Long-lived Assets [Abstract] Long lived Assets [Abstract] 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] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] 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] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] 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] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Class A [Member] Class C Common Class C [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2019 Challenge Performance Awards Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards [Member] Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards [Member] 2018 PSUs 2018 PSUs [Member] 2018 PSUs [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] PSUs Performance Shares [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] April 1, 2020 April 1, 2020 [Member] April 1, 2020 [Member] October 1, 2020 October 1, 2020 [Member] October 1, 2020 [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Percent of annual incentive compensation receivable in shares Shareholder Inventive Program, Percent of Annual Incentive Compensation Shareholder Inventive Program, Percent of Annual Incentive Compensation Number of ordinary share rights for each performance share Number of Ordinary Shares Rights for Each Performance Share Number of Ordinary Shares Rights for Each Performance Share Award performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Period Award vesting rights Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Award performance range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Performance Range Award expected performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Expected Performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Expected Performance Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Notional amount due from counterparty Due From Counterparty [Member] Due From Counterparty [Member] Notional amount due to counterparty Due To Counterparty [Member] Due To Counterparty [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swaption 1 Interest Rate Swaption 1 [Member] Interest Rate Swaption 1 [Member] Interest Rate Swaption 2 Interest Rate Swaption 2 [Member] Interest Rate Swaption 2 [Member] Interest Rate Swaption Interest Rate Swaption [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Virgin Media Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [Member] UPC Holding UPC Holding [Member] UPC Holding [Member] Telenet Telenet [Member] Telenet [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Weighted average remaining life Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Weighted average strike rate Derivative, Average Swaption Interest Rate Foreign currency forward and option contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] 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] Video Cable Video Subscription [Member] Cable Video Subscription [Member] Broadband internet Cable Broadband Internet Subscription [Member] Cable Broadband Internet 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] Total residential revenue Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Subscription revenue Mobile Subscription [Member] Mobile Subscription [Member] Non-subscription revenue Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Mobile Non-Subscription [Member] Total residential mobile revenue Mobile Residential [Member] Mobile Residential [Member] Total B2B revenue Business to Business [Member] Business to Business [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] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class A ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 204,748,939 and 204,450,499 shares, respectively Class B ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 11,489,888 shares and 11,099,593 shares, respectively Common Class B [Member] Class C ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 522,757,246 and 531,174,389 shares, respectively Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative instruments (note 6) Derivative Asset, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Current assets of discontinued operations (note 4) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Other current assets (notes 3 and 5) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments and related note receivables (including $1,187.1 million and $1,174.8 million, respectively, measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) Long-term Investments Property and equipment, net (notes 8 and 10) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill (note 8) Goodwill Deferred tax assets (note 11) Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Long-term assets of discontinued operations (note 4) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Other assets, net (notes 3, 6, 10 and 8) 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 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 Current liabilities of discontinued operations (note 4) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, 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) Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations (note 4) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities (notes 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 deficit 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Basis Swaps Basis Swap [Member] Interest Rate Caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Collars Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations Continuing Operations [Member] Other comprehensive earnings (loss) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Net earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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) from continuing operations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Equity-related derivative instruments Equity Contract [Member] Other Other Contract [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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: Derivative Asset Investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Derivative Liability [Abstract] Derivative instruments: Derivative Liability 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] 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] Other, including intersegment eliminations Geography Eliminations [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Belgium BELGIUM Switzerland SWITZERLAND Ireland IRELAND Poland POLAND Slovakia SLOVAKIA Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] VodafoneZiggo JV VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] VodafoneZiggo JV [Member] Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [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] Total property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property and equipment, net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Network and connectivity commitments 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 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years 2024 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 Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Net 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 Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee Equity Method Investee [Member] 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] JV Services JV Services [Member] JV Services [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Due from related party Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable interest rate Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Accrued interests settled in cash Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net Percent of interest income earned on loan included in investment Percent of Interest Income Earned on Loan Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of Interest Income Earned on Loan Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of remaining results of operations included in investment Percent of Remaining Results of Operations Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Percent of Remaining Results of Operations Included in Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Transfer of assets Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Due from related party Due from Related Parties Impact of derivative instruments on borrowing costs Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs, Percent Increase (Decrease) Impact of Derivative Instruments on Borrowing Costs, Percent Increase (Decrease) Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Shares repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Average price paid per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Total cost Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Including Direct Acquisition Costs Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Including Direct Acquisition Costs Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] 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 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] 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, 2019 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Gains included in net earnings (loss) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Abstract] Realized and unrealized (gains) losses, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases 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 March 31, 2019 Unrecorded Purchase Obligation Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Finance lease expense: Finance Lease, Cost [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest expense Finance Lease, Interest Expense Total finance lease expense Finance Lease, Cost Finance Lease, Cost Operating lease expense Operating Lease, Cost Short-term lease expense Short-term Lease, Cost Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost Total lease expense Lease, Cost Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Operating cash outflows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash outflows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Financing 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 Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table] Class B Document and Entity Information [Line Items] Document and Entity Information [Line Items] [Line Items] for Document and Entity Information [Table] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] 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 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 Operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Finance leases Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Total Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease, Right-of-Use Asset 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] Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Finance leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Total Right-Of-Use Assets Obtained In Exchange For Lease Liability Right-Of-Use Assets Obtained In Exchange For Lease Liability ROU assets associated with finance leases additions Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Operating leases Operating Lease, Liability Finance lease obligations (note 10) Finance Lease, Liability Total Lease, Liability Lease, Liability Finance lease obligations (note 10) Capital Lease Obligations 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] Cross-Currency Swap 8 Cross-Currency Swap 8 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 8 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 9 Cross-Currency Swap 9 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 9 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 10 Cross-Currency Swap 10 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 10 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 11 Cross-Currency Swap 11 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 11 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 12 Cross-Currency Swap 12 [Member] Cross-Currency Swap 12 [Member] Notional amount of derivative instruments without exchange of notional amounts at inception and maturity Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments without Exchange of Notional Amounts at Inception and Maturity Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments without Exchange of Notional Amounts at Inception and Maturity 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 and other Other Restructuring [Member] U.K./Ireland U.K. / Ireland [Member] U.K. / Ireland [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, 2019, before effect of accounting change Restructuring Reserve Accounting change Restructuring Reserve, Accounting Change Restructuring Reserve, Accounting Change Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2019, as adjusted for accounting change Restructuring Reserve, As Adjusted for Accounting Change Restructuring Reserve, As Adjusted for Accounting Change Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Cash paid Payments for Restructuring Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Restructuring liability as of March 31, 2019 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign currency forward and option contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Current Long-term Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Total Current Derivative Liability, Current Long-term Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total 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, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Equity-related derivative instruments: ITV Collar ITV Collar [Member] ITV Collar [Member] Lionsgate Forward Lionsgate Forward [Member] Lionsgate Forward [Member] Sumitomo Collar Sumitomo Collar [Member] Relating to the Sumitomo Collar Other Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Summary of stock-based compensation Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity 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] Operating leases Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract] 2019 (remainder of year) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Six Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Six Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Six Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Six Total payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: present value discount Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease payments Current portion Operating Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent portion Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance leases Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract] 2019 (remainder of year) Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Six Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Six Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Six Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Six Total payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: present value discount Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease payments Current portion Finance Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent portion Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Total Liberty Global shareholders Parent [Member] Ordinary shares Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [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 Accounting change (note 2) Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Balance, as adjusted for accounting change Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance Net earnings Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase by Telenet of its outstanding shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Share-based compensation (note 13) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs Stock Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs [Member] Stock Options, SARs, PSARs and RSUs [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] Computed “expected” tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (b) 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 foreign currency exchange results 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 Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items 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 Change in valuation allowances 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 International rate differences 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 Enacted tax law and rate changes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Mandatory Repatriation Tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Total income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Other Other Subsidiaries [Member] Relating to Other Subsidiaries not otherwise identified. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 2019 (remainder of year) Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2024 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments of Principal in Year Six Amount of long-term debt maturing in year six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments of Principal after Year Six Amount of long-term debt maturities after year six following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Total debt maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt, Gross Contractual Maturities Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Total debt Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Long-term Debt Contractual Maturities Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Noncurrent portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Restructuring Liability Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Intersegment eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Central and Eastern Europe Central and Eastern Europe [Member] Central and Eastern Europe [Member] Adjusted OIBDA Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) before Depreciation and Amortization Adjusted OIBDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, EBITDA Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Interkabel Acquisition Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Interkabel Acquisition [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] Virgin Media VAT Legislation Change Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] Other Regulatory Issues Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Programming costs Programming and Copyright Costs Programming and Copyright Costs Number of associations of municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Number of Associations of Municipalities in Belgium Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss contingency damages in excess value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss Contingency Damages In Excess Value Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Reduction of annual lease fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Reduction of Annual Lease Fees Percent of reduction in monthly wholesale cable resale access prices Percent of Reduction in Monthly Wholesale Cable Resale Access Prices Percent of Reduction in Monthly Wholesale Cable Resale Access Prices Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Continuing operations Income Taxes Paid Provisions for litigation Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Interest expense Income Tax Examination, Interest Expense Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Other Other Unnamed Investment [Member] Other Unnamed Investment [Member] ITV plc (ITV) — subject to re-use rights 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] Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (Lionsgate) Lionsgate [Member] Lionsgate [Member] Casa Systems, Inc. (Casa) Casa Systems, Inc. (Casa) [Member] Casa Systems, Inc. (Casa) [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Equity Equity Method Investments Fair value Total Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Share of results of affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Summarized results of operations of the VodafoneZiggo JV Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Loss before income taxes Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Net loss Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Earnings or Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 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 Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Held by Liberty Global employees: Employees [Member] Employees [Member] Held by former Liberty Global employees: Former Employees [Member] Former Employees [Member] Options and SARs Options and Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Options and Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] 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 Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. 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] Restricted cash included in other current assets and other assets, net Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash included in current and long-term assets of discontinued operations Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Operating lease ROU assets Finance lease ROU assets Finance lease liabilities Decrease to accumulated deficit Net reduction in ROU assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] 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] Operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Finance leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2023 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] Basis of Presentation [Table] 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 Co-venturer ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Co-Venturer Ownership Percentage Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority 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 Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits reasonable possible amount Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, amount of positive impact on effective tax rate Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount Positive Impact on Effective Tax Rate Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount Positive Impact on Effective Tax Rate Schedule of summarized financial position and operating results, disposal group and discontinued operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net earnings (loss) Earnings from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 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 Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt Realized and Unrealized Losses (Gains) due to Changes in Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt Share of results of affiliates, net Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities 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] Capital expenditures, net Payments to Acquire Productive Assets 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 of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used by investing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations 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] Repayments and repurchases of debt and finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase by Telenet of its outstanding shares Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used by financing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash [Abstract] Continuing operations Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Discontinued operations Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations Total Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Beginning of period Net decrease End of period Cash paid for interest: Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities [Abstract] Continuing operations Interest Paid, Continuing Operations Interest Paid, Continuing Operations Discontinued operations Interest Paid, Discontinued Operations Total Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Net cash paid for taxes: Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract] Continuing operations Income Taxes Paid, Continuing Operations Income Taxes Paid, Continuing Operations Discontinued operations Income Taxes Paid, Discontinued Operations Income Taxes Paid, Discontinued Operations Total Income Taxes Paid, Net 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 Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations Share-based compensation expense Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net Realized and unrealized 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 Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. Operating activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Operating 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 Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Loss from continuing operations Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Summary of changes in restructuring liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue (notes 3, 5 and 17) 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 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (notes 14 and 16) Operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net (note 6) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net (notes 5, 7 and 9) Share of results of affiliates, net (note 5) Non-operating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (note 11) Loss from continuing operations Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes (note 4) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax 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 loss from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 15) (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per 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Debt [Member] UPC Holding Senior Notes Debt [Member] Vendor financing Vendor Financing [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] ITV Collar Loan ITV Collar Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] Derivative-related debt instruments Derivative Related Debt Instruments [Member] Derivative Related Debt Instruments [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] VM Financing Facilities VM Financing Facilities [Member] VM Financing Facilities [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] VM Revolving Facility A VM Revolving Facility A [Member] VM Revolving Facility A [Member] VM Revolving Facility B VM Revolving Facility B [Member] VM Revolving Facility B [Member] Telenet Facility AG Telenet Facility AG [Member] Telenet Facility AG [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Overdraft Facility [Member] Telenet Revolving Facility Telenet Revolving Facility [Member] Telenet Revolving Facility [Member] Virgin Media Collateralized Debt Virgin Media Collateralized Debt [Member] Virgin Media Collateralized Debt [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 Long-term Debt, Gross Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net Total carrying amount of debt Long-term Debt Total debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Current maturities of debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations Facility amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity General term of vendor financing arrangements General Term of Vendor Financing Arrangements for Amounts Due General Term of Vendor Financing Arrangements for Amounts Due Debt, fair value Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Sunrise Communications Group AG Sunrise Communications Group AG [Member] Sunrise Communications Group AG [Member] 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 Switzerland UPC Switzerland [Member] UPC Switzerland [Member] UPC Austria UPC Austria [Member] UPC Austria [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] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] 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] Consideration for disposal Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Compensatory payment Disposal Group, Compensatory Payment Disposal Group, Compensatory Payment 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 Proceeds from divestiture Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Liabilities assumed Liabilities Assumed Proceeds from divestiture of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Carrying value 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] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] January 1, 2019 Acquisitions and related adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) March 31, 2019 Performance-based incentive awards Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Performance-Based Incentive Awards [Member] Non-performance based share-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 Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] 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] 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] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Total consolidated property 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 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 Discontinued Operations 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 Other assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued and current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Operating results of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating income (loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Earnings (loss) before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit (expense) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net earnings (loss) Net loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basic earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per Liberty Global Share (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Nonvoting Common Stock Nonvoting Common Stock [Member] Lionsgate Loan Lionsgate Loan [Member] Lionsgate Loan [Member] 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 Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Derivative assets