Equity [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Accounting standards update Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Stockholders equity cumulative effect adjustment Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable, or Level 3, Inputs Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Performance Measures of our Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Property and Equipment Additions of our 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] 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 Operating Segments [Member] Central and Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] U.K./Ireland U.K. / Ireland [Member] U.K. / Ireland [Member] Belgium BELGIUM Switzerland SWITZERLAND Central and Eastern Europe Central and Eastern Europe [Member] Central and Eastern Europe [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total consolidated property and equipment additions Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements Assets Acquired Under Capital-Related Vendor Financing Arrangements Assets Acquired Under Capital-Related Vendor Financing Arrangements Assets acquired under finance leases Lease Obligation 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 Third-party payments Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets Proceeds received for transfers to related parties Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Total capital expenditures, net Payments for Capital Improvements Property and equipment additions - VodafoneZiggo JV Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Payment to Acquire Property, Plant and Equipment Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Payment to Acquire Property, Plant and Equipment Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Central and Corporate Central and Corporate [Member] Central and Corporate [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee severance and termination Employee Severance [Member] Office closures Facility Closing [Member] Contract termination Other Restructuring [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] 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, 2020 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Cash paid Payments for Restructuring Reclassification to held for sale Financing Receivable, Reclassification to Held-for-sale Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring liability as of September 30, 2020 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Equity-related derivative instruments: Equity Contract [Member] ITV Collar ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] Lionsgate Forward Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Other Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Foreign currency forward and option contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Other Contract [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Leases [Abstract] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Details of end of period cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash included in assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash included in other current assets and other assets, net Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share 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] Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Third-Party Purchaser Third-Party Purchaser [Member] Third-Party Purchaser [Member] All3Media All3Media [Member] All3Media [Member] Formula E Holdings Ltd (Formula E) Formula E [Member] Formula E [Member] Other Other Unnamed Investment [Member] Other Unnamed Investment [Member] ITV ITV - Subject to Re-Use Rights [Member] ITV - Subject to Re-Use Rights [Member] ITI Neovision S.A. (ITI Neovision) ITI Neovision [Member] ITI Neovision [Member] Lionsgate Lionsgate [Member] Lionsgate [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Equity Equity Method Investments Short-term, separately-managed accounts (SMAs) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Long-term, SMAs Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Noncurrent Long-term investments at fair value Equity Securities, FV-NI and without Readily Determinable Fair Value Total investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total investments Investments Short-term investments Short-term Investments Long-term investments Long-term Investments Noncontrolling interest Other Noncontrolling Interests Long-lived Assets [Abstract] Long lived Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] January 1, 2020 Goodwill Acquisitions and 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cash outflows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Total cash outflows from operating and finance leases Operating and Finance Lease, Payments Operating and Finance Lease, Payments Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] UPC Holding UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] Telenet Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Increase 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) Noncash vendor financing arrangement, cash increase, excluding value added tax Property Plant And Equipment, Additions, Vendor Financing Arrangement Property Plant And Equipment, Additions, Vendor Financing Arrangement Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement Value Added Tax, Vendor Financing Arrangement Value Added Tax, Vendor Financing Arrangement Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Distribution systems Distribution Systems [Member] Distribution Systems [Member] Customer premises equipment Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Support equipment, buildings and land Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] Property and equipment gross Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 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] Stock Options, SARs, and RSUs Stock Options, SARs, and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, RSUs and RSAs Stock Options, SARs, RSAs and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, RSAs and RSUs [Member] PSARs and PSUs PSARs and PSUs [Member] PSARs and PSUs [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 (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement [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] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Held by Liberty Global employees: Employees [Member] Employees [Member] Held by former Liberty Global employees (a): Former Employees [Member] Former Employees [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Options and SARs Options and Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Options and Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PSUs Performance Shares [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Class A [Member] Class B Common Class B [Member] Class C Common Class C [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options outstanding, weighted average exercise or base price (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price or base price (in dollars per shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Other than options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Vodafone Disposal Group Vodafone Disposal Group [Member] Vodafone Disposal Group [Member] UPC DTH UPC DTH [Member] UPC DTH [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] 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Investments Losses on debt extinguishment, net Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Realized and unrealized losses (gains) 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 Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net Interest expense Interest Expense Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Adjusted EBITDA Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. 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Denominator [Abstract] Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method) (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (diluted EPS computation) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to 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affiliates and others Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations 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] Cash paid for investments Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Cash received from sale of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Capital expenditures, net Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Cash released from (used to fund) the Vodafone Escrow Accounts, net Funding of Escrow Accounts, Net Funding of Escrow Accounts, Net Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net 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Stated Percentage Percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Outstanding debt Long-term Debt Redemption price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Due from Counterparty Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Other Other [Member] Other [Member] Basis Swaps Basis Swap [Member] Interest Rate Collar Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Floor Interest Rate Floor [Member] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Weighted average remaining life Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Number of derivative instruments Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Voting shares (in shares) Equity Securities, FV-NI, Voting Shares Equity Securities, FV-NI, Voting Shares Nonvoting shares (in shares) Equity Securities, FV-NI, Nonvoting Shares Equity Securities, FV-NI, Nonvoting Shares Due to Counterparty Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 1 Cross-Currency Swap 1 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 1 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 2 Cross-Currency Swap 2 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 2 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 3 Cross-Currency Swap 3 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 3 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 4 Cross-Currency Swap 4 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 4 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 5 Cross-Currency Swap 5 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 5 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 6 Cross-Currency Swap 6 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 6 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 7 Cross-Currency Swap 7 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 7 [Member] Derivative instruments that do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity Notional Amount Of Derivative Instruments Without Exchange Of Notional Amounts At Inception And Maturity Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments without Exchange of Notional Amounts at Inception and Maturity 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] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Investments Investments [Member] Cross-currency, interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts [Member] Equity-related derivative instruments Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Equity-Related Derivative Instruments [Member] Fair Value, Assets 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 (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance of net assets (liabilities) at January 1, 2020 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Gains included in loss from continuing operations 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, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, 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, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Partial settlement Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Reclassification of liability to held for sale Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Balance of net assets (liabilities) at September 30, 2020 Balance of net assets (liabilities) at September 30, 2020 Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Enacted tax law and rate changes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Change in valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Currency Translation, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Currency Translation, Amount Tax benefit associated with technology innovation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Technology Innovation, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Technology Innovation, Amount Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates 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 Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount International rate differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Total income tax benefit Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue (notes 3, 4, 5 and 17) Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax 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 Goods and Services Sold Other operating (note 13) Other Cost and Expense, Operating Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (note 13) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (note 14) Operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 6) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net Realized and unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 5, 7 and 9) Losses on debt extinguishment, net (note 9) Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) Other income, net Non-operating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (note 11) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Discontinued operations (note 4): Net earnings (loss) Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic and diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 15) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees [Member] Other, including intersegment eliminations Geography Eliminations [Member] U.K. Ireland IRELAND Poland POLAND Slovakia SLOVAKIA Revenue Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] Other Other Subsidiaries [Member] Relating to Other Subsidiaries not otherwise identified. Vendor financing Vendor Financing [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] ITV Collar Loan ITV Collar Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] 2020 (remainder of year) Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One 2022 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two 2023 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three 2024 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four 2025 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five Thereafter Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five Total debt maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total debt Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Total vendor financing maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Noncurrent portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Other investments Long-term Investments, Fair Value Long-term Investments, Fair Value Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] UPC Holding Telenet Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Performance-based incentive awards Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Non-performance based incentive awards Non-Performance Based Share-Based Awards [Member] Non-Performance Based Share-Based Awards [Member] Other Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Other Share-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Liberty Global Parent Company [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other operating expense Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] SG&A expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Lease Balances Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Lease Expense and Cash Outflows from Operating and Finance Leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Maturities of Financing Lease Liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV Loan VodafoneZiggo JV Loan [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan Lionsgate Loan Lionsgate Loan [Member] Lionsgate Loan [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee Equity Method Investee [Member] Carrying amounts of equity method investments exceeds proportionate share Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Due from related party Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable interest rate Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Accrued interests settled in cash Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest 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Continuing Operations [Member] Other comprehensive earnings from discontinued operations (note 4) Net earnings (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 earnings Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of 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Securities, FV-NI Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure 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] Unrecorded Purchase Obligation Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] U.K. J.V. Entities U.K. J.V. Entities [Member] U.K. J.V. Entities [Member] 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 Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Network and Connectivity Commitments [Member] Programming commitments Programming Commitments [Member] Programming Commitments [Member] Purchase commitments Purchase Commitments [Member] Purchase Commitments [Member] Other commitments Other Commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Remainder of 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Two 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Three 2024 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Four 2025 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year Five Thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, after Year Five Total Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Intersegment eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, And Amortization Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, And Amortization Adjusted EBITDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Cover [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, Country Entity Address, Country Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Country Region Country Region City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stock repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Aggregate purchase price Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Remaining authorized for share repurchases Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Amount authorized to be repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Summary of Changes in Restructuring Liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Foreign currency forward and option contracts Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. 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] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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 Customer Relationships [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Lionsgate Loan Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] Telenet Credit Facility Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Credit Facility [Member] Telenet Senior Secured Notes Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] Telenet Senior Secured Notes [Member] UPCB SPE Notes UPCB SPE Notes [Member] UPCB SPE Notes [Member] UPC Holding Bank Facility UPC Holding Bank Facility [Member] UPC Holding Bank Facility [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes UPC Holding Senior Notes Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes Debt [Member] Virgin Media debt (g) Virgin Media Debt [Member] Virgin Media Debt [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] Aggregate Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I [Member] Telenet Revolving Credit Facility I [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Revolving Facility Telenet Revolving Facility [Member] Telenet Revolving Facility [Member] UPC Revolving Facility UPC Revolving Facility [Member] UPC Revolving Facility [Member] Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Unused borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Total debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Total carrying amount of debt Finance lease obligations Total debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Debt collateralized Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount Debt fair value Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 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. 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 Restructuring Liability Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Adjusted balance Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member] Total Liberty Global shareholders Parent [Member] Ordinary shares Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock [Member] Non-controlling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, before effect of accounting change Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Repurchases and cancellations of Liberty Global ordinary shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchases by Telenet of its outstanding shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Share-based compensation (note 13) APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance ROU assets recorded during the period associated with: Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained In Exchange For Lease Liability [Abstract] Right-Of-Use Asset Obtained In Exchange For Lease Liability [Abstract] Finance leases Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Total ROU assets Lease Asset Lease Asset Lease liabilities: Lease Liability [Abstract] Lease Liability [Abstract] Finance lease Operating leases Total lease liabilities Lease, Liability Lease, Liability Weighted average remaining lease term for finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate, for finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent ROU assets associated with finance leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate, for operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Addition to ROU assets associated with operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability 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] Broadband internet Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Video Cable Video Subscription [Member] Cable Video Subscription [Member] Fixed-line telephony Cable Fixed-line Telephony Subscription [Member] Cable Fixed-line Telephony Subscription [Member] Non-subscription revenue Cable Non-Subscription [Member] Cable Non-Subscription [Member] Subscription revenue Mobile Subscription [Member] Mobile Subscription [Member] Non-subscription revenue Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Subscription revenue Business to Business Subscription [Member] Business to Business Subscription [Member] Non-subscription revenue Business to Business Non-Subscription [Member] Business to Business Non-Subscription [Member] Other revenue Other Category [Member] Other Category [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Total residential cable revenue Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Total subscription revenue Cable Subscription [Member] Cable Subscription [Member] Total residential revenue Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Total residential mobile revenue Mobile Residential [Member] Mobile Residential [Member] Total B2B revenue Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [Member] Class A ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 180,998,492 shares and 181,560,735 shares, respectively Class B ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 12,561,444 shares and 12,151,526 shares, respectively Class C ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 390,198,924 shares and 438,867,447 shares, respectively ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Short-term investments (measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) Derivative instruments (note 6) Other current assets (notes 3, 4 and 5) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments and related notes receivable (including $1,380.6 million and $1,289.2 million, respectively, measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) Property and equipment, net (notes 8 and 10) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill (note 8) Deferred tax assets (note 11) Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Assets held for sale (note 4) Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group Other assets, net (notes 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10) 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 (note 3) Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) Debt, Current Accrued capital expenditures Accrued Capital Expenditures, Current Accrued Capital Expenditures, Current Other accrued and current liabilities (notes 6, 10 and 14) Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (notes 9 and 10) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 4) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities (notes 3, 6, 10, 11 and 14) Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9, 11 and 16) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (note 12): 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 earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total Liberty Global shareholders Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Formula E Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net Summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Loss before income taxes Net loss Share-based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Term loan facilities Term Loan Facilities [Member] Term Loan Facilities [Member] Telefonica Telefonica [Member] Telefonica [Member] U.K. J.V. U.K. J.V. [Member] U.K. J.V. [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ireland Business Ireland Business [Member] Ireland Business [Member] Sunrise Acquisition Sunrise Acquisition [Member] Sunrise Acquisition [Member] De Vijver Media De Vijver Media [Member] De Vijver Media [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Equalization payment Liberty global is expected to receive Proceeds from recapitalization Proceeds From Recapitalization Proceeds From Recapitalization Interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Leverage ratio Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Equity method investment, termination period Equity Method Investment, Termination Rights Period Equity Method Investment, Termination Rights Period Equity method investment, termination extended period Equity Method Investment, Termination Rights Extended Period Equity Method Investment, Termination Rights Extended Period Equity method investment, ownership percentage Percentage ownership in subsidiary Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Percentage of shares tendered Business Acquisition, Shares Tendered, Percentage Business Acquisition, Shares Tendered, Percentage Termination fee Business Combination, Termination Fee Business Combination, Termination Fee Available borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Share price (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Previous interest Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Cash to be paid to settle obligations Cash Divested from Deconsolidation Escrow accounts Escrow Deposit Term of transitional services Disposal Group, Term of Transitional Services Disposal Group, Term of Transitional Services Revenue from transitional services Revenue From Transitional Services Revenue From Transitional Services SARs Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Incremental share based compensation expense Percent of annual incentive compensation receivable in shares Shareholder Inventive Program, Percent of Annual Incentive Compensation Shareholder Inventive Program, Percent of Annual Incentive Compensation Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Government bonds Municipal Bonds [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Amortized cost basis Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Fair value Proceeds from sale of debt securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Debt securities, realized gain (loss) Debt Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Weighted average life Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Term Contractual maturity: Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling Maturity, Fair Value [Abstract] Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Fair Value Due in one to five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Due in five to ten years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Total Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Operating activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Investing activities Payments for Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities Financing activities Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Total Proceeds (Repayments) From Derivatives, Continuing Operations Proceeds (Repayments) From Derivatives, Continuing Operations Switzerland Switzerland Segment [Member] Switzerland Segment [Member] Central and Eastern Europe Increase (decrease) in adjusted OIBDA Increase (Decrease) In Adjusted EBITDA Increase (Decrease) In Adjusted EBITDA Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] VodafoneZiggo JV Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Basis of Presentation [Table] Co-venture ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Counterparty Credit Risk Counterparty Credit Risk [Member] Counterparty Credit Risk [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 Derivative assets Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Aggregate assets associated with incremental costs to obtain a contract and contract fulfillment costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Amortization related to contract costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Performance obligation period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Description of Timing Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock Option Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share Based Compensation Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Outstanding Award, Activity, Excluding Option [Table Text Block]