Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Change in Accounting Principle (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Change in Accounting Principle (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Sep. 30, 2012
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Jun. 30, 2012
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Jun. 30, 2011
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Mar. 31, 2011
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                                                                
Equity Method Investments $ 3,341   $ 563 $ 3,341 $ 563   $ 4                                                  
Deferred income tax liabilities 802   409 802 409   2                                                  
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments   (1,229)   (1,346) (87) 98 (38) 34     98 (49) 64                                      
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (104)   211 600 333 (571) (14) 13   333 571 (319) 558                                      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders       1,414 836 1,000 24 (21)   836 1,000 812 1,021 1,007 156 137 385 (103) 22 279 24 (21) 607 794 583 815 0 0 229 206 229 206
Series A and Series B Liberty Capital common stock       $ 11.78     $ 0.28 $ (0.24)   $ 7.14 $ 8.82 $ 6.86 $ 9.06 $ 8.46 $ 1.31 $ 1.13 $ 4.10 $ (1.27) $ 0.27 $ 3.40                        
Series A and Series B Liberty Capital common stock       $ 11.40     $ 0.27 $ (0.22)   $ 6.90 $ 8.54 $ 6.63 $ 8.76 $ 8.19 $ 1.27 $ 1.10 $ 3.93 $ (1.27) $ 0.27 $ 3.32                        
Retained earnings $ 3,079   $ 1,665 $ 3,079 $ 1,665       $ 5