Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 5 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 5 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 7 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 23, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Sep. 23, 2011
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Ventures Group [Member]
Sep. 30, 2013
Ventures Group [Member]
Jun. 30, 2013
Ventures Group [Member]
Mar. 31, 2013
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Ventures Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Interactive Group [Member]
Sep. 30, 2013
Interactive Group [Member]
Jun. 30, 2013
Interactive Group [Member]
Mar. 31, 2013
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Interactive Group [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Maximum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Maximum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Opition Securities [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Opition Securities [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Sep. 30, 2012
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Aug. 09, 2012
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense   $ 178 $ 91 $ 49                                                         $ 26 $ 0 $ 0 $ 152 $ 91 $ 49          
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio 0.05                                                                                    
Available-for-sale Securities                                                       1,309 1,716                            
Land   91 100                                                                                
Inventory Valuation Reserves   88 97                                                                                
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum                                               3 years 8 years 20 years 40 years                                
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic           51 81         33 37             541 519                                       559   595
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment           2 2         0 0             10 8                                       9   7
Advertising Expense   509 271 242                                                                              
Sales Returns and Allowances, Goods   2,137 2,041 1,966                                                                              
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted           53 83         33 37             551 527                                       568   602
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent   501 1,530 912       84 36 11 (68)   63 1,064 7 157 77 109 95   438 466 905                               1,072 (48)   294 524
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current   89 79 80 67                                                                            
Provision for Doubtful Accounts   83 75 68                                                   0 5 0                      
Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Write Offs Against Allowance   (73) (81) (55)                                                                              
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized   109                                                                                  
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition   1 year 6 months                                                                                  
Buildings and improvements   1,022 909                                                                                
Support equipment   1,058 948                                                                                
Projects in progress   85 213                                                                                
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross   2,256 2,170                                                                                
Depreciation   $ 159 $ 147 $ 151