2.2.0.25falsefalse10301 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policiestruefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2true0lcapa_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstractlcapafalsenadurationSummary of Significant Accounting Policiesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringSummary of Significant Accounting PoliciesfalsefalseSummary of Significant Accounting Policies3false0us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div style="page: WordSection1;" class="WordSection1"> (3)        Summary of Significant Accounting Policies <div> <div class="MetaData"> Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of investments which are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.</div>  </div> <div class="MetaData"> <div> Receivables Receivables are reflected net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  Such allowance aggregated $99 million and $116 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:   <table style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin-left: 41.4pt; font-size: 10pt;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="588"> <tr><td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98">    Balance     </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 2in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="192" colspan="2">                Additions              </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">    Balance   </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98">   beginning   </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">     Charged   </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96"> Deductions- </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">     end of     </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98">     of year      </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">    to expense </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96"> Acquisitions</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">   write-offs    </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">       year      </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 361.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="482" colspan="5">                                                                                     amounts in millions                                                         </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">  </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106"> 2010</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98"> $             116</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                 79</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                  -</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                (96)</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">               99</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106"> 2009</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98"> $             104</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                 81</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                  -</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                (69)</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">              116</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 79.8pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="106"> 2008</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 73.2pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="98"> $              80</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                 66</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                   1</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">                (43)</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 1in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="96">              104</td></tr></table>  </div></div> <div> <div> </div></div>   <div class="MetaData"> Inventory Inventory, consisting primarily of products held for sale, is stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method.</div>   <div> <div class="MetaData"> Program Rights Program rights are amortized on a film-by-film basis over the anticipated number of exhibitions.  Program rights and the related payable are initially recorded at the estimated cost of the programs when the film is available for airing.</div>   </div> <div class="MetaData"> <div> Investment in Films and Television Programs Investment in films and television programs generally includes the cost of proprietary films and television programs that have been released, completed and not released, in production, and in development or pre-production.  Capitalized costs include the acquisition of story rights, the development of stories, production labor, postproduction costs and allocable overhead and interest costs.  Investment in films and television programs is stated at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair value on an individual film basis.  Investment in films and television programs is amortized using the individual-film-forecast method, whereby the costs are charged to expense and participation and residual costs are accrued based on the proportion that current revenue from the films bear to an estimate of total revenue anticipated from all markets (ultimate revenue).  Ultimate revenue estimates generally may not exceed ten years following the date of initial release or from the date of delivery of the first episode for episodic television series.</div>   Estimates of ultimate revenue involve uncertainty and it is therefore possible that reductions in the carrying value of investment in films and television programs may be required as a consequence of changes in management's future revenue estimates.   Investment in films and television programs in development or pre-production is periodically reviewed to determine whether they will ultimately be used in the production of a film.  Costs of films in development or pre-production are charged to expense if the project is abandoned, or if the film has not been set for production within three years from the time of the first capitalized transaction.   The investment in films and television programs is reviewed for impairment on a title-by-title basis when an event or change in circumstances indicates that a film should be assessed.  If the estimated fair value of a film is less than its unamortized cost, then the excess of unamortized costs over the estimated fair value is charged to expense.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <div class="MetaData"> Investments All marketable equity and debt securities held by the Company are classified as available-for-sale ("AFS") and are carried at fair value generally based on quoted market prices.  Effective January 1, 2008, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") permit entities to choose to measure many financial instruments, such as AFS securities, and certain other items at fair value and to recognize the changes in fair value of such instruments in the entity's statement of operations (the "fair value option").  Previously under GAAP, entities were required to recognize changes in fair value of AFS securities in the balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive earnings.  Liberty has entered into economic hedges for certain of its non-strategic AFS securities (although such instruments are not accounted for as fair value hedges by the Company).  Changes in the fair value of these economic hedges are reflected in Liberty's statement of operations as unrealized gains (losses).  In order to better match the changes in fair value of the subject AFS securities and the changes in fair value of the corresponding economic hedges in the Company's financial statements, Liberty has elected the fair value option for those of its AFS securities  which it considers to be non-strategic ("Non-strategic Securities").  Accordingly, changes in the fair value of Non-strategic Securities, as determined by quoted market prices, are reported in realized and unrealized gain (losses) on financial instruments in the accompanying December 31, 2010 and 2009 consolidated statement of operations.  The amount of unrealized gains related to the Non-strategic Securities and included in accumulated other comprehensive earnings in the Company's balance sheet as of January 1, 2008 aggregated $1,040 million and was reclassified to accumulated deficit.  The total value of AFS securities for which the Company has elected the fair value option aggregated $3,768 million and $3,063 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.   Other investments in which the Company's ownership interest is less than 20% and are not considered marketable securities are carried at cost.   For those investments in affiliates in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, the equity method of accounting is used.  Under this method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company's share of net earnings or losses of the affiliate as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received.  Losses are limited to the extent of the Company's investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee.  In the event the Company is unable to obtain accurate financial information from an equity affiliate in a timely manner, the Company records its share of earnings or losses of such affiliate on a lag.  The Company's share of net earnings or loss of affiliates also includes any other than temporary declines in fair value recognized during the period.   Prior to January 1, 2009, changes in the Company's proportionate share of the underlying equity of an equity method investee, which resulted from the issuance of additional equity securities by such equity investee ("SAB 51 Gain"), were recognized in equity.  Subsequent to January 1, 2009, such changes are recognized in earnings.   The Company continually reviews its equity investments and its AFS securities which are not Non-strategic Securities to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary.  The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company's carrying value; the severity of the decline; and the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee.  In addition, the Company considers the reason for the decline in fair value, be it general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific; analysts' ratings and estimates of 12 month share price targets for the investee; changes in stock price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date; and the Company's intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value.  If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value.  In situations where the fair value of an investment is not evident due to a lack of a public market price or other factors, the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to arrive at the estimated fair value of such investment.  The Company's assessment of the foregoing factors involves a high degree of judgment and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the Company's estimates and judgments.  Writedowns for AFS securities which are not Non-strategic Securities are included in the consolidated statements of operations as other than temporary declines in fair values of investments.  Writedowns for equity method investments are included in share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.</div>   <div class="MetaData"> Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities  All of the Company's derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.  If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive earnings and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings.  Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.  If the derivative is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings.  The Company has entered into several interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the cash flow risk associated with interest payments related to certain of its variable rate debt.  Through November 2008, certain of these interest rate swap arrangements were designated as cash flow hedges.  The Company assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method.  In December 2008, the interest rate swaps were determined to be ineffective due to changes in the interest rates on the underlying debt and no longer qualify as cash flow hedges.  None of the Company's derivatives are currently designated as hedges.   In prior years the fair value of the Company's equity collars and other similar derivative instruments were estimated using the Black-Scholes model.  The Black-Scholes model incorporates a number of variables in determining such fair values, including expected volatility of the underlying security and an appropriate discount rate.  The Company obtained volatility rates from pricing services based on the expected volatility of the underlying security over the remaining term of the derivative instrument.  A discount rate was obtained at the inception of the derivative instrument and updated each reporting period in which equity collars were outstanding, based on the Company's estimate of the discount rate at which it could currently settle the derivative instrument.  The Company considered its own credit risk as well as the credit risk of its counterparties in estimating the discount rate.  Considerable management judgment was required in estimating the Black-Scholes variables.</div>   <div> <div class="MetaData"> Property and Equipment Property and equipment, including significant improvements, is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years for support equipment and 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements. </div>  </div></div> <div class="MetaData"> <div> Intangible Assets Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment upon certain triggering events.  Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (collectively, "indefinite lived intangible assets") are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually.  Equity method goodwill is also not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment upon certain triggering events.</div>   The Company performs an annual assessment of whether there is an indication that goodwill is impaired.  In performing this assessment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill (the "Step 1 Test").  Developing estimates of fair value requires significant judgments, including making assumptions about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, relevant comparable market multiples, public trading prices and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows.  The cash flows employed in Liberty's valuation analysis are based on management's best estimates considering current marketplace factors and risks as well as assumptions of growth rates in future years.  There is no assurance that actual results in the future will approximate these forecasts.  For those reporting units whose carrying value exceeds the fair value, a second test is required to measure the impairment loss (the "Step 2 Test").  In the Step 2 Test, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit with any residual value being allocated to goodwill.  The difference between such allocated amount and the carrying value of the goodwill is recorded as an impairment charge.  </div> <div>  </div> <div class="MetaData"> Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its property and equipment and its intangible assets (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles) to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, including its ultimate disposition, an impairment adjustment is to be recognized.  Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value.  The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate.  Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets.  Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.  Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. </div>   <div class="MetaData"> Noncontrolling Interests Prior to January 1, 2009, recognition of the noncontrolling interests' share of losses of subsidiaries was generally limited to the amount of such noncontrolling interests' allocable portion of the common equity of those subsidiaries.  Effective January 1, 2009, Liberty adopted new guidance which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary.  Among other matters, (a) the previous limitations on allocation of losses to the noncontrolling interests were eliminated, (b) the noncontrolling interest is reported within equity in the balance sheet and (c) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest is presented in the statement of income.  Also, changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries in which Liberty maintains a controlling interest are recorded in equity.  Liberty has applied the changes prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which have been applied retrospectively for all periods presented.</div>   <div class="MetaData"> Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of the Company is the United States (''U.S.'') dollar.  The functional currency of the Company's foreign operations generally is the applicable local currency for each foreign subsidiary.  Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date, and the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period.  The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings in stockholders' equity.   Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise.  Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses which are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive earnings as unrealized (based on the applicable period-end exchange rate) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. </div>   <div class="MetaData"> Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized as follows:   ·Revenue from retail sales is recognized at the time of delivery to customers.  An allowance for returned merchandise is provided as a percentage of sales based on historical experience.  The total reduction in sales due to returns for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 aggregated $1,792 million, $1,656 million and $1,787 million, respectively.  Sales tax collected from customers on retail sales is recorded on a net basis and is not included in revenue. ·Programming revenue is recognized in the period during which programming is provided, pursuant to affiliation agreements.  ·Certain subsidiaries of the Company earn revenue from the sale and licensing of equipment with embedded software and related service and maintenance.  For multiple element contracts with vendor specific objective evidence, the Company recognizes revenue for each specific element when the earnings process is complete.  If vendor specific objective evidence does not exist, revenue is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the maintenance period after all other elements have been delivered. ·Revenue from the theatrical release of feature films is recognized at the time of exhibition based on the Company's participation in box office receipts.  Revenue from the sale of DVDs is recognized net of an allowance for estimated returns, on the later of estimated receipt of the product by the customer or after any restrictions on the sale lapse. Revenue from television licensing is recognized when the film or program is complete in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, the license period has begun and is available for telecast or exploitation.  Cost of Sales</div> <h1 style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.8pt; text-indent: -22.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;"> </h1> <div class="MetaData"> Cost of sales primarily includes actual product cost, provision for obsolete inventory, buying allowances received from suppliers, shipping and handling costs and warehouse costs.</div>   <div class="MetaData"> Advertising Costs Advertising costs generally are expensed as incurred.  Advertising expense aggregated $350 million, $363 million and $377 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Co-operative marketing costs incurred as part of affiliation agreements with distributors are recognized as advertising expense to the extent an identifiable benefit is received and fair value of the benefit can be reasonably measured.  Otherwise, such costs are recorded as a reduction of revenue.</div>   <div class="MetaData"> Stock-Based Compensation As more fully described in note 15, the Company has granted to its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to purchase shares of Liberty common stock (collectively, "Awards").  The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award).  The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award of liability instruments (such as stock appreciation rights that will be settled in cash) based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date.    Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are the following amounts of stock-based compensation (amounts in millions):   <table style="width: 364.5pt; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin-left: 41.4pt; font-size: 10pt;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="486"> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289"> Years ended:</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 2.05in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="197">  </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">        December 31, 2010</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 2.05in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="197"> $     150</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">        December 31, 2009</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 2.05in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="197"> $     128</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">        December 31, 2008</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 2.05in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="197"> $      49</td></tr></table>   Included in earnings from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 is $55 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options and restricted stock, the vesting of which was accelerated in connection with the closing of the DTV Business Combination.   As of December 31, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity Awards was approximately $191 million.  Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.</div>   <div class="MetaData"> Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which the company operates for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if the Company believes it more likely than not such net deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of an enacted change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.   When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law.  Such interest expense is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Any accrual of penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.</div> <div class="MetaData"> <div style="page: WordSection1;" class="WordSection1">   Earnings Attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Net earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders are comprised of the following:   <table style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin-left: 41.4pt; font-size: 10pt;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="516"> <tr><td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 170.1pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="227" colspan="3">          Years ended December 31,      </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="77">     2010    </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">     2009    </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">     2008    </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 170.1pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="227" colspan="3"> amounts in millions</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="77">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">  </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289"> Earnings (loss) from continuing operations</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" class="MetaData" valign="top" width="77"> $     1,892</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">          598</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">       (2,333)</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289"> Earnings from discontinued operations</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="77">             -</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">        5,864</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">        5,812</td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="77">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">  </td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">  </td></tr> <tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 216.9pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="289"> Net earnings</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.8in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" class="MetaData" valign="top" width="77"> $     1,892</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="78">        6,462</td> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 0.75in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top" width="72">        3,479</td></tr></table>   Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented.  </div> Old Series A and Series B Liberty Capital Common Stock <a name="OLE_LINK5">Old Liberty Capital basic EPS for the period from January 1, 2008 to the Reclassification was computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to the Capital Group by the weighted average outstanding shares of Old Liberty Capital common stock for the period (129 million).</a>  Fully diluted EPS for the two months in 2008 includes 1 million common stock equivalents.   Series A and Series B Liberty Interactive Common Stock Liberty Interactive basic EPS for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to the Interactive Group by the weighted average outstanding shares of Liberty Interactive common stock for the period (596 million, 594 million and 594 million, respectively).  Fully diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2010 include 9 million common stock equivalents.  Due to the relative insignificance of the dilutive securities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, their inclusion does not impact the EPS amount.  Excluded from diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 are approximately 21 million potential common shares because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.   Series A and Series B Liberty Starz Common Stock Liberty Starz basic EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the period from the Reclassification to December 31, 2008 was computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to the Starz Group by the weighted average outstanding shares of Liberty Starz common stock for the period (50 million, 463 million and 517 million, respectively).  Fully diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes 2 million common stock equivalents, respectively.  Fully diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 include 3 million common stock equivalents.  Excluded from diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 are less than 1 million potential common shares because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.     <div style="page: WordSection2;" class="WordSection2">Series A and Series B Liberty Capital Common Stock </div> <div style="page: WordSection2;" class="WordSection2">Liberty Capital basic and fully diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the period from the Reclassification to December 31, 2008 was computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to the Capital Group by the weighted average outstanding shares of Liberty Capital common stock for the period (90 million, 96 million and 113 million, respectively).  Fully diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 includes 3 million and 1 million common stock equivalents, respectively.  Due to the relative insignificance of the dilutive securities for the period from the Reclassification to December 31, 2008, their inclusion does not impact the EPS amount.  Excluded from diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 are less than 1 million potential common shares because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.</div></div>   <div style="page: WordSection2;"> <div class="MetaData"> Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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.  Liberty considers (i) fair value measurements, (ii) accounting for income taxes, (iii) assessments of other-than-temporary declines in fair value of its investments and (iv) estimates of retail-related adjustments and allowances to be its most significant estimates.   Liberty holds investments that are accounted for using the equity method.  Liberty does not control the decision making process or business management practices of these affiliates.  Accordingly, Liberty relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that Liberty uses in the application of the equity method.  In addition, Liberty relies on audit reports that are provided by the affiliates' independent auditors on the financial statements of such affiliates.  The Company is not aware, however, of any errors in or possible misstatements of the financial information provided by its equity affiliates that would have a material effect on Liberty's consolidated financial statements.</div>  </div> Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards amended the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") as summarized in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2009-14, Software (Topic 985): Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements,and ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements.  As summarized in ASU 2009-14, ASC Topic 985 has been amended to remove from the scope of industry specific revenue accounting guidance for software and software related transactions, tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the product's essential functionality.  As summarized in ASU 2009-13, ASC Topic 605 has been amended (1) to provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and the consideration allocated; (2) to require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price; and (3) to eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.  The accounting changes summarized in ASU 2009-14 and ASU 2009-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted.  Adoption may either be on a prospective basis or by retrospective application.   Liberty does not believe the impact of these changes will be material upon the initial adoption of the provisions as we have decided to adopt the new revenue recognition rules on a prospective basis.  In February of 2011 a wholly owned subsidiary, TruePosition, Inc., signed an amended contract that materially changed the terms of the existing AT&T contract.  Due to the transition provisions of the new revenue recognition rules a contract that is materially modified is subject to the new accounting standard.  Therefore, the Company is currently analyzing the impacts of the material modification and believe that recognition of a significant portion of deferred revenue and deferred cost associated with that contract may be required in the first quarter of 2011, under the new provisions.  As of December 31, 2010, deferred revenue and deferred cost under the AT&T arrangement were $576 million and $168 million, respectively.             </div> </div>(3)        Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist offalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis element may be used to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 falsefalseSummary of Significant Accounting Policies12Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue