Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Equity Ownership And Carrying Amount) (Details)

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Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Schedule Of Equity Ownership And Carrying Amount) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) $ 1,478 $ 1,040
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
   
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 1,018  
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Expedia [Member]
   
Percentage ownership 25.00%  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 753 710
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value 2,007  
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
   
Percentage ownership various  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 265 239
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
   
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 460  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
   
Percentage ownership various  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 89 86
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | SIRIUS XM [Member]
   
Percentage ownership 40.00%  
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7)   5
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value 5,665  
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Live Nation [Member]
   
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7) 371  
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value $ 449