Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Credit Facility O [Member] Telenet Credit Facility O [Member] Telenet Credit Facility O [Member] Telenet Credit Facility P [Member] Telenet Credit Facility P [Member] Telenet Credit Facility P [Member] Telenet Credit Facility U [Member] Telenet Credit Facility U [Member] Telenet Credit Facility U [Member] Telenet Credit Facility V [Member] Telenet Credit Facility V [Member] Telenet Credit Facility V [Member] Telenet Credit Facility W [Member] Telenet Credit Facility W [Member] Telenet Credit Facility W [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Y [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Y [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Y [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Z [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Z [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Z [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AA [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AA [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AA [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AB [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AB [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AB [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AD [Member] Telenet Facility AD [Member] Telenet Facility AD [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AE [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AE [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AE [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AF [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AF [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AF [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AG [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AG [Member] Telenet Credit Facility AG [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Elimination of Telenet Facilities U, V and AB in Consolidation [Member] Elimination of Telenet Facilities U, V and AB in Consolidation [Member] Elimination of Telenet Facilities U, V and AB in Consolidation [Member] 6.625 Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] 6.625 Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] 6.625 Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Stated interest rate of debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Facility amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Original issue amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Outstanding principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Unused borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Carrying value Long-term Line of Credit Fee on unused portion of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Debt issuance price Debt Instrument, Issuance Price Percentage Debt Instrument, Issuance Price Percentage Floor interest rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Write off of deferred financing costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Payment for debt redemption premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Amortization of debt discount (premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Chellomedia [Member] Chellomedia [Member] Chellomedia [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Assets: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Current restricted cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash, Current Current assets other than cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Intangible assets subject to amortization, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Other assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued and current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Earnings from discontinued operation attributable to Liberty Global shareholders, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deducting the amount which is allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Options [Member] Foreign Exchange Option [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] 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] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Belgium BELGIUM The Netherlands NETHERLANDS Germany GERMANY Switzerland SWITZERLAND Ireland IRELAND Poland POLAND Austria AUSTRIA [Member] AUSTRIA [Member] Hungary HUNGARY The Czech Republic CZECH REPUBLIC Romania ROMANIA Slovakia SLOVAKIA Other Europe Other Europe [Member] Other Europe [Member] Total European Division Europe [Member] U.S. and other U.S. and Other [Member] U.S. and Other [Member] Panama PANAMA CWC Networks [Member] CWC Networks [Member] CWC Networks [Member] Trinidad and Tobago TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Jamaica JAMAICA Bahamas BAHAMAS Barbados BARBADOS Other Latin America and the Caribbean Other Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Other Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Chile CHILE Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO 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] Geography Eliminations [Member] Geography Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] CWC [Member] CWC [Member] CWC [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Choice Acquisition [Member] Choice Acquisition [Member] Choice Acquisition [Member] Ziggo Acquisition [Member] Ziggo Acquisition [Member] Ziggo Acquisition [Member] Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Liberty Global Class A & C ordinary shares Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Business acquisition, cash consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Fair value of the pre-existing investment in Ziggo Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Cost of acquired entity Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Reduction of noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Additional paid-in capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Business Combination Impact Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Business Combination Impact Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property and equipment, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets subject to amortization Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Franchise rights Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Franchise Rights Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Franchise Rights Other assets, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Other accrued and current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Non-current deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Components of Loss from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Income Tax Expense Benefit Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Current And Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [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 The Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Netherlands [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Germany [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Belgium [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [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] Adjusted OIBDA Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Liberty Global Plc Parent Company [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating costs and expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Related-party fees and allocations Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Depreciation and amortization (note 9) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense — related-party Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income — related-party Interest Income, Related Party Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net (note 7) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Foreign currency transaction losses, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Non-operating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes And Equity In Losses Of Consolidated Subsidiaries Net Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes and equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net. Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Consolidated Subsidiaries, Net Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Consolidated Subsidiaries, Net Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount EURIBOR floor rate Derivative, Floor Interest Rate EURIBOR cap rate Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] VM Credit Facilities [Member] VM Credit Facilities [Member] VM Credit Facilities [Member] VM Credit Facility D [Member] VM Credit Facility D [Member] VM Credit Facility D [Member] VM Credit Facility E [Member] VM Credit Facility E [Member] VM Credit Facility E [Member] VM Credit Facility F [Member] VM Credit Facility F [Member] VM Credit Facility F [Member] VM Credit Facility I [Member] VM Credit Facility I [Member] VM Credit Facility I [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] VM Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] VM Senior Secured Facilities [Member] VM Financing Facility [Member] VM Financing Facility [Member] VM Financing Facility [Member] VM Receivables Financing Notes [Member] VM Receivables Financing Notes [Member] VM Receivables Financing Notes [Member] April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) Write-off of Unamortized Debt Discount (Premium) Write-off of Unamortized Debt Discount (Premium) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable, or Level 3, Inputs Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands [Member] Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) [Member] Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) [Member] Chilean Tax Authority [Member] Service of Internal Taxes, Chile [Member] Service of Internal Taxes, Chile [Member] General Revenue Department, Panama [Member] General Revenue Department, Panama [Member] General Revenue Department, Panama [Member] Administration of the Treasury, Belgium [Member] Administration of the Treasury, Belgium [Member] Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member] Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member] Other Income Tax Authority [Member] Other Income Tax Authority [Member] Other Income Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value, Assets 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 Investments [Member] Derivative instruments Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Equity-related derivative instruments Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [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 assets at January 1, 2016 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Gains included in net earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Dispositions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Balance of net assets at December 31, 2016 Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets - derivative instruments Derivative Asset Investments measured at fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities - derivative instruments Derivative Liability Debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Initial ITV Investment [Member] Initial ITV Investment [Member] Initial ITV Investment [Member] Ziggo Collar [Member] Ziggo Collar [Member] Ziggo Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] Additional ITV Investment [Member] Additional ITV Investment [Member] Additional ITV Investment [Member] ITV Collar Loan Modifications [Member] ITV Collar Loan Modifications [Member] ITV Collar Loan Modifications [Member] Sumitomo Collar [Member] Sumitomo Collar [Member] Relating to the Sumitomo Collar Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan and Collar [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan and Collar [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan and Collar [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Virgin Media Capped Call [Member] Virgin Media Capped Call [Member] Virgin Media Capped Call [Member] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Put Options Purchased [Member] Put Option [Member] Fair value derivative assets, counterparty credit risk exposure Fair Value Derivative Assets, Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure Fair Value Derivative Assets, Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure Number of options Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares Discount rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Implied yield Implied Yield Implied Yield Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Shares needed to borrow from custody account to hedge exposure Shares Needed to Borrow from Custody Account to Hedge Exposure Shares Needed to Borrow from Custody Account to Hedge Exposure Percent of shares held that are hedged Derivative, Shares Held, Percent Hedged Derivative, Shares Held, Percent Hedged Number of equal semi-annual installments Derivative Maturity Number Of Equal Semi Annual Installment Maturity Dates Derivative Maturity Number Of Equal Semi Annual Installment Maturity Dates. Sumitomo Collar fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Percentage of notional amount settled Derivative, Percentage of Notional Amount Settled Derivative, Percentage of Notional Amount Settled Proceeds from settlement of derivative instrument Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Dutch JV [Member] Dutch Joint Venture [Member] Dutch Joint Venture [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Vodafone [Member] Vodafone [Member] Vodafone [Member] Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Proceeds from various debt financing arrangements Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Co-venturer ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Proceeds from divestiture of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Gain on Dutch JV Transaction (note 5) Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Cumulative foreign currency translation loss Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Earnings (loss) before income taxes attributable to the Dutch JV Entities Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax Pre-tax gain on sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Gain on disposal of discontinued operation, net of taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Accounting Policies [Abstract] Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassifications [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Receivables Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for recognizing and measuring the impairment of long-lived assets, which includes intangible assets. Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Litigation Costs Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings or Loss per Ordinary Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Pension related adjustments, pre-tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive earnings (loss), pre- tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global stockholders, pre-tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Pension related adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other comprehensive earnings (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global stockholders, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Pension related adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined 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Change in cash collateral Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operation Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – continuing operations Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Discontinued operation Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations 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 year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations End of year Cash paid for interest – continuing operations Interest Paid, Continuing Operations Interest Paid, Continuing Operations Net cash paid for taxes: Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract] Continuing operations Income Taxes Paid, Continuing Operations Income Taxes Paid, Continuing Operations Discontinued operation Income Taxes Paid, Discontinued Operations Income Taxes Paid, Discontinued Operations Total Income Taxes Paid, Net SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] UPC Polska SP Z.o.o [Member] UPC Polska SP Z.o.o [Member] UPC Polska SP Z.o.o [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Trademarks [Member] Trademarks [Member] Share price (in dollar/euro per share) Share Price Special dividend issuable at closing (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Issuable at Closing Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Issuable at Closing Direct acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Inter-group interest distributed Business Acquisition, Inter-Group Interest Distributed Business Acquisition, Inter-Group Interest Distributed UM Senior Secured Facility [Member] UM Senior Secured Facility [Member] UM Senior Secured Facility [Member] UM Super Senior Secured Facility [Member] UM Super Senior Secured Facility [Member] UM Super Senior Secured Facility [Member] Schedule of defined benefit plans Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations Share-based compensation expense Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Interest expense Interest Expense Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 6, 8 and 10) Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses) Due To Changes In Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, 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 (note 10) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (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] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Net earnings (loss) Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (notes 5 and 16) Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Impact of acquisitions Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Shares issued in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition (note 4) Stock 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stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Unrecorded Purchase Obligation Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. 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, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Computed “expected” tax benefit Effective 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Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount [Abstract] Benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, 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 Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-Deductible or Non-Taxable Foreign Currency Exchange Results, Amount Tax effect of intercompany financing Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Effect of Intercompany Financing Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Effect of Intercompany Financing Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other expenses: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, 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Debt Deferred Tax Assets Debt Deferred tax assets debt. Intangible assets Deferred Tax Assets, Intangible Assets The cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of intangible assets and the basis of intangible assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, whether due to amortization or other reasons, will decrease future taxable income when such difference reverses. Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Other future deductible amounts Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Property and equipment, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Investments (including consolidated partnerships) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Other future taxable amounts Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Virgin Media Secured Finance [Member] 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(note 18) Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below): Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Programming and other direct costs of services Cost of Services Programming and other direct costs of services Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (notes 13 and 17) Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (notes 4, 9, 14 and 15) Operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax benefit (expense) (note 11) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Discontinued operation (note 5): Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Earnings from discontinued operation, net of taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Discontinued operation Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) 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Reconciliation of total segment operating cash flow from continuing operations to 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] Balance sheet data of reportable segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 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] Revenue by geographic segments Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Long-lived assets by geographic segments Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Euro Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Euro Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% Euro Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% CHF Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% CHF Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.75% CHF Senior Notes [Member] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Borrowings Levels Schedule of Borrowings Levels [Table Text Block] Schedule of Borrowings Levels [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the combined aggregate amount of due dates for all capital lease obligations for each of the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet date presented. 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Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PGUs PGUs [Member] PGUs [Member] Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, options (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total intrinsic value of awards exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Cash received from exercise of options Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Line Items] [Line Items] for Income Taxes [Table] Current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current Current Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Other Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Other Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Discontinued operations 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 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 Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter 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 Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Sub-Sea and Terrestrial Networks [Member] Sub-Sea and Terrestrial Networks [Member] Sub-Sea and Terrestrial Networks [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 (more than 10%) 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 countries in which entity provides services 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] Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 16): 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 Reclassification adjustments included in net earnings (loss) (note 5) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, 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 Comprehensive earnings (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net Related-party fees and allocations Related Party Costs Other operating expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Deferred income tax benefit Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Distribution and repayments from consolidated subsidiaries, net Distributions And Advances From Contributions To Subsidiaries And Affiliates Net Distributions and advances from contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates net. Borrowings of related-party debt Proceeds from Related Party Debt Repayments of related-party debt Repayments of Related Party Debt Proceeds (payments) associated with call option contracts, net Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Proceeds from issuance of Liberty Global shares upon exercise of options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds received from subsidiaries in connection with the issuance of Liberty Global ordinary shares Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other share-based incentive awards [Member] Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Telenet Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Telenet Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Telenet Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other [Member] Other Stock Plan [Member] Other Stock Plan [Member] Other Operating Expense [Member] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Allocated share-based compensation expense Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Assets: Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Current Long-term Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Total Liability: Derivative Liability [Abstract] Current Derivative Liability, Current Long-term Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total 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) on change in credit risk valuation included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Net carrying amount Number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Performance adjustment (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment Impact of the LiLAC Distribution (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Impact of Special Dividend Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Impact of Special Dividend Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Released from restrictions (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released from Restrictions in Period The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were released from restrictions during the reporting period. Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Weighted average grant-date fair value per share Weighted average grant date fair value per share [Abstract] Weighted average grant-date fair value per share Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per shares) Performance adjustment (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Impact of the LiLAC Distribution (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Impact of Special Dividend, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Impact of Special Dividend, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released From Restrictions in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were released from restrictions during the period. Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accounting Policies [Table] Current and long-term restricted cash Restricted Cash and Investments Aggregate allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Interest expense on Virgin Media’s 6.50% convertible senior notes Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Net earnings attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares (diluted EPS computation) (in millions) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options, SARs and PSARs and the release of share units upon vesting (treasury stock method) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Virgin Media’s 6.50% convertible senior notes Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Total 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 capital expenditures Payments for Capital Improvements UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 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 Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total debt maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Total debt Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Total carrying amount of debt Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Noncurrent portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Line Items] [Line Items] for Document and Entity Information [Table] 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 (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float UPCB SPE Notes [Member] UPCB SPE Notes [Member] UPCB SPE Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Long lived Assets Long Lived Assets [Abstract] 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] Estimated useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [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] Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Special Dividend Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Cost of acquired entity Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Ziggo Ziggo [Member] Ziggo [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Internal-Use Software Assets [Member] Internal-Use Software Assets [Member] Internal-Use Software Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Franchise Rights and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Franchise Rights and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Franchise Rights and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Depreciation expense Depreciation, Nonproduction Property and equipment, net Non-cash increases related to vendor financing arrangements 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 Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Accumulated goodwill impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)