Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Feb. 04, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2015 | |
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Registrant Name | Liberty Global plc | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 1,570,585 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2015 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,015 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 44.2 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 252,805,601 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 10,472,517 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 581,034,556 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 12,630,744 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 523,423 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 30,773,233 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 982.1 | $ 1,158.5 |
Trade receivables, net | 1,467.7 | 1,499.5 |
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 421.9 | 446.6 |
Prepaid expenses | 144.2 | 189.7 |
Deferred income taxes (notes 2 and 11) | 0 | 290.3 |
Other current assets | 341.5 | 335.9 |
Total current assets | 3,357.4 | 3,920.5 |
Investments (including $2,591.8 million and $1,662.7 million, respectively, measured at fair value) (note 6) | 2,839.6 | 1,808.2 |
Property and equipment, net (note 9) | 21,684 | 23,840.6 |
Goodwill (note 9) | 27,020.4 | 29,001.6 |
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) | 7,092.5 | 9,189.8 |
Other assets, net (notes 2, 7, 9 and 11) | 5,873.3 | 5,081.2 |
Total assets | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 1,050.1 | 1,039 |
Deferred revenue and advance payments from subscribers and others | 1,393.5 | 1,452.2 |
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (note 10) | 2,537.9 | 1,550.9 |
Accrued interest | 832.8 | 690.6 |
Accrued income taxes | 483.5 | 413.7 |
Accrued capital expenditures | 441.8 | 412.4 |
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 346.3 | 1,043.7 |
Other accrued and current liabilities (notes 2, 11 and 14) | 2,072 | 2,587.8 |
Total current liabilities | 9,157.9 | 9,190.3 |
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (note 10) | 44,519.4 | 44,608.1 |
Other long-term liabilities (notes 2, 7, 11, 14 and 15) | 4,015.6 | 4,927.5 |
Total liabilities | $ 57,692.9 | $ 58,725.9 |
Commitments and contingencies (notes 4, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17 and 20) | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total Liberty Global shareholders | $ 10,652.4 | $ 14,714.5 |
Noncontrolling interests | (478.1) | (598.5) |
Total equity | 10,174.3 | 14,116 |
Total liabilities and equity | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Current assets: | ||
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 405.9 | 445.5 |
Property and equipment, net (note 9) | 20,840.5 | 23,016 |
Goodwill (note 9) | 26,244.8 | 28,214.3 |
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) | 6,975.1 | 9,119.1 |
Total assets | 64,610.3 | 70,084.5 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 346.3 | 1,004 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 2.5 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0.1 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 5.9 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Current assets: | ||
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 16 | 1.1 |
Property and equipment, net (note 9) | 843.5 | 824.6 |
Goodwill (note 9) | 775.6 | 787.3 |
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9) | 117.4 | 70.7 |
Total assets | 3,267.5 | 2,771 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Derivative instruments (note 7) | 0 | 39.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0.1 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0.3 | 0 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0 | 2.5 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0 | 0.1 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Total equity | 0 | 6.3 |
Liberty Global Plc | ||
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 24.6 | 36.7 |
Other current assets | 10.8 | 7.5 |
Total current assets | 730.2 | 6,317.5 |
Total assets | 14,319.8 | 16,728.6 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 20.7 | 46.4 |
Other accrued and current liabilities (notes 2, 11 and 14) | 13.7 | 16 |
Total current liabilities | 1,354.1 | 846.9 |
Other long-term liabilities (notes 2, 7, 11, 14 and 15) | 2.1 | 1.7 |
Total liabilities | $ 3,667.4 | $ 2,014.1 |
Commitments and contingencies (notes 4, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17 and 20) | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Additional paid-in capital | $ 14,908.1 | $ 17,070.8 |
Accumulated deficit | (5,160.1) | (4,007.6) |
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | 895.9 | 1,646.6 |
Treasury shares, at cost | (0.4) | (4.2) |
Total Liberty Global shareholders | 10,652.4 | 14,714.5 |
Total liabilities and equity | 14,319.8 | 16,728.6 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 2.5 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0.1 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 5.9 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0.1 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0.3 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0 | 2.5 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | 0 | 0.1 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Liberty Global shareholders: | ||
Common stock | $ 0 | $ 6.3 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Investments measured at fair value | $ 2,591.8 | $ 1,662.7 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
Consolidated Statements of Oper
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Revenue (note 18) | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 |
Operating costs and expenses: | |||
Operating (other than depreciation and amortization) (including share-based compensation) (note 13) | 6,764 | 6,845.9 | 5,434.8 |
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) (including share-based compensation) (note 13) | 3,166.9 | 3,137.3 | 2,599.4 |
Depreciation and amortization | 5,825.8 | 5,500.1 | 4,276.4 |
Release of litigation provision | 0 | 0 | (146) |
Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (notes 4, 9, 14 and 17) | 174.1 | 536.8 | 297.5 |
Operating costs and expenses | 15,930.8 | 16,020.1 | 12,462.1 |
Operating income | 2,349.2 | 2,228.2 | 2,012.1 |
Non-operating income (expense): | |||
Interest expense | (2,441.4) | (2,544.7) | (2,286.9) |
Interest and dividend income | 35.9 | 31.7 | 113.1 |
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 7) | 847.2 | 88.8 | (1,020.4) |
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | (1,149.2) | (836.5) | 349.3 |
Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net (notes 6 and 8) | 124.5 | 205.2 | 524.1 |
Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net (note 10) | (388) | (186.2) | (212.2) |
Other expense, net | (62.8) | (42.4) | (5.6) |
Non-operating income (expense) | (3,033.8) | (3,284.1) | (2,538.6) |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (684.6) | (1,055.9) | (526.5) |
Income tax benefit (expense) (note 11) | (364.9) | 75 | (355.5) |
Loss from continuing operations | (1,049.5) | (980.9) | (882) |
Discontinued operation (note 5): | |||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes | 0 | 0.8 | (23.7) |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation, net of taxes | 0 | 332.7 | 0 |
Discontinued operation | 0 | 333.5 | (23.7) |
Net loss | (1,049.5) | (647.4) | (905.7) |
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (103) | (47.6) | (58.2) |
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | (1,152.5) | (695) | (963.9) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||
Revenue (note 18) | 17,062.7 | 17,043.7 | 13,186.7 |
Discontinued operation (note 5): | |||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (167.5) | 0 | 0 |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (notes 1 and 3): | |||
Continuing operations (in dollars per shares) | $ (0.19) | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Revenue (note 18) | $ 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 |
Discontinued operation (note 5): | |||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | 0 | 0 | |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (notes 1 and 3): | |||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) | $ 0.39 | ||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | |||
Discontinued operation (note 5): | |||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,002.2) | $ (695) | $ (963.9) |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (notes 1 and 3): | |||
Continuing operations (in dollars per shares) | $ (1.13) | $ (1.29) | $ (1.39) |
Discontinued operations (in dollars per shares) | 0 | 0.42 | (0.04) |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (in dollars per share) | $ (1.13) | $ (0.87) | $ (1.43) |
Consolidated Statements of Comp
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | |||
Net loss | $ (1,049.5) | $ (647.4) | $ (905.7) |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes (note 16): | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (732.9) | (935.9) | 900.8 |
Reclassification adjustments included in net loss | 1.5 | 124.4 | (0.7) |
Pension-related adjustments and other | (18.8) | (71.2) | 11.3 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (750.2) | (882.7) | 911.4 |
Comprehensive earnings (loss) | (1,799.7) | (1,530.1) | 5.7 |
Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (103.5) | (47.1) | (41.3) |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,903.2) | $ (1,577.2) | $ (35.6) |
Consolidated Statements of Equi
Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions | Total | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit | Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | Treasury shares, at cost | Total Liberty Global shareholders | Non-controlling interests | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member]Common stock | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member]Common stock | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member]Common stock | Common Class ACommon stock | Common Class BCommon stock | Common Class CCommon stock | Liberty Global Group [Member]Common stock | Liberty Global Group [Member]Common Class A | Liberty Global Group [Member]Common Class B | Liberty Global Group [Member]Common Class C | LiLAC Group [Member]Common stock | LiLAC Group [Member]Common Class A | LiLAC Group [Member]Common Class B | LiLAC Group [Member]Common Class C | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common stock | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class A | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class ACommon stock | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class B | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class BCommon stock | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class C | Old Liberty Global [Member]Common Class CCommon stock |
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012 | $ 2,085.1 | $ 2,951.6 | $ (2,348.7) | $ 1,600.5 | $ 0 | $ 2,210 | $ (124.9) | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 1.4 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.1 | |||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (905.7) | (963.9) | (963.9) | 58.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes (note 16) | 911.4 | 928.3 | 928.3 | (16.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition and impacts of related change in parent entity (note 4) | 9,375.3 | 9,374.1 | 9,375.3 | 2.1 | 0.1 | 5.6 | (1.4) | (0.1) | (5.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revaluation of Virgin Media’s convertible senior notes in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition (note 4) | 1,660 | 1,660 | 1,660 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | (1,151.9) | (1,151.7) | (1,151.9) | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interest owners (note 12) | (542.7) | (542.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of additional Telenet shares (note 12) | (462.2) | (525.7) | (525.7) | 63.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (note 13) | 206.3 | 206.3 | 206.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange of Virgin Media’s convertible senior notes | 113.7 | 113.5 | 113.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | 252.2 | 181.3 | (7.7) | 173.7 | 78.5 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | 11,541.5 | 12,809.4 | (3,312.6) | 2,528.8 | (7.7) | 12,025.8 | (484.3) | $ 2.2 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.6 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 2.2 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.6 | ||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (647.4) | (695) | (695) | 47.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes (note 16) | (882.7) | (882.2) | (882.2) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | (1,596.9) | (1,596.7) | (1,596.9) | (0.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
VTR NCI Acquisition (note 12) | 185.3 | 185.4 | (185.4) | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition (note 4) | 5,986.4 | 4,904.7 | 4,905.8 | 1,080.6 | 0.3 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impact of Ziggo NCI Acquisition and Statutory Squeeze-out (note 4) | (416.7) | 663.8 | 663.9 | (1,080.6) | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (note 13) | 216 | 216 | 216 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | (84.2) | (111.7) | 3.5 | (108.3) | 24.1 | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | 14,116 | 17,070.8 | (4,007.6) | 1,646.6 | (4.2) | 14,714.5 | (598.5) | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 8.9 | $ 2.5 | 2.5 | $ 0.1 | 0.1 | $ 6.3 | 6.3 | ||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | 14,116 | 17,070.8 | (4,007.6) | 1,646.6 | (4.2) | 14,714.5 | (598.5) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.9 | 2.5 | $ 2.5 | 0.1 | $ 0.1 | 6.3 | $ 6.3 | ||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (1,049.5) | (1,152.5) | (1,152.5) | 103 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes (note 16) | (750.2) | (750.7) | (750.7) | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | (2,344.5) | (2,344.3) | (0.1) | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (note 13) | 284.3 | 284.3 | 284.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liberty Global call option contracts | (23) | (22.8) | (23) | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction (note 1) | 0 | (0.4) | 8.7 | 0.4 | (8.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments due to changes in subsidiaries’ equity and other, net | (58.8) | (79.5) | 3.8 | (75.7) | 16.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015 | 10,174.3 | 14,908.1 | (5,160.1) | 895.9 | (0.4) | 10,652.4 | (478.1) | 8.5 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 5.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | (0.1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | (0.1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015 | $ 10,174.3 | $ 14,908.1 | $ (5,160.1) | $ 895.9 | $ (0.4) | $ 10,652.4 | $ (478.1) | $ 8.5 | $ 2.5 | $ 0.1 | $ 5.9 | $ 0.4 | $ 0.1 | $ 0 | $ 0.3 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||
Net loss | $ (1,049.5) | $ (647.4) | $ (905.7) |
Loss (earnings) from discontinued operation | 0 | (333.5) | 23.7 |
Loss from continuing operations | (1,049.5) | (980.9) | (882) |
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 318.2 | 257.2 | 300.7 |
Depreciation and amortization | 5,825.8 | 5,500.1 | 4,276.4 |
Release of litigation provision | 0 | 0 | (146) |
Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net | 174.1 | 536.8 | 297.5 |
Amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest accretion | 80.8 | 84.3 | 78 |
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net | (847.2) | (88.8) | 1,020.4 |
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | 1,149.2 | 836.5 | (349.3) |
Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments, including impact of dividends | (121.4) | (203.7) | (523.1) |
Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net | 388 | 186.2 | 212.2 |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (50.1) | (350.6) | 18.6 |
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation | (26.7) | (7) | (41) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions: | |||
Receivables and other operating assets | 566.5 | 860.5 | 866.7 |
Payables and accruals | (701.9) | (1,017.8) | (1,208.1) |
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities of discontinued operation | 0 | (9.6) | 10.3 |
Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities | 5,705.8 | 5,603.2 | 3,931.3 |
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||
Capital expenditures | (2,499.5) | (2,684.4) | (2,481.5) |
Investments in and loans to affiliates and others | (999.6) | (1,016.6) | (1,350.3) |
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (385.8) | (73.3) | (4,073.4) |
Proceeds received upon disposition of discontinued operation, net of disposal costs | 0 | 988.5 | 0 |
Other investing activities, net | 55.5 | (13.8) | (44.9) |
Net cash used by investing activities of discontinued operation, including deconsolidated cash | 0 | (3.8) | (14.9) |
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities | (3,829.4) | (2,803.4) | (7,965) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||
Borrowings of debt | 15,230.4 | 9,572.4 | 9,670.3 |
Repayments and repurchases of debt and capital lease obligations | (13,881.4) | (11,316.1) | (8,318.6) |
Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (2,320.5) | (1,584.9) | (1,157.2) |
Payment of financing costs, debt premiums and exchange offer consideration | (423.3) | (379.8) | (389.6) |
Net cash received (paid) related to derivative instruments | (301.2) | (221) | 524.5 |
Purchase of additional shares of subsidiaries | (142.4) | (260.7) | (461.3) |
Net cash received (paid) associated with call option contracts on Liberty Global ordinary shares | (78.3) | (41.7) | 59.6 |
Change in cash collateral | (56.1) | (58.7) | 3,593.8 |
Distributions by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interest owners | (11.3) | (12.1) | (541) |
Decrease in restricted cash related to the Telenet Tender | 0 | 0 | 1,539.7 |
Other financing activities, net | (53.7) | 42.5 | 103.1 |
Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operation | 0 | (1.2) | (7.4) |
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (2,037.8) | (4,261.3) | 4,615.9 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – continuing operations | (15) | (81.9) | 85.4 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents: | |||
Continuing operations | (176.4) | (1,528.8) | 679.6 |
Discontinued operation | 0 | (14.6) | (12) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (176.4) | (1,543.4) | 667.6 |
Cash and cash equivalents: | |||
Beginning of year | 1,158.5 | 2,701.9 | 2,038.9 |
End of year | 982.1 | 1,158.5 | 2,706.5 |
Less cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operation at end of year | 0 | 0 | (4.6) |
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year | 982.1 | 1,158.5 | 2,701.9 |
Cash paid for interest – continuing operations | 2,170.4 | 2,376.7 | 2,148.8 |
Net cash paid for taxes: | |||
Continuing operations | 236.3 | 97.3 | 97.5 |
Discontinued operation | 0 | 2.2 | 11.7 |
Total | $ 236.3 | $ 99.5 | $ 109.2 |
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Basis of Presentation [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation Liberty Global plc ( Liberty Global ) is a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. In these notes, the terms “we,” “our,” “our company” and “us” may refer, as the context requires, to Liberty Global or collectively to Liberty Global and its subsidiaries. We are an international provider of video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services, with consolidated operations at December 31, 2015 in 14 countries. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Virgin Media Inc. ( Virgin Media ), we provide video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services in the United Kingdom ( U.K. ) and Ireland. Through Ziggo Group Holding B.V. ( Ziggo Group Holding ) and Unitymedia GmbH ( Unitymedia ), each a wholly-owned subsidiary, and Telenet Group Holding N.V. ( Telenet ), a 56.9% -owned subsidiary, we provide video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, respectively. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary UPC Holding B.V. ( UPC Holding ), we provide (i) video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services in seven other European countries and (ii) mobile services in four other European countries. The operations of Virgin Media , Ziggo Group Holding , Unitymedia , Telenet and UPC Holding are collectively referred to herein as the “ European Operations Division .” In Chile, we provide video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services through our wholly-owned subsidiary VTR GlobalCom SpA ( VTR ). In Puerto Rico, we provide video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services through Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC ( Liberty Puerto Rico ), an entity in which we hold a 60.0% ownership interest. The operations of VTR and Liberty Puerto Rico are collectively referred to herein as the “ LiLAC Division .” On July 1, 2015, we completed the approved steps of the “ LiLAC Transaction ” whereby we (i) reclassified our then outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C Liberty Global ordinary shares into corresponding classes of new Liberty Global ordinary shares (collectively, the Liberty Global Shares ) and (ii) capitalized a portion of our share premium account and distributed as a dividend (or a “bonus issue” under U.K. law) our LiLAC Class A, Class B and Class C ordinary shares (collectively, the LiLAC Shares ). In these notes, the term “ Old Liberty Global Shares ” may refer, as the context requires, to (a) our previously-outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C Liberty Global ordinary shares and/or (b) the previously-outstanding Series A, Series B and Series C common stock of Liberty Global, Inc. ( LGI ) (the predecessor to Liberty Global ). Pursuant to the LiLAC Transaction , each holder of Class A, Class B and Class C Old Liberty Global Shares remained a holder of the same amount and class of Liberty Global Shares and received one share of the corresponding class of LiLAC Shares for each 20 Old Liberty Global Shares held as of the record date for such distribution. Accordingly, we issued 12,625,362 Class A, 523,626 Class B and 30,776,883 Class C LiLAC Shares . Cash was issued in lieu of fractional LiLAC Shares . The impact of the LiLAC Transaction on our capitalization and earnings (loss) per share presentation has been reflected in these consolidated financial statements prospectively from July 1, 2015. Accordingly, (1) our net earnings (loss) attributed to Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares relates to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 and (2) our net loss attributed to Old Liberty Global Shares relates to periods prior to July 1, 2015. The Liberty Global Shares and the LiLAC Shares are tracking shares. Tracking shares are intended by the issuing company to reflect or “track” the economic performance of a particular business or “group,” rather than the economic performance of the company as a whole. The Liberty Global Shares and the LiLAC Shares are intended to track the economic performance of the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group , respectively (each as defined and described below). While the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group have separate collections of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to them, neither group is a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of tracking shares have no direct claim to the group’s assets and are not represented by separate boards of directors. Instead, holders of tracking shares are shareholders of the parent corporation, with a single board of directors, and are subject to all of the risks and liabilities of the parent corporation. We and our subsidiaries each continue to be responsible for our respective liabilities. Holders of Liberty Global Shares , LiLAC Shares and any other of our capital shares designated as ordinary shares from time to time will continue to be subject to risks associated with an investment in our company as a whole, even if a holder does not own both Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares . The “ LiLAC Group ” comprises our businesses, assets and liabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean and has attributed to it (i) VTR Finance B.V. ( VTR Finance ) and its subsidiaries, which include VTR , (ii) Lila Chile Holding B.V., which is the parent entity of VTR Finance , (iii) LiLAC Holdings Inc. ( LiLAC Holdings ) and its subsidiaries, which include Liberty Puerto Rico , (iv) LGE Coral Holdco Limited and its subsidiary, which were formed in anticipation of the acquisition of CWC (as described and defined in note 4 ), and (v) prior to July 1, 2015, the costs associated with certain corporate employees of Liberty Global that are exclusively focused on the management of the LiLAC Group (the LiLAC Corporate Costs ). Effective July 1, 2015, these corporate employees were transferred to LiLAC Holdings . The “ Liberty Global Group ” comprises our businesses, assets and liabilities not attributed to the LiLAC Group , including Virgin Media , Ziggo Group Holding , Unitymedia , Telenet , UPC Holding , our corporate entities (excluding the LiLAC Corporate Costs ) and certain other less significant entities. For additional information regarding our tracking share capital structure, including unaudited attributed financial information of the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group , see Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. On January 31, 2014, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets (the Chellomedia Disposal Group ) of Chellomedia B.V. ( Chellomedia ) (the Chellomedia Transaction ). Chellomedia held certain of our programming interests in Europe and Latin America. We have accounted for the sale of the Chellomedia Disposal Group as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements. For additional information regarding our discontinued operation, see note 5 . Unless otherwise indicated, ownership percentages and convenience translations into United States ( U.S. ) dollars are calculated as of December 31, 2015 . |
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( ASU ) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ( ASU 2015-17 ). To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, ASU 2015-17 requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015 and, accordingly, all of our deferred tax balances are reflected as noncurrent in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet. Our December 31, 2014 deferred tax balances have not been retroactively revised. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( ASU 2014-09 ), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 , as amended by ASU No. 2015-14, will replace existing revenue recognition accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ( GAAP ) when it becomes effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2016. This new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 and we are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. |
Summary of Significant Accounti
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things, the valuation of acquisition-related assets and liabilities, allowances for uncollectible accounts, programming and copyright expenses, deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair value measurements, impairment assessments, capitalization of internal costs associated with construction and installation activities, useful lives of long-lived assets, share-based compensation and actuarial liabilities associated with certain benefit plans. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all voting interest entities where we exercise a controlling financial interest through the ownership of a direct or indirect controlling voting interest and variable interest entities for which our company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and other investments that are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. We record money market funds at the net asset value reported by the investment manager as there are no restrictions on our ability, contractual or otherwise, to redeem our investments at the stated net asset value reported by the investment manager. Restricted cash consists of cash held in restricted accounts, including cash held as collateral for debt and other compensating balances. Restricted cash amounts that are required to be used to purchase long-term assets or repay long-term debt are classified as long-term assets. All other cash that is restricted to a specific use is classified as current or long-term based on the expected timing of the disbursement. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our aggregate current and long-term restricted cash balances aggregated $127.9 million and $78.0 million , respectively. Our significant non-cash investing and financing activities are disclosed in our consolidated statements of equity and in notes 4 , 7 , 9 , and 10 . Trade Receivables Our trade receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such allowance aggregated $115.7 million and $116.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our assessment of probable loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable. We use a number of factors in determining the allowance, including, among other things, collection trends, prevailing and anticipated economic conditions and specific customer credit risk. The allowance is maintained until either payment is received or the likelihood of collection is considered to be remote. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many different countries worldwide. We also manage this risk by disconnecting services to customers whose accounts are delinquent. Investments We make elections, on an investment-by-investment basis, as to whether we measure our investments at fair value. Such elections are generally irrevocable. With the exception of those investments over which we exercise significant influence, we generally elect the fair value method. For those investments over which we exercise significant influence, we generally elect the equity method. Under the fair value method, investments are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair value are reported in realized and unrealized gains or losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. All costs directly associated with the acquisition of an investment to be accounted for using the fair value method are expensed as incurred. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are recorded at cost and are subsequently increased or reduced to reflect the share of income or losses of the investee. All costs directly associated with the acquisition of an investment to be accounted for using the equity method are included in the carrying amount of the investment. For additional information regarding our fair value and equity method investments, see notes 6 and 8 . Dividends from publicly-traded investees are recognized when declared as dividend income in our consolidated statements of operations. Dividends from privately-held investees generally are reflected as reductions of the carrying values of the applicable investments. Under the equity method, investments, originally recorded at cost, are adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received, with our recognition of losses generally limited to the extent of our investment in, and advances and commitments to, the investee. The portion of the difference between our investment and our share of the net assets of the investee that represents goodwill is not amortized, but continues to be considered for impairment. Intercompany profits on transactions with equity affiliates for which assets remain on our or our investee’s balance sheet are eliminated to the extent of our ownership in the investee. We continually review our equity method investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-than-temporary. The primary factors we consider in our determination are the extent and length of time that the fair value of the investment is below our company’s carrying value and the financial condition, operating performance and near-term prospects of the investee, changes in the stock price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date, and the impacts of exchange rates, if applicable. If the decline in fair value of an equity method investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. Realized gains and losses are determined on an average cost basis. Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Financial Instruments Due to the short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term liquid investments, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, subscriber advance payments and deposits and other current liabilities, their respective carrying values approximate their respective fair values. For information concerning the fair values of certain of our investments, our derivatives and debt, see notes 6 , 7 and 10 , respectively. For information concerning how we arrive at certain of our fair value measurements, see note 8 . Derivative Instruments All derivative instruments, whether designated as hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. If the derivative instrument is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in other comprehensive earnings or loss and subsequently reclassified into our consolidated statements of operations when the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. With the exception of a limited number of our foreign currency forward contracts, we do not apply hedge accounting to our derivative instruments. For information regarding our derivative instruments, including our policy for classifying cash flows related to derivative instruments in our consolidated statements of cash flows, see note 7 . Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize costs associated with the construction of new cable transmission and distribution facilities and the installation of new cable services. Capitalized construction and installation costs include materials, labor and other directly attributable costs. Installation activities that are capitalized include (i) the initial connection (or drop) from our cable system to a customer location, (ii) the replacement of a drop and (iii) the installation of equipment for additional services, such as digital cable, telephone or broadband internet service. The costs of other customer-facing activities such as reconnecting customer locations where a drop already exists, disconnecting customer locations and repairing or maintaining drops, are expensed as incurred. Interest capitalized with respect to construction activities was not material during any of the periods presented. Capitalized internal-use software is included as a component of property and equipment. We capitalize internal and external costs directly associated with the development of internal-use software. We also capitalize costs associated with the purchase of software licenses. Maintenance and training costs, as well as costs incurred during the preliminary stage of an internal-use software development project, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset. Equipment under capital leases is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Useful lives used to depreciate our property and equipment are assessed periodically and are adjusted when warranted. The useful lives of cable distribution systems that are undergoing a rebuild are adjusted such that property and equipment to be retired will be fully depreciated by the time the rebuild is completed. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our property and equipment, see note 9 . Additions, replacements and improvements that extend the asset life are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations. We recognize a liability for asset retirement obligations in the period in which it is incurred if sufficient information is available to make a reasonable estimate of fair values. Asset retirement obligations may arise from the loss of rights of way that we obtain from local municipalities or other relevant authorities. Under certain circumstances, the authorities could require us to remove our network equipment from an area if, for example, we were to discontinue using the equipment for an extended period of time or the authorities were to decide not to renew our access rights. However, because the rights of way are integral to our ability to deliver broadband communications services to our customers, we expect to conduct our business in a manner that will allow us to maintain these rights for the foreseeable future. In addition, we have no reason to believe that the authorities will not renew our rights of way and, historically, renewals have been granted. We also have obligations in lease agreements to restore the property to its original condition or remove our property at the end of the lease term. Sufficient information is not available to estimate the fair value of our asset retirement obligations in certain of our lease arrangements. This is the case for long-term lease arrangements in which the underlying leased property is integral to our operations, there is not an acceptable alternative to the leased property and we have the ability to indefinitely renew the lease. Accordingly, for most of our rights of way and certain lease agreements, the possibility is remote that we will incur significant removal costs in the foreseeable future and, as such, we do not have sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of fair value for these asset retirement obligations. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the recorded value of our asset retirement obligations was $63.9 million and $65.1 million , respectively. Intangible Assets Our primary intangible assets relate to goodwill, customer relationships and cable television franchise rights. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Customer relationships and cable television franchise rights were originally recorded at their fair values in connection with business combinations. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. We do not amortize our franchise rights and certain other intangible assets as these assets have indefinite lives. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our intangible assets, see note 9 . Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets We review, when circumstances warrant, the carrying amounts of our property and equipment and our intangible assets (other than goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets) to determine whether such carrying amounts continue to be recoverable. Such changes in circumstance may include (i) an expectation of a sale or disposal of a long-lived asset or asset group, (ii) adverse changes in market or competitive conditions, (iii) an adverse change in legal factors or business climate in the markets in which we operate and (iv) operating or cash flow losses. For purposes of impairment testing, long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities, generally at or below the reporting unit level (see below). If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset or asset group, an impairment adjustment is recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. We generally measure fair value by considering (a) sale prices for similar assets, (b) discounted estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate and/or (c) estimated replacement cost. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We evaluate the goodwill, franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on October 1 and whenever other facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable. For impairment evaluations with respect to both goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, we first make a qualitative assessment to determine if the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible may be impaired. In the case of goodwill, if it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its respective carrying amount. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). In most cases, our operating segments are deemed to be a reporting unit either because the operating segment is comprised of only a single component, or the components below the operating segment are aggregated as they have similar economic characteristics. If the carrying value of a reporting unit were to exceed its fair value, we would then compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount, and any excess of the carrying amount over the fair value would be charged to operations as an impairment loss. With respect to franchise rights or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, if it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we then estimate its fair value and any excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the franchise right or other indefinite-lived intangible asset is also charged to operations as an impairment loss. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if we believe it is more-likely-than-not such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Certain of our valuation allowances and tax uncertainties are associated with entities that we acquired in business combinations. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax liabilities related to investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration are not recognized until it becomes apparent that such amounts will reverse in the foreseeable future. Interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities are included in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information on our income taxes, see note 11 . Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The reporting currency of our company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our foreign operations generally is the applicable local currency for each foreign subsidiary and equity method investee. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. With the exception of certain material transactions, the amounts reported in our consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss in our consolidated statements of equity. With the exception of certain material transactions, the cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the applicable period in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The impacts of material transactions generally are recorded at the applicable spot rates in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The effect of exchange rates on cash balances held in foreign currencies are separately reported in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to these non-functional currency transactions result in transaction gains and losses that are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period end exchange rates) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Revenue Recognition Service Revenue — Cable Networks. We recognize revenue from the provision of video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services over our cable network to customers in the period the related services are provided. Installation revenue (including reconnect fees) related to services provided over our cable network is recognized as revenue in the period during which the installation occurs to the extent these fees are equal to or less than direct selling costs, which costs are expensed as incurred. To the extent installation revenue exceeds direct selling costs, the excess revenue is deferred and amortized over the average expected subscriber life. Sale of Multiple Products and Services. We sell video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and, in certain markets, mobile services to our customers in bundled packages at a rate lower than if the customer purchased each product on a standalone basis. Revenue from bundled packages generally is allocated proportionally to the individual services based on the relative standalone price for each respective service. Mobile Revenue — General. Arrangement consideration from mobile contracts is allocated to the airtime service element and the handset service element based on the relative standalone prices of each element. The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the handset is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of future airtime services. Certain of our operations that provide mobile services offer handsets under a subsidized contract model, whereby upfront revenue recognition is limited to the upfront cash collected from the customer as the remaining monthly fees to be received from the customer, including fees that may be associated with the handset, are contingent upon delivering future airtime services. At certain of our operations, mobile customers may choose to enter into two distinct contractual relationships: (i) a mobile handset contract and (ii) a mobile airtime services contract (a Split-contract Program ). Under the mobile handset contract, the customer takes full title to the handset upon delivery and typically has the option to either (a) pay for the handset in cash upon delivery or (b) pay for the handset in installments over a contractual period. Under these arrangements, the handset installment payments are not contingent upon delivering future airtime services and the arrangement consideration allocated to the handset is not limited to the upfront cash collected. Mobile Revenue — Airtime Services. We recognize revenue from mobile services in the period the related services are provided. Revenue from pre-pay customers is recorded as deferred revenue prior to the commencement of services and revenue is recognized as the services are rendered or usage rights expire. Mobile Revenue — Handset Revenue. Arrangement consideration allocated to handsets is recognized as revenue when the goods have been delivered and title has passed. For customers under a mobile handset installment contract that is independent of a mobile airtime services contract, revenue is recognized upon delivery only if collectibility is reasonably assured. Our assessment of collectibility is based principally on internal and external credit assessments as well as historical collection information for similar customers. To the extent that collectibility of installment payments from the customer is not reasonably assured upon delivery of the handset, handset revenue is recognized on a cash basis as customer payments are received. Business-to-Business ( B2B ) Revenue. We defer upfront installation and certain nonrecurring fees received on B2B contracts where we maintain ownership of the installed equipment. The deferred fees are amortized into revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement or the expected period of performance. Promotional Discounts. For subscriber promotions, such as discounted or free services during an introductory period, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the discounted monthly fees charged to the subscriber, if any. Subscriber Advance Payments and Deposits. Payments received in advance for the services we provide are deferred and recognized as revenue when the associated services are provided. Sales, Use and Other Value-Added Taxes ( VAT ). Revenue is recorded net of applicable sales, use and other value-added taxes. Share-Based Compensation We recognize all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee share incentive awards, based on their grant date fair values and our estimates of forfeitures. We recognize the grant date fair value of outstanding awards as a charge to operations over the vesting period. The cash benefits of tax deductions in excess of deferred taxes on recognized share-based compensation expense are reported as a financing cash flow. Payroll taxes incurred in connection with the vesting or exercise of our share-based incentive awards are recorded as a component of share-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations. We use the straight-line method to recognize share-based compensation expense for our outstanding share awards that do not contain a performance condition and the accelerated expense attribution method for our outstanding share awards that contain a performance condition and vest on a graded basis. We have calculated the expected life of options and share appreciation rights ( SAR s) granted by Liberty Global to employees based on historical exercise trends. The expected volatility for Liberty Global options and SAR s is generally based on a combination of (i) historical volatilities of Liberty Global ordinary shares for a period equal to the expected average life of the Liberty Global awards and (ii) volatilities implied from publicly-traded Liberty Global options. Under U.K. corporate law, we are required to issue new shares of Liberty Global ordinary shares when Liberty Global options or SAR s are exercised and when restricted share units ( RSU s) and performance-based restricted share units ( PSU s) vest. Although we repurchase Liberty Global ordinary shares from time to time, the parameters of our share purchase and redemption activities are not established solely with reference to the dilutive impact of our share-based compensation plans. For additional information regarding our share-based compensation, see note 13 . Litigation Costs Legal fees and related litigation costs are expensed as incurred. Earnings or Loss per Share Basic earnings or loss per share ( EPS ) is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares (excluding restricted shares) outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share presents the dilutive effect, if any, on a per share basis of potential shares (e.g., options, SAR s, performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSAR s), restricted shares, RSU s and convertible securities) as if they had been exercised, vested or converted at the beginning of the periods presented. The details of our net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares , LiLAC Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares are set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: Liberty Global Shares (a) $ (167.5 ) $ — $ — LiLAC Shares (a) 17.2 — — Old Liberty Global Shares (b): Loss from continuing operations (1,002.2 ) (1,028.5 ) (937.6 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation — 333.5 (26.3 ) (1,002.2 ) (695.0 ) (963.9 ) Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (1,152.5 ) $ (695.0 ) $ (963.9 ) _______________ (a) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. (b) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. The details of our weighted average shares outstanding are set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average shares outstanding: Liberty Global Shares — basic and diluted (a) 864,721,483 LiLAC Shares (a): Basic 43,915,757 Diluted 44,235,275 Old Liberty Global Shares — basic and diluted (b) 884,040,481 798,869,761 672,348,540 _______________ (a) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. (b) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. Liberty Global Shares . We reported a loss from continuing operations attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares for the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Therefore, the potentially dilutive effect at December 31, 2015 of the following items was not included in the computation of diluted loss per share attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation or, in the case of certain PSU s and Performance Grant Units ( PGUs ), because such awards had not yet met the applicable performance criteria: (i) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options, SAR s, PSAR s and RSU s of approximately 43.3 million , (ii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to PSU s and PGUs of approximately 4.5 million and (iii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to obligations that may be settled in cash or shares of approximately 2.7 million . LiLAC Shares . The details of the calculation of EPS with respect to LiLAC Shares for the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 are set forth in the following table: Numerator: Net earnings attributable to holders of LiLAC Shares (basic and diluted EPS computation) (in millions) $ 17.2 Denominator: Weighted average ordinary shares (basic EPS computation) 43,915,757 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options, SARs and PSARs and the release of share units upon vesting (treasury stock method) 319,518 Weighted average ordinary shares (diluted EPS computation) 44,235,275 A total of 0.7 million options, SAR s, PSAR s and RSU s were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share during the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Old Liberty Global Shares . We reported losses from continuing operations attributable to holders of Old Liberty Global Shares for the period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . Therefore, the potentially dilutive effect at June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of the following items was not included in the computation of diluted loss per share attributable to holders of Old Liberty Global Shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive to the computation or, in the case of certain PSU s and PGUs , because such awards had not yet met the applicable performance criteria: (i) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options, SAR s, PSAR s and restricted shares and RSU s of approximately 42.1 million , 39.1 million and 40.3 million , respectively, (ii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to PSU s and PGUs of approximately 5.3 million , 5.4 million and 3.7 million , respectively, and (iii) the aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to obligations that may be settled in cash or shares of approximately 2.6 million for each of the respective dates. |
Acquisitions
Acquisitions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Business Combinations [Abstract] | |
Acquisitions | Acquisitions Pending 2016 Acquisition CWC . On November 16, 2015, we announced, pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, the terms of a recommended acquisition pursuant to which we would acquire Cable & Wireless Communications Plc ( CWC ) for shares of Liberty Global in a scheme of arrangement. Under the terms of the transaction, CWC shareholders will be entitled to receive up to, in the aggregate: 31,651,616 Class A Liberty Global Shares , 77,488,978 Class C Liberty Global Shares , 3,648,524 Class A LiLAC Shares and 8,939,328 Class C LiLAC Shares . Further, CWC shareholders would be entitled to receive a special dividend in the amount of £0.03 ( $0.04 ) per CWC share at the closing of the transaction, which would be in lieu of any previously-announced CWC dividend. We expect that the dividend and estimated fees and expenses will be funded from CWC liquidity, including incremental debt borrowings, and LiLAC Group liquidity. Completion of the acquisition, which is expected to occur during the second quarter of 2016, is subject to, among other conditions, Liberty Global and CWC shareholder approvals, certain regulatory approvals and court sanction of the scheme of arrangement. In connection with the proposed acquisition, we entered into an agreement with CWC to, among other things, provide our reasonable co-operation to CWC to complete the acquisition. If the acquisition of CWC is not completed as expected, under certain limited circumstances, we could be required to pay CWC a termination fee of $50 million . Following completion of the acquisition of CWC , we intend to attribute CWC to the LiLAC Group , with the Liberty Global Group being granted an inter-group interest in the LiLAC Group . Based on the fully-diluted numbers of Liberty Global Shares , LiLAC Shares and CWC shares outstanding on November 16, 2015, after giving effect to the acquisition and such attribution, and treating the Liberty Global Group ’s inter-group interest in the LiLAC Group as being represented by additional LiLAC Shares , Liberty Global Group shareholders would have had an approximate 67.4% ownership interest in the LiLAC Group . For information regarding an acquisition we completed subsequent to December 31, 2015, see note 20 . 2015 Acquisition On June 3, 2015, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement with the parent of Puerto Rico Cable Acquisition Company Inc., dba Choice Cable TV ( Choice ) and following regulatory approval, one of our subsidiaries, together with investment funds affiliated with Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (collectively, Searchlight ), acquired 100% of Choice (the Choice Acquisition ). Choice is a cable and broadband services provider in Puerto Rico. We acquired Choice in order to achieve certain financial, operational and strategic benefits through the integration of Choice with Liberty Puerto Rico . The combined business is 60.0% -owned by our company and 40.0% -owned by Searchlight . The purchase price for Choice of $276.4 million was funded through (i) Liberty Puerto Rico ’s incremental debt borrowings, net of discount and fees, of $259.1 million , (ii) cash of $10.5 million and (iii) an equity contribution from Searchlight of $6.8 million . We have accounted for the Choice Acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the total purchase price was allocated to the acquired identifiable net assets of Choice based on assessments of their respective fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. A summary of the purchase price and the preliminary opening balance sheet for the Choice Acquisition at the June 3, 2015 acquisition date is presented in the following table. The preliminary opening balance sheet is subject to adjustment based on our final assessment of the fair values of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities. Although most items in the valuation process remain open, the items with the highest likelihood of changing upon finalization of the valuation process include property and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets associated with franchise rights and customer relationships and income taxes (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 3.6 Other current assets 7.8 Property and equipment, net 79.8 Goodwill (a) 51.6 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (b) 59.1 Franchise rights 147.8 Other assets, net 0.3 Other accrued and current liabilities (13.2 ) Non-current deferred tax liabilities (60.4 ) Total purchase price (c) $ 276.4 _______________ (a) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Choice Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Choice ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that are expected to be achieved through the integration of Choice with Liberty Puerto Rico . The entire amount of goodwill is expected to be deductible for U.S. tax purposes. (b) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. As of June 3, 2015, the weighted average useful life of Choice ’s intangible assets was approximately ten years . (c) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $8.5 million incurred through December 31, 2015, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. 2014 Acquisition On November 11, 2014 (the Ziggo Acquisition Date ), pursuant to a merger protocol (the Ziggo Merger Protocol ) with respect to an offer to acquire all of the shares of Ziggo Holding B.V. ( Ziggo ) that we did not already own (the Ziggo Offer ), we gained control of Ziggo through the acquisition of 136,603,794 additional Ziggo shares, which increased our ownership interest in Ziggo to 88.9% (the Ziggo Acquisition ). From November 12, 2014 through November 19, 2014, we acquired 18,998,057 additional Ziggo shares, further increasing our ownership interest in Ziggo to 98.4% (the Ziggo NCI Acquisition ). Ziggo is a provider of video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services in the Netherlands. We acquired Ziggo in order to achieve certain financial, operational and strategic benefits through the integration of Ziggo with with our existing operations in the Netherlands and our other European operations. Pursuant to the Ziggo Merger Protocol , Ziggo shareholders who tendered their Ziggo shares received an offer price of (i) 0.2282 Class A Old Liberty Global Shares , (ii) 0.5630 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and (iii) €11.00 ( $13.71 at the applicable rates) in cash for each Ziggo share that they tendered. In connection with the completion of the Ziggo Acquisition and the Ziggo NCI Acquisition , we (a) issued an aggregate of 35,508,342 Class A and 87,603,842 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and (b) paid aggregate cash consideration of €1,711.6 million ( $2,133.6 million at the applicable rates) to holders of Ziggo ordinary shares. On December 3, 2014, we initiated a statutory squeeze-out procedure in accordance with the Dutch Civil Code (the Statutory Squeeze-out ) in order to acquire the remaining 3,162,605 Ziggo shares not tendered through November 19, 2014. Under the Statutory Squeeze-out , which was completed during the second quarter of 2015, Ziggo shareholders other than Liberty Global received cash consideration of €39.78 ( $44.91 at the applicable rates) per share, plus interest, for an aggregate of €125.9 million ( $142.2 million at the applicable rates). This amount was approved in April 2015 by the Enterprise Court in the Netherlands. For accounting purposes, (i) the Ziggo Acquisition was treated as the acquisition of Ziggo by Liberty Global and (ii) the Ziggo NCI Acquisition and the Statutory Squeeze-out were treated as the acquisitions of a noncontrolling interest. In connection with the completion of the Ziggo Acquisition , we obtained regulatory clearance from the European Commission on October 10, 2014, subject to the following commitments: • our commitment to divest our Film1 channels to a third party and to carry Film1 on our network in the Netherlands for a period of three years . Accordingly, on July 21, 2015, we sold our Film1 channels to Sony Pictures Television Networks. Under the terms of the agreement, all five Film1 channels will continue to be carried on certain of our networks for a period of at least three years ; and • our commitment for a period of eight years with respect to our network in the Netherlands (i) not to enforce certain clauses currently contained in carriage agreements with broadcasters that restrict the ability of broadcasters to offer their channels and content via over-the-top services, (ii) not to enter into carriage agreements containing such clauses and (iii) to maintain adequate interconnection capacity through at least three uncongested routes into our network in the Netherlands, at least one of which must be with a large transit provider. In July 2015, the Dutch incumbent telecommunications operator filed an appeal against the European Commission regarding its decision to approve the Ziggo Acquisition . We are not a party to the appeal and we do not expect that the filing of this appeal will have any impact on the ongoing integration and development of our operations in the Netherlands. For accounting purposes, the Ziggo Acquisition was treated as the acquisition of Ziggo by Liberty Global . In this regard, the equity and cash consideration paid to acquire Ziggo plus the fair value of our pre-existing investment in Ziggo on the Ziggo Acquisition Date is set forth below (in millions): Class A Old Liberty Global Shares (a) $ 1,448.7 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares (a) 3,457.1 Cash (b) 1,872.9 Fair value of pre-existing investment in Ziggo (c) 2,015.4 Total $ 8,794.1 _______________ (a) Represents the value assigned to the 31,172,985 Class A and 76,907,936 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Ziggo shareholders in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition through the Ziggo Acquisition Date . These amounts are based on (i) the exchange ratios specified by the Ziggo Merger Protocol , (ii) the applicable closing per share prices of Class A and Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and (iii) 136,603,794 ordinary shares of Ziggo tendered in the Ziggo Offer through the Ziggo Acquisition Date . (b) Represents the cash consideration paid in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition . (c) Represents the fair value of the 41,329,850 shares of Ziggo held by Liberty Global and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the Ziggo Acquisition . We have accounted for the Ziggo Acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the total purchase price was allocated to the acquired identifiable net assets of Ziggo based on assessments of their respective fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. A summary of the purchase price and the preliminary opening balance sheet for the Ziggo Acquisition as of the Ziggo Acquisition Date is presented in the following table. The opening balance sheet presented below reflects our final purchase price allocation (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 1,889.7 Other current assets 69.7 Property and equipment, net 2,714.9 Goodwill (b) 7,866.5 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (c) 4,857.0 Other assets, net 382.8 Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (604.0 ) Other accrued and current liabilities (461.8 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (5,351.5 ) Other long-term liabilities (1,488.6 ) Noncontrolling interest (d) (1,080.6 ) Total purchase price (e) $ 8,794.1 _______________ (a) The Ziggo Acquisition resulted in $16.8 million of net cash acquired after deducting the cash consideration paid. (b) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Ziggo ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that are expected to be achieved through the integration of Ziggo with our existing operations in the Netherlands and our other European operations. (c) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. As of the Ziggo Acquisition Date , the weighted average useful life of Ziggo ’s intangible assets was approximately ten years . (d) Represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Ziggo as of the Ziggo Acquisition Date . (e) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $84.1 million incurred through December 31, 2014, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. We have accounted for the Ziggo NCI Acquisition as an equity transaction, with the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest adjusted to reflect the change in ownership of Ziggo . The difference between the fair value of consideration paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest was adjusted has been recognized as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statement of equity. The impact of the Ziggo NCI Acquisition is summarized in the following table (in millions): Reduction of noncontrolling interests $ 927.2 Additional paid-in capital 23.5 Fair value of consideration paid (a) $ 950.7 _______________ (a) Represents (i) the value assigned to the 4,335,357 Class A and 10,695,906 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Ziggo shareholders and (ii) cash consideration of €209.0 million ( $260.7 million at the applicable rates) paid to Ziggo shareholders, based on the 18,998,057 ordinary shares of Ziggo tendered in connection with the Ziggo NCI Acquisition . The cash consideration paid in the Ziggo Acquisition and the Ziggo NCI Acquisition was funded with a combination of debt and our existing liquidity. For information regarding the various debt financing arrangements that we entered into in connection with the execution of the Ziggo Merger Protocol and the completion of the Ziggo Acquisition and the Ziggo NCI Acquisition , see note 10 . 2013 Acquisition On June 7, 2013, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Virgin Media Merger Agreement ) with Virgin Media and following receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals, we acquired Virgin Media in a stock and cash merger (the Virgin Media Acquisition ). Virgin Media is one of the U.K. ’s largest providers of residential video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and mobile services in terms of number of customers. We acquired Virgin Media in order to achieve certain financial, operational and strategic benefits through the integration of Virgin Media with our existing European operations. Pursuant to the Virgin Media Merger Agreement : • Each share of common stock of Virgin Media was converted into the right to receive (i) 0.2582 Class A Old Liberty Global Shares , (ii) 0.6438 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and (iii) $17.50 in cash; and • Each share of Series A common stock of LGI was converted into the right to receive one Class A Old Liberty Global Share; each share of Series B common stock of LGI was converted into the right to receive one Class B Old Liberty Global Share; and each share of Series C common stock of LGI was converted into the right to receive one Class C Old Liberty Global Share. In connection with the completion of the Virgin Media Acquisition , we issued 70,233,842 Class A and 175,122,182 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares to holders of Virgin Media common stock and 141,234,331 Class A, 10,176,295 Class B and 362,556,220 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares to holders of LGI Series A, Series B and Series C common stock, respectively. In connection with the execution of the Virgin Media Merger Agreement , we entered into various debt financing arrangements. In a transaction that did not impact our cash and cash equivalents, the net proceeds (after deducting certain transaction expenses) from the February 2013 issuance of the April 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes and 2023 VM Senior Notes (each as defined and described in note 10 ) of $3,557.5 million (equivalent at the transaction date) were placed into segregated escrow accounts (the Virgin Media Escrow Accounts ) with a trustee. Such net proceeds were released in connection with the closing of the Virgin Media Acquisition . The Virgin Media Acquisition and related refinancing transactions were funded with a combination of (i) the proceeds from the Virgin Media Escrow Accounts , (ii) borrowings under the VM Credit Facility (as defined and described in note 10 ) and (iii) our and Virgin Media ’s existing liquidity. For accounting purposes, the Virgin Media Acquisition was treated as the acquisition of Virgin Media by Liberty Global (as the successor to LGI ). In this regard, the equity and cash consideration paid to acquire Virgin Media is set forth below (in millions): Class A Old Liberty Global Shares (a) $ 2,735.0 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares (a) 6,369.9 Cash (b) 4,760.2 Fair value of the vested portion of Virgin Media stock incentive awards (c) 270.4 Total equity and cash consideration $ 14,135.5 _______________ (a) Represents the value assigned to the 70,233,842 Class A and 175,122,182 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Virgin Media shareholders in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition . These amounts are based on (i) the exchange ratios specified by the Virgin Media Merger Agreement , (ii) the closing per share price on June 7, 2013 of Series A and Series C LGI common stock of $38.94 and $36.37 , respectively, and (iii) the 272,013,333 outstanding shares of Virgin Media common stock at June 7, 2013. (b) Represents the cash consideration paid in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition . This amount is based on (i) the $17.50 per share cash consideration specified by the Virgin Media Merger Agreement and (ii) the 272,013,333 outstanding shares of Virgin Media common stock at June 7, 2013. (c) Represents the portion of the estimated fair value of the Virgin Media stock incentive awards that are attributable to services provided prior to the June 7, 2013 acquisition date. The estimated fair value is based on the attributes of the 13.03 million outstanding Virgin Media stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013, including the market price of the underlying Virgin Media common stock. The outstanding Virgin Media stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013 include 9.86 million stock options that have been valued using Black Scholes option valuations. In addition, Virgin Media ’s stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013 included 3.17 million restricted stock units that included performance conditions and, in certain cases, market conditions. Those restricted stock units with market conditions have been valued using Monte Carlo simulation models. We have accounted for the acquisition of Virgin Media using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the total purchase price was allocated to the acquired identifiable net assets of Virgin Media based on assessments of their respective fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. A summary of the purchase price and opening balance sheet for the Virgin Media Acquisition at the June 7, 2013 acquisition date is presented in the following table. The opening balance sheet presented below reflects our final purchase price allocation (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 694.6 Other current assets 932.2 Property and equipment, net 9,863.1 Goodwill (a) 9,000.8 Intangible assets subject to amortization (b) 3,925.8 Other assets, net 4,259.4 Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (1,184.5 ) Other accrued and current liabilities (c) (d) (1,892.2 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (8,477.4 ) Other long-term liabilities (c) (1,326.3 ) Additional paid-in capital (e) (1,660.0 ) Total purchase price (f) $ 14,135.5 _______________ (a) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Virgin Media ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that were expected to be achieved through the integration of Virgin Media with our other broadband communications operations in Europe. (b) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. At June 7, 2013, the weighted average useful life of Virgin Media ’s intangible assets was approximately seven years . (c) No amounts were allocated to deferred revenue with respect to the then ongoing performance obligations associated with Virgin Media ’s B2B service contracts, as the remaining fees to be received under these contracts approximated fair value given our estimates of the costs associated with these performance obligations. (d) Amount includes a $35.6 million liability that was recorded to adjust an unfavorable capacity contract to its estimated fair value. This amount was amortized through the March 31, 2014 expiration date of the contract as a reduction of Virgin Media ’s operating expenses so that the net effect of this amortization and the payments required under the contract approximated market rates. During the period from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2014, $22.8 million and $12.8 million , respectively, of this liability was amortized as a reduction of operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. (e) Represents the equity component of the 6.50% convertible senior notes (the VM Convertible Notes ). During the period from June 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 , 94.4% of the VM Convertible Notes were exchanged for Class A and Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and cash pursuant to the terms of the indenture underlying the VM Convertible Notes . (f) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $51.5 million incurred through December 31, 2014, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. Pro Forma Information The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to (i) the acquisition of 100% of Ziggo and (ii) the Choice Acquisition , as if they had been completed as of January 1, 2014 . These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if these transactions had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. In the following table, we present the revenue that is attributed to the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group as if such revenue had been attributed to each group at the beginning of each period presented. However, our presentation of net earnings (loss) and basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributed to (a) Liberty Global Shares , (b) LiLAC Shares and (c) Old Liberty Global Shares only includes the results of operations for the periods during which these shares were outstanding. Accordingly, (1) our net earnings (loss) attributed to Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares relates to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 and (2) our net loss attributed to Old Liberty Global Shares relates to periods prior to July 1, 2015. Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 in millions, except per share amounts Revenue: Liberty Global Group: Continuing operations $ 17,062.7 $ 18,890.1 Discontinued operation — 26.6 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 18,916.7 LiLAC Group 1,254.4 1,291.9 Total $ 18,317.1 $ 20,208.6 Net earnings ( loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders: Liberty Global Shares $ (167.5 ) $ — LiLAC Shares 17.2 — Old Liberty Global Shares (1,000.4 ) (1,181.0 ) Total $ (1,150.7 ) $ (1,181.0 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share: Liberty Global Shares $ (0.19 ) LiLAC Shares $ 0.39 Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1.13 ) $ (1.30 ) Our consolidated statement of operations for 2015 includes revenue and net earnings of $52.1 million and $4.6 million , respectively, attributable to Choice . The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to (i) the acquisition of 100% of Ziggo and (ii) the Virgin Media Acquisition , as if they had been completed as of January 1, 2013 . These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if these transactions had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. In the following table, we present the revenue that is attributed to the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group as if such revenue had been attributed to each group at the beginning of each period presented. However, our presentation of net loss and basic and diluted loss per share attributed to (a) Liberty Global Shares , (b) LiLAC Shares and (c) Old Liberty Global Shares only includes the results of operations for the periods during which these shares were outstanding. Accordingly, our net loss for 2014 and 2013 is entirely attributed to Old Liberty Global Shares . Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 in millions, except per share amounts Revenue: Liberty Global Group: Continuing operations $ 18,890.1 $ 18,013.7 Discontinued operation 26.6 408.6 Total Liberty Global Group 18,916.7 18,422.3 LiLAC Group 1,204.6 1,288.8 Intergroup eliminations — (1.3 ) Total $ 20,121.3 $ 19,709.8 Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders — Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1,180.6 ) $ (1,573.6 ) Basic and diluted loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share — Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1.30 ) $ (1.71 ) Our consolidated statement of operations for 2014 includes revenue and net loss of $272.0 million and $98.7 million , respectively, attributable to Ziggo . |
Discontinued Operation
Discontinued Operation | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] | |
Discontinued Operations | Discontinued Operation On January 31, 2014, we completed the sale of the Chellomedia Disposal Group to AMC Networks Inc. for €750.0 million ( $1,013.1 million at the applicable rate) in cash. Accordingly, the Chellomedia Disposal Group is reflected as a discontinued operation in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for 2014 and 2013. The assets disposed of pursuant to the Chellomedia Transaction exclude Chellomedia ’s premium sports and film channels in the Netherlands. In connection with the sale of the Chellomedia Disposal Group , we recognized a pre-tax gain of $342.2 million . This pre-tax gain is net of a $64.0 million cumulative foreign currency translation loss, which was reclassified to net loss from accumulated other comprehensive earnings. The associated income tax expense of $9.5 million differs from the amount computed by applying the U.K. statutory income tax rate in effect at the time of 21.5% primarily due to the fact that (i) the transaction was not subject to taxation in the U.K. and (ii) most elements of the transaction were not subject to taxation in the Netherlands or the U.S. The net after-tax gain of $332.7 million is included in gain on disposal of discontinued operation, net of taxes, in our consolidated statement of operations. Certain of our broadband communications operations will continue to receive programming services from the Chellomedia Disposal Group through contracts that were negotiated as part of the disposal. As such, Liberty Global will have continuing cash outflows associated with the Chellomedia Disposal Group through at least 2017. However, our involvement as an ongoing customer of the Chellomedia Disposal Group does not disqualify discontinued operations classification because (i) the ongoing cash outflows are not considered significant to the Chellomedia Disposal Group and (ii) Liberty Global does not possess any rights within the ongoing contractual arrangements that would allow us to exert influence over the Chellomedia Disposal Group . The operating results of the Chellomedia Disposal Group are classified as a discontinued operation in our consolidated statements of operations and are summarized in the following table: Year ended December 31, 2014 (a) (b) 2013 (b) in millions Revenue $ 26.6 $ 408.6 Operating income $ 0.6 $ 12.1 Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 0.9 $ (1.0 ) Income tax expense $ (0.1 ) $ (22.7 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation attributable to Liberty Global shareholders, net of taxes $ 0.8 $ (26.3 ) _______________ (a) Includes the operating results of the Chellomedia Disposal Group through January 31, 2014, the date the Chellomedia Disposal Group was sold. (b) Excludes the Chellomedia Disposal Group ’s intercompany revenue and expenses that are eliminated within Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. |
Investments
Investments | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Investments | Investments The details of our investments are set forth below: December 31, Accounting Method 2015 2014 in millions Fair value: ITV — subject to re-use rights $ 1,624.1 $ 871.2 Sumitomo 471.1 473.1 Lionsgate 162.0 — ITI Neovision 120.0 154.1 Other 214.6 164.3 Total — fair value 2,591.8 1,662.7 Equity 247.4 145.1 Cost 0.4 0.4 Total $ 2,839.6 $ 1,808.2 Fair Value Investments ITV . On July 17, 2014, we acquired an aggregate of 259,820,065 shares of ITV plc ( ITV ), a commercial broadcaster in the U.K. , at a price of £1.85 ( $3.14 at the transaction date) per share, for an investment of £480.7 million ( $816.3 million at the transaction date) (the Initial ITV Investment ). On July 30, 2015, we acquired an additional 138,695,445 shares of ITV at a per share price of £2.716 ( $4.23 at the transaction date), for an additional investment of £376.7 million ( $587.0 million at the transaction date) (the Additional ITV Investment ), which together with the Initial ITV Investment constitutes our total investment in ITV (the Total ITV Investment ). The aggregate purchase price paid to acquire the Total ITV Investment was financed through borrowings under secured borrowing arrangements (the ITV Collar Loan ). The Total ITV Investment comprises 398,515,510 shares, or approximately 9.9% of the total outstanding shares of ITV as of June 30, 2015, the most current publicly-available information. All of the ITV shares we hold are subject to a share collar (the ITV Collar ) and pledged as collateral under the ITV Collar Loan . Under the terms of the ITV Collar , the counterparty has the right to re-use all of the pledged ITV shares. For additional information regarding the ITV Collar , see note 7 . Sumitomo . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we owned 45,652,043 shares of Sumitomo Corporation ( Sumitomo ) common stock. Our Sumitomo shares represented less than 5% of Sumitomo ’s outstanding common stock at December 31, 2015 . These shares secure the Sumitomo Collar Loan , as defined and described in note 7 . Lionsgate . On November 12, 2015, we acquired an aggregate of 5.0 million shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. ( Lionsgate ), at a price of $39.02 per share, for an investment of $195.1 million . The aggregate purchase price of the Lionsgate shares was financed using working capital, including $70.9 million of cash received pursuant to a variable prepaid forward transaction with respect to 2.5 million Lionsgate shares (the Lionsgate Forward ). The Lionsgate Forward has economic characteristics similar to a collar plus a loan that is collateralized by a pledge of the aforementioned 2.5 million shares (the Lionsgate Loan ). Under the terms of the Lionsgate Forward , the counterparty does not have the right to re-use the pledged Lionsgate shares without permission from Liberty Global . In connection with our acquisition of the Lionsgate shares, we also agreed, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, not to sell or transfer any of our Lionsgate shares (other than pursuant to the Lionsgate Forward ) until November 2016. Our Lionsgate shares represented less than 5% of the total outstanding shares of Lionsgate as of the acquisition date. For additional information regarding the Lionsgate Forward , see note 7 . ITI Neovision . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we owned a 17.0% interest in ITI Neovision S.A. ( ITI Neovision ) (formerly Canal+ Cyfrowy S.A.), a privately-held direct-to-home ( DTH ) operator in Poland. Equity Method Investments All3Media . As of December 31, 2015 , our most significant equity method investment is our investment in All3Media Holdings Limited ( All3Media ), an independent television, film and digital production and distribution company in the U.K. Our investment in All3Media is held through our 50.0% interest in DLG Acquisition Limited ( DLG ), a joint venture between one of our subsidiaries and a subsidiary of Discovery Communications, Inc. ( Discovery ). In September 2014, we and a subsidiary of Discovery each contributed £90.0 million ( $147.2 million at the transaction date) to DLG in connection with DLG ’s acquisition of 100% of All3Media . The December 31, 2015 carrying value of our investment in DLG , including a loan to DLG , was $132.1 million . |
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments In general, we seek to enter into derivative instruments to protect against (i) increases in the interest rates on our variable-rate debt and (ii) foreign currency movements, particularly with respect to borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the borrowing entity. In this regard, through our subsidiaries, we have entered into various derivative instruments to manage interest rate exposure and foreign currency exposure with respect to the U.S. dollar ( $ ), the euro ( € ), the British pound sterling ( £ ), the Swiss franc ( CHF ), the Chilean peso ( CLP ), the Czech koruna ( CZK ), the Hungarian forint ( HUF ), the Polish zloty ( PLN ) and the Romanian lei ( RON ). With the exception of a limited number of our foreign currency forward contracts, we do not apply hedge accounting to our derivative instruments. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of most of our derivative instruments are recorded in realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. The following table provides details of the fair values of our derivative instrument assets and liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Current Long-term (a) Total Current Long-term (a) Total in millions Assets: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 263.6 $ 1,518.5 $ 1,782.1 $ 443.6 $ 812.5 $ 1,256.1 LiLAC Group 11.8 291.7 303.5 — 101.2 101.2 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) 275.4 1,810.2 2,085.6 443.6 913.7 1,357.3 Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group (c) 135.5 273.0 408.5 — 400.2 400.2 Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group 6.2 — 6.2 1.4 — 1.4 LiLAC Group 4.2 — 4.2 1.1 — 1.1 Total foreign currency forward contracts 10.4 — 10.4 2.5 — 2.5 Other - Liberty Global Group 0.6 1.0 1.6 0.5 0.9 1.4 Total assets: Liberty Global Group 405.9 1,792.5 2,198.4 445.5 1,213.6 1,659.1 LiLAC Group 16.0 291.7 307.7 1.1 101.2 102.3 Total $ 421.9 $ 2,084.2 $ 2,506.1 $ 446.6 $ 1,314.8 $ 1,761.4 Liabilities: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 304.9 $ 1,194.7 $ 1,499.6 $ 987.9 $ 1,443.9 $ 2,431.8 LiLAC Group — 13.8 13.8 39.5 — 39.5 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) 304.9 1,208.5 1,513.4 1,027.4 1,443.9 2,471.3 Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group (c) 34.7 39.7 74.4 15.3 73.1 88.4 Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group 1.1 — 1.1 0.6 — 0.6 LiLAC Group — — — 0.2 — 0.2 Total foreign currency forward contracts 1.1 — 1.1 0.8 — 0.8 Other - Liberty Global Group 5.6 0.1 5.7 0.2 0.1 0.3 Total liabilities: Liberty Global Group 346.3 1,234.5 1,580.8 1,004.0 1,517.1 2,521.1 LiLAC Group — 13.8 13.8 39.7 — 39.7 Total $ 346.3 $ 1,248.3 $ 1,594.6 $ 1,043.7 $ 1,517.1 $ 2,560.8 _______________ (a) Our long-term derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets, net, and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. (b) We consider credit risk in our fair value assessments. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , (i) the fair values of our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts that represented assets have been reduced by credit risk valuation adjustments aggregating $64.0 million and $30.9 million , respectively, and (ii) the fair values of our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts that represented liabilities have been reduced by credit risk valuation adjustments aggregating $86.5 million and $64.6 million , respectively. The adjustments to our derivative assets relate to the credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance, and the adjustments to our derivative liabilities relate to credit risk associated with our own nonperformance. In all cases, the adjustments take into account offsetting liability or asset positions within a given contract. Our determination of credit risk valuation adjustments generally is based on our and our counterparties’ credit risks, as observed in the credit default swap market and market quotations for certain of our subsidiaries’ debt instruments, as applicable. The changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts resulted in net gains (losses) of ( $9.3 million ), ( $120.9 million ) and $15.3 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These amounts are included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. For further information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 8 . (c) Our equity-related derivative instruments include the fair value of (i) the ITV Collar , (ii) the share collar (the Sumitomo Collar ) with respect to the shares of Sumitomo Corporation held by our company, (iii) the Lionsgate Forward (at December 31, 2015 only), and (iv) the Virgin Media Capped Calls (as defined and described below). The fair values of the ITV Collar , the Sumitomo Collar and the Lionsgate Forward , each as further described below, do not include credit risk valuation adjustments as we assume that any losses incurred by our company in the event of nonperformance by the respective counterparty would be, subject to relevant insolvency laws, fully offset against amounts we owe to such counterparty pursuant to the related secured borrowing arrangements. The details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 855.7 $ 252.5 $ (600.2 ) LiLAC Group 217.0 41.1 13.7 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts 1,072.7 293.6 (586.5 ) Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group: ITV Collar (222.6 ) (77.4 ) — Sumitomo Collar (20.3 ) (46.0 ) (206.4 ) Lionsgate Forward 14.5 — — Ziggo Collar (a) — (113.3 ) (152.5 ) Other 0.7 0.4 (3.4 ) Total equity-related derivative instruments (227.7 ) (236.3 ) (362.3 ) Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group (9.0 ) 29.0 (73.9 ) LiLAC Group 10.3 2.6 1.0 Total foreign currency forward contracts 1.3 31.6 (72.9 ) Other - Liberty Global Group 0.9 (0.1 ) 1.3 Total Liberty Global Group 619.9 45.1 (1,035.1 ) Total LiLAC Group 227.3 43.7 14.7 Total $ 847.2 $ 88.8 $ (1,020.4 ) _______________ (a) Upon completion of the Ziggo Acquisition , the Ziggo Collar (as defined and described below) was terminated. The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments is classified as an operating, investing or financing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows based on the objective of the derivative instrument and the classification of the applicable underlying cash flows. For foreign currency forward contracts that are used to hedge capital expenditures, the net cash received or paid is classified as an adjustment to capital expenditures in our consolidated statements of cash flows. For derivative contracts that are terminated prior to maturity, the cash paid or received upon termination that relates to future periods is classified as a financing activity. The classification of these net cash inflows (outflows) is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Operating activities: Liberty Global Group $ (225.9 ) $ (425.2 ) $ (358.1 ) LiLAC Group (28.8 ) (20.5 ) (44.0 ) Total operating activities (254.7 ) (445.7 ) (402.1 ) Investing activities: Liberty Global Group 15.6 (30.2 ) (66.5 ) LiLAC Group 2.2 — — Total investing activities 17.8 (30.2 ) (66.5 ) Financing activities: Liberty Global Group (301.2 ) (183.6 ) 524.5 LiLAC Group — (37.4 ) — Total financing activities (301.2 ) (221.0 ) 524.5 Total cash outflows: Liberty Global Group (511.5 ) (639.0 ) 99.9 LiLAC Group (26.6 ) (57.9 ) (44.0 ) Total $ (538.1 ) $ (696.9 ) $ 55.9 Counterparty Credit Risk We are exposed to the risk that the counterparties to the derivative instruments of our subsidiary borrowing groups will default on their obligations to us. We manage these credit risks through the evaluation and monitoring of the creditworthiness of, and concentration of risk with, the respective counterparties. In this regard, credit risk associated with our derivative instruments is spread across a relatively broad counterparty base of banks and financial institutions. Collateral is generally not posted by either party under the derivative instruments of our subsidiary borrowing groups. At December 31, 2015 , our exposure to counterparty credit risk included derivative assets with an aggregate fair value of $2,025.2 million . Each of our subsidiary borrowing groups have entered into derivative instruments under master agreements with each counterparty that contain master netting arrangements that are applicable in the event of early termination by either party to such derivative instrument. The master netting arrangements under each of these master agreements are limited to the derivative instruments governed by the relevant master agreement within each individual borrowing group and are independent of similar arrangements of our other subsidiary borrowing groups. Under our derivative contracts, it is generally only the non-defaulting party that has a contractual option to exercise early termination rights upon the default of the other counterparty and to set off other liabilities against sums due upon such termination. However, in an insolvency of a derivative counterparty, under the laws of certain jurisdictions, the defaulting counterparty or its insolvency representatives may be able to compel the termination of one or more derivative contracts and trigger early termination payment liabilities payable by us, reflecting any mark-to-market value of the contracts for the counterparty. Alternatively, or in addition, the insolvency laws of certain jurisdictions may require the mandatory set off of amounts due under such derivative contracts against present and future liabilities owed to us under other contracts between us and the relevant counterparty. Accordingly, it is possible that we may be subject to obligations to make payments, or may have present or future liabilities owed to us partially or fully discharged by set off as a result of such obligations, in the event of the insolvency of a derivative counterparty, even though it is the counterparty that is in default and not us. To the extent that we are required to make such payments, our ability to do so will depend on our liquidity and capital resources at the time. In an insolvency of a defaulting counterparty, we will be an unsecured creditor in respect of any amount owed to us by the defaulting counterparty, except to the extent of the value of any collateral we have obtained from that counterparty. In addition, where a counterparty is in financial difficulty, under the laws of certain jurisdictions, the relevant regulators may be able to (i) compel the termination of one or more derivative instruments, determine the settlement amount and/or compel, without any payment, the partial or full discharge of liabilities arising from such early termination that are payable by the relevant counterparty or (ii) transfer the derivative instruments to an alternative counterparty. Details of our Derivative Instruments In the following tables, we present the details of the various categories of our subsidiaries’ derivative instruments. For each subsidiary with multiple derivative instruments that mature within the same calendar month, the notional amounts are shown in the aggregate, and interest rates are presented on a weighted average basis. In addition, for derivative instruments that were in effect as of December 31, 2015 , we present a single date that represents the applicable final maturity date. For derivative instruments that become effective subsequent to December 31, 2015 , we present a range of dates that represents the period covered by the applicable derivative instruments. Cross-currency and Interest Rate Derivative Contracts Cross-currency Swaps: The terms of our outstanding cross-currency swap contracts at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited ( VMIH ), a subsidiary of Virgin Media: January 2023 $ 400.0 € 339.6 5.75% 4.33% June 2023 $ 1,855.0 £ 1,198.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.75% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 3.18% February 2022 $ 1,400.0 £ 873.6 5.01% 5.49% January 2023 $ 1,000.0 £ 648.6 5.25% 5.32% January 2021 $ 500.0 £ 308.9 5.25% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 2.06% October 2022 $ 450.0 £ 272.0 6.00% 6.43% January 2022 $ 425.0 £ 255.8 5.50% 5.82% April 2019 $ 191.5 £ 122.3 5.38% 5.49% November 2016 (a) $ 55.0 £ 27.7 6.50% 7.03% October 2019 $ 50.0 £ 30.3 8.38% 8.98% October 2019 - October 2022 $ 50.0 £ 30.7 6.00% 5.75% UPC Broadband Holding B.V. ( UPC Broadband Holding ), a subsidiary of UPC Holding: January 2023 $ 1,140.0 € 1,043.7 5.38% 3.71% July 2021 $ 440.0 € 337.2 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.87% January 2017 - July 2021 $ 262.1 € 194.1 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.51% January 2020 $ 252.5 € 192.5 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.93% 7.49% Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions November 2019 $ 250.0 € 181.5 7.25% 7.74% November 2021 $ 250.0 € 181.4 7.25% 7.50% October 2020 $ 125.0 € 91.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.00% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.04% January 2020 $ 122.5 € 93.4 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.94% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 4.87% December 2016 $ 340.0 CHF 370.9 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 4.01% July 2016 (a) $ 225.0 CHF 206.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.81% 1.00% July 2016 - January 2020 $ 225.0 CHF 206.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.81% 5.44% July 2021 $ 200.0 CHF 186.0 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.55% January 2017 - July 2023 $ 200.0 CHF 185.5 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.48% November 2019 $ 175.0 CHF 158.7 7.25% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 5.01% January 2017 - July 2021 $ 100.0 CHF 92.8 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.49% July 2016 (a) $ 201.5 RON 489.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 1.40% July 2016 - July 2020 $ 201.5 RON 489.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 11.34% January 2021 € 720.8 CHF 877.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.62% January 2017 - September 2022 € 383.8 CHF 477.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.00% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.22% January 2017 € 360.4 CHF 589.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 3.94% October 2016 € 285.1 CHF 346.7 10.51% (0.73)% October 2016 - April 2018 € 285.1 CHF 346.7 10.51% 9.87% January 2020 € 175.0 CHF 258.6 7.63% 6.76% July 2020 € 107.4 CHF 129.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.00% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 3.28% July 2023 € 85.3 CHF 95.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.21% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.65% July 2021 € 76.1 CHF 92.1 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.88% January 2017 € 75.0 CHF 110.9 7.63% 6.98% January 2020 € 318.9 CZK 8,818.7 5.58% 5.44% January 2017 € 60.0 CZK 1,703.1 5.50% 6.99% July 2017 € 39.6 CZK 1,000.0 3.00% 3.75% July 2016 (a) € 260.0 HUF 75,570.0 5.50% 5.00% July 2016 - January 2017 € 260.0 HUF 75,570.0 5.50% 10.56% December 2016 € 150.0 HUF 43,367.5 5.50% 2.00% July 2018 € 78.0 HUF 19,500.0 5.50% 9.15% January 2017 € 245.0 PLN 1,000.6 5.50% 9.03% September 2016 € 200.0 PLN 892.7 6.00% 3.91% January 2020 € 144.6 PLN 605.0 5.50% 7.98% July 2017 € 82.0 PLN 318.0 3.00% 5.60% Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij B.V. ( ABC B.V. ), a subsidiary of Ziggo Group Holding: January 2022 $ 2,350.0 € 1,819.0 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.75% 4.56% January 2023 $ 400.0 € 339.0 5.88% 4.58% Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG ( Unitymedia Hessen ), a subsidiary of Unitymedia: January 2023 $ 2,450.0 € 1,799.0 5.62% 4.76% VTR: January 2022 $ 1,400.0 CLP 951,390.0 6.88% 6.36% _______________ (a) Unlike the other cross-currency swaps presented in this table, the identified cross-currency swaps do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, the only cash flows associated with these derivative instruments are interest payments and receipts. Interest Rate Swaps: The terms of our outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions VMIH: October 2018 £ 2,155.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 1.52% October 2018 - June 2023 £ 1,200.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 2.49% January 2021 £ 650.0 5.50% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 1.84% January 2021 £ 650.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 1.84% 3.87% April 2018 £ 300.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 1.37% UPC Broadband Holding: January 2022 $ 675.0 6.88% 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.90% July 2020 € 750.0 6.38% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.16% July 2016 € 503.4 6 mo. EURIBOR 0.20% July 2016 - January 2021 € 250.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.52% July 2016 - January 2023 € 210.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.88% November 2021 € 107.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.89% July 2016 - July 2020 € 43.4 6 mo. EURIBOR 3.95% July 2016 CHF 900.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 0.05% January 2022 CHF 711.5 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 1.89% July 2016 - January 2021 CHF 500.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 1.65% July 2016 - January 2018 CHF 400.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 2.51% December 2016 CHF 370.9 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 3.82% November 2019 CHF 226.8 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 5.01% 6.88% Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions ABC B.V.: January 2022 € 1,566.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 1.66% January 2016 € 689.0 1 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.59% January 2016 - January 2017 € 689.0 1 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.57% January 2021 € 500.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.61% July 2016 € 461.3 6 mo. EURIBOR 0.20% July 2016 - January 2023 € 290.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.84% March 2021 € 175.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.32% July 2016 - January 2022 € 171.3 6 mo. EURIBOR 3.44% Telenet International Finance S.a.r.l ( Telenet International ), a subsidiary of Telenet: July 2017 € 800.0 3 mo. EURIBOR (0.17)% June 2023 € 500.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 0.42% July 2017 - June 2022 € 420.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 2.08% June 2021 € 400.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 0.41% July 2017 - June 2023 € 382.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 1.89% June 2022 € 55.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 1.81% Liberty Puerto Rico: October 2016 - January 2022 $ 506.3 3 mo. LIBOR 2.49% October 2016 - January 2019 $ 168.8 3 mo. LIBOR 1.96% Interest Rate Caps Our purchased and sold interest rate cap contracts with respect to EURIBOR at December 31, 2015 are detailed below: December 31, 2015 Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount EURIBOR cap rate in millions Interest rate caps purchased (a): Liberty Global Europe Financing B.V. ( LGE Financing ), the immediate parent of UPC Holding: January 2020 € 735.0 7.00% Telenet International: June 2017 € 50.0 4.50% Telenet N.V., a subsidiary of Telenet: December 2017 € 0.5 6.50% December 2017 € 0.5 5.50% Interest rate cap sold (b): UPC Broadband Holding: January 2020 € 735.0 7.00% _______________ (a) Our purchased interest rate caps entitle us to receive payments from the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR exceeds the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. (b) Our sold interest rate cap requires that we make payments to the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR exceeds the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. Interest Rate Collars Our interest rate collar contracts establish floor and cap rates with respect to EURIBOR on the indicated notional amounts at December 31, 2015 , as detailed below: December 31, 2015 Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount EURIBOR floor rate (a) EURIBOR cap rate (b) in millions UPC Broadband Holding: July 2016 - January 2020 € 1,135.0 1.00% 3.54% _______________ (a) We make payments to the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR is less than the EURIBOR floor rate during the specified observation periods. (b) We receive payments from the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR is greater than the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. Equity-related Derivative Instruments ITV Collar and Secured Borrowing . The ITV Collar is comprised of (i) purchased put options exercisable by Liberty Global Incorporated Limited ( Liberty Global Limited ), our wholly-owned subsidiary, and (ii) written call options exercisable by the counterparty. The ITV Collar effectively hedges the value of our investment in ITV shares from losses due to market price decreases below the put option price while retaining a portion of the gains from market price increases up to the call option price. For additional information regarding our investment in ITV , see note 6 . The ITV Collar and related agreements also provided Liberty Global Limited with the ability to effectively finance the purchase of its ITV shares pursuant to the ITV Collar Loan . In July 2014 and in connection with the Initial ITV Investment , Liberty Global Limited borrowed £446.9 million ( $764.5 million at the transaction date) under the ITV Collar Loan . In July 2015 and in connection with the Additional ITV Investment , Liberty Global Limited (i) modified the purchased put option and written call option strike prices within the ITV Collar and (ii) increased its borrowings under the ITV Collar Loan , resulting in net cash received of $92.0 million . The amount received in connection with the Additional ITV Investment includes $77.5 million of cash borrowings under the ITV Collar Loan that were not required to fund the Additional ITV Investment and $14.5 million related to the ITV Collar Loan modifications. Immediately prior to the completion of these modifications, the fair value of the ITV Collar was a $270.5 million liability. In connection with the ITV Collar modifications, this liability was effectively transferred on a non-cash basis to the principal amount of the ITV Collar Loan . At December 31, 2015 , borrowings under the ITV Collar Loan were secured by all 398,515,510 of our ITV shares, which have been placed into a custody account. The ITV Collar Loan was issued at a discount with a zero coupon rate and has an average implied yield of 139 basis points ( 1.39% ). The ITV Collar Loan , which has an average maturity of three years and contains no financial covenants, provides for customary representations and warranties, events of default and certain adjustment and termination events. Under the terms of the ITV Collar , the counterparty has the right to re-use the pledged ITV shares held in the custody account, but we have the right to recall the shares that are re-used by the counterparty subject to certain costs. In addition, the counterparty retains dividends on the ITV shares that the counterparty would need to borrow from the custody account to hedge its exposure under the ITV Collar (an estimated 390 million shares at December 31, 2015 ). Sumitomo Collar and Secured Borrowing. The Sumitomo Collar is comprised of purchased put options exercisable by Liberty Programming Japan LLC ( Liberty Programming Japan ), our wholly-owned subsidiary, and written call options exercisable by the counterparty with respect to all of the common shares of Sumitomo owned by Liberty Programming Japan . The Sumitomo Collar effectively hedges the value of our investment in Sumitomo shares from losses due to market price decreases below a per share value of ¥2,118.50 ( $17.62 ) while retaining gains from market price increases up to a per share value of ¥2,787.50 ( $23.19 ). At December 31, 2015 , the market price of Sumitomo common stock was ¥1,240.50 ( $10.32 ) per share. The Sumitomo Collar provides for a projected gross cash ordinary dividend to be paid per Sumitomo share during the term of the Sumitomo Collar . If the actual dividend paid does not exactly match the projected dividend, then an adjustment amount shall be payable between the parties to the Sumitomo Collar depending on the dividend actually paid by Sumitomo . The Sumitomo Collar may, at the option of Liberty Programming Japan , be settled in Sumitomo shares or in cash. The Sumitomo Collar also includes a purchased fair value put option, which effectively provides Liberty Programming Japan with the ability to sell the Sumitomo shares when the market price is trading between the put and call strike prices. The Sumitomo Collar matures in five equal semi-annual installments beginning on May 22, 2016. The fair value of the Sumitomo Collar as of December 31, 2015 was a net asset of $345.6 million , of which $120.6 million is classified as current in our consolidated balance sheet. The Sumitomo Collar and related agreements also provide Liberty Programming Japan with the ability to borrow funds on a secured basis. Borrowings under these agreements, which are secured by a pledge of 100% of the Sumitomo shares owned by Liberty Programming Japan , bear interest at 1.883% and mature in five equal semi-annual installments beginning on May 22, 2016 , are included in our current and long-term debt and capital lease obligations in our consolidated balance sheets. During 2007, Liberty Programming Japan borrowed ¥93.660 billion ( $757.6 million at the transaction date) under these agreements (the Sumitomo Collar Loan ). The pledge arrangement entered into by Liberty Programming Japan provides that Liberty Programming Japan will be able to exercise all voting and consensual rights and, subject to the terms of the Sumitomo Collar , receive dividends on the Sumitomo shares. Lionsgate Forward and Secured Borrowing. The Lionsgate Forward has the economic equivalent of (i) purchased put options exercisable by Liberty Global Limited and (ii) written call options exercisable by the counterparty. The Lionsgate Forward effectively hedges the value of a portion of our investment in Lionsgate shares from losses due to market price decreases below the put option price while retaining a portion of the gains from market price increases up to the call option price. For additional information regarding our investment in Lionsgate , see note 6 . The Lionsgate Forward and related agreements also provided Liberty Global Limited with the ability to effectively finance a portion of the purchase of its Lionsgate shares pursuant to the Lionsgate Loan . In November 2015, Liberty Global Limited borrowed $69.7 million under the Lionsgate Loan . At December 31, 2015 , borrowings under the Lionsgate Loan were secured by 2.5 million of our Lionsgate shares, which have been placed into a custody account. The Lionsgate Loan was issued at a discount with a zero coupon rate and an average implied yield of 350 basis points ( 3.5% ). The Lionsgate Loan , which has an average maturity of five years and contains no financial covenants, provides for customary representations and warranties, events of default and certain adjustment and termination events. Under the terms of the Lionsgate Forward , the counterparty does not have the right to re-use the pledged Lionsgate shares without permission from Liberty Global . In addition, Liberty Global Limited is obligated to share with the counterparty the economic benefit of any dividends paid during the term of the pledge based on a formula that takes into account a theoretical hedging position by the counterparty under the Lionsgate Forward (an estimated 1.7 million shares at December 31, 2015 ). Ziggo Collar and Secured Borrowing . In July 2013, Liberty Global Limited paid a net option premium of €38.6 million ( $51.0 million at the transaction date) to enter into a share collar (the Ziggo Collar ) and secured borrowing arrangement (the Ziggo Collar Loan ) with respect to the then owned 24,957,000 Ziggo shares. The Ziggo Collar was comprised of (i) purchased put options exercisable by Liberty Global Limited and (ii) sold call options exercisable by the counterparty. Prior to the Ziggo Acquisition , the Ziggo Collar effectively hedged the value of a portion of our investment in Ziggo shares from significant losses due to market price decreases below the put option price while retaining a portion of the gains from market price increases up to the call option price. The Ziggo Collar and related agreements also provided Liberty Global Limited with the ability to effectively finance the purchase of certain of its Ziggo shares pursuant to the Ziggo Collar Loan . In this regard, in July 2013, we borrowed €617.1 million ( $816.4 million at the transaction date) under the Ziggo Collar Loan , including €486.4 million ( $643.5 million at the transaction date) of non-cash borrowings that were used to finance the acquisition of Ziggo shares. Upon completion of the Ziggo Acquisition (see note 4 ), the Ziggo Collar was terminated and the Ziggo Collar Loan was settled. Virgin Media Capped Calls . During 2010, Virgin Media entered into conversion hedges (the Virgin Media Capped Calls ) in order to offset a portion of the dilutive effects associated with the exchange of certain exchangeable notes of Virgin Media . During 2013, and in connection with the exchange of certain exchangeable notes of Virgin Media , we settled 93.8% of the notional amount of the Virgin Media Capped Calls for cash proceeds of $534.8 million . Foreign Currency Forwards The following table summarizes our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2015 : Subsidiary Currency purchased forward Currency sold forward Maturity dates in millions LGE Financing $ 215.1 € 194.6 January 2016 - June 2016 LGE Financing £ 20.2 $ 30.7 January 2016 - May 2016 LGE Financing £ 23.0 € 31.2 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding $ 2.5 CZK 60.0 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 64.1 CHF 68.6 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 14.9 CZK 405.0 January 2016 - September 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 19.0 HUF 6,000.0 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 36.0 PLN 154.3 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 13.6 RON 61.6 January 2016 - March 2016 UPC Broadband Holding £ 3.6 € 4.9 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding CHF 81.0 € 74.9 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding CZK 435.0 € 16.1 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding HUF 6,600.0 € 21.1 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding PLN 39.0 € 9.2 January 2016 Telenet N.V. $ 49.6 € 45.1 January 2016 - December 2016 VTR $ 143.1 CLP 100,022.5 January 2016 - November 2016 |
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements We use the fair value method to account for (i) certain of our investments and (ii) our derivative instruments. The reported fair values of these investments and derivative instruments as of December 31, 2015 likely will not represent the value that will be paid or received upon the ultimate settlement or disposition of these assets and liabilities. In the case of the investments that we account for using the fair value method, the values we realize upon disposition will be dependent upon, among other factors, market conditions and the forecasted financial performance of the investees at the time of any such disposition. With respect to our derivative instruments, we expect that the values realized generally will be based on market conditions at the time of settlement, which may occur at the maturity of the derivative instrument or at the time of the repayment or refinancing of the underlying debt instrument. GAAP provides for a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. We record transfers of assets or liabilities into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 at the beginning of the quarter during which the transfer occurred. During 2015 , no such transfers were made. All of our Level 2 inputs (interest rate futures, swap rates and certain of the inputs for our weighted average cost of capital calculations) and certain of our Level 3 inputs (forecasted volatilities and credit spreads) are obtained from pricing services. These inputs, or interpolations or extrapolations thereof, are used in our internal models to calculate, among other items, yield curves, forward interest and currency rates and weighted average cost of capital rates. In the normal course of business, we receive market value assessments from the counterparties to our derivative contracts. Although we compare these assessments to our internal valuations and investigate unexpected differences, we do not otherwise rely on counterparty quotes to determine the fair values of our derivative instruments. The midpoints of applicable bid and ask ranges generally are used as inputs for our internal valuations. For our investments in ITV , Sumitomo and Lionsgate , the recurring fair value measurements are based on the quoted closing price of the respective shares at each reporting date. Accordingly, the valuations of these investments fall under Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Our other investments that we account for at fair value are privately-held companies, and therefore, quoted market prices are unavailable. The valuation technique we use for such investments is a combination of an income approach (discounted cash flow model based on forecasts) and a market approach (market multiples of similar businesses). With the exception of certain inputs for our weighted average cost of capital calculations that are derived from pricing services, the inputs used to value these investments are based on unobservable inputs derived from our assumptions. Therefore, the valuation of our privately-held investments falls under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Any reasonably foreseeable changes in assumed levels of unobservable inputs for the valuations of our Level 3 investments would not be expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The recurring fair value measurement of our equity-related derivative instruments are based on binomial option pricing models, which require the input of observable and unobservable variables such as exchange-traded equity prices, risk-free interest rates, dividend yields and forecasted volatilities of the underlying equity securities. The valuations of our equity-related derivative instruments are based on a combination of Level 1 inputs (exchange traded equity prices), Level 2 inputs (interest rate futures and swap rates) and Level 3 inputs (forecasted volatilities). As changes in volatilities could have a significant impact on the overall valuations, we have determined that these valuations fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For the December 31, 2015 valuation of the ITV Collar , we used estimated volatilities ranging from 25.7% to 27.6% . At December 31, 2015 , the valuations of the Sumitomo Collar , the Virgin Media Capped Calls and the Lionsgate Forward were not significantly impacted by forecasted volatilities. As further described in note 7 , we have entered into various derivative instruments to manage our interest rate and foreign currency exchange risk. The recurring fair value measurements of these derivative instruments are determined using discounted cash flow models. Most of the inputs to these discounted cash flow models consist of, or are derived from, observable Level 2 data for substantially the full term of these derivative instruments. This observable data includes most interest rate futures and swap rates, which are retrieved or derived from available market data. Although we may extrapolate or interpolate this data, we do not otherwise alter this data in performing our valuations. We incorporate a credit risk valuation adjustment in our fair value measurements to estimate the impact of both our own nonperformance risk and the nonperformance risk of our counterparties. Our and our counterparties’ credit spreads represent our most significant Level 3 inputs, and these inputs are used to derive the credit risk valuation adjustments with respect to our various interest rate and foreign currency derivative valuations. As we would not expect changes in our or our counterparties’ credit spreads to have a significant impact on the valuations of these derivative instruments, we have determined that these valuations fall under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Our credit risk valuation adjustments with respect to our cross-currency and interest rate swaps are quantified and further explained in note 7 . Fair value measurements are also used in connection with nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with impairment assessments and acquisition accounting. These nonrecurring valuations include the valuation of reporting units, customer relationship intangible assets, property and equipment and the implied value of goodwill. The valuation of private reporting units is based at least in part on discounted cash flow analyses. With the exception of certain inputs for our weighted average cost of capital and discount rate calculations that are derived from pricing services, the inputs used in our discounted cash flow analyses, such as forecasts of future cash flows, are based on our assumptions. The valuation of customer relationships is primarily based on an excess earnings methodology, which is a form of a discounted cash flow analysis. The excess earnings methodology requires us to estimate the specific cash flows expected from the customer relationship, considering such factors as estimated customer life, the revenue expected to be generated over the life of the customer, contributory asset charges, and other factors. Tangible assets are typically valued using a replacement or reproduction cost approach, considering factors such as current prices of the same or similar equipment, the age of the equipment and economic obsolescence. The implied value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination, with the residual amount allocated to goodwill. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we performed nonrecurring valuations for the purpose of determining the acquisition accounting for the Choice Acquisition , the Ziggo Acquisition and the Virgin Media Acquisition , respectively. We used discount rates of 11.75% , 8.50% and 9.00% , respectively, for our valuations of the customer relationships acquired as a result of these acquisitions. For the Choice Acquisition , the discount rate used to value franchise marketing rights acquired as a result of this acquisition was approximately 12.25% . A summary of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: Fair value measurements at December 31, 2015 using: Description December 31, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 2,085.6 $ — $ 2,085.6 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 408.5 — — 408.5 Foreign currency forward contracts 10.4 — 10.4 — Other 1.6 — 1.6 — Total derivative instruments 2,506.1 — 2,097.6 408.5 Investments 2,591.8 2,257.2 — 334.6 Total assets $ 5,097.9 $ 2,257.2 $ 2,097.6 $ 743.1 Liabilities - derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,513.4 $ — $ 1,513.4 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 74.4 — — 74.4 Foreign currency forward contracts 1.1 — 1.1 — Other 5.7 — 5.7 — Total liabilities $ 1,594.6 $ — $ 1,520.2 $ 74.4 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 using: Description December 31, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,357.3 $ — $ 1,357.3 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 400.2 — — 400.2 Foreign currency forward contracts 2.5 — 2.5 — Other 1.4 — 1.4 — Total derivative instruments 1,761.4 — 1,361.2 400.2 Investments 1,662.7 1,344.3 — 318.4 Total assets $ 3,424.1 $ 1,344.3 $ 1,361.2 $ 718.6 Liabilities - derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 2,471.3 $ — $ 2,471.3 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 88.4 — — 88.4 Foreign currency forward contracts 0.8 — 0.8 — Other 0.3 — 0.3 — Total liabilities $ 2,560.8 $ — $ 2,472.4 $ 88.4 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable, or Level 3, inputs is as follows: Investments Equity-related derivative instruments Total in millions Balance of net assets at January 1, 2015 $ 318.4 $ 311.8 $ 630.2 Losses included in net loss (a): Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net — (227.7 ) (227.7 ) Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net (5.9 ) — (5.9 ) Adjustments resulting from the modification of the terms of the ITV Collar, net (b) — 256.0 256.0 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net 22.1 (6.0 ) 16.1 Balance of net assets at December 31, 2015 $ 334.6 $ 334.1 $ 668.7 _______________ (a) Most of these net losses relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On July 30, 2015, we modified the terms of the ITV Collar in connection with our acquisition of additional ITV shares. In connection with these modifications, we effectively transferred a liability associated with the ITV Collar to the ITV Collar Loan and received cash from the counterparty. For additional information regarding these adjustments, see note 7 . For additional information regarding our investment in ITV , see note 6 . |
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived Assets | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | |
Long-lived Assets | Long-lived Assets Property and Equipment, Net The details of our property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation are set forth below: Estimated useful life at December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Distribution systems: 3 to 30 years Liberty Global Group $ 24,447.2 $ 24,985.6 LiLAC Group 1,037.8 1,026.9 Total 25,485.0 26,012.5 Customer premises equipment: 3 to 5 years Liberty Global Group 5,651.1 5,437.3 LiLAC Group 801.4 776.6 Total 6,452.5 6,213.9 Support equipment, buildings and land: 3 to 50 years Liberty Global Group 4,461.4 3,953.3 LiLAC Group 341.0 345.1 Total 4,802.4 4,298.4 Total property and equipment, gross: Liberty Global Group 34,559.7 34,376.2 LiLAC Group 2,180.2 2,148.6 Total 36,739.9 36,524.8 Accumulated depreciation: Liberty Global Group (13,719.2 ) (11,360.2 ) LiLAC Group (1,336.7 ) (1,324.0 ) Total (15,055.9 ) (12,684.2 ) Total property and equipment, net: Liberty Global Group 20,840.5 23,016.0 LiLAC Group 843.5 824.6 Total $ 21,684.0 $ 23,840.6 Depreciation expense of our continuing operations related to our property and equipment was $4,501.4 million , $4,401.6 million and $3,499.6 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Depreciation expense of our discontinued operation related to our property and equipment was nil during 2015 and 2014 and $11.5 million during 2013 . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the amount of property and equipment, net, recorded under capital leases was $1,262.5 million and $1,580.8 million , respectively. Most of these amounts relate to assets included in our distribution systems category. Depreciation of assets under capital leases of our continuing operations is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated statements of operations. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded non-cash increases related to vendor financing arrangements of $1,481.5 million , $975.3 million and $ 573.5 million , respectively, which exclude related VAT of $189.3 million , $114.9 million and $46.0 million , respectively, that were also financed by our vendors under these arrangements. In addition, during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded non-cash increases to our property and equipment related to assets acquired under capital leases of $106.1 million , $127.2 million and $143.0 million , respectively. Most of our property and equipment is pledged as security under our various debt instruments. For additional information, see note 10 . During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded an impairment charge of $68.7 million to reduce the carrying amount of certain of Ziggo ’s internal-use software assets to zero following our determination that these assets would have no future service potential for our combined operations in the Netherlands. In May 2012, we began offering mobile services in Chile through a combination of our own wireless network and a third-party wireless access arrangement. During the second quarter of 2013, we began exploring strategic alternatives with respect to VTR ’s mobile operations, including alternatives that involved the use of expanded mobile virtual network operator ( MVNO ) arrangements. Effective April 1, 2013, we reduced the useful lives of certain of VTR ’s network equipment to reflect our then expectation that we would enter into a new MVNO arrangement and cease commercial use of VTR ’s mobile network during the fourth quarter of 2013. In September 2013, VTR (i) completed the process of migrating its mobile traffic to a third-party wireless network pursuant to its existing roaming agreement and (ii) ceased commercial use of its mobile network, which resulted in a further reduction in the useful lives of the aforementioned network equipment. As a result of these reductions in useful lives, VTR recognized aggregate incremental depreciation expense of $98.3 million during 2013. In connection with the foregoing, we recorded restructuring charges totaling $84.9 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2013. These restructuring charges include the fair value of (a) the remaining payments due under certain tower and real estate operating leases of $71.5 million and (b) certain other required payments associated with VTR ’s mobile network. In December 2013, VTR amended its existing roaming agreement with an agreement that provides for a full MVNO relationship. For information regarding our restructuring charges, see note 14 . Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during 2015 are set forth below: January 1, 2015 Acquisitions and related adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments and other December 31, in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 9,245.1 $ 58.7 $ (513.1 ) $ 8,790.7 The Netherlands 8,605.0 142.2 (895.9 ) 7,851.3 Germany 3,456.9 — (352.5 ) 3,104.4 Belgium 1,978.9 — (201.8 ) 1,777.1 Switzerland/Austria 3,591.9 — (91.5 ) 3,500.4 Total Western Europe 26,877.8 200.9 (2,054.8 ) 25,023.9 Central and Eastern Europe 1,302.1 7.3 (122.5 ) 1,186.9 Total European Operations Division 28,179.9 208.2 (2,177.3 ) 26,210.8 Corporate and other 34.4 — (0.4 ) 34.0 Total Liberty Global Group 28,214.3 208.2 (2,177.7 ) 26,244.8 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 440.3 — (63.3 ) 377.0 Puerto Rico 226.1 51.6 — 277.7 Total LiLAC Division 666.4 51.6 (63.3 ) 654.7 Corporate and other (a) 120.9 — — 120.9 Total LiLAC Group 787.3 51.6 (63.3 ) 775.6 Total $ 29,001.6 $ 259.8 $ (2,241.0 ) $ 27,020.4 _______________ (a) Represents enterprise-level goodwill that is allocated to our Puerto Rico segment for purposes of our impairment tests. If, among other factors, (i) our equity values were to decline significantly or (ii) the adverse impacts of economic, competitive, regulatory or other factors were to cause our results of operations or cash flows to be worse than anticipated, we could conclude in future periods that impairment charges are required in order to reduce the carrying values of our goodwill and, to a lesser extent, other long-lived assets. Any such impairment charges could be significant. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 and based on exchange rates as of those dates, the accumulated goodwill impairments of our continuing operations were $186.8 million and $209.7 million , respectively. These amounts represent accumulated impairments related to our broadband communications operations in Romania, which operations are included within the European Operations Division ’s Central and Eastern Europe segment. Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during 2014 are set forth below: January 1, 2014 Acquisitions and related adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments and other December 31, in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 9,844.2 $ 2.1 $ (601.2 ) $ 9,245.1 The Netherlands 1,260.4 7,724.3 (379.7 ) 8,605.0 Germany 3,939.4 — (482.5 ) 3,456.9 Belgium 2,255.1 — (276.2 ) 1,978.9 Switzerland/Austria 4,031.1 2.3 (441.5 ) 3,591.9 Total Western Europe 21,330.2 7,728.7 (2,181.1 ) 26,877.8 Central and Eastern Europe 1,520.1 8.3 (226.3 ) 1,302.1 Total European Operations Division 22,850.3 7,737.0 (2,407.4 ) 28,179.9 Corporate and other 43.0 — (8.6 ) 34.4 Total Liberty Global Group 22,893.3 7,737.0 (2,416.0 ) 28,214.3 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 508.5 — (68.2 ) 440.3 Puerto Rico 226.1 — — 226.1 Total LiLAC Division 734.6 — (68.2 ) 666.4 Corporate and other (a) 120.9 — — 120.9 Total LiLAC Group 855.5 — (68.2 ) 787.3 Total $ 23,748.8 $ 7,737.0 $ (2,484.2 ) $ 29,001.6 _______________ (a) Represents enterprise-level goodwill that is allocated to our Puerto Rico segment for purposes of our impairment tests. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net The details of our intangible assets subject to amortization are set forth below: Estimated useful life at December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships: 4 to 15 years Liberty Global Group $ 10,285.3 $ (3,410.7 ) $ 6,874.6 $ 12,052.5 $ (3,037.0 ) $ 9,015.5 LiLAC Group 149.0 (31.7 ) 117.3 90.0 (19.3 ) 70.7 Total 10,434.3 (3,442.4 ) 6,991.9 12,142.5 (3,056.3 ) 9,086.2 Other: 2 to 15 years Liberty Global Group 205.3 (104.8 ) 100.5 234.8 (131.2 ) 103.6 LiLAC Group 0.2 (0.1 ) 0.1 0.6 (0.6 ) — Total 205.5 (104.9 ) 100.6 235.4 (131.8 ) 103.6 Total intangible assets subject to amortization, net: Liberty Global Group 10,490.6 (3,515.5 ) 6,975.1 12,287.3 (3,168.2 ) 9,119.1 LiLAC Group 149.2 (31.8 ) 117.4 90.6 (19.9 ) 70.7 Total $ 10,639.8 $ (3,547.3 ) $ 7,092.5 $ 12,377.9 $ (3,188.1 ) $ 9,189.8 In December 2013, Telenet ’s management determined that it would no longer be able to utilize its spectrum rights as a result of the conclusion of negotiations with network operators in Belgium and the absence of regulatory alternatives. This resulted in a triggering event with respect to the intangible asset related to Telenet ’s spectrum rights and, after performing an impairment analysis, Telenet recorded an impairment charge of $73.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2013 to reduce the carrying amount of this intangible asset to zero. Amortization expense related to intangible assets with finite useful lives of our continuing operations was $1,324.4 million , $1,098.5 million and $776.8 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Amortization of intangible assets with finite useful lives of our discontinued operation was nil during 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $17.6 million during 2013 . Based on the amortizable intangible asset balances of our continuing operations at December 31, 2015 , we expect that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years and thereafter. The U.S. dollar equivalents of such amortization expense amounts as of December 31, 2015 are presented below (in millions): 2016 $ 1,250.6 2017 1,138.5 2018 1,092.6 2019 1,052.8 2020 713.6 Thereafter 1,844.4 Total $ 7,092.5 Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the franchise rights of Liberty Puerto Rico and other indefinite-lived intangible assets aggregating $690.5 million and $557.0 million , respectively, were included in other assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheets. |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligati
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] | |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our consolidated third-party debt are as follows: December 31, 2015 Estimated fair value (c) Carrying value (d) Weighted average interest rate (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 in millions Debt: Liberty Global Group: VM Notes 5.61 % — $ — $ 10,594.1 $ 8,461.0 $ 10,582.6 $ 8,060.7 VM Credit Facility 3.73 % (e) 777.2 3,413.7 4,734.9 3,455.0 4,804.0 Ziggo Credit Facilities 3.64 % € 800.0 869.3 5,161.0 4,663.0 5,222.5 4,710.8 Ziggo SPE Notes 4.47 % — — 1,582.7 — 1,703.9 — Ziggo Notes 6.82 % — — 955.1 1,082.3 960.1 1,077.0 Unitymedia Notes 5.00 % — — 7,631.6 7,869.3 7,682.0 7,400.9 Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities — € 500.0 543.3 — 319.4 — 338.8 UPCB SPE Notes 5.82 % — — 3,131.7 4,279.0 3,140.4 4,009.4 UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.59 % — — 1,601.4 2,603.6 1,486.7 2,391.6 UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility 3.25 % € 990.1 1,075.8 1,284.3 3,156.4 1,302.4 3,179.2 Telenet SPE Notes 5.48 % — — 2,155.8 2,450.4 2,097.2 2,299.0 Telenet Credit Facility 3.41 % € 381.0 414.0 1,443.0 1,633.4 1,471.8 1,638.6 ITV Collar Loan (f) 1.38 % — — 1,547.9 678.2 1,538.7 667.0 Sumitomo Collar Loan (f) 1.88 % — — 805.6 818.0 787.6 787.7 Vendor financing (g) 3.30 % — — 1,688.9 946.4 1,688.9 946.4 Other 7.35 % — — 395.0 350.2 280.8 228.3 Total Liberty Global Group 4.69 % 3,679.6 43,391.8 44,045.5 43,400.6 42,539.4 LiLAC Group: VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes 6.88 % — — 1,301.1 1,439.4 1,400.0 1,400.0 VTR Credit Facility — (h) 191.0 — — — — Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility 5.11 % $ 40.0 40.0 913.0 666.2 933.9 672.0 Total LiLAC Group 6.17 % 231.0 2,214.1 2,105.6 2,333.9 2,072.0 Total third-party debt 4.77 % $ 3,910.6 $ 45,605.9 $ 46,151.1 45,734.5 44,611.4 Total capital lease obligations (i) 1,322.8 1,547.6 Total debt and capital lease obligations 47,057.3 46,159.0 Current maturities (2,537.9 ) (1,550.9 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 44,519.4 $ 44,608.1 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2015 for all borrowings outstanding pursuant to each debt instrument, including any applicable margin. The interest rates presented represent stated rates and do not include the impact of derivative instruments, deferred financing costs, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, all of which affect our overall cost of borrowing. Including the effects of derivative instruments, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, but excluding the impact of financing costs, our weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 4.9% (including 4.8% for the Liberty Global Group and 6.0% for the LiLAC Group ) at December 31, 2015 . For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 7 . (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at December 31, 2015 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. At December 31, 2015 , based on the applicable leverage covenants, the full amount of unused borrowing capacity was available to be borrowed under each of the respective subsidiary facilities and there were no restrictions on the respective subsidiary's ability to make loans or distributions to other Liberty Global subsidiaries or Liberty Global , except as shown in the table below. In the following table, for each facility that is subject to limitations on borrowing availability, we present the actual borrowing availability under the respective facility and, for each subsidiary where the ability to make loans or distributions is limited, we present the amount that can be loaned or distributed to other Liberty Global subsidiaries or to Liberty Global . The amounts presented below assume no changes from December 31, 2015 borrowing levels and are based on the applicable covenant and other limitations in effect within each borrowing group at December 31, 2015 , both before and after considering the impact of the completion of the December 31, 2015 compliance requirements. Limitation on availability December 31, 2015 Upon completion of relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent in millions Limitation on availability to be borrowed under: Ziggo Credit Facilities € 570.2 $ 619.6 € 601.6 $ 653.7 Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities (1) € 435.2 $ 472.9 € 500.0 $ 543.3 UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility € 716.4 $ 778.4 € 858.3 $ 932.6 Limitation on availability to be loaned or distributed by: Ziggo € 216.3 $ 235.0 € 246.2 $ 267.5 Unitymedia (1) € 17.7 $ 19.2 € 230.1 $ 250.0 _______________ (1) Amounts include the impact of the 10% redemption of the 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes and the January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes (as defined and described below under Unitymedia Notes) , which was completed in January 2016. (c) The estimated fair values of our debt instruments are determined using the average of applicable bid and ask prices (mostly Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) or, when quoted market prices are unavailable or not considered indicative of fair value, discounted cash flow models (mostly Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The discount rates used in the cash flow models are based on the market interest rates and estimated credit spreads of the applicable entity, to the extent available, and other relevant factors. For additional information concerning fair value hierarchies, see note 8 . (d) Amounts include the impact of premiums and discounts, where applicable. (e) The VM Revolving Facility (as defined and described under VM Credit Facility below) is a multi-currency revolving facility with maximum borrowing capacity equivalent to £675.0 million ( $994.5 million ). The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 was borrowed in euros. (f) For information regarding the ITV Collar Loan and the Sumitomo Collar Loan , see note 7 . (g) Represents amounts owed pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions, and to a lesser extent, certain of our operating expenses. These obligations are generally due within one year. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the amounts owed pursuant to these arrangements include $189.0 million and $101.7 million , respectively, of VAT that was paid on our behalf by the vendor. Repayments of vendor financing obligations are included in repayments and repurchases of debt and capital lease obligations in our consolidated statements of cash flows. (h) The VTR Credit Facility is the senior secured credit facility of VTR and certain of its subsidiaries and comprises a $160.0 million U.S. dollar facility (the VTR Dollar Credit Facility ) and a CLP 22.0 billion ( $31.0 million ) Chilean peso facility (the VTR Peso Credit Facility ), each of which were undrawn at December 31, 2015 . The VTR Dollar Credit Facility and the VTR Peso Credit Facility have fees on unused commitments of 1.1% and 1.34% per year, respectively. The interest rate for the VTR Dollar Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% . The interest rate for the VTR Peso Credit Facility is the applicable interbank offered rate for Chilean pesos in the relevant interbank market plus a margin of 3.35% . Borrowings under the VTR Dollar Credit Facility and the VTR Peso Credit Facility mature in January 2020 and January 2019, respectively. (i) The U.S. dollar equivalents of our consolidated capital lease obligations are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: Unitymedia (1) $ 703.1 $ 810.1 Telenet (2) 371.1 413.4 Virgin Media 159.5 255.3 Other subsidiaries 88.2 67.3 Total — Liberty Global Group 1,321.9 1,546.1 LiLAC Group: Liberty Puerto Rico 0.6 1.0 VTR 0.3 0.5 Total — LiLAC Group 0.9 1.5 Total $ 1,322.8 $ 1,547.6 _______________ (1) Primarily represents Unitymedia ’s obligations under duct network lease agreements with Telekom Deutschland GmbH ( Deutsche Telekom ), an operating subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG, as the lessor. The original contracts were concluded in 2000 and 2001 and have indefinite terms, subject to certain mandatory statutory termination rights for either party after a term of 30 years . With certain limited exceptions, the lessor generally is not entitled to terminate these leases. For information regarding litigation involving these duct network lease agreements, see note 17 . (2) At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Telenet ’s capital lease obligations included €329.3 million ( $357.8 million ) and €328.6 million ( $357.1 million ), respectively, associated with Telenet ’s lease of the broadband communications network of the four associations of municipalities in Belgium, which we refer to as the pure intercommunalues or the “ PICs .” All capital expenditures associated with the PICs network are initiated by Telenet , but are executed and financed by the PICs through additions to this lease that are repaid over a 15 -year term. These amounts do not include Telenet ’s commitment related to certain operating costs associated with the PICs network. For additional information regarding this commitment, see note 17 . General Information At December 31, 2015 , all of our outstanding debt had been incurred by one of our seven "borrowing groups." These borrowing groups include the respective restricted parent and subsidiary entities within Virgin Media , Ziggo Group Holding , Unitymedia , UPC Holding , Telenet , VTR Finance and Liberty Puerto Rico . Credit Facilities. Each of our borrowing groups has entered into one or more credit facility agreements with certain financial institutions. Each of these credit facilities contain certain covenants, the more notable of which are as follows: • Our credit facilities contain certain consolidated net leverage ratios, as specified in the relevant credit facility, which are required to be complied with on an incurrence and/or maintenance basis; • Our credit facilities contain certain restrictions which, among other things, restrict the ability of the members of the relevant borrowing group to (i) incur or guarantee certain financial indebtedness, (ii) make certain disposals and acquisitions, (iii) create certain security interests over their assets, in each case, subject to certain customary and agreed exceptions and (iv) make certain restricted payments to their direct and/or indirect parent companies (and indirectly to Liberty Global ) through dividends, loans or other distributions, subject to compliance with applicable covenants; • Our credit facilities require that certain members of the relevant borrowing group guarantee the payment of all sums payable under the relevant credit facility and such group members are required to grant first-ranking security over their shares or, in certain borrowing groups, over substantially all of their assets to secure the payment of all sums payable thereunder; • In addition to certain mandatory prepayment events, the instructing group of lenders under the relevant credit facility may cancel the commitments thereunder and declare the loans thereunder due and payable after the applicable notice period following the occurrence of a change of control (as specified in the relevant credit facility); • Our credit facilities contain certain customary events of default, the occurrence of which, subject to certain exceptions and materiality qualifications, would allow the instructing group of lenders to (i) cancel the total commitments, (ii) accelerate all outstanding loans and terminate their commitments thereunder and/or (iii) declare that all or part of the loans be payable on demand; • Our credit facilities require members of the relevant borrowing group to observe certain affirmative and negative undertakings and covenants, which are subject to certain materiality qualifications and other customary and agreed exceptions; and • In addition to customary default provisions, our credit facilities generally include certain cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions with respect to other indebtedness of members of the relevant borrowing group, subject to agreed minimum thresholds and other customary and agreed exceptions. Senior and Senior Secured Notes. Certain of our borrowing groups have issued senior and/or senior secured notes. In general, our senior and senior secured notes (i) are senior obligations of each respective issuer within the relevant borrowing group that rank equally with all of the existing and future senior debt of such issuer and are senior to all existing and future subordinated debt of each respective issuer within the relevant borrowing group, (ii) contain, in most instances, certain guarantees from other members of the relevant borrowing group (as specified in the applicable indenture) and (iii) with respect to our senior secured notes, are secured by certain pledges or liens over the assets and/or shares of certain members of the relevant borrowing group. In addition, the indentures governing our senior and senior secured notes contain certain covenants, the more notable of which are as follows: • Our notes contain certain customary incurrence-based covenants. In addition, our notes provide that any failure to pay principal prior to expiration of any applicable grace period, or any acceleration with respect to other indebtedness of the issuer or certain subsidiaries, over agreed minimum thresholds (as specified under the applicable indenture), is an event of default under the respective notes; • Our notes contain certain restrictions which, among other things, restrict the ability of the members of the relevant borrowing group to (i) incur or guarantee certain financial indebtedness, (ii) make certain disposals and acquisitions, (iii) create certain security interests over their assets, in each case, subject to certain customary and agreed exceptions and (iv) make certain restricted payments to its direct and/or indirect parent companies (and indirectly to Liberty Global ) through dividends, loans or other distributions, subject to compliance with applicable covenants; • If the relevant issuer or certain of its subsidiaries (as specified in the applicable indenture) sells certain assets, such issuer must offer to repurchase the applicable notes at par, or if a change of control (as specified in the applicable indenture) occurs, such issuer must offer to repurchase all of the relevant notes at a redemption price of 101% ; and • Our senior secured notes contain certain early redemption provisions including the ability to, during each 12 -month period commencing on the issue date for such notes until the applicable call date, redeem up to 10% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. SPE Notes. From time to time, we create special purpose financing entities (" SPEs "), which are 100% owned by third parties, for the primary purpose of facilitating the offering of senior and senior secured notes, which we collectively refer to as the " SPE Notes ." In this regard, SPE Notes have been issued, and are outstanding at December 31, 2015 , by Ziggo Bond Finance B.V. ( Ziggo Bond Finance ) and Ziggo Secured Finance B.V. ( Ziggo Secured Finance ), collectively the " Ziggo SPEs ", UPCB Finance IV Limited ( UPCB Finance IV ), UPCB Finance V Limited ( UPCB Finance V ) and UPCB Finance VI Limited ( UPCB Finance VI ), collectively the " UPCB SPE s ", and Telenet Finance III Luxembourg S.C.A. ( Telenet Finance III ), Telenet Finance IV Luxembourg S.C.A. ( Telenet Finance IV ), Telenet Finance V Luxembourg S.C.A. ( Telenet Finance V ) and Telenet Finance VI Luxembourg S.C.A. ( Telenet Finance VI ), collectively the " Telenet SPE s ." The SPEs used the proceeds from the issuance of SPE Notes to fund term loan facilities under their respective borrowing group (as further described below), each a “ Funded Facility ” and collectively the “ Funded Facilities ”. Each SPE is dependent on payments from the relevant borrower under the applicable Funded Facility in order to service its payment obligations under each respective SPE Note . Although none of the respective borrowing entities under the Funded Facilities have any equity or voting interest in any of the relevant SPEs , each of the Funded Facility term loans creates a variable interest in the respective SPE for which the relevant borrowing entity is the primary beneficiary. As such, each borrowing entity under the relevant Funded Facility and its parent entities, including Liberty Global , are required to consolidate the relevant SPEs . As a result, the amounts outstanding under the Funded Facilities are eliminated in the respective borrowing group’s and Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to the respective indentures for the SPE Notes (the SPE Indentures ) and the respective accession agreements for the Funded Facilities , the call provisions, maturity and applicable interest rate for each Funded Facility are the same as those of the related SPE Notes . The SPEs , as lenders under the relevant credit facility for each respective borrowing group, are treated the same as the other lenders under the respective credit facility, with benefits, rights and protections similar to those afforded to the other lenders. Through the covenants in the applicable SPE Indentures and the applicable security interests over (i) all of the issued shares of the relevant SPE and (ii) the relevant SPE ’s rights under the applicable Funded Facility granted to secure the relevant SPE ’s obligations under the relevant SPE Notes , the holders of the SPE Notes are provided indirectly with the benefits, rights, protections and covenants granted to the SPEs as lenders under the respective credit facility. The SPEs are prohibited from incurring any additional indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions under the SPE Indentures . VM Notes The details of the outstanding notes of Virgin Media as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Original issue amount Outstanding principal Estimated Carrying VM Notes Maturity Interest Borrowing U.S. $ in millions VM Senior Notes (b): 2022 VM Senior Notes: 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes February 15, 2022 4.875% $ 118.7 $ 118.7 $ 118.7 $ 108.1 $ 119.4 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes February 15, 2022 5.250% $ 95.0 $ 95.0 95.0 88.4 95.7 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes February 15, 2022 5.125% £ 44.1 £ 44.1 65.0 63.6 65.4 2023 VM Senior Notes: 2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes April 15, 2023 6.375% $ 530.0 $ 530.0 530.0 539.9 530.0 2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes April 15, 2023 7.000% £ 250.0 £ 250.0 368.4 388.1 368.4 2024 VM Senior Notes: 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes October 15, 2024 6.000% $ 500.0 $ 500.0 500.0 498.4 500.0 2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes October 15, 2024 6.375% £ 300.0 £ 300.0 442.0 448.9 442.0 2025 VM Senior Notes: 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes January 15, 2025 4.500% € 460.0 € 460.0 499.8 476.4 499.8 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes January 15, 2025 5.750% $ 400.0 $ 400.0 400.0 389.3 400.0 VM Senior Secured Notes (c): January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes: January 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 5.500% £ 628.4 £ 628.4 925.9 984.9 936.2 January 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 5.250% $ 447.9 $ 447.9 447.9 472.5 458.0 April 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes: April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2021 6.000% £ 1,100.0 £ 990.0 1,458.7 1,515.1 1,458.7 April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2021 5.375% $ 1,000.0 $ 900.0 900.0 932.6 900.0 2025 VM Senior Secured Notes: 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.500% £ 430.0 £ 387.0 570.2 560.6 570.2 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.125% £ 300.0 £ 300.0 442.0 423.5 442.0 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.500% $ 425.0 $ 425.0 425.0 425.5 425.0 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2026 5.250% $ 1,000.0 $ 1,000.0 1,000.0 971.9 1,004.8 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2027 4.875% £ 525.0 £ 525.0 773.5 712.6 773.5 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes March 28, 2029 6.250% £ 400.0 £ 400.0 589.4 593.8 593.5 Total $ 10,551.5 $ 10,594.1 $ 10,582.6 _______________ (a) Amounts include the impact of premiums, where applicable, including amounts recorded in connection with the acquisition accounting for Virgin Media . (b) The VM Senior Notes were issued by Virgin Media Finance PLC ( Virgin Media Finance ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Media . (c) The VM Senior Secured Notes were issued by Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC ( Virgin Media Secured Finance ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Media . Subject to the circumstances described below, the VM Notes are non-callable prior to the applicable call date ( VM Call Date ) as presented in the below table. At any time prior to the respective VM Call Date , Virgin Media Secured Finance or Virgin Media Finance may redeem some or all of the applicable notes by paying a “make-whole” premium, which is the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments to the applicable VM Call Date using the discount rate (as specified in the applicable indenture) as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points ( 25 basis points in the case of the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes ). VM Notes VM Call Date 2022 VM Senior Notes (a) 2023 VM Senior Notes April 15, 2018 2024 VM Senior Notes October 15, 2019 2025 VM Senior Notes January 15, 2020 January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes (a) April 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2017 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2019 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2019 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2020 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2020 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 _______________ (a) The 2022 VM Senior Notes and the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes are non-callable. At any time prior to maturity, some or all of these notes may be redeemed by paying a “make-whole” premium, which is the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments to the respective maturity date. Virgin Media Finance or Virgin Media Secured Finance (as applicable) may redeem some or all of the VM Senior Notes and the VM Senior Secured Notes (with the exception of the 2022 VM Senior Notes and the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes ) at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price 2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes 12-month period commencing April 15 April 15 October 15 October 15 January 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2017 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2018 103.188% 103.500% N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2019 102.125% 102.333% 103.000% 103.188% N.A N.A 2020 101.063% 101.667% 102.000% 102.125% 102.875% 102.250% 2021 100.000% 100.000% 101.000% 101.063% 101.917% 101.500% 2022 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.958% 100.750% 2023 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2024 and thereafter N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% Redemption price April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes 12-month period commencing April 15 April 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2017 102.688% 103.000% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2018 101.344% 101.500% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2019 100.000% 100.000% 102.750% 102.750% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2020 100.000% 100.000% 101.833% 101.833% 102.563% 102.625% N.A. N.A. 2021 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 101.708% 101.313% 102.438% 103.125% 2022 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.854% 100.656% 101.219% 102.083% 2023 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.609% 101.042% 2024 and thereafter N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2015 Refinancing Transactions. On January 28, 2015, in connection with the UPC Ireland Transfer (as defined and described under UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility — 2015 Transactions below), (i) Virgin Media Secured Finance issued the 2025 VM 5.125% Senior Secured Notes and (ii) Virgin Media Finance issued the 2025 VM Senior Notes . A portion of the proceeds from the 2025 VM 5.125% Senior Secured Notes and the 2025 VM Senior Notes were ultimately used to redeem certain amounts outstanding under the UPC Holding Senior Notes and the UPCB SPE Notes , each as defined and described below. On March 30, 2015, Virgin Media Secured Finance issued (i) $500.0 million principal amount of 5.25% senior secured notes due January 15, 2026 (the Original 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes ) and (ii) the 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes . On April 30, 2015, Virgin Media Secured Finance issued $500.0 million principal amount of 5.25% senior secured notes due January 15, 2026 (the Additional 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes and, together with the Original 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes , the 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes ). The Additional 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes were issued at 101% of par. The net proceeds from the 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes and the 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes were used to (a) redeem 10% of the principal amount of each of the following: (1) the April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes , (2) the April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes and (3) the 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes , each at a redemption price equal to 103% of the applicable redeemed principal amount in accordance with the indentures governing each of the notes, (b) prepay in full the £375.0 million ( $552.5 million ) outstanding principal amount of term loan A under the VM Credit Facility (as defined and described below) and (c) prepay $900.0 million of the then existing $2,755.0 million outstanding principal amount of term loan B ( VM Facility B ) under the VM Credit Facility , and roll the remaining outstanding term loans under VM Facility B into a new term loan VM Facility F (as described below). In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss on debt modification and extinguishment, net, of $44.3 million . This loss includes (I) the write-off of $28.6 million of deferred financing costs, (II) the payment of $10.7 million of redemption premium, (III) the write-off of $4.2 million of unamortized discount and (IV) the payment of $0.8 million of third-party costs. 2014 Refinancing Transactions. During 2014, we completed a number of refinancing transactions that generally resulted in lower interest rates and extended maturities. In connection with these transactions, we recognized a gain on debt modification and extinguishment, net, of $32.3 million . This gain includes (i) the write-off of $170.9 million of unamortized premium, (ii) the payment of $123.0 million of redemption premium and (iii) the write-off of $15.6 million of deferred financing costs. VM Credit Facility The VM Credit Facility is the senior secured credit facility of certain subsidiaries of Virgin Media . The details of our borrowings under the VM Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: VM Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) Unused borrowing capacity Carrying value (a) in millions D June 30, 2022 LIBOR + 3.25% (b) £ 100.0 $ — $ 147.0 E June 30, 2023 LIBOR + 3.50% (b) £ 849.4 — 1,248.8 F June 30, 2023 LIBOR + 2.75% (b) $ 1,855.0 — 1,841.9 VM Revolving Facility (c) December 31, 2021 LIBOR + 2.75% (d) 777.2 217.3 Total $ 777.2 $ 3,455.0 _______________ (a) The carrying values of VM Facilities D, E and F include the impact of discounts. (b) VM Facilities D, E and F each have a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . (c) The VM Revolving Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year. (d) The VM Revolving Facility is a multi-currency revolving facility with maximum borrowing capacity equivalent to £675.0 million ( $994.5 million ). The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 was borrowed in euros. 2015 Refinancing Transactions. In June 2015, (i) the then outstanding $1,855.0 million of commitments under the existing VM Facility B were effectively rolled into a new dollar denominated term loan ( VM Facility F ) and (ii) we amended the terms of our VM Revolving Facility to extend the maturity to December 31, 2021, reduce the margin from 3.25% to 2.75% and increase the commitments by £15.0 million ( $22.1 million ). Ziggo Credit Facilities The Ziggo Credit Facilities are the senior secured credit facilities of certain subsidiaries of Ziggo Group Holding . The details of our borrowings under the Ziggo Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Ziggo Credit Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Carrying value (c) in millions Ziggo Dollar Facility January 15, 2022 LIBOR + 2.75% (d) $ 2,350.0 $ — $ 2,319.7 Ziggo Euro Facility January 15, 2022 EURIBOR + 3.00% (e) € 2,000.0 — 2,153.9 Ziggo Proceeds Loans: Ziggo Senior Secured Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 3.750% € 800.0 — 869.3 Ziggo Senior Proceeds Loans: Ziggo Euro Senior Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 4.625% € 400.0 — 434.6 Ziggo Dollar Senior Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 5.875% $ 400.0 — 400.0 New Ziggo Credit Facility March 31, 2021 EURIBOR + 3.75% € 689.2 — 748.9 Ziggo Revolving Facilities June 30, 2020 (g) € 800.0 869.3 — Elimination of the Ziggo Proceeds Loans in consolidation — (1,703.9 ) Total $ 869.3 $ 5,222.5 _______________ (a) Except as described in (f) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at December 31, 2015 . (b) At December 31, 2015 , our availability under the Ziggo Credit Facilities was limited to €570.2 million ( $619.6 million ). When the relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements have been completed, and assuming no changes from December 31, 2015 borrowing levels, we anticipate that our availability under the Ziggo Credit Facilities will be limited to €601.6 million ( $653.7 million ). (c) The carrying values of the Ziggo Dollar Facility and the Ziggo Euro Facility include the impact of discounts. (d) The Ziggo Dollar Facility has a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . (e) The Ziggo Euro Facility has a EURIBOR floor of 0.75% . (f) As further discussed in the below description of the Ziggo SPE Notes , the amounts outstanding under the Ziggo Senior Secured Proceeds Loan , the Ziggo Euro Senior Proceeds Loan and the Ziggo Dollar Senior Proceeds Loan are eliminated in Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. (g) The Ziggo Revolving Facilities include (i) a €750.0 million ( $815.0 million ) facility that bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% and has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year and (ii) a €50.0 million ( $54.3 million ) facility that bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% and has a fee on unused commitments of 0.8% per year. Ziggo SPE Notes The details of the Ziggo SPE Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal Ziggo SPE Notes Maturity Interest Borrowing U.S. $ equivalent Estimated Carrying in millions Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 3.750% € 800.0 $ 869.3 $ 805.2 $ 869.3 Ziggo 2025 Senior Notes: Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes January 15, 2025 4.625% € 400.0 434.6 405.0 434.6 Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes January 15, 2025 5.875% $ 400.0 400.0 372.5 400.0 Total $ 1,703.9 $ 1,582.7 $ 1,703.9 Subject to the circumstances described below, the Ziggo SPE Notes are non-callable until January 15, 2020. If, however, at any time prior to January 15, 2020, all or a portion of the loans under the related Ziggo Proceeds Loans are voluntarily prepaid (a Ziggo Early Redemption Event ), then the applicable Ziggo SPE will be required to redeem an aggregate principal amount of its Ziggo SPE Notes equal to the aggregate principal amount of the loans so prepaid under the relevant Ziggo Proceeds Loan . In general, the redemption price |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Liberty Global files its primary income tax return in the U.K. Its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.K. , the U.S. , the Netherlands and a number of other jurisdictions. The income taxes of Liberty Global and its subsidiaries are presented on a separate return basis for each tax-paying entity or group. The components of our loss from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions The Netherlands $ (1,353.3 ) — $ (644.5 ) — $ 799.9 U.S. (924.5 ) (1,105.6 ) (306.3 ) U.K. 778.1 585.7 (976.0 ) Switzerland 395.3 326.1 284.3 Chile 182.3 43.1 (84.5 ) Belgium 175.4 — 21.5 — 89.5 Germany (5.1 ) (294.7 ) (355.8 ) Other 67.2 12.5 22.4 Total $ (684.6 ) $ (1,055.9 ) $ (526.5 ) Income tax benefit (expense) consists of: Current Deferred Total in millions Year ended December 31, 2015: Continuing operations: U.K. $ (0.9 ) $ (208.5 ) $ (209.4 ) The Netherlands 2.5 159.0 161.5 Belgium (125.4 ) 11.1 (114.3 ) Switzerland (63.2 ) (14.7 ) (77.9 ) Chile (57.4 ) 13.5 (43.9 ) Germany (66.7 ) 24.3 (42.4 ) U.S. (a) (81.2 ) 58.7 (22.5 ) Other (22.7 ) 6.7 (16.0 ) Total — continuing operations $ (415.0 ) $ 50.1 $ (364.9 ) Year ended December 31, 2014: Continuing operations: U.K $ (2.1 ) $ 113.4 $ 111.3 U.S. (a) (22.5 ) 129.6 107.1 Belgium (138.7 ) 31.7 (107.0 ) Switzerland (76.8 ) 3.1 (73.7 ) The Netherlands 11.1 42.5 53.6 Germany (22.6 ) 37.0 14.4 Chile 17.1 (24.1 ) (7.0 ) Other (41.1 ) 17.4 (23.7 ) Total — continuing operations $ (275.6 ) $ 350.6 $ 75.0 Discontinued operation $ — $ (0.1 ) $ (0.1 ) Year ended December 31, 2013: Continuing operations: U.K. $ (2.4 ) $ (245.2 ) $ (247.6 ) Belgium (97.1 ) (16.2 ) (113.3 ) The Netherlands 0.5 97.3 97.8 Switzerland (53.6 ) (4.4 ) (58.0 ) Germany (13.2 ) (38.1 ) (51.3 ) Chile (34.0 ) 56.0 22.0 U.S. (a) (106.0 ) 104.9 (1.1 ) Other (31.1 ) 27.1 (4.0 ) Total — continuing operations $ (336.9 ) $ (18.6 ) $ (355.5 ) Discontinued operation $ (20.5 ) $ (2.2 ) $ (22.7 ) _______________ (a) Includes federal and state income taxes. Our U.S. state income taxes were not material during any of the years presented. Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to our loss from continuing operations before income taxes differs from the amounts computed using the applicable income tax rate as a result of the following factors: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (a) $ 136.9 $ 221.7 $ 121.1 Change in valuation allowances (b): Decrease (508.3 ) (373.1 ) (112.6 ) Increase 6.8 11.9 31.7 Enacted tax law and rate changes (c) (280.5 ) 23.9 (377.8 ) Tax effect of intercompany financing 154.9 166.9 82.7 International rate differences (b) (d): Increase 200.8 266.4 148.2 Decrease (52.7 ) (27.6 ) (50.8 ) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (b): Decrease (96.9 ) (168.0 ) (288.0 ) Increase 3.3 32.6 284.0 Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other expenses (b): Decrease (106.6 ) (236.5 ) (133.5 ) Increase 48.1 58.0 85.2 Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results (b): Increase 53.2 71.9 0.5 Decrease (5.1 ) (16.3 ) (56.1 ) Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits 44.4 29.5 — Tax benefit associated with technology innovation 21.0 — — Change in subsidiary tax attributes due to a deemed change in control — — (88.0 ) Other, net 15.8 13.7 (2.1 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ (364.9 ) $ 75.0 $ (355.5 ) _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rates are the U.K. rates of 20.0% , 21.0% and 23.0% for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (b) Country jurisdictions giving rise to increases are grouped together and shown separately from country jurisdictions giving rise to decreases. (c) In November 2015, it was announced that the U.K. corporate income tax rate will change from the current rate of 20.0% to 19.0% in April 2017 and 18.0% in April 2020. The impact of these rate changes on our deferred tax balances was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 when the relevant legislation was enacted. In April 2014, the U.K. corporate income tax rate decreased from 23.0% to 21.0% . Substantially all of the impact of the April 2014 rate change on our deferred tax balances was recorded in the third quarter of 2013 when the relevant legislation was enacted. (d) Amounts reflect adjustments (either an increase or a decrease) to “expected” tax benefit for statutory rates in jurisdictions in which we operate outside of the U.K. The current and non-current components of our deferred tax assets are as follows: December 31, 2015 (a) 2014 in millions Current deferred tax assets $ — $ 290.3 Non-current deferred tax assets (b) 2,342.9 2,587.0 Current deferred tax liabilities — (0.6 ) Non-current deferred tax liabilities (b) (1,785.7 ) (2,369.4 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 557.2 $ 507.3 _______________ (a) In accordance with ASU 2015-17 , all of our deferred tax balances are reflected as noncurrent in our December 31, 2015 balance sheet. Our December 31, 2014 deferred tax balances have not been retroactively revised. For further information, see note 2 . (b) Our non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in other assets, net and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and other carryforwards $ 5,873.2 $ 6,637.9 Property and equipment, net 2,583.1 2,970.7 Debt 1,611.7 1,189.0 Derivative instruments 173.1 345.9 Intangible assets 112.4 149.6 Other future deductible amounts 272.5 265.3 Deferred tax assets 10,626.0 11,558.4 Valuation allowance (6,395.6 ) (6,679.4 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 4,230.4 4,879.0 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (1,826.5 ) (2,338.2 ) Property and equipment, net (1,053.4 ) (1,362.9 ) Investments (374.5 ) (367.6 ) Derivative instruments (280.7 ) (142.7 ) Other future taxable amounts (138.1 ) (160.3 ) Deferred tax liabilities (3,673.2 ) (4,371.7 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 557.2 $ 507.3 Our deferred income tax valuation allowance decreased $283.8 million in 2015 . This decrease reflects the net effect of (i) the net tax expense related to our continuing operations of $501.5 million , (ii) foreign currency translation adjustments, (iii) the effect of enacted tax law and rate changes and (iv) other individually insignificant items. Virgin Media had property and equipment on which future U.K. tax deductions can be claimed of $21.0 billion and $21.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The maximum amount of these “capital allowances” that can be claimed in any one year is 18% of the remaining balance, after additions, disposals and prior claims. The tax effects of the excess of these capital allowances over the related financial reporting bases are included in the 2015 and 2014 deferred tax assets related to property and equipment, net, in the above table. At December 31, 2015 , our unrecognized excess tax benefits aggregated $179.0 million . These excess tax benefits, which represent tax deductions in excess of the financial reporting expense for share-based compensation, will not be recognized for financial reporting purposes until such time as these tax benefits can be realized as a reduction of income taxes payable. The tax effects of these unrecognized excess tax benefits are not included in the above table. The significant components of our tax loss carryforwards and related tax assets at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Country Tax loss carryforward Related tax asset Expiration date in millions U.K.: Amount attributable to capital losses $ 17,822.6 $ 3,208.0 Indefinite Amount attributable to net operating losses 1,528.8 275.2 Indefinite The Netherlands 3,539.1 884.8 2016-2024 Germany 2,002.2 321.8 Indefinite U.S. 1,323.2 329.4 2019-2033 Luxembourg 1,052.0 307.4 Indefinite Belgium 586.4 199.3 Indefinite France 522.7 180.0 Indefinite Ireland 558.5 69.8 Indefinite Hungary 230.9 43.9 2020-2025 Other 247.8 53.6 Various Total $ 29,414.2 $ 5,873.2 Our tax loss carryforwards within each jurisdiction combine all companies’ tax losses (both capital and ordinary losses) in that jurisdiction, however, certain tax jurisdictions limit the ability to offset taxable income of a separate company or different tax group with the tax losses associated with another separate company or group. Further, tax jurisdictions restrict the type of taxable income that the above losses are able to offset. The majority of the tax losses shown in the above table are not expected to be realized, including certain losses that are limited in use due to change in control or same business tests. We intend to indefinitely reinvest earnings from certain non- U.S. operations except to the extent the earnings are subject to current income taxes. At December 31, 2015 , income and withholding taxes for which a net deferred tax liability might otherwise be required have not been provided on an estimated $9.1 billion of cumulative temporary differences (including, for this purpose, any difference between the aggregate tax basis in stock of a consolidated subsidiary and the corresponding amount of the subsidiary’s net equity, including cumulative translation adjustments, determined for financial reporting purposes) on non- U.S. entities. The determination of the additional withholding tax that would arise upon a reversal of temporary differences is impractical to estimate as it is subject to offset by available foreign tax credits and subject to certain limitations. In general, a U.K. or U.S. corporation may claim a foreign tax credit against its income tax expense for foreign income taxes paid or accrued. A U.S. corporation may also claim a credit for foreign income taxes paid or accrued on the earnings of a foreign corporation paid to the U.S. corporation as a dividend. Our ability to claim a foreign tax credit for dividends received from our foreign subsidiaries or foreign taxes paid or accrued is subject to various significant limitations under U.S. tax laws including a limited carry back and carry forward period. Some of our operating companies are located in countries with which the U.K. or U.S. does not have income tax treaties. Because we lack treaty protection in these countries, we may be subject to high rates of withholding taxes on distributions and other payments from these operating companies and may be subject to double taxation on our income. Limitations on the ability to claim a foreign tax credit, lack of treaty protection in some countries and the inability to offset losses in one jurisdiction against income earned in another jurisdiction could result in a high effective tax rate on our earnings. Since a significant portion of our revenue is generated outside of the U.K. and substantially all of our revenue is generated outside the U.S. , including in jurisdictions that do not have tax treaties with the U.K. or U.S. , these risks are greater for us than for companies that generate most of their revenue in the U.K. or U.S. or in jurisdictions that have these treaties. Through our subsidiaries, we maintain a presence in many countries. Many of these countries maintain highly complex tax regimes that differ significantly from the system of income taxation used in the U.K. and the U.S. We have accounted for the effect of these taxes based on what we believe is reasonably expected to apply to us and our subsidiaries based on tax laws currently in effect and reasonable interpretations of these laws. Because some jurisdictions do not have systems of taxation that are as well established as the system of income taxation used in the U.K. , U.S. or tax regimes used in other major industrialized countries, it may be difficult to anticipate how other jurisdictions will tax our and our subsidiaries’ current and future operations. Although we intend to take reasonable tax planning measures to limit our tax exposures, no assurance can be given that we will be able to do so. We and our subsidiaries file consolidated and standalone income tax returns in various jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, our income tax filings are subject to review by various taxing authorities. In connection with such reviews, disputes could arise with the taxing authorities over the interpretation or application of certain income tax rules related to our business in that tax jurisdiction. Such disputes may result in future tax and interest and penalty assessments by these taxing authorities. The ultimate resolution of tax contingencies will take place upon the earlier of (i) the settlement date with the applicable taxing authorities in either cash or agreement of income tax positions or (ii) the date when the tax authorities are statutorily prohibited from adjusting the company’s tax computations. In general, tax returns filed by our company or our subsidiaries for years prior to 2008 are no longer subject to examination by tax authorities. Certain of our subsidiaries are currently involved in income tax examinations in various jurisdictions in which we operate, including Chile (2010 through 2012), the Czech Republic (2013), Germany (2008 through 2013), Hungary (2012 through 2013), the Netherlands (2013 through 2015), Poland (2013), Slovakia (2011), Switzerland (2011-2012) and the U.S. (2009 through 2015). Except as noted below, any adjustments that might arise from the foregoing examinations are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. In the U.S. , we have received notices of adjustment from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to our 2013, 2010 and 2009 income tax returns, as well as a proposed adjustment to our 2013 withholding tax return. We have entered into the appeals process with respect to the 2010 and 2009 matters. While we believe that the ultimate resolution of these proposed adjustments will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, no assurance can be given that this will be the case given the amounts involved and the complex nature of the related issues. The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized below: 2015 2014 2013 in millions Balance at January 1 $ 513.5 $ 490.9 $ 359.7 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 142.3 38.2 102.3 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (42.2 ) (50.2 ) (14.2 ) Additions for tax positions of prior years 27.0 64.5 41.5 Foreign currency translation (22.3 ) (27.0 ) 7.9 Lapse of statute of limitations (8.3 ) (1.9 ) (6.3 ) Settlements with tax authorities (0.1 ) (1.0 ) — Balance at December 31 $ 609.9 $ 513.5 $ 490.9 No assurance can be given that any of these tax benefits will be recognized or realized. As of December 31, 2015 , our unrecognized tax benefits included $299.4 million of tax benefits that would have a favorable impact on our effective income tax rate if ultimately recognized, after considering amounts that we would expect to be offset by valuation allowances and other factors. During 2016 , it is reasonably possible that the resolution of ongoing examinations by tax authorities as well as expiration of statutes of limitation could result in significant reductions to our unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken as of December 31, 2015 . The amount of any such reductions could range up to $250 million . Other than the potential impacts of these ongoing examinations and the expected expiration of certain statutes of limitation, we do not expect any material changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during 2016 . No assurance can be given as to the nature or impact of any changes in our unrecognized tax positions during 2016 . During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the income tax benefit (expense) of our continuing operations includes net income tax expense of $10.3 million , $10.9 million and $14.0 million , respectively, representing the net accrual of interest and penalties during the period. Our other long-term liabilities include accrued interest and penalties of $61.4 million at December 31, 2015 . |
Equity
Equity | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Equity | Equity Capitalization Our authorized share capital consists of an aggregate nominal amount of $20.0 million , consisting of any of the following: (i) Liberty Global Shares (Class A, B or C), each with a nominal value of $0.01 per share, (ii) LiLAC Shares (Class A, B or C), each with a nominal value of $0.01 per share, (iii) preference shares, with a nominal value to be determined by the board of directors, the issuance of one or more classes or series of which as may be authorized by the board of directors, and (iv) any other shares of one or more classes as may be determined by the board of directors or by the shareholders of Liberty Global . Under Liberty Global ’s Articles of Association, effective as of July 1, 2015, holders of Liberty Global Class A ordinary shares and LiLAC Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each such share held, and holders of Liberty Global Class B ordinary shares and LiLAC Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 10 votes for each such share held, on all matters submitted to a vote of Liberty Global shareholders at any general meeting (annual or special). Holders of Liberty Global Class C ordinary shares and LiLAC Class C ordinary shares are not entitled to any voting powers except as required by law. At the option of the holder, each Liberty Global Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Liberty Global Class A ordinary share and each LiLAC Class B ordinary share is convertible into one LiLAC Class A ordinary share. One Liberty Global Class A ordinary share is reserved for issuance for each Liberty Global Class B ordinary share that is issued ( 10,472,517 shares issued as of December 31, 2015 ), and one LiLAC Class A ordinary share is reserved for issuance for each LiLAC Class B ordinary share ( 523,423 shares issued as of December 31, 2015 ). At December 31, 2015 , there were (i) 873,333 and 2,738,536 Liberty Global Class A and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options, (ii) 10,582,609 and 27,314,828 Liberty Global Class A and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding SARs and PSARs and (iii) 2,255,176 , 666,667 and 3,352,533 Liberty Global Class A, Class B and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding PSU s, PGUs and RSU s. In addition, there were (a) 21,233 and 57,742 LiLAC Class A and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options, (b) 373,319 and 997,765 LiLAC Class A and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding SAR s and PSAR s and (c) 88,016 , 33,333 and 114,643 LiLAC Class A, Class B and Class C ordinary shares, respectively, reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding PSU s, PGUs and RSU s. Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding class of our preference shares, the holders of Liberty Global and LiLAC Class A, Class B and Class C ordinary shares will be entitled to such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors from funds available therefore. Such dividends may be declared in favor of Liberty Global Ordinary Shares and LiLAC Ordinary Shares, in equal or unequal amounts, or only in favor of the Liberty Global Ordinary Shares or the LiLAC Ordinary Shares. There are currently no contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends in cash or shares. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution and winding up, after payment or provision for payment of our debts and liabilities and subject to the prior payment in full of any preferential amounts to which our preference shareholders may be entitled, the holders of Liberty Global ordinary shares and LiLAC ordinary shares will be entitled to receive their proportionate interests, expressed in liquidation units, in any assets available for distribution to our ordinary shares regardless of whether such assets are then attributed to the Liberty Global Group or the LiLAC Group. Liquidation units will be allocated to each Liberty Global ordinary share and each LiLAC ordinary share, respectively, based on their respective volume-weighted average price over the 20 trading-day period commencing shortly after the commencement of ordinary-course (regular-way) trading of the LiLAC Shares. Pursuant to the terms of our articles of association, the liquidation units for each Liberty Global Share and each LiLAC Share are 1 and 0.94893 , respectively. On January 26, 2014, our board of directors approved a share split in the form of a share dividend (the 2014 Share Dividend ), which constitutes a bonus issue under our articles of association and English law, of one Liberty Global Class C ordinary share on each outstanding Liberty Global Class A, Class B and Class C ordinary share as of the February 14, 2014 record date. The distribution date for the 2014 Share Dividend was March 3, 2014. All Liberty Global share and per share amounts presented herein give retrospective effect to the 2014 Share Dividend. A summary of the changes in our share capital during 2015 is set forth in the table below: Liberty Global Shares LiLAC Shares Old Liberty Global Shares Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Balance at January 1, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2.5 $ 0.1 $ 6.3 Repurchase and cancellation of Old Liberty Global Shares — — — — — — — — (0.1 ) Liberty Global call option contracts — — — — — — — — (0.1 ) Balance at June 30, 2015 — — — — — — 2.5 0.1 6.1 Impact of the LiLAC Transaction 2.5 0.1 6.1 0.1 — 0.3 (2.5 ) (0.1 ) (6.1 ) Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global Shares — — (0.1 ) — — — — — — Liberty Global call option contracts — — (0.1 ) — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2.5 $ 0.1 $ 5.9 $ 0.1 $ — $ 0.3 $ — $ — $ — Share Repurchases During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , our board of directors authorized various share repurchase programs, the most recent of which provides for the repurchase of up to $4.5 billion (before direct acquisition costs) of Liberty Global Class A and/or Class C ordinary shares. Under these plans, we receive authorization to acquire up to the specified amount of Liberty Global Class A and Class C ordinary shares or other authorized securities from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions, which may include derivative transactions. The timing of the repurchase of shares or other securities pursuant to our equity repurchase programs, which may be suspended or discontinued at any time, is dependent on a variety of factors, including market conditions. As of December 31, 2015 , the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases was $1,601.1 million . Subsequent to December 31, 2015 , our board of directors increased this amount to $4.0 billion . As a U.K. incorporated company, we may only elect to repurchase shares or pay dividends to the extent of our “Distributable Reserves.” Distributable Reserves, which are not linked to a GAAP reported amount, may be created through the earnings of the U.K. parent company and, amongst other methods, through a reduction in share premium approved by the English Companies Court. Based on the amounts set forth in our 2014 U.K. Companies Act Report dated April 27, 2015, which are our most recent “Relevant Accounts” for the purposes of determining our Distributable Reserves under U.K. law, our Distributable Reserves are $27.9 billion . This amount does not reflect earnings, share repurchases or other activity that occurred in 2015 , each of which impacts the amount of our Distributable Reserves. The following table provides details of our share repurchases during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Class A Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series A Old Liberty Shares Class C Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series C Old Liberty Shares Purchase date Shares purchased Average price paid per share (a) Shares purchased Average price paid per share (a) Total cost (a) in millions Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs during: 2015 (b) — $ — 49,984,562 $ 46.91 $ 2,344.5 2014 (c) 8,062,792 $ 42.19 28,401,019 $ 44.25 $ 1,596.9 2013 (c) 6,550,197 $ 37.70 24,761,397 $ 36.55 $ 1,151.9 _______________ (a) Includes direct acquisition costs and the effects of derivative instruments, where applicable. (b) Amounts include repurchases of (i) Old Liberty Global Shares from January 1 through June 30, 2015 and (ii) Liberty Global Shares from July 1 through December 31, 2015. (c) Amounts include repurchases of Old Liberty Global Shares . Call Option Contracts From time to time, we enter into call option contracts pursuant to which we contemporaneously (i) sell call options on shares of Liberty Global ordinary shares and (ii) purchase call options on an equivalent number of shares of Liberty Global ordinary shares with an exercise price of zero . These contracts can result in the receipt of cash and shares of Liberty Global ordinary shares. Shares acquired through the exercise of the call options are included in our share repurchases and the net gain on cash settled contracts is recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statements of equity. Acquisition of Interests in VTR and VTR Wireless On March 14, 2014, a subsidiary of VTR Finance acquired each of the 20.0% noncontrolling ownership interests in VTR and VTR Wireless SpA ( VTR Wireless ) from Inversiones Corp Comm 2 SpA (the VTR NCI Acquisition ), formerly known as Corp Comm S.A. (the VTR NCI Owner ). VTR Wireless was an indirect subsidiary of Liberty Global that was merged with a subsidiary of VTR in December 2014. The consideration for the VTR NCI Acquisition was satisfied by the allotment and issuance of 10,091,178 Old Liberty Global Class C ordinary shares to the VTR NCI Owner . The VTR NCI Acquisition has been accounted for as an equity transaction, the net effect of which was to record the issued Old Liberty Global Class C shares at the $185.4 million carrying value of the acquired noncontrolling interests. Other Telenet Tender . On December 17, 2012, Binan Investments B.V. ( Binan ), our wholly-owned subsidiary, launched a voluntary and conditional cash public offer (the Telenet Tender ) for (i) all of Telenet ’s issued shares that Binan did not already own or that were not held by Telenet (the Telenet Bid Shares ) and (ii) certain outstanding vested and unvested employee warrants (the Telenet Bid Warrants ). As of the February 1, 2013 transaction date of the Telenet Tender, the offer price for the Telenet Bid Shares was €35.00 ( $47.85 ) per share. The offer prices for the Telenet Bid Warrants , which were calculated using the Black Scholes option pricing model and a price of €35.00 for each of the Telenet Bid Shares, ranged from €13.48 ( $18.43 ) per share to €25.47 ( $34.82 ) per share. Pursuant to the Telenet Tender , we paid aggregate consideration of €332.5 million ( $454.6 million at the transaction date) to acquire (i) 9,497,637 of the Telenet Bid Shares , increasing our ownership interest in Telenet ’s issued and outstanding shares at such date to 58.4% , and (ii) 3,000 of the Telenet Bid Warrants . As we owned a controlling financial interest in Telenet prior to the launch of the Telenet Tender , we accounted for the impact of the acquisition of the additional Telenet shares as an equity transaction. Subsidiary Distributions. From time to time, Telenet , VTR and certain other of our subsidiaries make cash distributions to their respective shareholders. Our share of these distributions is eliminated in consolidation and the noncontrolling interest owners’ share of these distributions is reflected as a charge against noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of equity. Restricted Net Assets The ability of certain of our subsidiaries to distribute or loan all or a portion of their net assets to our company is limited by the terms of applicable debt facilities. At December 31, 2015 , substantially all of our net assets represented net assets of our subsidiaries that were subject to such limitations. |
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |
Share-based Compensation | Share-based Compensation Our share-based compensation expense is based on the share-based incentive awards held by our and our subsidiaries’ employees, including awards issued by Liberty Global . A summary of our aggregate share-based compensation expense is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global shares: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 157.1 $ 129.9 $ 58.6 Other share-based incentive awards 149.6 99.7 182.9 Total Liberty Global shares (b) (c) 306.7 229.6 241.5 Telenet share-based incentive awards (d) 9.2 14.6 56.5 Other 2.3 13.0 4.5 Total $ 318.2 $ 257.2 $ 302.5 Included in: Continuing operations: Operating expense: Liberty Global Group $ 3.1 $ 4.8 $ 10.8 LiLAC Group 0.3 2.8 1.3 Total operating expense 3.4 7.6 12.1 SG&A expense: Liberty Global Group 312.7 240.8 283.5 LiLAC Group (c) (e) 2.1 8.8 5.1 Total SG&A expense 314.8 249.6 288.6 Total — continuing operations 318.2 257.2 300.7 Discontinued operation — — 1.8 Total $ 318.2 $ 257.2 $ 302.5 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) Liberty Global PSU s, (ii) a challenge performance award plan for certain executive officers and key employees (the Challenge Performance Awards ) and (iii) for 2015 and 2014, PGUs to our Chief Executive Officer, as described below. The Challenge Performance Awards include PSAR s and PSU s. (b) In connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition , we issued Liberty Global share-based incentive awards ( Virgin Media Replacement Awards ) to employees and former directors of Virgin Media in exchange for corresponding Virgin Media awards. Virgin Media recorded share-based compensation expense of $54.1 million and $55.8 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively, including compensation expense related to the Virgin Media Replacement Awards and new awards that were granted after the Virgin Media Replacement Awards were issued. During 2013, Virgin Media recorded share-based compensation expense of $134.3 million , primarily related to the Virgin Media Replacement Awards , including $80.1 million that was charged to expense in recognition of the Virgin Media Replacement Awards that were fully vested on June 7, 2013 or for which vesting was accelerated pursuant to the terms of the Virgin Media Merger Agreement on or prior to December 31, 2013. (c) In connection with the LiLAC Transaction , the compensation committee of our board of directors approved modifications to our outstanding share-based incentive awards (the Award Modifications ) in accordance with the underlying share-based incentive plans. The objective of the compensation committee was to ensure a relatively unchanged intrinsic value of outstanding equity awards before and after the bonus issuance of the LiLAC Shares . The mechanism to modify outstanding share-based incentive awards, as approved by the compensation committee, utilized the volume-weighted average price of the respective shares for the five days prior to and the five days following the bonus issuance ( Modification VWAP s ). In order to determine if any incremental stock-based compensation expense should be recorded as a result of the Award Modifications , we are required to measure the changes in the fair values of the then outstanding share-based incentive awards using market prices immediately before and immediately after the Award Modifications . Due to declines in the share prices of our Class A and Class C Liberty Global Shares f ollowing the bonus issuance, the exercise prices of options, SAR s and PSAR s determined using the Modification VWAP s were lower than the exercise prices that would have resulted if the market prices immediately before and after the Award Modifications had been used. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of our options, SAR s and PSAR s increased as a result of the Award Modifications , resulting in incremental stock-based compensation expense of $99.3 million . This amount includes $69.3 million of expense recognized during 2015 related to awards that vested on or prior to December 31, 2015 and $30.0 million of expense that will be recognized in future periods through 2019 as the related awards vest. (d) Represents the share-based compensation expense associated with Telenet ’s share-based incentive awards, which, at December 31, 2015, included (i) warrants and employee stock options ( 1,813,815 awards outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of €42.17 ( $45.82 )), (ii) performance-based specific stock option plans for the Chief Executive Officer ( 745,000 awards outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of €40.60 ( $44.12 )), (iii) performance-based share award ( 82,747 awards outstanding) and (iv) an employee share purchase plan. During 2013, Telenet modified the terms of certain of its share-based incentive plans to provide for anti-dilution adjustments in connection with its shareholder returns. In connection with these anti-dilution adjustments, Telenet recognized share-based compensation expense of $32.7 million and continues to recognize additional share-based compensation expense as the underlying options vest. In addition, during 2013, Telenet recognized expense of $6.2 million related to the accelerated vesting of certain options. (e) The amount for 2015 includes the reversal of $1.8 million of share-based compensation expense, primarily related to forfeitures of unvested PSUs during the first quarter of 2015. The following table provides certain information related to share-based compensation not yet recognized for share-based incentive awards related to Liberty Global ordinary shares as of December 31, 2015 : Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares (a) Liberty Global performance- based awards (b) Total compensation expense not yet recognized (in millions) $ 192.0 $ 85.5 Weighted average period remaining for expense recognition (in years) 2.7 0.9 _______________ (a) Amounts relate to awards granted or assumed by Liberty Global under (i) the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective February 24, 2015), (ii) the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan, (iii) the Liberty Global, Inc. 2005 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective June 7, 2013 ) (the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan ), (iv) the Liberty Global, Inc. 2005 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective June 7, 2013 ) (the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan ) and (v) certain other incentive plans of Virgin Media , including Virgin Media ’s 2010 stock incentive plan (the VM Incentive Plan ). All new awards are granted under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan or the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan. The Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan, the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan, the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan , the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan and the VM Incentive Plan are described below. (b) Amounts relate to (i) the Challenge Performance Awards , (ii) PSU s and (iii) the PGUs . The following table summarizes certain information related to the incentive awards granted and exercised with respect to Liberty Global ordinary shares: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: Risk-free interest rate 0.96 - 1.89% 0.81 - 1.77% 0.36 - 1.27% Expected life (a) 3.0 - 5.5 years 3.1 - 5.1 years 3.2 - 7.1 years Expected volatility (a) 23.1 - 30.1% 25.1 - 28.7% 26.5 - 35.8% Expected dividend yield none none none Weighted average grant date fair value per share of awards granted: Options $ 14.73 $ 11.40 $ 11.09 SARs $ 10.76 $ 8.93 $ 8.36 PSARs $ — $ 8.15 $ 8.31 RSUs $ 51.85 $ 40.68 $ 35.74 PSUs $ 51.57 $ 40.42 $ 34.94 PGUs $ — $ 44.04 $ — Total intrinsic value of awards exercised (in millions): Options $ 106.8 $ 126.6 $ 175.0 SARs $ 51.7 $ 48.7 $ 73.2 PSARs $ 0.2 $ 0.4 $ — Cash received from exercise of options (in millions) $ 40.5 $ 54.8 $ 81.0 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation (in millions) $ 67.4 $ 54.6 $ 48.0 _______________ (a) The 2013 ranges shown for these assumptions exclude the awards for certain former employees of Virgin Media who were expected to exercise their awards immediately or soon after the Virgin Media Acquisition . For these awards, the assumptions used for expected life and volatility were essentially nil. Share Incentive Plans — Liberty Global Ordinary Shares Incentive Plans As of December 31, 2015 , we are authorized to grant incentive awards under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan and the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan. Generally, we may grant non-qualified share options, SAR s, restricted shares, RSU s, cash awards, performance awards or any combination of the foregoing under either of these incentive plans (collectively, awards). Ordinary shares issuable pursuant to awards made under these incentive plans will be made available from either authorized but unissued shares or shares that have been issued but reacquired by our company. Awards may be granted at or above fair value in any class of ordinary shares. The maximum number of Liberty Global ordinary shares with respect to which awards may be issued under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan and the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan is 105 million (of which no more than 50.25 million shares may consist of Class B ordinary shares) and 10.5 million , respectively, in each case, subject to anti-dilution and other adjustment provisions in the respective plan. As of December 31, 2015 , the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan and the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan had 84,782,474 and 10,120,239 ordinary shares available for grant, respectively. In connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition , we assumed the VM Incentive Plan . Awards under the VM Incentive Plan issued prior to June 7, 2013 have a 10 -year term and become fully exercisable within five years of continued employment. Certain performance-based awards that were granted during the first quarter of 2013 were canceled upon completion of the Virgin Media Acquisition . These canceled awards were subsequently replaced by PSU s that were granted under the VM Incentive Plan on June 24, 2013. For the remaining performance-based awards that were outstanding prior to June 7, 2013, the performance objectives lapsed upon the completion of the Virgin Media Acquisition and such awards vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Awards (other than performance-based awards) issued under the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan and under the VM Incentive Plan after June 7, 2013 generally (i) vest 12.5% on the six month anniversary of the grant date and then vest at a rate of 6.25% each quarter thereafter and (ii) expire seven years after the grant date. Awards (other than RSU s) issued under the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan generally vest in three equal annual installments, provided the director continues to serve as director immediately prior to the vesting date, and expire 10 years after the grant date. RSU s vest on the date of the first annual general meeting of shareholders following the grant date. No further awards will be granted under the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan , the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan or the VM Incentive Plan . Awards (other than performance-based awards) under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan generally (i) vest 12.5% on the six month anniversary of the grant date and then vest at a rate of 6.25% each quarter thereafter and (ii) expire seven years after the grant date. Awards (other than RSU s) issued under the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan generally vest in three equal annual installments, provided the director continues to serve as director immediately prior to the vesting date, and expire seven years after the grant date. RSU s vest on the date of the first annual general meeting of shareholders following the grant date. These awards may be granted at or above fair value in any class of ordinary shares. Performance Awards The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions with respect to our performance-based awards for certain executive officers and key employees. These awards were granted under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan, the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan and the VM Incentive Plan . Liberty Global PSU s. PSU s are granted to executive officers and key employees annually based on a target annual equity value for each executive and key employee, of which approximately two-thirds would be delivered in the form of an annual award of PSU s and approximately one-third in the form of an annual award of SAR s. Each currently-outstanding PSU represents the right to receive one Liberty Global or LiLAC Class A or Class C ordinary share, as applicable, subject to performance and vesting. Generally, the performance period for the PSU s covers a two -year period and the performance target is based on the achievement of a specified compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) in a consolidated Adjusted OIBDA metric (as defined in note 18 ), adjusted for events such as acquisitions, dispositions and changes in foreign currency exchange rates that affect comparability ( Adjusted OIBDA CAGR ), and the participant’s annual performance ratings during the two -year performance period. A performance range of 75% to 125% of the target Adjusted OIBDA CAGR generally results in award recipients earning 50% to 150% of their respective PSU s, subject to reduction or forfeiture based on individual performance. The PSU s generally vest 50% on each of March 31 and September 30 of the year following the end of the performance period. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved the grant of up to 6.26 million PSU awards pursuant to a performance plan that is based on the achievement of a specified Adjusted OIBDA CAGR during the three -year period ended December 31, 2018 (with 2015 as the base year). We expect that over 95% of these awards will cover Liberty Global Shares and the remainder will cover LiLAC Shares . Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards . Effective June 24, 2013, our compensation committee approved the Challenge Performance Awards , which consisted solely of PSAR s for our senior executive officers and a combination of PSAR s and PSU s for our other executive officers and key employees. Each PSU represents the right to receive one Liberty Global or LiLAC Class A or Class C ordinary share, as applicable, subject to performance and vesting. The performance criteria for the Challenge Performance Awards will be based on the participant’s performance and achievement of individual goals in each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. Subject to forfeitures and the satisfaction of performance conditions, 100% of each participant’s Challenge Performance Awards will vest on June 24, 2016. The PSAR s have a term of seven years and base prices equal to the respective market closing prices of the applicable class on the grant date. Liberty Global Performance Grant Award. Effective May 1, 2014, our compensation committee authorized the grant of PGUs to our Chief Executive Officer, comprising a total of one million PGUs with respect to Class A Old Liberty Global Shares and one million PGUs with respect to Class B Old Liberty Global Shares . The PGUs , which were subject to a performance condition that was achieved in 2014, vest in three equal annual installments, the first of which occurred on March 15, 2015. As a result of the LiLAC Transaction , our Chief Executive Officer also received 33,333 PGUs with respect to Class A LiLAC Shares and 33,333 PGUs with respect to Class B LiLAC Shares , each of which vest over the same period as the May 1, 2014 award grant described above. Share-based Award Activity — Liberty Global Ordinary Shares The following tables summarize the share-based award activity during 2015 with respect to awards issued by Liberty Global : Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares Options — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,726,259 $ 18.01 Granted 61,763 $ 54.97 Forfeited (13,836 ) $ 23.59 Exercised (920,468 ) $ 14.03 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 853,718 $ 24.90 Impact of Award Modifications 60,414 (2.32 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 914,132 $ 22.58 Forfeited (7,718 ) $ 22.61 Exercised (33,081 ) $ 15.19 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 873,333 $ 22.85 5.2 $ 17.5 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 414,553 $ 16.53 3.7 $ 10.7 Options — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 3,946,192 $ 17.67 Granted 622,301 $ 43.34 Forfeited (34,493 ) $ 22.23 Exercised (1,613,927 ) $ 14.99 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,920,073 $ 24.57 Impact of Award Modifications 204,344 (2.24 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 3,124,417 $ 22.33 Forfeited (41,208 ) $ 29.99 Exercised (344,673 ) $ 8.33 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,738,536 $ 23.98 5.8 $ 46.8 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,129,269 $ 15.55 3.5 $ 28.5 Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares — continued: SARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 5,607,988 $ 31.07 Granted 2,252,602 $ 53.11 Forfeited (106,696 ) $ 37.27 Exercised (354,800 ) $ 25.68 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 7,399,094 $ 37.95 Impact of Award Modifications 527,825 (3.36 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 7,926,919 $ 34.59 Granted 70,845 $ 51.21 Forfeited (99,761 ) $ 41.67 Exercised (204,851 ) $ 25.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 7,693,152 $ 34.89 4.6 $ 72.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 3,642,857 $ 26.56 3.4 $ 59.3 SARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 14,689,045 $ 28.49 Granted 4,505,204 $ 51.41 Forfeited (262,502 ) $ 34.80 Exercised (1,062,945 ) $ 23.48 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 17,868,802 $ 34.47 Impact of Award Modifications 1,250,817 (2.94 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 19,119,619 $ 31.53 Granted 141,690 $ 48.11 Forfeited (217,585 ) $ 38.57 Exercised (358,377 ) $ 25.17 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 18,685,347 $ 31.70 4.3 $ 199.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,003,440 — $ 24.31 3.2 $ 168.3 Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares — continued: PSARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,788,749 $ 35.10 Forfeited (35,625 ) $ 35.03 Exercised (4,166 ) $ 35.03 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,748,958 $ 35.10 Impact of Award Modifications 142,250 (3.17 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 2,891,208 $ 31.93 Forfeited (1,751 ) $ 31.87 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,889,457 $ 31.93 4.5 $ 30.1 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 14,602 $ 31.87 1.4 $ 0.2 PSARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 8,366,248 $ 33.48 Forfeited (106,875 ) $ 33.41 Exercised (12,499 ) $ 33.41 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 8,246,874 $ 33.48 Impact of Award Modifications 387,836 (2.96 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 8,634,710 $ 30.52 Forfeited (5,229 ) $ 30.46 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 8,629,481 $ 30.52 4.5 $ 88.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 43,671 $ 30.46 1.4 $ 0.5 Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares — continued: RSUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 565,270 $ 38.27 Granted 298,713 $ 53.11 Forfeited (18,827 ) $ 37.52 Released from restrictions (205,540 ) $ 37.16 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 639,616 $ 45.58 Impact of Award Modifications 30,748 (2.17 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 670,364 $ 43.41 Granted 13,890 $ 52.46 Forfeited (21,544 ) $ 43.61 Released from restrictions (97,734 ) $ 40.93 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 564,976 $ 44.06 3.4 RSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,387,003 $ 35.59 Granted 597,426 $ 51.40 Forfeited (45,611 ) $ 34.70 Released from restrictions (553,929 ) $ 34.55 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,384,889 $ 42.85 Impact of Award Modifications 67,240 (1.74 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 1,452,129 $ 41.11 Granted 27,780 $ 49.14 Forfeited (47,384 ) $ 41.03 Released from restrictions (238,343 ) $ 37.61 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,194,182 $ 41.99 3.3 Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares — continued: PSUs and PGUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,989,693 $ 41.34 Granted 410,716 $ 52.82 Performance adjustment (a) 50,410 $ 37.31 Forfeited (22,619 ) $ 38.47 Released from restrictions (543,707 ) $ 41.12 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,884,493 $ 43.84 Impact of Award Modifications 1,185 (2.10 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 1,885,678 $ 41.74 Granted 15,410 $ 52.46 Forfeited (3,054 ) $ 38.66 Released from restrictions (207,834 ) $ 35.54 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,690,200 $ 42.61 1.2 PGUs — Class B ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,000,000 $ 44.55 Released from restrictions (333,333 ) $ 44.55 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 666,667 $ 44.55 Impact of Award Modifications — (2.12 ) Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 666,667 $ 42.43 1.2 Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares — continued: PSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,442,767 $ 36.71 Granted 821,432 $ 51.12 Performance adjustment (a) 147,179 $ 34.80 Forfeited (58,997 ) $ 36.02 Released from restrictions (614,341 ) $ 34.80 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,738,040 $ 41.38 Impact of Award Modifications 3,126 (1.98 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 2,741,166 $ 39.40 Granted 30,820 $ 49.14 Forfeited (6,292 ) $ 36.74 Released from restrictions (607,343 ) $ 33.15 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,158,351 $ 41.30 1.1 _______________ (a) Represents the increase in PSU s associated with the first quarter 2015 determination that 113.6% of the PSU s that were granted in 2013 (the 2013 PSU s ) had been earned. As of December 31, 2015 , all of the earned 2013 PSU s have been released from restrictions. LiLAC Shares Options — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 21,233 24.29 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 21,233 $ 24.29 4.1 $ 0.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 14,145 $ 16.12 3.2 $ 0.4 Options — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 57,742 22.42 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 57,742 $ 22.42 3.8 $ 1.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 42,321 $ 15.97 3.1 $ 1.1 LiLAC Shares — continued: SARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 223,823 30.54 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 223,823 $ 30.54 Granted 10,107 $ 42.76 Forfeited (381 ) $ 32.76 Exercised (357 ) $ 28.19 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 233,192 $ 31.07 4.4 $ 2.6 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 122,905 $ 23.93 3.3 $ 2.2 SARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 560,844 29.27 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 560,844 $ 29.27 Granted 20,214 $ 42.55 Forfeited (909 ) $ 32.38 Exercised (876 ) $ 27.26 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 579,273 $ 29.73 4.1 $ 8.0 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 339,951 $ 23.28 3.1 $ 6.7 PSARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 140,215 30.08 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 140,215 $ 30.08 Forfeited (88 ) $ 30.02 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 140,127 $ 30.08 4.5 $ 1.6 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 305 $ 30.02 1.8 $ — LiLAC Shares — continued: PSARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 418,753 30.30 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 418,753 $ 30.30 Forfeited (261 ) $ 30.23 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 418,492 $ 30.30 4.5 $ 5.3 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 913 $ 30.23 1.8 $ — RSUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 397 52.94 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 397 $ 52.94 Granted 1,316 $ 42.76 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,713 $ 45.12 3.0 RSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 796 48.68 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 796 $ 48.68 Granted 2,632 $ 42.55 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 3,428 $ 43.97 3.0 PSUs and PGUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 92,932 41.85 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 92,932 $ 41.85 Granted 3,007 $ 42.76 Forfeited (153 ) $ 38.63 Released from restrictions (9,483 ) $ 35.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 86,303 $ 42.56 1.2 LiLAC Shares — continued: PGUs — Class B ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 33,333 42.43 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 33,333 $ 42.43 1.2 PSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 133,609 39.59 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 133,609 $ 39.59 Granted 6,014 $ 42.55 Forfeited (317 ) $ 36.70 Released from restrictions (28,091 ) $ 33.26 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 111,215 $ 41.36 1.1 |
Restructuring Liabilities
Restructuring Liabilities | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
Restructuring Liabilities | Restructuring Liabilities A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2015 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination and other Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2015 $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 Restructuring charges (credits) 102.3 (0.8 ) 2.3 103.8 Cash paid (67.9 ) (5.8 ) (29.4 ) (103.1 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 6.5 1.4 (18.2 ) (10.3 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2015 $ 68.5 $ 7.3 $ 70.7 $ 146.5 Current portion $ 63.7 $ 1.2 $ 34.1 $ 99.0 Noncurrent portion 4.8 6.1 36.6 47.5 Total $ 68.5 $ 7.3 $ 70.7 $ 146.5 Our restructuring charges during 2015 included (i) employee severance and termination costs related to certain reorganization and integration activities of $61.8 million in the Netherlands, $20.9 million in U.K./Ireland , $9.7 million in Germany, $3.5 million in Switzerland/Austria and $2.6 million in Puerto Rico, (ii) contract termination charges of $8.1 million in Belgium, $6.0 million in Chile and $4.5 million in Puerto Rico and (iii) a credit of $17.0 million recorded by Telenet during the fourth quarter following the settlement of its digital terrestrial television ( DTT ) capacity contract obligations, the fair value of which were originally recorded during 2014 when Telenet discontinued the provision of DTT services. We expect to record significant restructuring charges during 2016, due largely to our ongoing company-wide effort to optimize our operating model. In addition, we expect to undertake restructuring programs in certain of our operating segments, including programs to be undertaken in connection with the integration of acquired entities. A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2014 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2014 $ 26.6 $ 14.9 $ 72.0 $ 113.5 Restructuring charges 60.4 9.5 97.0 166.9 Cash paid (66.3 ) (10.8 ) (34.4 ) (111.5 ) Ziggo liability at acquisition date 8.2 — — 8.2 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (1.3 ) (1.1 ) (18.6 ) (21.0 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2014 $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 Current portion $ 27.5 $ 4.4 $ 20.4 $ 52.3 Noncurrent portion 0.1 8.1 95.6 103.8 Total $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 Prior to March 31, 2014, Telenet operated a DTT business that served a limited number of subscribers. The DTT network was accessed by Telenet pursuant to third-party capacity contracts that were accounted for as operating agreements. On March 31, 2014, Telenet discontinued the provision of DTT services and, accordingly, recorded an $86.1 million restructuring charge during the three months ended March 31, 2014. This charge was equal to the then fair value of the remaining payments due under the DTT capacity contracts. Our restructuring charges during 2014 also included $17.5 million , $11.2 million , $10.7 million , $10.1 million and $9.8 million of employee severance and termination costs related to reorganization and integration activities, primarily in U.K./Ireland , the Netherlands, Germany, Chile and the European Operations Division ’s central operations, respectively. A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2013 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2013 $ 39.7 $ 4.0 $ 13.1 $ 56.8 Restructuring charges 77.9 (0.1 ) 100.9 178.7 Cash paid (91.5 ) (14.1 ) (17.6 ) (123.2 ) Virgin Media liability at acquisition date 0.1 23.3 — 23.4 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1.2 1.8 (11.4 ) (8.4 ) Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations (0.8 ) — (13.0 ) (13.8 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2013 $ 26.6 $ 14.9 $ 72.0 $ 113.5 As further described in note 9 , we recorded restructuring charges totaling $84.9 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2013 as a result of VTR ’s decision to cease commercial use of its mobile network. These restructuring charges included the fair value of (i) the then remaining payments due under VTR ’s tower and real estate operating leases of $71.5 million and (ii) certain other required payments associated with VTR ’s mobile network. In addition, our restructuring charges during 2013 included $46.1 million , $14.1 million and $8.1 million of employee severance and termination costs related to reorganization and integration activities in U.K./Ireland , Germany and Chile, respectively. |
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Defined Benefit Plans | Defined Benefit Plans Certain of our subsidiaries in Europe maintain various funded and unfunded defined benefit plans for their employees. A significant portion of these defined benefit plans are closed to new entrants and existing participants do not accrue any additional benefits. The table below provides summary information on our defined benefit plans: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Projected benefit obligation $ 1,188.3 $ 1,247.6 $ 1,163.0 Fair value of plan assets (a) $ 1,092.6 $ 1,122.7 $ 1,057.0 Net liability $ 95.7 $ 124.9 $ 106.0 Net periodic pension cost (b) $ 11.8 $ 9.6 $ 21.5 _______________ (a) The fair value of plan assets is primarily based on Level 1 inputs of the fair value hierarchy (as further described in note 8 ). Our plan assets comprise investments in debt securities, equity securities, hedge funds, insurance contracts and certain other assets. (b) The 2015 amount excludes aggregate curtailment gains of $7.9 million , which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. Based on December 31, 2015 exchange rates and information available as of that date, our subsidiaries’ contributions to their respective defined benefit plans in 2016 are expected to aggregate $56.0 million . |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive earnings included in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of equity reflect the aggregate impact of foreign currency translation adjustments and pension-related adjustments and other. The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes, are summarized as follows: Liberty Global shareholders Foreign currency translation adjustments Pension- related adjustments and other Accumulated other comprehensive earnings Non-controlling interests Total accumulated other comprehensive earnings in millions Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,604.1 $ (3.6 ) $ 1,600.5 $ 37.3 $ 1,637.8 Other comprehensive earnings 918.1 10.2 928.3 (16.9 ) 911.4 Balance at December 31, 2013 2,522.2 6.6 2,528.8 20.4 2,549.2 Other comprehensive loss (810.1 ) (72.1 ) (882.2 ) (0.5 ) (882.7 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 1,712.1 (65.5 ) 1,646.6 19.9 1,666.5 Other comprehensive loss (732.9 ) (17.8 ) (750.7 ) 0.5 (750.2 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 979.2 $ (83.3 ) $ 895.9 $ 20.4 $ 916.3 The components of other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes, are reflected in our consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings (loss). The following table summarizes the tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of amounts reclassified to our consolidated statements of operations: Pre-tax amount Tax benefit Net-of-tax amount in millions Year ended December 31, 2015: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (737.1 ) $ 4.2 $ (732.9 ) Pension-related adjustments and other (23.4 ) 6.1 (17.3 ) Other comprehensive loss (760.5 ) 10.3 (750.2 ) Other comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (a) (0.7 ) 0.2 (0.5 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (761.2 ) $ 10.5 $ (750.7 ) Year ended December 31, 2014: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (816.4 ) $ 6.3 $ (810.1 ) Pension-related adjustments (89.9 ) 17.3 (72.6 ) Other comprehensive loss (906.3 ) 23.6 (882.7 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (a) 0.8 (0.3 ) 0.5 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (905.5 ) $ 23.3 $ (882.2 ) Year ended December 31, 2013: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 896.4 $ 4.4 $ 900.8 Pension-related adjustments 12.1 (1.5 ) 10.6 Other comprehensive earnings 908.5 2.9 911.4 Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (b) 17.3 (0.4 ) 16.9 Other comprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 925.8 $ 2.5 $ 928.3 _______________ (a) Amounts represent the noncontrolling interest owners’ share of our pension-related adjustments. (b) Amounts represent the noncontrolling interest owners’ share of our foreign currency translation adjustments and pension-related adjustments. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies Commitments In the normal course of business, we have entered into agreements that commit our company to make cash payments in future periods with respect to programming contracts, network and connectivity commitments, non-cancellable operating leases, purchases of customer premises and other equipment and other items. The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of December 31, 2015 : Payments due during: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total in millions Programming commitments $ 1,004.5 $ 883.7 $ 698.6 $ 272.2 $ 11.0 $ 7.6 $ 2,877.6 Network and connectivity commitments 647.0 241.7 130.9 90.7 58.2 916.3 2,084.8 Purchase commitments 1,036.1 227.2 102.6 47.2 38.1 77.6 1,528.8 Operating leases 151.6 126.3 107.1 85.1 58.3 276.4 804.8 Other commitments 68.2 31.3 23.1 19.3 9.3 17.0 168.2 Total (a) $ 2,907.4 $ 1,510.2 $ 1,062.3 $ 514.5 $ 174.9 $ 1,294.9 $ 7,464.2 _______________ (a) The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet. Programming commitments consist of obligations associated with certain of our programming, studio output and sports rights contracts that are enforceable and legally binding on us as we have agreed to pay minimum fees without regard to (i) the actual number of subscribers to the programming services, (ii) whether we terminate service to a portion of our subscribers or dispose of a portion of our distribution systems or (iii) whether we discontinue our premium sports services. In addition, programming commitments do not include increases in future periods associated with contractual inflation or other price adjustments that are not fixed. Accordingly, the amounts reflected in the above table with respect to these contracts are significantly less than the amounts we expect to pay in these periods under these contracts. Historically, payments to programming vendors have represented a significant portion of our operating costs, and we expect that this will continue to be the case in future periods. In this regard, our total third-party programming and copyright costs aggregated $2,313.9 million (including $2,066.6 million for the Liberty Global Group and $247.3 million for the LiLAC Group ), $2,160.0 million (including $1,928.0 million for the Liberty Global Group and $232.0 million for the LiLAC Group ) and $1,631.0 million (including $1,385.1 million for the Liberty Global Group and $245.9 million for the LiLAC Group ) during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Network and connectivity commitments include (i) Telenet ’s commitments for certain operating costs associated with its leased network, (ii) commitments associated with our MVNO agreements, (iii) service commitments associated with our network extension projects, primarily in the U.K. and (iv) certain repair and maintenance, fiber capacity and energy commitments of Unitymedia . Effective October 1, 2015 , Telenet ’s commitments for certain operating costs are subject to adjustment based on changes in the network operating costs incurred by Telenet with respect to its own networks. These potential adjustments are not subject to reasonable estimation and, therefore, are not included in the above table. The amounts reflected in the above table with respect to certain of our MVNO commitments represent fixed minimum amounts payable under these agreements and, therefore, may be significantly less than the actual amounts we ultimately pay in these periods. Purchase commitments include unconditional and legally binding obligations related to (i) the purchase of customer premises and other equipment and (ii) certain service-related commitments, including call center, information technology and maintenance services. Commitments arising from acquisition agreements are not reflected in the above table. For information regarding our commitments under acquisition agreements, see note 4 . In addition to the commitments set forth in the table above, we have significant commitments under (i) derivative instruments and (ii) defined benefit plans and similar agreements, pursuant to which we expect to make payments in future periods. For information regarding our derivative instruments, including the net cash paid or received in connection with these instruments during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , see note 7 . For information regarding our defined benefit plans, see note 15 . We also have commitments pursuant to agreements with, and obligations imposed by, franchise authorities and municipalities, which may include obligations in certain markets to move aerial cable to underground ducts or to upgrade, rebuild or extend portions of our broadband communication systems. Such amounts are not included in the above table because they are not fixed or determinable. Rental expense of our continuing operations under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements amounted to $219.0 million (including $204.7 million for the Liberty Global Group and $14.3 million for the LiLAC Group ), $268.3 million (including $252.0 million for the Liberty Global Group and $16.3 million for the LiLAC Group ) and $238.6 million (including $203.7 million for the Liberty Global Group and $34.9 million for the LiLAC Group ) during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. It is expected that in the normal course of business, operating leases that expire generally will be renewed or replaced by similar leases. We have established various defined contribution benefit plans for our and our subsidiaries’ employees. The aggregate expense of our continuing operations for matching contributions under the various defined contribution employee benefit plans was $76.7 million (including $75.0 million for the Liberty Global Group and $1.7 million for the LiLAC Group ), $63.2 million (including $61.7 million for the Liberty Global Group and $1.5 million for the LiLAC Group ) and $48.2 million (including $47.6 million for the Liberty Global Group and $0.6 million for the LiLAC Group ) during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Guarantees and Other Credit Enhancements In the ordinary course of business, we may provide (i) indemnifications to our lenders, our vendors and certain other parties and (ii) performance and/or financial guarantees to local municipalities, our customers and vendors. Historically, these arrangements have not resulted in our company making any material payments and we do not believe that they will result in material payments in the future. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings and Other Contingencies Interkabel Acquisition. On November 26, 2007 , Telenet and the PICs announced a non-binding agreement-in-principle to transfer the analog and digital television activities of the PICs , including all existing subscribers to Telenet . Subsequently, Telenet and the PICs entered into a binding agreement (the 2008 PICs Agreement ), which closed effective October 1, 2008 . Beginning in December 2007 , Proximus NV/SA ( Proximus ), the incumbent telecommunications operator in Belgium, instituted several proceedings seeking to block implementation of these agreements. Proximus lodged summary proceedings with the President of the Court of First Instance of Antwerp to obtain a provisional injunction preventing the PICs from effecting the agreement-in-principle and initiated a civil procedure on the merits claiming the annulment of the agreement-in-principle. In March 2008 , the President of the Court of First Instance of Antwerp ruled in favor of Proximus in the summary proceedings, which ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal of Antwerp in June 2008 . Proximus brought this appeal judgment before the Cour de Cassation (the Belgian Supreme Court ), which confirmed the appeal judgment in September 2010. On April 6, 2009 , the Court of First Instance of Antwerp ruled in favor of the PICs and Telenet in the civil procedure on the merits, dismissing Proximus ’s request for the rescission of the agreement-in-principle and the 2008 PICs Agreement . On June 12, 2009 , Proximus appealed this judgment with the Court of Appeal of Antwerp. In this appeal, Proximus is now also seeking compensation for damages should the 2008 PICs Agreement not be rescinded. While these proceedings were suspended indefinitely, other proceedings were initiated, which resulted in a ruling by the Belgian Council of State in May 2014 annulling (i) the decision of the PICs not to organize a public market consultation and (ii) the decision from the PICs ’ board of directors to approve the 2008 PICs Agreement . In December 2015, Proximus resumed the civil proceedings pending with the Court of Appeal of Antwerp seeking to have the 2008 PICs Agreement annulled and claiming damages of €1.4 billion ( $1.5 billion ). Telenet is in the process of evaluating the resumed proceedings and claim for damages and intends to defend itself vigorously. No assurance can be given as to the outcome of these or other proceedings. However, an unfavorable outcome of existing or future proceedings could potentially lead to the annulment of the 2008 PICs Agreement and/or to an obligation of Telenet to pay compensation for damages, subject to the relevant provisions of the 2008 PICs Agreement , which stipulate that Telenet is only responsible for damages in excess of €20.0 million ( $21.7 million ). We do not expect the ultimate resolution of this matter to have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. No amounts have been accrued by us with respect to this matter as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable. Deutsche Telekom Litigation. On December 28, 2012, Unitymedia filed a lawsuit against Deutsche Telekom in which Unitymedia asserts that it pays excessive prices for the co-use of Deutsche Telekom ’s cable ducts in Unitymedia ’s footprint. The Federal Network Agency approved rates for the co-use of certain ducts of Deutsche Telekom in March 2011. Based in part on these approved rates, Unitymedia is seeking a reduction of the annual lease fees (approximately €76 million ( $83 million ) for 2012) by approximately two-thirds and the return of similarly calculated overpayments from 2009 through the ultimate settlement date, plus accrued interest. While we expect a decision by the court of first instance during 2016, the resolution of this matter may take several years and no assurance can be given that Unitymedia ’s claims will be successful. Any recovery by Unitymedia will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements until such time as the final disposition of this matter has been reached. Vivendi Litigation. A wholly-owned subsidiary of our company is a plaintiff in certain litigation titled Liberty Media Corporation, et. al. v. Vivendi S.A. and Universal Studios. A predecessor of Liberty Global was a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation ( Liberty Media ) through June 6, 2004. In connection with Liberty Media ’s prosecution of the action, our subsidiary assigned its rights to Liberty Media in exchange for a contingent payout in the event Liberty Media recovered any amounts as a result of the action. Our subsidiary’s interest in any such recovery will be equal to 10% of the recovery amount, including any interest awarded, less the amount to be retained by Liberty Media for (i) all fees and expenses incurred by Liberty Media in connection with the action (including expenses to be incurred in connection with any appeals and the payment of certain deferred legal fees) and (ii) agreed upon interest on such fees and expenses. On January 17, 2013, following a jury trial, the court entered a final judgment in favor of the plaintiffs in the amount of €944 million ( $1,026 million ), including prejudgment interest. Vivendi S.A. and Universal Studios have filed a notice of appeal of the court’s final judgment to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result, the amount that our subsidiary may ultimately recover in connection with the final resolution of the action, if any, is uncertain. Any recovery by our company will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements until such time as the final disposition of this matter has been reached. Liberty Puerto Rico Matter. In November 2012, we completed a business combination that resulted in, among other matters, the combination of our then operating subsidiary in Puerto Rico with San Juan Cable, LLC dba OneLink Communications ( OneLink ). In connection with this transaction (the OneLink Acquisition ), Liberty Puerto Rico , as the surviving entity, became a party to certain claims previously asserted by the incumbent telephone operator against OneLink based on alleged conduct of OneLink that occurred prior to the OneLink Acquisition (the PRTC Claim ). The PRTC Claim includes an allegation that OneLink acted in an anticompetitive manner in connection with a series of legal and regulatory proceedings it initiated against the incumbent telephone operator in Puerto Rico beginning in 2009. In March 2014, a separate class action claim was filed in Puerto Rico (the Class Action Claim ) containing allegations substantially similar to those asserted in the PRTC Claim , but alleging ongoing injury on behalf of a consumer class (as opposed to harm to a competitor). The former owners of OneLink have partially indemnified us through November 27, 2016 for any losses we may incur in connection with the PRTC Claim up to a specified maximum amount. However, the indemnity does not cover any potential losses resulting from the Class Action Claim . Liberty Puerto Rico has recorded a provision and a related indemnification asset representing its best estimate of the net loss that it may incur upon the ultimate resolution of the PRTC Claim . While Liberty Puerto Rico expects that the net amount required to satisfy these contingencies will not materially differ from the estimated amount it has accrued, no assurance can be given that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have an adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position in any given period. Belgium Regulatory Developments. In December 2010, the Belgisch Instituut voor Post en Telecommunicatie and the regional regulators for the media sectors (together, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities ) published their respective draft decisions reflecting the results of their joint analysis of the broadcasting market in Belgium. The Belgium Regulatory Authorities adopted a final decision on July 1, 2011 (the July 2011 Decision ) with some minor revisions. The regulatory obligations imposed by the July 2011 Decision include (i) an obligation to make a resale offer at “retail minus’’ of the cable analog package available to third party operators (including Proximus ), (ii) an obligation to grant third-party operators (except Proximus ) access to digital television platforms (including the basic digital video package) at “retail minus,” and (iii) an obligation to make a resale offer at “retail minus’’ of broadband internet access available to beneficiaries of the digital television access obligation that wish to offer bundles of digital video and broadband internet services to their customers (except Proximus ). In February 2012, Telenet submitted draft reference offers regarding the obligations described above, and the Belgium Regulatory Authorities published the final decision on September 9, 2013. Telenet has implemented the access obligations as described in its reference offers and, as of June 23, 2014, access to the Telenet network had become operational and can be applied by wireless operator Mobistar SA ( Mobistar ). In addition, as a result of the November 2014 decision by the Brussels Court of Appeal described below, on November 14, 2014, Proximus submitted a request to Telenet to commence access negotiations. Telenet contests this request and has asked the Belgium Regulatory Authorities to assess the reasonableness of the Proximus request. The timing for a decision regarding this assessment by the Belgium Regulatory Authorities is not known. On December 14, 2015, the Belgium Regulatory Authorities published a draft decision, which amended previously-issued decisions, that sets forth the “retail-minus” tariffs of minus 26% for basic television (basic analog and digital video package) and minus 18% for the bundle of basic television and broadband internet services during an initial two -year period. Following this two -year period, the tariffs would change to minus 15% and 7% , respectively. The draft decision was notified to the European Commission and a final decision is expected in the first quarter of 2016. A “retail-minus” method of pricing involves a wholesale tariff calculated as the retail price for the offered service by Telenet , excluding VAT and copyrights, and further deducting the retail costs avoided by offering the wholesale service (such as costs for billing, franchise, consumer service, marketing and sales). Telenet filed an appeal against the July 2011 Decision with the Brussels Court of Appeal. On November 12, 2014, the Brussels Court of Appeal rejected Telenet ’s appeal of the July 2011 Decision and accepted Proximus ’s claim that Proximus should be allowed access to Telenet’s, among other operators, digital television platform and the resale of bundles of digital video and broadband internet services. On November 30, 2015, Telenet filed an appeal of this decision with the Belgian Supreme Court . In 2015, Telenet and wireless operator Mobistar each filed an appeal with the Brussels Court of Appeal against the decision regarding the quantitative aspects of the reference offers. A decision with respect to these appeals is expected during 2016. There can be no certainty that Telenet ’s appeals will be successful. The July 2011 Decision aims to, and in its application may, strengthen Telenet ’s competitors by granting them resale access to Telenet ’s network to offer competing products and services notwithstanding Telenet ’s substantial historical financial outlays in developing the infrastructure. In addition, any resale access granted to competitors could (i) limit the bandwidth available to Telenet to provide new or expanded products and services to the customers served by its network and (ii) adversely impact Telenet ’s ability to maintain or increase its revenue and cash flows. The extent of any such adverse impacts ultimately will be dependent on the extent that competitors take advantage of the resale access ultimately afforded to Telenet ’s network and other competitive factors or market developments. Financial Transactions Tax. Eleven countries in the EU , including Belgium, Germany, Austria and Slovakia, are participating in an enhanced cooperation procedure to introduce a financial transactions tax (the FTT ). Under the draft language of the FTT proposal, a wide range of financial transactions could be taxed at rates of at least 0.01% for derivative transactions based on the notional amount and 0.1% for other covered financial transactions based on the underlying transaction price. Each of the individual countries would be permitted to determine an exact rate, which could be higher than the proposed rates of 0.01% and 0.1% . Any implementation of the FTT could have a global impact because it would apply to all financial transactions where a financial institution is involved (including unregulated entities that engage in certain types of covered activity) and either of the parties (whether the financial institution or its counterparty) is in one of the eleven participating countries. Although ongoing debate in the relevant countries demonstrates continued momentum around the FTT , uncertainty remains as to when the FTT would be implemented and the breadth of its application. Based on our understanding of the current status of the potential FTT , we do not expect that any implementation of the FTT would occur before January 2017. Any imposition of the FTT could increase banking fees and introduce taxes on internal transactions that we currently perform. Due to the uncertainty regarding the FTT , we are currently unable to estimate the financial impact that the FTT could have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Virgin Media VAT Matters. Virgin Media ’s application of VAT with respect to certain revenue generating activities has been challenged by the U.K. tax authorities. Virgin Media has estimated its maximum exposure in the event of an unfavorable outcome to be £45.2 million ( $66.6 million ) as of December 31, 2015 . No portion of this exposure has been accrued by Virgin Media as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable. A court hearing was held at the end of September 2014 in relation to the U.K. tax authorities’ challenge and the court’s decision is expected prior to March 31, 2016 . On March 19, 2014, the U.K. government announced a change in legislation with respect to the charging of VAT in connection with prompt payment discounts such as those that we offer to our fixed-line telephony customers. This change, which took effect on May 1, 2014, impacted our company and some of our competitors. As a result of this legislation, our revenue was $24.0 million lower during 2015 as compared to 2014. The U.K. tax authority issued a decision in the fourth quarter of 2015 challenging our application of the prompt payment discount rules prior to the May 1, 2014 change in legislation. We have appealed this decision. As part of the appeal process, we were required to make aggregate payments of £67.0 million ( $99.1 million at the respective transaction dates), which included the challenged amount of £63.7 million and related interest of £3.3 million . The aggregate amount paid does not include penalties, which could be significant in the unlikely event that penalties were to be assessed. This matter will likely be subject to court proceedings that could delay the ultimate resolution for an extended period of time. No portion of this potential exposure has been accrued by our company as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable. Hungary VAT Matter. In September 2015, our DTH operations in Luxembourg received a first instance decision from the Hungarian tax authorities as a result of an audit with respect to VAT payments that the Hungarian tax authorities conducted for the years 2010 through 2012. The Hungarian tax authorities have assessed our DTH operations with an obligation to pay VAT for the years audited of HUF 5,902.2 million ( $20.3 million ), excluding interest and penalties, which could be significant. We believe that our DTH operations have operated in compliance with all applicable rules, regulations and interpretations thereof, including a binding tax ruling that we received from the Hungarian government in 2010. Although we are appealing the first instance decision, we may be required to pay all or a portion of the assessed amount during the pendency of the appeal. No portion of this exposure has been accrued by us as the likelihood of loss is not considered to be probable. Telenet MVNO Matter. Telenet and Mobistar are currently in dispute over amounts payable to Mobistar with respect to certain provisions of Telenet ’s MVNO agreement with Mobistar (the Mobistar MVNO Agreement ). As part of this dispute, Mobistar initiated legal proceedings against Telenet claiming, among other things, that the migration period after termination or expiration of the Mobistar MVNO Agreement should be shortened from 24 months to six months . Telenet believes it has strong arguments against Mobistar ’s claims and intends to defend itself vigorously. We cannot currently predict the outcome of these proceedings; however, in the unlikely event that the migration period is shortened, Telenet ’s mobile business could be adversely impacted. The oral hearing in this matter is currently scheduled for September 23, 2016. Other Regulatory Issues. Video distribution, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony, mobile and content businesses are regulated in each of the countries in which we operate. The scope of regulation varies from country to country, although in some significant respects regulation in European markets is harmonized under the regulatory structure of the EU . Adverse regulatory developments could subject our businesses to a number of risks. Regulation, including conditions imposed on us by competition or other authorities as a requirement to close acquisitions or dispositions, could limit growth, revenue and the number and types of services offered and could lead to increased operating costs and property and equipment additions. In addition, regulation may restrict our operations and subject them to further competitive pressure, including pricing restrictions, interconnect and other access obligations, and restrictions or controls on content, including content provided by third parties. Failure to comply with current or future regulation could expose our businesses to various penalties. In this regard, beginning in September 2014, various decreases to tariff rates have been proposed and implemented by Chilean regulatory authorities, and a further decrease to one tariff rate is pending. None of these decreases had, or are expected to have, a material impact on VTR ’s revenue or expenses. We have security accreditations across a range of B2B products and services in order to increase our offerings to public sector organizations in the U.K. These accreditations are granted subject to periodic reviews of our policies and procedures by U.K. governmental authorities. If we were to fail to maintain these accreditations or obtain new accreditations when required, it could impact our ability to provide certain offerings to the public sector. In addition to the foregoing items, we have contingent liabilities related to matters arising in the ordinary course of business including (i) legal proceedings, (ii) issues involving VAT and wage, property and other tax issues and (iii) disputes over interconnection, programming, copyright and channel carriage fees. While we generally expect that the amounts required to satisfy these contingencies will not materially differ from any estimated amounts we have accrued, no assurance can be given that the resolution of one or more of these contingencies will not result in a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position in any given period. Due, in general, to the complexity of the issues involved and, in certain cases, the lack of a clear basis for predicting outcomes, we cannot provide a meaningful range of potential losses or cash outflows that might result from any unfavorable outcomes. |
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Segment Reporting | Segment Reporting We generally identify our reportable segments as those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of our revenue, Adjusted OIBDA (as defined below) or total assets. In certain cases, we may elect to include an operating segment in our segment disclosure that does not meet the above-described criteria for a reportable segment. We evaluate performance and make decisions about allocating resources to our operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and Adjusted OIBDA . In addition, we review non-financial measures such as subscriber growth, as appropriate. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization ( Adjusted OIBDA ) is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment operating performance. Adjusted OIBDA is also a key factor that is used by our internal decision makers to (i) determine how to allocate resources to segments and (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of our management for purposes of annual and other incentive compensation plans. As we use the term, Adjusted OIBDA is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, provisions and provision releases related to significant litigation and impairment, restructuring and other operating items. Other operating items include (a) gains and losses on the disposition of long-lived assets, (b) third-party costs directly associated with successful and unsuccessful acquisitions and dispositions, including legal, advisory and due diligence fees, as applicable, and (c) other acquisition-related items, such as gains and losses on the settlement of contingent consideration. Our internal decision makers believe Adjusted OIBDA is a meaningful measure and is superior to available GAAP measures because it represents a transparent view of our recurring operating performance that is unaffected by our capital structure and allows management to (1) readily view operating trends, (2) perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between segments and (3) identify strategies to improve operating performance in the different countries in which we operate. We believe our Adjusted OIBDA measure is useful to investors because it is one of the bases for comparing our performance with the performance of other companies in the same or similar industries, although our measure may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other public companies. Adjusted OIBDA should be viewed as a measure of operating performance that is a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income, net earnings or loss, cash flow from operating activities and other GAAP measures of income or cash flows. A reconciliation of total segment Adjusted OIBDA to our loss from continuing operations before income taxes is presented below. We began presenting our operating segment in Puerto Rico as a separate reportable segment during the second quarter of 2015 in anticipation of the issuance of the LiLAC Shares . Previously, this operating segment was included in our corporate and other category. Segment information for all periods presented reflects the above-described change. We present only the reportable segments of our continuing operations in the tables below. As of December 31, 2015 , our reportable segments are as follows: • European Operations Division : • U.K./Ireland • The Netherlands • Germany • Belgium • Switzerland/Austria • Central and Eastern Europe • LiLAC Division: • Chile • Puerto Rico All of the reportable segments set forth above derive their revenue primarily from broadband communications services, including video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services. Most of our reportable segments also provide B2B and mobile services. At December 31, 2015 , our operating segments in the European Operations Division provided broadband communications services in 12 European countries and DTH services to customers in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia through a Luxembourg-based organization that we refer to as “ UPC DTH .” In addition to UPC DTH , our Central and Eastern Europe segment includes our broadband communications operations in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The European Operations Division ’s central and other category includes (i) costs associated with certain centralized functions, including billing systems, network operations, technology, marketing, facilities, finance and other administrative functions, and (ii) intersegment eliminations within the European Operations Division . The corporate and other category for the Liberty Global Group includes less significant consolidated operating segments that provide programming and other services. Intersegment eliminations primarily represent the elimination of intercompany transactions between our broadband communications and programming operations. Inter-group eliminations primarily represent the elimination of intercompany transactions between the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group . Performance Measures of Our Reportable Segments The amounts presented below represent 100% of each of our reportable segment’s revenue and Adjusted OIBDA . As we have the ability to control Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico , we consolidate 100% of the revenue and expenses of these entities in our consolidated statements of operations despite the fact that third parties own significant interests in these entities. The noncontrolling owners’ interests in the operating results of Telenet , Liberty Puerto Rico and other less significant majority-owned subsidiaries are reflected in net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations. Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue Adjusted OIBDA Revenue Adjusted OIBDA Revenue Adjusted OIBDA in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland (a) $ 7,058.7 $ 3,162.1 $ 7,409.9 $ 3,235.7 $ 4,117.4 $ 1,742.8 The Netherlands (b) 2,745.3 1,519.5 1,498.5 857.9 1,242.4 721.7 Germany 2,399.5 1,502.1 2,711.5 1,678.2 2,559.2 1,541.1 Belgium 2,021.0 990.3 2,279.4 1,125.0 2,185.9 1,049.4 Switzerland/Austria 1,758.2 1,040.1 1,846.1 1,056.4 1,767.1 1,005.7 Total Western Europe 15,982.7 8,214.1 15,745.4 7,953.2 11,872.0 6,060.7 Central and Eastern Europe 1,066.6 474.0 1,259.5 583.0 1,272.0 584.5 Central and other (5.4 ) (289.2 ) (7.1 ) (282.7 ) (0.4 ) (239.1 ) Total European Operations Division 17,043.9 8,398.9 16,997.8 8,253.5 13,143.6 6,406.1 Corporate and other 42.3 (222.6 ) 70.8 (212.0 ) 77.1 (169.2 ) Intersegment eliminations (c) (23.5 ) — (24.9 ) 4.0 (34.0 ) 44.8 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 8,176.3 17,043.7 8,045.5 13,186.7 6,281.7 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 838.1 328.1 898.5 351.0 991.6 353.6 Puerto Rico (d) 379.2 167.2 306.1 128.9 297.2 107.3 Total LiLAC Division 1,217.3 495.3 1,204.6 479.9 1,288.8 460.9 Corporate and other — (4.3 ) — (3.1 ) — (1.9 ) Total LiLAC Group 1,217.3 491.0 1,204.6 476.8 1,288.8 459.0 Inter-group eliminations — — — — (1.3 ) — Total $ 18,280.0 $ 8,667.3 $ 18,248.3 $ 8,522.3 $ 14,474.2 $ 6,740.7 _______________ (a) The amounts presented for 2013 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amounts presented for 2014 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The intersegment eliminations that are applicable to revenue are primarily related to transactions between our European Operations Division and our continuing programming operations. The intersegment eliminations that are applicable to Adjusted OIBDA are related to transactions between our European Operations Division and the Chellomedia Disposal Group , which eliminations are no longer recorded following the completion of the Chellomedia Transaction on January 31, 2014. (d) The amounts presented for 2015 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Choice, which was acquired on June 3, 2015. The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations to loss from continuing operations before income taxes: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations $ 8,667.3 $ 8,522.3 $ 6,740.7 Share-based compensation expense (318.2 ) (257.2 ) (300.7 ) Depreciation and amortization (5,825.8 ) (5,500.1 ) (4,276.4 ) Release of litigation provision — — 146.0 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (174.1 ) (536.8 ) (297.5 ) Operating income 2,349.2 2,228.2 2,012.1 Interest expense (2,441.4 ) (2,544.7 ) (2,286.9 ) Interest and dividend income 35.9 31.7 113.1 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net 847.2 88.8 (1,020.4 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (1,149.2 ) (836.5 ) 349.3 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net 124.5 205.2 524.1 Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net (388.0 ) (186.2 ) (212.2 ) Other expense, net (62.8 ) (42.4 ) (5.6 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (684.6 ) $ (1,055.9 ) $ (526.5 ) Balance Sheet Data of our Reportable Segments Selected balance sheet data of our reportable segments is set forth below: Long-lived assets Total assets December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 19,789.9 $ 21,754.2 $ 23,647.6 $ 25,487.2 The Netherlands 14,741.7 17,092.7 15,132.1 17,387.0 Germany 7,898.9 9,117.9 8,634.1 9,512.8 Belgium 3,674.9 4,149.5 4,493.6 4,828.8 Switzerland/Austria 5,108.0 5,300.9 5,438.6 5,643.9 Total Western Europe 51,213.4 57,415.2 57,346.0 62,859.7 Central and Eastern Europe 2,268.0 2,459.9 2,357.5 2,566.4 Central and other 543.9 499.4 1,574.3 2,613.2 Total European Operations Division 54,025.3 60,374.5 61,277.8 68,039.3 Corporate and other 119.6 68.9 3,332.5 2,045.2 Total Liberty Global Group 54,144.9 60,443.4 64,610.3 70,084.5 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 873.7 1,017.3 1,506.6 1,513.2 Puerto Rico 1,468.8 1,128.3 1,599.4 1,213.7 Total LiLAC Division 2,342.5 2,145.6 3,106.0 2,726.9 Corporate and other — — 161.5 44.1 Total LiLAC Group 2,342.5 2,145.6 3,267.5 2,771.0 Inter-group eliminations — — (10.6 ) (13.6 ) Total $ 56,487.4 $ 62,589.0 $ 67,867.2 $ 72,841.9 Property and Equipment Additions of our Reportable Segments The property and equipment additions of our reportable segments (including capital additions financed under vendor financing or capital lease arrangements) are presented below and reconciled to the capital expenditure amounts included in our consolidated statements of cash flows. For additional information concerning capital additions financed under vendor financing and capital lease arrangements, see note 9 . Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland (a) $ 1,527.3 $ 1,506.7 $ 827.5 The Netherlands (b) 536.1 268.0 242.4 Germany 535.7 574.5 543.4 Belgium 371.6 448.9 453.7 Switzerland/Austria 315.6 327.2 306.4 Total Western Europe 3,286.3 3,125.3 2,373.4 Central and Eastern Europe 277.3 264.8 271.6 Central and other 280.7 257.9 256.0 Total European Operations Division 3,844.3 3,648.0 2,901.0 Corporate and other 65.9 5.0 6.3 Total Liberty Global Group 3,910.2 3,653.0 2,907.3 LiLAC Group: Chile 149.0 195.8 188.5 Puerto Rico (c) 78.1 60.4 65.8 Total LiLAC Group 227.1 256.2 254.3 Total property and equipment additions 4,137.3 3,909.2 3,161.6 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (1,481.5 ) (975.3 ) (573.5 ) Assets acquired under capital leases (106.1 ) (127.2 ) (143.0 ) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures (50.2 ) (122.3 ) 36.4 Total capital expenditures $ 2,499.5 $ 2,684.4 $ 2,481.5 _______________ (a) The amount presented for 2013 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amount presented for 2014 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The amount presented for 2015 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Choice , which was acquired on June 3, 2015. Revenue by Major Category Our revenue by major category is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Subscription revenue (a): Video $ 6,383.6 $ 6,538.3 $ 5,720.7 Broadband internet 5,079.7 4,718.5 3,535.0 Fixed-line telephony 3,162.0 3,259.5 2,506.5 Cable subscription revenue 14,625.3 14,516.3 11,762.2 Mobile subscription revenue (b) 1,037.3 1,085.6 669.9 Total subscription revenue 15,662.6 15,601.9 12,432.1 B2B revenue (c) 1,560.5 1,501.3 980.5 Other revenue (b) (d) 1,056.9 1,145.1 1,061.6 Total $ 18,280.0 $ 18,248.3 $ 14,474.2 _______________ (a) Subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services, excluding installation fees and late fees. Subscription revenue from subscribers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is generally allocated proportionally to each service based on the standalone price for each individual service. As a result, changes in the standalone pricing of our cable and mobile products or the composition of bundles can contribute to changes in our product revenue categories from period to period. (b) Mobile subscription revenue excludes mobile interconnect revenue of $212.7 million , $245.0 million and $175.2 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Mobile interconnect revenue and revenue from mobile handset sales are included in other revenue. (c) B2B revenue includes revenue from business broadband internet, video, voice, mobile and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators. We also provide services to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers. SOHO subscribers pay a premium price to receive expanded service levels along with video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony or mobile services that are the same or similar to the mass marketed products offered to our residential subscribers. Revenue from SOHO subscribers, which is included in cable subscription revenue, aggregated $321.8 million , $220.7 million and $158.9 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (d) Other revenue includes, among other items, interconnect, mobile handset sales, channel carriage fee and installation revenue . Geographic Segments The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K. (a) $ 6,663.3 $ 6,941.1 $ 3,653.7 The Netherlands (b) 2,745.3 1,498.5 1,242.4 Germany 2,399.5 2,711.5 2,559.2 Belgium 2,021.0 2,279.4 2,185.9 Switzerland 1,390.3 1,414.4 1,332.1 Poland 399.7 469.9 460.4 Ireland 395.4 468.8 463.7 Austria 367.9 431.7 435.0 Hungary 258.5 310.2 313.8 The Czech Republic 176.6 221.0 248.9 Romania 158.1 173.3 163.8 Slovakia 59.3 74.5 74.6 Other 9.0 3.5 10.1 Total European Operations Division 17,043.9 16,997.8 13,143.6 Other, including intersegment eliminations 18.8 45.9 43.1 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 17,043.7 13,186.7 LiLAC Group: Chile 838.1 898.5 991.6 Puerto Rico (c) 379.2 306.1 297.2 Total LiLAC Group 1,217.3 1,204.6 1,288.8 Inter-group eliminations — — (1.3 ) Total $ 18,280.0 $ 18,248.3 $ 14,474.2 _______________ (a) The amount presented for 2013 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amount presented for 2014 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The amount presented for 2015 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Choice , which was acquired on June 3, 2015. The long-lived assets of our geographic segments are set forth below: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K. $ 19,127.8 $ 21,098.3 The Netherlands 14,741.7 17,092.7 Germany 7,898.9 9,117.9 Switzerland 4,117.7 4,218.9 Belgium 3,674.9 4,149.5 Austria 990.3 1,082.0 Poland 893.2 983.5 Ireland 662.1 655.9 The Czech Republic 534.8 580.4 Hungary 494.4 535.7 Romania 194.0 209.1 Slovakia 103.2 110.5 Other (a) 592.3 540.1 Total European Operations Division 54,025.3 60,374.5 U.S. and other (b) 119.6 68.9 Total Liberty Global Group 54,144.9 60,443.4 LiLAC Group: Puerto Rico 1,468.8 1,128.3 Chile 873.7 1,017.3 Total LiLAC Group 2,342.5 2,145.6 Total $ 56,487.4 $ 62,589.0 _______________ (a) Primarily represents long-lived assets of the European Operations Division ’s central operations, which are located in the Netherlands. (b) Primarily represents the assets of our corporate offices. |
Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] | |
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) | Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 2015 1 st quarter 2 nd quarter 3 rd quarter 4 th quarter in millions, except per share amounts Revenue $ 4,516.9 $ 4,566.5 $ 4,597.4 $ 4,599.2 Operating income $ 557.5 $ 624.9 $ 545.5 $ 621.3 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (537.5 ) $ (464.7 ) $ 133.3 $ (283.6 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 3): Liberty Global Shares $ 0.12 $ (0.32 ) LiLAC Shares $ 0.69 $ (0.30 ) Old Liberty Global Shares $ (0.61 ) $ (0.53 ) 2014 1 st quarter 2 nd quarter 3 rd quarter 4 th quarter in millions, except per share amounts Revenue $ 4,533.7 $ 4,602.2 $ 4,497.2 $ 4,615.2 Operating income $ 581.7 $ 669.5 $ 703.7 $ 273.3 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (78.8 ) $ (249.9 ) $ 157.1 $ (523.4 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share - Old Liberty Global Shares (note 3) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.32 ) $ 0.20 $ (0.62 ) |
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
Subsequent Events | Subsequent Event BASE Acquisition . On February 11, 2016, pursuant to a definitive agreement and following regulatory approval, Telenet acquired BASE for a cash purchase price of €1,324.4 million ( $1,500.5 million at the transaction date) (the BASE Acquisition ). BASE is the third-largest mobile network operator in Belgium. We expect that the BASE Acquisition will provide Telenet with cost-effective long-term mobile access to effectively compete for future growth opportunities in the Belgium mobile market. The BASE Acquisition was funded through a combination of €1.0 billion ( $1.1 billion at the transaction date) of new debt facilities and existing liquidity of Telenet . On February 4, 2016, the European Commission approved Telenet’s acquisition of BASE following Telenet’s agreement to divest both the JIM Mobile prepaid customer base and BASE ’s 50% stake in Viking Co NV to MEDIALAAN NV, which was announced in November 2015. Information with regard to the acquisition accounting and pro forma effect of the acquisition of BASE is not yet available. |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Info
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] | |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) | LIBERTY GLOBAL PLC SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parent Company Only) December 31, 2015 2014 in millions ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 24.6 $ 36.7 Interest receivables — related-party 446.2 448.7 Other receivables — related-party 248.6 157.8 Current notes receivable — related-party — 5,666.8 Other current assets 10.8 7.5 Total current assets 730.2 6,317.5 Long-term notes receivable — related-party 9,727.1 9,656.9 Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances 3,851.9 750.0 Other assets, net 10.6 4.2 Total assets $ 14,319.8 $ 16,728.6 LIBERTY GLOBAL PLC SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued) (Parent Company Only) December 31, 2015 2014 in millions LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 20.7 $ 46.4 Other payables — related-party 198.0 105.3 Debt — related-party 1,121.7 679.2 Accrued liabilities and other 13.7 16.0 Total current liabilities 1,354.1 846.9 Long-term notes payable — related-party 1,336.9 18.9 Other long-term liabilities — related-party 974.3 1,146.6 Other long-term liabilities 2.1 1.7 Total liabilities 3,667.4 2,014.1 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity: Liberty Global Shares — Class A, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 252,766,455 and nil shares, respectively 2.5 — Liberty Global Shares — Class B, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 10,472,517 and nil shares, respectively 0.1 — Liberty Global Shares — Class C, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 584,044,394 and nil shares, respectively 5.9 — LiLAC Shares — Class A, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 12,630,580 and nil shares, respectively 0.1 — LiLAC Shares — Class B, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 523,423 and nil shares, respectively — — LiLAC Shares — Class C, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding 30,772,874 and nil shares, respectively 0.3 — Old Liberty Global Shares — Class A, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding nil and 251,167,686 shares, respectively — 2.5 Old Liberty Global Shares — Class B, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding nil and 10,139,184 shares, respectively — 0.1 Old Liberty Global Shares — Class C, $0.01 nominal value. Issued and outstanding nil and 630,353,372 shares, respectively — 6.3 Additional paid-in capital 14,908.1 17,070.8 Accumulated deficit (5,160.1 ) (4,007.6 ) Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes 895.9 1,646.6 Treasury shares, at cost (0.4 ) (4.2 ) Total shareholders’ equity 10,652.4 14,714.5 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 14,319.8 $ 16,728.6 LIBERTY GLOBAL PLC SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parent Company Only) Period from June 8, 2013 through Year ended December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Operating costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative (including share-based compensation) $ 83.2 $ 43.0 $ 9.7 Related-party fees and allocations 62.7 151.8 54.9 Depreciation and amortization 0.2 — — Other operating expenses 14.0 3.5 — Operating loss (160.1 ) (198.3 ) (64.6 ) Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense — related-party (71.2 ) (9.6 ) (0.1 ) Interest income — related-party 787.3 821.7 468.4 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net — 13.7 (4.5 ) Foreign currency transaction losses, net (29.8 ) (58.2 ) — Other expense, net (2.5 ) (8.1 ) — 683.8 759.5 463.8 Earnings before income taxes and equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net 523.7 561.2 399.2 Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net (1,574.7 ) (1,120.8 ) (1,306.3 ) Income tax expense (101.5 ) (135.4 ) (105.8 ) Net loss $ (1,152.5 ) $ (695.0 ) $ (1,012.9 ) LIBERTY GLOBAL PLC SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parent Company Only) Period from June 8, 2013 through Year ended December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (1,152.5 ) $ (695.0 ) $ (1,012.9 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net 1,574.7 1,120.8 1,306.3 Share-based compensation expense 34.6 20.2 3.5 Related-party fees and allocations 62.7 151.8 54.9 Depreciation and amortization 0.2 — — Other operating expenses 14.0 3.5 — Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net — (13.7 ) 4.5 Foreign currency transaction losses, net 29.8 58.2 — Deferred income tax benefit (5.8 ) (3.6 ) (0.4 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables and other operating assets 146.4 0.2 (104.9 ) Payables and accruals (34.3 ) (65.3 ) 2.6 Net cash provided by operating activities 669.8 577.1 253.6 Cash flows from investing activities: Distribution and repayments from (investments in and advances to) consolidated subsidiaries, net 36.4 (368.3 ) 949.0 Other investing activities, net (2.5 ) 1.8 (11.3 ) Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 33.9 (366.5 ) 937.7 Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings of related-party debt 11,241.9 1,221.5 — Repayments of related-party debt (9,590.7 ) (542.3 ) — Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares (2,320.5 ) (1,584.9 ) (971.8 ) Proceeds (payments) associated with call option contracts, net (78.3 ) (41.7 ) 4.1 Proceeds from issuance of Liberty Global shares upon exercise of options 40.5 54.8 78.1 Proceeds received from subsidiaries in connection with the issuance of Liberty Global ordinary shares — 435.1 — Other financing activities, net (9.6 ) (6.6 ) (11.0 ) Net cash used by financing activities (716.7 ) (464.1 ) (900.6 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 0.9 (0.5 ) — Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (12.1 ) (254.0 ) 290.7 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 36.7 290.7 — End of period $ 24.6 $ 36.7 $ 290.7 LIBERTY GLOBAL, INC. SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Parent Company Only) Period from January 1, 2013 through June 7, 2013 in millions Operating costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation) $ 43.5 Depreciation and amortization 0.3 Other operating expenses 48.1 Operating loss (91.9 ) Non-operating expense: Interest expense, net (0.7 ) Other expense, net (0.1 ) (0.8 ) Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net (92.7 ) Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net 120.0 Income tax benefit 21.7 Net earnings $ 49.0 LIBERTY GLOBAL, INC. SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Parent Company Only) Period from January 1, 2013 through June 7, 2013 in millions Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 49.0 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used by operating activities: Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net (120.0 ) Stock-based compensation expense 11.5 Depreciation and amortization 0.3 Other operating expenses 48.1 Deferred income tax benefit (21.9 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables and other operating assets (7.2 ) Payables and accruals (23.8 ) Net cash used by operating activities (64.0 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Distribution and repayments from consolidated subsidiaries, net 163.1 Capital expenditures (0.7 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 162.4 Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of LGI common stock (185.4 ) Proceeds related to call option contracts for LGI common stock 55.5 Payment of net settled employee withholding taxes on stock incentive awards (13.1 ) Proceeds from issuance of LGI common stock upon exercise of stock options 2.9 Net cash used by financing activities (140.1 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (41.7 ) Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 69.4 End of period $ 27.7 |
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALI
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] | |
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS | LIBERTY GLOBAL PLC SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for doubtful accounts — Trade receivables Balance at beginning of period Additions to costs and expenses Acquisitions Deductions or write-offs Foreign currency translation adjustments Disposals/ discontinued operation Balance at end of period in millions Year ended December 31: 2013 $ 103.0 113.3 12.9 (98.1 ) 1.7 (10.2 ) $ 122.6 2014 $ 122.6 119.1 7.9 (120.5 ) (13.0 ) — $ 116.1 2015 $ 116.1 104.1 1.1 (95.4 ) (10.2 ) — $ 115.7 |
Summary of Significant Accoun30
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Estimates | Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things, the valuation of acquisition-related assets and liabilities, allowances for uncollectible accounts, programming and copyright expenses, deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair value measurements, impairment assessments, capitalization of internal costs associated with construction and installation activities, useful lives of long-lived assets, share-based compensation and actuarial liabilities associated with certain benefit plans. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
Reclassifications | Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |
Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all voting interest entities where we exercise a controlling financial interest through the ownership of a direct or indirect controlling voting interest and variable interest entities for which our company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and other investments that are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. We record money market funds at the net asset value reported by the investment manager as there are no restrictions on our ability, contractual or otherwise, to redeem our investments at the stated net asset value reported by the investment manager. Restricted cash consists of cash held in restricted accounts, including cash held as collateral for debt and other compensating balances. Restricted cash amounts that are required to be used to purchase long-term assets or repay long-term debt are classified as long-term assets. All other cash that is restricted to a specific use is classified as current or long-term based on the expected timing of the disbursement. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our aggregate current and long-term restricted cash balances aggregated $127.9 million and $78.0 million , respectively. Our significant non-cash investing and financing activities are disclosed in our consolidated statements of equity and in notes 4 , 7 , 9 , and 10 . |
Trade Receivables | Trade Receivables Our trade receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such allowance aggregated $115.7 million and $116.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon our assessment of probable loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable. We use a number of factors in determining the allowance, including, among other things, collection trends, prevailing and anticipated economic conditions and specific customer credit risk. The allowance is maintained until either payment is received or the likelihood of collection is considered to be remote. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many different countries worldwide. We also manage this risk by disconnecting services to customers whose accounts are delinquent. |
Investments | Investments We make elections, on an investment-by-investment basis, as to whether we measure our investments at fair value. Such elections are generally irrevocable. With the exception of those investments over which we exercise significant influence, we generally elect the fair value method. For those investments over which we exercise significant influence, we generally elect the equity method. Under the fair value method, investments are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair value are reported in realized and unrealized gains or losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. All costs directly associated with the acquisition of an investment to be accounted for using the fair value method are expensed as incurred. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are recorded at cost and are subsequently increased or reduced to reflect the share of income or losses of the investee. All costs directly associated with the acquisition of an investment to be accounted for using the equity method are included in the carrying amount of the investment. For additional information regarding our fair value and equity method investments, see notes 6 and 8 . Dividends from publicly-traded investees are recognized when declared as dividend income in our consolidated statements of operations. Dividends from privately-held investees generally are reflected as reductions of the carrying values of the applicable investments. Under the equity method, investments, originally recorded at cost, are adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions are received, with our recognition of losses generally limited to the extent of our investment in, and advances and commitments to, the investee. The portion of the difference between our investment and our share of the net assets of the investee that represents goodwill is not amortized, but continues to be considered for impairment. Intercompany profits on transactions with equity affiliates for which assets remain on our or our investee’s balance sheet are eliminated to the extent of our ownership in the investee. We continually review our equity method investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-than-temporary. The primary factors we consider in our determination are the extent and length of time that the fair value of the investment is below our company’s carrying value and the financial condition, operating performance and near-term prospects of the investee, changes in the stock price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date, and the impacts of exchange rates, if applicable. If the decline in fair value of an equity method investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. Realized gains and losses are determined on an average cost basis. Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. |
Financial Instruments | Financial Instruments Due to the short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term liquid investments, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, subscriber advance payments and deposits and other current liabilities, their respective carrying values approximate their respective fair values. For information concerning the fair values of certain of our investments, our derivatives and debt, see notes 6 , 7 and 10 , respectively. For information concerning how we arrive at certain of our fair value measurements, see note 8 . |
Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments All derivative instruments, whether designated as hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. If the derivative instrument is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in other comprehensive earnings or loss and subsequently reclassified into our consolidated statements of operations when the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. With the exception of a limited number of our foreign currency forward contracts, we do not apply hedge accounting to our derivative instruments. For information regarding our derivative instruments, including our policy for classifying cash flows related to derivative instruments in our consolidated statements of cash flows, see note 7 . |
Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize costs associated with the construction of new cable transmission and distribution facilities and the installation of new cable services. Capitalized construction and installation costs include materials, labor and other directly attributable costs. Installation activities that are capitalized include (i) the initial connection (or drop) from our cable system to a customer location, (ii) the replacement of a drop and (iii) the installation of equipment for additional services, such as digital cable, telephone or broadband internet service. The costs of other customer-facing activities such as reconnecting customer locations where a drop already exists, disconnecting customer locations and repairing or maintaining drops, are expensed as incurred. Interest capitalized with respect to construction activities was not material during any of the periods presented. Capitalized internal-use software is included as a component of property and equipment. We capitalize internal and external costs directly associated with the development of internal-use software. We also capitalize costs associated with the purchase of software licenses. Maintenance and training costs, as well as costs incurred during the preliminary stage of an internal-use software development project, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset. Equipment under capital leases is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Useful lives used to depreciate our property and equipment are assessed periodically and are adjusted when warranted. The useful lives of cable distribution systems that are undergoing a rebuild are adjusted such that property and equipment to be retired will be fully depreciated by the time the rebuild is completed. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our property and equipment, see note 9 . Additions, replacements and improvements that extend the asset life are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations. We recognize a liability for asset retirement obligations in the period in which it is incurred if sufficient information is available to make a reasonable estimate of fair values. Asset retirement obligations may arise from the loss of rights of way that we obtain from local municipalities or other relevant authorities. Under certain circumstances, the authorities could require us to remove our network equipment from an area if, for example, we were to discontinue using the equipment for an extended period of time or the authorities were to decide not to renew our access rights. However, because the rights of way are integral to our ability to deliver broadband communications services to our customers, we expect to conduct our business in a manner that will allow us to maintain these rights for the foreseeable future. In addition, we have no reason to believe that the authorities will not renew our rights of way and, historically, renewals have been granted. We also have obligations in lease agreements to restore the property to its original condition or remove our property at the end of the lease term. Sufficient information is not available to estimate the fair value of our asset retirement obligations in certain of our lease arrangements. This is the case for long-term lease arrangements in which the underlying leased property is integral to our operations, there is not an acceptable alternative to the leased property and we have the ability to indefinitely renew the lease. Accordingly, for most of our rights of way and certain lease agreements, the possibility is remote that we will incur significant removal costs in the foreseeable future and, as such, we do not have sufficient information to make a reasonable estimate of fair value for these asset retirement obligations. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the recorded value of our asset retirement obligations was $63.9 million and $65.1 million , respectively. |
Intangible Assets | Intangible Assets Our primary intangible assets relate to goodwill, customer relationships and cable television franchise rights. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Customer relationships and cable television franchise rights were originally recorded at their fair values in connection with business combinations. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. We do not amortize our franchise rights and certain other intangible assets as these assets have indefinite lives. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our intangible assets, see note 9 . |
Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets | Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets We review, when circumstances warrant, the carrying amounts of our property and equipment and our intangible assets (other than goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets) to determine whether such carrying amounts continue to be recoverable. Such changes in circumstance may include (i) an expectation of a sale or disposal of a long-lived asset or asset group, (ii) adverse changes in market or competitive conditions, (iii) an adverse change in legal factors or business climate in the markets in which we operate and (iv) operating or cash flow losses. For purposes of impairment testing, long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities, generally at or below the reporting unit level (see below). If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset or asset group, an impairment adjustment is recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. We generally measure fair value by considering (a) sale prices for similar assets, (b) discounted estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate and/or (c) estimated replacement cost. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We evaluate the goodwill, franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on October 1 and whenever other facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable. For impairment evaluations with respect to both goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, we first make a qualitative assessment to determine if the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible may be impaired. In the case of goodwill, if it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its respective carrying amount. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). In most cases, our operating segments are deemed to be a reporting unit either because the operating segment is comprised of only a single component, or the components below the operating segment are aggregated as they have similar economic characteristics. If the carrying value of a reporting unit were to exceed its fair value, we would then compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount, and any excess of the carrying amount over the fair value would be charged to operations as an impairment loss. With respect to franchise rights or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, if it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we then estimate its fair value and any excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the franchise right or other indefinite-lived intangible asset is also charged to operations as an impairment loss. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if we believe it is more-likely-than-not such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Certain of our valuation allowances and tax uncertainties are associated with entities that we acquired in business combinations. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax liabilities related to investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration are not recognized until it becomes apparent that such amounts will reverse in the foreseeable future. Interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities are included in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information on our income taxes, see note 11 . |
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions | Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The reporting currency of our company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our foreign operations generally is the applicable local currency for each foreign subsidiary and equity method investee. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. With the exception of certain material transactions, the amounts reported in our consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss in our consolidated statements of equity. With the exception of certain material transactions, the cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the applicable period in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The impacts of material transactions generally are recorded at the applicable spot rates in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The effect of exchange rates on cash balances held in foreign currencies are separately reported in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to these non-functional currency transactions result in transaction gains and losses that are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period end exchange rates) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Service Revenue — Cable Networks. We recognize revenue from the provision of video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services over our cable network to customers in the period the related services are provided. Installation revenue (including reconnect fees) related to services provided over our cable network is recognized as revenue in the period during which the installation occurs to the extent these fees are equal to or less than direct selling costs, which costs are expensed as incurred. To the extent installation revenue exceeds direct selling costs, the excess revenue is deferred and amortized over the average expected subscriber life. Sale of Multiple Products and Services. We sell video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony and, in certain markets, mobile services to our customers in bundled packages at a rate lower than if the customer purchased each product on a standalone basis. Revenue from bundled packages generally is allocated proportionally to the individual services based on the relative standalone price for each respective service. Mobile Revenue — General. Arrangement consideration from mobile contracts is allocated to the airtime service element and the handset service element based on the relative standalone prices of each element. The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the handset is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of future airtime services. Certain of our operations that provide mobile services offer handsets under a subsidized contract model, whereby upfront revenue recognition is limited to the upfront cash collected from the customer as the remaining monthly fees to be received from the customer, including fees that may be associated with the handset, are contingent upon delivering future airtime services. At certain of our operations, mobile customers may choose to enter into two distinct contractual relationships: (i) a mobile handset contract and (ii) a mobile airtime services contract (a Split-contract Program ). Under the mobile handset contract, the customer takes full title to the handset upon delivery and typically has the option to either (a) pay for the handset in cash upon delivery or (b) pay for the handset in installments over a contractual period. Under these arrangements, the handset installment payments are not contingent upon delivering future airtime services and the arrangement consideration allocated to the handset is not limited to the upfront cash collected. Mobile Revenue — Airtime Services. We recognize revenue from mobile services in the period the related services are provided. Revenue from pre-pay customers is recorded as deferred revenue prior to the commencement of services and revenue is recognized as the services are rendered or usage rights expire. Mobile Revenue — Handset Revenue. Arrangement consideration allocated to handsets is recognized as revenue when the goods have been delivered and title has passed. For customers under a mobile handset installment contract that is independent of a mobile airtime services contract, revenue is recognized upon delivery only if collectibility is reasonably assured. Our assessment of collectibility is based principally on internal and external credit assessments as well as historical collection information for similar customers. To the extent that collectibility of installment payments from the customer is not reasonably assured upon delivery of the handset, handset revenue is recognized on a cash basis as customer payments are received. Business-to-Business ( B2B ) Revenue. We defer upfront installation and certain nonrecurring fees received on B2B contracts where we maintain ownership of the installed equipment. The deferred fees are amortized into revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement or the expected period of performance. Promotional Discounts. For subscriber promotions, such as discounted or free services during an introductory period, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the discounted monthly fees charged to the subscriber, if any. Subscriber Advance Payments and Deposits. Payments received in advance for the services we provide are deferred and recognized as revenue when the associated services are provided. Sales, Use and Other Value-Added Taxes ( VAT ). Revenue is recorded net of applicable sales, use and other value-added taxes. |
Share-Based Compensation | Share-Based Compensation We recognize all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee share incentive awards, based on their grant date fair values and our estimates of forfeitures. We recognize the grant date fair value of outstanding awards as a charge to operations over the vesting period. The cash benefits of tax deductions in excess of deferred taxes on recognized share-based compensation expense are reported as a financing cash flow. Payroll taxes incurred in connection with the vesting or exercise of our share-based incentive awards are recorded as a component of share-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations. We use the straight-line method to recognize share-based compensation expense for our outstanding share awards that do not contain a performance condition and the accelerated expense attribution method for our outstanding share awards that contain a performance condition and vest on a graded basis. We have calculated the expected life of options and share appreciation rights ( SAR s) granted by Liberty Global to employees based on historical exercise trends. The expected volatility for Liberty Global options and SAR s is generally based on a combination of (i) historical volatilities of Liberty Global ordinary shares for a period equal to the expected average life of the Liberty Global awards and (ii) volatilities implied from publicly-traded Liberty Global options. Under U.K. corporate law, we are required to issue new shares of Liberty Global ordinary shares when Liberty Global options or SAR s are exercised and when restricted share units ( RSU s) and performance-based restricted share units ( PSU s) vest. Although we repurchase Liberty Global ordinary shares from time to time, the parameters of our share purchase and redemption activities are not established solely with reference to the dilutive impact of our share-based compensation plans. For additional information regarding our share-based compensation, see note 13 . |
Litigation Costs | Litigation Costs Legal fees and related litigation costs are expensed as incurred. |
Earnings or Loss per Ordinary Share | Earnings or Loss per Share Basic earnings or loss per share ( EPS ) is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares (excluding restricted shares) outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share presents the dilutive effect, if any, on a per share basis of potential shares (e.g., options, SAR s, performance-based share appreciation rights ( PSAR s), restricted shares, RSU s and convertible securities) as if they had been exercised, vested or converted at the beginning of the periods presented. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Changes In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Accounting Standards Update ( ASU ) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ( ASU 2015-17 ). To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, ASU 2015-17 requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015 and, accordingly, all of our deferred tax balances are reflected as noncurrent in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet. Our December 31, 2014 deferred tax balances have not been retroactively revised. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( ASU 2014-09 ), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 , as amended by ASU No. 2015-14, will replace existing revenue recognition accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ( GAAP ) when it becomes effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2016. This new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 and we are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. |
Summary of Significant Accoun31
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Schedule details of net earnings (loss) | The details of our net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares , LiLAC Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares are set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: Liberty Global Shares (a) $ (167.5 ) $ — $ — LiLAC Shares (a) 17.2 — — Old Liberty Global Shares (b): Loss from continuing operations (1,002.2 ) (1,028.5 ) (937.6 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation — 333.5 (26.3 ) (1,002.2 ) (695.0 ) (963.9 ) Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (1,152.5 ) $ (695.0 ) $ (963.9 ) _______________ (a) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. (b) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. LiLAC Shares . The details of the calculation of EPS with respect to LiLAC Shares for the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 are set forth in the following table: Numerator: Net earnings attributable to holders of LiLAC Shares (basic and diluted EPS computation) (in millions) $ 17.2 Denominator: Weighted average ordinary shares (basic EPS computation) 43,915,757 Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options, SARs and PSARs and the release of share units upon vesting (treasury stock method) 319,518 Weighted average ordinary shares (diluted EPS computation) 44,235,275 |
Schedule of weighted average shares outstanding | The details of our weighted average shares outstanding are set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average shares outstanding: Liberty Global Shares — basic and diluted (a) 864,721,483 LiLAC Shares (a): Basic 43,915,757 Diluted 44,235,275 Old Liberty Global Shares — basic and diluted (b) 884,040,481 798,869,761 672,348,540 _______________ (a) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. (b) The amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2015 relate to the period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. |
Acquisitions (Tables)
Acquisitions (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Choice Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed | Cash and cash equivalents $ 3.6 Other current assets 7.8 Property and equipment, net 79.8 Goodwill (a) 51.6 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (b) 59.1 Franchise rights 147.8 Other assets, net 0.3 Other accrued and current liabilities (13.2 ) Non-current deferred tax liabilities (60.4 ) Total purchase price (c) $ 276.4 _______________ (a) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Choice Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Choice ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that are expected to be achieved through the integration of Choice with Liberty Puerto Rico . The entire amount of goodwill is expected to be deductible for U.S. tax purposes. (b) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. As of June 3, 2015, the weighted average useful life of Choice ’s intangible assets was approximately ten years . (c) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $8.5 million incurred through December 31, 2015, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. |
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Business Acquisitions | For accounting purposes, the Ziggo Acquisition was treated as the acquisition of Ziggo by Liberty Global . In this regard, the equity and cash consideration paid to acquire Ziggo plus the fair value of our pre-existing investment in Ziggo on the Ziggo Acquisition Date is set forth below (in millions): Class A Old Liberty Global Shares (a) $ 1,448.7 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares (a) 3,457.1 Cash (b) 1,872.9 Fair value of pre-existing investment in Ziggo (c) 2,015.4 Total $ 8,794.1 _______________ (a) Represents the value assigned to the 31,172,985 Class A and 76,907,936 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Ziggo shareholders in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition through the Ziggo Acquisition Date . These amounts are based on (i) the exchange ratios specified by the Ziggo Merger Protocol , (ii) the applicable closing per share prices of Class A and Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and (iii) 136,603,794 ordinary shares of Ziggo tendered in the Ziggo Offer through the Ziggo Acquisition Date . (b) Represents the cash consideration paid in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition . (c) Represents the fair value of the 41,329,850 shares of Ziggo held by Liberty Global and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the Ziggo Acquisition . |
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed | We have accounted for the Ziggo Acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the total purchase price was allocated to the acquired identifiable net assets of Ziggo based on assessments of their respective fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. A summary of the purchase price and the preliminary opening balance sheet for the Ziggo Acquisition as of the Ziggo Acquisition Date is presented in the following table. The opening balance sheet presented below reflects our final purchase price allocation (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 1,889.7 Other current assets 69.7 Property and equipment, net 2,714.9 Goodwill (b) 7,866.5 Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (c) 4,857.0 Other assets, net 382.8 Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (604.0 ) Other accrued and current liabilities (461.8 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (5,351.5 ) Other long-term liabilities (1,488.6 ) Noncontrolling interest (d) (1,080.6 ) Total purchase price (e) $ 8,794.1 _______________ (a) The Ziggo Acquisition resulted in $16.8 million of net cash acquired after deducting the cash consideration paid. (b) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Ziggo Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Ziggo ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that are expected to be achieved through the integration of Ziggo with our existing operations in the Netherlands and our other European operations. (c) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. As of the Ziggo Acquisition Date , the weighted average useful life of Ziggo ’s intangible assets was approximately ten years . (d) Represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Ziggo as of the Ziggo Acquisition Date . (e) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $84.1 million incurred through December 31, 2014, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. |
Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Business Acquisitions | We have accounted for the Ziggo NCI Acquisition as an equity transaction, with the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest adjusted to reflect the change in ownership of Ziggo . The difference between the fair value of consideration paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest was adjusted has been recognized as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statement of equity. The impact of the Ziggo NCI Acquisition is summarized in the following table (in millions): Reduction of noncontrolling interests $ 927.2 Additional paid-in capital 23.5 Fair value of consideration paid (a) $ 950.7 _______________ (a) Represents (i) the value assigned to the 4,335,357 Class A and 10,695,906 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Ziggo shareholders and (ii) cash consideration of €209.0 million ( $260.7 million at the applicable rates) paid to Ziggo shareholders, based on the 18,998,057 ordinary shares of Ziggo tendered in connection with the Ziggo NCI Acquisition . |
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Business Acquisitions | For accounting purposes, the Virgin Media Acquisition was treated as the acquisition of Virgin Media by Liberty Global (as the successor to LGI ). In this regard, the equity and cash consideration paid to acquire Virgin Media is set forth below (in millions): Class A Old Liberty Global Shares (a) $ 2,735.0 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares (a) 6,369.9 Cash (b) 4,760.2 Fair value of the vested portion of Virgin Media stock incentive awards (c) 270.4 Total equity and cash consideration $ 14,135.5 _______________ (a) Represents the value assigned to the 70,233,842 Class A and 175,122,182 Class C Old Liberty Global Shares issued to Virgin Media shareholders in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition . These amounts are based on (i) the exchange ratios specified by the Virgin Media Merger Agreement , (ii) the closing per share price on June 7, 2013 of Series A and Series C LGI common stock of $38.94 and $36.37 , respectively, and (iii) the 272,013,333 outstanding shares of Virgin Media common stock at June 7, 2013. (b) Represents the cash consideration paid in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition . This amount is based on (i) the $17.50 per share cash consideration specified by the Virgin Media Merger Agreement and (ii) the 272,013,333 outstanding shares of Virgin Media common stock at June 7, 2013. (c) Represents the portion of the estimated fair value of the Virgin Media stock incentive awards that are attributable to services provided prior to the June 7, 2013 acquisition date. The estimated fair value is based on the attributes of the 13.03 million outstanding Virgin Media stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013, including the market price of the underlying Virgin Media common stock. The outstanding Virgin Media stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013 include 9.86 million stock options that have been valued using Black Scholes option valuations. In addition, Virgin Media ’s stock incentive awards at June 7, 2013 included 3.17 million restricted stock units that included performance conditions and, in certain cases, market conditions. Those restricted stock units with market conditions have been valued using Monte Carlo simulation models. |
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed | A summary of the purchase price and opening balance sheet for the Virgin Media Acquisition at the June 7, 2013 acquisition date is presented in the following table. The opening balance sheet presented below reflects our final purchase price allocation (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 694.6 Other current assets 932.2 Property and equipment, net 9,863.1 Goodwill (a) 9,000.8 Intangible assets subject to amortization (b) 3,925.8 Other assets, net 4,259.4 Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (1,184.5 ) Other accrued and current liabilities (c) (d) (1,892.2 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (8,477.4 ) Other long-term liabilities (c) (1,326.3 ) Additional paid-in capital (e) (1,660.0 ) Total purchase price (f) $ 14,135.5 _______________ (a) The goodwill recognized in connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition is primarily attributable to (i) the ability to take advantage of Virgin Media ’s existing advanced broadband communications network to gain immediate access to potential customers and (ii) synergies that were expected to be achieved through the integration of Virgin Media with our other broadband communications operations in Europe. (b) Amount primarily includes intangible assets related to customer relationships. At June 7, 2013, the weighted average useful life of Virgin Media ’s intangible assets was approximately seven years . (c) No amounts were allocated to deferred revenue with respect to the then ongoing performance obligations associated with Virgin Media ’s B2B service contracts, as the remaining fees to be received under these contracts approximated fair value given our estimates of the costs associated with these performance obligations. (d) Amount includes a $35.6 million liability that was recorded to adjust an unfavorable capacity contract to its estimated fair value. This amount was amortized through the March 31, 2014 expiration date of the contract as a reduction of Virgin Media ’s operating expenses so that the net effect of this amortization and the payments required under the contract approximated market rates. During the period from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2014, $22.8 million and $12.8 million , respectively, of this liability was amortized as a reduction of operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. (e) Represents the equity component of the 6.50% convertible senior notes (the VM Convertible Notes ). During the period from June 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 , 94.4% of the VM Convertible Notes were exchanged for Class A and Class C Old Liberty Global Shares and cash pursuant to the terms of the indenture underlying the VM Convertible Notes . (f) Excludes direct acquisition costs of $51.5 million incurred through December 31, 2014, which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. |
Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Pro Forma Information for Significant Acquisitions | The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to (i) the acquisition of 100% of Ziggo and (ii) the Choice Acquisition , as if they had been completed as of January 1, 2014 . These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if these transactions had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. In the following table, we present the revenue that is attributed to the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group as if such revenue had been attributed to each group at the beginning of each period presented. However, our presentation of net earnings (loss) and basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributed to (a) Liberty Global Shares , (b) LiLAC Shares and (c) Old Liberty Global Shares only includes the results of operations for the periods during which these shares were outstanding. Accordingly, (1) our net earnings (loss) attributed to Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares relates to the period from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 and (2) our net loss attributed to Old Liberty Global Shares relates to periods prior to July 1, 2015. Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 in millions, except per share amounts Revenue: Liberty Global Group: Continuing operations $ 17,062.7 $ 18,890.1 Discontinued operation — 26.6 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 18,916.7 LiLAC Group 1,254.4 1,291.9 Total $ 18,317.1 $ 20,208.6 Net earnings ( loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders: Liberty Global Shares $ (167.5 ) $ — LiLAC Shares 17.2 — Old Liberty Global Shares (1,000.4 ) (1,181.0 ) Total $ (1,150.7 ) $ (1,181.0 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share: Liberty Global Shares $ (0.19 ) LiLAC Shares $ 0.39 Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1.13 ) $ (1.30 ) |
Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
Pro Forma Information for Significant Acquisitions | The following unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results give effect to (i) the acquisition of 100% of Ziggo and (ii) the Virgin Media Acquisition , as if they had been completed as of January 1, 2013 . These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if these transactions had occurred on such date. The pro forma adjustments are based on certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. In the following table, we present the revenue that is attributed to the Liberty Global Group and the LiLAC Group as if such revenue had been attributed to each group at the beginning of each period presented. However, our presentation of net loss and basic and diluted loss per share attributed to (a) Liberty Global Shares , (b) LiLAC Shares and (c) Old Liberty Global Shares only includes the results of operations for the periods during which these shares were outstanding. Accordingly, our net loss for 2014 and 2013 is entirely attributed to Old Liberty Global Shares . Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 in millions, except per share amounts Revenue: Liberty Global Group: Continuing operations $ 18,890.1 $ 18,013.7 Discontinued operation 26.6 408.6 Total Liberty Global Group 18,916.7 18,422.3 LiLAC Group 1,204.6 1,288.8 Intergroup eliminations — (1.3 ) Total $ 20,121.3 $ 19,709.8 Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders — Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1,180.6 ) $ (1,573.6 ) Basic and diluted loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share — Old Liberty Global Shares $ (1.30 ) $ (1.71 ) |
Discontinued Operation (Tables)
Discontinued Operation (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Chellomedia [Member] | |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | |
Schedule of summarized financial position and operating results, discontinued operations | The operating results of the Chellomedia Disposal Group are classified as a discontinued operation in our consolidated statements of operations and are summarized in the following table: Year ended December 31, 2014 (a) (b) 2013 (b) in millions Revenue $ 26.6 $ 408.6 Operating income $ 0.6 $ 12.1 Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests $ 0.9 $ (1.0 ) Income tax expense $ (0.1 ) $ (22.7 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation attributable to Liberty Global shareholders, net of taxes $ 0.8 $ (26.3 ) _______________ (a) Includes the operating results of the Chellomedia Disposal Group through January 31, 2014, the date the Chellomedia Disposal Group was sold. (b) Excludes the Chellomedia Disposal Group ’s intercompany revenue and expenses that are eliminated within Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. |
Investments (Tables)
Investments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Investments [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method | The details of our investments are set forth below: December 31, Accounting Method 2015 2014 in millions Fair value: ITV — subject to re-use rights $ 1,624.1 $ 871.2 Sumitomo 471.1 473.1 Lionsgate 162.0 — ITI Neovision 120.0 154.1 Other 214.6 164.3 Total — fair value 2,591.8 1,662.7 Equity 247.4 145.1 Cost 0.4 0.4 Total $ 2,839.6 $ 1,808.2 |
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
Derivative Instruments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Fair Values of Derivative Instrument Assets and Liabilities | The following table provides details of the fair values of our derivative instrument assets and liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Current Long-term (a) Total Current Long-term (a) Total in millions Assets: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 263.6 $ 1,518.5 $ 1,782.1 $ 443.6 $ 812.5 $ 1,256.1 LiLAC Group 11.8 291.7 303.5 — 101.2 101.2 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) 275.4 1,810.2 2,085.6 443.6 913.7 1,357.3 Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group (c) 135.5 273.0 408.5 — 400.2 400.2 Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group 6.2 — 6.2 1.4 — 1.4 LiLAC Group 4.2 — 4.2 1.1 — 1.1 Total foreign currency forward contracts 10.4 — 10.4 2.5 — 2.5 Other - Liberty Global Group 0.6 1.0 1.6 0.5 0.9 1.4 Total assets: Liberty Global Group 405.9 1,792.5 2,198.4 445.5 1,213.6 1,659.1 LiLAC Group 16.0 291.7 307.7 1.1 101.2 102.3 Total $ 421.9 $ 2,084.2 $ 2,506.1 $ 446.6 $ 1,314.8 $ 1,761.4 Liabilities: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 304.9 $ 1,194.7 $ 1,499.6 $ 987.9 $ 1,443.9 $ 2,431.8 LiLAC Group — 13.8 13.8 39.5 — 39.5 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts (b) 304.9 1,208.5 1,513.4 1,027.4 1,443.9 2,471.3 Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group (c) 34.7 39.7 74.4 15.3 73.1 88.4 Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group 1.1 — 1.1 0.6 — 0.6 LiLAC Group — — — 0.2 — 0.2 Total foreign currency forward contracts 1.1 — 1.1 0.8 — 0.8 Other - Liberty Global Group 5.6 0.1 5.7 0.2 0.1 0.3 Total liabilities: Liberty Global Group 346.3 1,234.5 1,580.8 1,004.0 1,517.1 2,521.1 LiLAC Group — 13.8 13.8 39.7 — 39.7 Total $ 346.3 $ 1,248.3 $ 1,594.6 $ 1,043.7 $ 1,517.1 $ 2,560.8 _______________ (a) Our long-term derivative assets and liabilities are included in other assets, net, and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. (b) We consider credit risk in our fair value assessments. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , (i) the fair values of our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts that represented assets have been reduced by credit risk valuation adjustments aggregating $64.0 million and $30.9 million , respectively, and (ii) the fair values of our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts that represented liabilities have been reduced by credit risk valuation adjustments aggregating $86.5 million and $64.6 million , respectively. The adjustments to our derivative assets relate to the credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance, and the adjustments to our derivative liabilities relate to credit risk associated with our own nonperformance. In all cases, the adjustments take into account offsetting liability or asset positions within a given contract. Our determination of credit risk valuation adjustments generally is based on our and our counterparties’ credit risks, as observed in the credit default swap market and market quotations for certain of our subsidiaries’ debt instruments, as applicable. The changes in the credit risk valuation adjustments associated with our cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts resulted in net gains (losses) of ( $9.3 million ), ( $120.9 million ) and $15.3 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These amounts are included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. For further information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 8 . (c) Our equity-related derivative instruments include the fair value of (i) the ITV Collar , (ii) the share collar (the Sumitomo Collar ) with respect to the shares of Sumitomo Corporation held by our company, (iii) the Lionsgate Forward (at December 31, 2015 only), and (iv) the Virgin Media Capped Calls (as defined and described below). The fair values of the ITV Collar , the Sumitomo Collar and the Lionsgate Forward , each as further described below, do not include credit risk valuation adjustments as we assume that any losses incurred by our company in the event of nonperformance by the respective counterparty would be, subject to relevant insolvency laws, fully offset against amounts we owe to such counterparty pursuant to the related secured borrowing arrangements. |
Schedule of Realized and Unrealized Losses on Derivative Instruments | The details of our realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net, are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: Liberty Global Group $ 855.7 $ 252.5 $ (600.2 ) LiLAC Group 217.0 41.1 13.7 Total cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts 1,072.7 293.6 (586.5 ) Equity-related derivative instruments - Liberty Global Group: ITV Collar (222.6 ) (77.4 ) — Sumitomo Collar (20.3 ) (46.0 ) (206.4 ) Lionsgate Forward 14.5 — — Ziggo Collar (a) — (113.3 ) (152.5 ) Other 0.7 0.4 (3.4 ) Total equity-related derivative instruments (227.7 ) (236.3 ) (362.3 ) Foreign currency forward contracts: Liberty Global Group (9.0 ) 29.0 (73.9 ) LiLAC Group 10.3 2.6 1.0 Total foreign currency forward contracts 1.3 31.6 (72.9 ) Other - Liberty Global Group 0.9 (0.1 ) 1.3 Total Liberty Global Group 619.9 45.1 (1,035.1 ) Total LiLAC Group 227.3 43.7 14.7 Total $ 847.2 $ 88.8 $ (1,020.4 ) _______________ (a) Upon completion of the Ziggo Acquisition , the Ziggo Collar (as defined and described below) was terminated. |
Schedule of Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivative Instruments Statement of Cash Flows Location | The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments is classified as an operating, investing or financing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows based on the objective of the derivative instrument and the classification of the applicable underlying cash flows. For foreign currency forward contracts that are used to hedge capital expenditures, the net cash received or paid is classified as an adjustment to capital expenditures in our consolidated statements of cash flows. For derivative contracts that are terminated prior to maturity, the cash paid or received upon termination that relates to future periods is classified as a financing activity. The classification of these net cash inflows (outflows) is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Operating activities: Liberty Global Group $ (225.9 ) $ (425.2 ) $ (358.1 ) LiLAC Group (28.8 ) (20.5 ) (44.0 ) Total operating activities (254.7 ) (445.7 ) (402.1 ) Investing activities: Liberty Global Group 15.6 (30.2 ) (66.5 ) LiLAC Group 2.2 — — Total investing activities 17.8 (30.2 ) (66.5 ) Financing activities: Liberty Global Group (301.2 ) (183.6 ) 524.5 LiLAC Group — (37.4 ) — Total financing activities (301.2 ) (221.0 ) 524.5 Total cash outflows: Liberty Global Group (511.5 ) (639.0 ) 99.9 LiLAC Group (26.6 ) (57.9 ) (44.0 ) Total $ (538.1 ) $ (696.9 ) $ 55.9 |
Currency Swap [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Derivative Instruments | The terms of our outstanding cross-currency swap contracts at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited ( VMIH ), a subsidiary of Virgin Media: January 2023 $ 400.0 € 339.6 5.75% 4.33% June 2023 $ 1,855.0 £ 1,198.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.75% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 3.18% February 2022 $ 1,400.0 £ 873.6 5.01% 5.49% January 2023 $ 1,000.0 £ 648.6 5.25% 5.32% January 2021 $ 500.0 £ 308.9 5.25% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 2.06% October 2022 $ 450.0 £ 272.0 6.00% 6.43% January 2022 $ 425.0 £ 255.8 5.50% 5.82% April 2019 $ 191.5 £ 122.3 5.38% 5.49% November 2016 (a) $ 55.0 £ 27.7 6.50% 7.03% October 2019 $ 50.0 £ 30.3 8.38% 8.98% October 2019 - October 2022 $ 50.0 £ 30.7 6.00% 5.75% UPC Broadband Holding B.V. ( UPC Broadband Holding ), a subsidiary of UPC Holding: January 2023 $ 1,140.0 € 1,043.7 5.38% 3.71% July 2021 $ 440.0 € 337.2 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.87% January 2017 - July 2021 $ 262.1 € 194.1 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.51% January 2020 $ 252.5 € 192.5 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.93% 7.49% Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions November 2019 $ 250.0 € 181.5 7.25% 7.74% November 2021 $ 250.0 € 181.4 7.25% 7.50% October 2020 $ 125.0 € 91.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.00% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.04% January 2020 $ 122.5 € 93.4 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.94% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 4.87% December 2016 $ 340.0 CHF 370.9 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 4.01% July 2016 (a) $ 225.0 CHF 206.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.81% 1.00% July 2016 - January 2020 $ 225.0 CHF 206.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.81% 5.44% July 2021 $ 200.0 CHF 186.0 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.55% January 2017 - July 2023 $ 200.0 CHF 185.5 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.48% November 2019 $ 175.0 CHF 158.7 7.25% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 5.01% January 2017 - July 2021 $ 100.0 CHF 92.8 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.49% July 2016 (a) $ 201.5 RON 489.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 1.40% July 2016 - July 2020 $ 201.5 RON 489.3 6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50% 11.34% January 2021 € 720.8 CHF 877.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.62% January 2017 - September 2022 € 383.8 CHF 477.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.00% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.22% January 2017 € 360.4 CHF 589.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 3.94% October 2016 € 285.1 CHF 346.7 10.51% (0.73)% October 2016 - April 2018 € 285.1 CHF 346.7 10.51% 9.87% January 2020 € 175.0 CHF 258.6 7.63% 6.76% July 2020 € 107.4 CHF 129.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.00% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 3.28% July 2023 € 85.3 CHF 95.0 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.21% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.65% July 2021 € 76.1 CHF 92.1 6 mo. EURIBOR + 2.50% 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 2.88% January 2017 € 75.0 CHF 110.9 7.63% 6.98% January 2020 € 318.9 CZK 8,818.7 5.58% 5.44% January 2017 € 60.0 CZK 1,703.1 5.50% 6.99% July 2017 € 39.6 CZK 1,000.0 3.00% 3.75% July 2016 (a) € 260.0 HUF 75,570.0 5.50% 5.00% July 2016 - January 2017 € 260.0 HUF 75,570.0 5.50% 10.56% December 2016 € 150.0 HUF 43,367.5 5.50% 2.00% July 2018 € 78.0 HUF 19,500.0 5.50% 9.15% January 2017 € 245.0 PLN 1,000.6 5.50% 9.03% September 2016 € 200.0 PLN 892.7 6.00% 3.91% January 2020 € 144.6 PLN 605.0 5.50% 7.98% July 2017 € 82.0 PLN 318.0 3.00% 5.60% Subsidiary / F inal maturity date Notional amount due from counterparty Notional amount due to counterparty Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij B.V. ( ABC B.V. ), a subsidiary of Ziggo Group Holding: January 2022 $ 2,350.0 € 1,819.0 6 mo. LIBOR + 2.75% 4.56% January 2023 $ 400.0 € 339.0 5.88% 4.58% Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG ( Unitymedia Hessen ), a subsidiary of Unitymedia: January 2023 $ 2,450.0 € 1,799.0 5.62% 4.76% VTR: January 2022 $ 1,400.0 CLP 951,390.0 6.88% 6.36% _______________ (a) Unlike the other cross-currency swaps presented in this table, the identified cross-currency swaps do not involve the exchange of notional amounts at the inception and maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, the only cash flows associated with these derivative instruments are interest payments and receipts. |
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Derivative Instruments | The terms of our outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions VMIH: October 2018 £ 2,155.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 1.52% October 2018 - June 2023 £ 1,200.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 2.49% January 2021 £ 650.0 5.50% 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 1.84% January 2021 £ 650.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR + 1.84% 3.87% April 2018 £ 300.0 6 mo. GBP LIBOR 1.37% UPC Broadband Holding: January 2022 $ 675.0 6.88% 6 mo. LIBOR + 4.90% July 2020 € 750.0 6.38% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.16% July 2016 € 503.4 6 mo. EURIBOR 0.20% July 2016 - January 2021 € 250.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.52% July 2016 - January 2023 € 210.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.88% November 2021 € 107.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.89% July 2016 - July 2020 € 43.4 6 mo. EURIBOR 3.95% July 2016 CHF 900.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 0.05% January 2022 CHF 711.5 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 1.89% July 2016 - January 2021 CHF 500.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 1.65% July 2016 - January 2018 CHF 400.0 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 2.51% December 2016 CHF 370.9 6 mo. CHF LIBOR 3.82% November 2019 CHF 226.8 6 mo. CHF LIBOR + 5.01% 6.88% Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount Interest rate due from counterparty Interest rate due to counterparty in millions ABC B.V.: January 2022 € 1,566.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 1.66% January 2016 € 689.0 1 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.59% January 2016 - January 2017 € 689.0 1 mo. EURIBOR + 3.75% 6 mo. EURIBOR + 3.57% January 2021 € 500.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.61% July 2016 € 461.3 6 mo. EURIBOR 0.20% July 2016 - January 2023 € 290.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.84% March 2021 € 175.0 6 mo. EURIBOR 2.32% July 2016 - January 2022 € 171.3 6 mo. EURIBOR 3.44% Telenet International Finance S.a.r.l ( Telenet International ), a subsidiary of Telenet: July 2017 € 800.0 3 mo. EURIBOR (0.17)% June 2023 € 500.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 0.42% July 2017 - June 2022 € 420.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 2.08% June 2021 € 400.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 0.41% July 2017 - June 2023 € 382.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 1.89% June 2022 € 55.0 3 mo. EURIBOR 1.81% Liberty Puerto Rico: October 2016 - January 2022 $ 506.3 3 mo. LIBOR 2.49% October 2016 - January 2019 $ 168.8 3 mo. LIBOR 1.96% |
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Derivative Instruments | Our purchased and sold interest rate cap contracts with respect to EURIBOR at December 31, 2015 are detailed below: December 31, 2015 Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount EURIBOR cap rate in millions Interest rate caps purchased (a): Liberty Global Europe Financing B.V. ( LGE Financing ), the immediate parent of UPC Holding: January 2020 € 735.0 7.00% Telenet International: June 2017 € 50.0 4.50% Telenet N.V., a subsidiary of Telenet: December 2017 € 0.5 6.50% December 2017 € 0.5 5.50% Interest rate cap sold (b): UPC Broadband Holding: January 2020 € 735.0 7.00% _______________ (a) Our purchased interest rate caps entitle us to receive payments from the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR exceeds the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. (b) Our sold interest rate cap requires that we make payments to the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR exceeds the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. |
Interest Rate Collar [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Derivative Instruments | Our interest rate collar contracts establish floor and cap rates with respect to EURIBOR on the indicated notional amounts at December 31, 2015 , as detailed below: December 31, 2015 Subsidiary / Final maturity date Notional amount EURIBOR floor rate (a) EURIBOR cap rate (b) in millions UPC Broadband Holding: July 2016 - January 2020 € 1,135.0 1.00% 3.54% _______________ (a) We make payments to the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR is less than the EURIBOR floor rate during the specified observation periods. (b) We receive payments from the counterparty when the relevant EURIBOR is greater than the EURIBOR cap rate during the specified observation periods. |
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Derivative Instruments | The following table summarizes our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2015 : Subsidiary Currency purchased forward Currency sold forward Maturity dates in millions LGE Financing $ 215.1 € 194.6 January 2016 - June 2016 LGE Financing £ 20.2 $ 30.7 January 2016 - May 2016 LGE Financing £ 23.0 € 31.2 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding $ 2.5 CZK 60.0 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 64.1 CHF 68.6 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 14.9 CZK 405.0 January 2016 - September 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 19.0 HUF 6,000.0 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 36.0 PLN 154.3 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding € 13.6 RON 61.6 January 2016 - March 2016 UPC Broadband Holding £ 3.6 € 4.9 January 2016 - December 2016 UPC Broadband Holding CHF 81.0 € 74.9 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding CZK 435.0 € 16.1 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding HUF 6,600.0 € 21.1 January 2016 UPC Broadband Holding PLN 39.0 € 9.2 January 2016 Telenet N.V. $ 49.6 € 45.1 January 2016 - December 2016 VTR $ 143.1 CLP 100,022.5 January 2016 - November 2016 |
Fair Value Measurements (Tables
Fair Value Measurements (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | A summary of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: Fair value measurements at December 31, 2015 using: Description December 31, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 2,085.6 $ — $ 2,085.6 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 408.5 — — 408.5 Foreign currency forward contracts 10.4 — 10.4 — Other 1.6 — 1.6 — Total derivative instruments 2,506.1 — 2,097.6 408.5 Investments 2,591.8 2,257.2 — 334.6 Total assets $ 5,097.9 $ 2,257.2 $ 2,097.6 $ 743.1 Liabilities - derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,513.4 $ — $ 1,513.4 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 74.4 — — 74.4 Foreign currency forward contracts 1.1 — 1.1 — Other 5.7 — 5.7 — Total liabilities $ 1,594.6 $ — $ 1,520.2 $ 74.4 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 using: Description December 31, Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in millions Assets: Derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 1,357.3 $ — $ 1,357.3 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 400.2 — — 400.2 Foreign currency forward contracts 2.5 — 2.5 — Other 1.4 — 1.4 — Total derivative instruments 1,761.4 — 1,361.2 400.2 Investments 1,662.7 1,344.3 — 318.4 Total assets $ 3,424.1 $ 1,344.3 $ 1,361.2 $ 718.6 Liabilities - derivative instruments: Cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts $ 2,471.3 $ — $ 2,471.3 $ — Equity-related derivative instruments 88.4 — — 88.4 Foreign currency forward contracts 0.8 — 0.8 — Other 0.3 — 0.3 — Total liabilities $ 2,560.8 $ — $ 2,472.4 $ 88.4 |
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable, or Level 3, Inputs | A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable, or Level 3, inputs is as follows: Investments Equity-related derivative instruments Total in millions Balance of net assets at January 1, 2015 $ 318.4 $ 311.8 $ 630.2 Losses included in net loss (a): Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net — (227.7 ) (227.7 ) Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net (5.9 ) — (5.9 ) Adjustments resulting from the modification of the terms of the ITV Collar, net (b) — 256.0 256.0 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net 22.1 (6.0 ) 16.1 Balance of net assets at December 31, 2015 $ 334.6 $ 334.1 $ 668.7 _______________ (a) Most of these net losses relate to assets and liabilities that we continue to carry on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On July 30, 2015, we modified the terms of the ITV Collar in connection with our acquisition of additional ITV shares. In connection with these modifications, we effectively transferred a liability associated with the ITV Collar to the ITV Collar Loan and received cash from the counterparty. For additional information regarding these adjustments, see note 7 . For additional information regarding our investment in ITV , see note 6 . |
Long-lived Assets (Tables)
Long-lived Assets (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | |
Schedule of PP&E | The details of our property and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation are set forth below: Estimated useful life at December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Distribution systems: 3 to 30 years Liberty Global Group $ 24,447.2 $ 24,985.6 LiLAC Group 1,037.8 1,026.9 Total 25,485.0 26,012.5 Customer premises equipment: 3 to 5 years Liberty Global Group 5,651.1 5,437.3 LiLAC Group 801.4 776.6 Total 6,452.5 6,213.9 Support equipment, buildings and land: 3 to 50 years Liberty Global Group 4,461.4 3,953.3 LiLAC Group 341.0 345.1 Total 4,802.4 4,298.4 Total property and equipment, gross: Liberty Global Group 34,559.7 34,376.2 LiLAC Group 2,180.2 2,148.6 Total 36,739.9 36,524.8 Accumulated depreciation: Liberty Global Group (13,719.2 ) (11,360.2 ) LiLAC Group (1,336.7 ) (1,324.0 ) Total (15,055.9 ) (12,684.2 ) Total property and equipment, net: Liberty Global Group 20,840.5 23,016.0 LiLAC Group 843.5 824.6 Total $ 21,684.0 $ 23,840.6 |
Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill | Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during 2015 are set forth below: January 1, 2015 Acquisitions and related adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments and other December 31, in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 9,245.1 $ 58.7 $ (513.1 ) $ 8,790.7 The Netherlands 8,605.0 142.2 (895.9 ) 7,851.3 Germany 3,456.9 — (352.5 ) 3,104.4 Belgium 1,978.9 — (201.8 ) 1,777.1 Switzerland/Austria 3,591.9 — (91.5 ) 3,500.4 Total Western Europe 26,877.8 200.9 (2,054.8 ) 25,023.9 Central and Eastern Europe 1,302.1 7.3 (122.5 ) 1,186.9 Total European Operations Division 28,179.9 208.2 (2,177.3 ) 26,210.8 Corporate and other 34.4 — (0.4 ) 34.0 Total Liberty Global Group 28,214.3 208.2 (2,177.7 ) 26,244.8 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 440.3 — (63.3 ) 377.0 Puerto Rico 226.1 51.6 — 277.7 Total LiLAC Division 666.4 51.6 (63.3 ) 654.7 Corporate and other (a) 120.9 — — 120.9 Total LiLAC Group 787.3 51.6 (63.3 ) 775.6 Total $ 29,001.6 $ 259.8 $ (2,241.0 ) $ 27,020.4 _______________ (a) Represents enterprise-level goodwill that is allocated to our Puerto Rico segment for purposes of our impairment tests. Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during 2014 are set forth below: January 1, 2014 Acquisitions and related adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments and other December 31, in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 9,844.2 $ 2.1 $ (601.2 ) $ 9,245.1 The Netherlands 1,260.4 7,724.3 (379.7 ) 8,605.0 Germany 3,939.4 — (482.5 ) 3,456.9 Belgium 2,255.1 — (276.2 ) 1,978.9 Switzerland/Austria 4,031.1 2.3 (441.5 ) 3,591.9 Total Western Europe 21,330.2 7,728.7 (2,181.1 ) 26,877.8 Central and Eastern Europe 1,520.1 8.3 (226.3 ) 1,302.1 Total European Operations Division 22,850.3 7,737.0 (2,407.4 ) 28,179.9 Corporate and other 43.0 — (8.6 ) 34.4 Total Liberty Global Group 22,893.3 7,737.0 (2,416.0 ) 28,214.3 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 508.5 — (68.2 ) 440.3 Puerto Rico 226.1 — — 226.1 Total LiLAC Division 734.6 — (68.2 ) 666.4 Corporate and other (a) 120.9 — — 120.9 Total LiLAC Group 855.5 — (68.2 ) 787.3 Total $ 23,748.8 $ 7,737.0 $ (2,484.2 ) $ 29,001.6 _______________ (a) Represents enterprise-level goodwill that is allocated to our Puerto Rico segment for purposes of our impairment tests. |
Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net | The details of our intangible assets subject to amortization are set forth below: Estimated useful life at December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount in millions Customer relationships: 4 to 15 years Liberty Global Group $ 10,285.3 $ (3,410.7 ) $ 6,874.6 $ 12,052.5 $ (3,037.0 ) $ 9,015.5 LiLAC Group 149.0 (31.7 ) 117.3 90.0 (19.3 ) 70.7 Total 10,434.3 (3,442.4 ) 6,991.9 12,142.5 (3,056.3 ) 9,086.2 Other: 2 to 15 years Liberty Global Group 205.3 (104.8 ) 100.5 234.8 (131.2 ) 103.6 LiLAC Group 0.2 (0.1 ) 0.1 0.6 (0.6 ) — Total 205.5 (104.9 ) 100.6 235.4 (131.8 ) 103.6 Total intangible assets subject to amortization, net: Liberty Global Group 10,490.6 (3,515.5 ) 6,975.1 12,287.3 (3,168.2 ) 9,119.1 LiLAC Group 149.2 (31.8 ) 117.4 90.6 (19.9 ) 70.7 Total $ 10,639.8 $ (3,547.3 ) $ 7,092.5 $ 12,377.9 $ (3,188.1 ) $ 9,189.8 |
Schedule Of Future Amortization Expense Finite Lived Intangible Assets Text Block | The U.S. dollar equivalents of such amortization expense amounts as of December 31, 2015 are presented below (in millions): 2016 $ 1,250.6 2017 1,138.5 2018 1,092.6 2019 1,052.8 2020 713.6 Thereafter 1,844.4 Total $ 7,092.5 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga38
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The U.S. dollar equivalents of the components of our consolidated third-party debt are as follows: December 31, 2015 Estimated fair value (c) Carrying value (d) Weighted average interest rate (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 in millions Debt: Liberty Global Group: VM Notes 5.61 % — $ — $ 10,594.1 $ 8,461.0 $ 10,582.6 $ 8,060.7 VM Credit Facility 3.73 % (e) 777.2 3,413.7 4,734.9 3,455.0 4,804.0 Ziggo Credit Facilities 3.64 % € 800.0 869.3 5,161.0 4,663.0 5,222.5 4,710.8 Ziggo SPE Notes 4.47 % — — 1,582.7 — 1,703.9 — Ziggo Notes 6.82 % — — 955.1 1,082.3 960.1 1,077.0 Unitymedia Notes 5.00 % — — 7,631.6 7,869.3 7,682.0 7,400.9 Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities — € 500.0 543.3 — 319.4 — 338.8 UPCB SPE Notes 5.82 % — — 3,131.7 4,279.0 3,140.4 4,009.4 UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.59 % — — 1,601.4 2,603.6 1,486.7 2,391.6 UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility 3.25 % € 990.1 1,075.8 1,284.3 3,156.4 1,302.4 3,179.2 Telenet SPE Notes 5.48 % — — 2,155.8 2,450.4 2,097.2 2,299.0 Telenet Credit Facility 3.41 % € 381.0 414.0 1,443.0 1,633.4 1,471.8 1,638.6 ITV Collar Loan (f) 1.38 % — — 1,547.9 678.2 1,538.7 667.0 Sumitomo Collar Loan (f) 1.88 % — — 805.6 818.0 787.6 787.7 Vendor financing (g) 3.30 % — — 1,688.9 946.4 1,688.9 946.4 Other 7.35 % — — 395.0 350.2 280.8 228.3 Total Liberty Global Group 4.69 % 3,679.6 43,391.8 44,045.5 43,400.6 42,539.4 LiLAC Group: VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes 6.88 % — — 1,301.1 1,439.4 1,400.0 1,400.0 VTR Credit Facility — (h) 191.0 — — — — Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility 5.11 % $ 40.0 40.0 913.0 666.2 933.9 672.0 Total LiLAC Group 6.17 % 231.0 2,214.1 2,105.6 2,333.9 2,072.0 Total third-party debt 4.77 % $ 3,910.6 $ 45,605.9 $ 46,151.1 45,734.5 44,611.4 Total capital lease obligations (i) 1,322.8 1,547.6 Total debt and capital lease obligations 47,057.3 46,159.0 Current maturities (2,537.9 ) (1,550.9 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 44,519.4 $ 44,608.1 _______________ (a) Represents the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2015 for all borrowings outstanding pursuant to each debt instrument, including any applicable margin. The interest rates presented represent stated rates and do not include the impact of derivative instruments, deferred financing costs, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, all of which affect our overall cost of borrowing. Including the effects of derivative instruments, original issue premiums or discounts and commitment fees, but excluding the impact of financing costs, our weighted average interest rate on our aggregate variable- and fixed-rate indebtedness was 4.9% (including 4.8% for the Liberty Global Group and 6.0% for the LiLAC Group ) at December 31, 2015 . For information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 7 . (b) Unused borrowing capacity represents the maximum availability under the applicable facility at December 31, 2015 without regard to covenant compliance calculations or other conditions precedent to borrowing. At December 31, 2015 , based on the applicable leverage covenants, the full amount of unused borrowing capacity was available to be borrowed under each of the respective subsidiary facilities and there were no restrictions on the respective subsidiary's ability to make loans or distributions to other Liberty Global subsidiaries or Liberty Global , except as shown in the table below. In the following table, for each facility that is subject to limitations on borrowing availability, we present the actual borrowing availability under the respective facility and, for each subsidiary where the ability to make loans or distributions is limited, we present the amount that can be loaned or distributed to other Liberty Global subsidiaries or to Liberty Global . The amounts presented below assume no changes from December 31, 2015 borrowing levels and are based on the applicable covenant and other limitations in effect within each borrowing group at December 31, 2015 , both before and after considering the impact of the completion of the December 31, 2015 compliance requirements. Limitation on availability December 31, 2015 Upon completion of relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent in millions Limitation on availability to be borrowed under: Ziggo Credit Facilities € 570.2 $ 619.6 € 601.6 $ 653.7 Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities (1) € 435.2 $ 472.9 € 500.0 $ 543.3 UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility € 716.4 $ 778.4 € 858.3 $ 932.6 Limitation on availability to be loaned or distributed by: Ziggo € 216.3 $ 235.0 € 246.2 $ 267.5 Unitymedia (1) € 17.7 $ 19.2 € 230.1 $ 250.0 _______________ (1) Amounts include the impact of the 10% redemption of the 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes and the January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes (as defined and described below under Unitymedia Notes) , which was completed in January 2016. (c) The estimated fair values of our debt instruments are determined using the average of applicable bid and ask prices (mostly Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) or, when quoted market prices are unavailable or not considered indicative of fair value, discounted cash flow models (mostly Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The discount rates used in the cash flow models are based on the market interest rates and estimated credit spreads of the applicable entity, to the extent available, and other relevant factors. For additional information concerning fair value hierarchies, see note 8 . (d) Amounts include the impact of premiums and discounts, where applicable. (e) The VM Revolving Facility (as defined and described under VM Credit Facility below) is a multi-currency revolving facility with maximum borrowing capacity equivalent to £675.0 million ( $994.5 million ). The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 was borrowed in euros. (f) For information regarding the ITV Collar Loan and the Sumitomo Collar Loan , see note 7 . (g) Represents amounts owed pursuant to interest-bearing vendor financing arrangements that are used to finance certain of our property and equipment additions, and to a lesser extent, certain of our operating expenses. These obligations are generally due within one year. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the amounts owed pursuant to these arrangements include $189.0 million and $101.7 million , respectively, of VAT that was paid on our behalf by the vendor. Repayments of vendor financing obligations are included in repayments and repurchases of debt and capital lease obligations in our consolidated statements of cash flows. (h) The VTR Credit Facility is the senior secured credit facility of VTR and certain of its subsidiaries and comprises a $160.0 million U.S. dollar facility (the VTR Dollar Credit Facility ) and a CLP 22.0 billion ( $31.0 million ) Chilean peso facility (the VTR Peso Credit Facility ), each of which were undrawn at December 31, 2015 . The VTR Dollar Credit Facility and the VTR Peso Credit Facility have fees on unused commitments of 1.1% and 1.34% per year, respectively. The interest rate for the VTR Dollar Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% . The interest rate for the VTR Peso Credit Facility is the applicable interbank offered rate for Chilean pesos in the relevant interbank market plus a margin of 3.35% . Borrowings under the VTR Dollar Credit Facility and the VTR Peso Credit Facility mature in January 2020 and January 2019, respectively. |
Schedule of Borrowings Levels | Limitation on availability December 31, 2015 Upon completion of relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent in millions Limitation on availability to be borrowed under: Ziggo Credit Facilities € 570.2 $ 619.6 € 601.6 $ 653.7 Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities (1) € 435.2 $ 472.9 € 500.0 $ 543.3 UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility € 716.4 $ 778.4 € 858.3 $ 932.6 Limitation on availability to be loaned or distributed by: Ziggo € 216.3 $ 235.0 € 246.2 $ 267.5 Unitymedia (1) € 17.7 $ 19.2 € 230.1 $ 250.0 _______________ (1) Amounts include the impact of the 10% redemption of the 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes and the January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes (as defined and described below under Unitymedia Notes) , which was completed in January 2016. |
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations | The U.S. dollar equivalents of our consolidated capital lease obligations are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: Unitymedia (1) $ 703.1 $ 810.1 Telenet (2) 371.1 413.4 Virgin Media 159.5 255.3 Other subsidiaries 88.2 67.3 Total — Liberty Global Group 1,321.9 1,546.1 LiLAC Group: Liberty Puerto Rico 0.6 1.0 VTR 0.3 0.5 Total — LiLAC Group 0.9 1.5 Total $ 1,322.8 $ 1,547.6 _______________ (1) Primarily represents Unitymedia ’s obligations under duct network lease agreements with Telekom Deutschland GmbH ( Deutsche Telekom ), an operating subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG, as the lessor. The original contracts were concluded in 2000 and 2001 and have indefinite terms, subject to certain mandatory statutory termination rights for either party after a term of 30 years . With certain limited exceptions, the lessor generally is not entitled to terminate these leases. For information regarding litigation involving these duct network lease agreements, see note 17 . (2) At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Telenet ’s capital lease obligations included €329.3 million ( $357.8 million ) and €328.6 million ( $357.1 million ), respectively, associated with Telenet ’s lease of the broadband communications network of the four associations of municipalities in Belgium, which we refer to as the pure intercommunalues or the “ PICs .” All capital expenditures associated with the PICs network are initiated by Telenet , but are executed and financed by the PICs through additions to this lease that are repaid over a 15 -year term. These amounts do not include Telenet ’s commitment related to certain operating costs associated with the PICs network. For additional information regarding this commitment, see note 17 . |
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt | Maturities of our debt and capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2015 are presented below for the named entity and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. Amounts presented below represent U.S. dollar equivalents based on December 31, 2015 exchange rates: Debt: Liberty Global Group LiLAC Group Virgin Media Ziggo Group Holding (a) Unitymedia UPC Holding (b) Telenet (c) Other Total Liberty Global Group VTR Liberty Puerto Rico Total LiLAC Group Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2016 $ 1,028.5 $ 125.7 $ 254.6 $ 593.7 $ 8.0 $ 370.2 $ 2,380.7 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,380.7 2017 — 0.4 — — 8.0 511.7 520.1 — — — 520.1 2018 — — — — 8.0 1,261.5 1,269.5 — — — 1,269.5 2019 — — — — 18.4 351.6 370.0 — — — 370.0 2020 — 77.9 — — 12.2 27.6 117.7 — — — 117.7 Thereafter 13,804.9 7,783.4 7,569.6 5,938.1 3,657.1 27.6 38,780.7 1,400.0 942.5 2,342.5 41,123.2 Total debt maturities 14,833.4 7,987.4 7,824.2 6,531.8 3,711.7 2,550.2 43,438.7 1,400.0 942.5 2,342.5 45,781.2 Unamortized premium (discount) 16.8 25.2 — (8.6 ) (2.7 ) (68.8 ) (38.1 ) — (8.6 ) (8.6 ) (46.7 ) Total debt $ 14,850.2 $ 8,012.6 $ 7,824.2 $ 6,523.2 $ 3,709.0 $ 2,481.4 $ 43,400.6 $ 1,400.0 $ 933.9 $ 2,333.9 $ 45,734.5 Current portion (d) $ 1,029.9 $ 125.7 $ 254.6 $ 593.7 $ 8.0 $ 370.2 $ 2,382.1 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,382.1 Noncurrent portion $ 13,820.3 $ 7,886.9 $ 7,569.6 $ 5,929.5 $ 3,701.0 $ 2,111.2 $ 41,018.5 $ 1,400.0 $ 933.9 $ 2,333.9 $ 43,352.4 _______________ (a) Amounts include the Ziggo SPE Notes issued by the Ziggo SPEs . As described above, the Ziggo SPEs are consolidated by Ziggo Group Holding and Liberty Global . (b) Amounts include the UPCB SPE Notes issued by the UPCB SPE s. As described above, the UPCB SPE s are consolidated by UPC Holding and Liberty Global . (c) Amounts include the Telenet SPE Notes issued by the Telenet SPE s. As described above, the Telenet SPE s are consolidated by Telenet and Liberty Global . (d) The outstanding principal amounts of our subsidiaries’ revolving credit facilities are included in our current debt maturities. |
Schedule of Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations | Capital lease obligations: Liberty Global Group Unitymedia Telenet Virgin Media Other Total Liberty Global Group Total LiLAC Group Total in millions Year ending December 31: 2016 $ 79.7 $ 63.6 $ 76.4 $ 24.0 $ 243.7 $ 0.8 $ 244.5 2017 79.7 60.3 35.5 18.9 194.4 0.2 194.6 2018 79.7 58.2 12.0 12.7 162.6 — 162.6 2019 79.7 48.7 5.2 7.8 141.4 — 141.4 2020 79.7 46.0 4.2 5.5 135.4 — 135.4 Thereafter 787.5 218.4 206.0 42.8 1,254.7 — 1,254.7 Total principal and interest payments 1,186.0 495.2 339.3 111.7 2,132.2 1.0 2,133.2 Amounts representing interest (482.9 ) (124.1 ) (179.8 ) (23.5 ) (810.3 ) (0.1 ) (810.4 ) Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 703.1 $ 371.1 $ 159.5 $ 88.2 $ 1,321.9 $ 0.9 $ 1,322.8 Current portion $ 26.3 $ 40.5 $ 69.1 $ 19.1 $ 155.0 $ 0.8 $ 155.8 Noncurrent portion $ 676.8 $ 330.6 $ 90.4 $ 69.1 $ 1,166.9 $ 0.1 $ 1,167.0 |
VM Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the outstanding notes of Virgin Media as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Original issue amount Outstanding principal Estimated Carrying VM Notes Maturity Interest Borrowing U.S. $ in millions VM Senior Notes (b): 2022 VM Senior Notes: 2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes February 15, 2022 4.875% $ 118.7 $ 118.7 $ 118.7 $ 108.1 $ 119.4 2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes February 15, 2022 5.250% $ 95.0 $ 95.0 95.0 88.4 95.7 2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes February 15, 2022 5.125% £ 44.1 £ 44.1 65.0 63.6 65.4 2023 VM Senior Notes: 2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes April 15, 2023 6.375% $ 530.0 $ 530.0 530.0 539.9 530.0 2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes April 15, 2023 7.000% £ 250.0 £ 250.0 368.4 388.1 368.4 2024 VM Senior Notes: 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes October 15, 2024 6.000% $ 500.0 $ 500.0 500.0 498.4 500.0 2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes October 15, 2024 6.375% £ 300.0 £ 300.0 442.0 448.9 442.0 2025 VM Senior Notes: 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes January 15, 2025 4.500% € 460.0 € 460.0 499.8 476.4 499.8 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes January 15, 2025 5.750% $ 400.0 $ 400.0 400.0 389.3 400.0 VM Senior Secured Notes (c): January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes: January 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 5.500% £ 628.4 £ 628.4 925.9 984.9 936.2 January 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 5.250% $ 447.9 $ 447.9 447.9 472.5 458.0 April 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes: April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2021 6.000% £ 1,100.0 £ 990.0 1,458.7 1,515.1 1,458.7 April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2021 5.375% $ 1,000.0 $ 900.0 900.0 932.6 900.0 2025 VM Senior Secured Notes: 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.500% £ 430.0 £ 387.0 570.2 560.6 570.2 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.125% £ 300.0 £ 300.0 442.0 423.5 442.0 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.500% $ 425.0 $ 425.0 425.0 425.5 425.0 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2026 5.250% $ 1,000.0 $ 1,000.0 1,000.0 971.9 1,004.8 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2027 4.875% £ 525.0 £ 525.0 773.5 712.6 773.5 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes March 28, 2029 6.250% £ 400.0 £ 400.0 589.4 593.8 593.5 Total $ 10,551.5 $ 10,594.1 $ 10,582.6 _______________ (a) Amounts include the impact of premiums, where applicable, including amounts recorded in connection with the acquisition accounting for Virgin Media . (b) The VM Senior Notes were issued by Virgin Media Finance PLC ( Virgin Media Finance ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Media . (c) The VM Senior Secured Notes were issued by Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC ( Virgin Media Secured Finance ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Media . |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | Subject to the circumstances described below, the VM Notes are non-callable prior to the applicable call date ( VM Call Date ) as presented in the below table. At any time prior to the respective VM Call Date , Virgin Media Secured Finance or Virgin Media Finance may redeem some or all of the applicable notes by paying a “make-whole” premium, which is the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments to the applicable VM Call Date using the discount rate (as specified in the applicable indenture) as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points ( 25 basis points in the case of the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes ). VM Notes VM Call Date 2022 VM Senior Notes (a) 2023 VM Senior Notes April 15, 2018 2024 VM Senior Notes October 15, 2019 2025 VM Senior Notes January 15, 2020 January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes (a) April 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2017 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2019 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2019 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2020 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2020 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 _______________ (a) The 2022 VM Senior Notes and the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes are non-callable. At any time prior to maturity, some or all of these notes may be redeemed by paying a “make-whole” premium, which is the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments to the respective maturity date. Virgin Media Finance or Virgin Media Secured Finance (as applicable) may redeem some or all of the VM Senior Notes and the VM Senior Secured Notes (with the exception of the 2022 VM Senior Notes and the January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes ) at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price 2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes 2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes 2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes 2025 VM Euro Senior Notes 12-month period commencing April 15 April 15 October 15 October 15 January 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2017 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2018 103.188% 103.500% N.A. N.A. N.A N.A 2019 102.125% 102.333% 103.000% 103.188% N.A N.A 2020 101.063% 101.667% 102.000% 102.125% 102.875% 102.250% 2021 100.000% 100.000% 101.000% 101.063% 101.917% 101.500% 2022 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.958% 100.750% 2023 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2024 and thereafter N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% Redemption price April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes 2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes 2026 VM Senior Secured Notes 2027 VM Senior Secured Notes 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes 12-month period commencing April 15 April 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2017 102.688% 103.000% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2018 101.344% 101.500% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2019 100.000% 100.000% 102.750% 102.750% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2020 100.000% 100.000% 101.833% 101.833% 102.563% 102.625% N.A. N.A. 2021 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 101.708% 101.313% 102.438% 103.125% 2022 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.854% 100.656% 101.219% 102.083% 2023 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.609% 101.042% 2024 and thereafter N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% |
VM Credit Facility [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The VM Credit Facility is the senior secured credit facility of certain subsidiaries of Virgin Media . The details of our borrowings under the VM Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: VM Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) Unused borrowing capacity Carrying value (a) in millions D June 30, 2022 LIBOR + 3.25% (b) £ 100.0 $ — $ 147.0 E June 30, 2023 LIBOR + 3.50% (b) £ 849.4 — 1,248.8 F June 30, 2023 LIBOR + 2.75% (b) $ 1,855.0 — 1,841.9 VM Revolving Facility (c) December 31, 2021 LIBOR + 2.75% (d) 777.2 217.3 Total $ 777.2 $ 3,455.0 _______________ (a) The carrying values of VM Facilities D, E and F include the impact of discounts. (b) VM Facilities D, E and F each have a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . (c) The VM Revolving Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year. (d) The VM Revolving Facility is a multi-currency revolving facility with maximum borrowing capacity equivalent to £675.0 million ( $994.5 million ). The outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 was borrowed in euros. |
Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The Ziggo Credit Facilities are the senior secured credit facilities of certain subsidiaries of Ziggo Group Holding . The details of our borrowings under the Ziggo Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Ziggo Credit Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Carrying value (c) in millions Ziggo Dollar Facility January 15, 2022 LIBOR + 2.75% (d) $ 2,350.0 $ — $ 2,319.7 Ziggo Euro Facility January 15, 2022 EURIBOR + 3.00% (e) € 2,000.0 — 2,153.9 Ziggo Proceeds Loans: Ziggo Senior Secured Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 3.750% € 800.0 — 869.3 Ziggo Senior Proceeds Loans: Ziggo Euro Senior Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 4.625% € 400.0 — 434.6 Ziggo Dollar Senior Proceeds Loan (f) January 15, 2025 5.875% $ 400.0 — 400.0 New Ziggo Credit Facility March 31, 2021 EURIBOR + 3.75% € 689.2 — 748.9 Ziggo Revolving Facilities June 30, 2020 (g) € 800.0 869.3 — Elimination of the Ziggo Proceeds Loans in consolidation — (1,703.9 ) Total $ 869.3 $ 5,222.5 _______________ (a) Except as described in (f) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at December 31, 2015 . (b) At December 31, 2015 , our availability under the Ziggo Credit Facilities was limited to €570.2 million ( $619.6 million ). When the relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements have been completed, and assuming no changes from December 31, 2015 borrowing levels, we anticipate that our availability under the Ziggo Credit Facilities will be limited to €601.6 million ( $653.7 million ). (c) The carrying values of the Ziggo Dollar Facility and the Ziggo Euro Facility include the impact of discounts. (d) The Ziggo Dollar Facility has a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . (e) The Ziggo Euro Facility has a EURIBOR floor of 0.75% . (f) As further discussed in the below description of the Ziggo SPE Notes , the amounts outstanding under the Ziggo Senior Secured Proceeds Loan , the Ziggo Euro Senior Proceeds Loan and the Ziggo Dollar Senior Proceeds Loan are eliminated in Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. (g) The Ziggo Revolving Facilities include (i) a €750.0 million ( $815.0 million ) facility that bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% and has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year and (ii) a €50.0 million ( $54.3 million ) facility that bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% and has a fee on unused commitments of 0.8% per year. |
Ziggo SPE Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the Ziggo SPE Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal Ziggo SPE Notes Maturity Interest Borrowing U.S. $ equivalent Estimated Carrying in millions Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 3.750% € 800.0 $ 869.3 $ 805.2 $ 869.3 Ziggo 2025 Senior Notes: Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes January 15, 2025 4.625% € 400.0 434.6 405.0 434.6 Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes January 15, 2025 5.875% $ 400.0 400.0 372.5 400.0 Total $ 1,703.9 $ 1,582.7 $ 1,703.9 |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | Upon the occurrence of a Ziggo Early Redemption Event on or after January 15, 2020, the applicable Ziggo SPE will redeem an aggregate principal amount of its Ziggo SPE Notes equal to the principal amount of the related Ziggo Proceeds Loans prepaid at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes 12-month period commencing January 15: 2020 102.938% 102.313% 101.875% 2021 101.958% 101.542% 101.250% 2022 100.979% 100.771% 100.625% 2023 and thereafter 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% |
Ziggo Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the Ziggo Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal amount Ziggo Notes Maturity Interest rate Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Estimated fair value Carrying value (a) in millions Ziggo 2020 Euro Senior Secured Notes (b) March 27, 2020 3.625% € 71.7 $ 77.9 $ 77.5 $ 79.8 Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes (c) May 15, 2024 7.125% € 743.1 807.5 877.6 880.3 Total $ 885.4 $ 955.1 $ 960.1 _______________ (a) Amounts include the impact of premiums. (b) The Ziggo 2020 Euro Senior Secured Notes were issued by Ziggo B.V. , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ziggo Bond Company B.V. ( Ziggo Bondco ), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ziggo Group Holding . (c) The Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes were issued by Ziggo Bondco . |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | The Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes are non-callable until May 15, 2019. At any time prior to May 15, 2019, Ziggo Bondco may redeem some or all of the Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes by paying a “make-whole” premium. Ziggo Bondco may redeem some or all of the Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price 12-month period commencing May 15: 2019 103.563% 2020 102.375% 2021 101.188% 2022 and thereafter 100.000% |
Unitymedia Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the Unitymedia Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal amount Unitymedia Notes Maturity Interest rate Original issue amount Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Estimated fair value Carrying value in millions UM Senior Notes (a): 2025 UM Senior Notes January 15, 2025 6.125 % $ 900.0 $ 900.0 $ 900.0 $ 893.8 $ 900.0 2027 UM Senior Notes January 15, 2027 3.750 % € 700.0 € 700.0 760.6 657.0 760.6 UM Senior Secured Notes (b): 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes September 15, 2022 5.500 % € 650.0 € 585.0 635.7 675.4 635.7 January 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes: January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2023 5.500 % $ 1,000.0 $ 1,000.0 1,000.0 996.3 1,000.0 January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2023 5.750 % € 500.0 € 405.0 440.1 467.6 440.1 January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 21, 2023 5.125 % € 500.0 € 450.0 489.0 513.7 489.0 April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2023 5.625 % € 350.0 € 280.0 304.2 322.7 304.2 2025 UM Senior Secured Notes: 2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 4.000 % € 1,000.0 € 1,000.0 1,086.6 1,050.6 1,086.6 2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2025 5.000 % $ 550.0 $ 550.0 550.0 529.0 550.0 2026 UM Senior Secured Notes February 15, 2026 4.625 % € 420.0 € 420.0 456.4 455.5 456.4 2027 UM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2027 3.500 % € 500.0 € 500.0 543.3 502.9 543.3 2029 UM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2029 6.250 % € 475.0 € 475.0 516.1 567.1 516.1 Total $ 7,682.0 $ 7,631.6 $ 7,682.0 _______________ (a) The UM Senior Notes were issued by Unitymedia . (b) The UM Senior Secured Notes were issued by Unitymedia Hessen and Unitymedia NRW GmbH, each a subsidiary of Unitymedia (together, the UM Senior Secured Notes Issuer s ). |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | Subject to the circumstances described below, the Unitymedia Notes are non-callable prior to the applicable call date ( UM Call Date ) as presented in the below table. At any time prior to the respective UM Call Date , Unitymedia or the UM Senior Secured Notes Issuer s may redeem some or all of the applicable notes by paying a “make-whole” premium, which is the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments to the applicable UM Call Date using the discount rate (as specified in the applicable indenture) as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points. Unitymedia Notes UM Call Date 2025 UM Senior Notes January 15, 2020 2027 UM Senior Notes January 15, 2021 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes September 15, 2017 January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2018 January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2018 January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 21, 2018 April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes April 15, 2018 2025 UM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2020 2026 UM Senior Secured Notes February 15, 2021 2027 UM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 2029 UM Senior Secured Notes January 15, 2021 Unitymedia or the UM Senior Secured Notes Issuer s (as applicable) may redeem some or all of the Unitymedia Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price 2025 UM Senior Notes 2027 UM Senior Notes 2022 UM Senior Secured Notes January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes 12-month period commencing January 15 January 15 September 15 January 15 January 15 January 21 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2017 N.A. N.A. 102.750% N.A. N.A. N.A. 2018 N.A. N.A. 101.833% 102.750% 102.875% 102.563% 2019 N.A. N.A. 100.917% 101.833% 101.917% 101.708% 2020 103.063% N.A. 100.000% 100.917% 100.958% 100.854% 2021 102.042% 101.875% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2022 101.021% 100.938% N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2023 100.000% 100.469% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2024 and thereafter 100.000% 100.000% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. Redemption price April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes 2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes 2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes 2026 UM Senior Secured Notes 2027 UM Senior Secured Notes 2029 UM Senior Secured Notes 12-month period commencing April 15 January 15 January 15 February 15 January 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2017 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2018 102.813% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2019 101.875% N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 2020 100.938% 102.000% 102.500% N.A. N.A. N.A. 2021 100.000% 101.333% 101.667% 102.313% 101.750% 103.125% 2022 100.000% 100.667% 100.833% 101.156% 100.875% 102.083% 2023 N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.578% 100.438% 101.042% 2024 and thereafter N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% |
Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities are the senior secured credit facilities of certain subsidiaries of Unitymedia . The details of our borrowings under the Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Unitymedia Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) Unused borrowing capacity (a) Carrying value in millions UM Senior Secured Facility (b) (d) December 31, 2020 EURIBOR + 2.75% € 420.0 $ 456.4 $ — UM Super Senior Secured Facility (c) December 31, 2020 EURIBOR + 2.25% € 80.0 86.9 — Total $ 543.3 $ — _______________ (a) At December 31, 2015 , our availability under the Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities was limited to €435.2 million ( $472.9 million ). When the relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements have been completed, and assuming no changes from December 31, 2015 borrowing levels, we anticipate the full amount of unused borrowing capacity under the Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities will be available to be borrowed. The Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities may be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. (b) The UM Senior Secured Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year. (c) The UM Super Senior Secured Facility has a fee on unused commitments of 0.9% per year and is senior with respect to the priority of proceeds received from the enforcement of shared collateral to (i) the Unitymedia Notes and (ii) the UM Senior Secured Facility . |
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility is the senior secured credit facility of certain subsidiaries of UPC Holding . The details of our borrowings under the UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: UPC Broadband Holding Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Carrying value in millions AC (c) November 15, 2021 7.250% $ 675.0 $ — $ 675.0 AD (c) January 15, 2022 6.875% $ 675.0 — 675.0 AH (d) June 30, 2021 LIBOR + 2.50% (e) $ 1,305.0 — 1,302.4 AK (c) January 15, 2027 4.000% € 600.0 — 652.0 AL (c) January 15, 2025 5.375% $ 1,140.0 — 1,140.0 AM December 31, 2021 EURIBOR + 2.75% € 990.1 1,075.8 — Elimination of Facilities AC, AD, AK and AL in consolidation (c) — (3,142.0 ) Total $ 1,075.8 $ 1,302.4 _______________ (a) Except as described in (c) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at December 31, 2015 without giving effect to the impact of discounts. (b) At December 31, 2015 , our availability under the UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility was limited to €716.4 million ( $778.4 million ). When the relevant December 31, 2015 compliance reporting requirements have been completed, and assuming no changes from the December 31, 2015 borrowing levels, we anticipate that our availability under the UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility will be limited to €858.3 million ( $932.6 million ). UPC Facility AM has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year. (c) As further discussed in the below description of the UPCB SPE Notes , the amounts borrowed by UPC Financing Partnership ( UPC Financing ) outstanding under UPC Facilities AC, AD, AK and AL are eliminated in Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. (d) The carrying value of UPC Facility AH includes the impact of a discount. (e) UPC Facility AH has a LIBOR floor of 0.75% . |
UPC Holding Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the UPC Holding Senior Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal amount UPC Holding Senior Notes Maturity Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Estimated fair value Carrying value in millions UPC Holding 6.375% Senior Notes (a) September 15, 2022 € 600.0 $ 652.0 $ 693.9 $ 647.6 UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes: UPC Holding 6.75% Euro Senior Notes March 15, 2023 € 450.0 489.0 528.7 489.0 UPC Holding 6.75% CHF Senior Notes March 15, 2023 CHF 350.0 350.1 378.8 350.1 Total $ 1,491.1 $ 1,601.4 $ 1,486.7 _______________ (a) Carrying value includes the impact of a discount. |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | UPC Holding may redeem some or all of the UPC Holding Senior Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price UPC Holding 6.375% Senior Notes UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes 12-month period commencing September 15 March 15 2016 N.A. N.A. 2017 103.188% N.A. 2018 102.125% 103.375% 2019 101.063% 102.250% 2020 100.000% 101.125% 2021 and thereafter 100.000% 100.000% |
UPCB SPE Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the UPCB SPE Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal amount UPCB SPE Notes Maturity Interest rate Original issue amount Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Estimated fair value Carrying value in millions UPCB Finance IV Notes: UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes (a) January 15, 2025 5.375% $ 1,140.0 $ 1,140.0 $ 1,140.0 $ 1,080.9 $ 1,138.4 UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes January 15, 2027 4.000% € 600.0 € 600.0 652.0 616.5 652.0 UPCB Finance V Notes November 15, 2021 7.250% $ 750.0 $ 675.0 675.0 719.7 675.0 UPCB Finance VI Notes January 15, 2022 6.875% $ 750.0 $ 675.0 675.0 714.6 675.0 Total $ 3,142.0 $ 3,131.7 $ 3,140.4 _______________ (a) The UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes comprise (i) $800.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes (the Original UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes ) and (ii) an additional $340.0 million principal amount of senior secured notes (the Additional UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes ). The carrying value includes the impact of a discount with respect to the Additional UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes . |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | Upon the occurrence of a UPCB Early Redemption Event on or after the applicable UPCB SPE Notes Call Date , the applicable UPCB SPE will redeem an aggregate principal amount of its UPCB SPE Notes equal to the principal amount of the related UPCB SPE Funded Facility prepaid at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes UPCB Finance V Notes UPCB Finance VI Notes 12-month period commencing January 15 January 15 November 15 January 15 2016 N.A. N.A. 103.625% N.A. 2017 N.A. N.A. 102.417% 103.438% 2018 N.A. N.A. 101.208% 102.292% 2019 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 101.146% 2020 102.688% N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 2021 101.792% 102.000% 100.000% 100.000% 2022 100.896% 101.000% N.A. 100.000% 2023 100.000% 100.500% N.A. N.A. 2024 and thereafter 100.000% 100.000% N.A. N.A. |
Telenet Credit Facility [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The Telenet Credit Facility is the senior secured credit facility of certain subsidiaries of Telenet . The details of our borrowings under the Telenet Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Telenet Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) (a) Unused borrowing capacity (b) Carrying value in millions O (c) February 15, 2021 6.625% € 300.0 $ — $ 326.0 P (c) June 15, 2021 EURIBOR + 3.875% € 400.0 — 434.6 U (c) August 15, 2022 6.250% € 450.0 — 489.0 V (c) August 15, 2024 6.750% € 250.0 — 271.7 W (d) June 30, 2022 EURIBOR + 3.25% € 474.1 — 514.2 X (e) September 30, 2020 EURIBOR + 2.75% € 381.0 414.0 — Y (d) June 30, 2023 EURIBOR + 3.50% € 882.9 — 957.6 Z June 30, 2018 EURIBOR + 2.25% € 200.0 (f) — AA June 30, 2023 EURIBOR + 3.50% € 800.0 (f) — AB (c) July 15, 2027 4.875% € 530.0 — 575.9 Elimination of Telenet Facilities O, P, U, V and AB in consolidation (c) — (2,097.2 ) Total $ 414.0 $ 1,471.8 _______________ (a) Except as described in (c) below, amounts represent total third-party facility amounts at December 31, 2015 without giving effect to the impact of discounts. (b) Telenet Facility X has a fee on unused commitments of 1.1% per year. (c) As further discussed in the below description of the Telenet SPE Notes , the amounts outstanding under Telenet Facilities O, P, U, V and AB are eliminated in Liberty Global ’s consolidated financial statements. (d) The carrying values of Telenet Facilities W and Y include the impact of discounts. (e) On July 1, 2015, (i) the commitments under Telenet ’s revolving credit facilities were increased by €85.0 million ( $92.4 million ) ( Telenet Facility X2 ) and (ii) a lender under the then existing Telenet Facility S agreed to novate commitments of €10.0 million ( $10.9 million ) to a subsidiary of Telenet and enter into the new Telenet Facility X2 , which was subsequently merged with Telenet Facility X , resulting in total increased availability under Telenet Facility X of €95.0 million ( $103.3 million ). In September 2015, Telenet Facility S , which was undrawn, was cancelled. (f) On May 7, 2015, Telenet International entered into a new revolving credit facility ( Telenet Facility Z ) and a new term loan facility ( Telenet Facility AA ). At December 31, 2015 , Telenet Facility Z and Telenet Facility AA were undrawn. In February 2016, Telenet borrowed the full amount under Telenet Facility Z and Telenet Facility AA and €217.0 million ( $245.9 million at the transaction date) under Telenet Facility X to fund a portion of the cash consideration paid to acquire BASE Company N.V. ( BASE ). Although Telenet currently has the ability, subject to certain restrictions and covenant limitations, to draw certain amounts under Telenet Facility Z and Telenet Facility AA for general corporate purposes, we expect that these facilities will remain undrawn until the closing of the acquisition of BASE . Accordingly, Telenet ’s unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2015 excludes the availability under Telenet Facility Z and Telenet Facility AA . For information regarding Telenet ’s acquisition of BASE , see note 20 . |
Telenet SPE Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt | The details of the Telenet SPE Notes as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Outstanding principal amount Telenet SPEs Notes Maturity Interest rate Borrowing currency U.S. $ equivalent Estimated fair value Carrying value in millions Telenet Finance III Notes February 15, 2021 6.625% € 300.0 $ 326.0 $ 337.4 $ 326.0 Telenet Finance IV Notes June 15, 2021 EURIBOR + 3.875% € 400.0 434.6 435.2 434.6 6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes August 15, 2022 6.250% € 450.0 489.0 529.0 489.0 6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes August 15, 2024 6.750% € 250.0 271.7 298.8 271.7 Telenet Finance VI Notes July 15, 2027 4.875% € 530.0 575.9 555.4 575.9 Total $ 2,097.2 $ 2,155.8 $ 2,097.2 |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | Upon the occurrence of a Telenet Early Redemption Event on or after the applicable Telenet SPE Notes Call Date , the applicable Telenet SPE will redeem an aggregate principal amount of its Telenet SPE Notes equal to the principal amount of the related Telenet SPE Funded Facility prepaid at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the applicable indenture), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set for below: Redemption price Telenet Finance III Notes Telenet Finance IV Notes 6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes 6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes Telenet Finance VI Notes 12-month period commencing February 15 June 15 August 15 August 15 July 15 2016 103.313% 100.000% N.A. N.A. N.A. 2017 102.209% 100.000% 103.125% N.A. N.A. 2018 101.104% 100.000% 102.083% 103.375% N.A. 2019 100.000% 100.000% 101.563% 102.531% N.A. 2020 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 101.688% N.A. 2021 100.000% 100.000% 100.000% 100.844% 102.438% 2022 N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% 101.219% 2023 N.A. N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.609% 2024 and thereafter N.A. N.A. N.A. 100.000% 100.000% |
VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption | VTR Finance may redeem all or part of the VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts (as specified in the VTR Indenture ), if any, to the applicable redemption date, as set forth below: Redemption price 12-month period commencing January 15: 2019 103.438% 2020 102.292% 2021 101.146% 2022 and thereafter 100.000% |
Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility is the senior secured credit facility of certain subsidiaries of Liberty Puerto Rico . The details of our borrowings under the Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility as of December 31, 2015 are summarized in the following table: Liberty Puerto Rico Facility Maturity Interest rate Facility amount (in borrowing currency) Unused borrowing capacity Carrying value (a) in millions LPR Term Loan B (b) January 7, 2022 LIBOR + 3.50% (c) $ 765.0 $ — $ 757.0 LPR Term Loan C (b) July 7, 2023 LIBOR + 6.75% (c) $ 177.5 — 176.9 Revolving Loan (d) July 7, 2020 LIBOR + 3.50% $ 40.0 40.0 — Total $ 40.0 $ 933.9 _______________ (a) The carrying values of LPR Term Loan B and LPR Term Loan C include the impact of discounts. (b) In June 2015, we increased the principal amount outstanding under (i) LPR Term Loan B by $235.0 million and (ii) LPR Term Loan C by $32.5 million . Substantially all of the net proceeds from this borrowing were used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Choice Acquisition . For additional information regarding the Choice Acquisition , see note 4 . (c) LPR Term Loan B and LPR Term Loan C each have a LIBOR floor of 1.0% . (d) The LPR Revolving Loan has a fee on unused commitments of 0.50% or 0.375% depending on the consolidated total net leverage ratio (as specified in the Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility ). |
Income Taxes (Tables)
Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Domestic and Foreign Components of Loss from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes | The components of our loss from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions The Netherlands $ (1,353.3 ) — $ (644.5 ) — $ 799.9 U.S. (924.5 ) (1,105.6 ) (306.3 ) U.K. 778.1 585.7 (976.0 ) Switzerland 395.3 326.1 284.3 Chile 182.3 43.1 (84.5 ) Belgium 175.4 — 21.5 — 89.5 Germany (5.1 ) (294.7 ) (355.8 ) Other 67.2 12.5 22.4 Total $ (684.6 ) $ (1,055.9 ) $ (526.5 ) |
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense Benefit Text Block | Income tax benefit (expense) consists of: Current Deferred Total in millions Year ended December 31, 2015: Continuing operations: U.K. $ (0.9 ) $ (208.5 ) $ (209.4 ) The Netherlands 2.5 159.0 161.5 Belgium (125.4 ) 11.1 (114.3 ) Switzerland (63.2 ) (14.7 ) (77.9 ) Chile (57.4 ) 13.5 (43.9 ) Germany (66.7 ) 24.3 (42.4 ) U.S. (a) (81.2 ) 58.7 (22.5 ) Other (22.7 ) 6.7 (16.0 ) Total — continuing operations $ (415.0 ) $ 50.1 $ (364.9 ) Year ended December 31, 2014: Continuing operations: U.K $ (2.1 ) $ 113.4 $ 111.3 U.S. (a) (22.5 ) 129.6 107.1 Belgium (138.7 ) 31.7 (107.0 ) Switzerland (76.8 ) 3.1 (73.7 ) The Netherlands 11.1 42.5 53.6 Germany (22.6 ) 37.0 14.4 Chile 17.1 (24.1 ) (7.0 ) Other (41.1 ) 17.4 (23.7 ) Total — continuing operations $ (275.6 ) $ 350.6 $ 75.0 Discontinued operation $ — $ (0.1 ) $ (0.1 ) Year ended December 31, 2013: Continuing operations: U.K. $ (2.4 ) $ (245.2 ) $ (247.6 ) Belgium (97.1 ) (16.2 ) (113.3 ) The Netherlands 0.5 97.3 97.8 Switzerland (53.6 ) (4.4 ) (58.0 ) Germany (13.2 ) (38.1 ) (51.3 ) Chile (34.0 ) 56.0 22.0 U.S. (a) (106.0 ) 104.9 (1.1 ) Other (31.1 ) 27.1 (4.0 ) Total — continuing operations $ (336.9 ) $ (18.6 ) $ (355.5 ) Discontinued operation $ (20.5 ) $ (2.2 ) $ (22.7 ) _______________ (a) Includes federal and state income taxes. Our U.S. state income taxes were not material during any of the years presented. |
Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Reconciliation Table | Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to our loss from continuing operations before income taxes differs from the amounts computed using the applicable income tax rate as a result of the following factors: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Computed “expected” tax benefit (a) $ 136.9 $ 221.7 $ 121.1 Change in valuation allowances (b): Decrease (508.3 ) (373.1 ) (112.6 ) Increase 6.8 11.9 31.7 Enacted tax law and rate changes (c) (280.5 ) 23.9 (377.8 ) Tax effect of intercompany financing 154.9 166.9 82.7 International rate differences (b) (d): Increase 200.8 266.4 148.2 Decrease (52.7 ) (27.6 ) (50.8 ) Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (b): Decrease (96.9 ) (168.0 ) (288.0 ) Increase 3.3 32.6 284.0 Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other expenses (b): Decrease (106.6 ) (236.5 ) (133.5 ) Increase 48.1 58.0 85.2 Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results (b): Increase 53.2 71.9 0.5 Decrease (5.1 ) (16.3 ) (56.1 ) Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits 44.4 29.5 — Tax benefit associated with technology innovation 21.0 — — Change in subsidiary tax attributes due to a deemed change in control — — (88.0 ) Other, net 15.8 13.7 (2.1 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ (364.9 ) $ 75.0 $ (355.5 ) _______________ (a) The statutory or “expected” tax rates are the U.K. rates of 20.0% , 21.0% and 23.0% for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (b) Country jurisdictions giving rise to increases are grouped together and shown separately from country jurisdictions giving rise to decreases. (c) In November 2015, it was announced that the U.K. corporate income tax rate will change from the current rate of 20.0% to 19.0% in April 2017 and 18.0% in April 2020. The impact of these rate changes on our deferred tax balances was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 when the relevant legislation was enacted. In April 2014, the U.K. corporate income tax rate decreased from 23.0% to 21.0% . Substantially all of the impact of the April 2014 rate change on our deferred tax balances was recorded in the third quarter of 2013 when the relevant legislation was enacted. (d) Amounts reflect adjustments (either an increase or a decrease) to “expected” tax benefit for statutory rates in jurisdictions in which we operate outside of the U.K. |
Schedule Of Current And Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Text Block | The current and non-current components of our deferred tax assets are as follows: December 31, 2015 (a) 2014 in millions Current deferred tax assets $ — $ 290.3 Non-current deferred tax assets (b) 2,342.9 2,587.0 Current deferred tax liabilities — (0.6 ) Non-current deferred tax liabilities (b) (1,785.7 ) (2,369.4 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 557.2 $ 507.3 _______________ (a) In accordance with ASU 2015-17 , all of our deferred tax balances are reflected as noncurrent in our December 31, 2015 balance sheet. Our December 31, 2014 deferred tax balances have not been retroactively revised. For further information, see note 2 . (b) Our non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in other assets, net and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. |
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Text block | The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and other carryforwards $ 5,873.2 $ 6,637.9 Property and equipment, net 2,583.1 2,970.7 Debt 1,611.7 1,189.0 Derivative instruments 173.1 345.9 Intangible assets 112.4 149.6 Other future deductible amounts 272.5 265.3 Deferred tax assets 10,626.0 11,558.4 Valuation allowance (6,395.6 ) (6,679.4 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 4,230.4 4,879.0 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (1,826.5 ) (2,338.2 ) Property and equipment, net (1,053.4 ) (1,362.9 ) Investments (374.5 ) (367.6 ) Derivative instruments (280.7 ) (142.7 ) Other future taxable amounts (138.1 ) (160.3 ) Deferred tax liabilities (3,673.2 ) (4,371.7 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 557.2 $ 507.3 |
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] | The significant components of our tax loss carryforwards and related tax assets at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Country Tax loss carryforward Related tax asset Expiration date in millions U.K.: Amount attributable to capital losses $ 17,822.6 $ 3,208.0 Indefinite Amount attributable to net operating losses 1,528.8 275.2 Indefinite The Netherlands 3,539.1 884.8 2016-2024 Germany 2,002.2 321.8 Indefinite U.S. 1,323.2 329.4 2019-2033 Luxembourg 1,052.0 307.4 Indefinite Belgium 586.4 199.3 Indefinite France 522.7 180.0 Indefinite Ireland 558.5 69.8 Indefinite Hungary 230.9 43.9 2020-2025 Other 247.8 53.6 Various Total $ 29,414.2 $ 5,873.2 |
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Table Text Block | The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized below: 2015 2014 2013 in millions Balance at January 1 $ 513.5 $ 490.9 $ 359.7 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 142.3 38.2 102.3 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (42.2 ) (50.2 ) (14.2 ) Additions for tax positions of prior years 27.0 64.5 41.5 Foreign currency translation (22.3 ) (27.0 ) 7.9 Lapse of statute of limitations (8.3 ) (1.9 ) (6.3 ) Settlements with tax authorities (0.1 ) (1.0 ) — Balance at December 31 $ 609.9 $ 513.5 $ 490.9 |
Equity (Tables)
Equity (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Summary of the changes in our share capital | A summary of the changes in our share capital during 2015 is set forth in the table below: Liberty Global Shares LiLAC Shares Old Liberty Global Shares Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Balance at January 1, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2.5 $ 0.1 $ 6.3 Repurchase and cancellation of Old Liberty Global Shares — — — — — — — — (0.1 ) Liberty Global call option contracts — — — — — — — — (0.1 ) Balance at June 30, 2015 — — — — — — 2.5 0.1 6.1 Impact of the LiLAC Transaction 2.5 0.1 6.1 0.1 — 0.3 (2.5 ) (0.1 ) (6.1 ) Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global Shares — — (0.1 ) — — — — — — Liberty Global call option contracts — — (0.1 ) — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2.5 $ 0.1 $ 5.9 $ 0.1 $ — $ 0.3 $ — $ — $ — |
Details of share repurchases | The following table provides details of our share repurchases during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Class A Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series A Old Liberty Shares Class C Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series C Old Liberty Shares Purchase date Shares purchased Average price paid per share (a) Shares purchased Average price paid per share (a) Total cost (a) in millions Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs during: 2015 (b) — $ — 49,984,562 $ 46.91 $ 2,344.5 2014 (c) 8,062,792 $ 42.19 28,401,019 $ 44.25 $ 1,596.9 2013 (c) 6,550,197 $ 37.70 24,761,397 $ 36.55 $ 1,151.9 _______________ (a) Includes direct acquisition costs and the effects of derivative instruments, where applicable. (b) Amounts include repurchases of (i) Old Liberty Global Shares from January 1 through June 30, 2015 and (ii) Liberty Global Shares from July 1 through December 31, 2015. (c) Amounts include repurchases of Old Liberty Global Shares . |
Share-based Compensation (Table
Share-based Compensation (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Summary of stock-based compensation | A summary of our aggregate share-based compensation expense is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global shares: Performance-based incentive awards (a) $ 157.1 $ 129.9 $ 58.6 Other share-based incentive awards 149.6 99.7 182.9 Total Liberty Global shares (b) (c) 306.7 229.6 241.5 Telenet share-based incentive awards (d) 9.2 14.6 56.5 Other 2.3 13.0 4.5 Total $ 318.2 $ 257.2 $ 302.5 Included in: Continuing operations: Operating expense: Liberty Global Group $ 3.1 $ 4.8 $ 10.8 LiLAC Group 0.3 2.8 1.3 Total operating expense 3.4 7.6 12.1 SG&A expense: Liberty Global Group 312.7 240.8 283.5 LiLAC Group (c) (e) 2.1 8.8 5.1 Total SG&A expense 314.8 249.6 288.6 Total — continuing operations 318.2 257.2 300.7 Discontinued operation — — 1.8 Total $ 318.2 $ 257.2 $ 302.5 _______________ (a) Includes share-based compensation expense related to (i) Liberty Global PSU s, (ii) a challenge performance award plan for certain executive officers and key employees (the Challenge Performance Awards ) and (iii) for 2015 and 2014, PGUs to our Chief Executive Officer, as described below. The Challenge Performance Awards include PSAR s and PSU s. (b) In connection with the Virgin Media Acquisition , we issued Liberty Global share-based incentive awards ( Virgin Media Replacement Awards ) to employees and former directors of Virgin Media in exchange for corresponding Virgin Media awards. Virgin Media recorded share-based compensation expense of $54.1 million and $55.8 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively, including compensation expense related to the Virgin Media Replacement Awards and new awards that were granted after the Virgin Media Replacement Awards were issued. During 2013, Virgin Media recorded share-based compensation expense of $134.3 million , primarily related to the Virgin Media Replacement Awards , including $80.1 million that was charged to expense in recognition of the Virgin Media Replacement Awards that were fully vested on June 7, 2013 or for which vesting was accelerated pursuant to the terms of the Virgin Media Merger Agreement on or prior to December 31, 2013. (c) In connection with the LiLAC Transaction , the compensation committee of our board of directors approved modifications to our outstanding share-based incentive awards (the Award Modifications ) in accordance with the underlying share-based incentive plans. The objective of the compensation committee was to ensure a relatively unchanged intrinsic value of outstanding equity awards before and after the bonus issuance of the LiLAC Shares . The mechanism to modify outstanding share-based incentive awards, as approved by the compensation committee, utilized the volume-weighted average price of the respective shares for the five days prior to and the five days following the bonus issuance ( Modification VWAP s ). In order to determine if any incremental stock-based compensation expense should be recorded as a result of the Award Modifications , we are required to measure the changes in the fair values of the then outstanding share-based incentive awards using market prices immediately before and immediately after the Award Modifications . Due to declines in the share prices of our Class A and Class C Liberty Global Shares f ollowing the bonus issuance, the exercise prices of options, SAR s and PSAR s determined using the Modification VWAP s were lower than the exercise prices that would have resulted if the market prices immediately before and after the Award Modifications had been used. Accordingly, the Black-Scholes fair values of our options, SAR s and PSAR s increased as a result of the Award Modifications , resulting in incremental stock-based compensation expense of $99.3 million . This amount includes $69.3 million of expense recognized during 2015 related to awards that vested on or prior to December 31, 2015 and $30.0 million of expense that will be recognized in future periods through 2019 as the related awards vest. (d) Represents the share-based compensation expense associated with Telenet ’s share-based incentive awards, which, at December 31, 2015, included (i) warrants and employee stock options ( 1,813,815 awards outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of €42.17 ( $45.82 )), (ii) performance-based specific stock option plans for the Chief Executive Officer ( 745,000 awards outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of €40.60 ( $44.12 )), (iii) performance-based share award ( 82,747 awards outstanding) and (iv) an employee share purchase plan. During 2013, Telenet modified the terms of certain of its share-based incentive plans to provide for anti-dilution adjustments in connection with its shareholder returns. In connection with these anti-dilution adjustments, Telenet recognized share-based compensation expense of $32.7 million and continues to recognize additional share-based compensation expense as the underlying options vest. In addition, during 2013, Telenet recognized expense of $6.2 million related to the accelerated vesting of certain options. (e) The amount for 2015 includes the reversal of $1.8 million of share-based compensation expense, primarily related to forfeitures of unvested PSUs during the first quarter of 2015. |
Summary of stock compensation not recognized | The following table provides certain information related to share-based compensation not yet recognized for share-based incentive awards related to Liberty Global ordinary shares as of December 31, 2015 : Liberty Global Shares and LiLAC Shares (a) Liberty Global performance- based awards (b) Total compensation expense not yet recognized (in millions) $ 192.0 $ 85.5 Weighted average period remaining for expense recognition (in years) 2.7 0.9 _______________ (a) Amounts relate to awards granted or assumed by Liberty Global under (i) the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective February 24, 2015), (ii) the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan, (iii) the Liberty Global, Inc. 2005 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective June 7, 2013 ) (the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan ), (iv) the Liberty Global, Inc. 2005 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective June 7, 2013 ) (the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan ) and (v) certain other incentive plans of Virgin Media , including Virgin Media ’s 2010 stock incentive plan (the VM Incentive Plan ). All new awards are granted under the Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan or the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan. The Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plan, the Liberty Global 2014 Nonemployee Director Incentive Plan, the Liberty Global 2005 Incentive Plan , the Liberty Global 2005 Director Incentive Plan and the VM Incentive Plan are described below. (b) Amounts relate to (i) the Challenge Performance Awards , (ii) PSU s and (iii) the PGUs . |
Stock compensation assumptions | The following table summarizes certain information related to the incentive awards granted and exercised with respect to Liberty Global ordinary shares: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: Risk-free interest rate 0.96 - 1.89% 0.81 - 1.77% 0.36 - 1.27% Expected life (a) 3.0 - 5.5 years 3.1 - 5.1 years 3.2 - 7.1 years Expected volatility (a) 23.1 - 30.1% 25.1 - 28.7% 26.5 - 35.8% Expected dividend yield none none none Weighted average grant date fair value per share of awards granted: Options $ 14.73 $ 11.40 $ 11.09 SARs $ 10.76 $ 8.93 $ 8.36 PSARs $ — $ 8.15 $ 8.31 RSUs $ 51.85 $ 40.68 $ 35.74 PSUs $ 51.57 $ 40.42 $ 34.94 PGUs $ — $ 44.04 $ — Total intrinsic value of awards exercised (in millions): Options $ 106.8 $ 126.6 $ 175.0 SARs $ 51.7 $ 48.7 $ 73.2 PSARs $ 0.2 $ 0.4 $ — Cash received from exercise of options (in millions) $ 40.5 $ 54.8 $ 81.0 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation (in millions) $ 67.4 $ 54.6 $ 48.0 _______________ (a) The 2013 ranges shown for these assumptions exclude the awards for certain former employees of Virgin Media who were expected to exercise their awards immediately or soon after the Virgin Media Acquisition . For these awards, the assumptions used for expected life and volatility were essentially nil. |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Options | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | Liberty Global Shares and Old Liberty Global Shares Options — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,726,259 $ 18.01 Granted 61,763 $ 54.97 Forfeited (13,836 ) $ 23.59 Exercised (920,468 ) $ 14.03 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 853,718 $ 24.90 Impact of Award Modifications 60,414 (2.32 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 914,132 $ 22.58 Forfeited (7,718 ) $ 22.61 Exercised (33,081 ) $ 15.19 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 873,333 $ 22.85 5.2 $ 17.5 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 414,553 $ 16.53 3.7 $ 10.7 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Options | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | Options — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 3,946,192 $ 17.67 Granted 622,301 $ 43.34 Forfeited (34,493 ) $ 22.23 Exercised (1,613,927 ) $ 14.99 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,920,073 $ 24.57 Impact of Award Modifications 204,344 (2.24 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 3,124,417 $ 22.33 Forfeited (41,208 ) $ 29.99 Exercised (344,673 ) $ 8.33 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,738,536 $ 23.98 5.8 $ 46.8 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,129,269 $ 15.55 3.5 $ 28.5 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | SARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | SARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 5,607,988 $ 31.07 Granted 2,252,602 $ 53.11 Forfeited (106,696 ) $ 37.27 Exercised (354,800 ) $ 25.68 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 7,399,094 $ 37.95 Impact of Award Modifications 527,825 (3.36 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 7,926,919 $ 34.59 Granted 70,845 $ 51.21 Forfeited (99,761 ) $ 41.67 Exercised (204,851 ) $ 25.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 7,693,152 $ 34.89 4.6 $ 72.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 3,642,857 $ 26.56 3.4 $ 59.3 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | SARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | SARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 14,689,045 $ 28.49 Granted 4,505,204 $ 51.41 Forfeited (262,502 ) $ 34.80 Exercised (1,062,945 ) $ 23.48 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 17,868,802 $ 34.47 Impact of Award Modifications 1,250,817 (2.94 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 19,119,619 $ 31.53 Granted 141,690 $ 48.11 Forfeited (217,585 ) $ 38.57 Exercised (358,377 ) $ 25.17 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 18,685,347 $ 31.70 4.3 $ 199.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,003,440 — $ 24.31 3.2 $ 168.3 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | PSARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | PSARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,788,749 $ 35.10 Forfeited (35,625 ) $ 35.03 Exercised (4,166 ) $ 35.03 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,748,958 $ 35.10 Impact of Award Modifications 142,250 (3.17 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 2,891,208 $ 31.93 Forfeited (1,751 ) $ 31.87 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,889,457 $ 31.93 4.5 $ 30.1 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 14,602 $ 31.87 1.4 $ 0.2 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | PSARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | PSARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 8,366,248 $ 33.48 Forfeited (106,875 ) $ 33.41 Exercised (12,499 ) $ 33.41 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 8,246,874 $ 33.48 Impact of Award Modifications 387,836 (2.96 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 8,634,710 $ 30.52 Forfeited (5,229 ) $ 30.46 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 8,629,481 $ 30.52 4.5 $ 88.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 43,671 $ 30.46 1.4 $ 0.5 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PSUs and PGUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,989,693 $ 41.34 Granted 410,716 $ 52.82 Performance adjustment (a) 50,410 $ 37.31 Forfeited (22,619 ) $ 38.47 Released from restrictions (543,707 ) $ 41.12 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,884,493 $ 43.84 Impact of Award Modifications 1,185 (2.10 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 1,885,678 $ 41.74 Granted 15,410 $ 52.46 Forfeited (3,054 ) $ 38.66 Released from restrictions (207,834 ) $ 35.54 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,690,200 $ 42.61 1.2 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PGUs — Class B ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,000,000 $ 44.55 Released from restrictions (333,333 ) $ 44.55 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 666,667 $ 44.55 Impact of Award Modifications — (2.12 ) Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 666,667 $ 42.43 1.2 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,442,767 $ 36.71 Granted 821,432 $ 51.12 Performance adjustment (a) 147,179 $ 34.80 Forfeited (58,997 ) $ 36.02 Released from restrictions (614,341 ) $ 34.80 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 2,738,040 $ 41.38 Impact of Award Modifications 3,126 (1.98 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 2,741,166 $ 39.40 Granted 30,820 $ 49.14 Forfeited (6,292 ) $ 36.74 Released from restrictions (607,343 ) $ 33.15 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,158,351 $ 41.30 1.1 _______________ (a) Represents the increase in PSU s associated with the first quarter 2015 determination that 113.6% of the PSU s that were granted in 2013 (the 2013 PSU s ) had been earned. As of December 31, 2015 , all of the earned 2013 PSU s have been released from restrictions. |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | RSUs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | RSUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 565,270 $ 38.27 Granted 298,713 $ 53.11 Forfeited (18,827 ) $ 37.52 Released from restrictions (205,540 ) $ 37.16 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 639,616 $ 45.58 Impact of Award Modifications 30,748 (2.17 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 670,364 $ 43.41 Granted 13,890 $ 52.46 Forfeited (21,544 ) $ 43.61 Released from restrictions (97,734 ) $ 40.93 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 564,976 $ 44.06 3.4 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | RSUs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | RSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,387,003 $ 35.59 Granted 597,426 $ 51.40 Forfeited (45,611 ) $ 34.70 Released from restrictions (553,929 ) $ 34.55 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,384,889 $ 42.85 Impact of Award Modifications 67,240 (1.74 ) Outstanding at July 1, 2015 1,452,129 $ 41.11 Granted 27,780 $ 49.14 Forfeited (47,384 ) $ 41.03 Released from restrictions (238,343 ) $ 37.61 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,194,182 $ 41.99 3.3 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | Options — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 21,233 24.29 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 21,233 $ 24.29 4.1 $ 0.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 14,145 $ 16.12 3.2 $ 0.4 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | Options — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 57,742 22.42 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 57,742 $ 22.42 3.8 $ 1.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 42,321 $ 15.97 3.1 $ 1.1 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | SARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | SARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 223,823 30.54 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 223,823 $ 30.54 Granted 10,107 $ 42.76 Forfeited (381 ) $ 32.76 Exercised (357 ) $ 28.19 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 233,192 $ 31.07 4.4 $ 2.6 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 122,905 $ 23.93 3.3 $ 2.2 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | SARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | SARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 560,844 29.27 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 560,844 $ 29.27 Granted 20,214 $ 42.55 Forfeited (909 ) $ 32.38 Exercised (876 ) $ 27.26 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 579,273 $ 29.73 4.1 $ 8.0 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 339,951 $ 23.28 3.1 $ 6.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | PSARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | PSARs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 140,215 30.08 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 140,215 $ 30.08 Forfeited (88 ) $ 30.02 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 140,127 $ 30.08 4.5 $ 1.6 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 305 $ 30.02 1.8 $ — |
LiLAC Group [Member] | PSARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Stock options activity | PSARs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average base price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value in years in millions Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 418,753 30.30 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 418,753 $ 30.30 Forfeited (261 ) $ 30.23 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 418,492 $ 30.30 4.5 $ 5.3 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 913 $ 30.23 1.8 $ — |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PSUs and PGUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 92,932 41.85 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 92,932 $ 41.85 Granted 3,007 $ 42.76 Forfeited (153 ) $ 38.63 Released from restrictions (9,483 ) $ 35.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 86,303 $ 42.56 1.2 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PGUs — Class B ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 33,333 42.43 Outstanding at July 1 and December 31, 2015 33,333 $ 42.43 1.2 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | PSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 133,609 39.59 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 133,609 $ 39.59 Granted 6,014 $ 42.55 Forfeited (317 ) $ 36.70 Released from restrictions (28,091 ) $ 33.26 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 111,215 $ 41.36 1.1 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | RSUs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | RSUs — Class A ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 397 52.94 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 397 $ 52.94 Granted 1,316 $ 42.76 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,713 $ 45.12 3.0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | RSUs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Other-than-options activity | RSUs — Class C ordinary shares Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value per share Weighted average remaining contractual term in years Outstanding at January 1, 2015 — $ — Impact of Award Modifications 796 48.68 Outstanding at July 1, 2015 796 $ 48.68 Granted 2,632 $ 42.55 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 3,428 $ 43.97 3.0 |
Restructuring Liabilities (Tabl
Restructuring Liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] | |
Summary of changes in restructuring liabilities during year | A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2015 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination and other Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2015 $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 Restructuring charges (credits) 102.3 (0.8 ) 2.3 103.8 Cash paid (67.9 ) (5.8 ) (29.4 ) (103.1 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 6.5 1.4 (18.2 ) (10.3 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2015 $ 68.5 $ 7.3 $ 70.7 $ 146.5 Current portion $ 63.7 $ 1.2 $ 34.1 $ 99.0 Noncurrent portion 4.8 6.1 36.6 47.5 Total $ 68.5 $ 7.3 $ 70.7 $ 146.5 A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2014 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2014 $ 26.6 $ 14.9 $ 72.0 $ 113.5 Restructuring charges 60.4 9.5 97.0 166.9 Cash paid (66.3 ) (10.8 ) (34.4 ) (111.5 ) Ziggo liability at acquisition date 8.2 — — 8.2 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (1.3 ) (1.1 ) (18.6 ) (21.0 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2014 $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 Current portion $ 27.5 $ 4.4 $ 20.4 $ 52.3 Noncurrent portion 0.1 8.1 95.6 103.8 Total $ 27.6 $ 12.5 $ 116.0 $ 156.1 A summary of changes in our restructuring liabilities during 2013 is set forth in the table below: Employee severance and termination Office closures Contract termination Total in millions Restructuring liability as of January 1, 2013 $ 39.7 $ 4.0 $ 13.1 $ 56.8 Restructuring charges 77.9 (0.1 ) 100.9 178.7 Cash paid (91.5 ) (14.1 ) (17.6 ) (123.2 ) Virgin Media liability at acquisition date 0.1 23.3 — 23.4 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1.2 1.8 (11.4 ) (8.4 ) Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations (0.8 ) — (13.0 ) (13.8 ) Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2013 $ 26.6 $ 14.9 $ 72.0 $ 113.5 |
Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)
Defined Benefit Plans (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of defined benefit plans | The table below provides summary information on our defined benefit plans: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Projected benefit obligation $ 1,188.3 $ 1,247.6 $ 1,163.0 Fair value of plan assets (a) $ 1,092.6 $ 1,122.7 $ 1,057.0 Net liability $ 95.7 $ 124.9 $ 106.0 Net periodic pension cost (b) $ 11.8 $ 9.6 $ 21.5 _______________ (a) The fair value of plan assets is primarily based on Level 1 inputs of the fair value hierarchy (as further described in note 8 ). Our plan assets comprise investments in debt securities, equity securities, hedge funds, insurance contracts and certain other assets. (b) The 2015 amount excludes aggregate curtailment gains of $7.9 million , which are included in impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net, in our consolidated statement of operations. |
Accumulated Other Comprehensi44
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) | The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes, are summarized as follows: Liberty Global shareholders Foreign currency translation adjustments Pension- related adjustments and other Accumulated other comprehensive earnings Non-controlling interests Total accumulated other comprehensive earnings in millions Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,604.1 $ (3.6 ) $ 1,600.5 $ 37.3 $ 1,637.8 Other comprehensive earnings 918.1 10.2 928.3 (16.9 ) 911.4 Balance at December 31, 2013 2,522.2 6.6 2,528.8 20.4 2,549.2 Other comprehensive loss (810.1 ) (72.1 ) (882.2 ) (0.5 ) (882.7 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 1,712.1 (65.5 ) 1,646.6 19.9 1,666.5 Other comprehensive loss (732.9 ) (17.8 ) (750.7 ) 0.5 (750.2 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 979.2 $ (83.3 ) $ 895.9 $ 20.4 $ 916.3 |
Schedule summarizing tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive earnings (loss) | The following table summarizes the tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of amounts reclassified to our consolidated statements of operations: Pre-tax amount Tax benefit Net-of-tax amount in millions Year ended December 31, 2015: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (737.1 ) $ 4.2 $ (732.9 ) Pension-related adjustments and other (23.4 ) 6.1 (17.3 ) Other comprehensive loss (760.5 ) 10.3 (750.2 ) Other comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (a) (0.7 ) 0.2 (0.5 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (761.2 ) $ 10.5 $ (750.7 ) Year ended December 31, 2014: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (816.4 ) $ 6.3 $ (810.1 ) Pension-related adjustments (89.9 ) 17.3 (72.6 ) Other comprehensive loss (906.3 ) 23.6 (882.7 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (a) 0.8 (0.3 ) 0.5 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (905.5 ) $ 23.3 $ (882.2 ) Year ended December 31, 2013: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 896.4 $ 4.4 $ 900.8 Pension-related adjustments 12.1 (1.5 ) 10.6 Other comprehensive earnings 908.5 2.9 911.4 Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (b) 17.3 (0.4 ) 16.9 Other comprehensive earnings attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ 925.8 $ 2.5 $ 928.3 _______________ (a) Amounts represent the noncontrolling interest owners’ share of our pension-related adjustments. (b) Amounts represent the noncontrolling interest owners’ share of our foreign currency translation adjustments and pension-related adjustments. |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Unrecorded Purchase Obligation | The following table sets forth the U.S. dollar equivalents of such commitments as of December 31, 2015 : Payments due during: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total in millions Programming commitments $ 1,004.5 $ 883.7 $ 698.6 $ 272.2 $ 11.0 $ 7.6 $ 2,877.6 Network and connectivity commitments 647.0 241.7 130.9 90.7 58.2 916.3 2,084.8 Purchase commitments 1,036.1 227.2 102.6 47.2 38.1 77.6 1,528.8 Operating leases 151.6 126.3 107.1 85.1 58.3 276.4 804.8 Other commitments 68.2 31.3 23.1 19.3 9.3 17.0 168.2 Total (a) $ 2,907.4 $ 1,510.2 $ 1,062.3 $ 514.5 $ 174.9 $ 1,294.9 $ 7,464.2 _______________ (a) The commitments included in this table do not reflect any liabilities that are included in our December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet. |
Segment Reporting (Tables)
Segment Reporting (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Revenue and operating cash flow by segment | Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue Adjusted OIBDA Revenue Adjusted OIBDA Revenue Adjusted OIBDA in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland (a) $ 7,058.7 $ 3,162.1 $ 7,409.9 $ 3,235.7 $ 4,117.4 $ 1,742.8 The Netherlands (b) 2,745.3 1,519.5 1,498.5 857.9 1,242.4 721.7 Germany 2,399.5 1,502.1 2,711.5 1,678.2 2,559.2 1,541.1 Belgium 2,021.0 990.3 2,279.4 1,125.0 2,185.9 1,049.4 Switzerland/Austria 1,758.2 1,040.1 1,846.1 1,056.4 1,767.1 1,005.7 Total Western Europe 15,982.7 8,214.1 15,745.4 7,953.2 11,872.0 6,060.7 Central and Eastern Europe 1,066.6 474.0 1,259.5 583.0 1,272.0 584.5 Central and other (5.4 ) (289.2 ) (7.1 ) (282.7 ) (0.4 ) (239.1 ) Total European Operations Division 17,043.9 8,398.9 16,997.8 8,253.5 13,143.6 6,406.1 Corporate and other 42.3 (222.6 ) 70.8 (212.0 ) 77.1 (169.2 ) Intersegment eliminations (c) (23.5 ) — (24.9 ) 4.0 (34.0 ) 44.8 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 8,176.3 17,043.7 8,045.5 13,186.7 6,281.7 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 838.1 328.1 898.5 351.0 991.6 353.6 Puerto Rico (d) 379.2 167.2 306.1 128.9 297.2 107.3 Total LiLAC Division 1,217.3 495.3 1,204.6 479.9 1,288.8 460.9 Corporate and other — (4.3 ) — (3.1 ) — (1.9 ) Total LiLAC Group 1,217.3 491.0 1,204.6 476.8 1,288.8 459.0 Inter-group eliminations — — — — (1.3 ) — Total $ 18,280.0 $ 8,667.3 $ 18,248.3 $ 8,522.3 $ 14,474.2 $ 6,740.7 _______________ (a) The amounts presented for 2013 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amounts presented for 2014 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The intersegment eliminations that are applicable to revenue are primarily related to transactions between our European Operations Division and our continuing programming operations. The intersegment eliminations that are applicable to Adjusted OIBDA are related to transactions between our European Operations Division and the Chellomedia Disposal Group , which eliminations are no longer recorded following the completion of the Chellomedia Transaction on January 31, 2014. (d) The amounts presented for 2015 include the post-acquisition revenue and Adjusted OIBDA of Choice, which was acquired on June 3, 2015. |
Reconciliation of total segment operating cash flow from continuing operations to loss from continuing operations before income taxes | The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations to loss from continuing operations before income taxes: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations $ 8,667.3 $ 8,522.3 $ 6,740.7 Share-based compensation expense (318.2 ) (257.2 ) (300.7 ) Depreciation and amortization (5,825.8 ) (5,500.1 ) (4,276.4 ) Release of litigation provision — — 146.0 Impairment, restructuring and other operating items, net (174.1 ) (536.8 ) (297.5 ) Operating income 2,349.2 2,228.2 2,012.1 Interest expense (2,441.4 ) (2,544.7 ) (2,286.9 ) Interest and dividend income 35.9 31.7 113.1 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net 847.2 88.8 (1,020.4 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net (1,149.2 ) (836.5 ) 349.3 Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net 124.5 205.2 524.1 Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net (388.0 ) (186.2 ) (212.2 ) Other expense, net (62.8 ) (42.4 ) (5.6 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (684.6 ) $ (1,055.9 ) $ (526.5 ) |
Balance sheet data of reportable segments | Selected balance sheet data of our reportable segments is set forth below: Long-lived assets Total assets December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland $ 19,789.9 $ 21,754.2 $ 23,647.6 $ 25,487.2 The Netherlands 14,741.7 17,092.7 15,132.1 17,387.0 Germany 7,898.9 9,117.9 8,634.1 9,512.8 Belgium 3,674.9 4,149.5 4,493.6 4,828.8 Switzerland/Austria 5,108.0 5,300.9 5,438.6 5,643.9 Total Western Europe 51,213.4 57,415.2 57,346.0 62,859.7 Central and Eastern Europe 2,268.0 2,459.9 2,357.5 2,566.4 Central and other 543.9 499.4 1,574.3 2,613.2 Total European Operations Division 54,025.3 60,374.5 61,277.8 68,039.3 Corporate and other 119.6 68.9 3,332.5 2,045.2 Total Liberty Global Group 54,144.9 60,443.4 64,610.3 70,084.5 LiLAC Group: LiLAC Division: Chile 873.7 1,017.3 1,506.6 1,513.2 Puerto Rico 1,468.8 1,128.3 1,599.4 1,213.7 Total LiLAC Division 2,342.5 2,145.6 3,106.0 2,726.9 Corporate and other — — 161.5 44.1 Total LiLAC Group 2,342.5 2,145.6 3,267.5 2,771.0 Inter-group eliminations — — (10.6 ) (13.6 ) Total $ 56,487.4 $ 62,589.0 $ 67,867.2 $ 72,841.9 |
Capital expenditures of reportable segments | Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K./Ireland (a) $ 1,527.3 $ 1,506.7 $ 827.5 The Netherlands (b) 536.1 268.0 242.4 Germany 535.7 574.5 543.4 Belgium 371.6 448.9 453.7 Switzerland/Austria 315.6 327.2 306.4 Total Western Europe 3,286.3 3,125.3 2,373.4 Central and Eastern Europe 277.3 264.8 271.6 Central and other 280.7 257.9 256.0 Total European Operations Division 3,844.3 3,648.0 2,901.0 Corporate and other 65.9 5.0 6.3 Total Liberty Global Group 3,910.2 3,653.0 2,907.3 LiLAC Group: Chile 149.0 195.8 188.5 Puerto Rico (c) 78.1 60.4 65.8 Total LiLAC Group 227.1 256.2 254.3 Total property and equipment additions 4,137.3 3,909.2 3,161.6 Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements (1,481.5 ) (975.3 ) (573.5 ) Assets acquired under capital leases (106.1 ) (127.2 ) (143.0 ) Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures (50.2 ) (122.3 ) 36.4 Total capital expenditures $ 2,499.5 $ 2,684.4 $ 2,481.5 _______________ (a) The amount presented for 2013 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amount presented for 2014 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The amount presented for 2015 includes the post-acquisition property and equipment additions of Choice , which was acquired on June 3, 2015. |
Revenue by major category | Our revenue by major category is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Subscription revenue (a): Video $ 6,383.6 $ 6,538.3 $ 5,720.7 Broadband internet 5,079.7 4,718.5 3,535.0 Fixed-line telephony 3,162.0 3,259.5 2,506.5 Cable subscription revenue 14,625.3 14,516.3 11,762.2 Mobile subscription revenue (b) 1,037.3 1,085.6 669.9 Total subscription revenue 15,662.6 15,601.9 12,432.1 B2B revenue (c) 1,560.5 1,501.3 980.5 Other revenue (b) (d) 1,056.9 1,145.1 1,061.6 Total $ 18,280.0 $ 18,248.3 $ 14,474.2 _______________ (a) Subscription revenue includes amounts received from subscribers for ongoing services, excluding installation fees and late fees. Subscription revenue from subscribers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is generally allocated proportionally to each service based on the standalone price for each individual service. As a result, changes in the standalone pricing of our cable and mobile products or the composition of bundles can contribute to changes in our product revenue categories from period to period. (b) Mobile subscription revenue excludes mobile interconnect revenue of $212.7 million , $245.0 million and $175.2 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Mobile interconnect revenue and revenue from mobile handset sales are included in other revenue. (c) B2B revenue includes revenue from business broadband internet, video, voice, mobile and data services offered to medium to large enterprises and, on a wholesale basis, to other operators. We also provide services to certain small or home office ( SOHO ) subscribers. SOHO subscribers pay a premium price to receive expanded service levels along with video, broadband internet, fixed-line telephony or mobile services that are the same or similar to the mass marketed products offered to our residential subscribers. Revenue from SOHO subscribers, which is included in cable subscription revenue, aggregated $321.8 million , $220.7 million and $158.9 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (d) Other revenue includes, among other items, interconnect, mobile handset sales, channel carriage fee and installation revenue . |
Revenue by geographic segments | The revenue of our geographic segments is set forth below: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K. (a) $ 6,663.3 $ 6,941.1 $ 3,653.7 The Netherlands (b) 2,745.3 1,498.5 1,242.4 Germany 2,399.5 2,711.5 2,559.2 Belgium 2,021.0 2,279.4 2,185.9 Switzerland 1,390.3 1,414.4 1,332.1 Poland 399.7 469.9 460.4 Ireland 395.4 468.8 463.7 Austria 367.9 431.7 435.0 Hungary 258.5 310.2 313.8 The Czech Republic 176.6 221.0 248.9 Romania 158.1 173.3 163.8 Slovakia 59.3 74.5 74.6 Other 9.0 3.5 10.1 Total European Operations Division 17,043.9 16,997.8 13,143.6 Other, including intersegment eliminations 18.8 45.9 43.1 Total Liberty Global Group 17,062.7 17,043.7 13,186.7 LiLAC Group: Chile 838.1 898.5 991.6 Puerto Rico (c) 379.2 306.1 297.2 Total LiLAC Group 1,217.3 1,204.6 1,288.8 Inter-group eliminations — — (1.3 ) Total $ 18,280.0 $ 18,248.3 $ 14,474.2 _______________ (a) The amount presented for 2013 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Virgin Media from June 8, 2013 through December 31, 2013. (b) The amount presented for 2014 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Ziggo from November 12, 2014 through December 31, 2014. (c) The amount presented for 2015 reflects the post-acquisition revenue of Choice , which was acquired on June 3, 2015. |
Long-lived assets by geographic segments | The long-lived assets of our geographic segments are set forth below: December 31, 2015 2014 in millions Liberty Global Group: European Operations Division: U.K. $ 19,127.8 $ 21,098.3 The Netherlands 14,741.7 17,092.7 Germany 7,898.9 9,117.9 Switzerland 4,117.7 4,218.9 Belgium 3,674.9 4,149.5 Austria 990.3 1,082.0 Poland 893.2 983.5 Ireland 662.1 655.9 The Czech Republic 534.8 580.4 Hungary 494.4 535.7 Romania 194.0 209.1 Slovakia 103.2 110.5 Other (a) 592.3 540.1 Total European Operations Division 54,025.3 60,374.5 U.S. and other (b) 119.6 68.9 Total Liberty Global Group 54,144.9 60,443.4 LiLAC Group: Puerto Rico 1,468.8 1,128.3 Chile 873.7 1,017.3 Total LiLAC Group 2,342.5 2,145.6 Total $ 56,487.4 $ 62,589.0 _______________ (a) Primarily represents long-lived assets of the European Operations Division ’s central operations, which are located in the Netherlands. (b) Primarily represents the assets of our corporate offices. |
Quarterly Financial Informati47
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) | 2015 1 st quarter 2 nd quarter 3 rd quarter 4 th quarter in millions, except per share amounts Revenue $ 4,516.9 $ 4,566.5 $ 4,597.4 $ 4,599.2 Operating income $ 557.5 $ 624.9 $ 545.5 $ 621.3 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (537.5 ) $ (464.7 ) $ 133.3 $ (283.6 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 3): Liberty Global Shares $ 0.12 $ (0.32 ) LiLAC Shares $ 0.69 $ (0.30 ) Old Liberty Global Shares $ (0.61 ) $ (0.53 ) 2014 1 st quarter 2 nd quarter 3 rd quarter 4 th quarter in millions, except per share amounts Revenue $ 4,533.7 $ 4,602.2 $ 4,497.2 $ 4,615.2 Operating income $ 581.7 $ 669.5 $ 703.7 $ 273.3 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (78.8 ) $ (249.9 ) $ 157.1 $ (523.4 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share - Old Liberty Global Shares (note 3) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.32 ) $ 0.20 $ (0.62 ) |
Basis of Presentation (Narrativ
Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) | Jul. 01, 2015shares | Dec. 31, 2015country |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Number of countries in which entity provides services (in countries) | country | 14 | |
Number of distributed shares for every 20 parent company shares | 1 | |
Number of parent company shares for every one distributed share | 20 | |
Puerto Rico | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Percentage ownership in subsidiary | 60.00% | |
Video, Broadband Internet and FIxed-Line Telephony [Member] | Europe [Member] | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Number of countries in which entity provides services (in countries) | country | 7 | |
Mobile Services [Member] | Europe [Member] | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Number of countries in which entity provides services (in countries) | country | 4 | |
Telenet | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Percentage ownership in subsidiary | 56.90% | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Dividend shares issued (in shares) | 12,625,362 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Dividend shares issued (in shares) | 523,626 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Dividend shares issued (in shares) | 30,776,883 |
Summary of Significant Accoun49
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Current and long-term restricted cash | $ 127.9 | $ 78 | $ 127.9 | $ 127.9 | $ 78 | |||||||
Aggregate allowance for doubtful accounts | 115.7 | 116.1 | 115.7 | 115.7 | 116.1 | |||||||
Asset retirement obligation | 63.9 | 65.1 | 63.9 | 63.9 | 65.1 | |||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (283.6) | $ 133.3 | $ (464.7) | $ (537.5) | $ (523.4) | $ 157.1 | $ (249.9) | $ (78.8) | (1,152.5) | $ (695) | $ (963.9) | |
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) | 798,869,761 | 672,348,540 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (167.5) | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) | 864,721,483 | |||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 17.2 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) | 43,915,757 | |||||||||||
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options, SARs and PSARs and the release of share units upon vesting (treasury stock method) | 319,518 | |||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) | 44,235,275 | 44,235,275 | ||||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,002.2) | (695) | (963.9) | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) | 884,040,481 | |||||||||||
Continuing operations | Old Liberty Global [Member] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,002.2) | (1,028.5) | (937.6) | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | Old Liberty Global [Member] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to holders of: | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 0 | $ 333.5 | $ (26.3) |
Summary of Significant Accoun50
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - shares shares in Millions | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [Member] | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 43.3 | |||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 4.5 | |||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Obligations That May Be Settled in Cash or Shares [Member] | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 2.7 | |||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [Member] | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 0.7 | |||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Stock Options, SARs, PSARs, Restricted Shares, and RSUs [Member] | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 42.1 | 39.1 | 40.3 | |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 5.3 | 5.4 | 3.7 | |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Obligations That May Be Settled in Cash or Shares [Member] | ||||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
Aggregate number of shares excluded from computation of EPS | 2.6 |
Acquisitions (Pending 2016 Acqu
Acquisitions (Pending 2016 Acquisition) (Details) - Nov. 16, 2015 $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | USD ($)shares | £ / shares | $ / shares |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling interest | 67.40% | 67.40% | |
Cable & Wireless Communications Plc [Member] | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Special dividend issuable at closing (per share) | (per share) | £ 0.03 | $ 0.04420215117 | |
Termination fee | $ | $ 50 | ||
Cable & Wireless Communications Plc [Member] | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | 31,651,616 | ||
Cable & Wireless Communications Plc [Member] | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | 77,488,978 | ||
Cable & Wireless Communications Plc [Member] | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | 3,648,524 | ||
Cable & Wireless Communications Plc [Member] | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | 8,939,328 |
Acquisitions (2015 Acquisition
Acquisitions (2015 Acquisition and 2014 Acquisition) (Narrative) (Details) € / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, € in Millions, $ in Millions | Jun. 03, 2015USD ($) | Nov. 19, 2014shares | Nov. 11, 2014EUR (€)€ / sharesshares | Nov. 11, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Oct. 10, 2014channel | Jul. 31, 2015EUR (€)shares | Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)shares | Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)€ / sharesshares | Jun. 30, 2015EUR (€)$ / sharesshares | Jun. 30, 2015USD ($) |
Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Cost of acquired entity | $ | $ 276.4 | |||||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ | $ 10.5 | |||||||||
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets | 10 years | |||||||||
Acquisition costs | $ | $ 8.5 | |||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Equity interest acquired (in shares) | shares | 136,603,794 | 136,603,794 | 136,603,794 | 136,603,794 | ||||||
Business acquisition percentage of additional voting interests acquired | 88.90% | |||||||||
Cost of acquired entity | $ | $ 8,794.1 | |||||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ | $ 1,872.9 | |||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | shares | 41,329,850 | |||||||||
Cash acquired from acquisition | $ | $ 16.8 | |||||||||
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets | 10 years | 10 years | ||||||||
Acquisition costs | $ | $ 84.1 | |||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 31,172,985 | 31,172,985 | ||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 76,907,936 | 76,907,936 | ||||||||
Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Equity interest acquired (in shares) | shares | 18,998,057 | 18,998,057 | 18,998,057 | |||||||
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling interest | 98.40% | |||||||||
Cost of acquired entity | $ | $ 950.7 | |||||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | € 209 | $ 260.7 | ||||||||
Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 4,335,357 | 4,335,357 | ||||||||
Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 10,695,906 | 10,695,906 | ||||||||
Ziggo Merger Agreement [Member] | Netherlands Network [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Commitment term | 8 years | |||||||||
Number of channels in agreement | channel | 3 | |||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition and Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Cost of acquired entity | € 1,711.6 | $ 2,133.6 | ||||||||
Equity interest transferred in cash (in dollars per share) | (per share) | € 11 | $ 13.71 | ||||||||
Ziggo Statutory Squeeze-Out [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Equity interest acquired (in shares) | shares | 3,162,605 | 3,162,605 | ||||||||
Equity interest transferred in cash (in dollars per share) | (per share) | € 39.78 | $ 44.91 | ||||||||
Expected redemption value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest | € 125.9 | $ 125.9 | $ 142.2 | |||||||
Searchlight [Member] | Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition percentage of voting interests acquired | 100.00% | |||||||||
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling interest | 40.00% | |||||||||
Cost of acquired entity | $ | $ 6.8 | |||||||||
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Committed facilities to fund transaction costs | $ | $ 259.1 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Plc | Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling interest | 60.00% | |||||||||
Film1 [Member] | Ziggo Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Commitment term | 3 years | |||||||||
Number of channels in agreement | channel | 5 | |||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | Common Class C | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Offer price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.5630 | |||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 87,603,842 | 87,603,842 | ||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | Common Class A | ||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Offer price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.2282 | |||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | shares | 35,508,342 | 35,508,342 |
Acquisitions (2015 Acquisitio53
Acquisitions (2015 Acquisition and 2014 Acquisition) (Schedules) (Details) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | Jun. 03, 2015USD ($) | Jul. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Jul. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Goodwill | $ 27,020.4 | $ 29,001.6 | $ 23,748.8 | |||
Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ 10.5 | |||||
Cost of acquired entity | 276.4 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 3.6 | |||||
Other current assets | 7.8 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 79.8 | |||||
Goodwill | 51.6 | |||||
Intangible assets subject to amortization | 59.1 | |||||
Other assets, net | 0.3 | |||||
Other accrued and current liabilities | (13.2) | |||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Franchise Rights | 147.8 | |||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent | (60.4) | |||||
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net | $ 276.4 | |||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | ||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ 1,872.9 | |||||
Fair value of the pre-existing investment in Ziggo | 2,015.4 | |||||
Cost of acquired entity | 8,794.1 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,889.7 | |||||
Other current assets | 69.7 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 2,714.9 | |||||
Goodwill | 7,866.5 | |||||
Intangible assets subject to amortization | 4,857 | |||||
Other assets, net | 382.8 | |||||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | (604) | |||||
Other accrued and current liabilities | (461.8) | |||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | (5,351.5) | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | (1,488.6) | |||||
Noncontrolling interest | (1,080.6) | |||||
Total purchase price | 8,794.1 | |||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Liberty Global Class A & C ordinary shares | 1,448.7 | |||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Liberty Global Class A & C ordinary shares | 3,457.1 | |||||
Ziggo NCI Acquisition [Member] | ||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | € 209 | 260.7 | ||||
Cost of acquired entity | 950.7 | |||||
Reduction of noncontrolling interests | 927.2 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | $ 23.5 |
Acquisitions (Virgin Media) (Na
Acquisitions (Virgin Media) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2013 |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Stock incentive awards outstanding (in shares) | 13,030,000 | |||
Options | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Stock incentive awards outstanding (in shares) | 9,860,000 | |||
RSUs | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Stock incentive awards outstanding (in shares) | 3,170,000 | |||
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets | 7 years | |||
Other accrued and current liabilities | $ (1,892.2) | |||
Acquisition costs | 51.5 | |||
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | VM Convertible Notes [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Percentage of debt instrument conversion | 94.40% | |||
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | Capacity Arrangement Contract [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Other accrued and current liabilities | $ (35.6) | |||
Other current liabilities amortized | $ 22.8 | $ 12.8 | ||
Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | VM Senior Notes [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Granted security interest in escrow account | $ 3,557.5 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity cash received from acquiring entity (in dollars per share) | $ 17.50 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 70,233,842 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity shares received of acquiring entity (in shares) | 0.2582 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 175,122,182 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity shares received of acquiring entity (in shares) | 0.6438 | |||
Virgin Media [Member] | Common stock | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 272,013,333 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 141,234,331 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity shares received of acquiring entity (in shares) | 1 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 10,176,295 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity shares received of acquiring entity (in shares) | 1 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 362,556,220 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Acquired entity shares received of acquiring entity (in shares) | 1 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Common Class A | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Share price (in dollar/euro per share) | $ 38.94 | |||
Liberty Global Plc | Common Class C | ||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||
Share price (in dollar/euro per share) | $ 36.37 |
Acquisitions (Virgin Media Acqu
Acquisitions (Virgin Media Acquisition Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Summary of the preliminary purchase price and opening balance sheet | ||||
Goodwill | $ 27,020.4 | $ 29,001.6 | $ 23,748.8 | |
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||
Equity and cash consideration paid | ||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ 4,760.2 | |||
Fair value of the vested portion of Virgin Media stock incentive awards | 270.4 | |||
Cost of acquired entity | 14,135.5 | |||
Summary of the preliminary purchase price and opening balance sheet | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 694.6 | |||
Other current assets | 932.2 | |||
Property and equipment, net | 9,863.1 | |||
Goodwill | 9,000.8 | |||
Intangible assets subject to amortization | 3,925.8 | |||
Other assets, net | 4,259.4 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | (1,184.5) | |||
Other accrued and current liabilities | (1,892.2) | |||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | (8,477.4) | |||
Other long-term liabilities | (1,326.3) | |||
Additional paid-in capital | (1,660) | |||
Total purchase price | 14,135.5 | |||
Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||
Equity and cash consideration paid | ||||
Liberty Global Class A & C ordinary shares | 2,735 | |||
Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||
Equity and cash consideration paid | ||||
Liberty Global Class A & C ordinary shares | $ 6,369.9 |
Acquisitions (Proforma Informat
Acquisitions (Proforma Information) (Schedule and Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 4,599.2 | $ 4,597.4 | $ 4,566.5 | $ 4,516.9 | $ 4,615.2 | $ 4,497.2 | $ 4,602.2 | $ 4,533.7 | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 | |
Net earnings (loss) | $ (283.6) | $ 133.3 | $ (464.7) | $ (537.5) | $ (523.4) | $ 157.1 | $ (249.9) | $ (78.8) | (1,152.5) | (695) | (963.9) | |
Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 18,317.1 | 20,208.6 | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | (1,150.7) | (1,181) | ||||||||||
Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 52.1 | |||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 4.6 | |||||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 20,121.3 | 19,709.8 | ||||||||||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 272 | |||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | (98.7) | |||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 17,062.7 | 17,043.7 | 13,186.7 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | (167.5) | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 17,062.7 | 18,916.7 | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (167.5) | 0 | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share | $ (0.19) | |||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 18,916.7 | 18,422.3 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Continuing operations | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 17,062.7 | 18,890.1 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Continuing operations | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 18,890.1 | 18,013.7 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Discontinued operations | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 0 | |||||||||||
Revenue | 26.6 | |||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Discontinued operations | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 26.6 | 408.6 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ 17.2 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 1,254.4 | 1,291.9 | ||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 17.2 | 0 | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share | $ 0.39 | |||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | ||||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ (1,002.2) | (695) | (963.9) | |||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,000.4) | $ (1,181) | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share | $ (1.13) | $ (1.30) | ||||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,180.6) | $ (1,573.6) | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share | $ (1.30) | $ (1.71) | ||||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Continuing operations | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ (1,002.2) | $ (1,028.5) | $ (937.6) | |||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Discontinued operations | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 0 | 333.5 | (26.3) | |||||||||
Inter-group Eliminations [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 0 | 0 | (1.3) | |||||||||
Inter-group Eliminations [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition and Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 0 | $ (1.3) | ||||||||||
Pro Forma [Member] | Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Business acquisition percentage of voting interests acquired | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Discontinued Operation (Narrati
Discontinued Operation (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jan. 31, 2014EUR (€) | Jan. 31, 2014USD ($) | Nov. 30, 2015 | Apr. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | $ (50.1) | $ (350.6) | $ 18.6 | |||||
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation, net of taxes | $ 0 | $ 332.7 | $ 0 | |||||
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | ||||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||
Statutory income tax rate | 23.00% | 20.00% | 21.00% | 20.00% | 21.00% | 23.00% | ||
Chellomedia [Member] | ||||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||
Proceeds from divestiture of business | € 750 | $ 1,013.1 | ||||||
Pre-tax gain on sale | 342.2 | |||||||
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 9.5 | |||||||
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation, net of taxes | 332.7 | |||||||
Chellomedia [Member] | Foreign currency translation adjustments | ||||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||
Pre-tax gain on sale | $ 64 | |||||||
Chellomedia [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | ||||||||
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] | ||||||||
Statutory income tax rate | 21.50% | 21.50% |
Discontinued Operation (Schedul
Discontinued Operation (Schedules) (Details) - Discontinued operations - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Income tax expense | $ (0.1) | $ (22.7) |
Chellomedia [Member] | ||
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Revenue | 408.6 | |
Operating income | 0.6 | 12.1 |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | 0.9 | (1) |
Income tax expense | (0.1) | (22.7) |
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders, net of taxes | 0.8 | $ (26.3) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo and Choice Acquisition [Member] | ||
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Revenue | $ 26.6 |
Investments (Schedule of Invest
Investments (Schedule of Investments by Accounting Method) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | $ 2,591.8 | $ 1,662.7 |
Equity | 247.4 | 145.1 |
Cost | 0.4 | 0.4 |
Total | 2,839.6 | 1,808.2 |
ITV — subject to re-use rights | ||
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | 1,624.1 | 871.2 |
Sumitomo | ||
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | 471.1 | 473.1 |
Lionsgate | ||
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | 162 | 0 |
ITI Neovision | ||
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | 120 | 154.1 |
Other | ||
Investment [Line Items] | ||
Investments measured at fair value | $ 214.6 | $ 164.3 |
Investments (Details)
Investments (Details) £ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | Nov. 12, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Jul. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Sep. 30, 2014EUR (€) | Sep. 30, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares | Jul. 30, 2015GBP (£)£ / shares | Jun. 30, 2015shares | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares | Jul. 17, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Jul. 17, 2014GBP (£)£ / sharesshares |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Equity method investments | $ | $ 247.4 | $ 145.1 | ||||||||
All3Media [Member] | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | € 90 | $ 147.2 | ||||||||
DLG [Member] | All3Media [Member] | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition percentage of voting interests acquired | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||||||
ITV [Member] | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | 398,515,510 | 259,820,065 | 259,820,065 | |||||||
Percent of investment owned (less than 5% for Sumitomo) | 9.90% | |||||||||
Share price (in GBP/USD per share) | (per share) | $ 4.23 | £ 2.716 | $ 3.14 | £ 1.85 | ||||||
Cost method investments | $ 587 | £ 376.7 | $ 816.3 | £ 480.7 | ||||||
Equity interest acquired (in shares) | 138,695,445 | |||||||||
Sumitomo | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | 45,652,043 | 45,652,043 | ||||||||
Percent of investment owned (less than 5% for Sumitomo) | 5.00% | |||||||||
Lionsgate | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | 5,000,000 | |||||||||
Percent of investment owned (less than 5% for Sumitomo) | 5.00% | |||||||||
Share price (in GBP/USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 39.02 | |||||||||
Cost method investments | $ | $ 195.1 | |||||||||
Lionsgate | Lionsgate Forward and Secured Borrowing | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | 2,500,000 | |||||||||
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ | $ 70.9 | |||||||||
ITI Neovision | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Business acquisition percentage of voting interests acquired | 17.00% | 17.00% | ||||||||
DLG Acquisition Limited [Member] | ||||||||||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||||||||||
Percent of investment owned (less than 5% for Sumitomo) | 50.00% | |||||||||
Equity method investments | $ | $ 132.1 |
Derivative Instruments (Narrati
Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) ¥ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, € in Millions, ¥ in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)shares | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesinstallmentshares | Dec. 31, 2010USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015¥ / shares | Nov. 30, 2015USD ($) | Jul. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Jul. 31, 2014GBP (£)shares | Jul. 31, 2013EUR (€)shares | Jul. 31, 2013USD ($)shares | Dec. 31, 2007USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2007JPY (¥) | |
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Fair value derivative assets, counterparty credit risk exposure | $ 2,025.2 | |||||||||||
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1,594.6 | $ 2,560.8 | ||||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | |||||||||||
Initial ITV Investment [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Principal amount of debt | $ 764.5 | £ 446.9 | ||||||||||
Ziggo Collar [Member] | Liberty Global Limited [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Borrowed funds | € 617.1 | $ 816.4 | ||||||||||
Restricted cash | 486.4 | 643.5 | ||||||||||
Ziggo Collar [Member] | Liberty Global Limited [Member] | Put Options Purchased [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net option contract premium paid | € 38.6 | $ 51 | ||||||||||
Ziggo Collar [Member] | Ziggo [Member] | Put Options Purchased [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Number of options | shares | 24,957,000 | 24,957,000 | ||||||||||
ITV Collar [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Discount rate | 0.00% | |||||||||||
Implied yield | 1.39% | 1.39% | ||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | shares | 398,515,510 | 398,515,510 | ||||||||||
Principal amount of debt | $ 92 | |||||||||||
Shares needed to borrow from custody account to hedge exposure | shares | 390,000,000 | |||||||||||
Term of derivative | 3 years | |||||||||||
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 270.5 | |||||||||||
Additional ITV Investment [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Principal amount of debt | 77.5 | |||||||||||
ITV Collar Loan Modifications [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Principal amount of debt | $ 14.5 | |||||||||||
Sumitomo Collar [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Derivative floor price (in yen/dollars per share) | (per share) | $ 17.6247920133 | ¥ 2,118.50 | ||||||||||
Derivative cap price (in yen/dollars per share) | (per share) | 23.190515807 | 2,787.50 | ||||||||||
Market price of common stock (in yen/dollars per share) | (per share) | $ 10.32 | ¥ 1,240.50 | ||||||||||
Sumitomo Collar number of equal semi-annual installment maturity dates beginning with initial maturity date of May 22, 2016 | installment | 5 | |||||||||||
Sumitomo Collar fair value | $ 345.6 | |||||||||||
Percentage of Sumitomo shares pledged as collateral on the Sumitomo Collar Loan | 100.00% | |||||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 1.883% | |||||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 757.6 | ¥ 93,660 | ||||||||||
Lionsgate Forward [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Discount rate | 0.00% | |||||||||||
Implied yield | 3.50% | |||||||||||
Number of common stock shares owned (in shares) | shares | 2,500,000 | |||||||||||
Principal amount of debt | $ 69.7 | |||||||||||
Shares needed to borrow from custody account to hedge exposure | shares | 1,700,000 | |||||||||||
Term of derivative | 5 years | |||||||||||
Virgin Media Capped Call [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Percentage of notional amount settled | 93.80% | |||||||||||
Proceeds from settlement of derivative instrument | $ 534.8 | |||||||||||
Other Current Assets [Member] | Sumitomo Collar [Member] | ||||||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Sumitomo Collar fair value | $ 120.6 |
Derivative Instruments (Fair Va
Derivative Instruments (Fair Values of Derivative Assets and Liabilities) (Schedule and Footnotes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Assets: | |||
Current | $ 421.9 | $ 446.6 | |
Long-term | 2,084.2 | 1,314.8 | |
Total | 2,506.1 | 1,761.4 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 346.3 | 1,043.7 | |
Long-term | 1,248.3 | 1,517.1 | |
Total | 1,594.6 | 2,560.8 | |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 275.4 | 443.6 | |
Long-term | 1,810.2 | 913.7 | |
Total | 2,085.6 | 1,357.3 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 304.9 | 1,027.4 | |
Long-term | 1,208.5 | 1,443.9 | |
Total | 1,513.4 | 2,471.3 | |
Valuation adjustment in asset cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts | 64 | 30.9 | |
Valuation adjustment in liability cross currency and interest rate derivative contracts | 86.5 | 64.6 | |
Gain (loss) on change in credit risk valuation included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | (9.3) | (120.9) | $ 15.3 |
Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Total | 408.5 | 400.2 | |
Liability: | |||
Total | 74.4 | 88.4 | |
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 10.4 | 2.5 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 10.4 | 2.5 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 1.1 | 0.8 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 1.1 | 0.8 | |
Other Contract [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Total | 1.6 | 1.4 | |
Liability: | |||
Total | 5.7 | 0.3 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 405.9 | 445.5 | |
Long-term | 1,792.5 | 1,213.6 | |
Total | 2,198.4 | 1,659.1 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 346.3 | 1,004 | |
Long-term | 1,234.5 | 1,517.1 | |
Total | 1,580.8 | 2,521.1 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 263.6 | 443.6 | |
Long-term | 1,518.5 | 812.5 | |
Total | 1,782.1 | 1,256.1 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 304.9 | 987.9 | |
Long-term | 1,194.7 | 1,443.9 | |
Total | 1,499.6 | 2,431.8 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 135.5 | 0 | |
Long-term | 273 | 400.2 | |
Total | 408.5 | 400.2 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 34.7 | 15.3 | |
Long-term | 39.7 | 73.1 | |
Total | 74.4 | 88.4 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 6.2 | 1.4 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 6.2 | 1.4 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 1.1 | 0.6 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 1.1 | 0.6 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Contract [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 0.6 | 0.5 | |
Long-term | 1 | 0.9 | |
Total | 1.6 | 1.4 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 5.6 | 0.2 | |
Long-term | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
Total | 5.7 | 0.3 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 16 | 1.1 | |
Long-term | 291.7 | 101.2 | |
Total | 307.7 | 102.3 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 0 | 39.7 | |
Long-term | 13.8 | 0 | |
Total | 13.8 | 39.7 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 11.8 | 0 | |
Long-term | 291.7 | 101.2 | |
Total | 303.5 | 101.2 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 0 | 39.5 | |
Long-term | 13.8 | 0 | |
Total | 13.8 | 39.5 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | |||
Assets: | |||
Current | 4.2 | 1.1 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 4.2 | 1.1 | |
Liability: | |||
Current | 0 | 0.2 | |
Long-term | 0 | 0 | |
Total | $ 0 | $ 0.2 |
Derivative Instruments (Realize
Derivative Instruments (Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ 847.2 | $ 88.8 | $ (1,020.4) |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 1,072.7 | 293.6 | (586.5) |
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 1.3 | 31.6 | (72.9) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 619.9 | 45.1 | (1,035.1) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 855.7 | 252.5 | (600.2) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (227.7) | (236.3) | (362.3) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (9) | 29 | (73.9) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 0.9 | (0.1) | 1.3 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ITV Collar [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (222.6) | (77.4) | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Sumitomo Collar [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (20.3) | (46) | (206.4) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Lionsgate Forward [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 14.5 | 0 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Collar [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 0 | (113.3) | (152.5) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Equity Related Derivative Instrument [Member] | Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 0.7 | 0.4 | (3.4) |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 227.3 | 43.7 | 14.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 217 | 41.1 | 13.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | $ 10.3 | $ 2.6 | $ 1 |
Derivative Instruments (Net Cas
Derivative Instruments (Net Cash Received (Paid) Related to Derivatives) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Total operating activities | $ (254.7) | $ (445.7) | $ (402.1) |
Total investing activities | 17.8 | (30.2) | (66.5) |
Total financing activities | (301.2) | (221) | 524.5 |
Total | (538.1) | (696.9) | 55.9 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Total operating activities | (225.9) | (425.2) | (358.1) |
Total investing activities | 15.6 | (30.2) | (66.5) |
Total financing activities | (301.2) | (183.6) | 524.5 |
Total | (511.5) | (639) | 99.9 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Total operating activities | (28.8) | (20.5) | (44) |
Total investing activities | 2.2 | 0 | 0 |
Total financing activities | 0 | (37.4) | 0 |
Total | $ (26.6) | $ (57.9) | $ (44) |
Derivative Instruments (Cross-c
Derivative Instruments (Cross-currency Swaps) (Schedule) (Details) - Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions, RON in Millions, PLN in Millions, HUF in Millions, CZK in Millions, CLP in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015HUF | Dec. 31, 2015CHF (SFr) | Dec. 31, 2015CZK | Dec. 31, 2015PLN | Dec. 31, 2015CLP | Dec. 31, 2015RON | |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 400.0 USD 339.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 400 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | June 2023 1855.0 USD 1198.3 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 1,855 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | February 2022 1400.0 USD 873.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 1,400 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1000.0 USD 648.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 1,000 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 500.0 USD 308.9 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 500 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2022 450.0 USD 272.0 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 450 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 425.0 USD 255.8 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 425 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | April 2019 191.5 USD 122.3 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 191.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | November 2016 55.0 USD 27.7 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 55 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2019 170.0 USD 102.9 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 50 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% | 8.38% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2019 - October 2022 50.0 USD 30.7 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 50 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 400.0 USD 339.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 339.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% | 4.33% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | June 2023 1855.0 USD 1198.3 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 1,198.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% | 3.18% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | February 2022 1400.0 USD 873.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 873.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1000.0 USD 648.6 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 648.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% | 5.32% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 500.0 USD 308.9 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 308.9 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% | 2.06% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2022 450.0 USD 272.0 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 272 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% | 6.43% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 425.0 USD 255.8 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 255.8 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | April 2019 191.5 USD 122.3 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 122.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% | 5.49% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | November 2016 55.0 USD 27.7 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 27.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% | 7.03% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2019 170.0 USD 102.9 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 30.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% | 8.98% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2019 - October 2022 50.0 USD 30.7 GBP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 30.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1140.0 USD 1043.7 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 1,140 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.38% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2021 440.0 USD 337.2 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 440 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2021 262.1 USD 194.1 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 262.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 252.5 USD 192.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 252.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% | 4.93% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | November 2019 250.0 USD 181.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 250 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | November 2021 250.0 USD 181.4 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 250 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2020 125.0 USD 91.3 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 125 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 122.5 USD 93.4 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 122.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% | 4.94% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | December 2016 340.0 USD [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 340 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 225.0 USD 206.3 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 225 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 225.0 USD 206.3 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 225 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% | 4.81% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - July 2021 200.0 USD 186.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 200 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2023 200.0 USD 185.5 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 200 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | November 2019 175.0 USD 158.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 175 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% | 7.25% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2021 100.0 USD 92.8 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 100 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 201.5 USD 489.3 RON [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 201.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 201.5 USD 489.3 RON [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 201.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2021 720.8 EUR 877.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 720.8 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - September 2022 383.8 EUR 477.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 383.8 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2017 360.4 EUR 589.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 360.4 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 285.1 EUR 346.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 285.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | April 2018 285.1 EUR 346.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 285.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% | 10.51% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 175Euro 258.6Chf [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 175 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 107.4 EUR 129.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 107.4 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2023 85.3 EUR 95.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 85.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2021 76.1 EUR 92.1 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 76.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 75.0 EUR 110.9 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 75 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% | 7.63% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2020 318.9 EUR 8818.7 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 318.9 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% | 5.58% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to January 2017 60.0 EUR 1703.1 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 60 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 39.6 EUR 1,000.0 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 39.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 260.0 EUR 75570.0 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 260 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to January 2017 260.0 EUR 75570.0 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 260 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | December 2016 150 EUR 4,3367.5 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 150 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2018 78.0 EUR 19,500 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 78 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2017 245.0 EUR 1000.6 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 245 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | September 2016 200.0 EUR 892.7 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 200 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2020 144.6 EUR 605.0 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 144.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 82Euro 318Pln [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 82 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1140.0 USD 1043.7 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 1,043.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% | 3.71% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2021 440.0 USD 337.2 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 337.2 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2021 262.1 USD 194.1 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 194.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 252.5 USD 192.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 192.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% | 7.49% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | November 2019 250.0 USD 181.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 181.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% | 7.74% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | November 2021 250.0 USD 181.4 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 181.4 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2020 125.0 USD 91.3 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 91.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% | 3.04% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 122.5 USD 93.4 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 93.4 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% | 4.87% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | December 2016 340.0 USD [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 370.9 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% | 4.01% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 225.0 USD 206.3 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 206.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 225.0 USD 206.3 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 206.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - July 2021 200.0 USD 186.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 186 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% | 2.55% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2023 200.0 USD 185.5 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 185.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | November 2019 175.0 USD 158.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 158.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 - July 2021 100.0 USD 92.8 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 92.8 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 201.5 USD 489.3 RON [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | RON | RON 489.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.40% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 201.5 USD 489.3 RON [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | RON | RON 489.3 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% | 11.34% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2021 720.8 EUR 877.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 877 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - September 2022 383.8 EUR 477.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 477 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2017 360.4 EUR 589.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 589 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% | 3.94% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 285.1 EUR 346.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 346.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) | (0.73%) |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | April 2018 285.1 EUR 346.7 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 346.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% | 9.87% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2020 175Euro 258.6Chf [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 258.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% | 6.76% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 107.4 EUR 129.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 129 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% | 3.28% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2023 85.3 EUR 95.0 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 95 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 2.65% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2021 76.1 EUR 92.1 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 92.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2017 75.0 EUR 110.9 CHF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 110.9 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% | 6.98% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2020 318.9 EUR 8818.7 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | CZK | CZK 8,818.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% | 5.44% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to January 2017 60.0 EUR 1703.1 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | CZK | CZK 1,703.1 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% | 6.99% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 39.6 EUR 1,000.0 CZK [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | CZK | CZK 1,000 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 260.0 EUR 75570.0 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | HUF | HUF 75,570 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to January 2017 260.0 EUR 75570.0 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | HUF | HUF 75,570 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% | 10.56% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | December 2016 150 EUR 4,3367.5 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | HUF | HUF 43,367.5 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2018 78.0 EUR 19,500 HUF [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | HUF | HUF 19,500 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% | 9.15% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2017 245.0 EUR 1000.6 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | PLN | PLN 1,000.6 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% | 9.03% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | September 2016 200.0 EUR 892.7 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | PLN | PLN 892.7 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% | 3.91% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2020 144.6 EUR 605.0 PLN [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | PLN | PLN 605 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% | 7.98% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 82Euro 318Pln [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | PLN | PLN 318 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% | 5.60% |
Unitymedia Hessen [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1,652.9 USD 1,252.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 2,450 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% | 5.62% |
Unitymedia Hessen [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 1,652.9 USD 1,252.5 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 1,799 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% | 4.76% |
VTR | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 1,400.0 USD 760,340.0 CLP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 1,400 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% |
VTR | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 1,400.0 USD 760,340.0 CLP [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | CLP | CLP 951,390 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% | 6.36% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 2,350.0 USD 1,727.0 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 2,350 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 400.0 USD 339.0 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 400 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 2,350.0 USD 1,727.0 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 1,819 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% | 4.56% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2023 400.0 USD 339.0 EUR [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 339 | ||||||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% | 4.58% |
Derivative Instruments (Interes
Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Swaps) (Schedule) (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015CHF (SFr) | |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | October 2018 2155.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 2,155 | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | October 2018 - June 2023 1200.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | 1,200 | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | 650 | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP 3.87% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | 650 | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | April 2018 300.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | £ | £ 300 | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2018 2155.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2018 - June 2023 1200.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP 3.87% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | April 2018 300.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | |||
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2018 2155.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.52% | 1.52% | 1.52% | 1.52% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2018 - June 2023 1200.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. GBP LIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 650.0 GBP 3.87% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.87% | 3.87% | 3.87% | 3.87% |
Virgin Media Investment Holdings Limited [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | April 2018 300.0 GBP [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.37% |
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2022 675.0 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 675 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 503.4 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 - January 2016 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 250 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 - January 2023 210.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 210 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | November 2021 107.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 107 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 - July 2020 43.4 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 43.4 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 900.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 900 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2020 750.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 750 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 - January 2022 711.5 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | 711.5 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 — January 2021 500.0 CHF 1.65% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | 500 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 - January 2018 400.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | 400 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 to December 2016 370.9Chf 3.82Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | 370.9 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2015 to November 2019 226.8 CHF 6.88 Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | SFr | SFr 226.8 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | January 2021 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 500 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 461.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 461.3 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 - January 2023 290.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 290 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | March 2021 175.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 175 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | July 2016 - January 2022 171.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 171.3 | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 675.0 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2016 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2023 210.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | November 2021 107.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - July 2020 43.4 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 900.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 750.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.38% | 6.38% | 6.38% | 6.38% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2022 711.5 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 — January 2021 500.0 CHF 1.65% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2018 400.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to December 2016 370.9Chf 3.82Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to November 2019 226.8 CHF 6.88 Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. CHF LIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 5.01% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 461.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2023 290.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | March 2021 175.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2022 171.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 675.0 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. LIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 4.90% | 4.90% | 4.90% | 4.90% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2016 1,554.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.52% | 2.52% | 2.52% | 2.52% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2023 210.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | November 2021 107.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.89% | 2.89% | 2.89% | 2.89% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - July 2020 43.4 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.95% | 3.95% | 3.95% | 3.95% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 900.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2020 750.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.16% | 3.16% | 3.16% | 3.16% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2022 711.5 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.89% | 1.89% | 1.89% | 1.89% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 — January 2021 500.0 CHF 1.65% [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.65% | 1.65% | 1.65% | 1.65% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 - January 2018 400.0 CHF [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% | 2.51% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to December 2016 370.9Chf 3.82Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.82% | 3.82% | 3.82% | 3.82% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2015 to November 2019 226.8 CHF 6.88 Percent [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2021 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.61% | 2.61% | 2.61% | 2.61% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 461.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2023 290.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.84% | 2.84% | 2.84% | 2.84% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | March 2021 175.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.32% | 2.32% | 2.32% | 2.32% |
UPC Broadband Holding | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2016 - January 2022 171.3 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 3.44% | 3.44% | 3.44% | 3.44% |
Telenet International [Member] | July 2017 800.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 800 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | June 2023 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 500 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | July 2017 - June 2022 420.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 420 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | June 2021 400.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 400 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | July 2017 - June 2023 382.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 382 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | June 2022 55.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 55 | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 800.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | June 2023 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 - June 2022 420.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | June 2021 400.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 - June 2023 382.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | June 2022 55.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 800.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | (0.17%) | (0.17%) | (0.17%) | (0.17%) |
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | June 2023 500.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 0.42% | 0.42% | 0.42% | 0.42% |
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 - June 2022 420.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.08% | 2.08% | 2.08% | 2.08% |
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | June 2021 400.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% |
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | July 2017 - June 2023 382.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.89% | 1.89% | 1.89% | 1.89% |
Telenet International [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | June 2022 55.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.81% | 1.81% | 1.81% | 1.81% |
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | October 2016 - January 2022 506.3 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 506.3 | |||
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | October 2016 - January 2019 168.8 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ | $ 168.8 | |||
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 - January 2022 506.3 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. LIBOR | |||
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 - January 2019 168.8 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 3 mo. LIBOR | |||
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 - January 2022 506.3 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% |
Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | October 2016 - January 2019 168.8 USD [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.96% | 1.96% | 1.96% | 1.96% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | January 2022 1,556.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 1,566 | |||
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | January 2016 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | 689 | |||
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | January 2016 - January 2017 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 689 | |||
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 1,556.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2016 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 1 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due From Counterparty [Member] | January 2016 - January 2017 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 1 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 3.75% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2022 1,556.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate | 1.66% | 1.66% | 1.66% | 1.66% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2016 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.59% | 3.59% | 3.59% | 3.59% |
Amsterdamse Beheer-en Consultingmaatschappij BV (ABC B.V.), a subsidiary of Ziggo [Member] | Due To Counterparty [Member] | January 2016 - January 2017 689.0 EUR [Member] | ||||
Derivative [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Interest Rate Referenced | 6 mo. EURIBOR | |||
Derivative Interest Rate Above Referenced Rate | 3.57% | 3.57% | 3.57% | 3.57% |
Derivative Instruments (Inter67
Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Caps) (Schedule) (Details) € in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) |
January 2020 735.0 EUR 7.00 Percent [Member] | Interest rate caps purchased [Member] | LGE Financing | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 735 |
EURIBOR cap rate | 7.00% |
June 2017 50.0 EUR 4.5 Percent [Member] | Interest rate caps purchased [Member] | Telenet International [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 50 |
EURIBOR cap rate | 4.50% |
December 2017 0.5 EUR 6.50 Percent [Member] | Interest rate caps purchased [Member] | Telenet N.V. | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 0.5 |
EURIBOR cap rate | 6.50% |
December 2017 0.5 EUR 5.50 Percent [Member] | Interest rate caps purchased [Member] | Telenet N.V. | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 0.5 |
EURIBOR cap rate | 5.50% |
January 2015 to January 2020 735.0 EUR 7.00 Percent [Member] | Interest rate caps sold [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 735 |
EURIBOR cap rate | 7.00% |
Derivative Instruments (Inter68
Derivative Instruments (Interest Rate Collars) (Schedule) (Details) - July 2016 — January 2020 1135.0 EUR [Member] - Interest Rate Collar [Member] - UPC Broadband Holding € in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Notional amount of derivative | € 1,135 |
EURIBOR floor rate | 1.00% |
EURIBOR cap rate | 3.54% |
Derivative Instruments (Foreign
Derivative Instruments (Foreign Currency Forwards) (Schedule) (Details) - Dec. 31, 2015 - Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions, RON in Millions, PLN in Millions, HUF in Millions, CZK in Millions, CLP in Millions, $ in Millions | EUR (€) | USD ($) | GBP (£) | HUF | CHF (SFr) | CZK | PLN | CLP | RON |
Foreign Currency Forward 4 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | $ 2.5 | CZK 60 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 5 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 64.1 | SFr 68.6 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 6 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 14.9 | 405 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 7 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 19 | HUF 6,000 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 8 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 36 | PLN 154.3 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 9 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 13.6 | RON 61.6 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 10 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 4.9 | £ 3.6 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 11 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 74.9 | SFr 81 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 12 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 16.1 | CZK 435 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 13 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 21.1 | HUF 6,600 | |||||||
Foreign Currency Forward 14 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 9.2 | PLN 39 | |||||||
LGE Financing | Foreign Currency Forward 1 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 194.6 | 215.1 | |||||||
LGE Financing | Foreign Currency Forward 2 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 30.7 | 20.2 | |||||||
LGE Financing | Foreign Currency Forward 3 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 31.2 | £ 23 | |||||||
VTR | Foreign Currency Forward 16 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | 143.1 | CLP 100,022.5 | |||||||
Telenet N.V. | Foreign Currency Forward 15 [Member] | |||||||||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||||||||
Notional amount of derivative | € 45.1 | $ 49.6 |
Fair Value Measurements (Narrat
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) | 1 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Jul. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Choice Acquisition [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Discount rate | 11.75% | |||
Choice Acquisition [Member] | Franchise Marketing Rights [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Discount rate | 12.25% | |||
Ziggo Acquisition [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Discount rate | 8.50% | |||
Virgin Media Acquisition [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Discount rate | 9.00% | |||
ITV Collar [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Discount rate | 0.00% | |||
ITV Collar [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Estimated volatilities | 25.70% | |||
ITV Collar [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | ||||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
Estimated volatilities | 27.60% |
Fair Value Measurements (Summar
Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | $ 2,506.1 | $ 1,761.4 |
Investments measured at fair value | 2,591.8 | 1,662.7 |
Total assets | 5,097.9 | 3,424.1 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1,594.6 | 2,560.8 |
Total liabilities | 1,594.6 | 2,560.8 |
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Investments measured at fair value | 2,257.2 | 1,344.3 |
Total assets | 2,257.2 | 1,344.3 |
Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 2,097.6 | 1,361.2 |
Investments measured at fair value | 0 | 0 |
Total assets | 2,097.6 | 1,361.2 |
Total liabilities | 1,520.2 | 2,472.4 |
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 408.5 | 400.2 |
Investments measured at fair value | 334.6 | 318.4 |
Total assets | 743.1 | 718.6 |
Total liabilities | 74.4 | 88.4 |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 2,085.6 | 1,357.3 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1,513.4 | 2,471.3 |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 2,085.6 | 1,357.3 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1,513.4 | 2,471.3 |
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 408.5 | 400.2 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 74.4 | 88.4 |
Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Equity-related derivative instruments [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 408.5 | 400.2 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 74.4 | 88.4 |
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 10.4 | 2.5 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1.1 | 0.8 |
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 10.4 | 2.5 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 1.1 | 0.8 |
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Other Contract [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 1.6 | 1.4 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 5.7 | 0.3 |
Other Contract [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Other Contract [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 1.6 | 1.4 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | 5.7 | 0.3 |
Other Contract [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Assets - derivative instruments | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities - derivative instruments | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Fair Value Measurements (Assets
Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Reconciliation) (Schedule and Footnote) (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities (Net) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | |
Beginning balance of asset (liability) | $ 630.2 |
Gains (losses) included in loss from continuing operations: | |
Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net | (227.7) |
Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net | (5.9) |
Adjustments resulting from the modification of the terms of the ITV Collar, net (b) | 256 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 16.1 |
Ending balance of asset (liability) | 668.7 |
Investments | |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities (Net) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | |
Beginning balance of asset (liability) | 318.4 |
Gains (losses) included in loss from continuing operations: | |
Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net | 0 |
Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net | (5.9) |
Adjustments resulting from the modification of the terms of the ITV Collar, net (b) | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | 22.1 |
Ending balance of asset (liability) | 334.6 |
Equity-related derivative instruments | |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities (Net) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | |
Beginning balance of asset (liability) | 311.8 |
Gains (losses) included in loss from continuing operations: | |
Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net | (227.7) |
Realized and unrealized losses due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net | 0 |
Adjustments resulting from the modification of the terms of the ITV Collar, net (b) | 256 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other, net | (6) |
Ending balance of asset (liability) | $ 334.1 |
Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (
Long-lived Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | $ 23,840.6 | $ 21,684 | $ 23,840.6 | |||
Non-cash increases related to vendor financing arrangements | 1,481.5 | 975.3 | $ 573.5 | |||
Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement | 189.3 | 114.9 | 46 | |||
Assets acquired under capital leases | 106.1 | 127.2 | 143 | |||
Franchise Rights and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Amount of franchise rights and other indefinite-lived intangible assets included in other assets, net, on the consolidated balance sheets | 557 | 690.5 | 557 | |||
European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses | 209.7 | 186.8 | 209.7 | |||
Contract termination and other | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Other restructuring costs | $ 84.9 | |||||
Office closures | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Other restructuring costs | $ 71.5 | |||||
VTR | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Incremental depreciation expense | 98.3 | |||||
Ziggo | Internal-Use Software Assets [Member] | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Impairment charges | 68.7 | |||||
Telenet | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Impairment charges | $ 73 | |||||
Assets Held under Capital Leases | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | $ 1,580.8 | 1,262.5 | 1,580.8 | |||
Continuing operations | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Depreciation expense | 4,501.4 | 4,401.6 | 3,499.6 | |||
Amortization of intangible assets | 1,324.4 | 1,098.5 | 776.8 | |||
Discontinued operations | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||||||
Depreciation expense | 0 | 0 | 11.5 | |||
Amortization of intangible assets | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 17.6 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of PP&E) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 36,739.9 | $ 36,524.8 |
Total | (15,055.9) | (12,684.2) |
Total | 21,684 | 23,840.6 |
Distribution Systems [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 25,485 | 26,012.5 |
Customer Premises Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 6,452.5 | 6,213.9 |
Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 4,802.4 | 4,298.4 |
Minimum [Member] | Distribution Systems [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 3 years | |
Minimum [Member] | Customer Premises Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 3 years | |
Minimum [Member] | Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 3 years | |
Maximum [Member] | Distribution Systems [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 30 years | |
Maximum [Member] | Customer Premises Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 5 years | |
Maximum [Member] | Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life | 50 years | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 34,559.7 | 34,376.2 |
Total | (13,719.2) | (11,360.2) |
Total | 20,840.5 | 23,016 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Distribution Systems [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 24,447.2 | 24,985.6 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Customer Premises Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 5,651.1 | 5,437.3 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 4,461.4 | 3,953.3 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 2,180.2 | 2,148.6 |
Total | (1,336.7) | (1,324) |
Total | 843.5 | 824.6 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Distribution Systems [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 1,037.8 | 1,026.9 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Customer Premises Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 801.4 | 776.6 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Support Equipment, Buildings and Land [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 341 | $ 345.1 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o75
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | $ 29,001.6 | $ 23,748.8 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 259.8 | 7,737 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (2,241) | (2,484.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | 27,020.4 | 29,001.6 |
European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 9,245.1 | 9,844.2 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 58.7 | 2.1 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (513.1) | (601.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | 8,790.7 | 9,245.1 |
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 8,605 | 1,260.4 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 142.2 | 7,724.3 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (895.9) | (379.7) |
Goodwill ending balance | 7,851.3 | 8,605 |
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 3,456.9 | 3,939.4 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (352.5) | (482.5) |
Goodwill ending balance | 3,104.4 | 3,456.9 |
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 1,978.9 | 2,255.1 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (201.8) | (276.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | 1,777.1 | 1,978.9 |
European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 3,591.9 | 4,031.1 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 2.3 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (91.5) | (441.5) |
Goodwill ending balance | 3,500.4 | 3,591.9 |
European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 26,877.8 | 21,330.2 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 200.9 | 7,728.7 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (2,054.8) | (2,181.1) |
Goodwill ending balance | 25,023.9 | 26,877.8 |
European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 1,302.1 | 1,520.1 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 7.3 | 8.3 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (122.5) | (226.3) |
Goodwill ending balance | 1,186.9 | 1,302.1 |
Total European Operations Division [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 28,179.9 | 22,850.3 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 208.2 | 7,737 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (2,177.3) | (2,407.4) |
Goodwill ending balance | 26,210.8 | 28,179.9 |
Corporate and Other [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 34.4 | 43 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (0.4) | (8.6) |
Goodwill ending balance | 34 | 34.4 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 28,214.3 | 22,893.3 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 208.2 | 7,737 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (2,177.7) | (2,416) |
Goodwill ending balance | 26,244.8 | 28,214.3 |
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 440.3 | 508.5 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (63.3) | (68.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | 377 | 440.3 |
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 226.1 | 226.1 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 51.6 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 0 | 0 |
Goodwill ending balance | 277.7 | 226.1 |
LiLAC Division [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 666.4 | 734.6 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 51.6 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (63.3) | (68.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | 654.7 | 666.4 |
LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 120.9 | 120.9 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 0 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 0 | 0 |
Goodwill ending balance | 120.9 | 120.9 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Goodwill [Roll Forward] | ||
Goodwill beginning balance | 787.3 | 855.5 |
Acquisitions and related adjustments | 51.6 | 0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (63.3) | (68.2) |
Goodwill ending balance | $ 775.6 | $ 787.3 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o76
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Gross carrying amount | $ 10,639.8 | $ 12,377.9 |
Accumulated amortization | (3,547.3) | (3,188.1) |
Net carrying amount | 7,092.5 | 9,189.8 |
Customer Relationships [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 10,434.3 | 12,142.5 |
Accumulated amortization | (3,442.4) | (3,056.3) |
Net carrying amount | 6,991.9 | 9,086.2 |
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 205.5 | 235.4 |
Accumulated amortization | (104.9) | (131.8) |
Net carrying amount | $ 100.6 | 103.6 |
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | ||
Estimated useful life | 4 years | |
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | ||
Estimated useful life | 2 years | |
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | ||
Estimated useful life | 15 years | |
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | ||
Estimated useful life | 15 years | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | $ 10,490.6 | 12,287.3 |
Accumulated amortization | (3,515.5) | (3,168.2) |
Net carrying amount | 6,975.1 | 9,119.1 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 10,285.3 | 12,052.5 |
Accumulated amortization | (3,410.7) | (3,037) |
Net carrying amount | 6,874.6 | 9,015.5 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 205.3 | 234.8 |
Accumulated amortization | (104.8) | (131.2) |
Net carrying amount | 100.5 | 103.6 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 149.2 | 90.6 |
Accumulated amortization | (31.8) | (19.9) |
Net carrying amount | 117.4 | 70.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 149 | 90 |
Accumulated amortization | (31.7) | (19.3) |
Net carrying amount | 117.3 | 70.7 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | ||
Gross carrying amount | 0.2 | 0.6 |
Accumulated amortization | (0.1) | (0.6) |
Net carrying amount | $ 0.1 | $ 0 |
Long-lived Assets (Schedule o77
Long-lived Assets (Schedule of expected future amortization expense for finite lived intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Long-lived Assets [Abstract] | ||
2,016 | $ 1,250.6 | |
2,017 | 1,138.5 | |
2,018 | 1,092.6 | |
2,019 | 1,052.8 | |
2,020 | 713.6 | |
Thereafter | 1,844.4 | |
Net carrying amount | $ 7,092.5 | $ 9,189.8 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga78
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Consolidated Debt and Capital Lease Obligations) (Schedules) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) |
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 1,322.8 | $ 1,547.6 | ||
Total debt and capital lease obligations | 47,057.3 | 46,159 | ||
Current maturities | (2,537.9) | (1,550.9) | ||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 44,519.4 | 44,608.1 | ||
Ziggo SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 1,582.7 | |||
Carrying value | 1,703.9 | |||
Ziggo Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 955.1 | |||
Carrying value | 960.1 | |||
Unitymedia Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 7,631.6 | |||
Carrying value | 7,682 | |||
UPCB SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 3,131.7 | |||
Carrying value | 3,140.4 | |||
UPC Holding Senior Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 1,601.4 | |||
Carrying value | 1,486.7 | |||
Telenet SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Estimated fair value | 2,155.8 | |||
Carrying value | $ 2,097.2 | |||
VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.88% | 6.88% | 6.88% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 1,301.1 | 1,439.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,400 | 1,400 | ||
VTR Credit Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 191 | |||
Estimated fair value | 0 | 0 | ||
Carrying value | $ 0 | 0 | ||
Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 5.11% | 5.11% | 5.11% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 40 | |||
Estimated fair value | 913 | 666.2 | ||
Carrying value | $ 933.9 | 672 | ||
Third-Party Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.77% | 4.77% | 4.77% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 3,910.6 | |||
Estimated fair value | 45,605.9 | 46,151.1 | ||
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | 44,611.4 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 3,679.6 | |||
Estimated fair value | 43,391.8 | 44,045.5 | ||
Carrying value | 43,400.6 | 42,539.4 | ||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 1,321.9 | 1,546.1 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UnityMedia KabelBW [Member] | ||||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 703.1 | 810.1 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Telenet | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | 3,709 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 371.1 | 413.4 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Virgin Media [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | 14,850.2 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 159.5 | 255.3 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | 2,481.4 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | $ 88.2 | 67.3 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | VM Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 5.61% | 5.61% | 5.61% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | £ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 10,594.1 | 8,461 | ||
Carrying value | $ 10,582.6 | 8,060.7 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | VM Credit Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.73% | 3.73% | 3.73% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 777.2 | |||
Estimated fair value | 3,413.7 | 4,734.9 | ||
Carrying value | $ 3,455 | 4,804 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 800 | $ 869.3 | ||
Estimated fair value | 5,161 | 4,663 | ||
Carrying value | $ 5,222.5 | 4,710.8 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.47% | 4.47% | 4.47% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 1,582.7 | 0 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,703.9 | 0 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.82% | 6.82% | 6.82% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 955.1 | 1,082.3 | ||
Carrying value | $ 960.1 | 1,077 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Unitymedia Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 7,631.6 | 7,869.3 | ||
Carrying value | $ 7,682 | 7,400.9 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 500 | $ 543.3 | ||
Estimated fair value | 0 | 319.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 0 | 338.8 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UPCB SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 5.82% | 5.82% | 5.82% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 3,131.7 | 4,279 | ||
Carrying value | $ 3,140.4 | 4,009.4 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UPC Holding Senior Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.59% | 6.59% | 6.59% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 1,601.4 | 2,603.6 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,486.7 | 2,391.6 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.25% | 3.25% | 3.25% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 990.1 | $ 1,075.8 | ||
Estimated fair value | 1,284.3 | 3,156.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,302.4 | 3,179.2 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Telenet SPE Notes [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 5.48% | 5.48% | 5.48% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 2,155.8 | 2,450.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 2,097.2 | 2,299 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Telenet Credit Facility [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.41% | 3.41% | 3.41% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 381 | $ 414 | ||
Estimated fair value | 1,443 | 1,633.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,471.8 | 1,638.6 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ITV Collar Loan [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 1.38% | 1.38% | 1.38% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |||
Estimated fair value | 1,547.9 | 678.2 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,538.7 | 667 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Sumitomo Collar Loan [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 1.88% | 1.88% | 1.88% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | € 0 | $ 0 | ||
Estimated fair value | 805.6 | 818 | ||
Carrying value | $ 787.6 | 787.7 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Vendor Financing [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.30% | 3.30% | 3.30% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |||
Estimated fair value | 1,688.9 | 946.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 1,688.9 | 946.4 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Debt [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 7.35% | 7.35% | 7.35% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |||
Estimated fair value | 395 | 350.2 | ||
Carrying value | $ 280.8 | 228.3 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.17% | 6.17% | 6.17% | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 231 | |||
Estimated fair value | 2,214.1 | 2,105.6 | ||
Carrying value | 2,333.9 | 2,072 | ||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 0.9 | 1.5 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | 933.9 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | 0.6 | 1 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | VTR | ||||
Debt: | ||||
Carrying value | 1,400 | |||
Capital lease obligations: | ||||
Total capital lease obligations | $ 0.3 | $ 0.5 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga79
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Consolidated Debt and Capital Lease Obligations) (Footnotes) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, CLP in Billions | May. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)associationgroup | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)associationgroup | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)associationgroup | Dec. 31, 2015CLPassociationgroup | Dec. 31, 2014EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement | $ 189.3 | $ 114.9 | $ 46 | ||||||||
Capital lease obligations | $ 1,322.8 | $ 1,547.6 | |||||||||
Term of lease repayments | 15 years | ||||||||||
Number of borrowing groups | group | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |||||||
Ziggo | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | € 216.3 | $ 235 | |||||||||
Ziggo | Pro Forma [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 246.2 | 267.5 | |||||||||
Unitymedia | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 17.7 | 19.2 | |||||||||
Unitymedia | Pro Forma [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | € 230.1 | $ 250 | |||||||||
Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.90% | 4.90% | 4.90% | 4.90% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount limitation | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||||
Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | € 570.2 | $ 619.6 | |||||||||
Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | Pro Forma [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 601.6 | 653.7 | |||||||||
Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 435.2 | 472.9 | |||||||||
Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | Pro Forma [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 500 | 543.3 | |||||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 716.4 | 778.4 | |||||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | Pro Forma [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | 858.3 | 932.6 | |||||||||
VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Facility amount | 994.5 | £ 675 | |||||||||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | ||||||||||
VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.25% | 2.75% | 2.75% | ||||||||
Vendor Financing [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
General term of vendor financing arrangements for amounts due | 1 year | ||||||||||
Value added tax, vendor financing arrangement | $ 189 | $ 101.7 | |||||||||
VTR Dollar Credit Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Facility amount | 160 | ||||||||||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | ||||||||||
VTR Dollar Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | ||||||||||
VTR CLP Credit Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Facility amount | 31 | CLP 22 | |||||||||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.34% | ||||||||||
VTR CLP Credit Facility [Member] | Interbank Offered Rate (CLP) [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.35% | ||||||||||
UnityMedia KabelBW [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Term when statutory termination rights are active | 30 years | ||||||||||
Telenet Capital Lease PICs Network [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Capital lease obligations | € 329.3 | $ 357.8 | € 328.6 | 357.1 | |||||||
Number of associations of municipalities in belgium | association | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||
Senior and Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Mandatory redemption price expressed as percentage of principal amount on senior notes in event that certain assets sold or specific control changed | 101.00% | 101.00% | 101.00% | 101.00% | |||||||
Redemption term | 12 years | ||||||||||
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount limitation | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | ||||||||||
SPE Notes [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Ownership percentage of SPEs by third parties | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | |||||||
Capital lease obligations | $ 1,321.9 | 1,546.1 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 4.80% | 4.80% | 4.80% | 4.80% | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.25% | 3.25% | 3.25% | 3.25% | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Vendor Financing [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 3.30% | 3.30% | 3.30% | 3.30% | |||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.17% | 6.17% | 6.17% | 6.17% | |||||||
Capital lease obligations | $ 0.9 | $ 1.5 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Aggregate Variable and Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member] | |||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Weighted average interest rate | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga80
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (VM Notes) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions | Apr. 30, 2015USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Mar. 30, 2015USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2014USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | |||||||
VM Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | |||||
VM Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 10,551.5 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 10,594.1 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 10,582.6 | |||||||
2022 VM 5.25% Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 95 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 95 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 88.4 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 95.7 | |||||||
2022 VM 4.875% Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.875% | 4.875% | 4.875% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 118.7 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 118.7 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 108.1 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 119.4 | |||||||
2022 VM Sterling Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.125% | 5.125% | 5.125% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 44.1 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 65 | £ 44.1 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 63.6 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 65.4 | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.375% | 6.375% | 6.375% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 530 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 530 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 539.9 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 530 | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | 2018 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.188% | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.125% | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.063% | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2023 VM Dollar Senior Notes | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 7.00% | 7.00% | 7.00% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 250 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 368.4 | £ 250 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 388.1 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 368.4 | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | 2018 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.50% | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.333% | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.667% | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2023 VM Sterling Senior Notes | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 500 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 500 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 498.4 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 500 | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.375% | 6.375% | 6.375% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 300 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 442 | £ 300 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 448.9 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 442 | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.188% | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.125% | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.063% | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2024 VM Sterling Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.50% | 4.50% | 4.50% | |||||
Original issue amount | € | € 460 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 460 | $ 499.8 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 476.4 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 499.8 | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.25% | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.50% | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.75% | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 400 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 400 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 389.3 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 400 | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.875% | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.917% | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.958% | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2021 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | |||||
January 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 628.4 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 925.9 | £ 628.4 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 984.9 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 936.2 | |||||||
January 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 447.9 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 447.9 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 472.5 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 458 | |||||||
April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.375% | 5.375% | 5.375% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 1,000 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 900 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 932.6 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 900 | |||||||
April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | 2017 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.688% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | 2018 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.344% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 430 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 570.2 | £ 387 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 560.6 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 570.2 | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.75% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.833% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.5% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.125% | 5.125% | 5.125% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 300 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 442 | £ 300 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 423.5 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 442 | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.563% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.708% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.854% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 VM 5.125% Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 1,100 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 1,458.7 | £ 990 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 1,515.1 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 1,458.7 | |||||||
April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | 2017 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | 2018 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.50% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | 2019 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
April 2021 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
VM Dollar Senior Secured Notes, 2025 [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.50% | 5.50% | 5.50% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 425 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 425 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 425.5 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 425 | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | |||||
Original issue amount | $ 1,000 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 1,000 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 971.9 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 1,004.8 | |||||||
Original issue price, percentage | 101.00% | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.625% | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.313% | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.656% | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2026 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
2027 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.875% | 4.875% | 4.875% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 525 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 773.5 | £ 525 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 712.6 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 773.5 | |||||||
2027 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.438% | |||||||
2027 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.219% | |||||||
2027 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.609% | |||||||
2027 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
VM Senior Secured Notes, 2029 [Member] | 2021 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 103.125% | |||||||
VM Senior Secured Notes, 2029 [Member] | 2022 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 102.083% | |||||||
VM Senior Secured Notes, 2029 [Member] | 2023 | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 101.042% | |||||||
VM Senior Secured Notes, 2029 [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |||||||
Original 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.25% | 5.25% | ||||||
Original issue amount | $ 500 | |||||||
Additional 2029 VM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Original issue amount | $ 500 | |||||||
2029 VM Sterling Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.25% | 6.25% | 6.25% | |||||
Original issue amount | £ | £ 400 | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 589.4 | £ 400 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 593.8 | |||||||
Carrying value | $ 593.5 | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (32.3) | |||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 15.6 | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 123 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | $ (170.9) | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | VM Senior Secured Notes Redeemed [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Percentage allowed to be redeemed each year | 10.00% | 10.00% | ||||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | 103.00% | ||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (44.3) | |||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 28.6 | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 10.7 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | 4.2 | |||||||
Third-party debt modification costs | 0.8 | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | VM Credit Facility A [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | 552.5 | £ 375 | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | VM Credit Facility B [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | $ 900 | £ 2,755 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga81
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (VM Credit Facility) (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions | May. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 3,679.6 | ||||
VM Credit Facility [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | 217.3 | ||||
VM Credit Facility [Member] | Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 777.2 | ||||
VM Credit Facility D [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Facility amount | £ | £ 100 | ||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 147 | ||||
VM Credit Facility D [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.25% | ||||
VM Credit Facility E [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Facility amount | £ | £ 849.4 | ||||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | ||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 1,248.8 | ||||
VM Credit Facility E [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | ||||
VM Credit Facility F [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Facility amount | $ 1,855 | $ 1,855 | |||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 1,841.9 | ||||
VM Credit Facility F [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | ||||
VM Credit Facility D. E, and F [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
LIBOR interest rate floor | 0.75% | 0.75% | |||
VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Facility amount | $ 994.5 | £ 675 | |||
Unused borrowing capacity | 777.2 | ||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 3,455 | ||||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | ||||
Increase in commitments | $ 22.1 | £ 15 | |||
VM Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.25% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga82
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Ziggo Credit Facility) (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 869.3 | |
Limitation on availability to be borrowed, loaned or distributed | € 570,200,000 | 619.6 |
Outstanding principal amount | 5,222.5 | |
Ziggo Euro Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € | € 2,000,000,000 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ 2,153.9 | |
Ziggo Euro Facility [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.00% | |
Floor interest rate | 0.75% | 0.75% |
Ziggo Dollar Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | $ 2,350 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ 2,319.7 | |
Ziggo Dollar Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | |
Floor interest rate | 0.75% | 0.75% |
Ziggo Revolving Facilities [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € | € 800,000,000 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 869.3 | |
Outstanding principal amount | 0 | |
Ziggo Revolving Facility One [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € 750,000,000 | 815 |
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | |
Ziggo Revolving Facility One [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | |
Ziggo Revolving Facility Two [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € 50,000,000 | 54.3 |
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 0.80% | |
Ziggo Revolving Facility Two [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.00% | |
Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 217.3 | |
Senior Secured Proceeds Loan [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 3.75% | 3.75% |
Facility amount | € | € 800,000,000 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ 869.3 | |
Euro Senior Proceeds Loan [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.625% | 4.625% |
Facility amount | € | € 400,000,000 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ 434.6 | |
Dollar Senior Proceeds Loan [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.875% | 5.875% |
Facility amount | $ 400 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | 400 | |
New Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € | € 689,200,000 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | 748.9 | |
New Ziggo Credit Facility [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.75% | |
Elimination of the Proceeds Loans in consolidation [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ (1,703.9) |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga83
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Ziggo SPE Notes) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | |
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | |
Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 3.75% | 3.75% |
Principal amount outstanding | € 800 | $ 869.3 |
Estimated fair value | 805.2 | |
Carrying value | $ 869.3 | |
Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.875% | |
Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.25% | |
Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.625% | |
Ziggo 2025 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 and thereafter | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |
Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.625% | 4.625% |
Principal amount outstanding | € 400 | $ 434.6 |
Estimated fair value | 405 | |
Carrying value | $ 434.6 | |
Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 102.313% | |
Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.542% | |
Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.771% | |
Ziggo 2025 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 and thereafter | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |
Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.875% | 5.875% |
Principal amount outstanding | $ 400 | |
Estimated fair value | 372.5 | |
Carrying value | 400 | |
Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 102.938% | |
Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.958% | |
Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.979% | |
Ziggo 2025 Dollar Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 and thereafter | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |
Ziggo SPE Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% | |
Principal amount outstanding | 1,703.9 | |
Estimated fair value | 1,582.7 | |
Carrying value | $ 1,703.9 | |
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 50.00% | 50.00% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga84
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Ziggo Notes) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | |
Carrying value | 45,734.5 | |
Ziggo Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal amount outstanding | 885.4 | |
Estimated fair value | 955.1 | |
Carrying value | $ 960.1 | |
Ziggo 2020 Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 3.625% | 3.625% |
Principal amount outstanding | € 71.7 | $ 77.9 |
Estimated fair value | 77.5 | |
Carrying value | $ 79.8 | |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Stated interest rate of debt | 7.125% | 7.125% |
Principal amount outstanding | € 743.1 | $ 807.5 |
Estimated fair value | 877.6 | |
Carrying value | $ 880.3 | |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 103.563% | |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 102.375% | |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.188% | |
Ziggo 2024 Euro Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 and thereafter | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga85
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Unitymedia Notes) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | Dec. 23, 2015 | Mar. 16, 2015EUR (€) | Mar. 16, 2015USD ($) | Mar. 11, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | ||||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.125% | 6.125% | |||||||
Original issue amount | $ 900 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 900 | ||||||||
Estimated fair value | 893.8 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 900 | ||||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 103.063% | 103.063% | |||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.042% | 102.042% | |||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.021% | 101.021% | |||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 3.75% | 3.75% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 700 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 700 | $ 760.6 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 657 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 760.6 | ||||||||
2027 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.875% | 101.875% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.938% | 100.938% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.469% | 100.469% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.50% | 5.50% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 650 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 585 | $ 635.7 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 675.4 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 635.7 | ||||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2017 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.75% | 102.75% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.833% | 101.833% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.917% | 100.917% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2022 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.50% | 5.50% | |||||||
Original issue amount | $ 1,000 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 1,000 | ||||||||
Estimated fair value | 996.3 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 1,000 | ||||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.75% | 102.75% | |||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.833% | 101.833% | |||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.917% | 100.917% | |||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.75% | 5.75% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 500 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 405 | $ 440.1 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 467.6 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 440.1 | ||||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.875% | 102.875% | |||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.917% | 101.917% | |||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.958% | 100.958% | |||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 5.75% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.125% | 5.125% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 500 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 450 | $ 489 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 513.7 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 489 | ||||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.563% | 102.563% | |||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.708% | 101.708% | |||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.854% | 100.854% | |||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
January 2023 5.125% UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.625% | 5.625% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 350 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 280 | $ 304.2 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 322.7 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 304.2 | ||||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.813% | 102.813% | |||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.875% | 101.875% | |||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.938% | 100.938% | |||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
April 2023 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.00% | 4.00% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 1,000 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 1,000 | $ 1,086.6 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 1,050.6 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 1,086.6 | ||||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.00% | 102.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.333% | 101.333% | |||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.667% | 100.667% | |||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Euro Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.00% | 5.00% | |||||||
Original issue amount | $ 550 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 550 | ||||||||
Estimated fair value | 529 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 550 | ||||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.50% | 102.50% | |||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.667% | 101.667% | |||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.833% | 100.833% | |||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2025 UM Dollar Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2026 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.625% | 4.625% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 420 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 420 | $ 456.4 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 455.5 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 456.4 | ||||||||
2026 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.313% | 102.313% | |||||||
2026 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.156% | 101.156% | |||||||
2026 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.578% | 100.578% | |||||||
2026 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 3.50% | 3.50% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 500 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 500 | $ 543.3 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 502.9 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 543.3 | ||||||||
2027 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.75% | 101.75% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.875% | 100.875% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.438% | 100.438% | |||||||
2027 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
2029 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.25% | 6.25% | |||||||
Original issue amount | € | € 475 | ||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 475 | $ 516.1 | |||||||
Estimated fair value | 567.1 | ||||||||
Carrying value | 516.1 | ||||||||
2029 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 103.125% | 103.125% | |||||||
2029 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 102.083% | 102.083% | |||||||
2029 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 101.042% | 101.042% | |||||||
2029 UM Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||||
Unitymedia Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 7,682 | ||||||||
Estimated fair value | 7,631.6 | ||||||||
Carrying value | $ 7,682 | ||||||||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | 0.50% | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (32.3) | ||||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 123 | ||||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 15.6 | ||||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | (170.9) | ||||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | Unitymedia Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | (130.8) | $ (112.5) | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 115.1 | 75 | |||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 14 | 21.6 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | 12.3 | $ 15.9 | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UM Senior Secured Notes Redeemed [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | 103.00% | |||||||
Percentage allowed to be redeemed each year | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (8.1) | $ (3.1) | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 6.4 | ||||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | $ 1.7 | 0.5 | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of debt held in escrow | € 108.2 | 117.6 | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UM Senior Exchange Notes [Member] | |||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 9.50% | 9.50% | |||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (91.2) | ||||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 89.8 | $ 2.6 | |||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 618 | 671.5 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | $ 1.4 | $ (10.6) |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga86
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities) (Details) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2015 € in Millions, $ in Millions | EUR (€) | USD ($) |
UM Senior Secured Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € | € 420 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 456.4 | |
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | |
Outstanding principal amount | 0 | |
UM Senior Secured Facility [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | |
UM Super Senior Secured Facility [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Facility amount | € | € 80 | |
Unused borrowing capacity | 86.9 | |
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 0.90% | |
Outstanding principal amount | 0 | |
UM Super Senior Secured Facility [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | |
Unitymedia Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | 543.3 | |
Outstanding principal amount | $ 0 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga87
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (UPCB SPE Notes) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781.2 | |||||
Carrying value | 45,734.5 | |||||
UPCB SPE Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 3,142 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 3,131.7 | |||||
Carrying value | $ 3,140.4 | |||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | 0.50% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.375% | 5.375% | ||||
Original issue amount | $ 1,140 | |||||
Principal amount outstanding | 1,140 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 1,080.9 | |||||
Carrying value | $ 1,138.4 | |||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 102.688% | 102.688% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 101.792% | 101.792% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.896% | 100.896% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.00% | 4.00% | ||||
Original issue amount | € | € 600 | |||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 600 | $ 652 | ||||
Estimated fair value | 616.5 | |||||
Carrying value | $ 652 | |||||
UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 102.00% | 102.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 101.00% | 101.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] | 2023 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.50% | 100.50% | ||||
UPCB Finance IV Euro Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 7.25% | 7.25% | ||||
Original issue amount | $ 750 | |||||
Principal amount outstanding | 675 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 719.7 | |||||
Carrying value | $ 675 | |||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2016 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 103.625% | 103.625% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2017 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 102.417% | 102.417% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2018 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 101.208% | 101.208% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance V Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.875% | 6.875% | ||||
Original issue amount | $ 750 | |||||
Principal amount outstanding | 675 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 714.6 | |||||
Carrying value | $ 675 | |||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2017 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 103.438% | 103.438% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2018 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 102.292% | 102.292% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2019 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 101.146% | 101.146% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2020 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2021 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2022 | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPCB SPE Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (59.6) | |||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 54.3 | |||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 5.3 | |||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Y Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 190 | 206.5 | ||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Z Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € | 1,000 | |||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AI Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 600 | $ 652 | ||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Original issue amount | $ 800 | |||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Y Debt [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 560 | $ 608.5 | ||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPCB Finance III Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.625% | 6.625% | ||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPCB Finance VI Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Percentage allowed to be redeemed each year | 10.00% | 10.00% | ||||
Redemption price | 103.00% | 103.00% | ||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | Additional UPCB Finance IV Dollar Notes [Member] | ||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
Original issue amount | $ 340 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga88
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility) (Details) € in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Mar. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 1,075,800,000 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 1,302,400,000 | |||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (16,500,000) | $ (11,900,000) | ||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 4,200,000 | |||||||
Third-party debt modification costs | 0 | $ 7,700,000 | ||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AC Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 7.25% | 7.25% | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 675,000,000 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 675,000,000 | |||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AD Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.875% | 6.875% | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 675,000,000 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | 675,000,000 | |||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AH Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Facility amount | 1,305,000,000 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 1,302,400,000 | |||||||
LIBOR interest rate floor | 0.75% | 0.75% | ||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AH Debt [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | ||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AK Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.00% | 4.00% | ||||||
Facility amount | € | € 600 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 652,000,000 | |||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AL Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 5.375% | 5.375% | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 1,140,000,000 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | 1,140,000,000 | |||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AM Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Facility amount | € | € 990.1 | |||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 1,075,800,000 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | 0 | |||||||
UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AM Debt [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | 2.75% | ||||||
Elimination of Facilities AC, AD, AK and AL in Consolidation [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ (3,142,000,000) | |||||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (76,900,000) | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 53,500,000 | |||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 18,700,000 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | 4,700,000 | |||||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Y Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 190 | $ 206,500,000 | ||||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Z Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € | € 1,000 | |||||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AG Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 870.2 | 945,600,000 | ||||||
Line of Credit [Member] | UPCB Finance I Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 7.625% | 7.625% | ||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 500 | 543,300,000 | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | (32,300,000) | |||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 123,000,000 | |||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 15,600,000 | |||||||
Write-off of unamortized debt discount (premium) | $ (170,900,000) | |||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility AM Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | 1.10% | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPC Broadband Holding Bank Facility Y Debt [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 560 | $ 608,500,000 | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPCB Finance II Senior Secured Notes [Member] | ||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.375% | 6.375% | ||||||
Principal amount of debt | € 750 | $ 815,000,000 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga89
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (UPC Holding Senior Notes) (Details) € in Millions, SFr in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Mar. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015CHF (SFr) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | $ 45,781,200,000 | ||||||
Carrying value | 45,734,500,000 | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 1,491,100,000 | ||||||
Estimated fair value | 1,601,400,000 | ||||||
Carrying value | $ 1,486,700,000 | ||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (85,500,000) | ||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 35,600,000 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount (premium) | 24,500,000 | ||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 19,000,000 | ||||||
Interest costs incurred | $ 0 | $ 6,400,000 | |||||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | ||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 600 | $ 652,000,000 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 693,900,000 | ||||||
Carrying value | 647,600,000 | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | 2017 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 103.188% | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | 2018 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 102.125% | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | 2019 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 101.063% | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | 2020 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 6.375 Debt [Member] | 2021 and thereafter | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 103.375% | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 102.25% | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 101.125% | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 and thereafter | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% Euro Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | € 450 | 489,000,000 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 528,700,000 | ||||||
Carrying value | 489,000,000 | ||||||
UPC Holding 6.75% CHF Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Principal amount outstanding | 350,100,000 | SFr 350 | |||||
Estimated fair value | 378,800,000 | ||||||
Carrying value | $ 350,100,000 | ||||||
UPC Holding Senior Notes 9.875 Debt [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | (41,500,000) | ||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 19,700,000 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount (premium) | 17,400,000 | ||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 4,400,000 | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | (32,300,000) | ||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 123,000,000 | ||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | $ 15,600,000 | ||||||
Long-term Debt [Member] | UPC Holding 8.375 % Senior Notes [Member] | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 8.375% | 8.375% | |||||
Extinguishment of debt | € 640 | $ 695,400,000 | |||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | (69,300,000) | ||||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 59,200,000 | ||||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | $ 10,100,000 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga90
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Telenet Credit Facility) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Jul. 01, 2015EUR (€) | Jul. 01, 2015USD ($) | May. 07, 2015EUR (€) | May. 07, 2015USD ($) | |
Telenet Credit Facility [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 414 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 1,471.8 | |||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (11.9) | |||||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 7.1 | |||||
Payment for debt redemption premium | 3.6 | |||||
Amortization of debt discount (premium) | $ 1.2 | |||||
Telenet Facility O [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.625% | |||||
Facility amount | $ 300 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | 326 | |||||
Telenet Facility P [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | 400 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 434.6 | |||||
Telenet Facility P [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.875% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility U [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.25% | |||||
Facility amount | $ 450 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 489 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility V [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.75% | |||||
Facility amount | $ 250 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | 271.7 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility W [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | 474.1 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 514.2 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility W [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.25% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility X [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 381 | € 95 | $ 103.3 | |||
Unused borrowing capacity | 414 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 0 | € 217 | $ 245.9 | |||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 1.10% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility X [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.75% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility X2 [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | 85 | 92.4 | ||||
Telenet Credit Facility Y [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 882.9 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 957.6 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility Y [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility Z [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 200 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 0 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility Z [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.25% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility AA [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | $ 800 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 0 | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility AA [Member] | EURIBOR [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | |||||
Telenet Credit Facility AB [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.875% | |||||
Facility amount | $ 530 | |||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | 575.9 | |||||
Elimination of Telenet Facilities O, P, U, V and AB in Consolidation [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | |||||
Outstanding principal amount | (2,097.2) | |||||
Line of Credit [Member] | Telenet Credit Facility S [Member] | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Facility amount | € 10 | $ 10.9 | ||||
Telenet | ||||||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||||||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (34.3) |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga91
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Telenet SPE Notes) (Details) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2015 € in Millions, $ in Millions | USD ($) | EUR (€) | USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Carrying value | $ 45,734.5 | ||
Telenet SPE Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Principal amount of debt | 2,097.2 | ||
Estimated fair value | 2,155.8 | ||
Carrying value | $ 2,097.2 | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | 0.50% | |
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.625% | 6.625% | |
Principal amount of debt | € 300 | $ 326 | |
Estimated fair value | 337.4 | ||
Carrying value | 326 | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2016 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 103.313% | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2017 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 102.209% | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 101.104% | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance III Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Principal amount of debt | € 400 | 434.6 | |
Estimated fair value | 435.2 | ||
Carrying value | $ 434.6 | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2016 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2017 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.25% | 6.25% | |
Principal amount of debt | € 450 | $ 489 | |
Estimated fair value | 529 | ||
Carrying value | $ 489 | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2017 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 103.125% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 102.083% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 101.563% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.25% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.75% | 6.75% | |
Principal amount of debt | € 250 | $ 271.7 | |
Estimated fair value | 298.8 | ||
Carrying value | $ 271.7 | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2018 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 103.375% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 102.531% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 101.688% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.844% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
6.75% Telenet Finance V Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet Finance VI Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Stated interest rate of debt | 4.875% | 4.875% | |
Principal amount of debt | € 530 | $ 575.9 | |
Estimated fair value | 555.4 | ||
Carrying value | $ 575.9 | ||
Telenet Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2021 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 102.438% | ||
Telenet Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2022 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 101.219% | ||
Telenet Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2023 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.609% | ||
Telenet Finance VI Notes [Member] | 2024 and thereafter | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Redemption price | 100.00% | ||
Telenet SPE [Member] | Telenet Finance Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Stated interest rate of debt | 6.375% | 6.375% | |
Principal amount of debt | € 500 | $ 543.3 | |
Telenet | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (34.3) | ||
EURIBOR [Member] | Telenet Finance IV Notes [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.875% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga92
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes) (Details) - VTR Finance Senior Secured Notes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Billions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2015 | Jan. 24, 2014 | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Principal amount of debt | $ 1.4 | |
Additional basis points used to determine redemption premium | 0.50% | |
2,019 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 103.438% | |
2,020 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 102.292% | |
2,021 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 101.146% | |
2022 and thereafter | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Redemption price | 100.00% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga93
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2015 | |
LPR Term Loan B [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Facility amount | $ 765 | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 757 | ||
LPR Term Loan B [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | ||
LPR Term Loan B [Member] | Choice Acquisition [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Principal amount of debt | $ 235 | ||
LPR Term Loan C [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Facility amount | $ 177.5 | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | 0 | ||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 176.9 | ||
LPR Term Loan C [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Basis spread on variable rate | 6.75% | ||
LPR Term Loan C [Member] | Choice Acquisition [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Principal amount of debt | $ 32.5 | ||
LPR Revolving Loan [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Facility amount | $ 40 | ||
Unused borrowing capacity | 40 | ||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 0 | ||
LPR Revolving Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 0.50% | ||
LPR Revolving Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Fee on unused portion of credit facility | 0.375% | ||
LPR Revolving Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Basis spread on variable rate | 3.50% | ||
Liberty Puerto Rico Bank Facility [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Unused borrowing capacity | $ 40 | ||
Outstanding principal amount | $ 933.9 | ||
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt | $ (9.8) | ||
Loss on extinguishment of debt, third party costs incurred | 7.1 | ||
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost | 3.6 | ||
Amortization of debt discount (premium) | $ (0.9) | ||
LPR Term Loan B and LPR Term Loan C [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
LIBOR interest rate floor | 1.00% |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga94
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Maturities of Debt) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | $ 2,380.7 | |
2,015 | 520.1 | |
2,016 | 1,269.5 | |
2,017 | 370 | |
2,018 | 117.7 | |
Thereafter | 41,123.2 | |
Total debt maturities | 45,781.2 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (46.7) | |
long-term debt | 45,734.5 | |
Current portion | 2,382.1 | |
Noncurrent portion | 43,352.4 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 2,380.7 | |
2,015 | 520.1 | |
2,016 | 1,269.5 | |
2,017 | 370 | |
2,018 | 117.7 | |
Thereafter | 38,780.7 | |
Total debt maturities | 43,438.7 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (38.1) | |
long-term debt | 43,400.6 | $ 42,539.4 |
Current portion | 2,382.1 | |
Noncurrent portion | 41,018.5 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Virgin Media [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 1,028.5 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 13,804.9 | |
Total debt maturities | 14,833.4 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | 16.8 | |
long-term debt | 14,850.2 | |
Current portion | 1,029.9 | |
Noncurrent portion | 13,820.3 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Ziggo Group Holding [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 125.7 | |
2,015 | 0.4 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 77.9 | |
Thereafter | 7,783.4 | |
Total debt maturities | 7,987.4 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | 25.2 | |
long-term debt | 8,012.6 | |
Current portion | 125.7 | |
Noncurrent portion | 7,886.9 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Unitymedia | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 254.6 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 7,569.6 | |
Total debt maturities | 7,824.2 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | 0 | |
long-term debt | 7,824.2 | |
Current portion | 254.6 | |
Noncurrent portion | 7,569.6 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | UPC Holding [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 593.7 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 5,938.1 | |
Total debt maturities | 6,531.8 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (8.6) | |
long-term debt | 6,523.2 | |
Current portion | 593.7 | |
Noncurrent portion | 5,929.5 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Telenet | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 8 | |
2,015 | 8 | |
2,016 | 8 | |
2,017 | 18.4 | |
2,018 | 12.2 | |
Thereafter | 3,657.1 | |
Total debt maturities | 3,711.7 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (2.7) | |
long-term debt | 3,709 | |
Current portion | 8 | |
Noncurrent portion | 3,701 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 370.2 | |
2,015 | 511.7 | |
2,016 | 1,261.5 | |
2,017 | 351.6 | |
2,018 | 27.6 | |
Thereafter | 27.6 | |
Total debt maturities | 2,550.2 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (68.8) | |
long-term debt | 2,481.4 | |
Current portion | 370.2 | |
Noncurrent portion | 2,111.2 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 0 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 2,342.5 | |
Total debt maturities | 2,342.5 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (8.6) | |
long-term debt | 2,333.9 | $ 2,072 |
Current portion | 0 | |
Noncurrent portion | 2,333.9 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | VTR | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 0 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 1,400 | |
Total debt maturities | 1,400 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | 0 | |
long-term debt | 1,400 | |
Current portion | 0 | |
Noncurrent portion | 1,400 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
2,014 | 0 | |
2,015 | 0 | |
2,016 | 0 | |
2,017 | 0 | |
2,018 | 0 | |
Thereafter | 942.5 | |
Total debt maturities | 942.5 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | (8.6) | |
long-term debt | 933.9 | |
Current portion | 0 | |
Noncurrent portion | $ 933.9 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga95
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Capital Lease Obligations) (Schedule) (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | $ 244.5 |
2,016 | 194.6 |
2,017 | 162.6 |
2,018 | 141.4 |
2,019 | 135.4 |
Thereafter | 1,254.7 |
Total principal and interest payments | 2,133.2 |
Amounts representing interest | (810.4) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 1,322.8 |
Current portion | 155.8 |
Noncurrent portion | 1,167 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 243.7 |
2,016 | 194.4 |
2,017 | 162.6 |
2,018 | 141.4 |
2,019 | 135.4 |
Thereafter | 1,254.7 |
Total principal and interest payments | 2,132.2 |
Amounts representing interest | (810.3) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 1,321.9 |
Current portion | 155 |
Noncurrent portion | 1,166.9 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Unitymedia | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 79.7 |
2,016 | 79.7 |
2,017 | 79.7 |
2,018 | 79.7 |
2,019 | 79.7 |
Thereafter | 787.5 |
Total principal and interest payments | 1,186 |
Amounts representing interest | (482.9) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 703.1 |
Current portion | 26.3 |
Noncurrent portion | 676.8 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Telenet | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 63.6 |
2,016 | 60.3 |
2,017 | 58.2 |
2,018 | 48.7 |
2,019 | 46 |
Thereafter | 218.4 |
Total principal and interest payments | 495.2 |
Amounts representing interest | (124.1) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 371.1 |
Current portion | 40.5 |
Noncurrent portion | 330.6 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Virgin Media [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 76.4 |
2,016 | 35.5 |
2,017 | 12 |
2,018 | 5.2 |
2,019 | 4.2 |
Thereafter | 206 |
Total principal and interest payments | 339.3 |
Amounts representing interest | (179.8) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 159.5 |
Current portion | 69.1 |
Noncurrent portion | 90.4 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 24 |
2,016 | 18.9 |
2,017 | 12.7 |
2,018 | 7.8 |
2,019 | 5.5 |
Thereafter | 42.8 |
Total principal and interest payments | 111.7 |
Amounts representing interest | (23.5) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 88.2 |
Current portion | 19.1 |
Noncurrent portion | 69.1 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
2,015 | 0.8 |
2,016 | 0.2 |
2,017 | 0 |
2,018 | 0 |
2,019 | 0 |
Thereafter | 0 |
Total principal and interest payments | 1 |
Amounts representing interest | (0.1) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 0.9 |
Current portion | 0.8 |
Noncurrent portion | $ 0.1 |
Debt and Capital Lease Obliga96
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Non-cash Refinancing Transactions) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Aggregate debt which resulted in non-cash borrowings and repayments | $ 3,586.5 | $ 5,418.8 | $ 5,061.5 |
Virgin Media Merger Agreement [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Liabilities assumed | $ 3,557.5 |
Income Taxes (Details)
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | $ (684.6) | $ (1,055.9) | $ (526.5) |
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | 778.1 | 585.7 | (976) |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,353.3) | (644.5) | 799.9 |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (924.5) | (1,105.6) | (306.3) |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | 395.3 | 326.1 | 284.3 |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Chilean Tax Authority [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | 182.3 | 43.1 | (84.5) |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Administration of the Treasury, Belgium [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | 175.4 | 21.5 | 89.5 |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (5.1) | (294.7) | (355.8) |
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Other Income Tax Authority [Member] | |||
Income Tax Examination [Line Items] | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | $ 67.2 | $ 12.5 | $ 22.4 |
Income Taxes (Table 1) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 1) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Total | $ (113.3) | ||
Deferred | $ 50.1 | $ 350.6 | (18.6) |
Total income tax benefit (expense) | (364.9) | 75 | (355.5) |
Continuing operations | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (415) | (275.6) | (336.9) |
Deferred | 50.1 | 350.6 | (18.6) |
Total income tax benefit (expense) | (364.9) | 75 | (355.5) |
Continuing operations | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (0.9) | (2.1) | (2.4) |
Deferred | (208.5) | 113.4 | (245.2) |
Total | (209.4) | 111.3 | (247.6) |
Continuing operations | Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | 2.5 | 11.1 | 0.5 |
Deferred | 159 | 42.5 | 97.3 |
Total | 161.5 | 53.6 | 97.8 |
Continuing operations | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (81.2) | (22.5) | (106) |
Deferred | 58.7 | 129.6 | 104.9 |
Total | (22.5) | 107.1 | (1.1) |
Continuing operations | Administration of the Treasury, Belgium [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (125.4) | (138.7) | (97.1) |
Deferred | 11.1 | 31.7 | (16.2) |
Total | (114.3) | (107) | |
Continuing operations | Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (63.2) | (76.8) | (53.6) |
Deferred | (14.7) | 3.1 | (4.4) |
Total | (77.9) | (73.7) | (58) |
Continuing operations | Chilean Tax Authority [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (57.4) | 17.1 | (34) |
Deferred | 13.5 | (24.1) | 56 |
Total | (43.9) | (7) | 22 |
Continuing operations | Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (66.7) | (22.6) | (13.2) |
Deferred | 24.3 | 37 | (38.1) |
Total | (42.4) | 14.4 | (51.3) |
Continuing operations | Other Income Tax Authority [Member] | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | (22.7) | (41.1) | (31.1) |
Deferred | 6.7 | 17.4 | 27.1 |
Total | $ (16) | (23.7) | (4) |
Discontinued operations | |||
Income Taxes [Line Items] | |||
Current | 0 | (20.5) | |
Deferred | (0.1) | (2.2) | |
Discontinued operations | $ (0.1) | $ (22.7) |
Income Taxes (Table 2) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 2) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Computed “expected” tax benefit | $ 136.9 | $ 221.7 | $ 121.1 |
Change in valuation allowances: | |||
Decrease | (508.3) | (373.1) | (112.6) |
Increase | 6.8 | 11.9 | 31.7 |
Enacted tax law and rate changes | (280.5) | 23.9 | (377.8) |
Tax effect of intercompany financing | 154.9 | 166.9 | 82.7 |
International rate differences: | |||
Increase | 200.8 | 266.4 | 148.2 |
Decrease | (52.7) | (27.6) | (50.8) |
Basis and other differences in the treatment of items associated with investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (b): | |||
Decrease | (96.9) | (168) | (288) |
Increase | 3.3 | 32.6 | 284 |
Non-deductible or non-taxable interest and other expenses: | |||
Decrease | (106.6) | (236.5) | (133.5) |
Increase | 48.1 | 58 | 85.2 |
Non-deductible or non-taxable foreign currency exchange results: | |||
Increase | 53.2 | 71.9 | 0.5 |
Decrease | (5.1) | (16.3) | (56.1) |
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits | 44.4 | 29.5 | 0 |
Tax benefit associated with technology innovation | 21 | 0 | 0 |
Change in subsidiary tax attributes due to a deemed change in control | 0 | 0 | (88) |
Other, net | 15.8 | 13.7 | (2.1) |
Total income tax benefit (expense) | $ (364.9) | $ 75 | $ (355.5) |
Income Taxes (Table 3) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 3) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Current deferred tax assets | $ 0 | $ 290.3 |
Non-current deferred tax assets | 2,342.9 | 2,587 |
Current deferred tax liabilities | 0 | (0.6) |
Non-current deferred tax liabilities | (1,785.7) | (2,369.4) |
Net deferred tax asset | $ 557.2 | $ 507.3 |
Income Taxes (Table 4) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 4) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Deferred tax assets: | ||
Net operating loss and other carryforwards | $ 5,873.2 | $ 6,637.9 |
Property and equipment, net | 2,583.1 | 2,970.7 |
Debt | 1,611.7 | 1,189 |
Derivative instruments | 173.1 | 345.9 |
Intangible assets | 112.4 | 149.6 |
Other future deductible amounts | 272.5 | 265.3 |
Deferred tax assets | 10,626 | 11,558.4 |
Valuation allowance | (6,395.6) | (6,679.4) |
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance | 4,230.4 | 4,879 |
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
Intangible assets | (1,826.5) | (2,338.2) |
Property and equipment, net | (1,053.4) | (1,362.9) |
Investments | (374.5) | (367.6) |
Derivative instruments | (280.7) | (142.7) |
Other future taxable amounts | (138.1) | (160.3) |
Deferred tax liabilities | (3,673.2) | (4,371.7) |
Net deferred tax asset | $ 557.2 | $ 507.3 |
Income Taxes (Table 5) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 5) (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | $ 29,414.2 |
Related tax asset | 5,873.2 |
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 1,528.8 |
Related tax asset | 275.2 |
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] | Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 17,822.6 |
Related tax asset | 3,208 |
Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 3,539.1 |
Related tax asset | 884.8 |
Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 2,002.2 |
Related tax asset | 321.8 |
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 1,323.2 |
Related tax asset | 329.4 |
Luxembourg [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 1,052 |
Related tax asset | 307.4 |
Administration of the Treasury, Belgium [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 586.4 |
Related tax asset | 199.3 |
France [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 522.7 |
Related tax asset | 180 |
Ireland [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 558.5 |
Related tax asset | 69.8 |
Hungary [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 230.9 |
Related tax asset | 43.9 |
Other Income Tax Authority [Member] | |
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | |
Tax loss carryforward | 247.8 |
Related tax asset | $ 53.6 |
Income Taxes (Table 6) (Details
Income Taxes (Table 6) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | |||
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance | $ 513.5 | $ 490.9 | $ 359.7 |
Additions for tax positions of prior years | 27 | 64.5 | 41.5 |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years | (42.2) | (50.2) | (14.2) |
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year | 142.3 | 38.2 | 102.3 |
Foreign currency translation | (22.3) | (27) | 7.9 |
Lapse of statute of limitations | (8.3) | (1.9) | (6.3) |
Settlements with tax authorities | (0.1) | (1) | 0 |
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance | $ 609.9 | $ 513.5 | $ 490.9 |
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2014 | Apr. 30, 2020 | Apr. 30, 2017 | Nov. 30, 2015 | Apr. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | ||||||||
Change in valuation allowances | $ 283.8 | |||||||
Net operating losses from deductions of stock based compensation excluded from recorded deferred tax assets | 179 | |||||||
Deferred tax liability, temporary difference | 9,100 | |||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits - favorable impact on effective income tax rate if ultimately recognized, net of valuation allowances | 299.4 | |||||||
Reasonably possible reductions to unrecognized tax benefits | 250 | |||||||
Accrued interest and penalties on tax related items | 61.4 | |||||||
Virgin Media [Member] | ||||||||
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | ||||||||
Amount on which future tax deductions can be claimed | $ 21,000 | $ 21,600 | ||||||
Maximum percent of capital allowances claimed allowance | 18.00% | |||||||
Continuing operations | ||||||||
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | ||||||||
Change in valuation allowances related to net tax expense | $ (501.5) | |||||||
Benefit (expense) from release (accrual) of interest and penalties | $ (10.3) | $ (10.9) | $ (14) | |||||
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | ||||||||
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | ||||||||
Statutory income tax rate | 23.00% | 20.00% | 21.00% | 20.00% | 21.00% | 23.00% | ||
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | ||||||||
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | ||||||||
Statutory income tax rate | 18.00% | 19.00% |
Equity (Narrative) (Details)
Equity (Narrative) (Details) € / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, € in Millions | Mar. 14, 2014USD ($)shares | Feb. 01, 2013EUR (€)shares | Dec. 17, 2012€ / shares | Dec. 17, 2012€ / shares$ / shares | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)voteclass$ / sharesshares | Jul. 01, 2015shares | Jun. 30, 2015shares | Dec. 31, 2014$ / sharesshares | Jan. 26, 2014shares | Feb. 01, 2013USD ($)shares | Dec. 17, 2012$ / shares |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Share capital authorized, aggregate nominal amount | $ | $ 20,000,000 | ||||||||||
Minimum number of classes or series of stock which may be authorized | class | 1 | ||||||||||
Liquidation volume weighted average price term | 20 days | ||||||||||
Telenet Self-Tender [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Warrants (in shares) | 3,000 | 3,000 | |||||||||
Use of restricted cash to fund transaction | € 332.5 | $ 454,600,000 | |||||||||
Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs (in shares) | 9,497,637 | ||||||||||
Percentage ownership in subsidiary | 58.40% | ||||||||||
Warrant Range One [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Warrants (in dollars per share) | (per share) | € 13.48 | $ 18.43 | |||||||||
Warrant Range Two [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Warrants (in dollars per share) | (per share) | 25.47 | $ 34.82 | |||||||||
Minimum [Member] | Telenet Self-Tender [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Share price (in dollar/euro per share) | € / shares | € 35 | $ 35 | |||||||||
Maximum [Member] | Telenet Self-Tender [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Share price (in dollar/euro per share) | $ / shares | $ 47.85 | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Shares issued in connection with acquisitions | $ | $ 185,400,000 | ||||||||||
VTR Finance [Member] | VTR GlobalCom and VTR Wireless [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Ownership percentage, equity method | 20.00% | ||||||||||
Business acquisition consideration issued (in shares) | 10,091,178 | ||||||||||
Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Number of votes allowed per class of stock (in votes) | vote | 10 | ||||||||||
Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Call Option [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Call options, exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0 | ||||||||||
Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Number of votes allowed per class of stock (in votes) | vote | 1 | ||||||||||
Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Share dividend, number of shares issued under all classes | 1 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Liquidation units (in shares) | 1 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Number of ordinary shares convertible to certain class of ordinary shares | 1 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | SARs and PSARs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 10,582,609 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | PSUs, PGUs and RSUs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 2,255,176 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 10,472,517 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | SARs and PSARs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 27,314,828 | ||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | PSUs, PGUs and RSUs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 3,352,533 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Liquidation units (in shares) | 0.94893 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Number of ordinary shares convertible to certain class of ordinary shares | 1 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Options | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 21,233 | 0 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | SARs and PSARs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 373,319 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | PSUs, PGUs and RSUs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 88,016 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 86,303 | 92,932 | 0 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 523,423 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 33,333 | 0 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Options | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 57,742 | 0 | |||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | SARs and PSARs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 997,765 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | PSUs, PGUs and RSUs [Member] | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Common reserved for issuance (in shares) | 114,643 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 111,215 | 133,609 | 0 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Options | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 873,333 | 914,132 | 853,718 | 1,726,259 | |||||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 1,690,200 | 1,885,678 | 1,884,493 | 1,989,693 | |||||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 666,667 | 666,667 | 1,000,000 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Options | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 2,738,536 | 3,124,417 | 2,920,073 | 3,946,192 | |||||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Other than options (in shares) | 2,158,351 | 2,741,166 | 2,738,040 | 2,442,767 |
Equity (Changes in Share Capita
Equity (Changes in Share Capital) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | $ 14,116 | $ 14,116 | $ 11,541.5 | $ 2,085.1 | |
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | (2,344.5) | (1,596.9) | (1,151.9) | ||
Liberty Global call option contracts | (23) | ||||
Ending balance | $ 10,174.3 | 10,174.3 | 14,116 | $ 11,541.5 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 2.5 | ||||
Ending balance | 2.5 | 0 | 2.5 | 0 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 0.1 | ||||
Ending balance | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | (0.1) | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | (0.1) | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 6.1 | ||||
Ending balance | 5.9 | 0 | 5.9 | 0 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 0.1 | ||||
Ending balance | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 0 | ||||
Ending balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | 0.3 | ||||
Ending balance | 0.3 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 | |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | (2.5) | ||||
Ending balance | 0 | 2.5 | 0 | 2.5 | |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | 0 | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | 0 | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | (0.1) | ||||
Ending balance | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | |||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||||
Beginning balance | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | ||
Repurchase and cancellation of Liberty Global ordinary shares (note 12) | 0 | (0.1) | |||
Liberty Global call option contracts | 0 | (0.1) | |||
Impact of the LiLAC Transaction | (6.1) | ||||
Ending balance | $ 0 | $ 6.1 | $ 0 | $ 6.3 |
Equity (Share Repurchases) (Det
Equity (Share Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Feb. 12, 2016 | |
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Distributable reserves recognized | $ 27,900 | |||
Liberty Global Class A and/or Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Stock repurchase, authorized amount | $ 4,500 | |||
Stock repurchase, remaining authorized amount | $ 1,601.1 | |||
Class A Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series A Old Liberty Shares [Member] | ||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs (in shares) | 0 | 8,062,792 | 6,550,197 | |
Average price paid per share pursuant to repurchase programs (in dollars per shares) | $ 0 | $ 42.19 | $ 37.70 | |
Class C Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series C Old Liberty Shares [Member] | ||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Shares purchased pursuant to repurchase programs (in shares) | 49,984,562 | 28,401,019 | 24,761,397 | |
Average price paid per share pursuant to repurchase programs (in dollars per shares) | $ 46.91 | $ 44.25 | $ 36.55 | |
Class A/C Liberty Global Shares and Class/Series A/C Old Liberty Shares [Member] | ||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Total cost for stock purchased pursuant to repurchase programs | $ 2,344.5 | $ 1,596.9 | $ 1,151.9 | |
Subsequent Event [Member] | Liberty Global Class A and/or Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||
Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||||
Stock repurchase, remaining authorized amount | $ 4,000 |
Share-based Compensation (Summa
Share-based Compensation (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation) (Schedule and Footnotes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | $ 318.2 | $ 257.2 | $ 302.5 |
Continuing operations | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 318.2 | 257.2 | 300.7 |
Discontinued operations | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 0 | 0 | 1.8 |
Operating Expense [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 3.4 | 7.6 | 12.1 |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 314.8 | 249.6 | 288.6 |
Liberty Global Plc | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 306.7 | 229.6 | 241.5 |
Telenet | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 32.7 | ||
Telenet | Options | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 6.2 | ||
Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Reversal of share-based compensation expense | 1.8 | ||
Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Liberty Global Plc | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 157.1 | 129.9 | 58.6 |
Other share-based incentive awards [Member] | Liberty Global Plc | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 149.6 | 99.7 | 182.9 |
Share-based incentive awards [Member] | Telenet | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 9.2 | 14.6 | 56.5 |
Other [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 2.3 | 13 | 4.5 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Operating Expense [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 3.1 | 4.8 | 10.8 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 312.7 | 240.8 | 283.5 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Operating Expense [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | 0.3 | 2.8 | 1.3 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Allocated share-based compensation expense | $ 2.1 | $ 8.8 | $ 5.1 |
Share-based Compensation (Su109
Share-based Compensation (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Not Yet Recognized) (Schedule and Footnote) (Details) - Liberty Global Plc $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Share-based incentive awards [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Total compensation expense not yet recognized | $ 192 |
Weighted average period remaining for expense recognition | 2 years 8 months 12 days |
Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Total compensation expense not yet recognized | $ 85.5 |
Weighted average period remaining for expense recognition | 10 months 24 days |
Share-based Compensation (Su110
Share-based Compensation (Summary of Stock Award Information) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Cash received from exercise of options | $ 40.5 | $ 54.8 | $ 81 |
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense | $ 67.4 | $ 54.6 | $ 48 |
Options, SARs and PSARs | Minimum [Member] | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 0.96% | 0.81% | 0.36% |
Expected life | 3 years | 3 years 1 month 6 days | 3 years 2 months 12 days |
Expected volatility | 23.10% | 25.10% | 26.50% |
Options, SARs and PSARs | Maximum [Member] | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.89% | 1.77% | 1.27% |
Expected life | 5 years 6 months | 5 years 1 month 6 days | 7 years 1 month 6 days |
Expected volatility | 30.10% | 28.70% | 35.80% |
Options | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, options (in dollars per share) | $ 14.73 | $ 11.40 | $ 11.09 |
Total intrinsic value of awards exercised | $ 106.8 | $ 126.6 | $ 175 |
SARs | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) | $ 10.76 | $ 8.93 | $ 8.36 |
Total intrinsic value of awards exercised | $ 51.7 | $ 48.7 | $ 73.2 |
PSARs | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 8.15 | $ 8.31 |
Total intrinsic value of awards exercised | $ 0.2 | $ 0.4 | $ 0 |
RSUs | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) | $ 51.85 | $ 40.68 | $ 35.74 |
PSUs | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) | 51.57 | 40.42 | 34.94 |
PGUs | |||
Assumptions used to estimate fair value of options, SARs and PSARs granted: | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of awards granted, other than options (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 44.04 | $ 0 |
Share-based Compensation (Stock
Share-based Compensation (Stock Award Activity, Options, SARs & PSARs) (Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | Jul. 01, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 |
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Options | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 853,718 | 853,718 | 1,726,259 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 60,414 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 61,763 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (7,718) | (13,836) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (33,081) | (920,468) | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 914,132 | 873,333 | 853,718 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 414,553 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 24.90 | $ 24.90 | $ 18.01 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.32) | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 54.97 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 22.61 | 23.59 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 15.19 | 14.03 | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 22.58 | 22.85 | $ 24.90 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 16.53 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 5 years 2 months 12 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 8 months 12 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 17.5 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 10.7 | ||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Options | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 2,920,073 | 2,920,073 | 3,946,192 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 204,344 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 622,301 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (41,208) | (34,493) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (344,673) | (1,613,927) | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 3,124,417 | 2,738,536 | 2,920,073 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 1,129,269 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 24.57 | $ 24.57 | $ 17.67 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.24) | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 43.34 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 29.99 | 22.23 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 8.33 | 14.99 | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 22.33 | 23.98 | $ 24.57 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 15.55 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 5 years 9 months 18 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 6 months | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 46.8 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 28.5 | ||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | SARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 7,399,094 | 7,399,094 | 5,607,988 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 527,825 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 70,845 | 2,252,602 | |
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (99,761) | (106,696) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (204,851) | (354,800) | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 7,926,919 | 7,693,152 | 7,399,094 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 3,642,857 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 37.95 | $ 37.95 | $ 31.07 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (3.36) | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 51.21 | 53.11 | |
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 41.67 | 37.27 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 25.40 | 25.68 | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 34.59 | 34.89 | $ 37.95 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 26.56 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 7 months 6 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 4 months 24 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 72.2 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 59.3 | ||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | SARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 17,868,802 | 17,868,802 | 14,689,045 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 1,250,817 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 141,690 | 4,505,204 | |
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (217,585) | (262,502) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (358,377) | (1,062,945) | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 19,119,619 | 18,685,347 | 17,868,802 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 10,003,440 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 34.47 | $ 34.47 | $ 28.49 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.94) | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 48.11 | 51.41 | |
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 38.57 | 34.80 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 25.17 | 23.48 | |
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 31.53 | 31.70 | $ 34.47 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 24.31 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 3 months 18 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 2 months 12 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 199.9 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 168.3 | ||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | PSARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 2,748,958 | 2,748,958 | 2,788,749 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 142,250 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (1,751) | (35,625) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (4,166) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 2,891,208 | 2,889,457 | 2,748,958 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 14,602 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 35.10 | $ 35.10 | $ 35.10 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (3.17) | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 31.87 | 35.03 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 35.03 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 31.93 | 31.93 | $ 35.10 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 31.87 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 6 months | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 1 year 4 months 24 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 30.1 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 0.2 | ||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | PSARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 8,246,874 | 8,246,874 | 8,366,248 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 387,836 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (5,229) | (106,875) | |
Options exercised (in shares) | (12,499) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 8,634,710 | 8,629,481 | 8,246,874 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 43,671 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 33.48 | $ 33.48 | $ 33.48 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.96) | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 30.46 | 33.41 | |
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 33.41 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.52 | 30.52 | $ 33.48 |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.46 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 6 months | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 1 year 4 months 24 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 88.4 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 0.5 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 21,233 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 21,233 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 14,145 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | $ 24.29 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 24.29 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 16.12 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 1 month 6 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 2 months 12 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 0.4 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 0.4 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 57,742 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 57,742 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 42,321 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | $ 22.42 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 22.42 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 15.97 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 3 years 9 months 18 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 1 month 6 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 1.2 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 1.1 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | SARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 223,823 | 223,823 | 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 223,823 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 10,107 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (381) | ||
Options exercised (in shares) | (357) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 233,192 | 223,823 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 122,905 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.54 | $ 30.54 | $ 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 30.54 | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.76 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 32.76 | ||
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 28.19 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | 31.07 | $ 30.54 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 23.93 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 4 months 24 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 3 months 18 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 2.6 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 2.2 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | SARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 560,844 | 560,844 | 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 560,844 | ||
Options granted (in shares) | 20,214 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (909) | ||
Options exercised (in shares) | (876) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 579,273 | 560,844 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 339,951 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 29.27 | $ 29.27 | $ 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 29.27 | ||
Options granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.55 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 32.38 | ||
Options exercised (in dollars per shares) | 27.26 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | 29.73 | $ 29.27 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 23.28 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 1 month 6 days | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 3 years 1 month 6 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 8 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 6.7 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | PSARs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 140,215 | 140,215 | 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 140,215 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (88) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 140,127 | 140,215 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 305 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.08 | $ 30.08 | $ 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 30.08 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 30.02 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | 30.08 | $ 30.08 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.02 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 6 months | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 1 year 9 months 18 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 1.6 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 0 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | PSARs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||
Number of shares | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 418,753 | 418,753 | 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 418,753 | ||
Options expired, cancelled or forfeited (in shares) | (261) | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 418,492 | 418,753 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 913 | ||
Weighted average exercise price | |||
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.30 | $ 30.30 | $ 0 |
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 30.30 | ||
Options expired or cancelled (in dollars per shares) | 30.23 | ||
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | 30.30 | $ 30.30 | |
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 30.23 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | 4 years 6 months | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | 1 year 9 months 18 days | ||
Aggregate intrinsic value | |||
Options outstanding at end of period | $ 5.3 | ||
Options exercisable at end of period | $ 0 |
Share-based Compensation (Other
Share-based Compensation (Other than Options Award Activity) (Schedules) (Details) - $ / shares | Jul. 01, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
RSUs | ||||||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | $ 51.85 | $ 40.68 | $ 35.74 | |||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 1,884,493 | 1,884,493 | 1,989,693 | 1,989,693 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 1,185 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 15,410 | 410,716 | ||||
Performance adjustment (in shares) | (50,410) | |||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (3,054) | (22,619) | ||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (207,834) | (543,707) | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 1,885,678 | 1,690,200 | 1,884,493 | 1,690,200 | 1,989,693 | |
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 43.84 | $ 43.84 | $ 41.34 | $ 41.34 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.10) | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 52.46 | 52.82 | ||||
Performance adjustment (in dollars per shares) | 37.31 | |||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 38.66 | 38.47 | ||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 35.54 | 41.12 | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 41.74 | $ 42.61 | $ 43.84 | $ 42.61 | $ 41.34 | |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 2 months 12 days | |||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 666,667 | 666,667 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 0 | |||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (333,333) | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 666,667 | 666,667 | 666,667 | 1,000,000 | ||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 44.55 | $ 44.55 | $ 44.55 | $ 44.55 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.12) | |||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 44.55 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 42.43 | $ 44.55 | $ 42.43 | $ 44.55 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 2 months 12 days | |||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 2,738,040 | 2,738,040 | 2,442,767 | 2,442,767 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 3,126 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 30,820 | 821,432 | ||||
Performance adjustment (in shares) | (147,179) | |||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (6,292) | (58,997) | ||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (607,343) | (614,341) | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 2,741,166 | 2,158,351 | 2,738,040 | 2,158,351 | 2,442,767 | |
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 41.38 | $ 41.38 | $ 36.71 | $ 36.71 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (1.98) | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 49.14 | 51.12 | ||||
Performance adjustment (in dollars per shares) | 34.80 | |||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 36.74 | 36.02 | ||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 33.15 | 34.80 | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 39.40 | $ 41.30 | $ 41.38 | $ 41.30 | $ 36.71 | |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 1 month 6 days | |||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | RSUs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 639,616 | 639,616 | 565,270 | 565,270 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 30,748 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 13,890 | 298,713 | ||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (21,544) | (18,827) | ||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (97,734) | (205,540) | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 670,364 | 564,976 | 639,616 | 564,976 | 565,270 | |
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 45.58 | $ 45.58 | $ 38.27 | $ 38.27 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (2.17) | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 52.46 | 53.11 | ||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 43.61 | 37.52 | ||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 40.93 | 37.16 | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 43.41 | $ 44.06 | $ 45.58 | $ 44.06 | $ 38.27 | |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 3 years 4 months 24 days | |||||
Liberty Global Group and Old Liberty Global [Member] | RSUs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 1,384,889 | 1,384,889 | 1,387,003 | 1,387,003 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 67,240 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 27,780 | 597,426 | ||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (47,384) | (45,611) | ||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (238,343) | (553,929) | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 1,452,129 | 1,194,182 | 1,384,889 | 1,194,182 | 1,387,003 | |
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 42.85 | $ 42.85 | $ 35.59 | $ 35.59 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | (1.74) | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 49.14 | 51.40 | ||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 41.03 | 34.70 | ||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 37.61 | 34.55 | ||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 41.11 | $ 41.99 | $ 42.85 | $ 41.99 | $ 35.59 | |
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 3 years 3 months 18 days | |||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 92,932 | 92,932 | 0 | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 92,932 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 3,007 | |||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (153) | |||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (9,483) | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 86,303 | 92,932 | 86,303 | 0 | ||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 41.85 | $ 41.85 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 41.85 | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.76 | |||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 38.63 | |||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 35.72 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 42.56 | $ 41.85 | $ 42.56 | $ 0 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 2 months 12 days | |||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 0 | 0 | ||||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 33,333 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 33,333 | 33,333 | 0 | |||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 42.43 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 42.43 | $ 42.43 | $ 0 | |||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 2 months 12 days | |||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 133,609 | 133,609 | 0 | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 133,609 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 6,014 | |||||
Forfeited (in shares) | (317) | |||||
Released from restrictions (in shares) | (28,091) | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 111,215 | 133,609 | 111,215 | 0 | ||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 39.59 | $ 39.59 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 39.59 | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.55 | |||||
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) | 36.70 | |||||
Released from restrictions (in dollars per shares) | 33.26 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 41.36 | $ 39.59 | $ 41.36 | $ 0 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 1 year 1 month 6 days | |||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | RSUs | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 397 | 397 | 0 | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 397 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 1,316 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 1,713 | 397 | 1,713 | 0 | ||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 52.94 | $ 52.94 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 52.94 | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.76 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 45.12 | $ 52.94 | $ 45.12 | $ 0 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 3 years | |||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | RSUs | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | ||||||
Number of shares | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | 796 | 796 | 0 | 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in shares) | 796 | |||||
Granted (in shares) | 2,632 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | 3,428 | 796 | 3,428 | 0 | ||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 48.68 | $ 48.68 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Impact of Award Modifications (in dollars per share) | 48.68 | |||||
Granted (in dollars per shares) | 42.55 | |||||
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $ 43.97 | $ 48.68 | $ 43.97 | $ 0 | ||
Weighted average remaining contractual term, in years | ||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 3 years |
Share-based Compensation (Narra
Share-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | May. 01, 2014shares | Feb. 12, 2016shares | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015€ / sharesshares | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)installmentshares | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares | Jun. 24, 2013shares |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | $ 318.2 | $ 257.2 | $ 302.5 | ||||||
Options, SARs and PSARs | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Term before and after bonus issuance | 5 days | ||||||||
Incremental compensation cost | $ | $ 99.3 | ||||||||
Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Percent of award earned | 113.60% | ||||||||
Awards Vested Prior to September 30, 2015 [Member] | Options, SARs and PSARs | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Incremental compensation cost | $ | 69.3 | ||||||||
Awards Vesting Through 2019 [Member] | Options, SARs and PSARs | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Incremental compensation cost | $ | 30 | ||||||||
Operating Expense [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 3.4 | 7.6 | 12.1 | ||||||
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 314.8 | 249.6 | 288.6 | ||||||
Virgin Media Replacement Awards [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | $ 54.1 | 55.8 | 134.3 | ||||||
Virgin Media Replacement Awards [Member] | Operating Expense [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 80.1 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Incentive Plan [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 84,782,474 | 84,782,474 | |||||||
Liberty Global Incentive Plan [Member] | Awards other than Performance-Based Awards [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Award term | 7 years | ||||||||
Liberty Global Incentive Plan [Member] | Six Month Anniversary After Grant Date [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Vesting percentage | 12.50% | ||||||||
Liberty Global Incentive Plan [Member] | Each Quarter Thereafter after Six Month Vest [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Vesting percentage | 6.25% | ||||||||
VM Incentive Plan [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Award term | 10 years | ||||||||
Service period | 5 years | ||||||||
Liberty Global Director Incentive Plan [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 10,120,239 | 10,120,239 | |||||||
Award term | 10 years | ||||||||
Number of equal or semi-equal installments | installment | 3 | ||||||||
Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plans [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 105,000,000 | 105,000,000 | |||||||
Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plans [Member] | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 50,250,000 | 50,250,000 | |||||||
Liberty Global 2014 Incentive Plans [Member] | Anti-Dilution and Other Adjustment Provisions [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 10,500,000 | 10,500,000 | |||||||
Liberty Global PSUs [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Vesting percentage | 50.00% | ||||||||
Liberty Global PSUs [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Performance period | 2 years | ||||||||
Performance range | 75.00% | ||||||||
Expected performance earnings for PSUs | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||||||
Liberty Global PSUs [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Performance range | 125.00% | ||||||||
Expected performance earnings for PSUs | 150.00% | 150.00% | |||||||
Liberty Global PSUs [Member] | Series A and Series C Common Stock [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Exchange value, right to receive shares | 1 | ||||||||
Percentage of annual award of PSUs | 66.66% | 66.66% | |||||||
Percentage of annual of award of SARs | 33.33% | 33.33% | |||||||
Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Award term | 7 years | ||||||||
Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards [Member] | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Number of ordinary share rights for each performance share | 1 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Challenge Performance Awards [Member] | June 24th, 2016 [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Vesting percentage | 100.00% | ||||||||
Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Number of equal or semi-equal installments | installment | 3 | ||||||||
Telenet | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 32.7 | ||||||||
Telenet | Options | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 6.2 | ||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 1,813,815 | 1,813,815 | |||||||
Awards outstanding (in EUR/USD per share) | (per share) | € 42.17 | $ 45.82 | |||||||
Telenet | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 82,747 | 82,747 | |||||||
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Telenet | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 745,000 | 745,000 | |||||||
Awards outstanding (in EUR/USD per share) | (per share) | € 40.60 | $ 44.12 | |||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Operating Expense [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | $ 3.1 | 4.8 | 10.8 | ||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 312.7 | $ 240.8 | 283.5 | ||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 1,000,000 | ||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 1,000,000 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 21,233 | 0 | 21,233 | ||||||
Awards outstanding (in EUR/USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 0 | $ 24.29 | |||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Options | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Awards outstanding (in shares) | 57,742 | 0 | 57,742 | ||||||
Awards outstanding (in EUR/USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 0 | $ 22.42 | |||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 3,007 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class C Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 6,014 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Operating Expense [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | 0.3 | $ 2.8 | 1.3 | ||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Allocated share-based compensation expense (reversal) | $ | $ 2.1 | $ 8.8 | $ 5.1 | ||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class A Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 33,333 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | Class B Ordinary Shares [Member] | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Granted (in shares) | 33,333 | ||||||||
Subsequent Event [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Share authorized (in shares) | 6,260,000 | ||||||||
Award term | 3 years | ||||||||
Subsequent Event [Member] | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Performance Grant Award [Member] | Performance shares (PSUs and PGUs) | |||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||||||
Shares authorized percent allocation | 95.00% |
Restructuring Liabilities (Deta
Restructuring Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring liability at beginning of year | $ 113.5 | $ 156.1 | $ 113.5 | $ 56.8 | ||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 103.8 | 166.9 | 178.7 | |||||
Cash paid | (103.1) | (111.5) | (123.2) | |||||
Ziggo / Virgin Media liability at acquisition date | 8.2 | 23.4 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (10.3) | (21) | (8.4) | |||||
Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations | (13.8) | |||||||
Restructuring liability at end of year | $ 156.1 | $ 113.5 | 146.5 | 156.1 | 113.5 | |||
Current portion | $ 99 | $ 52.3 | ||||||
Noncurrent portion | 47.5 | 103.8 | ||||||
Total | 156.1 | 113.5 | 113.5 | 156.1 | 113.5 | 56.8 | 146.5 | 156.1 |
Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring liability at beginning of year | 26.6 | 27.6 | 26.6 | 39.7 | ||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 102.3 | 60.4 | 77.9 | |||||
Cash paid | (67.9) | (66.3) | (91.5) | |||||
Ziggo / Virgin Media liability at acquisition date | 8.2 | 0.1 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 6.5 | (1.3) | 1.2 | |||||
Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations | (0.8) | |||||||
Restructuring liability at end of year | 27.6 | 26.6 | 68.5 | 27.6 | 26.6 | |||
Current portion | 63.7 | 27.5 | ||||||
Noncurrent portion | 4.8 | 0.1 | ||||||
Total | 27.6 | 26.6 | 26.6 | 27.6 | 26.6 | 39.7 | 68.5 | 27.6 |
Office closures | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring liability at beginning of year | 14.9 | 12.5 | 14.9 | 4 | ||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | (0.8) | 9.5 | (0.1) | |||||
Cash paid | (5.8) | (10.8) | (14.1) | |||||
Ziggo / Virgin Media liability at acquisition date | 0 | 23.3 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 1.4 | (1.1) | 1.8 | |||||
Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations | 0 | |||||||
Restructuring liability at end of year | 12.5 | 14.9 | 7.3 | 12.5 | 14.9 | |||
Current portion | 1.2 | 4.4 | ||||||
Noncurrent portion | 6.1 | 8.1 | ||||||
Total | 12.5 | 14.9 | 14.9 | 12.5 | 14.9 | 4 | 7.3 | 12.5 |
Other restructuring costs | 71.5 | |||||||
Contract termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring liability at beginning of year | 72 | 116 | 72 | 13.1 | ||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 97 | 100.9 | ||||||
Cash paid | (34.4) | (17.6) | ||||||
Ziggo / Virgin Media liability at acquisition date | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (18.6) | (11.4) | ||||||
Reclassification of Chellomedia Disposal Group to discontinued operations | (13) | |||||||
Restructuring liability at end of year | 116 | 72 | 116 | 72 | ||||
Current portion | 20.4 | |||||||
Noncurrent portion | 95.6 | |||||||
Total | 116 | 72 | 72 | 116 | 72 | 13.1 | 116 | |
Contract termination and other | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring liability at beginning of year | 116 | |||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 2.3 | |||||||
Cash paid | (29.4) | |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (18.2) | |||||||
Restructuring liability at end of year | 116 | 70.7 | 116 | |||||
Current portion | 34.1 | |||||||
Noncurrent portion | 36.6 | |||||||
Total | 116 | 116 | 116 | $ 70.7 | $ 116 | |||
Other restructuring costs | $ 84.9 | |||||||
Central Operations Europe | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 9.8 | |||||||
U.K. / Ireland | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 20.9 | 17.5 | 46.1 | |||||
The Netherlands | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 61.8 | 11.2 | ||||||
Germany | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 9.7 | 10.7 | 14.1 | |||||
Chile | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | $ 10.1 | $ 8.1 | ||||||
Chile | Contract termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 6 | |||||||
Switzerland / Austria | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 3.5 | |||||||
Puerto Rico | Employee severance and termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 2.6 | |||||||
Puerto Rico | Contract termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | 4.5 | |||||||
Belgium | Contract termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | $ 8.1 | |||||||
Telenet | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | $ 86.1 | |||||||
Telenet | Contract termination | ||||||||
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] | ||||||||
Restructuring charges (credits) | $ (17) |
Defined Benefit Plans (Details)
Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Projected benefit obligation | $ 1,188.3 | $ 1,247.6 | $ 1,163 |
Fair value of plan assets | 1,092.6 | 1,122.7 | 1,057 |
Net liability | 95.7 | 124.9 | 106 |
Net periodic pension cost | 11.8 | $ 9.6 | $ 21.5 |
Contributions by subsidiaries expected in next fiscal year | 56 | ||
Curtailment gain | $ 7.9 |
Accumulated Other Comprehens116
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Table 1) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | $ 14,116 | $ 11,541.5 | $ 2,085.1 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (750.2) | (882.7) | 911.4 |
Ending balance | 10,174.3 | 14,116 | 11,541.5 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | 1,712.1 | 2,522.2 | 1,604.1 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (732.9) | (810.1) | 918.1 |
Ending balance | 979.2 | 1,712.1 | 2,522.2 |
Pension- related adjustments and other | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | (65.5) | 6.6 | (3.6) |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (17.8) | (72.1) | 10.2 |
Ending balance | (83.3) | (65.5) | 6.6 |
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | 1,646.6 | 2,528.8 | 1,600.5 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (750.7) | (882.2) | 928.3 |
Ending balance | 895.9 | 1,646.6 | 2,528.8 |
Non-controlling interests | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | 19.9 | 20.4 | 37.3 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | 0.5 | (0.5) | (16.9) |
Ending balance | 20.4 | 19.9 | 20.4 |
Total accumulated other comprehensive earnings | |||
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning balance | 1,666.5 | 2,549.2 | 1,637.8 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (750.2) | (882.7) | 911.4 |
Ending balance | $ 916.3 | $ 1,666.5 | $ 2,549.2 |
Accumulated Other Comprehens117
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Table 2) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | $ (750.2) | $ (882.7) | $ 911.4 |
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (103.5) | (47.1) | (41.3) |
Liberty Global Plc | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax | (737.1) | (816.4) | 896.4 |
Pension related adjustments, pre-tax | (23.4) | (89.9) | 12.1 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), pre- tax | (760.5) | (906.3) | 908.5 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (0.7) | 0.8 | 17.3 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global stockholders, pre-tax | (761.2) | (905.5) | 925.8 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax | 4.2 | 6.3 | 4.4 |
Pension related adjustments, tax | 6.1 | 17.3 | (1.5) |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), tax | 10.3 | 23.6 | 2.9 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, tax | 0.2 | (0.3) | (0.4) |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global stockholders, tax | 10.5 | 23.3 | 2.5 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (732.9) | (810.1) | 900.8 |
Pension related adjustments, net of tax | (17.3) | (72.6) | 10.6 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) | (750.2) | (882.7) | 911.4 |
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | (0.5) | 0.5 | 16.9 |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests | $ (750.7) | $ (882.2) | $ 928.3 |
Commitments and Contingencie118
Commitments and Contingencies (Unrecorded Purchase Obligation) (Details) - Continuing operations $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | $ 2,907.4 |
2,017 | 1,510.2 |
2,018 | 1,062.3 |
2,019 | 514.5 |
2,020 | 174.9 |
Thereafter | 1,294.9 |
Total | 7,464.2 |
Programming commitments | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | 1,004.5 |
2,017 | 883.7 |
2,018 | 698.6 |
2,019 | 272.2 |
2,020 | 11 |
Thereafter | 7.6 |
Total | 2,877.6 |
Network and connectivity commitments | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | 647 |
2,017 | 241.7 |
2,018 | 130.9 |
2,019 | 90.7 |
2,020 | 58.2 |
Thereafter | 916.3 |
Total | 2,084.8 |
Purchase commitments | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | 1,036.1 |
2,017 | 227.2 |
2,018 | 102.6 |
2,019 | 47.2 |
2,020 | 38.1 |
Thereafter | 77.6 |
Total | 1,528.8 |
Operating leases | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | 151.6 |
2,017 | 126.3 |
2,018 | 107.1 |
2,019 | 85.1 |
2,020 | 58.3 |
Thereafter | 276.4 |
Total | 804.8 |
Other commitments | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
2,016 | 68.2 |
2,017 | 31.3 |
2,018 | 23.1 |
2,019 | 19.3 |
2,020 | 9.3 |
Thereafter | 17 |
Total | $ 168.2 |
Commitments and Contingencie119
Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, HUF in Millions | Dec. 14, 2015 | Jan. 17, 2013EUR (€) | Jan. 17, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)country | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2015HUF | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)country | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013USD ($) | Dec. 14, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)country | Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)country |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Rent expense under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements | $ 219,000,000 | $ 268,300,000 | $ 238,600,000 | |||||||||||||
Interkabel Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Damages sought | € 1,400 | $ 1,500,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Interkabel Acquisition [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss contingency damages in excess value | € 20 | € 20 | $ 21,700,000 | |||||||||||||
Loss contingency accrual | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Damages sought | € 76 | 83,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Reduction of annual lease fees | 66.67% | |||||||||||||||
Vivendi Litigation [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary interest in recovery | 10.00% | 10.00% | ||||||||||||||
Damages awarded | € 944 | $ 1,026,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Retail-minus tariffs for basic TV | 26.00% | |||||||||||||||
Retail-minus tariffs for bundle of basic TV and broadband internet services | 18.00% | |||||||||||||||
Amended retail-minus tariffs term | 2 years | |||||||||||||||
Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Retail-minus tariffs for basic TV | 15.00% | |||||||||||||||
Retail-minus tariffs for bundle of basic TV and broadband internet services | 7.00% | |||||||||||||||
Financial Transactions Tax [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Number of participating countries in financial transaction tax | country | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||||
Financial Transactions Tax [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transactions tax | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | ||||||||||||
Financial Transactions Tax [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transactions tax | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | ||||||||||||
Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Maximum possible loss | € 45.2 | € 45.2 | $ 66,600,000 | |||||||||||||
Loss contingency accrual | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Virgin Media VAT Matters 2 [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Decrease in revenues due to contingency | $ 24,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Maximum possible loss | £ | £ 63.7 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax paid | $ 99,100,000 | £ 67 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | £ | £ 3.3 | |||||||||||||||
Loss contingency accrual | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Hungary VAT Matter [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Unpaid VAT payment assessed | $ 20,300,000 | HUF 5,902.2 | ||||||||||||||
Mobistar MVNO Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Commitment term | 6 months | 6 months | ||||||||||||||
Mobistar MVNO Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Commitment term | 24 months | 24 months | ||||||||||||||
Pension Plan [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Aggregate expense for matching contributions under various defined contribution plans | $ 76,700,000 | 63,200,000 | $ 48,200,000 | |||||||||||||
Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Programming costs | 2,313,900,000 | 2,160,000,000 | 1,631,000,000 | |||||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Rent expense under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements | 204,700,000 | 252,000,000 | 203,700,000 | |||||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Aggregate expense for matching contributions under various defined contribution plans | 75,000,000 | 61,700,000 | 47,600,000 | |||||||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Programming costs | 2,066,600,000 | 1,928,000,000 | 1,385,100,000 | |||||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Rent expense under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements | 14,300,000 | 16,300,000 | 34,900,000 | |||||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Pension Plan [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Aggregate expense for matching contributions under various defined contribution plans | 1,700,000 | 1,500,000 | 600,000 | |||||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member] | ||||||||||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
Programming costs | $ 247,300,000 | $ 232,000,000 | $ 245,900,000 |
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2015country | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
Threshold percentage used to determine reportable segments using one of three criteria of revenue, operating cash flow or total assets (more than 10%) | 10.00% |
Performance measures, percentage of reportable segment revenue and operating cash flow presented | 100.00% |
Total European Operations Division [Member] | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
Number of European countries in operating segment (in countries) | 12 |
Telenet and Liberty Puerto Rico [Member] | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |
Percentage of minority interest revenues and expenses included in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | 100.00% |
Segment Reporting (Performance
Segment Reporting (Performance Measures) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 4,599.2 | $ 4,597.4 | $ 4,566.5 | $ 4,516.9 | $ 4,615.2 | $ 4,497.2 | $ 4,602.2 | $ 4,533.7 | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 |
Adjusted OIBDA | 8,667.3 | 8,522.3 | 6,740.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 7,058.7 | 7,409.9 | 4,117.4 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 3,162.1 | 3,235.7 | 1,742.8 | ||||||||
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,745.3 | 1,498.5 | 1,242.4 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 1,519.5 | 857.9 | 721.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,399.5 | 2,711.5 | 2,559.2 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 1,502.1 | 1,678.2 | 1,541.1 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,021 | 2,279.4 | 2,185.9 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 990.3 | 1,125 | 1,049.4 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,758.2 | 1,846.1 | 1,767.1 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 1,040.1 | 1,056.4 | 1,005.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 15,982.7 | 15,745.4 | 11,872 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 8,214.1 | 7,953.2 | 6,060.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,066.6 | 1,259.5 | 1,272 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 474 | 583 | 584.5 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | (5.4) | (7.1) | (0.4) | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | (289.2) | (282.7) | (239.1) | ||||||||
Total European Operations Division [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 17,043.9 | 16,997.8 | 13,143.6 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 8,398.9 | 8,253.5 | 6,406.1 | ||||||||
Corporate and Other [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 42.3 | 70.8 | 77.1 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | (222.6) | (212) | (169.2) | ||||||||
Intersegment eliminations [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | (23.5) | (24.9) | (34) | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 0 | 4 | 44.8 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 17,062.7 | 17,043.7 | 13,186.7 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 8,176.3 | 8,045.5 | 6,281.7 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 838.1 | 898.5 | 991.6 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 328.1 | 351 | 353.6 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 379.2 | 306.1 | 297.2 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 167.2 | 128.9 | 107.3 | ||||||||
LiLAC Division [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 495.3 | 479.9 | 460.9 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | (4.3) | (3.1) | (1.9) | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | 491 | 476.8 | 459 | ||||||||
Inter-group Eliminations [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 0 | 0 | (1.3) | ||||||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Segment Reporting (Reconciliati
Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Earnings from Continuing Operations) (Schedule) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Total segment Adjusted OIBDA from continuing operations | $ 8,667.3 | $ 8,522.3 | $ 6,740.7 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | (318.2) | (257.2) | (300.7) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (5,825.8) | (5,500.1) | (4,276.4) | ||||||||
Release of litigation provision | 0 | 0 | 146 | ||||||||
Release of litigation provision | (174.1) | (536.8) | (297.5) | ||||||||
Operating income | $ 621.3 | $ 545.5 | $ 624.9 | $ 557.5 | $ 273.3 | $ 703.7 | $ 669.5 | $ 581.7 | 2,349.2 | 2,228.2 | 2,012.1 |
Interest expense | (2,441.4) | (2,544.7) | (2,286.9) | ||||||||
Interest and dividend income | 35.9 | 31.7 | 113.1 | ||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net | 847.2 | 88.8 | (1,020.4) | ||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | (1,149.2) | (836.5) | 349.3 | ||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains due to changes in fair values of certain investments, net | 124.5 | 205.2 | 524.1 | ||||||||
Losses on debt modification and extinguishment, net (note 10) | (388) | (186.2) | (212.2) | ||||||||
Other expense, net | (62.8) | (42.4) | (5.6) | ||||||||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | $ (684.6) | $ (1,055.9) | $ (526.5) |
Segment Reporting (Balance Shee
Segment Reporting (Balance Sheet Data of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | $ 56,487.4 | $ 62,589 |
Total assets | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 |
Continuing operations | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 56,487.4 | 62,589 |
Total assets | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 |
European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 19,789.9 | 21,754.2 |
Total assets | 23,647.6 | 25,487.2 |
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 14,741.7 | 17,092.7 |
Total assets | 15,132.1 | 17,387 |
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 7,898.9 | 9,117.9 |
Total assets | 8,634.1 | 9,512.8 |
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 3,674.9 | 4,149.5 |
Total assets | 4,493.6 | 4,828.8 |
European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 5,108 | 5,300.9 |
Total assets | 5,438.6 | 5,643.9 |
European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 51,213.4 | 57,415.2 |
Total assets | 57,346 | 62,859.7 |
European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 2,268 | 2,459.9 |
Total assets | 2,357.5 | 2,566.4 |
European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 543.9 | 499.4 |
Total assets | 1,574.3 | 2,613.2 |
Total European Operations Division [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 54,025.3 | 60,374.5 |
Total assets | 61,277.8 | 68,039.3 |
Corporate and Other [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 119.6 | 68.9 |
Total assets | 3,332.5 | 2,045.2 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 54,144.9 | 60,443.4 |
Total assets | 64,610.3 | 70,084.5 |
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 873.7 | 1,017.3 |
Total assets | 1,506.6 | 1,513.2 |
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 1,468.8 | 1,128.3 |
Total assets | 1,599.4 | 1,213.7 |
LiLAC Division [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 2,342.5 | 2,145.6 |
Total assets | 3,106 | 2,726.9 |
LiLAC Group Corporate and Other [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 0 | 0 |
Total assets | 161.5 | 44.1 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 2,342.5 | 2,145.6 |
Total assets | 3,267.5 | 2,771 |
Inter-group Eliminations [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 0 | 0 |
Total assets | $ (10.6) | $ (13.6) |
Segment Reporting (Capital Expe
Segment Reporting (Capital Expenditures of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | $ 4,137.3 | $ 3,909.2 | $ 3,161.6 |
Assets acquired under capital-related vendor financing arrangements | (1,481.5) | (975.3) | (573.5) |
Assets acquired under capital leases | (106.1) | (127.2) | (143) |
Changes in current liabilities related to capital expenditures | (50.2) | (122.3) | 36.4 |
Total capital expenditures | 2,499.5 | 2,684.4 | 2,481.5 |
European Operations Division U.K / Ireland [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 1,527.3 | 1,506.7 | 827.5 |
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 536.1 | 268 | 242.4 |
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 535.7 | 574.5 | 543.4 |
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 371.6 | 448.9 | 453.7 |
European Operations Division Switzerland / Austria [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 315.6 | 327.2 | 306.4 |
European Operations Division Total Western Europe [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 3,286.3 | 3,125.3 | 2,373.4 |
European Operations Division Central and Eastern Europe [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 277.3 | 264.8 | 271.6 |
European Operations Division Central and Other [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 280.7 | 257.9 | 256 |
Total European Operations Division [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 3,844.3 | 3,648 | 2,901 |
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 78.1 | 60.4 | 65.8 |
Corporate and Other [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 65.9 | 5 | 6.3 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 3,910.2 | 3,653 | 2,907.3 |
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | 149 | 195.8 | 188.5 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||
Total property and equipment additions | $ 227.1 | $ 256.2 | $ 254.3 |
Segment Reporting (Revenue by M
Segment Reporting (Revenue by Major Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 4,599.2 | $ 4,597.4 | $ 4,566.5 | $ 4,516.9 | $ 4,615.2 | $ 4,497.2 | $ 4,602.2 | $ 4,533.7 | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 |
Video [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 6,383.6 | 6,538.3 | 5,720.7 | ||||||||
Broadband Internet [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 5,079.7 | 4,718.5 | 3,535 | ||||||||
Fixed-line telephony [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 3,162 | 3,259.5 | 2,506.5 | ||||||||
Cable Subscription [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 14,625.3 | 14,516.3 | 11,762.2 | ||||||||
SOHO Cable Subscription [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 321.8 | 220.7 | 158.9 | ||||||||
Mobile Subscription[Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,037.3 | 1,085.6 | 669.9 | ||||||||
Mobile Interconnect [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 212.7 | 245 | 175.2 | ||||||||
Total Subscription [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 15,662.6 | 15,601.9 | 12,432.1 | ||||||||
Business to Business [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,560.5 | 1,501.3 | 980.5 | ||||||||
Other [Member] | |||||||||||
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 1,056.9 | $ 1,145.1 | $ 1,061.6 |
Segment Reporting (Revenue by G
Segment Reporting (Revenue by Geographic Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 4,599.2 | $ 4,597.4 | $ 4,566.5 | $ 4,516.9 | $ 4,615.2 | $ 4,497.2 | $ 4,602.2 | $ 4,533.7 | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 |
European Operations Division U.K. [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 6,663.3 | 6,941.1 | 3,653.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,399.5 | 2,711.5 | 2,559.2 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,021 | 2,279.4 | 2,185.9 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Switzerland [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,390.3 | 1,414.4 | 1,332.1 | ||||||||
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 2,745.3 | 1,498.5 | 1,242.4 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Ireland [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 395.4 | 468.8 | 463.7 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Poland [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 399.7 | 469.9 | 460.4 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Austria [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 367.9 | 431.7 | 435 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Hungary [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 258.5 | 310.2 | 313.8 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Czech Republic [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 176.6 | 221 | 248.9 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Romania [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 158.1 | 173.3 | 163.8 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Slovakia [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 59.3 | 74.5 | 74.6 | ||||||||
European Operations Division Other Europe [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 9 | 3.5 | 10.1 | ||||||||
Geography Eliminations [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 18.8 | 45.9 | 43.1 | ||||||||
Total European Operations Division [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 17,043.9 | 16,997.8 | 13,143.6 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 17,062.7 | 17,043.7 | 13,186.7 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 838.1 | 898.5 | 991.6 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 379.2 | 306.1 | 297.2 | ||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | ||||||||
Inter-group Eliminations [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ (1.3) |
Segment Reporting (Long-Lived A
Segment Reporting (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | $ 56,487.4 | $ 62,589 |
European Operations Division U.K. [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 19,127.8 | 21,098.3 |
European Operations Division The Netherlands [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 14,741.7 | 17,092.7 |
European Operations Division Germany [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 7,898.9 | 9,117.9 |
European Operations Division Switzerland [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 4,117.7 | 4,218.9 |
European Operations Division Belgium [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 3,674.9 | 4,149.5 |
European Operations Division Austria [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 990.3 | 1,082 |
European Operations Division Poland [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 893.2 | 983.5 |
European Operations Division Ireland [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 662.1 | 655.9 |
European Operations Division Czech Republic [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 534.8 | 580.4 |
European Operations Division Hungary [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 494.4 | 535.7 |
European Operations Division Romania [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 194 | 209.1 |
European Operations Division Slovakia [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 103.2 | 110.5 |
European Operations Division Other Europe [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 592.3 | 540.1 |
Total European Operations Division [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 54,025.3 | 60,374.5 |
U.S. and Other [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 119.6 | 68.9 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 54,144.9 | 60,443.4 |
LiLAC Group Puerto Rico [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 1,468.8 | 1,128.3 |
LiLAC Group Chile [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | 873.7 | 1,017.3 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||
Long-lived assets | $ 2,342.5 | $ 2,145.6 |
Quarterly Financial Informat128
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 4,599.2 | $ 4,597.4 | $ 4,566.5 | $ 4,516.9 | $ 4,615.2 | $ 4,497.2 | $ 4,602.2 | $ 4,533.7 | $ 18,280 | $ 18,248.3 | $ 14,474.2 | |
Operating income | 621.3 | 545.5 | 624.9 | 557.5 | 273.3 | 703.7 | 669.5 | 581.7 | 2,349.2 | 2,228.2 | 2,012.1 | |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (283.6) | $ 133.3 | $ (464.7) | $ (537.5) | $ (523.4) | $ 157.1 | $ (249.9) | $ (78.8) | (1,152.5) | (695) | (963.9) | |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | 17,062.7 | 17,043.7 | 13,186.7 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | (167.5) | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 3) (in dollars per share) | $ (0.32) | $ 0.12 | ||||||||||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ 1,217.3 | 1,204.6 | 1,288.8 | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 17.2 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 3) (in dollars per share) | $ (0.30) | $ 0.69 | $ 0.39 | |||||||||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | ||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,002.2) | $ (695) | $ (963.9) | |||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders per share (note 3) (in dollars per share) | $ (0.53) | $ (0.61) | $ (0.62) | $ 0.20 | $ (0.32) | $ (0.10) | $ (1.13) | $ (0.87) | $ (1.43) |
Subsequent Events (Details)
Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] € in Millions, $ in Millions | Feb. 11, 2016EUR (€) | Feb. 11, 2016USD ($) | Feb. 04, 2016 |
Telenet | Base Company NV [Member] | |||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||
Cost of acquired entity | € 1,324.4 | $ 1,500.5 | |
Committed facilities to fund transaction costs | € 1,000 | $ 1,100 | |
Viking Co NV [Member] | |||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling interest | 50.00% |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company I130
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 07, 2013 |
Current assets: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 982.1 | $ 1,158.5 | $ 2,701.9 | |
Other current assets | 341.5 | 335.9 | ||
Total current assets | 3,357.4 | 3,920.5 | ||
Total assets | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 | ||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable | 1,050.1 | 1,039 | ||
Accrued liabilities and other | 2,072 | 2,587.8 | ||
Total current liabilities | 9,157.9 | 9,190.3 | ||
Other long-term liabilities | 4,015.6 | 4,927.5 | ||
Total liabilities | $ 57,692.9 | $ 58,725.9 | ||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | $ 10,652.4 | $ 14,714.5 | ||
Total liabilities and equity | 67,867.2 | 72,841.9 | ||
Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 24.6 | 36.7 | $ 290.7 | $ 0 |
Interest receivables — related-party | 446.2 | 448.7 | ||
Other receivables — related-party | 248.6 | 157.8 | ||
Current notes receivable — related-party | 0 | 5,666.8 | ||
Other current assets | 10.8 | 7.5 | ||
Total current assets | 730.2 | 6,317.5 | ||
Long-term notes receivable — related-party | 9,727.1 | 9,656.9 | ||
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances | 3,851.9 | 750 | ||
Other assets, net | 10.6 | 4.2 | ||
Total assets | 14,319.8 | 16,728.6 | ||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable | 20.7 | 46.4 | ||
Other payables — related-party | 198 | 105.3 | ||
Debt — related-party | 1,121.7 | 679.2 | ||
Accrued liabilities and other | 13.7 | 16 | ||
Total current liabilities | 1,354.1 | 846.9 | ||
Long-term notes payable — related-party | 1,336.9 | 18.9 | ||
Other long-term liabilities — related-party | 974.3 | 1,146.6 | ||
Other long-term liabilities | 2.1 | 1.7 | ||
Total liabilities | $ 3,667.4 | $ 2,014.1 | ||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | $ 14,908.1 | $ 17,070.8 | ||
Accumulated deficit | (5,160.1) | (4,007.6) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes | 895.9 | 1,646.6 | ||
Treasury shares, at cost | (0.4) | (4.2) | ||
Total stockholders’ equity | 10,652.4 | 14,714.5 | ||
Total liabilities and equity | 14,319.8 | 16,728.6 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Total assets | 64,610.3 | 70,084.5 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 2.5 | 0 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0.1 | 0 | ||
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 5.9 | 0 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Total assets | 3,267.5 | 2,771 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0.1 | 0 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0 | 0 | ||
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0.3 | 0 | ||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0 | 2.5 | ||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | 0 | 0.1 | ||
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | Liberty Global Plc | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Common stock | $ 0 | $ 6.3 |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company I131
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) (CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (Details) - $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 252,766,455 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 10,472,517 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Liberty Global Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 584,044,394 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 12,630,580 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 523,423 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | LiLAC Group [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 30,772,874 | 0 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class A | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 251,167,686 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class B | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 10,139,184 |
Liberty Global Plc | Old Liberty Global [Member] | Common Class C | ||
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, nominal value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, issued (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 630,353,372 |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company I132
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Operating costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation) | $ 3,166.9 | $ 3,137.3 | $ 2,599.4 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,825.8 | 5,500.1 | 4,276.4 | |||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 6,764 | 6,845.9 | 5,434.8 | |||||||||||
Operating income | $ 621.3 | $ 545.5 | $ 624.9 | $ 557.5 | $ 273.3 | $ 703.7 | $ 669.5 | $ 581.7 | 2,349.2 | 2,228.2 | 2,012.1 | |||
Non-operating income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 7) | 847.2 | 88.8 | (1,020.4) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | (1,149.2) | (836.5) | 349.3 | |||||||||||
Other expense, net | (62.8) | (42.4) | (5.6) | |||||||||||
Non-operating income (expense) | (3,033.8) | (3,284.1) | (2,538.6) | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (364.9) | 75 | (355.5) | |||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (283.6) | $ 133.3 | $ (464.7) | $ (537.5) | $ (523.4) | $ 157.1 | $ (249.9) | $ (78.8) | (1,152.5) | (695) | $ (963.9) | |||
Liberty Global, Inc. | ||||||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation) | $ 43.5 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0.3 | $ 0.3 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 48.1 | |||||||||||||
Operating income | (91.9) | |||||||||||||
Non-operating income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense — related-party | (0.7) | |||||||||||||
Other expense, net | (0.1) | |||||||||||||
Non-operating income (expense) | (0.8) | |||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes and equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net | (92.7) | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net | 120 | 120 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 21.7 | |||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 49 | $ 49 | ||||||||||||
Liberty Global Plc | ||||||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation) | $ 9.7 | 83.2 | 43 | |||||||||||
Related-party fees and allocations | 54.9 | 62.7 | 151.8 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0.2 | 0 | |||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 0 | 14 | 3.5 | |||||||||||
Operating income | (64.6) | (160.1) | (198.3) | |||||||||||
Non-operating income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense — related-party | (0.1) | (71.2) | (9.6) | |||||||||||
Interest income — related-party | 468.4 | 787.3 | 821.7 | |||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net (note 7) | (4.5) | 0 | 13.7 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses), net | 0 | (29.8) | (58.2) | |||||||||||
Other expense, net | 0 | (2.5) | (8.1) | |||||||||||
Non-operating income (expense) | 463.8 | 683.8 | 759.5 | |||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes and equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net | 399.2 | 523.7 | 561.2 | |||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net | (1,306.3) | (1,574.7) | (1,120.8) | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (105.8) | (101.5) | (135.4) | |||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (1,012.9) | $ (1,152.5) | $ (695) |
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company I133
SCHEDULE I (Parent Company Information) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jun. 07, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ (283.6) | $ 133.3 | $ (464.7) | $ (537.5) | $ (523.4) | $ 157.1 | $ (249.9) | $ (78.8) | $ (1,152.5) | $ (695) | $ (963.9) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 318.2 | 257.2 | 300.7 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,825.8 | 5,500.1 | 4,276.4 | |||||||||||
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net | (847.2) | (88.8) | 1,020.4 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | 1,149.2 | 836.5 | (349.3) | |||||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit | (50.1) | (350.6) | 18.6 | |||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables and other operating assets | 566.5 | 860.5 | 866.7 | |||||||||||
Payables and accruals | (701.9) | (1,017.8) | (1,208.1) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities | 5,705.8 | 5,603.2 | 3,931.3 | |||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (2,499.5) | (2,684.4) | (2,481.5) | |||||||||||
Other investing activities, net | 55.5 | (13.8) | (44.9) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities | (3,829.4) | (2,803.4) | (7,965) | |||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (2,320.5) | (1,584.9) | (1,157.2) | |||||||||||
Proceeds (payments) associated with call option contracts, net | (78.3) | (41.7) | 59.6 | |||||||||||
Other financing activities, net | (53.7) | 42.5 | 103.1 | |||||||||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (2,037.8) | (4,261.3) | 4,615.9 | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (176.4) | (1,543.4) | 667.6 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 1,158.5 | 2,701.9 | 1,158.5 | 2,701.9 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year | 982.1 | 1,158.5 | $ 2,701.9 | 982.1 | 1,158.5 | 2,701.9 | ||||||||
Liberty Global Plc | ||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | (1,012.9) | (1,152.5) | (695) | |||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net | 1,306.3 | 1,574.7 | 1,120.8 | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 3.5 | 34.6 | 20.2 | |||||||||||
Related-party fees and allocations | 54.9 | 62.7 | 151.8 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0.2 | 0 | |||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 0 | 14 | 3.5 | |||||||||||
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on derivative instruments, net | 4.5 | 0 | (13.7) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net | 0 | 29.8 | 58.2 | |||||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit | (0.4) | (5.8) | (3.6) | |||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables and other operating assets | (104.9) | 146.4 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Payables and accruals | 2.6 | (34.3) | (65.3) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities | 253.6 | 669.8 | 577.1 | |||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Distribution and repayments from consolidated subsidiaries, net | 949 | 36.4 | (368.3) | |||||||||||
Other investing activities, net | (11.3) | (2.5) | 1.8 | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities | 937.7 | 33.9 | (366.5) | |||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Borrowings of related-party debt | 0 | 11,241.9 | 1,221.5 | |||||||||||
Repayments of related-party debt | 0 | (9,590.7) | (542.3) | |||||||||||
Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (971.8) | (2,320.5) | (1,584.9) | |||||||||||
Proceeds (payments) associated with call option contracts, net | 4.1 | (78.3) | (41.7) | |||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Liberty Global shares upon exercise of options | 78.1 | 40.5 | 54.8 | |||||||||||
Proceeds received from subsidiaries in connection with the issuance of Liberty Global ordinary shares | 0 | 0 | 435.1 | |||||||||||
Other financing activities, net | (11) | (9.6) | (6.6) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (900.6) | (716.7) | (464.1) | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 0 | 0.9 | (0.5) | |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 290.7 | (12.1) | (254) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ 36.7 | $ 290.7 | 0 | 36.7 | 290.7 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year | $ 0 | $ 24.6 | $ 36.7 | $ 0 | 290.7 | $ 24.6 | $ 36.7 | 290.7 | ||||||
Liberty Global, Inc. | ||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | 49 | 49 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net | (120) | (120) | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 11.5 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0.3 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 48.1 | |||||||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit | (21.9) | |||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables and other operating assets | (7.2) | |||||||||||||
Payables and accruals | (23.8) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities | (64) | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Distribution and repayments from consolidated subsidiaries, net | 163.1 | |||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (0.7) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used by) investing activities | 162.4 | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Liberty Global ordinary shares | (185.4) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds (payments) associated with call option contracts, net | 55.5 | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Liberty Global shares upon exercise of options | 2.9 | |||||||||||||
Payment of net settled employee withholding taxes on stock incentive awards | (13.1) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (140.1) | |||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (41.7) | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 69.4 | $ 27.7 | $ 69.4 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year | $ 27.7 | $ 27.7 |
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QU134
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Balance at beginning of period | $ 116.1 | $ 122.6 | $ 103 |
Additions to costs and expenses | 104.1 | 119.1 | 113.3 |
Acquisitions | 1.1 | 7.9 | 12.9 |
Deductions or write-offs | (95.4) | (120.5) | (98.1) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (10.2) | (13) | 1.7 |
Disposals/ discontinued operation | 0 | 0 | (10.2) |
Balance at end of period | $ 115.7 | $ 116.1 | $ 122.6 |