Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)

v2.4.0.6
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation [Abstract]      
Equity method investment ownership percentage, maximum (in hundredths) 50.00%    
Equity method investment ownership percentage, minimum (in hundredths) 20.00%    
Cost method ownership percentage, threshold (in hundredths) 20.00%    
Cash and cash equivalents [Abstract]      
Maximum original maturity considered cash equivalents (in months) 3M    
Collected proceeds relating to the face value of the tickets sold on behalf of clients and the clients' share of convenience and order processing charges. $ 373.9 $ 384.5  
Intangible assets [Abstract]      
Useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets, minimum (in years) 3    
Useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets, maximum (in years) 20    
Foreign currency [Abstract]      
Cumulative translation adjustments included in accumulated OCI (35.7) (21.8)  
Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (5.1) 2.8 (1.0)
Advertising expense [Abstract]      
Advertising expense 218.5 221.2 178.7
Ticketing contract advances [Abstract]      
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances $ 38.6 $ 24.1  
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
     
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years) 10    
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years) 50    
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member]
     
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years) 3    
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years) 5    
Furniture and Other Equipment [Member]
     
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years) 3    
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years) 10