Registration of securities issued in business combination transactions

Goodwill (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Goodwill (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period $ 5,234 $ 5,239 $ 5,247
Exchange rate fluctuations (55)    
Balance at the end of the period 5,179 5,239 5,247
QVC-U.S.
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period 4,190 4,169  
Exchange rate fluctuations 0    
Balance at the end of the period 4,190 4,169  
QVC-U.K.
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period 212 203  
Exchange rate fluctuations (14)    
Balance at the end of the period 198 203  
QVC-Germany
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period 334 328  
Exchange rate fluctuations (9)    
Balance at the end of the period 325 328  
QVC-Japan
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period 349 393  
Exchange rate fluctuations (28)    
Balance at the end of the period 321 393  
QVC-Italy
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of the period 149 146  
Exchange rate fluctuations (4)    
Balance at the end of the period $ 145 $ 146