Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Tracking Stocks (Narrative) (Details)

 v2.3.0.11
Tracking Stocks (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Jun. 30, 2011
Feb. 09, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Feb. 25, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Feb. 09, 2011
Time Warner Cable Inc [Member]
Feb. 09, 2011
Time Warner Inc [Member]
Feb. 09, 2011
AOL Inc [Member]
Jun. 30, 2011
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Jun. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Jun. 30, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Sep. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Jun. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Jun. 30, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Jun. 30, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Sep. 30, 2010
Starz Media [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
2029 Exchangeables [Member]
Feb. 25, 2010
2030 Exchangeables [Member]
Principal amount of exchangeable debt securities reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group   $ 1,138                                                      
Shares amount of exchangeable debt securities reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group             5 22 2                                        
Ownership interest in investee                                           14.60%              
Principal amount of reattributed debt securities from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group                                                 469 460 492    
Taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group to be recognized ratably in tax years 2014 through 2018         830                                                
Principal amount of Exchangeables cancelled triggering the taxable income reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group                                                       400 350
Cash reattributed from the Capital Group to the Interactive Group                                                   807      
Principal amount of public debt attributed to the Interactive Group 4,201                                                        
Corporate cash of group 3,414   3,179 4,106   4,835       1,312 1,089 1,100 884 1,035 878   946 794 1,067 1,212 2,060   3,157            
Extinguishment of intergroup loan payable                                               54.9          
Bank debt                               53.7                          
Cash attributed from Capital Group to Starz Group                               15                          
Cash attributed from Capital Group to Interactive Group   264                                                      
Principal amount of its exchangeable senior debentures and other parent debt attributed to the Capital Group                                     750                    
Carrying Value of Exchangeable Shares   $ 1,215