Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 03, 2021 | May 05, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001570585 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 3, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Liberty Global plc | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 | |
| Entity File Number | 001-35961 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1112770 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Griffin House | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 161 Hammersmith Rd | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | London | |
| Entity Address, Country | GB | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | W6 8BS | |
| Country Region | 44 | |
| City Area Code | 208 | |
| Local Phone Number | 483.6449 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Common Class A [Member] | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYA | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Common Class B [Member] | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYB | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Common Class C [Member] | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class C ordinary shares | |
| Trading Symbol | LBTYK | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |