Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Summary of changes in restructuring liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [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] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Video Subscription [Member] Cable Video Subscription [Member] Cable Video Subscription [Member] Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Cable Fixed-line Telephony Subscription [Member] Cable Fixed-line Telephony Subscription [Member] Cable Fixed-line Telephony Subscription [Member] Cable Non-Subscription [Member] Cable Non-Subscription [Member] Cable Non-Subscription [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Mobile Subscription [Member] Mobile Subscription [Member] Mobile Subscription [Member] Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Mobile Residential [Member] Mobile Residential [Member] Mobile Residential [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business Subscription [Member] Business to Business Subscription [Member] Business to Business Subscription [Member] Business to Business Non-Subscription [Member] Business to Business Non-Subscription [Member] Business to Business Non-Subscription [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Subsequent Events [Abstract] Debt Instrument Redemption Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [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] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Sub-Sea Networks [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Latin America and the Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Outside of Latin America and Caribbean [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (C&W) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [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 Number of countries in which entity provides services Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of markets Number of Markets Number of Markets 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 Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] 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] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Long-lived Assets [Abstract] Long lived Assets [Abstract] Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Unitymedia [Member] Unitymedia [Member] Unitymedia [Member] Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Relating to Other Subsidiaries not otherwise identified. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 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 UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] C&W [Member] C&W [Member] C&W [Member] VTR [Member] VTR [Member] VTR [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] 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. Total debt maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Premiums, discounts and deferred financing costs, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Total debt Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Noncurrent portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Non-cash borrowings and repayments of debt Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Non-cash repayment of debt from proceeds held in escrow Non-Cash Repayment of Debt from Proceeds Held In Escrow Non-Cash Repayment of Debt from Proceeds Held In Escrow Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Investments [Abstract] 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] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] Multimedia [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] U.S. Carve-out Entities [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] SFR BeLux [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [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] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Borrowings to fund acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Weighted average useful life of intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Equity interest issued Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Special cash dividend Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Direct acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] 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 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] 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) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Revenue (notes 4 and 15) 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 Other operating (note 11) Other Cost and Expense, Operating Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (note 11) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (notes 3, 7 and 12) Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Operating costs and expenses, Total Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 5) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 4, 6 and 8) 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 8) Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt Share of losses of affiliates, net (note 4) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Non-operating income (expense), Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (note 9) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling 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 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 (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive 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 Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] 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] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Indemnification Agreement [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member] 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] 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] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Programming costs Programming Costs Programming Costs Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Number of associations of municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss contingency damages in excess value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual 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 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 Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] 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 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) Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Weighted average remaining life Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Equity [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Geographic Segments Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount 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] Minimum [Member] Minimum [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 Accrued interests settled in cash Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net 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 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 Co-venturer ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Dividends from affiliates and others Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Proceeds from financing arrangements Proceeds from Joint Venture Debt Financing Arrangements Proceeds from Joint Venture Debt Financing Arrangements Proceeds from equalization payment from affiliate Proceeds from Equalization Payment from Affiliate Proceeds from Equalization Payment from Affiliate 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 Distributions received from affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital 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 Related-party — VodafoneZiggo JV (note 4) Other Assets, Related Parties, Current Other Assets, Related Parties, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments (note 5) Derivative Asset, Current 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 $2,160.8 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) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill (note 7) Goodwill Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 7) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets, net (notes 5 and 7) 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) Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other long-term liabilities (notes 5, 9, and 12) Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (notes 3, 5, 8, 9 and 14) 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 earnings (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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Geography Eliminations [Member] Geography Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Belgium BELGIUM 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 Other Europe [Member] Other Europe [Member] The Netherlands NETHERLANDS Total European Operations Division 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 LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] Investments, fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 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 Unrecorded Purchase Obligation Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [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] Cross-Currency Swap 18 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 18 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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 interests (c) Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Total purchase price (d) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Details of Net Earnings (Loss) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Telenet Finance V [Member] Telenet Finance V [Member] Telenet Finance V [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [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] Telenet Facility AI Add-on [Member] Telenet Facility AI Add-on [Member] Telenet Facility AI Add-on [Member] Telenet Facility U [Member] Telenet Facility U [Member] Telenet Facility U [Member] 6.25% Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] 6.25% Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] 6.25% Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan [Member] Sumitomo Collar Loan [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Equity Contract [Member] 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 Securities borrowed Securities Borrowed UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPCB Finance VII [Member] UPCB Finance VII [Member] UPCB Finance VII [Member] UPC Facility AP [Member] UPC Facility AP [Member] UPC Facility AP [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPCB Finance VII Notes [Member] UPCB Finance VII Notes [Member] UPCB Finance VII Notes [Member] UPC Facility AO [Member] UPC Facility AO [Member] UPC Facility AO [Member] UPC Holding 3.875% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 3.875% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 3.875% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.375% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 6.375% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 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Forward] Goodwill beginning balance Acquisitions and related adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill impairment Goodwill ending balance Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Senior Notes Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [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 Maturities of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations Maturities 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. Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] 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 Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Current Long-term Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Total Current Derivative Liability, Current Long-term Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] 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 June 30, 2017 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] UPC Facility AR [Member] UPC Facility AR [Member] UPC Facility AR [Member] UPC Facility AS [Member] UPC Facility AS [Member] UPC Facility AS [Member] UPC Holding 5.50% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 5.50% Senior Notes [Member] UPC Holding 5.50% 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] UM Facility C [Member] UM Facility C [Member] UM Facility C [Member] UM Facility D [Member] UM Facility D [Member] UM Facility D [Member] EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] 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] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [Member] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [Member] Cable & Wireless Panama, SA [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] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Basis of Presentation [Table] Percentage ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Shares repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Total cost Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Earnings or Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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 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