| Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 6 Months Ended | 
|---|---|
| Jun. 30, 2012 | |
| Weighted average grant-date fair value of options | $ 8.38 | 
| Stock-based compensation, vesting period (in years) | 4 | 
| Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards | $ 107 | 
| Weighted average period of recognition related to unvested Liberty equity awards (in years) | 2.4 | 
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Options granted | 2,717 | 
| QVC Employees [Member] | |
| Options granted | 2,700 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
- Definition As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
- Definition The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
- Definition Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, in years, month and year). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
- Definition Net number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
- Definition The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
 |