Investments In Affiliates Accounted For Using The Equity Method (Expedia Consolidated Statement Of Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenue	$ 2,314	$ 2,159
Gross Profit	848	782
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(239)	(217)
Operating income (loss)	258	213
Interest expense	(106)	(114)
Other income (expense), net	3	18
Income tax expense	(43)	(15)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	105	63
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	336
Net earnings (loss)	105	399
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(14)	(10)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders	91	389
Expedia [Member]
Revenue	816	728
Cost of revenue	(200)	(176)
Gross Profit	616	552
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(564)	(509)
Amortization	(3)	(6)
Restructuring charges and other	0	(2)
Operating income (loss)	49	35
Interest expense	(21)	(23)
Other income (expense), net	(1)	(3)
Income tax expense	(5)	(3)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	22	6
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(24)	46
Net earnings (loss)	(2)	52
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)	0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders	$ (3)	$ 52