Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] 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] 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 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] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Operating leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 (remainder of year) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Total payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Less: present value discount Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease payments Operating Lease, Liability Current portion Operating Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent portion Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 (remainder of year) Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four 2025 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Total payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less: present value discount Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease payments Finance Lease, Liability Current portion Finance Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent portion Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Class A ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 182,268,745 shares and 181,560,735 shares, respectively Class B ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 12,561,851 shares and 12,151,526 shares, respectively Class C ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 401,480,741 shares and 438,867,447 shares, respectively ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Short-term investments (measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (note 5) Short-term Investments Derivative instruments (note 6) Derivative Asset, Current Other current assets (notes 3, 4 and 5) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments and related notes receivable (including $1,269.9 million and $1,289.2 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 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) Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity 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 Equity [Abstract] 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 Authorized shares (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Remaining authorized for share repurchases Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount 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 Lease Obligation [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Unrecorded Purchase Obligation Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net earnings 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 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile earnings (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 Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense 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 gains 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 Gains (Losses) Due To Changes In Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Net Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses) Due To Changes In Fair Values of Certain Investments and Debt, Net Losses on debt extinguishment, net Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt Share of results of affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred income tax expense (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] 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 Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested 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 Repayment of Long-term Debt, Long-term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repurchases of Liberty Global ordinary shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payment of financing costs and debt premiums Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs Debt Premiums And Exchange Offer Consideration Net cash received related to derivative instruments Proceeds from Hedge, Financing Activities Repurchases 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] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 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 Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations 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, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating 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 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] 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 earnings 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 Net earnings (loss) Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Accounting standards update Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] 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: 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] 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 Accrued Income Taxes [Abstract] Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits UTB tthat would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Reduction in UTB Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Positive impact of UTB Increase in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible 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] 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) 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] Virgin Media Virgin Media [Member] Virgin Media [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] Notional amount of derivative Derivative, Notional Amount Weighted average remaining life Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity 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 Investments [Abstract] Investments Investment Holdings [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] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Telefonica Telefonica [Member] Telefonica [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] 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] De Vijver Media De Vijver Media [Member] De Vijver Media [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 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] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [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] Equalization payment Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Liberty global is expected to receive Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Proceeds from recapitalization Proceeds From Recapitalization Proceeds From Recapitalization Previous interest Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Leverage ratio Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash to be paid to settle obligations Cash Divested from Deconsolidation Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operations, net Funding of the Vodafone Escrow Accounts, net Funding of Escrow Accounts, Net Funding of Escrow Accounts, Net 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 Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Lionsgate Loan Lionsgate Loan [Member] Lionsgate Loan [Member] Virgin Media 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 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 Derivative assets Derivative Asset Other Other [Member] Other [Member] Basis Swaps Basis Swap [Member] Interest ratee collar Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Rate Floor Interest Rate Floor [Member] Number of derivative instruments Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Summary of Changes in Restructuring Liability Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table 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] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Stockholders equity cumulative effect adjustment Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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 from discontinued operations (note 4) Discontinued Operations [Member] 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) Comprehensive earnings (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 earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [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] 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 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 Share-based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] 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] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Ireland IRELAND Poland POLAND Slovakia SLOVAKIA Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings or Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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 Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Equity-related derivative instruments Foreign currency forward and option contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Assets Derivative Asset [Abstract] Current Long-term Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Derivative Liability [Abstract] Current Derivative Liability, Current Long-term Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total Derivative Liability 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 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 at June 30, 2020 Balance of net assets at June 30, 2020 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 Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Customer Base Impacted by Database Access Customer Base Impacted by Database Access [Member] Customer Base Impacted by Database Access [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] UPC Austria UPC Austria [Member] UPC Austria [Member] 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 [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast Forecast [Member] U.K. Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Programming costs Programming and Copyright Costs Programming and Copyright Costs 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 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 Damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Damages paid Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value Interest expense Income Tax Examination, Interest Expense Asserted claims Discontinued Operations, Asserted Claims Discontinued Operations, Asserted Claims Number of customers impacted by database accessed without permission Number of Customers Impacted by Database Accessed Without Permission Number of Customers Impacted by Database Accessed Without Permission Percent of cusomers Concentration Risk, Percentage Numerator: Numerator [Abstract] Numerator [Abstract] Earnings (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 earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Denominator: Denominator [Abstract] 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 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. Vendor financing Vendor Financing [Member] Vendor Financing [Member] ITV Collar Loan ITV Collar Loan [Member] ITV Collar Loan [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 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 debt before deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums Long-term Debt, Gross Current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Noncurrent portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table 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 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 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 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 Computed “expected” tax benefit (expense) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Reconciliation, Previously Unrecognized Tax Benefits Change in valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount 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 Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Enacted tax law and rate changes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, 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 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 (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 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 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 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 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 UPC DTH Discontinued operations Operating results of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Assets: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Current assets 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 income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Earnings before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] 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 investments at fair value Equity Securities, FV-NI and without Readily Determinable Fair Value Long-term, SMAs Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Noncurrent Total investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total investments Investments Short-term investments Long-term investments 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] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] January 1, 2020 Acquisitions and related adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Reclassification to assets held for sale Goodwill, Transfers Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) June 30, 2020 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] Finance lease expense: Finance Leases, Cost [Abstract] Finance Leases, 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 Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue (notes 3, 4, 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 Depreciation and amortization Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (note 14) Operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 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 Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 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 (expense) (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 earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Operating activities Proceeds From Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Proceeds From Derivative Instrument, Operating Activities Financing activities Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Total Proceeds From Derivatives Continuing Operations Proceeds From Derivatives Continuing Operations Investment Income [Table] Investment Income [Table] SMAs Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) [Member] Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) [Member] ITI Neovision Net Investment Income [Line Items] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses) Due To Changes In Fair Values Of Certain Investments Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses) Due To Changes In Fair Values of Certain Investments 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] 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 June 30, 2020 Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Noncurrent portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Total 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 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 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] EURIBOR EURIBOR [Member] EURIBOR [Member] Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing plc. Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing Plc [Member] Virgin Media Trade Receivables Financing Plc [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Medium-term Notes Medium-term Notes [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Senior Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Financing notes Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Telenet Facility AR Telenet Dollar-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] Telenet Dollar-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] Telenet Facility AQ Telenet Euro-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] Telenet Euro-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] UPC Facility AT UPC Holding Dollar Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] UPC Holding Dollar Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] UPC Facility AU UPC Holding Euro-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] UPC Holding Euro-Denominated Term Loan Facility [Member] 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2030 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] 2030 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 6.25% Dollar Senior Notes 2022 VM 6.25% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM 6.25% Dollar Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2030 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2030 VM 4.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2027 VM 4.875% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2027 VM 4.875% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2027 VM 4.875% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] 4.875% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 4.875% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 [Member] 4.875% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 [Member] VM Receivables Financing III Notes VM Receivables Financing III Notes [Member] VM Receivables Financing III Notes [Member] 5.0% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 5.0% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 [Member] 5.0% Receivables Financing Notes due July 15, 2028 [Member] Number of borrowing groups Number of Borrowing Groups Number of Borrowing Groups Non-cash borrowings and repayments Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Non-Cash Borrowings and Repayments of Debt Principal amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Issued at par percentage Debt Instrument, Issuance Price Percentage Debt Instrument, Issuance Price Percentage Floor rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Proceeds from various debt financing arrangements Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Outstanding debt Long-term Debt Percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Redemption price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Loss on debt modification and extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Payments for debt redemption premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Payments For Debt Redemption Premium Write off deferred financing costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost 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 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 Notional amount Notional amount Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] UPC Holding Telenet 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] 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] 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] ITV Collar Loan Virgin Media debt 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 Deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Total carrying amount of debt Finance lease obligations (f) (note 10) 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 Debt fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Summarized Financial Position and Operating Results, Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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] Long-lived Assets Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for long-lived assets. 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 Foreign currency forward and option contracts Restructuring Liability Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Income tax expense (benefit) Other income, net Share of results of affiliates, net Losses on debt extinguishment, net Realized and unrealized losses (gains) due to changes in fair values of certain investments and debt, net Foreign currency transactions losses (gains), net Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net Interest expense Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net Depreciation and amortization Share-based compensation expense Adjusted EBITDA Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. 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] 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 Receivable, Net Derivative asset, fair value Borrowings outstanding Carrying value 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 Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Transfer of assets Due from related party Due from Related Parties 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] 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 Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] U.K. J.V. Entities U.K. J.V. Entities [Member] U.K. J.V. Entities [Member] 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 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] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Government bonds Municipal Bonds [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [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 Debt Securities, Available-for-sale 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 Fair value Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Revenue Recognition and Related Costs Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue [Table] Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis] Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis] Name of Reporting Category [Domain] Name of Reporting Category [Domain] 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] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] 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 instruments: SMAs Other investments Equity Securities, FV-NI Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Derivative instruments: Debt Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure