Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 45,223,000 47,583,000  
Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights $ 15.50    
Common Class A [Member]
     
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 45,223,000    
Common Class B [Member]
     
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 450,000 7,491,000  
Class C [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 4,000,000,000    
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 0 2,000,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 0 75,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
     
Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights $ 3,000,000.00    
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 4,000,000,000 4,000,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 150,000,000 150,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 0 4,000,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
     
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 0 150,000,000  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
     
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares 3,146,913 15,632,700 642,400
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 213 $ 714 $ 5
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
     
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares 23,864,733    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value 366    
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
     
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares   835,700 272,400
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value   $ 40 $ 13