Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,012,367	$ 816,488
Adjusted EBITDA	105,128	101,818
Depreciation	(48,866)	(34,314)
Amortization of intangible assets	(12,570)	(3,422)
Stock-based compensation	(75,078)	(16,951)
Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other	(61,558)	276
Acquisition-related and other	(9,829)
Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges	(2,855)	1,276
Operating income (loss)	(105,628)	48,683
Other expense, net	(13,643)	(21,856)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(119,271)	26,827
Provision for income taxes	11,903	(5,240)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(107,368)	21,587
Discontinued operations, net of taxes		(23,889)
Net loss	(107,368)	(2,302)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,142	(979)
Net loss attributable to Expedia, Inc.	(104,226)	(3,281)
Leisure
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	923,848	763,813
Adjusted EBITDA	178,098	171,222
Depreciation	(23,061)	(15,692)
Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges	(2,855)	1,276
Operating income (loss)	152,182	156,806
Egencia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	88,519	52,675
Adjusted EBITDA	12,128	9,902
Depreciation	(3,697)	(2,006)
Operating income (loss)	8,431	7,896
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	(85,098)	(79,306)
Depreciation	(22,108)	(16,616)
Amortization of intangible assets	(12,570)	(3,422)
Stock-based compensation	(75,078)	(16,951)
Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other	(61,558)	276
Acquisition-related and other	(9,829)
Operating income (loss)	$ (266,241)	$ (116,019)