experience and other factors that may affect the counterparty’s ability to pay.  Bad debt expense is included in Customer service and billing expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Receivables from distributors primarily include billed and unbilled amounts due from automakers for services included in the sale or lease price of vehicles, as well as billed amounts due from wholesale distributors of our satellite radios.  Other receivables primarily include amounts due from manufacturers of our radios, modules and chipsets where we are entitled to subsidies and royalties based on the number of units produced.  We have not established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our receivables from distributors or other receivables as we have historically not experienced any significant collection issues with automakers or other third parties and do not expect issues in the foreseeable future.
Inventory, net Inventory consists of finished goods, refurbished goods, chipsets and other raw material components used in manufacturing radios. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market.  We record an estimated allowance for inventory that is considered slow moving or obsolete or whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value.  The provision related to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channel and components held for resale by us is reported as a component of Cost of equipment in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  The provision related to inventory consumed in our OEM channel is reported as a component of Subscriber acquisition costs in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Our annual impairment assessment of our two reporting units is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year, and an assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, states that an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. ASC 350 also states that a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount is not required to perform a qualitative assessment.
Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
We have identified our FCC licenses and XM and Pandora trademarks as indefinite life intangible assets after considering the expected use of the assets, the regulatory and economic environment within which they are used and the effects of obsolescence on their use.
We hold FCC licenses to operate our satellite digital audio radio service and provide ancillary services. Each of the FCC licenses authorizes us to use radio spectrum, a reusable resource that does not deplete or exhaust over time.
ASC 350-30-35, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, provides for an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset exceeds its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is not required. If the qualitative assessment does not support the fair value of the asset, then a quantitative assessment is performed. Our annual impairment assessment of our identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year. An assessment is performed at other times if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
We completed a quantitative assessment of our FCC licenses and XM and Pandora trademarks during the fourth quarter of 2020 and qualitative assessments during the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018. As of the date of our annual assessment for 2020, our impairment assessment of the fair value of our indefinite intangible assets indicated that the carrying value of our Pandora trademark exceeded the fair value of the asset by $20. The excess carrying value has been written off and recognized in the Impairment charges line item in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The impairment assessment for our FCC licenses and XM trademark indicate that the fair value of such assets substantially exceeded their carrying value and therefore were not at risk of impairment. As of the date of our annual assessment for 2019 and 2018, our impairment assessment of the fair value of our indefinite intangible assets indicated that the fair value of such assets substantially exceeded their carrying value and therefore were not at risk of impairment.
Definite Life Intangible Assets Definite Life Intangible AssetsDefinite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, in a pattern that reflects when the economic benefits will be consumed, and are reviewed for impairment under the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment/Overall/Subsequent Measurement. We review intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Property and Equipment We review long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Equity Method Investments Sirius XM Canada is accounted for as an equity method investment, and its results are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. Sirius XM Canada does not meet the requirements for consolidation as we do not have the ability to direct the most significant activities that impact Sirius XM Canada's economic performance.
Benefit Plans Fair value as determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton model varies based on assumptions used for the expected life, expected stock price volatility, expected dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we estimated the fair value of awards granted using the hybrid approach for volatility, which weights observable historical volatility and implied volatility of qualifying actively traded options on our common stock. The expected life assumption represents the weighted-average period stock-based awards are expected to remain outstanding. These expected life assumptions are established through a review of historical exercise behavior of stock-based award grants with similar vesting periods. Where historical patterns do not exist for non-employees, contractual terms are used. Dividend yield is based on the current expected annual dividend per share and our stock price. The risk-free interest rate represents the daily treasury yield curve rate at the grant date based on the closing market bid yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities in the over-the-counter market for the expected term. Our assumptions may change in future periods.
Commitments and Contingencies We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability will be incurred, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. We may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others, because: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the relative early stages; (iii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and the outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) there remain significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) the relevant law is unsettled; or (vii) the proceedings involve novel or untested legal theories. In such instances, there may be considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including the likelihood or magnitude of a possible eventual loss, if any.
Income Taxes ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires a company to first determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date, assuming that taxing authorities will examine the position and have full knowledge of all relevant information.  A tax position that meets this more likely than not threshold is then measured and recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority.  If the tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained, the gross amount of the unrecognized tax position will not be recorded in the financial statements but will be shown in tabular format within the uncertain income tax positions. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs due to the following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, (2) the tax position, amount, and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation, or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired.  A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is effectively settled or until there is a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations.  We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
v3.20.4
Business & Basis of Presentation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of Reclassification This revenue was reclassified to Subscriber revenue to conform with the current period presentation.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
As ReportedReclassificationCurrent Report
Subscriber revenue$4,594 $670 $5,264 
Advertising revenue188 — 188 
Equipment revenue155 — 155 
Other revenue834 (670)164 
Total revenue$5,771 $— $5,771 
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies
In addition to the significant accounting policies discussed in this Note 2, the following table includes our significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to our consolidated financial statements, including the number and page of the note:
Significant Accounting PolicyNote #Page #
Acquisition
F-16
Fair Value Measurements
F-19
Goodwill
F-21
Intangible Assets10 
F-22
Property and Equipment11 
F-24
Equity Method Investments13 
F-28
Share-Based Compensation16 
F-31
Legal Reserves17 
F-35
Income Taxes18 
F-39
Schedule of New ASU Adoption Impact on Financial Statements
The effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 for the adoption of ASU 2016-02 is included in the table below.
Balance at December 31, 2018Adjustments Due to ASU 2016-02Balance at January 1, 2019
Balance Sheet
Assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assets$— $347 $347 
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$736 $(1)$735 
Operating lease current liabilities— 30 30 
Operating lease liabilities— 339 339 
Other long-term liabilities102 (21)81 
v3.20.4
Acquisitions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The table below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
Acquired Assets:
Receivables, net$21 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets16 
Property and equipment
Intangible assets38 
Goodwill218 
Operating lease right-of-use assets11 
Total assets$312 
Assumed Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$
Deferred revenue
Operating lease current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Total liabilities$16 
Total consideration$296 
The table below summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
Acquired Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$313 
Receivables, net353 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets109 
Property and equipment65 
Intangible assets1,107 
Goodwill1,553 
Deferred tax assets102 
Operating lease right-of-use assets104 
Long term assets
Total assets$3,713 
Assumed Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$324 
Deferred revenue37 
Operating lease current liabilities28 
Current maturities of debt151 
Long-term debt (a)218 
Operating lease liabilities69 
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities$834 
Total consideration$2,879 
(a)In order to present the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the conversion feature associated with Pandora's convertible notes for $62 has been included within Long-term debt in the table above and included within Additional paid-in-capital within our statement of stockholders' equity (deficit). Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable
The table below shows the value of the consideration paid in connection with the Pandora Acquisition:
Total
Pandora common stock outstanding272 
Exchange ratio1.44 
Common stock issued392 
Price per share of Holdings common stock$5.83 
Value of common stock issued to Pandora stockholders$2,285 
Value of replacement equity awards attributable to pre-combination service$70 
Consideration of common stock and replacement equity awards for pre-combination service$2,355 
Sirius XM’s Pandora preferred stock investment (related party fair value instrument) canceled$524 
Total consideration for Pandora Acquisition$2,879 
Value attributed to par at $0.001 par value
$
Balance to capital in excess of par value$2,354 
Schedule of Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information The following pro forma financial information presents our results as if the Pandora Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2018:
For the Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Total revenue$8,046 $7,921 $7,348 
Net income$131 $938 $844 
v3.20.4
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value were as follows:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Liabilities:        
Debt (a)
— $9,011 — $9,011 — $8,378 — $8,378 
(a)The fair value for non-publicly traded instruments is based upon estimates from a market maker and brokerage firm.  Refer to Note 14 for information related to the carrying value of our debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
v3.20.4
Earnings per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Numerator:
Net Income available to common stockholders for basic net income per common share$131 $914 $1,176 
Effect of interest on assumed conversions of convertible notes, net of tax— 
Net Income available to common stockholders for dilutive net income per common share$139 $921 $1,176 
Denominator: 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share4,330 4,501 4,462 
Weighted average impact of assumed convertible notes30 28 — 
Weighted average impact of dilutive equity instruments69 87 99 
Weighted average shares for diluted net income per common share
4,429 4,616 4,561 
Net income per common share: 
Basic$0.03 $0.20 $0.26 
Diluted$0.03 $0.20 $0.26 
v3.20.4
Receivables, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net
Receivables, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Gross customer accounts receivable$574 $546 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(15)(14)
Customer accounts receivable, net$559 $532 
Receivables from distributors73 113 
Other receivables40 25 
Total receivables, net$672 $670 
v3.20.4
Inventory, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Inventory, Net
Inventory, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Raw materials$— $
Finished goods13 13 
Allowance for obsolescence(3)(5)
Total inventory, net$10 $11 
v3.20.4
Goodwill (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill
Refer to the table below for our goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Balance at December 31, 2018$2,290 $— $2,290 
Acquisition— 1,553 1,553 
Balance at December 31, 20192,290 1,553 3,843 
Acquisition— 235 235 
Impairment charge— (956)(956)
Balance at December 31, 2020$2,290 $832 $3,122 
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include the following:
  December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Weighted
Average
Useful Lives
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Indefinite life intangible assets:
       
FCC licensesIndefinite$2,084 $— $2,084 $2,084 $— $2,084 
TrademarksIndefinite250 — 250 251 — 251 
Definite life intangible assets:       
OEM relationships15 years220 (105)115 220 (90)130 
Licensing agreements12 years45 (45)— 45 (42)
Software and technology7 years31 (16)15 35 (25)10 
Due to Pandora and Stitcher Acquisitions:
Indefinite life intangible assets:
TrademarksIndefinite$311 $— $311 $331 $— $331 
Definite life intangible assets:
Customer relationships8 years441 (104)337 403 (49)354 
Software and technology5 years373 (145)228 373 (69)304 
Total intangible assets $3,755 $(415)$3,340 $3,742 $(275)$3,467 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets include the following:
  December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Weighted
Average
Useful Lives
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated AmortizationNet Carrying
Value
Indefinite life intangible assets:
       
FCC licensesIndefinite$2,084 $— $2,084 $2,084 $— $2,084 
TrademarksIndefinite250 — 250 251 — 251 
Definite life intangible assets:       
OEM relationships15 years220 (105)115 220 (90)130 
Licensing agreements12 years45 (45)— 45 (42)
Software and technology7 years31 (16)15 35 (25)10 
Due to Pandora and Stitcher Acquisitions:
Indefinite life intangible assets:
TrademarksIndefinite$311 $— $311 $331 $— $331 
Definite life intangible assets:
Customer relationships8 years441 (104)337 403 (49)354 
Software and technology5 years373 (145)228 373 (69)304 
Total intangible assets $3,755 $(415)$3,340 $3,742 $(275)$3,467 
Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expense
The expected amortization expense for each of the fiscal years 2021 through 2025 and for periods thereafter is as follows:
Years ending December 31,Amount
2021$153 
2022154 
2023141 
202475 
202569 
Thereafter103 
Total definite life intangible assets, net$695 
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful life of the asset:
Satellite system15 years
Terrestrial repeater network5-15 years
Broadcast studio equipment3-15 years
Capitalized software and hardware2-7 years
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities3-15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other2-7 years
Building20or30 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of useful life or remaining lease term
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Satellite system$1,587 $1,587 
Terrestrial repeater network105 100 
Leasehold improvements111 105 
Broadcast studio equipment100 137 
Capitalized software and hardware1,372 1,086 
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities96 87 
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other92 89 
Land38 38 
Building63 63 
Construction in progress510 505 
Total property and equipment4,074 3,797 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,445)(2,171)
Property and equipment, net$1,629 $1,626 
Construction in progress consists of the following:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Satellite system$429 $371 
Terrestrial repeater network
Capitalized software and hardware52 107 
Other21 20 
Construction in progress$510 $505 
Schedule of Orbiting Satellites The chart below provides certain information on our satellites as of December 31, 2020:
Satellite DescriptionYear DeliveredEstimated End of
Depreciable Life
FCC License Expiration Year
SIRIUS FM-5200920242025
SIRIUS FM-6201320282022
XM-3200520202021
XM-4200620212022
XM-5201020252026
v3.20.4
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense
The components of lease expense were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease cost$82 $80 
Finance lease cost
Sublease income(2)(3)
Total lease cost$81 $81 
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$79 $70 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$$
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$$83 
Schedule of Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Supplemental Information
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets$427 $466 
Operating lease current liabilities48 46 
Operating lease liabilities419 456 
Total operating lease liabilities$467 $502 
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Finance Leases
Property and equipment, gross$$15 
Accumulated depreciation(7)(12)
Property and equipment, net$$
Current maturities of debt$$
Long-term debt— 
Total finance lease liabilities$$
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases9 years9 years
Finance leases1 year2 years
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases5.3 %5.3 %
Finance leases1.7 %1.7 %
Schedule of Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Year ending December 31,
2020 (remaining)$71 $— 
202174 
202271 — 
202362 — 
202462 — 
Thereafter247 — 
Total future minimum lease payments587 
Less imputed interest(120)— 
Total$467 $
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liability
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Year ending December 31,
2020 (remaining)$71 $— 
202174 
202271 — 
202362 — 
202462 — 
Thereafter247 — 
Total future minimum lease payments587 
Less imputed interest(120)— 
Total$467 $
v3.20.4
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
Our debt as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following:
      
Carrying value(a) at
Issuer / BorrowerIssuedDebtMaturity DateInterest PayablePrincipal Amount at December 31, 2020December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Pandora
(b) (c) (h)
December 2015
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes
December 1, 2020semi-annually on June 1 and December 1$— $— $
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2017
3.875% Senior Notes
August 1, 2022semi-annually on February 1 and August 11,000 997 995 
Sirius XM
(d) (g)
May 2013
4.625% Senior Notes
May 15, 2023semi-annually on May 15 and November 15— — 498 
Pandora
(b) (e)
June 2018
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes
December 1, 2023semi-annually on June 1 and December 1193 170 163 
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2019
4.625% Senior Notes
July 15, 2024semi-annually on January 15 and July 151,500 1,488 1,485 
Sirius XM
(d) (g)
March 2015
5.375% Senior Notes
April 15, 2025semi-annually on April 15 and October 15— — 993 
Sirius XM
(d)
May 2016
5.375% Senior Notes
July 15, 2026semi-annually on January 15 and July 151,000 993 992 
Sirius XM
(d)
July 2017
5.00% Senior Notes
August 1, 2027semi-annually on February 1 and August 11,500 1,490 1,488 
Sirius XM
(d)
June 2019
5.500% Senior Notes
July 1, 2029semi-annually on January 1 and July 11,250 1,237 1,236 
Sirius XM
(d)
June 2020
4.125% Senior Notes
July 1, 2030semi-annually on January 1 and July 11,500 1,484 — 
Sirius XM
(f)
December 2012Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility")June 29, 2023variable fee paid quarterly649 649 — 
Sirius XMVariousFinance leasesVarious n/a n/a
Total Debt8,509 7,853 
Less: total current maturities
Less: total deferred financing costs
Total long-term debt$8,499 $7,842 
(a)The carrying value of the obligations is net of any remaining unamortized original issue discount.
(b)Holdings has unconditionally guaranteed all of the payment obligations of Pandora under these notes.
(c)We acquired $152 in principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 as part of the Pandora Acquisition. On February 14, 2019, Pandora announced a tender offer to repurchase for cash any and all of its outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the repurchase date. On March 18, 2019, we purchased $151 in aggregate principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 that had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the repurchase offer. We recorded a $1 Loss on extinguishment of debt in connection with this transaction. In addition, we unwound a capped call security acquired as part of the Pandora Acquisition in March 2019 for $3.
(d)All material domestic subsidiaries, including Pandora and its subsidiaries, that guarantee the Credit Facility have guaranteed these notes.
(e)We acquired $193 in principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 as part of the Pandora Acquisition. We allocate the principal amount of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 between the liability and equity components. The value assigned to the debt components of the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is the estimated fair value as of the issuance date of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the fair value of the debt and this estimated fair value represents the value which has been assigned to the equity component. The equity component is recorded to additional paid-in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount of the Notes
over the carrying amount of the liability component is recorded as a debt discount and is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the December 1, 2023 maturity date. The 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were not convertible into common stock and not redeemable as of December 31, 2020. As a result, we have classified the debt as Long-term within our consolidated balance sheets.
(f)The $1,750 Credit Facility expires in June 2023. Sirius XM's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of its material domestic subsidiaries, including Pandora and its subsidiaries, and are secured by a lien on substantially all of Sirius XM's assets and the assets of its material domestic subsidiaries.  Interest on borrowings is payable on a monthly basis and accrues at a rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate.  Sirius XM is also required to pay a variable fee on the average daily unused portion of the Credit Facility which is payable on a quarterly basis.  The variable rate for the unused portion of the Credit Facility was 0.25% per annum as of December 31, 2020.  All of Sirius XM's outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as Long-term debt within our consolidated balance sheets due to the long-term maturity of this debt. Additionally, the amount available for future borrowing under the Credit Facility is reduced by letters of credit issued for the benefit of Pandora, which were $1 as of December 31, 2020.
(g)On July 9, 2020, Sirius XM redeemed $500 in outstanding principal amount of the 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023 for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $507. On July 9, 2020, Sirius XM also redeemed $1,000 in outstanding principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025 for an aggregate purchase price, including premium and interest, of $1,039. Sirius XM used the proceeds from the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2030 for both redemptions. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $40 to Loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting primarily of unamortized discount, deferred financing fees and redemption premium, as a result of these redemptions.
(h)On December 1, 2020, the 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 were paid at their stated maturity.
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Dividends Declared
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we declared and paid the following dividends:
Declaration DateDividend Per ShareRecord DateTotal AmountPayment Date
January 30, 2020$0.01331 February 12, 2020$59 February 28, 2020
April 21, 2020$0.01331 May 8, 2020$58 May 29, 2020
July 14, 2020$0.01331 August 7, 2020$58 August 31, 2020
October 6, 2020$0.01464 November 6, 2020$62 November 30, 2020
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements
The following table summarizes our total share repurchase activity for the years ended:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Share Repurchase TypeSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
Open Market Repurchases (a)
267 $1,574 364 $2,159 209 $1,297 
(a)As of December 31, 2020, $19 of common stock repurchases had not settled, nor been retired, and were recorded as Treasury stock within our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value of Options Granted
The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to compute the fair value of options granted to employees and members of our board of directors:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Risk-free interest rate1.0%2.4%2.7%
Expected life of options — years3.913.414.38
Expected stock price volatility28%26%23%
Expected dividend yield0.8%0.8%0.7%
Schedule of Stock Options Activity Under Share-based Payment Plans
The following table summarizes stock option activity under our share-based plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
 OptionsWeighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at the beginning of January 1, 2018280 $3.76 
Granted32 $6.59 
Exercised(65)$3.35 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(4)$4.76 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018243 $4.22 
Awards granted in connection with acquisition$3.85 
Granted15 $6.10 
Exercised(53)$3.65 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(4)$5.58 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019208 $4.46 
Granted11 $6.87 
Exercised(33)$3.66 
Forfeited, cancelled or expired(2)$6.28 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020184 $4.73 4.80$318 
Exercisable as of December 31, 2020147 $4.31 3.96$309 
Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit and Stock Award Activity
The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, including PRSU, activity under our share-based plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
 SharesGrant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Nonvested at the beginning of January 1, 201831 $4.54 
Granted18 $6.40 
Vested(13)$4.43 
Forfeited(1)$4.99 
Nonvested as of December 31, 201835 $5.50 
Awards granted in connection with acquisition48 $5.83 
Granted38 $6.01 
Vested(38)$5.53 
Forfeited(8)$5.85 
Nonvested as of December 31, 201975 $5.95 
Granted37 $6.14 
Vested(32)$5.89 
Forfeited(5)$6.00 
Nonvested as of December 31, 202075 $6.06 
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Expected Contractual Cash Commitments
The following table summarizes our expected contractual cash commitments as of December 31, 2020:
 20212022202320242025ThereafterTotal
Debt obligations$$1,000 $842 $1,500 $— $5,250 $8,593 
Cash interest payments389 387 341 329 259 788 2,493 
Satellite and transmission50 18 79 
Programming and content382 291 209 156 121 195 1,354 
Sales and marketing69 20 11 111 
Satellite incentive payments38 81 
Operating lease obligations69 68 61 47 45 137 427 
Royalties, minimum guarantees and other327 205 25 — — 564 
Total (1)
$1,295 $1,982 $1,501 $2,054 $439 $6,431 $13,702 
(1)The table does not include our reserve for uncertain tax positions, which at December 31, 2020 totaled $30.
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense
We file a consolidated federal income tax return for all of our wholly owned subsidiaries, including Sirius XM and Pandora. Income tax expense consisted of the following:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Current taxes:   
Federal$— $— $— 
State(61)(24)12 
Total current taxes(61)(24)12 
Deferred taxes:   
Federal(219)(229)(259)
State(19)(30)
Total deferred taxes(238)(259)(257)
Total income tax expense$(299)$(283)$(245)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The following table presents a reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Federal tax expense, at statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit4.2 %3.9 %3.6 %
Change in valuation allowance0.7 %0.3 %1.0 %
Tax credits(10.2)%(2.7)%(6.8)%
Share-based compensation(3.5)%(2.4)%(3.1)%
Impact of nondeductible compensation2.6 %1.6 %0.7 %
Automatic worthless stock deduction(3.5)%— %— %
Goodwill impairment53.7 %— %— %
Uncertain tax positions4.4 %— %— %
Other, net0.1 %1.9 %0.8 %
Effective tax rate69.5 %23.6 %17.2 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, shown before jurisdictional netting, are presented below:
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 20202019
Deferred tax assets:  
Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits$745 $1,010 
Deferred revenue62 81 
Accrued bonus29 34 
Expensed costs capitalized for tax11 14 
Investments21 22 
Stock based compensation74 72 
Operating lease liability118 126 
Total deferred tax assets1,060 1,359 
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Depreciation of property and equipment(237)(228)
FCC license(521)(519)
Other intangible assets(292)(340)
Right of use asset(106)(116)
Other(5)(3)
Total deferred tax liabilities(1,161)(1,206)
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance(101)153 
Valuation allowance(54)(70)
Total net deferred tax (liability) asset$(155)$83 
Schedule of Uncertain Income Tax Positions
Changes in our unrecognized tax benefits and uncertain tax positions from January 1 through December 31 are set forth below:
 20202019
Balance, beginning of year$406 $387 
Increases in tax positions for prior years14 — 
Increases in tax positions for current year20 31 
Decreases in tax positions for prior years(7)(12)
Balance, end of year$433 $406 
v3.20.4
Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
Segment revenue and gross profit were as follows during the periods presented:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Revenue
Subscriber revenue$5,857 $515 $6,372 
Advertising revenue157 1,183 1,340 
Equipment revenue173 — 173 
Other revenue155 — 155 
Total revenue6,342 1,698 8,040 
Cost of services (a)
(2,430)(1,105)(3,535)
Segment gross profit$3,912 $593 $4,505 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Sirius XMPandoraTotal
Revenue
Subscriber revenue$5,644 $476 $6,120 
Advertising revenue205 1,131 1,336 
Equipment revenue173 — 173 
Other revenue165 — 165 
Total revenue6,187 1,607 7,794 
Cost of services (b)
(2,378)(1,005)(3,383)
Segment gross profit$3,809 $602 $4,411 
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated
The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to consolidated income before income tax is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Segment Gross Profit$4,505 
Subscriber acquisition costs(362)
Sales and marketing (a)
(889)
Engineering, design and development (a)
(220)
General and administrative (a)
(443)
Depreciation and amortization(506)
Share-based payment expense(223)
Acquisition and restructuring costs(28)
Impairment charges(976)
Total other (expense) income(428)
Consolidated income before income taxes$430 
(a)     Share-based payment expense of $44 related to cost of services, $68 related to sales and marketing, $43 related to engineering, design and development and $68 related to general and administrative has been excluded for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to consolidated income before income tax is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Segment Gross Profit$4,411 
Subscriber acquisition costs(427)
Sales and marketing (b)
(859)
Engineering, design and development (b)
(231)
General and administrative (b)
(466)
Depreciation and amortization(468)
Share-based payment expense(229)
Acquisition and other related costs(84)
Total other (expense) income(450)
Consolidated income before income taxes$1,197 
(b)     Share-based payment expense of $44 related to cost of services, $78 related to sales and marketing, $49 related to engineering, design and development and $58 related to general and administrative has been excluded for the year ended December 31, 2019.
v3.20.4
Quarterly Financial Data -- Unaudited (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
Our quarterly results of operations are summarized below:
 For the Three Months Ended
 March 31June 30September 30December 31
2020    
Total revenue$1,952 $1,874 $2,025 $2,189 
Cost of services$(850)$(866)$(895)$(968)
Income from operations$468 $415 $478 $(503)
Net income$293 $243 $272 $(677)
Net income per common share--basic (1)
$0.07 $0.06 $0.06 $(0.16)
Net income per common share--diluted (1)
$0.07 $0.05 $0.06 $(0.16)
2019    
Total revenue$1,744 $1,977 $2,011 $2,062 
Cost of services$(748)$(882)$(881)$(916)
Income from operations$333 $439 $476 $399 
Net income$162 $263 $246 $243 
Net income per common share--basic (1)
$0.04 $0.06 $0.06 $0.05 
Net income per common share--diluted (1)
$0.03 $0.06 $0.05 $0.05 
(1)Basic and Diluted earnings per share are computed quarterly and the sum of the quarterly calculation may not necessarily agree to the net income per share for the year due to rounding.
v3.20.4
Business & Basis of Presentation (Details)
subscriber in Millions
12 Months Ended
Oct. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
segment
satellite_radio_system
subscriber
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Feb. 10, 2020
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Number of reportable segments | segment     2      
Number of satellite radio systems | satellite_radio_system     2      
Loss on restructuring     $ 24,000,000 $ 0 $ 0  
Automatic Labs Inc. | Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Loss on restructuring     $ 24,000,000      
Simplecast            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Payments to acquire businesses, gross   $ 28,000,000        
Stitcher            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Consideration for acquisition $ 296,000,000          
Payments to acquire businesses, gross 272,000,000          
Contingent consideration, liability 30,000,000          
Working capital adjustments $ 6,000,000          
SoundCloud Holdings, LLC            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Equity method investments           $ 75,000,000
Equity Method Investee | Sirius XM Canada            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Equity method investment, equity interest percentage     70.00%      
Equity method investment, voting interest percentage     33.00%      
Equity method investments     $ 332,000,000 $ 321,000,000    
Common Stock | Management | Liberty Media            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Related party ownership percentage     76.00%      
Sirius XM            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Number of subscribers | subscriber     34.7      
Pandora            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Number of subscribers | subscriber     6.3      
v3.20.4
Business & Basis of Presentation - Reclassification (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
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue $ 2,189 $ 2,025 $ 1,874 $ 1,952 $ 2,062 $ 2,011 $ 1,977 $ 1,744 $ 8,040 $ 7,794 $ 5,771
As Reported                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     5,771
Reclassification                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     0
Subscriber revenue                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 6,372 6,120 5,264
Subscriber revenue | As Reported                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     4,594
Subscriber revenue | Reclassification                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     670
Advertising revenue                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 1,340 1,336 188
Advertising revenue | As Reported                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     188
Advertising revenue | Reclassification                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     0
Equipment revenue                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 173 173 155
Equipment revenue | As Reported                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     155
Equipment revenue | Reclassification                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     0
Other revenue                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 $ 155 $ 165 164
Other revenue | As Reported                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     834
Other revenue | Reclassification                      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                      
Revenue                     $ (670)
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract period (or less) 1 year    
Activation fee revenue recognition period (months) 1 month    
Advertising expense $ 443 $ 392 $ 267
Engineering, design and development 263 280 123
Engineering, Design and Development      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Engineering, design and development $ 220 $ 231 $ 106
Minimum      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Percent of deferred revenue related to long-term contracts 10.00%    
Data trial contract period 3 years    
Minimum | Prepaid Vehicle Subscriptions      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract period (or less) 3 months    
Maximum      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Data trial contract period 5 years    
Subscription prepayment period 3 years    
Maximum | Prepaid Vehicle Subscriptions      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Contract period (or less) 12 months    
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity attributable to parent $ (2,285) $ (736) $ (1,817) $ (1,522)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 7 14 (29)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax 2      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Stockholders' equity attributable to parent $ 15 $ 8 $ (6) $ 19
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Adopted Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 427 $ 466 $ 347 $ 0
Lease liabilities $ 467 $ 502    
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Operating lease right-of-use assets     347  
Lease liabilities     $ 369  
v3.20.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of Adoption of ASUs on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
ASSETS        
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 427 $ 466 $ 347 $ 0
Liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,223 1,151 735 736
Operating lease current liabilities 48 46 30 0
Operating lease liabilities 419 456 339 0
Other long-term liabilities $ 149 $ 94 81 $ 102
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02        
ASSETS        
Operating lease right-of-use assets     347  
Liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (1)  
Operating lease current liabilities     30  
Operating lease liabilities     339  
Other long-term liabilities     $ (21)  
v3.20.4
Acquisitions - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Feb. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Feb. 14, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Goodwill       $ 3,843 $ 3,122 $ 3,843   $ 2,290
Finite-lived intangible assets         $ 776      
Software and technology                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Weighted average useful lives (years)         7 years      
Pandora                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Goodwill       1,553 $ 832 1,553   $ 0
Stitcher                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Payments to acquire businesses, gross $ 272              
Contingent consideration, liability 30              
Consideration for acquisition 296              
Acquisition and restructuring costs         4      
Goodwill 218              
Amortizable intangible assets acquired 38 $ 38            
Working capital adjustments 6              
Stitcher | Maximum                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Contingent consideration, liability $ 60              
Simplecast                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Payments to acquire businesses, gross   28            
Acquisition and restructuring costs         1      
Goodwill   17            
Amortizable intangible assets acquired   12            
Deferred tax liabilities acquired   1            
Simplecast | Maximum                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Other assets acquired   $ 1            
Pandora                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Consideration for acquisition     $ 2,879          
Acquisition and restructuring costs           84    
Goodwill     1,553   1,553      
Amortizable intangible assets acquired     1,107          
Consideration of common stock and replacement equity awards for pre-combination service     $ 2,355          
Exchange ratio (in shares per share)     1.44          
Sirius XM’s Pandora preferred stock investment (related party fair value instrument) canceled     $ 524          
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired     $ 313          
Gross operating loss carryforwards         1,287      
Revenue of acquire since acquisition date, actual           $ 1,607    
Net loss       $ 303        
Pandora | Trademarks                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Fair value of acquired trademarks         $ 331      
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         1.75%      
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020 | Pandora                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         1.75%   1.75%  
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2023                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         1.75%      
v3.20.4
Acquisitions - Schedule of Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Oct. 16, 2020
Jun. 16, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Acquired Assets:            
Goodwill $ 3,122     $ 3,843   $ 2,290
Assumed Liabilities:            
Conversion feature of debt         $ 62  
Stitcher            
Acquired Assets:            
Receivables, net   $ 21        
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   16        
Property and equipment   8        
Intangible assets   38 $ 38      
Goodwill   218        
Operating lease right-of-use assets   11        
Total assets   312        
Assumed Liabilities:            
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   4        
Deferred revenue   1        
Operating lease current liabilities   2        
Operating lease liabilities   9        
Total liabilities   $ 16        
Pandora            
Acquired Assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents         313  
Receivables, net         353  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets         109  
Property and equipment         65  
Intangible assets         1,107  
Goodwill $ 1,553       1,553  
Deferred tax assets         102  
Operating lease right-of-use assets         104  
Long term assets         7  
Total assets         3,713  
Assumed Liabilities:            
Accounts payable and accrued expenses         324  
Deferred revenue         37  
Operating lease current liabilities         28  
Current maturities of debt         151  
Long-term debt         218  
Operating lease liabilities         69  
Other long-term liabilities         7  
Total liabilities         834  
Total consideration         $ 2,879  
v3.20.4
Acquisitions - Consideration Transferred (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2019
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Common stock, par value ( in USD per share) | $ / shares   $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Pandora      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Pandora common stock outstanding $ 272    
Exchange ratio (in shares per share) 1.44    
Price per share of Holdings common stock (USD per share) | $ / shares $ 5.83    
Value of common stock issued to Pandora stockholders $ 2,285    
Value of replacement equity awards attributable to pre-combination service 70    
Consideration of common stock and replacement equity awards for pre-combination service 2,355    
Sirius XM’s Pandora preferred stock investment (related party fair value instrument) canceled 524    
Total consideration for Pandora Acquisition 2,879    
Value attributed to par at $0.001 par value 1    
Balance to capital in excess of par value $ 2,354    
Common stock, par value ( in USD per share) | $ / shares $ 0.001    
Pandora | Common Stock      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Common stock issued (in shares) | shares 392 392  
v3.20.4
Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Pandora - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Total revenue $ 8,046 $ 7,921 $ 7,348
Net income $ 131 $ 938 $ 844
v3.20.4
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Liabilities:    
Debt, fair value $ 9,011 $ 8,378
Level 1    
Liabilities:    
Debt, fair value 0 0
Level 2    
Liabilities:    
Debt, fair value 9,011 8,378
Level 3    
Liabilities:    
Debt, fair value $ 0 $ 0
v3.20.4
Restructuring Costs (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Loss on restructuring $ 24,000,000 $ 0 $ 0
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations | Automatic Labs Inc.      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Loss on restructuring $ 24,000,000    
v3.20.4
Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Participating securities (in shares)   0 0 0
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)   62,000,000 66,000,000 40,000,000
Common Stock | Pandora        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Common stock issued (in shares) 392,000,000 392,000,000    
v3.20.4
Earnings per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ 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
Numerator:                      
Net Income available to common stockholders for basic net income per common share                 $ 131 $ 914 $ 1,176
Effect of interest on assumed conversions of convertible notes, net of tax                 8 7 0
Net Income available to common stockholders for dilutive net income per common share                 $ 139 $ 921 $ 1,176
Denominator:                      
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic net income per common share (in shares)                 4,330 4,501 4,462
Weighted average impact of assumed convertible notes (in shares)                 30 28 0
Weighted average impact of dilutive equity instruments (in shares)                 69 87 99
Weighted average shares for diluted net income per common share (in shares)                 4,429 4,616 4,561
Net income per common share:                      
Basic (in USD per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.04 $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
Diluted (in USD per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.06 $ 0.05 $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.05 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
v3.20.4
Receivables, net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable, net    
Gross customer accounts receivable $ 574 $ 546
Allowance for doubtful accounts (15) (14)
Customer accounts receivable, net 559 532
Receivables from distributors 73 113
Other receivables 40 25
Total receivables, net $ 672 $ 670
v3.20.4
Inventory, net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Raw materials $ 0 $ 3
Finished goods 13 13
Allowance for obsolescence (3) (5)
Total inventory, net $ 10 $ 11
v3.20.4
Goodwill (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
reporting_unit
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Oct. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Number of reporting units | reporting_unit 2        
Goodwill $ 3,122,000,000 $ 3,843,000,000 $ 2,290,000,000    
Impairment charges 956,000,000 0 0    
Accumulated impairment of goodwill since the merger 5,722,000,000        
Acquisition 235,000,000 1,553,000,000      
Simplecast          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill         $ 17,000,000
Acquisition 17,000,000        
Stitcher          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill       $ 218,000,000  
Acquisition 218,000,000        
Sirius XM          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill 2,290,000,000 2,290,000,000 2,290,000,000    
Impairment charges 0        
Accumulated impairment of goodwill since the merger 4,766,000,000        
Acquisition 0 0      
Pandora          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill 832,000,000 1,553,000,000 $ 0    
Impairment charges 956,000,000        
Acquisition $ 235,000,000 $ 1,553,000,000      
v3.20.4
Goodwill - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Goodwill, Beginning Balance $ 3,843,000,000 $ 2,290,000,000  
Acquisition 235,000,000 1,553,000,000  
Impairment charge (956,000,000) 0 $ 0
Goodwill, Ending Balance 3,122,000,000 3,843,000,000 2,290,000,000
Sirius XM      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Goodwill, Beginning Balance 2,290,000,000 2,290,000,000  
Acquisition 0 0  
Impairment charge 0    
Goodwill, Ending Balance 2,290,000,000 2,290,000,000 2,290,000,000
Pandora      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Goodwill, Beginning Balance 1,553,000,000 0  
Acquisition 235,000,000 1,553,000,000  
Impairment charge (956,000,000)    
Goodwill, Ending Balance $ 832,000,000 $ 1,553,000,000 $ 0
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Definite life intangible assets:    
Accumulated Amortization $ (415) $ (275)
Total definite life intangible assets, net 695  
Gross Carrying Value    
Total intangible assets 3,755 3,742
Net Carrying Value    
Total intangible assets 3,340 3,467
FCC licenses    
Indefinite life intangible assets:    
Net Carrying Value 2,084 2,084
Trademarks    
Indefinite life intangible assets:    
Net Carrying Value 250 251
Trademarks | Pandora And Stitcher Acquisition    
Indefinite life intangible assets:    
Net Carrying Value $ 311 331
OEM relationships    
Definite life intangible assets:    
Weighted average useful lives (years) 15 years  
Gross Carrying Value $ 220 220
Accumulated Amortization (105) (90)
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 115 130
Licensing agreements    
Definite life intangible assets:    
Weighted average useful lives (years) 12 years  
Gross Carrying Value $ 45 45
Accumulated Amortization (45) (42)
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 0 3
Customer relationships | Pandora And Stitcher Acquisition    
Definite life intangible assets:    
Weighted average useful lives (years) 8 years  
Gross Carrying Value $ 441 403
Accumulated Amortization (104) (49)
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 337 354
Software and technology    
Definite life intangible assets:    
Weighted average useful lives (years) 7 years  
Gross Carrying Value $ 31 35
Accumulated Amortization (16) (25)
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 15 10
Software and technology | Pandora And Stitcher Acquisition    
Definite life intangible assets:    
Weighted average useful lives (years) 5 years  
Gross Carrying Value $ 373 373
Accumulated Amortization (145) (69)
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 228 $ 304
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets - Indefinite Life Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Indefinite life intangible assets:      
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill)   $ 0 $ 0
Pandora | Trademarks      
Indefinite life intangible assets:      
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill) $ 20,000,000    
Maximum      
Indefinite life intangible assets:      
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill) $ 1,000,000    
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets - Definite Life Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Oct. 16, 2020
Jun. 16, 2020
Definite life intangible assets:          
Impairment of definite-lived intangible assets $ 0 $ 0 $ 0    
Amortization of intangible assets 152,000,000 141,000,000 23,000,000    
Loss on restructuring 24,000,000 $ 0 0    
Relationship          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Amortization of intangible assets 6,000,000        
Trademarks          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Amortization of intangible assets 3,000,000        
Talent and Content Contract          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Amortization of intangible assets     $ 29,000,000    
Simplecast          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Intangible assets         $ 12,000,000
Stitcher          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Intangible assets       $ 38,000,000 $ 38,000,000
Automatic Labs Inc. | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Loss on restructuring 4,000,000        
Retired          
Definite life intangible assets:          
Intangible assets $ 17,000,000        
v3.20.4
Intangible Assets - Expected Amortization Expense for Each of the Fiscal Years (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Expected amortization expense for each of the fiscal years  
2021 $ 153
2022 154
2023 141
2024 75
2025 69
Thereafter 103
Total definite life intangible assets, net $ 695
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
satellite
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Impairment charges $ 976,000,000 $ 0 $ 0
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment 354,000,000 327,000,000 278,000,000
Disposal of property and equipment 94,000,000 9,000,000 35,000,000
Loss on restructuring 24,000,000 0 0
Capitalized interest costs 19,000,000 17,000,000 12,000,000
Capitalized stock-based compensation costs $ 17,000,000 13,000,000 0
Number of owned satellites | satellite 5    
Construction in progress $ 510,000,000 505,000,000  
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use 0 $ 0 $ 0
SXM-7      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Construction in progress 220,000,000    
SXM-7 | Automatic Labs Inc.      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Loss on restructuring $ 13,000,000    
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment - Schedule of Estimated Useful Life (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Satellite system  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Terrestrial repeater network | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years
Terrestrial repeater network | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Broadcast studio equipment | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
Broadcast studio equipment | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Capitalized software and hardware | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 2 years
Capitalized software and hardware | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 7 years
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 2 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 7 years
Building | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 20 years
Building | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 30 years
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment $ 4,074 $ 3,797
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,445) (2,171)
Property and equipment, net 1,629 1,626
Satellite system    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 1,587 1,587
Terrestrial repeater network    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 105 100
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 111 105
Broadcast studio equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 100 137
Capitalized software and hardware    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 1,372 1,086
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 96 87
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 92 89
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 38 38
Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment 63 63
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment $ 510 $ 505
v3.20.4
Property and Equipment - Schedule of Construction in Progress (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction in progress $ 510 $ 505
Satellite system    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction in progress 429 371
Terrestrial repeater network    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction in progress 8 7
Capitalized software and hardware    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction in progress 52 107
Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction in progress $ 21 $ 20
v3.20.4
Leases - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Lease obligations, term (years) 1 year
Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Lease obligations, term (years) 17 years
Operating lease, renewal term (years) 5 years
Finance lease, renewal term (years) 5 years
Option to terminate lease, term of option (years) 1 year
v3.20.4
Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease cost $ 82 $ 80
Finance lease cost 1 4
Sublease income (2) (3)
Total lease cost $ 81 $ 81
v3.20.4
Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 79 $ 70
Financing cash flows from finance leases 1 3
Operating leases $ 7 $ 83
v3.20.4
Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Leases        
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 427 $ 466 $ 347 $ 0
Operating lease current liabilities 48 46 30 0
Operating lease liabilities 419 456 $ 339 $ 0
Total operating lease liabilities 467 502    
Finance Leases        
Property and equipment, gross 8 15    
Accumulated depreciation (7) (12)    
Property and equipment, net 1 3    
Current maturities of debt 1 1    
Long-term debt 0 1    
Total finance lease liabilities $ 1 $ 2    
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating leases (years) 9 years 9 years    
Weighted average remaining lease term, finance leases (years) 1 year 2 years    
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases (as a percent) 5.30% 5.30%    
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases (as a percent) 1.70% 1.70%    
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization    
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent    
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations    
v3.20.4
Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Leases    
2020 (remaining) $ 71  
2021 74  
2022 71  
2023 62  
2024 62  
Thereafter 247  
Total future minimum lease payments 587  
Less imputed interest (120)  
Total 467 $ 502
Finance Leases    
2020 (remaining) 0  
2021 1  
2022 0  
2023 0  
2024 0  
Thereafter 0  
Total future minimum lease payments 1  
Less imputed interest 0  
Total $ 1 $ 2
v3.20.4
Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
executive
director
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
$ / shares
Feb. 29, 2020
USD ($)
board_member
ordinary_membership_unit
Feb. 10, 2020
USD ($)
May 25, 2017
CAD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Preferred stock liquidation preference per share (CAD per share) | $ / shares $ 0.001            
Income (loss) from equity method investments $ (16) $ (21) $ (10)        
SoundCloud Holdings, LLC              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of board members | board_member         9    
SoundCloud Holdings, LLC              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Equity method investments           $ 75  
Management | Liberty Media | Executives              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of related party members on board of directors | executive 1            
Management | Liberty Media | Senior Advisor              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of related party members on board of directors | executive 1            
Management | Liberty Media | Director              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of related party members on board of directors | director 1            
Management | Liberty Media | Common Stock              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Related party ownership percentage 76.00%            
Equity Method Investee              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Notes receivable, related parties             $ 131
Equity Method Investee | Services Agreement              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Period of agreement 30 years            
Equity Method Investee | Services Agreement, Years 1 Through 5              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Payments receivable, percentage of gross revenue 25.00%            
Equity Method Investee | Advisory Services Agreement              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Period of agreement 30 years            
Payments receivable, percentage of gross revenue 5.00%            
Equity Method Investee | Sirius XM Canada              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Equity method investment, equity interest percentage 70.00%            
Equity method investment, voting interest percentage 33.00%            
Number of preferred shares owned (in shares) | shares 591            
Preferred stock liquidation preference per share (CAD per share) | $ / shares       $ 1      
Notes receivable, related parties $ 123 131          
Equity method investments 332 321          
Equity method investment, dividends, including reduction of investment 2 2 2        
Revenue from related parties 97 98 97        
Equity Method Investee | SoundCloud Holdings, LLC              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of board members appointed | board_member         2    
Income (loss) from equity method investments (1)            
Maximum | Equity Method Investee              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Proceeds from related party debt 11 1          
Series G Membership Units | Equity Method Investee | SoundCloud Holdings, LLC              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Equity method investments         $ 75    
Series G membership unit conversion ratio (ordinary membership unit per series G membership unit) | ordinary_membership_unit         1    
SoundCloud Holdings, LLC              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Revenue share expense 55 $ 40 $ 0        
Related party liabilities $ 24            
v3.20.4
Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 09, 2020
Mar. 18, 2019
Feb. 14, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 01, 2019
Debt                
Finance leases         $ 1,000,000 $ 2,000,000    
Total debt         8,509,000,000 7,853,000,000    
Less: total current maturities         1,000,000 2,000,000    
Less: total deferred financing costs         9,000,000 9,000,000    
Total long-term debt         8,499,000,000 7,842,000,000    
Loss on extinguishment of debt         40,000,000 57,000,000 $ 0  
Proceeds from sale of capped call security       $ 3,000,000 0 3,000,000 $ 0  
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility                
Debt                
Principal amount         649,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 649,000,000 0    
Credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage         0.25%      
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         1.75%      
Principal amount         $ 0      
Carrying value         0 1,000,000    
Loss on extinguishment of debt         $ 1,000,000      
Senior Notes | 3.875% Senior Notes Due 2022                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         3.875%      
Principal amount         $ 1,000,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 997,000,000 995,000,000    
Senior Notes | 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2023                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.625%       4.625%      
Principal amount $ 500,000,000       $ 0      
Carrying value         $ 0 498,000,000    
Extinguishment of debt $ 507,000,000              
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2023                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         1.75%      
Principal amount         $ 193,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 170,000,000 163,000,000    
Senior Notes | 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2024                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         4.625%      
Principal amount         $ 1,500,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 1,488,000,000 1,485,000,000    
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes Due 2025                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 5.375%       5.375%      
Principal amount $ 1,000,000,000       $ 0      
Carrying value         $ 0 993,000,000    
Extinguishment of debt $ 1,039,000,000              
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes Due 2026                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         5.375%      
Principal amount         $ 1,000,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 993,000,000 992,000,000    
Senior Notes | 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2027                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         5.00%      
Principal amount         $ 1,500,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 1,490,000,000 1,488,000,000    
Senior Notes | 5.500% Senior Notes Due 2029                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         5.50%      
Principal amount         $ 1,250,000,000      
Carrying value         $ 1,237,000,000 1,236,000,000    
Senior Notes | 4.125% Senior Notes Due 2030                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.125%       4.125%      
Principal amount         $ 1,500,000,000      
Carrying value         1,484,000,000 $ 0    
Loss on extinguishment of debt         40,000,000      
Line of Credit | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility                
Debt                
Line of credit facility         $ 1,750,000,000      
Pandora | Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020                
Debt                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     1.75%   1.75%      
Short-term debt               $ 152,000,000
Debt instrument redemption price (as a percent of aggregate principal)     100.00%          
Pandora | Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2023                
Debt                
Principal amount               $ 193,000,000
Pandora | Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020                
Debt                
Extinguishment of debt   $ 151,000,000            
Pandora                
Debt                
Letters of credit outstanding         $ 1,000,000      
v3.20.4
Debt - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio 5.0  
Carrying value $ 649 $ 0
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2020    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 1.75%  
Carrying value $ 0 1
Senior Notes | 1.75% Senior Notes Due 2023    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 1.75%  
Shares issued (shares per thousand dollars) 0.1519533  
Carrying value $ 170 $ 163
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock (Details) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]    
Common stock, par value ( in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock authorized (in shares) 9,000,000,000 9,000,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares) 4,176,000,000 4,412,000,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares) 4,173,000,000 4,412,000,000
Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares) 259,000,000  
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity - Quarterly Dividends (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
Oct. 06, 2020
Jul. 14, 2020
Apr. 21, 2020
Jan. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]        
Dividends Per Share (USD per share) $ 0.01464 $ 0.01331 $ 0.01331 $ 0.01331
Total Amount $ 62 $ 58 $ 58 $ 59
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity - Stock Repurchase Program (Details)
shares in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Number of shares repurchased (in shares) | shares 3,314
Aggregate cost for shares repurchased $ 14,408,000,000
Remaining amount authorized under the stock repurchase program 1,592,000,000
Common Stock  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, aggregate authorized amount $ 16,000,000,000
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Repurchase Agreements (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Shares Repurchase Activity [Line Items]      
Amount $ 1,574 $ 2,159 $ 1,297
Treasury stock $ 19 $ 0  
Open Market Repurchases      
Shares Repurchase Activity [Line Items]      
Shares (in shares) 267 364 209
Amount $ 1,574 $ 2,159 $ 1,297
v3.20.4
Stockholders' Equity - Preferred Stock (Details) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]    
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share) $ 0.001  
Undesignated preferred stock authorized (in shares) 50,000,000  
Preferred stock liquidation preference per share (USD per share) $ 0.001  
Preferred stock issued (in shares) 0 0
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares) 0 0
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based payment expense   $ 223 $ 250 $ 133
Goodwill   3,122 3,843 2,290
Share-based payment expense   223 $ 250 $ 133
Pandora        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exchange ratio (in shares per share) 1.44      
Goodwill $ 1,553 $ 1,553    
Employees and Non Employee Stock Option        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Grant date fair value of options ( in USD per share) | $ / shares   $ 1.46 $ 1.26 $ 1.45
Options exercised in period, intrinsic value   $ 94 $ 146 $ 215
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (in shares) | shares   8,000,000 15,000,000 19,000,000
Share-based payment expense   $ 45 $ 60 $ 67
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based payment expense   178 190 66
Restricted stock units vested, intrinsic value   $ 196 $ 235 $ 85
Granted (in shares) | shares   37,000,000 38,000,000 18,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (in shares) | shares   20,000,000 23,000,000 7,000,000
Performance-based Share Awards        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Granted (in shares) | shares   4,000,000 6,000,000 5,000,000
Restricted Stock Units Rsu And Stock Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized compensation costs   $ 385 $ 415  
Weighted-average service period (in years)   2 years 7 months 6 days    
Pre Acquisition Replacement Equity Awards Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Goodwill   $ 8    
Pre Acquisition Replacement Equity Awards Options, Restricted stock Units        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Goodwill   $ 62    
Maximum | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Restricted stock units granted (in shares) | shares   1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
Acquisition-Related Costs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based payment expense     $ 21  
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - 2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (Details)
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
shares
Performance-based Share Awards  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting period 3 years
2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Restricted stock conversion to common stock 1
Common stock available for future grants (in shares) 160
2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan | Employees and Non Employee Stock Option  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Stock option expiration period 10 years
2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan | Minimum  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting period 3 years
2015 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan | Maximum  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting period 4 years
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Other Plans (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
plan
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Number of other share-based benefit plans 6
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Options Granted (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Risk-free interest rate 1.00% 2.40% 2.70%
Expected life of options — years 3 years 10 months 28 days 3 years 4 months 28 days 4 years 4 months 17 days
Expected stock price volatility 28.00% 26.00% 23.00%
Expected dividend yield 0.80% 0.80% 0.70%
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Stock Options Activity Under Share-Based Payment Plans (Details) - Employees and Non Employee Stock Option - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Options      
Outstanding as of beginning of period (in shares) 208 243 280
Granted (in shares) 11 15 32
Options granted in connection with Pandora Acquisition (in shares)   7  
Exercised (in shares) (33) (53) (65)
Forfeited, cancelled or expired (in shares) (2) (4) (4)
Outstanding as of end of period (in shares) 184 208 243
Exercisable (in shares) 147    
Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share      
Outstanding as of beginning of period ( in USD per share) $ 4.46 $ 4.22 $ 3.76
Options granted in connection with Pandora Acquisition (in USD per share)   3.85  
Granted ( in USD per share) 6.87 6.10 6.59
Exercised ( in USD per share) 3.66 3.65 3.35
Forfeited, cancelled or expired ( in USD per share) 6.28 5.58 4.76
Outstanding as of end of period ( in USD per share) 4.73 $ 4.46 $ 4.22
Exercisable ( in USD per share) $ 4.31    
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)      
Outstanding 4 years 9 months 18 days    
Exercisable 3 years 11 months 15 days    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value      
Outstanding $ 318    
Exercisable $ 309    
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares - $ / shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Shares      
Nonvested as of beginning of period (in shares) 75 35 31
Awards granted in connection with acquisition (in shares)   48  
Granted (in shares) 37 38 18
Vested (in shares) (32) (38) (13)
Forfeited (in shares) (5) (8) (1)
Nonvested as of end of period (in shares) 75 75 35
Grant Date Fair Value Per Share      
Nonvested as of beginning of period ( in USD per share) $ 5.95 $ 5.50 $ 4.54
Awards granted in connection with acquisition (in USD per shares)   5.83  
Granted ( in USD per share) 6.14 6.01 6.40
Vested ( in USD per share) 5.89 5.53 4.43
Forfeited ( in USD per share) 6.00 5.85 4.99
Nonvested as of end of period ( in USD per share) $ 6.06 $ 5.95 $ 5.50
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - 401(k) Savings Plan (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sirius XM Savings Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Minimum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to company 401(k) savings plan 1.00%    
Maximum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to company 401(k) savings plan 50.00%    
Percent of Company match of employee's voluntary contributions 50.00%    
Percent of employee's pre-tax salary 6.00%    
Maximum annual contributions per employee, percent 3.00%    
Vesting percentage of employer contributions for each year of employment 33.33%    
Savings plan, fully vested period 3 years    
Pandora Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Minimum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to company 401(k) savings plan 1.00%    
Maximum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to company 401(k) savings plan 75.00%    
Percent of Company match of employee's voluntary contributions 50.00%    
Percent of employee's pre-tax salary 6.00%    
Maximum annual contributions per employee, percent 3.00%    
Recognized cost $ 16 $ 9 $ 9
v3.20.4
Benefit Plans - Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Deferred compensation contributions $ 8 $ 7 $ 8
Fair value of investment assets related to deferred compensation plan 46 34  
Gains (losses) on investments $ 3 $ 3  
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies - Expected Contractual Cash Commitments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 $ 1,295  
2022 1,982  
2023 1,501  
2024 2,054  
2025 439  
Thereafter 6,431  
Total 13,702  
Uncertain tax positions are recognized in other long-term liabilities 30 $ 12
Debt obligations    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 1  
2022 1,000  
2023 842  
2024 1,500  
2025 0  
Thereafter 5,250  
Total 8,593  
Cash interest payments    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 389  
2022 387  
2023 341  
2024 329  
2025 259  
Thereafter 788  
Total 2,493  
Satellite and transmission    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 50  
2022 3  
2023 3  
2024 3  
2025 2  
Thereafter 18  
Total 79  
Programming and content    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 382  
2022 291  
2023 209  
2024 156  
2025 121  
Thereafter 195  
Total 1,354  
Sales and marketing    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 69  
2022 20  
2023 11  
2024 3  
2025 3  
Thereafter 5  
Total 111  
Satellite incentive payments    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 8  
2022 8  
2023 9  
2024 9  
2025 9  
Thereafter 38  
Total 81  
Operating lease obligations    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 69  
2022 68  
2023 61  
2024 47  
2025 45  
Thereafter 137  
Total 427  
Royalties, minimum guarantees and other    
Expected contractual cash commitments    
2021 327  
2022 205  
2023 25  
2024 7  
2025 0  
Thereafter 0  
Total $ 564  
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
satellite
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Number of replacement satellites | satellite 2    
Rent expense recognized $ 73,000,000 $ 75,000,000 $ 43,000,000
Copyright Royalty Board Proceeding to Determine the Rate for Statutory Webcasting      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Webcaster fee, non-subscription (USD per transmission) 0.0011    
Webcaster fee, subscription (USD per transmission) 0.0016    
Webcaster fee, non-subscription, proposed rate (USD per transmission) 0.0028    
Webcaster fee, subscription, proposed rate (USD per transmission) 0.0031    
Surety Bond      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Estimate of possible loss $ 45,000,000    
Minimum      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Operating lease obligations, term (years) 1 year    
Maximum      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Operating lease obligations, term (years) 15 years    
XM-5, FM-5, FM-6, XM-3, and XM-4      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Operating performance over design life 15 years    
XM-4      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Period beyond expected operating performance of design life for XM-4 5 years    
XM-4 | Maximum      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Additional payments required if XM-4 continues to operate above baseline specifications $ 10,000,000    
Royalty Arrangement      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Prepayments made of minimum guarantee payments 5,000,000    
Future minimum guarantee payments 26,000,000    
Other commitment, to be paid, year one $ 14,000,000    
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Federal $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Effective income tax rate percent 69.50% 23.60% 17.20%
Tax credit $ 44,000,000 $ 33,000,000  
Valuation allowance 54,000,000 70,000,000  
Unrecognized tax benefits 433,000,000 406,000,000 $ 387,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate 310,000,000    
Uncertain tax positions are recognized in other long-term liabilities 30,000,000 12,000,000  
Unrecognized tax benefits, increase resulting from interest 6,000,000 $ 2,000,000  
Domestic Plan      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Gross operating loss carryforwards $ 1,354,000,000    
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current taxes:      
Federal $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
State (61,000,000) (24,000,000) 12,000,000
Total current taxes (61,000,000) (24,000,000) 12,000,000
Deferred taxes:      
Federal (219,000,000) (229,000,000) (259,000,000)
State (19,000,000) (30,000,000) 2,000,000
Total deferred taxes (238,000,000) (259,000,000) (257,000,000)
Total income tax expense $ (299,000,000) $ (283,000,000) $ (245,000,000)
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Federal tax expense, at statutory rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit 4.20% 3.90% 3.60%
Change in valuation allowance 0.70% 0.30% 1.00%
Tax credits (10.20%) (2.70%) (6.80%)
Share-based compensation (3.50%) (2.40%) (3.10%)
Impact of nondeductible compensation 2.60% 1.60% 0.70%
Automatic worthless stock deduction (3.50%) 0.00% 0.00%
Goodwill impairment 53.70% 0.00% 0.00%
Uncertain tax positions 4.40% 0.00% 0.00%
Other, net 0.10% 1.90% 0.80%
Effective tax rate 69.50% 23.60% 17.20%
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:    
Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits $ 745 $ 1,010
Deferred revenue 62 81
Accrued bonus 29 34
Expensed costs capitalized for tax 11 14
Investments 21 22
Stock based compensation 74 72
Operating lease liability 118 126
Total deferred tax assets 1,060 1,359
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Depreciation of property and equipment (237) (228)
FCC license (521) (519)
Other intangible assets (292) (340)
Right of use asset (106) (116)
Other (5) (3)
Total deferred tax liabilities (1,161) (1,206)
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance (101) 153
Valuation allowance (54) (70)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net $ (155)  
Total net deferred tax (liability) asset   $ 83
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in uncertain income tax positions    
Balance, beginning of year $ 406 $ 387
Increases in tax positions for prior years 14 0
Increases in tax positions for current year 20 31
Decreases in tax positions for prior years (7) (12)
Balance, end of year $ 433 $ 406
v3.20.4
Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Number of reportable segments | segment                 2    
Revenue $ 2,189,000,000 $ 2,025,000,000 $ 1,874,000,000 $ 1,952,000,000 $ 2,062,000,000 $ 2,011,000,000 $ 1,977,000,000 $ 1,744,000,000 $ 8,040,000,000 $ 7,794,000,000 $ 5,771,000,000
Advertising revenue                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 1,340,000,000 1,336,000,000 $ 188,000,000
Maximum | Advertising revenue | Intersegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000  
v3.20.4
Segments and Geographic Information - Revenue and Profit by Segment (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]                      
Revenue $ 2,189 $ 2,025 $ 1,874 $ 1,952 $ 2,062 $ 2,011 $ 1,977 $ 1,744 $ 8,040 $ 7,794 $ 5,771
Cost of services                 (3,535) (3,383)  
Segment gross profit                 4,505 4,411  
Sirius XM                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 6,342 6,187  
Cost of services                 (2,430) (2,378)  
Segment gross profit                 3,912 3,809  
Pandora                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 1,698    
Cost of services                 (1,105) (1,005)  
Segment gross profit                 593 602  
Subscriber revenue                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 6,372 6,120 5,264
Subscriber revenue | Sirius XM                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 5,857 5,644  
Subscriber revenue | Pandora                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 515 476  
Advertising revenue                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 1,340 1,336 188
Advertising revenue | Sirius XM                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 157 205  
Advertising revenue | Pandora                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 1,183 1,131  
Equipment revenue                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 173 173 155
Equipment revenue | Sirius XM                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 173 173  
Equipment revenue | Pandora                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 0 0  
Other revenue                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 155 165 $ 164
Other revenue | Sirius XM                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 155 165  
Other revenue | Pandora                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 $ 0 $ 0  
v3.20.4
Segments and Geographic Information - Gross Profit to Consolidated Income Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Segment gross profit $ 4,505 $ 4,411  
Subscriber acquisition costs (362) (427) $ (470)
Sales and marketing (957) (937) (484)
Engineering, design and development (263) (280) (123)
General and administrative (511) (524) (354)
Depreciation and amortization (506) (468) (301)
Share-based payment expense (223) (250) (133)
Acquisition and restructuring costs (28) (84) (3)
Impairment charges (976) 0 0
Income before income taxes 430 1,197 $ 1,421
Segment Reconciling Items      
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Subscriber acquisition costs (362) (427)  
Sales and marketing (889) (859)  
Engineering, design and development (220) (231)  
General and administrative (443) (466)  
Depreciation and amortization (506) (468)  
Share-based payment expense (223) (229)  
Acquisition and restructuring costs (28) (84)  
Total other (expense) income (428) (450)  
Cost of Sales      
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Share-based payment expense (44) (44)  
Sales and Marketing      
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Share-based payment expense (68) (78)  
Research and Development Expense      
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Share-based payment expense (43) (49)  
General and Administrative Expense      
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Share-based payment expense $ (68) $ (58)  
v3.20.4
Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 06, 2020
Jul. 14, 2020
Apr. 21, 2020
Jan. 30, 2020
Jan. 29, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share) $ 0.01464 $ 0.01331 $ 0.01331 $ 0.01331        
Aggregate coverage under those insurance policies           $ 225    
Construction in progress           510   $ 505
SXM-7                
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Construction in progress           $ 220    
Liberty Media | Management | Common Stock                
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Related party ownership percentage           76.00%    
Liberty Media | Management | Common Stock | Forecast                
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Related party ownership percentage             80.00%  
Subsequent Event                
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share)         $ 0.014641      
Common Stock | Subsequent Event                
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)         33      
Stock repurchased during period         $ 203      
v3.20.4
Quarterly Financial Data -- Unaudited (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ 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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Revenue $ 2,189 $ 2,025 $ 1,874 $ 1,952 $ 2,062 $ 2,011 $ 1,977 $ 1,744 $ 8,040 $ 7,794 $ 5,771
Cost of services (968) (895) (866) (850) (916) (881) (882) (748)      
Income from operations (503) 478 415 468 399 476 439 333 858 1,647 1,727
Net income $ (677) $ 272 $ 243 $ 293 $ 243 $ 246 $ 263 $ 162 $ 131 $ 914 $ 1,176
Net income per common share--basic ( in USD per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.04 $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
Net income per common share--diluted (in USD per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.06 $ 0.05 $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.05 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.20 $ 0.26
v3.20.4
Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1, $ 14 $ 7 $ 10
Charged to Expenses 60 53 51
Write-offs/ Payments/ Other (59) (46) (54)
Balance December 31, 15 14 7
Deferred tax assets—valuation allowance      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1, 70 66 53
Charged to Expenses 3 4 13
Write-offs/ Payments/ Other (19) 0 0
Balance December 31, $ 54 $ 70 $ 66