Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2012
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
TruePosition [Member]
Mar. 31, 2011
TruePosition [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic       0 51 50 120 85 90            
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment       0 2 2 4 3 3            
Advertising Expense $ 85 $ 114 $ 154                        
Share-based Compensation 66 32 83                        
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized                   491 538        
Amortization of Deferred Charges                   242 167        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum                       3 years 10 years 20 years 40 years
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current 36 39                          
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized 150                            
Total Value Of Non Strategic Securities 1,079 1,435                          
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 1 year 9 months 25 days                            
Provision for Doubtful Accounts (1) 9 0                        
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Charge-offs $ (2) $ (2) $ (3)                        
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted       0 53 52 124 88 93