Earnings or Loss per Share (Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2018 |
Jun. 30, 2017 |
Jun. 30, 2018 |
Jun. 30, 2017 |
|
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ 668.7 | $ (761.3) | $ (696.3) | $ (1,126.8) |
| Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | (36.1) | (4.8) | (42.2) | (39.8) |
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders | $ 632.6 | $ (766.1) | $ (738.5) | $ (1,166.6) |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (Liberty Global Shares): | ||||
| Basic (in shares) | 788,815,021 | 853,612,217 | 798,215,803 | 871,936,668 |
| Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options, SARs [and PSARs] and the release of [restricted shares and] share units upon vesting (treasury stock method) (in shares) | 3,105,000 | |||
| Diluted (in shares) | 791,920,021 | 853,612,217 | 798,215,803 | 871,936,668 |