Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] Liberty Global Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] LiLAC Group [Member] Old Liberty Global [Member] Old Liberty Global [Member] Old Liberty Global [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] CWC, Choice, and Telenet Group Acquisitions [Member] CWC, Choice, and BASE Acquisitions [Member] CWC, Choice, and BASE Acquisitions [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Revenue: Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Vivendi Litigation [Member] Vivendi Litigation [Member] Vivendi Litigation [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Financial Transactions Tax [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Hungary VAT Matter [Member] Mobistar MVNO Agreement [Member] Mobistar MVNO Agreement [Member] Mobistar MVNO Agreement [Member] Other Regulatory Issues [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Liberty Puerto Rico Matter [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico Matter [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico Matter [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Liberty Media [Member] Liberty Media [Member] Liberty Media [Member] 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] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Programming costs Programming Costs Programming Costs Number of associations of municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Loss contingency damages in excess value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Proceeds from legal settlements Proceeds from Legal Settlements Reduction of annual lease fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Basic TV Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Retail-Minus Tariffs for Bundle of Basic TV and Broadband Internet Services Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Amended Retail-Minus Tariffs Term Financial transactions tax Financial Transactions Tax Financial Transactions Tax Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Net cash paid for taxes Income Taxes Paid Interest expense Income Tax Examination, Interest Expense Unpaid VAT payment assessed Loss Contingency, Unpaid VAT Payment Assessed Loss Contingency, Unpaid VAT Payment Assessed Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Loss contingency provision reversal Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Commitment term Commitment Term Commitment Term Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Servicio de Impuestos Internos [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] [Line Items] for Income Taxes [Table] Income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would have a favorable impact Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Percent of claim agreed by tax authority in Chile Percent of Claim Agreed by Tax Authority Percent of Claim Agreed by Tax Authority Reductions to unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Dutch JV Entities [Member] Dutch JV Entities [Member] Dutch JV Entities [Member] 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 C [Member] Common Class C [Member] CWC [Member] CWC [Member] CWC [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [Member] BASE [Member] Choice Acquisition [Member] Choice Acquisition [Member] Choice Acquisition [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] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Mobile Spectrum [Member] Trademarks [Member] Trademarks [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC) [Member] Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Viking Co NV [Member] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Searchlight [Member] Searchlight [Member] Searchlight [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Vodafone Joint Venture [Member] Vodafone Joint Venture [Member] Vodafone Joint Venture [Member] Dutch Joint Venture [Member] Dutch Joint Venture [Member] Dutch Joint Venture [Member] Ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest by co-venturer Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equalization payment expected Equity Method Investment, Equalization Payments Expected from Co-Investee Equity Method Investment, Equalization Payments Expected from Co-Investee Net loss from assets held for sale included on statement of operations Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, before Income Tax Equity interest (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Special dividend issuable at closing (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Issuable at Closing Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Issuable at Closing Equity consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Special dividend Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Business Acquisition, Special Dividend Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Share price (in dollars per share) Share Price Weighted average useful life of intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Direct acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Inter-group interest distributed (in shares) Business Acquisition, Inter-Group Interest Distributed Business Acquisition, Inter-Group Interest Distributed Liabilities incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Ownership percentage by parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Expected consideration transfered Business Combination, Expected Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Expected Consideration Transferred Revenues Revenues Net earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Telenet Finance [Member] Telenet Finance [Member] Telenet Finance [Member] Telenet International [Member] Telenet International [Member] Telenet International [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Medium-term Notes [Member] Medium-term Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 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 W [Member] Telenet Facility W [Member] Telenet Facility W [Member] Telenet Facility Y [Member] Telenet Facility Y [Member] Telenet Facility Y [Member] Telenet Facility AA [Member] Telenet Facility AA [Member] Telenet Facility AA [Member] Telenet Facility AD [Member] Telenet Facility AD [Member] Telenet Facility AD [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Multimedia Polska S.A. [Member] Multimedia Polska S.A. [Member] Multimedia Polska S.A. [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Principal amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Floor rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] UPC Broadband Holding [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPC Facility AN [Member] UPC Facility AH [Member] UPC Facility AH [Member] UPC Facility AH [Member] UPC Facility AC [Member] UPC Facility AC [Member] UPC Facility AC [Member] UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Issued at par percentage Debt Instrument, Issued at Par Percentage Debt Instrument, Issued at Par Percentage Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Redemption price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Loss on debt modification and extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Payments for debt redemption premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Write-off of deferred financing costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) Write-off of Unamortized Debt Discount (Premium) Write-off of Unamortized Debt Discount (Premium) Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Long lived Assets Long Lived Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] European Operations Division 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] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Total European Operations Division [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other [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] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Division [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill beginning balance Goodwill Acquisitions and related adjustments Goodwill, Acquired During Period Reclassification to assets held for sale Goodwill, Reclassified to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassified to Assets Held for Sale Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill ending balance Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] 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 Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PSUs / PGUs [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period 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 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. Impact of 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 Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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 Forfeited (in dollars per shares) 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. Impact of 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 Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years Weighted average remaining term [Abstract] Weighted average remaining term 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 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] Programming Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity 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 2016 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2018 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years 2021 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 Schedule of PP&E Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets and Liabilities of Assets Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] 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] 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 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 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 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 interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Non-current deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive 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] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Impact of the CWC Acquisition (note 3) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 9) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Share-based compensation (note 10) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Liberty Global call option contracts Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Call Option Contracts Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Call Option Contracts Impact of the LiLAC Distribution (note 3) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending balance Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Summary of changes in restructuring liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] 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] 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] 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] Mobile Interconnect [Member] Mobile Interconnect [Member] Mobile Interconnect [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] Threshold percentage used to determine reportable segments using one of three criteria of revenue, operating cash flow or total assets Threshold Percentage Of Revenue Operating Cash Flows Or Total Assets Used To Identify Reportable Segments Threshold Percentage Of Revenue Operating Cash Flows Or Total Assets Used To Identify Reportable Segments. Number of European countries in operating segment (in countries) Number Of European Countries In Operating Segment Number Of European Countries In Operating Segment Performance measures, percentage of reportable segment revenue and operating cash flow presented Performance Measures Percentage Of Reportable Segment Revenue And Operating Cash Flow Presented Performance Measures Percentage Of Reportable Segment Revenue And Operating Cash Flow Presented Percentage of minority interest revenues and expenses included in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest Percentage Of Minority Interest Revenues And Expenses From Consolidated Statements Of Operations Included In Net Earnings Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Percentage Of Minority Interest Revenues And Expenses From Consolidated Statements Of Operations Included In Net Earnings Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Number of countries in which entity provides services Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of markets Number of Markets Number of Markets Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] 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 Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Unitymedia [Member] Unitymedia [Member] Unitymedia [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Relating to Other Subsidiaries not otherwise identified. 2016 (remainder of year) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2021 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 Acquisition and Joint Venture Transactions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of stock-based compensation Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of stock compensation not recognized Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule of valuation assumptions Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of other share based compensation activity Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate 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] Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings or Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Change in valuation allowances: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Valuation Allowance, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Valuation Allowance, Amount [Abstract] Decrease Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Increase Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, 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] Increase 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 Decrease 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 Enacted tax law and rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, 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, Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount [Abstract] Decrease Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Increase Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Non-deductible or Non-Taxable Interest and Other Expenses, Amount Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount [Abstract] Decrease Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Increase Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Basis and Other Differences in the Treatment of Items Associated with Investments in Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Amount International rate differences: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, International Rate Differences, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, International Rate Differences, Amount [Abstract] Increase Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Decrease Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Decrease in Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Total income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Restructuring Liability Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Geography Eliminations [Member] Geography Eliminations [Member] The Netherlands NETHERLANDS 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] 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 Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] CWC Notes [Member] CWC Notes [Member] CWC Notes [Member] Columbus and Sable Senior Notes [Member] Columbus and Sable Senior Notes [Member] Columbus and Sable Senior Notes [Member] Columbus Senior Notes [Member] Columbus Senior Notes [Member] Columbus Senior Notes [Member] Sable Senior Notes [Member] Sable Senior Notes [Member] Sable Senior Notes [Member] CWC Senior Notes [Member] CWC Senior Notes [Member] CWC Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] 2018 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] 2019 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] 2020 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] 2021 and thereafter Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Principal amount of debt Estimated fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying value Long-term Debt Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium Additional Basis Points on Discount Rate Used to Calculate Redemption Premium on Debt Instrument Additional basis points on discount rate used to calculate redemption premium on debt instrument. Redemption minimum percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption, Minimum Redemption of Principal Debt Instrument, Redemption, Minimum Redemption of Principal Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Income Tax Benefit Expense Reconciliation Table Text Block Income tax benefit expense Reconciliation table. 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 Value, Assets and Liabilities (Net) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Investments Investments [Member] Equity-related derivative instruments Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance of net assets at January 1, 2016 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Liability Net Value This element represents assets and liabilities, net, measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Gains included in net earnings (loss) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Abstract] Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Derivative Instrument Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Derivative Instrument Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Partial settlement of Sumitomo Collar Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Partial Settlement Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Partial Settlement Dispositions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Dispositions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Dispositions Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Additions Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Liability Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Liability Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Reclassification of liability to held for sale Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Reclassification of Liability to Held for Sale Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset and Liability, Reclassification of Liability to Held for Sale Balance of net assets at September 30, 2016 Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Assets: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] 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 Long-term restricted cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Other assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent 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 Other accrued and current liabilities 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, Noncurrent Unitymedia Notes [Member] Unitymedia Notes [Member] Unitymedia Notes [Member] 5.5% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 5.5% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 5.5% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 5.125% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 5.125% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 5.125% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 4.625% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 4.625% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] 4.625% Unitymedia Senior Secured Notes [Member] UM Senior Secured Notes Redeemed [Member] UM Senior Secured Notes Redeemed [Member] UM Senior Secured Notes Redeemed [Member] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Average price paid per share pursuant to repurchase programs (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount December 2017 0.4 EUR 6.50 Percent [Member] December 2017 0.4 EUR 6.50 Percent [Member] December 2017 0.4 EUR 6.50 Percent [Member] December 2017 0.4 EUR 5.50 Percent [Member] December 2017 0.4 EUR 5.50 Percent [Member] December 2017 0.4 EUR 5.50 Percent [Member] October 2016 - January 2022 258.8 USD [Member] October 2016 - January 2022 258.8 USD [Member] October 2016 - January 2022 258.8 USD [Member] January 2019 - July 2023 177.5 USD [Member] January 2019 - July 2023 177.5 USD [Member] January 2019 - July 2023 177.5 USD [Member] Interest Rate Cap Sold [Member] Interest Rate Cap Sold [Member] Interest Rate Cap Sold [Member] LGE Financing [Member] LGE Financing [Member] LGE Financing [Member] Telenet NV [Member] Telenet NV [Member] Telenet NV [Member] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Maximum rate Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Refinancing transactions, aggregate borrowings and repayments of debt Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Ziggo Bond Finance, Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Bond Finance, Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Bond Finance, Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Secured Partnership [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Secured Finance and Ziggo Bond Finance [Member] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Ziggo Group Holding [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Ziggo Facility C [Member] Ziggo Facility C [Member] Ziggo Facility C [Member] Ziggo Facility D [Member] Ziggo Facility D [Member] Ziggo Facility D [Member] Credit Facility Maturing March 31, 2021 [Member] Credit Facility Maturing March 31, 2021 [Member] Credit Facility Maturing March 31, 2021 [Member] Credit Facility Maturing January 15, 2022 [Member] Credit Facility Maturing January 15, 2022 [Member] Credit Facility Maturing January 15, 2022 [Member] Ziggo Dollar Facility [Member] Ziggo Dollar Facility [Member] Ziggo Dollar Facility [Member] Ziggo 2027 Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] Ziggo Dollar Senior Secured Proceeds Loans [Member] Ziggo Dollar Senior Secured Proceeds Loans [Member] Ziggo Dollar Senior Secured Proceeds Loans [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Secured Notes and the Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Secured Notes and the Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] Ziggo 2027 Senior Secured Notes and the Ziggo 2027 Senior Notes [Member] 2022 2023 2024 2025 and thereafter EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] Ownership percentage of special purpose financing entity Ownership Percentage of Special Purpose Financing Entity Ownership Percentage of Special Purpose Financing Entity Escrowed proceeds from debt Escrowed Proceeds From Debt Escrowed Proceeds From Debt Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Performance Stock Appreciation Rights (PSARs) [Member] Performance Stock Appreciation Rights (PSARs) [Member] Performance Stock Appreciation Rights (PSARs) [Member] Number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options cancelled/forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Impact of Distribution (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Impact of Distribution Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Impact of Distribution Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options granted (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options cancelled/forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercised (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Impact of Distribution (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Impact of Distribution, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Impact of Distribution, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Total intrinsic value of awards exercised (in millions): Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value Options outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Virgin Media Secured Finance [Member] Virgin Media Secured Finance [Member] Virgin Media Secured Finance [Member] August 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] August 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] August 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2021 2022 2023 2024 and thereafter Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Video [Member] Video [Member] Video [Member] Broadband Internet [Member] Broadband Internet [Member] Broadband internet [Member] Telephony [Member] Telephony [Member] Telephony [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Mobile [Member] Mobile [Member] Mobile [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Total Subscription [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Total Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] U.K. / Ireland [Member] U.K. / Ireland [Member] U.K. / Ireland [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee severance and termination [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, 2016 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges (credits) Restructuring Charges Cash paid Payments for Restructuring Reclassification to held for sale Restructuring Reserve, Reclassification to Held-for-Sale Restructuring Reserve, Reclassification to Held-for-Sale CWC and BASE liabilities at acquisition date Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring liability as of September 30, 2016 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total CWC Credit Facilities [Member] CWC Credit Facilities [Member] CWC Credit Facilities [Member] CWC Term Loans [Member] CWC Term Loans [Member] CWC Term Loans [Member] CWC Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CWC Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CWC Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CWC Regional Facilities [Member] CWC Regional Facilities [Member] CWC Regional Facilities [Member] Facility amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Unused borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount 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 Gain on debt modification and extinguishment Schedule of Details of Net Earnings (Loss) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Minimum rate Derivative, Floor Interest Rate Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] VM Convertible Senior Notes [Member] VM Convertible Senior Notes [Member] VM Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Sumitomo Share Loan [Member] Valuation adjustment in asset cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Asset Derivatives Net Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Asset Derivatives Net. Valuation adjustment in liability cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Liability Derivatives Net Valuation Adjustment On Credit Risk Liability Derivatives Net. Gain (loss) in changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Gain Loss On Credit Risk Derivatives Net Recognized In Earnings Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Derivative assets Derivative Asset Securities borrowed Securities Borrowed for which No Value is Paid or Credited Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Adjusted OIBDA Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 5 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 5 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 5 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 6 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 6 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 6 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 7 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 7 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 7 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 8 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 8 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 8 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 9 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 9 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 9 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 10 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 10 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 10 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 11 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 11 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 11 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 12 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 12 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 12 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 13 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 13 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 13 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 14 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 14 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 14 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 16 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 16 [Member] Interest Rate Swap 16 [Member] Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] Unitymedia Hessen [Member] Unitymedia Hessen [Member] Unitymedia Hessen [Member] Sable [Member] Sable [Member] Sable [Member] 6 mo. LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. GBP LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. GBP LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. GBP LIBOR [Member] 1 mo. LIBOR [Member] 1 mo. LIBOR [Member] 1 mo. LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. CHF LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. CHF LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. CHF LIBOR [Member] 6 mo. EURIBOR [Member] 6 mo. EURIBOR [Member] 6 mo. EURIBOR [Member] Swap interest rate Derivative, Swaption Interest Rate Basis spread on derivative variable rate Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Equity-related derivative instruments Equity Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other 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] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets: Derivative Asset [Abstract] Derivative instruments Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Derivative Liability [Abstract] Derivative instruments Derivative Liability Debt fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Non-Performance Based Awards [Member] Non-Performance Based Awards [Member] Non-Performance Based Awards [Member] Total compensation expense not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average period remaining for expense recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Total segment Adjusted OIBDA Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net 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 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 Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt Other income (expense), net (note 13) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings (loss) before income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue (note 14) Operating costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating (other than depreciation and amortization) (including share-based compensation) (note 10) Other Cost and Expense, Operating Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (including share-based compensation) (note 10) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (notes 3 and 11) Operating costs and expenses, Total Costs and Expenses Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 4) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (note 5) Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net (note 7) Non-operating income (expense), Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings (loss) before 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Schedule of changes in share capital Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation expense Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest accretion Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, including impact of dividends Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Including Impact of Dividends Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Including Impact of Dividends Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Sale of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Investments in and loans to affiliates and others Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments and repurchases of debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payment of financing costs and debt premiums Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Change in cash collateral Change in Cash Collateral Change in cash collateral. Net cash paid related to derivative instruments Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Financing Activities Net cash received (paid) associated with call option contracts on Liberty Global ordinary shares Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Net Cash Proceeds (Payments) associated with call Option Contracts Purchase of additional shares of subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value End of period Cash paid for interest Interest Paid UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] 2016 (remainder of year) Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2021 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. 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Total Segment Operating Cash Flow to Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Cash Flow From Continuing Operations to Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Cash Flow From Continuing Operations to Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reporting Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments [Table Text Block] Revenue by Major Category Schedule of Revenue by Major Category [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Category [Table Text Block] Geographic Segments Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values 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[Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Cable & Wireless (Barbados) Limited [Member] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Basis of Presentation [Table] Percentage ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments (note 4) Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments (including $1,936.1 million and $2,591.8 million, respectively, measured at fair value) Long-term Investments Property and equipment, net (note 6) Goodwill (note 6) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 6) Assets held for sale (note 3) Other assets, net (note 4) Other Assets, 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