v2.3.0.11
Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Share Repurchases Program [Abstract]            
BOD Authorized Effective April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 40 million common shares of UPC by March 31, 2014, replacing our previous repurchase program.       Effective April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 40 million common shares of UPC by March 31, 2014, replacing our previous repurchase program.  
Shares repurchased 3,576,399 2,636,178 [1] 6,496,400 0 6,212,577 6,496,400
Average purchase price $ 100.75 $ 94.10 $ 71.74 $ 0 $ 97.92 $ 71.74
Remaining number of shares yet to be repurchased 36,423,601       36,423,601  
Stock repurchased since inception $ 4,800,000,000       $ 4,800,000,000  
[1] [a] Shares repurchased in first quarter were under the prior share repurchase program that expired March 31, 2011