Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Liberty's Share Of Earnings (Losses) Of Affiliates) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Liberty's Share Of Earnings (Losses) Of Affiliates) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Share of earnings of affiliates, net (note 7) $ 140 $ 112 $ 24
Expedia [Member]
     
Share of earnings of affiliates, net (note 7) 119 [1] 103 [1] 72 [1]
TripAdvisor, Inc. [Member]
     
Share of earnings of affiliates, net (note 7) 0 [1] 0 [1] 0 [1]
HSN, Inc. [Member]
     
Share of earnings of affiliates, net (note 7) 38 31 (37)
Other [Member]
     
Share of earnings of affiliates, net (note 7) $ (17) $ (22) $ (11)
[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.