Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)

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Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Aug. 09, 2012
Subscription Agreement Amount         $ 0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other 9,000,000        
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 328 328 0 0  
Class Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights $ 18.28 $ 18.28      
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares     3,146,913 15,632,700  
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value     213 714  
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares   44,668,431 23,864,733    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value   815 366    
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
          
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares       835,700  
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value       40  
Common Class C [Member]
          
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 4,000,000,000 4,000,000,000      
Interactive Group [Member]
          
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock   0      
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares 1,000,000 1,000,000      
Interactive Group [Member] | Series A [Member]
          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 33,839,000 33,839,000 45,223,000    
Interactive Group [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
          
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 150,000,000 150,000,000      
Ventures Group [Member]
          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 1,155,000 1,155,000 0    
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock   $ 328      
Ventures Group [Member] | Series A [Member]
          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 1,155,000 1,155,000      
Ventures Group [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
          
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 7,500,000 7,500,000