Organization and principal activities [Abstract] Schedule of Organization and Principal Activities [Table] Disclosure for organization and principal activities of the entity. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Huanju Shidai Technology Beijing Company Limited [Member] Beijing Huanju Shidai [Member] Represents information pertaining to Huanju Shidai Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the reporting entity. Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Guangzhou Huaduo Network Technology Company Limited [Member] Guangzhou Huaduo [Member] Represents information pertaining to Guangzhou Huaduo Network Technology Company Limited, a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) of the reporting entity. Subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entities by Classification of Entity [Axis] Information by category of subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Classification of Subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Represents information pertaining to subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common shares [Member] common Stock [Member] Huya Common Share [Member] Variable Interest Entities Legal Agreement [Axis] Information categorized by legal agreement entered with Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Variable Interest Entities Legal Agreement [Domain] This item is to be populated with the specific type of legal agreement entered into with Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Exclusive Technology Support and Technology Services Agreement [Member] Exclusive Technology Support and Technology Services Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Exclusive Technology Support and Technology Services Agreement. Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement [Member] Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Exclusive Option Agreement [Member] Exclusive Option Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Exclusive Option Agreement. Sale of Stock [Axis] Period of Prior Written Notice Required to Terminate Agreement Period of prior written notice required to terminate the agreement The period of time for which written notice is required to be given prior to termination of the agreement. Agreement Term Term of agreement Represents the term of agreement. Variable Interest Entity Consolidated Registered Capital and Foreign Statutory Reserves Registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the VIEs and VIE's subsidiaries Represents the amount of the consolidated variable interest entity's registered capital and PRC statutory reserves. Duowan Entertainment Corporation [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the Duowan Entertainment Corporation, a wholly-owed subsidiary of the reporting entity. Guangzhou Huanju Shidai Information Technology Company Limited [Member] Guangzhou Huanju Shidai [Member] Represents information pertaining to Guangzhou Huanju Shidai Information Technology Company Limited, a wholly subsidiary of the reporting entity. Engage Capital Partners I LP [Member] Represents information pertaining to Engage Capital Partners I, L.P.("Engage L.P."). Zhuhai Huanju Interactive Entertainment Technology [Member] Represents information pertaining to Zhuhai Huanju Interactive Entertainment Technology. Shanghai Yilian Equity Investment Partnership LP [Member] Represents information pertaining to Shanghai Yilian Equity Investment Partnership(LP) ("ShanghaiYilian"). Organization and Principal Activities [Line Items] Subsidiaries, VIEs and VIE's subsidiary [Line Items] Organization and principal activities [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Equity interest owned (as a percent) % of direct or indirect economic ownership Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Equity interest owned (as a percent) % of direct or indirect economic ownership Equity interests ownership (as a percent) Principal accounting policies [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Advertising Revenues [Member] Advertising revenues [Member] Represents information pertaining to advertising revenues. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Revenue recognition [Line Items] Period of Revenue Sharing Contracts Period of revenue-sharing contracts Represents the period of revenue-sharing contracts. Estimated User Relationship Period Estimated user relationship period Represents the period of estimated user relationship to recognize revenues. Initial Course Term Initial course term Represents the period of initial course term. Advertising Revenues Contract Term Advertising revenues contract term Represents the advertising revenues contract term. Payments Accrual Period Period over which payments are due Represents the period over which amount billed to the third party advertising agencies and direct advertisers are due for payment. Cost of revenues [Abstract] Cost of revenues Tax Rate on Service Income Tax rate on service income from provision of advertising services in the PRC (as a percent) Represents the percentage of tax rate on advertising service income subjected to cultural development fee. Value Added Tax Rate VAT (as a percent) Represents the rate at which value-added tax is levied on revenue of the entity. Surcharges Rate on Business Tax and Value Added Tax Surcharges on business taxes and VAT (as a percent) Represents the tax rate of surcharges on business taxes and VAT. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICITS) EQUITY [Abstract] Statement [Table] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional paid-in capital [Member] Retained Earnings, Appropriated [Member] Statutory reserves [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income [Member] Parent [Member] Total YY Inc.'s shareholders' equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Non-controlling interests [Member] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Class A common shares [Member] Class A common shares [Member] Common Class B [Member] Class B common shares [Member] Class B common shares [Member] Stock Conversion Description [Axis] Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Cost of revenues [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Total shareholders' equity Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Common shares, shares outstanding Balance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Number of ADS issued and sold in IPO (in shares) Issuance of common share (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common shares for exercised share options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of common shares for exercised share options (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Issuance of common shares for vested restricted shares and restricted share units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Issuance of common shares for vested restricted shares and restricted share units (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Amount Issued Class B common shares converted to Class A common shares (issued) Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Class B common shares converted to Class A common shares (issued) (in shares) Common shares, shares issued upon conversion Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Number of shares converted into Class B common shares Class B common shares converted to Class A common shares (converted) (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Class B common shares converted to Class A common shares (converted) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Deemed Disposal Of Partial Interest In Subsidiary Arising From Conversion Of Liability Deemed disposal of partial interest in a subsidiary arising from conversion of liability Represents the amount of adjustments to additional paid in capital deemed disposal of partial interest in a subsidiary arising from conversion of liability. Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase of Class A common shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Repurchase of Class A common shares, (in shares) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to YY Inc. and non-controlling interest shareholders Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain of available-for-sales securities Unrealized gain (loss) of available-for-sale securities Unrealized gain (loss) of available-for-sale securities, net of nil tax Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Other change in equity in an equity investment Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Partial Disposal Of An Equity Investment Deemed disposal of partial interest in an equity investment Amount of increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC) raised due to partial disposal of an equity investment. Common shares [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted shares [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program Approved on 4 May 2014 and 5 March 2015 [Member] Share repurchase program approved on May 4, 2014 and March 5, 2015 [Member] Represents information pertaining to share repurchase program approved on May 4, 2014 and March 5, 2015. Class of Stock [Line Items] Common shares [Line Items] Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share [Line Items] Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Aggregate consideration of common shares issued and sold to an independent institutional investor Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance cost Shares Issued, Price Per Share Issue price per share Public offering price per ADS (in dollars per share) Issue Price Per Share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common shares, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, shares issued Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Share repurchase program authorized amount Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Average purchase price per share Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Shares repurchased value Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Share repurchase programs, shares Share based compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Stock Options 1 [Member] Share options [Member] Options [Member] An arrangement whereby the holder is entitled to receive in the future, subject to vesting and other restrictions, a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, as defined in the agreement. Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Pre 2009 Scheme Options [Member] Pre-2009 Scheme Options [Member] Pre-2009 Scheme [Member] Represents information pertaining to Pre-2009 Scheme Options. Employees [Member] Employees [Member] Represents information pertaining to employees of the entity. Non Employee [Member] Non-employee [Member] Represents information pertaining to non-employee of the entity. Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based compensation [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Awards granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Balance Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Balance Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, vested and exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract] Weighted average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period As at December 31, 2017 Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises in Period Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercised Weighted average remaining contractual term for option awards that were exercised during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, vested and exercisable at the end of the period Expected to vest Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, vested and exercisable, December 31, 2016 Incentive Scheme 2011 [Member] 2011 Incentive Scheme [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 2011 Incentive Scheme. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted share units [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares approved for grants to qualified persons Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Annual Increase on First Day of Each Fiscal Year in Number of Shares Authorized Annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year, beginning from 2013 in maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the Plan The annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year in maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the Plan. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation (benefit) Share-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation cost and expense Total unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of restricted shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Expected to Vest Outstanding Number Expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares) As of the balance sheet date, the number of shares into which expected to vest stock options outstanding can be converted under the option plan. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted average grant-date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Expected to Vest Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share) As of the balance sheet date, the weighted-average exercise price for awards that are expected to vest. Subsequent events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent event [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Financial Instrument [Axis] Subsidiaries of Variable Interest Entity [Member] Certain risks and concentration [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Beijing Tuda Science and Technology Company Limited and Guangzhou Huaduo Network Technology Company Limited [Member] Beijing Tuda and Guangzhou Huaduo [Member] Represents information pertaining to Beijing Tuda Science and Technology Company Limited and Guangzhou Huaduo Network Technology Company Limited, variable interest entities of the reporting entity. Huanju Shidai Technology Beijing Company Limited and Guangzhou Huanju Shidai Information Technology Company Limited [Member] Guangzhou Huanju Shidai and Beijing Huanju Shidai [Member] Represents information pertaining to Guangzhou Huanju Shidai and Beijing Huanju Shidai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the reporting entity. Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Certain risks and concentration [Line Items] Concentration of risks [Line Items] Foreign Ownership Percentage in Internet Based Businesses Maximum Maximum foreign ownership in internet information provider or other value-added telecommunication service provider's business allowed under PRC laws and regulations The maximum foreign ownership in internet information provider or value-added telecommunication service provider's business allowed under PRC laws and regulations. Term of Contractual Agreements Term of contractual agreements Represents the term of contractual agreements. Maximum Percentage of Income of Variable Interest Entities which may be Charged as Service Fees Maximum percentage of the income of VIEs which may be charged as service fees The maximum percentage of the income of variable interest entities which may be charged as service fees. Maximum Percentage of Profits Payable by Variable Interest Entities Maximum percentage of the profits payable by VIEs The maximum percentage of the profits payable by variable interest entities of the entity. Service Fees Service fees Represent the service fees for technology support, technology services, business support or consulting services. Income tax [Abstract] Schedule of Income Tax [Table] Schedule Of Income Tax [Table]. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] HONG KONG Hong Kong [Member] CHINA CHINA [Member] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Income tax rate (as a percent) PRC Statutory income tax rate (as a percent) Preferential Enterprise Income Tax Rate Preferential tax rate (as a percent) Represents the preferential tax rate applicable to the entity under the preferential tax treatment. Income Tax Reduction Percentage Following Exemption Period Reduction in tax rate for three years following the exemption period (as a percent) Represents the percentage by which the tax rate is reduced for the three year period following the initial exemption period. Effective Income Tax Rate Percentage to be Claimed for Research and Development Expense Percentage of research and development expenses entitled to claim by enterprise For enterprises engage in research and development activities, the percentage of research and development expenses entitled to be claimed, as tax deductible expenses in determining the entity's tax assessable profits. Withholding Income Tax Rate PRC withholding tax rate (as a percent) Represents the percentage of withholding income tax rate. Undistributed Earnings of Domestic Subsidiaries Aggregate undistributed earnings of subsidiaries available for distribution Additional information - condensed financial statements [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table]