Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Equity Ownership And Carrying Amount) (Details)

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Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Equity Ownership And Carrying Amount) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Nov. 19, 2009
Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions $ 19 $ 19  
Percentage ownership     57.00%
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 1,135 949 13,475
Expedia [Member]
      
Percentage ownership 26.00% [1]    
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 621 [1],[2] 710 [1],[2]  
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value 1,004 [1]    
TripAdvisor, Inc. [Member]
      
Percentage ownership 26.00% [1]    
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 184 [1] 0 [1]  
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value 873 [1]    
HSN, Inc. [Member]
      
Percentage ownership 34.00%    
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 217 133  
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value 726    
Other [Member]
      
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) $ 113 $ 106  
[1] During the fourth quarter of 2011 Expedia, Inc. completed the pro-rata split-off of TripAdvisor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. Therefore, the Company has a 26% ownership interest in each of Expedia, Inc. and TripAdvisor, Inc. as of December 31, 2011.
[2] During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, Expedia, Inc. paid dividends aggregating $19 million and $19 million, respectively.