Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Information About Liberty's Operating Segments (Other Information By Segment) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Information About Liberty's Operating Segments (Other Information By Segment) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Nov. 19, 2009
Assets $ 7,723 $ 10,792  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8) 567 91 13,475
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets 14 16  
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Starz, LLC [Member]
      
Assets 2,630 1,708  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8) 0 0  
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets 8 9  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | ANLBC [Member]
      
Assets 545 577  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8) 31 29  
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets 1 2  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | TruePosition [Member]
      
Assets 113 496  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8) 0 0  
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets 3 4  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Corporate And Other [Member]
      
Assets 4,435 8,011  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8) 536 62  
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets $ 2 $ 1