2.2.0.25truefalse00300 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive EarningstruefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 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/instancepurexbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_20082http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse19370000001937falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse65010000006501falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse35230000003523falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet earnings3true0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 17):4false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-37000000-37falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-19000000-19falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 falsefalseForeign currency translation adjustments5false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse230000000230falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-500000000-500falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 falsefalseUnrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period6false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForWriteDownOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-219000000-219falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse273000000273falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19, 22 falsefalseRecognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale securities, net7false0lcapa_ShareOfOtherComprehensiveEarningsLossOfEquityAffiliateslcapafalsecreditdurationShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliatesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliatesNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates8false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningslcapafalsedebitdurationOther Comprehensive Earningsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse5900000059falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4300000043falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-62000000-62falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Comprehensive EarningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther9false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossFromDiscontinuedOperationslcapafalsecreditdurationOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2618000000-2618falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations10false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-111000000-111falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse275000000275falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2936000000-2936falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 truefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss)11false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse18260000001826falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse67760000006776falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse587000000587falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a truefalseComprehensive earnings12false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse6000000060falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3200000032falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse7100000071falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A falsefalseLess comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests13false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse17660000001766falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse67440000006744falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse516000000516falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 truefalseComprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders14false0lcapa_ComprehensiveEarningsLossAttributableToLibertyMediaCorporationStockholdersTrackingStocklcapafalsenadurationComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse516000000516falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders - tracking stock15false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/statementconsolidatedstatementsofcomprehensiveearnings1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_20103http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Capital [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20092http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Capital [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_200822http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Capital [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSegment, Liberty Capital [Member]16false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse812000000812falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse127000000127falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-584000000-584falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet earnings17true0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 17):18false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-9000000-9falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 falsefalseForeign currency translation adjustments19false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4300000043falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 falsefalseUnrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period20false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForWriteDownOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-21000000-21falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1000000-1falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19, 22 falsefalseRecognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale securities, net21false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningslcapafalsedebitdurationOther Comprehensive Earningsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-4000000-4falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Comprehensive EarningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther22false0lcapa_ReattributionOfOtherComprehensiveEarningsBetweenTrackingStockslcapafalsedebitdurationReattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocksfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse3000000030falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocksNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseReattribution of other comprehensive income between tracking stocks23false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossFromDiscontinuedOperationslcapafalsecreditdurationOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations24false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-12000000-12falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 truefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss)25false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse831000000831falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse167000000167falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-596000000-596falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a truefalseComprehensive earnings26false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-3000000-3falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A falsefalseLess comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests27false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse834000000834falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse167000000167falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-537000000-537falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 truefalseComprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders28false0lcapa_ComprehensiveEarningsLossAttributableToLibertyMediaCorporationStockholdersTrackingStocklcapafalsenadurationComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-604000000-604falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders - tracking stock29false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/statementconsolidatedstatementsofcomprehensiveearnings1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_201033http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) / shares USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20094http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_200824http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]30false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse206000000206falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60770000006077falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse48520000004852falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet earnings31true0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 17):32false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossFromDiscontinuedOperationslcapafalsecreditdurationOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2618000000-2618falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations33false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2618000000-2618falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 truefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss)34false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse206000000206falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse61080000006108falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse22340000002234falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a truefalseComprehensive earnings35false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse206000000206falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse61080000006108falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-649000000-649falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 truefalseComprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders36false0lcapa_ComprehensiveEarningsLossAttributableToLibertyMediaCorporationStockholdersTrackingStocklcapafalsenadurationComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse22340000002234falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders - tracking stock37false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/statementconsolidatedstatementsofcomprehensiveearnings1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_201032http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20093http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_200823http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]38false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse919000000919falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse297000000297falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-745000000-745falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet earnings39true0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 17):40false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-37000000-37falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 falsefalseForeign currency translation adjustments41false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7000000070falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse187000000187falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-498000000-498falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 falsefalseUnrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period42false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForWriteDownOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-198000000-198falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-26000000-26falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse272000000272falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19, 22 falsefalseRecognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale securities, net43false0lcapa_ShareOfOtherComprehensiveEarningsLossOfEquityAffiliateslcapafalsecreditdurationShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliatesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5000000-5falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliatesNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShare of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates44false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningslcapafalsedebitdurationOther Comprehensive Earningsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse5800000058falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4700000047falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-60000000-60falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Comprehensive EarningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther45false0lcapa_ReattributionOfOtherComprehensiveEarningsBetweenTrackingStockslcapafalsedebitdurationReattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocksfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-30000000-30falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReattribution of other comprehensive earnings between tracking stocksNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseReattribution of other comprehensive income between tracking stocks46false0lcapa_OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossFromDiscontinuedOperationslcapafalsecreditdurationOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operationsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations47false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-130000000-130falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse204000000204falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-306000000-306falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 truefalseOther comprehensive earnings (loss)48false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse789000000789falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse501000000501falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1051000000-1051falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a truefalseComprehensive earnings49false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse6300000063falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3200000032falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6300000063falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A falsefalseLess comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests50false0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse726000000726falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse469000000469falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1114000000-1114falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 truefalseComprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders51false0lcapa_ComprehensiveEarningsLossAttributableToLibertyMediaCorporationStockholdersTrackingStocklcapafalsenadurationComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1114000000-1114falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Tracking Stock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseComprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders - 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It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 truefalseComprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Media Corporation stockholders353Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue