Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
TruePosition [Member]
Mar. 31, 2011
TruePosition [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Satellite system [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Satellite system [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Programming and content expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Programming and content expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Programming and content expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Customer service and billing [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Customer service and billing [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Customer service and billing [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Other cost of subscriber services [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Other cost of subscriber services [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Other cost of subscriber services [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Other Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Other Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Other Operating Expense [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Segment, Liberty Starz [Member]
Land $ 59 $ 13                                                  
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense                       15 0 0 4 0 0 7 0 0 14 0 0 153 46 25  
Depreciation 200 23 24                                                
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic 118 120 85                                               51
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment 2 4 3                                               2
Advertising Expense 181 4 4                                                
Share-based Compensation 193 46 25                                                
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized       491 538                                            
Amortization of Deferred Charges       242 167                                            
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum           3 years 10 years 2 years 20 years 40 years 15 years                                
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current 4 1                                                  
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized 65                                                    
Total Value Of Non Strategic Securities 1,253 1,079                                                  
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 1 year 4 months 24 days                                                    
Provision for Doubtful Accounts 4                                                    
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Charge-offs (1)                                                    
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 120 124 88                                               53
Capitalized expenditures, including interest 87                                                    
Buildings and improvements 157 149                                                  
Support equipment 257 167                                                  
Satellite system 1,573 0                                                  
Construction in progress 103 0                                                  
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross $ 2,149 $ 329