Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Basis Of Presentation Pro Forma - Stmt of Operations (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Basis Of Presentation Pro Forma - Stmt of Operations (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Revenue $ 467 $ 555 $ 537 $ 440 $ 973 $ 540 $ 538 $ 973 $ 1,999 $ 3,024 $ 2,050
Operating income (loss) 25 111 101 89 293 111 94 459 326 957 195
Interest expense                 33 21 65
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net     (1,229)           (1,346) (87) 98
Less net earnings (losses) attributable to the noncontrolling interests                 (2) (4) (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                 (1,414) (836) (1,000)
Earnings Per Share, Basic                 $ 11.78    
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                 $ 11.40    
Pro Forma [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Revenue                 3,770 4,424 3,241
Operating income (loss)                 789 1,206 377
Interest expense                 (272) (321) (361)
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net                 21 7 57
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net                 232 68 260
Less net earnings (losses) attributable to the noncontrolling interests                 1,737 210 19
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                 (1,531)    
Earnings Per Share, Basic                 $ 12.76    
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                 $ 12.35    
Pro Forma [Member] | Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                   (726) (856)
Pro Forma [Member] | Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                   13 (44)
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                   (229) (206)
Earnings Per Share, Basic                   $ 4.49 $ 4.12
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                   $ 4.32 $ 3.96
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Earnings Per Share, Basic                   $ (0.25) $ 0.88
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                   $ (0.25) $ 0.85
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Media Corporation shareholders                 $ (1,414) $ (607) $ (794)
Earnings Per Share, Basic                   $ 7.14 $ 8.82
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                   $ 6.90 $ 8.54
Segment, Liberty Capital [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
                     
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]                      
Earnings Per Share, Basic                   $ 8.54 $ 9.51
Earnings Per Share, Diluted                   $ 8.25 $ 9.20