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VTR [Member] VTR [Member] VTR [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 2017 (remainder of year) Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2022 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments of Principal in Year Six Amount of long-term debt maturing in year six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments of Principal after Year Six Amount of long-term debt maturities after year six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. 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Holding Bank Facility Debt [Member] UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Debt [Member] UPCB SPE Notes Debt [Member] UPCB SPE Notes Debt [Member] UPCB SPE Notes Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes Debt [Member] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet SPE Notes [Member] Telenet SPE Notes [Member] Telenet SPE Notes [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] Derivative Related Debt Instruments [Member] Derivative Related Debt Instruments [Member] Derivative Related Debt Instruments [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan Debt [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] CWC Notes [Member] CWC Notes [Member] CWC Notes [Member] CWC Credit Facilities [Member] CWC Credit Facilities [Member] CWC Credit Facilities [Member] VTR Senior Secured Notes [Member] VTR Senior Secured Notes [Member] VTR Senior Secured Notes [Member] VTR Credit Facility [Member] VTR Credit Facility [Member] VTR Credit Facility [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility Debt [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility Debt [Member] Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] Aggregate Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] VTR Dollar Credit Facility [Member] VTR Dollar Credit Facility [Member] VTR Dollar Credit Facility [Member] VTR CLP Credit Facility [Member] VTR CLP Credit Facility [Member] VTR CLP Credit Facility [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] UnityMedia KabelBW [Member] UnityMedia KabelBW [Member] UnityMedia KabelBW [Member] Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Unused borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Estimated fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Total debt before unamortized premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs Long-term Debt, Gross Unamortized premiums, net of discounts Total debt Long-term Debt Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Current maturities of debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Limitation on availability Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Facility amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Floor rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate General term of vendor financing arrangements General Term of Vendor Financing Arrangements for Amounts Due General Term of Vendor Financing Arrangements for Amounts Due Debt fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenue (notes 4 and 15) Revenues Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of 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Interest Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic and diluted loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (notes 1 and 13): Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic and diluted: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] LiLAC Group CWC [Member] LiLAC Group CWC [Member] LiLAC Group CWC [Member] LiLAC Group Chile [Member] LiLAC Group Chile [Member] LiLAC Group Chile [Member] LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total consolidated property and equipment additions Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements Assets Acquired Under Capital-Related Vendor Financing Arrangements Assets Acquired Under Capital-Related Vendor Financing Arrangements Assets acquired under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures Increase Decrease in Current Liabilities Related to Capital Expenditures Increase Decrease in Current Liabilities Related to Capital Expenditures Total consolidated capital expenditures Payments for Capital Improvements Property and equipment additions - VodafoneZiggo JV Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Payment to Acquire Property, Plant and Equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Payment to Acquire Property, Plant and Equipment Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Equity Contract [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] Sumitomo Collar [Member] Sumitomo Collar [Member] Relating to the Sumitomo Collar Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Other [Member] Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Foreign Currency Forwards and Option Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Summary of changes in restructuring liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings or Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] The Netherlands NETHERLANDS Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] Revenues Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Adjusted OIBDA Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted OIBDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] [Line Items] for Income Taxes [Table] Income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would have a favorable impact Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Percent of claim agreed by tax authority in Chile Percent of Claim Agreed by Tax Authority Percent of Claim Agreed by Tax Authority Operating activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities Financing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Total Payments For Proceeds From Derivatives Continuing Operations Payments For Proceeds From Derivatives Continuing Operations Computed “expected” tax benefit (a) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Change in valuation allowances: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Valuation Allowance, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Valuation Allowance, Amount [Abstract] Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, 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Increase in Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount [Abstract] Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount [Abstract] Decrease Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Increase Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Enacted tax law and rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits International rate differences: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, International Rate Differences, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, International Rate Differences, Amount [Abstract] Benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount 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Share-based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] VTR Finance [Member] VTR Finance [Member] VTR Finance [Member] Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs, Percent Increase (Decrease) Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs, Percent Increase (Decrease) Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Total European Operations Division Europe [Member] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Consumer and Business-to-Business Services [Member] Consumer and Business-to-Business Services [Member] Consumer and Business-to-Business Services [Member] Video, Broadband Internet and FIxed-Line Telephony, Mobile and other Communications Services [Member] Video, Broadband Internet and FIxed-Line Telephony, Mobile and other Communications Services [Member] Video, Broadband Internet and FIxed-Line Telephony, Mobile and other Communications Services [Member] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited [Member] The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited [Member] The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [Member] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [Member] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Basis of Presentation [Table] Number of countries in which entity provides services Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Percentage ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Number of markets Number of Markets Number of Markets Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] CWC and BASE Acquisitions [Member] CWC and BASE Acquisitions [Member] CWC and BASE Acquisitions [Member] Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Liberty Global Shares – basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Telenet International [Member] Telenet International Finance S.a.r.l [Member] Telenet International Finance S.a.r.l [Member] Telenet Financing USD LLC [Member] Telenet Financing USD LLC [Member] Telenet Financing USD LLC [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Telenet Facility AH [Member] Telenet Facility AH [Member] Telenet Facility AH [Member] Telenet Facility AI [Member] Telenet Facility AI [Member] Telenet Facility AI [Member] Telenet Facility AE [Member] Telenet Facility AE [Member] Telenet Facility AE [Member] Telenet Facility AF [Member] Telenet Facility AF [Member] Telenet Facility AF [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Issue price percentage Debt Instrument, Original Issue Price, Percentage The issue price of the debt instrument, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount. SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Due from related party Due from Related Parties Weighted average useful life of intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Direct acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Income Tax Benefit Expense Reconciliation Table Text Block Income tax benefit expense Reconciliation table. Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Purchase Commitments [Member] Purchase Commitments [Member] Purchase Commitments [Member] Operating Leases [Member] Operating Leases [Member] Operating Leases [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Remainder of 2017 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Balance On Sixth Anniversary Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Balance On Sixth Anniversary Thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Balance On Sixth Anniversary And Thereafter Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation balance on sixth anniversary and thereafter. Total Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities (Net) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Investments [Member] Investments [Member] Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance of net asset (liability) at January 1, 2017 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Gains included in net earnings (loss) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Abstract] Realized and unrealized (gains) losses, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Foreign currency translation adjustments, dividends and other, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Balance of net asset (liability) at March 31, 2017 Schedule of Fair Values of Derivative Instrument Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Realized and Unrealized Losses on Derivative Instruments Schedule Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses On Derivative Instruments Text Block Schedule Of Realized And Unrealized Gains Losses On Derivative Instruments. Schedule of Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivative Instruments Statement of Cash Flows Location Schedule Of Cash Received Paid Related To Derivative Instruments Statement Of Cash Flows Location Text Block Schedule Of Cash Received Paid Related To Derivative Instruments Statement Of Cash Flows Location. Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 1 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 1 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 1 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 2 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 2 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 2 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 3 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 3 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 3 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 4 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 4 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 4 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 5 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 5 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 5 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 6 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 6 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 6 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 7 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 7 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 7 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 8 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 8 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 8 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 9 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 9 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 9 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 10 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 10 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 10 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 11 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 11 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 11 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 12 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 12 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 12 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 13 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 13 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 13 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 14 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 14 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 14 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 15 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 15 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 15 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 16 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 16 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 16 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 17 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 17 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 17 [Member] Notional amount of derivative instruments without exchange of notional amounts at inception and maturity Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments without Exchange of Notional Amounts at Inception and Maturity Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments without Exchange of Notional Amounts at Inception and Maturity Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Schedule of Details of Net Earnings (Loss) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis] Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis] Name of Reporting Category [Domain] Name of Reporting Category [Domain] Video [Member] Video [Member] Video [Member] Broadband Internet [Member] Broadband Internet [Member] Broadband internet [Member] Telephony [Member] Telephony [Member] Telephony [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Mobile [Member] Mobile [Member] Mobile [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Mobile Interconnect [Member] Mobile Interconnect [Member] Mobile Interconnect [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] Total Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs [Member] Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs [Member] Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs [Member] PSUs / PGUs [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Obligations That May Be Settled in Cash or Shares [Member] Obligations That May Be Settled in Cash or Shares [Member] Obligations That May Be Settled in Cash or Shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Distribution Systems [Member] Distribution Systems [Member] Distribution Systems [Member] Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Performance-based incentive awards Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other share-based incentive awards Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Telenet share-based incentive awards Telenet Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Telenet Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other Other Stock Plan [Member] Other Stock Plan [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other operating expense Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] SG&A expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Information for Significant Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Investments, fair value Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Vodafone [Member] Vodafone [Member] Vodafone [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV Loan [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV Loan [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV Loan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Due from related party Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable interest Rate Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Receivable in year one Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year One Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year One Receivable in year two Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year Two Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year Two Receivable in year three Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year Three Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount, Receivable in Year Three Interest receivable Interest Receivable Percent of share-based compensation included in investment Percent of Share-based Compensation Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of Share-based Compensation Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of remaining results of operations included in investment Percent of Remaining Results of Operations Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of Remaining Results of Operations Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of interest income earned on loan included in investment Percent of Interest Income Earned on Loan Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of Interest Income Earned on Loan Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Co-venturer ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Distributions received from affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Value-added taxes (VAT) paid on behalf of the VodafoneZiggo JV Payments of Value-Added Taxes, Joint Venture Payments of Value-Added Taxes, Joint Venture Proceeds from financing arrangements Proceeds from Joint Venture Debt Financing Arrangements Proceeds from Joint Venture Debt Financing Arrangements Equalization payment related to the VodafoneZiggo JV Transaction Proceeds from Collection of Advance to Affiliate Continuing and required services term Equity Method Investment, Continuing and Required Services Term Equity Method Investment, Continuing and Required Services Term Transitional services term Equity Method Investment, Transitional Services Term Equity Method Investment, Transitional Services Term Other Assets, Related Parties, Current Other Assets, Related Parties, Current Other Assets, Related Parties, Current Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Other Regulatory Issues [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Programming costs Programming Costs Programming Costs Number of associations of municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Loss contingency damages in excess value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Reduction of annual lease fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Financial transactions tax Financial Transactions Tax Financial Transactions Tax Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Net cash paid for taxes Income Taxes Paid Interest expense Income Tax Examination, Interest Expense Unpaid VAT payment assessed Loss Contingency, Unpaid VAT Payment Assessed Loss Contingency, Unpaid VAT Payment Assessed Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Threshold percentage used to determine reportable segments using one of three criteria of revenue, operating cash flow or total assets Threshold Percentage Of Revenue Operating Cash Flows Or Total Assets Used To Identify Reportable Segments Threshold Percentage Of Revenue Operating Cash Flows Or Total Assets Used To Identify Reportable Segments. Number of European countries in operating segment (in countries) Number Of European Countries In Operating Segment Number Of European Countries In Operating Segment Performance measures, percentage of reportable segment revenue and operating cash flow presented Performance Measures Percentage Of Reportable Segment Revenue And Operating Cash Flow Presented Performance Measures Percentage Of Reportable Segment Revenue And Operating Cash Flow Presented Percentage of minority interest revenues and expenses included in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest Percentage Of Minority Interest Revenues And Expenses From Consolidated Statements Of Operations Included In Net Earnings Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Percentage Of Minority Interest Revenues And Expenses From Consolidated Statements Of Operations Included In Net Earnings Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net loss Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Pension-related adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment And Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment And Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Other comprehensive earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill beginning balance Acquisitions and related adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill ending balance Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Valuation adjustment in asset cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Asset Derivatives Net Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Asset Derivatives Net. Valuation adjustment in liability cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Liability Derivatives Net Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Liability Derivatives Net. Gain (loss) in changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Derivative assets Schedule of changes in share capital Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of share repurchases Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Noncash vendor financing arrangement, cash increase, excluding value added tax Noncash Vendor Financing Arrangement, Cash Increase, Excluding Value Added Tax Noncash Vendor Financing Arrangement, Cash Increase, Excluding Value Added Tax Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement Value Added Tax, Vendor Financing Arrangement Value Added Tax, Vendor Financing Arrangement Capital leases Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Basis Swap [Member] Basis Swap [Member] Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar Revenue and Operating Cash Flow by Segment Schedule Of Revenue and Operating Cash Flow Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Revenue, & OCF year over year comparison. Total Segment Operating Cash Flow to Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Cash Flow From Continuing Operations to Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Cash Flow From Continuing Operations to Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments [Table Text Block] Revenue by Major Category Schedule of Revenue by Major Category [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Category [Table Text Block] Geographic Segments Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Latin America and the Caribbean (CWC) [Member] Germany GERMANY Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee severance and termination costs [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Office closures [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Contract termination and other [Member] Contract Termination and Other [Member] Contract Termination and Other [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2017 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Cash paid Payments for Restructuring Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring liability as of March 31, 2017 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total Restructuring Liability Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net Foreign currency transaction gains, net Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, including impact of dividends Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Including Impact of Dividends Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Including Impact of Dividends Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net Deferred income tax benefits Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Investments in and loans to affiliates and others Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided (used) by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments and repurchases of debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares Value-added taxes (VAT) paid on behalf of the VodafoneZiggo JV Net cash paid related to derivative instruments Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Financing Activities Payment of financing costs and debt premiums Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Change in cash collateral Change in Cash Collateral Change in cash collateral. Net cash paid associated with call option contracts on Liberty Global ordinary shares Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided (used) by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value End of period Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Derivative instruments Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative instruments Debt Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure 2017 (remainder of year) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Six Years Contractually required rental payments on leases meeting the criteria for capitalization, due within the fifth year from the balance sheet date. Thereafter Capital Lease Future Minimum Payments Due After Year Six Contractually required rental payments on leases meeting the criteria for capitalization, due after the sixth year from the balance sheet date. Total principal and interest payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Amounts representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Noncurrent portion Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments (note 5) Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Receivable from the VodafoneZiggo JV (note 4) Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current Other current assets: Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Third-party Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments and related note receivables (including $2,229.2 million and $2,057.2 million, respectively, measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 4) Long-term Investments Property and equipment, net (note 7) Goodwill (note 7) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 7) Other assets, net (note 5) Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Deferred revenue and advance payments from subscribers and others Deferred Revenue, Current Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (note 8) Debt, Current Accrued capital expenditures Accrued Capital Expenditures, Current Accrued Capital Expenditures, Current Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Other accrued and current liabilities (notes 5 and 12) Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (note 8) Other long-term liabilities (notes 5, 9, and 12) Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (notes 3, 5, 8, 9, 14 and 16) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (note 10): Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Liberty Global shareholders: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total Liberty Global shareholders Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Total Adjusted OIBDA of our consolidated reportable segments Share-based compensation expense Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net Foreign currency transaction gains, net Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net Share of losses of affiliates, net Loss before income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock [Member] Total Liberty Global shareholders Parent [Member] Non-controlling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accounting change (note 2) Balance at January 1, 2017, as adjusted for accounting change Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance Net loss Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes Fair value adjustment related to the CWC Acquisition (note 3) Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Share-based compensation (note 11) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Geography Eliminations [Member] Geography Eliminations [Member] Belgium BELGIUM Switzerland SWITZERLAND Ireland IRELAND Poland POLAND Austria AUSTRIA [Member] AUSTRIA [Member] Hungary HUNGARY The Czech Republic CZECH REPUBLIC Romania ROMANIA Slovakia SLOVAKIA Other Other Europe [Member] Other Europe [Member] Panama PANAMA Jamaica JAMAICA Bahamas BAHAMAS Barbados BARBADOS Trinidad and Tobago TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Other Other Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Other Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Chile CHILE Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO