Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Tracking Stocks (Narrative) (Details)

v2.3.0.15
Tracking Stocks (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Sep. 30, 2011
Feb. 09, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Feb. 25, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Feb. 09, 2011
Time Warner Inc [Member]
Feb. 09, 2011
Time Warner Cable Inc [Member]
Feb. 09, 2011
AOL Inc [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Sep. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Sep. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member]
Apr. 01, 2009
4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member]
Apr. 01, 2009
3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member]
Principal amount of exchangeable debt securities reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group   $ 1,138                                          
Shares amount of exchangeable debt securities reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group             22 5 2                            
Ownership Interest In Investee         14.60%                                    
Taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group to be recognized ratably in tax years 2014 through 2018                   830                          
Principal amount of Exchangeables cancelled triggering the taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group                                       400   350  
Principal amount of public debt attributed to the Interactive Group                                     469   460   492
Corporate cash of group 1,937   2,090 2,596   3,951         1,059 878 1,015 794 878 1,212 1,581 3,157          
Extinguishment of intergroup loan payable 55                                            
Loans Payable to Bank, Noncurrent                             54                
Cash attributed from Capital Group to Starz Group 15                                            
Cash attributed from Capital Group to Interactive Group   264               807                          
Principal amount of its exchangeable senior debentures and other parent debt attributed to the Capital Group 750                                            
Carrying Value of Exchangeable Shares   $ 1,215