Information About Liberty's Operating Segments (Other Information By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Total assets	$ 17,025		$ 26,600
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7)	1,066		949
Capital expenditures	192	176
QVC [Member]
Total assets	13,206
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7)	0
Capital expenditures	154
Corporate And Other [Member]
Total assets	2,378
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7)	1,051
Capital expenditures	0
E-commerce [Member]
Total assets	1,441
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 7)	15
Capital expenditures	$ 38