2.4.0.812201201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Policies)truefalsefalse1false falsefalseD2013Q1http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001254699duration2013-01-01T00:00:002013-03-31T00:00:002false falsefalseD2012http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001254699duration2012-01-01T00:00:002012-12-31T00:00:001true 1qvc_BasisOfPresentationAbstractqvc_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringfalse0Basis of Presentation [Abstract]2false 2us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlockus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:12px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority&#8209;owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:12px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#000000;text-decoration:none;">December 31, 2012</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in QVC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;color:#000000;text-decoration:none;">December 31, 2012</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:12px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include, but are not limited to, sales returns, uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of fixed assets, internally&#8209;developed software, valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock&#8209;based compensation.</font></div></div>falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times New Roman;"> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">The consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Company and its majority&#8209;owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.</font> </div>falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaDisclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 97-2 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph k -Article 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 140 -Paragraph 46 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02, 03 -Article 3A Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 96-16 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a(2) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 14, 15 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 2-6 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 860 -SubTopic 40 -Section 45 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 325 -SubTopic 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16385135&loc=d3e33801-111570 false0Consolidation policy3false 2us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlockus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:12px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, which amends ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income and requires that companies present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in their interim and annual financial statements. The standard requires that companies present either in a single note, or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies will instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. QVC adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013, and adoption did not have an impact on the QVC's condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</font></div></div>falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times New Roman;"> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">(u) Recent accounting pronouncements</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-04, which amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820,</font> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">, to result in common fair value measurements and disclosures between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments explain how to measure fair value. They do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The amendments change the wording used to describe fair value measurement requirements and disclosures, but often do not result in a change in the application of current guidance. Certain amendments clarify the intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while certain other amendments change a principle or requirement for fair value measurement or disclosure. QVC adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012, and adoption did not have an impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, which amends ASC Topic 220,</font> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">Comprehensive Income</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">, to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. The updated guidance requires that all nonowner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance is limited to the form and content of the financial statements and disclosures. QVC adopted this guidance, as amended, as of January 1, 2012 and adoption did not have an impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, which amends ASC Subtopic 210-20,</font> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">Offsetting</font><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">. The guidance requires enhanced disclosures with improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (i) offset in accordance with current guidance or (ii) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2013. The guidance is limited to the form and content of disclosures and QVC does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, which amends the guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, for impairment. The amendment permits an entity to perform a qualitative impairment assessment before proceeding to the two-step impairment test. The guidance is effective for QVC beginning in fiscal 2013; however, early adoption is permitted. QVC adopted this guidance during the third quarter of 2012. There was no impact to QVC's financial statements upon adoption of this standard.</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: left;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, which amends ASC Topic 220,</font> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">Comprehensive Income</font> <font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">and requires that companies present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in their interim and annual financial statements. The standard requires that companies present either in a single note, or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies will instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. The guidance will be effective for QVC beginning in fiscal 2013 and QVC has not early adopted this standard. ASU 2013-02 is limited to the form and content of disclosures and QVC does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</font></div> </div>falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaDisclosure of the adoption of new accounting pronouncements that may impact the entity's financial reporting.No definition available.false0New accounting pronouncements policy4false 2us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescriptionus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:12px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.</font></div></div>falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times New Roman;"> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: justify;"><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">(v) Reclassifications</font></div> <div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 12px; TEXT-ALIGN: justify;"><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit;">Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.</font></div> </div>falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaDisclosure of accounting policy for reclassifications that affects the comparability of the financial statements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755 false0Reclassification policyfalseBasis of Presentation (Policies)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.qvc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPoliciesQuarterEnd24