Effects of Changes in Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.	$ 6,734	$ 171,477	$ 105,241	$ (3,281)	$ 70,328	$ 209,534	$ 140,393	$ 52,039	$ 280,171		$ 472,294		$ 421,500
Net increase in Expedia, Inc.'s paid-in capital for newly issued eLong shares									2,077	[1]	25,957	[1]
Net decrease in Expedia, Inc.'s paid-in capital for purchase of outstanding shares of eLong											(59,070)		(19,161)
Change from net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. and transfers from noncontrolling interest									$ 282,248		$ 439,181		$ 402,339

[1] Primarily due to our acquisition of 5.4 million newly issued shares of eLong and, at the same time, Tencent Holdings Limited acquisition of 11.1 million newly issued shares of eLong in the second quarter of 2011.