Stock-Based Compensation (Outstanding Awards) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 |
Dec. 31, 2010 |
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Common Class A [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] |
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| Outstanding options | 3,530 | 3,217 |
| Outstanding WAEP | $ 50.35 | $ 46.15 |
| Weighted average remaining life (in years) | 5.8 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value | $ 56,403 | |
| Exercisable options | 707 | |
| Exercisable WAEP | $ 35.08 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value (000's) | 20,684 | |
Common Class A [Member] | Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] |
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| Outstanding options | 4,429 | 4,996 |
| Outstanding WAEP | $ 20.58 | $ 19.38 |
| Weighted average remaining life (in years) | 5.6 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value | 201,729 | |
| Exercisable options | 1,382 | |
| Exercisable WAEP | $ 10.62 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value (000's) | 76,711 | |
Common Class B [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] |
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| Outstanding options | 36 | |
| Outstanding WAEP | $ 26.71 | |
| Weighted average remaining life (in years) | 3.7 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value | 1,566 | |
| Exercisable options | 36 | |
| Exercisable WAEP | $ 26.71 | |
| Aggregate intrinsic value (000's) | $ 1,566 |
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- Definition The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The total accumulated difference between fair values of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options which were exercised (or share units converted) into shares during the reporting period under the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices pertaining to options outstanding under the plan as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The weighted average price as of the beginning of the year at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition The weighted average period between the balance sheet date and expiration for all awards outstanding under the plan, which may be expressed in a decimal value for number of years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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