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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2013
Cignal Legal Actions from 2002 and 2006 [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Interkabel Acquisition [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Interkabel Acquisition [Member]
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2012
Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
Deutsche Telekom Litigation [Member]
EUR (€)
Jan. 17, 2013
Vivendi Litigation [Member]
USD ($)
Jan. 17, 2013
Vivendi Litigation [Member]
EUR (€)
Sep. 03, 2013
Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member]
Oct. 04, 2013
Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member]
Apr. 02, 2013
Belgium Regulatory Developments [Member]
Jan. 31, 2012
FCO Regulatory Issues [Member]
Competitors
Dec. 31, 2013
Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Virgin Media VAT Matters [Member]
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2013
Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
Broadband Communications and DHT Operations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Business Intersegment, Eliminations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
Business Intersegment, Eliminations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
Business Intersegment, Eliminations [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Financial Transactions Tax [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Maximum [Member]
Financial Transactions Tax [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]                                                      
Programming costs $ 47.4 $ 45.6 $ 49.4                           $ 1,685.4 $ 1,055.7 $ 965.3 $ 28.0 $ 38.7 $ 40.4          
Rent expense under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements 238.6 197.4 170.3                                                
Aggregate expense for matching contributions under various defined contribution plans                                             48.2 26.4 28.6    
Release of litigation provision 146.0 0 0 146.0                                              
Damages sought             105 76                                      
Loss contingency accrual                             0                        
Loss contingency damages in excess value         27.6 20.0                                          
Subsidiary interest in recovery                 10.00% 10.00%                                  
Damages awarded                 1,302 944                                  
Term regulated wholesale services must be available after approval of reference offers                     6 months                                
Retail-minus tariffs for basic TV                       30.00% 35.00%                            
Retail-minus tariffs for bundle of basic TV and broadband internet services                       23.00% 30.00%                            
Number of competitors of German cable business                           2                          
Duration of contracts with multiple dwelling units in question of antitrust laws                           10 years                          
Financial transactions tax                                                   0.01% 0.10%
Maximum possible loss                             $ 59.8 € 36.1