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period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal34false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse265000000265falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt35false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_201059http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue2030375Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200973http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue2030375Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]36false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse460000000460falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal37false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse253000000253falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt38false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010632http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue203135Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200976http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue203135Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]39false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse490000000490falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal40false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse329000000329falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt41false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_20106312http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorNotesDue201357Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200986http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorNotesDue201357Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse5.7% Senior Notes due 2013 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]42false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse324000000324falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal43false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse323000000323falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse801000000801falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt44false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_201060http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue2031325Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200974http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_ExchangeableSeniorDebenturesDue2031325Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse3.25% Exchangeable Senior Debentures Due 2031 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]45false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse541000000541falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal46false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse376000000376falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse320000000320falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt47false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 8.5% Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_20106310http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse8.5% Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorDebenturesDue202985Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 8.5% Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200984http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse8.5% Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorDebenturesDue202985Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse8.5% Senior Debentures Due 2029 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]48false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse287000000287falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal49false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse284000000284falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse284000000284falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt50false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse31falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 8.25% Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_20106311http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse8.25% Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorDebenturesDue2030825Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$32falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : 8.25% Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200985http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse8.25% Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeniorDebenturesDue2030825Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse8.25% Senior Debentures Due 2030 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]51false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse504000000504falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal52false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse501000000501falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse501000000501falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. 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May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 truefalseLong-term Debt59false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurelongtermdebtdebtexcludingintergroupdebtdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse37falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : QVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010636http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_Qvc7125SeniorSecuredNotesDue2017Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$38falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : QVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_200980http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseQVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_Qvc7125SeniorSecuredNotesDue2017Memberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseQVC 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]60false0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPrincipalOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse500000000500falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of outstanding principal due under the debt instrument at the end of the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number APB14-1 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph b falsefalseLong-Term Debt, outstanding principal61false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse500000000500falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. 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