Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] Segment, Inter-group eliminations [Member] Segment, Inter-group eliminations [Member] Assets [Abstract] Assets Current [Abstract] Assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Trade and other receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current, Total Inventory, net Inventory, Net, Total Program rights Program rights Financial instruments (note 8) Financial instruments (note 8) Financial instruments, assets Other current assets Other current assets Total current assets Current assets Total current assets Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments, including $904 million and $851 million pledged as collateral for share borrowing arrangements (note 6) Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments, including $1,148 million and $851 million pledged as collateral for share borrowing arrangements (note 6) Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent, Total Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) Property and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment Property and equipment, net Assets Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 9): Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 9): Goodwill Balance at September 30, 2010 Balance at January 1, 2010 Goodwill, foreign currency translation adjustments Trademarks Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Other Other Intangible assets total Intangible Assets Total Total intangible assets not subject to amortization Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization Other assets Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization (note 10) Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Intergroup payable (receivable) Intergroup payable (receivable) Derivative Liabilities Current Less current portion Financial instruments (note 8) Financial instruments, current liabilities Current portion of debt (note 10) Long-Term Debt, current maturities Current portion of debt, including $319 million and $297 million measured at fair value (note 10) Debt, Current, Total Long-Term Debt, current maturities Current deferred income tax liabilities Other current liabilities Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt, including $2,102 million and $1,957 million measured at fair value (note 10) Long-Term Debt, carrying value Long-Term Debt, carrying value Long-Term Debt, carrying value Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred income taxes Other liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock value Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional paid-in capital elment Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes Retained earnings accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Retained earnings (deficit) Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Liberty Media Corporation Net Assets Total stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries Total equity Balance Balance Equity Total equity Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies. Commitments And Contingencies 09 Commitments and contingencies (note 13) Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity Available-for-sale securities pledged as collateral Carrying value of debt measured at fair value Carrying value of debt measured at fair value Carrying value of debt, current portion, measured at fair value. Carrying value of debt, current portion, measured at fair value Preferred stock, par or stated value per share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common stock, par or stated value per share Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations Revenue: Net retail sales Net retail sales Communications and programming services Communications and programming services Sales Revenue, Net Revenue Total revenues Total revenues Operating costs and expenses: Cost of sales Cost of revenue Cost of revenue Cost of sales Operating Operating Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 3) Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 3) Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 3) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Amortization Depreciation and amortization Costs and Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Operating income (loss) Operating income Operating income Other income (expense): Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Intergroup interest income (expense) Intergroup interest income (expense) Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 7) Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 7) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 8) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 8) Realized and unrealized losses on financial instruments, net (note 8) Gains (losses) on dispositions, net (note 6) Gains (losses) on dispositions, net (note 6) Gains (losses) on dispositions, net (note 7) Other, net Other, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Total other income (expense) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (expense) Income tax benefit (expense) (note 12) Income tax expense Income tax benefit Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes (note 2) Earnings from discontinued operations Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (note 2) Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes (note 5) Net earnings (loss) Liberty Media Corporation Net Earnings Net earnings (loss) Net earnings (loss) Less net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Less net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests Net earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders Net earnings attributable to Expedia, Inc. Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders Earnings Per Share Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders per common share (note 4): Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders per common share (note 4): Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders per common share (note 4): Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders per common share (note 4): Earnings Per Share Basic Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders per common share (note 4): Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders per common share (note 4): Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders per common share (note 4): Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders per common share (note __): Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders per common share (note 4): Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Recognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale securities, net Recognition of previously unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net Share of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates Share of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates Reattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocks Reattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocks Reattribution of other comprehensive income between tracking stocks Other Comprehensive Earnings Other Comprehensive Earnings Other, net Other, net Other Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations Other Comprehensive Earnings Loss From Discontinued Operations Other comprehensive earnings from discontinued operations Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations Other comprehensive (loss) Other comprehensive earnings (loss) Other comprehensive loss Comprehensive earnings (loss) Comprehensive earnings Less comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests Less comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders Comprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Share-based compensation Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation Cash payments for stock-based compensation Cash payments for stock-based compensation Noncash interest expense Noncash interest expense Realized and unrealized gains on financial instruments, net Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net Losses (gains) on disposition of assets, net Gains on disposition of assets, net Cash receipts from return on equity investments Cash Receipts From Return On Equity Investments Cash receipts from return on equity investments Intergroup tax allocation. Intergroup tax allocation Intergroup tax payments Intergroup tax payments OtherIntergroupCashTransfersNet Other Intergroup Cash Transfers Net Other intergroup cash transfers, net Deferred income tax (benefit) expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Other noncash charges (credits), net Changes in operating assets and liabilities Current and other assets Current and other assets Current assets Payables and other current liabilities Payables and other current liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Cash proceeds from dispositions Cash proceeds from dispositions Proceeds from settlement of financial instruments Proceeds from settlement of financial instruments, net Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees Repayment of loan by equity investee Repayment of loan by equity investee Repayment of loan by cost and equity investees Capital expenditures Capital expended for property and equipment Capital expenditures Net sales (purchases) short term investments Net decrease in restricted cash Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Reattribution of cash Reattribution of cash Other investing activities, net Other investing activities, net Other investing activities, net Other investing activities, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Repayments of debt Repayments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Intergroup debt borrowings Intergroup Debt Borrowings Intergroup debt borrowings/(repayments) Repurchases of Liberty common stock Repurchases of Liberty common stock Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt [Abstract] Proceeds from (Payments for) Deposits Applied to Debt Retirements Aggregate principal amount of outstanding 5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 retired in open market purchases Other financing activities, net Other financing activities, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used by financing activities Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash Net cash provided by discontinued operations: Cash used by operating activities Cash used by investing activities Cash provided by financing activities Change in available cash held by discontinued operations Change in available cash held by discontinued operations Change in available cash held by discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by discontinued operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred stock Common stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive earnings Retained earnings Noncontrolling interest in equity of subsidiaries Stock-based compensation for equity awards. Stock compensation Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options Series A Liberty Capital stock repurchases Series A Liberty Capital stock repurchases Series A Liberty Starz stock repurchases Series A Liberty Starz stock repurchases Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Stock Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest Distribution to noncontrolling interest Stockholders Equity Other Other Other Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation Text Block Basis of Presentation Tracking Stocks [Abstract] Tracking Stocks Tracking Stocks Text Block Tracking Stocks Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments TextBlock Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Stock-Based Compensation Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Text Block Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Text Block Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments [Abstract] Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments Text Block Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method [Abstract] Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method Text Block Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments Financial Instruments Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure TextBlock Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure Text Block Long-Term Debt Stockholders' Equity Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text Block Stockholders' Equity Transactions with Related Parties [Abstract] Transactions with Related Parties Transactions with Related Parties Text Block Transactions with Related Parties Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure TextBlock Commitments and Contingencies Information About Liberty's Operating Segments [Abstract] Information About Liberty's Operating Segments Information About Liberty's Operating Segments Text Block Information About Liberty's Operating Segments Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Stock-based compensation allocated to selling, general and administrative expenses table Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Text Block] Schedule of the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of options and SARs to purchase Liberty common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company Schedule of outstanding options to purchase Liberty common stock [Text Block] Schedule of outstanding options to purchase Liberty common stock [Text Block] Schedule of outstanding options to purchase Liberty common stock This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments (Table) Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments [Text Block] Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments Gain (Loss) on Investments [Text Block] Unrealized Holdings Gains and Losses Equity Method Investments [Text Block] Schedule of Equity Ownership and Carrying Amount Schedule of Liberty's share of earnings (losses) of affiliates [Text Block] Schedule of Liberty's share of earnings (losses) of affiliates [Text Block] Schedule of Liberty's Share of Earnings (Losses) of Affiliates Consolidated balance sheets in affiliates, equity method [text block] Consolidated balance sheets in affiliates, equity method [text block] Expedia Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated statements of operations in affiliates, equity method [text block] Consolidated statements of operations in affiliates, equity method [text block] Expedia Consolidated Statement of Operations Summary Of Financial Instruments [Text Block] Summary Of Financial Instruments [Text Block] Summary of Financial Instruments Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Financial instruments [text block] Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Financial instruments [text block] Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Text Block] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Text Block] Amortization expense for the next five fiscal years Long-term Debt [Text Block] Debt, excluding intergroup debt Debt securities that are not reported at fair value [text block] Debt Securities That Are Not Reported At Fair Value Text Block Debt securities that are not reported at fair value Common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options [Text block] Common Stock Reserved For Issuance Upon Exercise Of Stock Options Text Block Common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Text Block] Performance measures by segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Text Block] Other information, by segment Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Text Block] Reconciliation of segment Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Redemption Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Of Liberty Entertainment Common Stock In Exchange For LEI Common Stock Redemption Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Of Liberty Entertainment Common Stock In Exchange For LEI Common Stock Redemption of the outstanding shares of Liberty Entertainment common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of LEI Outstanding share of Liberty Entertainment Common Stock Exchange Redeemed Outstanding share of Liberty Entertainment Common Stock Exchange Redeemed Common stock of LEI exchanged Common stock of LEI exchanged Liberty's interest in DIRECTV held by LEI Liberty's interest in DIRECTV held by LEI Liberty's ownership interest in DIRECTV held by LEI Liberty's interest in DIRECTV held by LEI carrying value Liberty's interest in DIRECTV held by LEI carrying value Carrying value of Liberty's investment in DIRECTV held by LEI Liberty Sports Holdings, LLC's interest held by LEI Liberty Sports Holdings, LLC's interest held by LEI Liberty's ownership interest in Liberty Sports Holdings held by LEI Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI Liberty's ownership interest in Game Show Network held by LEI Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI, cash and cash equivalents Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI, cash and cash equivalents LEI cash and cash equivalents Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI, indebtedness Game Show Network, LLC's interest held by LEI, indebtedness LEI indebtedness Liberty's ownership interest in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Liberty's ownership interest in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Liberty's ownership interest in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Capital Group The change in attribution from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group of debt securities, principal amount The change in attribution from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group of debt securities, principal amount Principal amount of reattributed debt securities from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group Amount of net taxable income to be recognized ratably in tax years 2014 through 2018 Amount of net taxable income to be recognized ratably in tax years 2014 through 2018 Taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group to be recognized ratably in tax years 2014 through 2018 Cancellation of principal amount of Exchangeables Cancellation of principal amount of Exchangeables Principal amount of Exchangeables cancelled triggering the taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group Change in attribution from capital group to interactive group in cash Change in attribution from capital group to interactive group in cash Cash reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group Principal amount of public debt attributed to the Interactive Group Principal amount of public debt attributed to the Interactive Group Corporate cash of Starz Group Corporate cash of Starz Group Extinguishment of intergroup loan payable Extinguishment of intergroup loan payable Extinguishment of intergroup loan payable Loans Payable to Bank, Noncurrent Bank debt Cash, including subsidiary cash, attributed to the Capital Group Cash, including subsidiary cash, attributed to the Capital Group Cash attributed from Capital Group to Starz Group. Cash attributed from Capital Group to Starz Group Principal amount of its exchangeable senior debentures and other parent debt attributed to the Capital Group Principal amount of its exchangeable senior debentures and other parent debt attributed to the Capital Group Starz Group and Capital Group intergroup loans To Interactive Group Starz Group and Capital Group intergroup loans To Interactive Group Intergroup loans to the Interactive Group Interactive Group repayment of intergroup loans To each The Starz Group and Capital Group Interactive Group repayment of intergroup loans To each The Starz Group and Capital Group Repayment of Intergroup Loans from the Interactive Group Convertible Debt Convertible Debt, Total Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] QVC employees [Member] QVC employees [Member] BuySeasons Employees [Member] BuySeasons employees [Member] Starz Entertainment employees [Member] Starz Entertainment employees [Member] Stock Granted During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Number of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant-date fair value of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock-based compensation, vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend rate to estimate fair value Dividend rate to estimate fair value Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity Awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period of recognition related to unvested Liberty equity Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-Based Compensation Allocated To Selling, General, and Administrative Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding WAEP, End of Period Outstanding WAEP, Beginning of Period Outstanding WAEP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price WAEP granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price WAEP exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price WAEP forfeited/cancelled/exchanged Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable WAEP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding options, Ending Balance Outstanding options, Beginning Balance Outstanding options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Options forfeited/cancelled/exchanged Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period Weighted average remaining life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic EPS Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Fully diluted EPS Diluted EPS Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale securities Fair value amount of Sirius bonds owned by Liberty Media Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Financial instrument liabilities Debt Instrument, Fair Value Debt The total value of the Non-strategic Securities The total value of the Non-strategic Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Time Warner Inc.(1) [Member] Time Warner-old [Member] Other AFS debt securities. Other AFS debt securities [Member] Motorola, Inc.(1) [Member] Motorola, Inc. [Member] Viacom, Inc. [Member] Viacom, Inc. [Member] Live Nation(2) [Member] Live Nation [Member] CenturyTel, Inc./Embarq Corporation(1) [Member] CenturyLink, Inc./Embarq Corporation [Member] Other AFS equity securities(1) [Member] Other AFS equity securities [Member] Sirius debt securities (3) . SIRIUS XM debt securities [Member] Other cost investments and related receivables [Member] Other cost investments and related receivables [Member] Other(5) [Member] Other [Member] IAC(4) [Member] IAC [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Liberty ownership percentage of ticketmaster Liberty ownership percentage of Ticketmaster Live Nations shares received for each share of Ticketmaster Live Nations shares received for each share of Ticketmaster Ownership percentage of combined entity Ownership percentage of combined entity Gain on merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Gain on merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Liberty Acquisition Of Sirius 8.75% Bonds Liberty Acquisition Of Sirius 8.75% Bonds Acquisition of Sirius 8.75% bonds Principal amount of repurchased and retired public bonds. Principal amount of repurchased and retired public bonds Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities, debt Shares of IAC Sold Shares of IAC sold Cash proceeds from IAC Cash proceeds from IAC IAC shares delivered to settle a derivative IAC shares delivered to settle a derivative Proceeds from a derivative settled by IAC shares Proceeds from a derivative settled by IAC shares Combined gain on disposition Of IAC Shares Combined gain on disposition of IAC shares Cash proceeds of QVC sale of investment in GSI Commerce Cash proceeds of QVC sale of investment in GSI Commerce QVC recognized gain on sale of GSI Commerce QVC recognized gain on sale of GSI Commerce Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Gross unrealized holding gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Gross unrealized holding losses Gross unrealized holding losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] SIRIUS XM Senior Loan Facility [Member] SIRIUS XM Senior Loan Facility [Member] SIRIUS XM Bank Debt [Member] SIRIUS XM Bank Debt [Member] SIRIUS XM 8.75% Debt Securities Due April 15, 2015 [Member] SIRIUS XM 8.75% Debt Securities Due April 15, 2015 [Member] SIRIUS XM 11.25% Senior Secured Notes Due 2013 [Member] SIRIUS XM 11.25% Senior Secured Notes Due 2013 [Member] SIRIUS XM 7.625% Senior Secured Notes Due 2013 [Member] SIRIUS XM 7.625% Senior Secured Notes Due 2018 [Member] Expedia [Member] Expedia [Member] Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value Market value Senior Loan to SIRIUS XM Senior loan to SIRIUS XM Additional loan to SIRIUS XM, Purchase Money Commitment Additional loan to SIRIUS XM, purchase money commitment Loan origination fee from SIRIUS XM Loan origination fee from SIRIUS XM Purchase of loan facility of equity method investee Purchase of loan facility of equity method investee Loan commitment to SIRIUS XM's subsidiary Loan commitment to SIRIUS XM's subsidiary Cash payment to receive voting preferred stock of SIRIUS XM Cash payment to receive voting preferred stock of SIRIUS XM Conversion Of Sirius XM Preferred Stock Conversion Of Sirius XM Preferred Stock Common stock equivalent of outstanding common shares after SIRIUS XM Preferred Stock conversion Principal amount of Sirius bonds owned by Liberty Media Principal amount of Sirius bonds owned by Liberty Media Face amount of debt sold back to equity method investee Face amount of debt sold back to equity method investee Principal amount of tendered debt Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets SIRIUS XM total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets, Total Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities SIRIUS XM total liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities, Total Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Sirius net income attributable to common shareholders Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Percentage ownership Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Description Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Description Percentage ownership Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Gross Profit Gross profit Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges and other Restructuring charges and other Restructuring Charges, Total Time Warner [Member] Time Warner [Member] Time Warner Cable [Member] Time Warner Cable [Member] Sprint [Member] Sprint [Member] Motorola [Member] Motorola [Member] CenturyTel [Member] CenturyLink [Member] Other borrowed shares [Member] Other borrowed shares [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Equity collars [Member] Equity collars [Member] Borrowed shares [Member] Borrowed shares [Member] Other financial instrument [Member] Other financial instruments [Member] Non-strategic Securities [Member] Non-strategic Securities [Member] Exchangeable senior debentures [Member] Exchangeable senior debentures [Member] Derivative Liabilities Noncurrent Long-term financial instruments (note 9) Financial instruments, noncurrent liabilities Derivative Liabilities Financial instruments, derivative liabilities Financial instruments, derivative liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] QVC [Member] QVC [Member] Starz Entertainment [Member] Starz Entertainment [Member] Other goodwill [Member] Other goodwill [Member] Personal Creations [Member] Personal Creations [Member] Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Acquisitions (1) Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount, Total Other Goodwill Changes Other Goodwill Changes Other goodwill changes Other Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Percent of equity acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Net cash consideration Future Amortization Expense Year One Remainder Future Amortization Expense Year One Remainder Remainder of 2010 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2011 amortization expense Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2012 amortization expense Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2013 amortization expense Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2014 amortization expense Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2023 3.125% [Member] 3.125% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2023 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029 4% [Member] 4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 3.75% [Member] 3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 3.5% [Member] 3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member] Liberty bank facility [Member] Liberty bank facility [Member] Liberty derivative loan [Member] Liberty derivative loan [Member] Subsidiary debt [Member] Subsidiary debt [Member] Senior Notes due 2013 5.7% [Member] 5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member] Senior Debentures due 2029 8.5% [Member] 8.5% Senior Debentures due 2029 [Member] Senior Debentures due 2030 8.25% [Member] 8.25% Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 3.25% [Member] 3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member] QVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] QVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] QVC 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] QVC 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] QVC 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 [Member] QVC 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $2,200 million [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $2,200 million [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $600 million [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $600 million [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $1.75 billion [Member] Aggregate notional amount of $1.75 billion [Member] QVC Bank Credit Facilities [Member] QVC Bank Credit Facilities [Member] Other subsidiary debt [Member] Other subsidiary debt [Member] Maximum cash tender offer commenced, aggregate principal amount Maximum cash tender offer commenced, aggregate principal amount Aggregate principal amount of outstanding 5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 retired in cash tender offer Debt Instrument, Face Amount Principal amount, debt Debt Instrument, Principal Outstanding Long-Term Debt, outstanding principal Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum amount of revloving credit facility Disclosure of the existence of a third-party credit enhancement on the entity's issued liability, amount. Third party credit enhancement, amount Standby-letters of credit Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Credit agreement interest rate, low end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Credit agreement interest rate, high end Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Number of interest rate swap agreements Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Aggregate notional amount Derivative, Lower Fixed Interest Rate Range Swap arrangements, interest rate, low end Derivative, Higher Fixed Interest Rate Range Swap arrangements, interest rate, high end Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Swap arrangements, fixed rate Total consideration payable under tender offer that is determined based on a modified "Dutch Auction" procedure and result in a purchase price as a percentage of par value. Total consideration payable under tender offer as percentage of par value Long-term Debt, current and noncurrent Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Senior Debt Obligations Senior notes, not reported at fair value Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Put options, number of shares of LINTA Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Weighted average put price of LINTA Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Liberty common stock reserved for future issuance Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Revenue from DIRECTV for distribution of programming Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Payments to DIRECTV for carriage and marketing Scenario, Forecast [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Sony contract extension beginning in 2011 [Member] Sony contract extension beginning in 2011 [Member] Sony contract extension beginning in 2015 [Member] Sony contract extension beginning in 2015 [Member] Guarantor Obligations by Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Programming Fees Released Films [Member] Programming Fees Released Films [Member] Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due Within Remainder Of The Year Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due Within Remainder Of The Year Unpaid balance of programming fees due in 2010, film rights Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due within One Year Unpaid balance of programming fees due in 2011, film rights Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due In Thereafter. Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due In Thereafter Unpaid balance of programming fees due in thereafter, film rights Number of annual installments to pay Sony for a contract extension Number of annual installments to pay Sony for a contract extension Amount of installment to pay Sony for a contract extension Amount of installment to pay Sony for a contract extension Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Payment to Sony for a contract extension estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, remainder of the year estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, remainder of the year Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, one year after balance sheet date estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, one year after balance sheet date Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, two years after balance sheet date estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, two years after balance sheet date Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, three years after balance sheet date estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, three years after balance sheet date Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, four years after balance sheet date estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, four years after balance sheet date Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, thereafter estimated amounts payable to Sony for a contract extension, thereafter Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantee for obligations for films Guarantee for obligations for films Amounts payable under guarantee, remainder of the year Amounts payable under guarantee, remainder of the year Amounts payable under guarantee, in 2011 Amounts payable under guarantee, in 2011 Amounts payable under guarantee, in 2012 Amounts payable under guarantee, in 2012 Amounts payable under guarantee, thereafter Amounts payable under guarantee, thereafter Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Settlement with respect to certain income tax matters Proceeds from Legal Settlements Cash received arising from settlement of patent infringement Proceeds received when entering forward contracts and at the settlement Proceeds received when entering forward contracts and at the settlement Deferred gain for tax purposes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Deferred income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total Adjusted OIBDA Adjusted OIBDA The gains and losses included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets. Other income or loss to adjust OIBDA to earnings loss from continuing operations before income taxes, net Other, net Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A [Member] Class B [Member] Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] Series A [Member] Series B [Member] Starz Media [Member] Starz Media [Member] Target or Tracking Stock, Stock, Class [Axis] Target or Tracking Stock, Class [Domain] Other Securities [Member] SIRIUS XM public bonds [member] SIRIUS XM public bonds [Member] SIRIUS XM [Member] SIRIUS XM [Member] SIRIUS XM Preferred Stock [Member] SIRIUS XM Preferred Stock [Member] Senior notes [Member] Senior notes and debentures [Member] Senior notes and debentures [Member] Senior debentures [Member] Senior debentures [Member] QVC senior secured notes [Member] QVC senior secured notes [Member] Common Class C Member Common Class C Member Series C [Member] Employment Contracts [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Corporate and other [Member] Corporate and other [Member] Inter-group eliminations [Member] Inter-group eliminations [Member] Starz Entertainment and Media [Member] Starz Entertainment and Media [Member]