Summary of ARRIS' Sales Based on Geography of Our Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,726,540	$ 1,664,170	$ 3,304,250	$ 3,147,276
UNITED STATES
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	993,843		1,887,001
Americas, excluding U.S.
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	328,093		583,711
Asia Pacific
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	92,097		199,611
EMEA
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	312,507		633,927
Domestic Operations | UNITED STATES
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	993,843	1,121,079	1,887,001	2,079,556
Non-U.S.
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	732,697	543,091	1,417,249	1,067,720
Non-U.S. | Americas, excluding U.S.
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	328,093	256,260	583,711	548,861
Non-U.S. | Asia Pacific
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	92,097	108,458	199,611	160,373
Non-U.S. | EMEA
International Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 312,507	$ 178,373	$ 633,927	$ 358,486