Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Aug. 09, 2012
Jun. 24, 2010
May 01, 2007
Dec. 31, 2000
Dec. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
TripAdvisor, Inc. [Member]
Dec. 04, 2012
Unvested Option Exchange [Member]
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 04, 2012
Unvested Option Exchange [Member]
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 04, 2012
Unvested Option Exchange Incremental [Member]
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 04, 2012
Unvested Option Exchange Incremental [Member]
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Option Exchange [Member]
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Option Exchange [Member]
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Option Exchange [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio 0.05                                            
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized         50,000,000 42,900,000 7,300,000 7,800,000                              
Options granted     6,200,000 10,600,000             20,100,000 3,413,000 900,000 36,000   3,700,000              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term                 1 year 3 months 19 days 9 years                          
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options     $ 7.32 $ 7.11             $ 7.15 $ 8.44 $ 26.58 $ 27.29                  
Weighted average period of recognition related to unvested Liberty equity awards (in years)   1 year 8 months 12 days                           3 years              
Dividend rate to estimate fair value   0.00%                                          
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards   $ 170                           $ 60 $ 55 $ 7 $ 54 $ 10      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost                     17   4                    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value   339 33 23                                     242
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number                     2,200,000 2,200,000 100,000 100,000             4,600,000 300,000  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value                     $ 13.13 $ 13.13 $ 4.82 $ 4.82                  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value   $ 12 $ 14 $ 10                                      
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price                           $ 58.49   $ 20.36              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number                         1,155,000 1,155,000 0 8,700,000              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number                         449,000 449,000   3,300,000