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available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1260000012600000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe specified number of securities that each class of warrants or rights outstanding give the holder the right but not the obligation to purchase from the issuer at a specific price, on or before a certain date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph i -Subparagraph 2 -Article 4 falsefalsePut options, number of shares of repurchase4false0lcapa_ClassOfWarrantOrRightWeightedAverageExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRightslcapafalsenainstantClass Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rightsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse16.8316.83falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalClass Of Warrant Or Right Weighted Average Exercise Price Of Warrants Or RightsNo authoritative reference available.falsetrueWeighted average put price of LINTA5false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse754000000754falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1800000018falsetruefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse537000000537falsetruefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock6false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse11800000001180falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5truefalsefalse177000000177falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the issuance of common, preferred, and treasury stocks, stock options, and such forth.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseProceeds from sale of put options7false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class A [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_201020http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseClass A 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[Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass A [Member] | Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]8false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000005000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized9false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse714000000714falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse478000000478falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock10false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrantsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount paid by the entity to reacquire the right to purchase equity shares at predetermined price, usually issued together with corporate debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseCash paid to settle put obligations11false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1563270015632700falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse642400642400falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse3320000033200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 11A falsefalseCommon stock repurchased12false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalsetruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class C [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 12/31/2010 As_Of_12_31_201042http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass C [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_CommonClassCMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Capital [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass C [Member] | Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]13false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20000000002000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized14false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{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$11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) 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$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) 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]15false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse714000000714falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse462000000462falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock16false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse22000002200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 11A falsefalseCommon stock repurchased17false0natruenanaNo definition 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[Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalsetruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class A [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 As_Of_12_31_201046http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass A [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeriesMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass A [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]18false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4760000047600000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized19false0us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRightsus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse21000002100000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe specified number of securities that each class of warrants or rights outstanding give the holder the right but not the obligation to purchase from the issuer at a specific price, on or before a certain date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph i -Subparagraph 2 -Article 4 falsefalsePut options, number of shares of repurchase20false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse8300000083falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock21false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrantsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount paid by the entity to reacquire the right to purchase equity shares at predetermined price, usually issued together with corporate debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseCash paid to settle put obligations22false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse47000004700000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 11A falsefalseCommon stock repurchased23false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalsetruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class C [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 As_Of_12_31_201043http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass C [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_CommonClassCMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass C [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]24false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse40000000004000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized25false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class B [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) / shares USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_201048http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass B [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_SeriesBMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Interactive [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyInteractiveMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass B [Member] | Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member]26false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse75000007500000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an 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[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$19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Interactive [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) 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]28false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse7500000075falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock29false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class A [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_201021http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseClass A [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeriesMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class A [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20092316http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseClass A [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeriesMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass A [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]30false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse32000003200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized31false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock32false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse835700835700falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse272400272400falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 11A falsefalseCommon stock repurchased33false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse22falsefalsetruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class C [Member] {us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 12/31/2010 As_Of_12_31_201044http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass C [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_CommonClassCMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass C [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]34false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse40000000004000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 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[Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass B [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]36false0us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3600036000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon stock, shares authorized37false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) 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$25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis} : Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) / shares USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20094http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz 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[Member]us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SegmentLibertyStarzMemberus-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSegment, Liberty Starz [Member]38false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseAggregate cash consideration to repurchase common stock39false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.libertymedia.com/role/disclosurestockholdersequitynarrativedetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Class A [Member] 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_2008338http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001355096duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseClass A [Member]us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldilcapa_SeriesMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass A [Member]40false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfWarrantsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse8900000089falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount paid by the entity to reacquire the right to purchase equity shares at predetermined price, usually issued together with corporate debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseCash paid to settle put obligations41false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse4600000046falsetruefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the issuance of common, preferred, and treasury stocks, stock options, and such forth.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseProceeds from sale of put options540Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)MillionsNoRoundingNoRoundingUnKnowntruetrue