Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Equity Ownership And Carrying Amount) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2011 |
Dec. 31, 2010 |
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| Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) | $ 507 | $ 91 |
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] |
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| Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) | 507 | |
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Live Nation [Member] |
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| Percentage ownership | 21.00% | |
| Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) | 376 | 0 |
| Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value | 314 | |
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Other [Member] |
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| Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) | 99 | 86 |
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | SIRIUS XM [Member] |
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| Percentage ownership | 40.00% | |
| Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) | 32 | 5 |
| Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value | $ 3,906 |
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- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition This item represents the aggregate value of each identified investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on the quoted market price for those investments in common stock for which a quoted market price is available. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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