|
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 | Ìý |
| Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights | $ 15.50 | Ìý | Ìý |
|
Common Class A [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | 45,223,000 | Ìý | Ìý |
|
Common Class B [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | 450,000 | 7,491,000 | Ìý |
|
Class C [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 4,000,000,000 | Ìý | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 0 | 2,000,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 0 | 75,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights | $ 3,000,000.00 | Ìý | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 4,000,000,000 | 4,000,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 150,000,000 | 150,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 0 | 4,000,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 0 | 150,000,000 | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| 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]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | 23,864,733 | Ìý | Ìý |
| Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value | 366 | Ìý | Ìý |
|
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
|
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
| Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | Ìý | 835,700 | 272,400 |
| Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value | Ìý | $ 40 | $ 13 |