v3.10.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]      
Accounting change (note 2)   $ 324.5 $ 15.3
Aggregate allowance for doubtful accounts $ 45.8 74.2  
Increase to allowance for doubtful accounts 86.1    
Asset retirement obligation 53.5 58.3  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,411.5) (2,350.0) 1,650.3
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests (120.5) (71.4) (25.8)
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders $ (1,532.0) $ (2,421.4) $ 1,624.5
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]      
Basic (in shares) 778,675,957 847,894,601 889,790,968
Diluted (in shares) 778,675,957 847,894,601 899,969,654
Numerator:      
Net earnings attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares (basic EPS computation) $ (1,532.0) $ (2,421.4) $ 1,624.5
Interest expense on Virgin Media’s 6.50% convertible senior notes     1.7
Net earnings attributable to holders of Liberty Global Shares (diluted EPS computation)     $ 1,626.2
Denominator:      
Weighted average ordinary shares (basic EPS computation) (in shares) 778,675,957 847,894,601 889,790,968
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise and vesting of share incentive awards (treasury stock method) (in shares)     7,819,514
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed conversion of Virgin Media’s 6.5% convertible senior notes (in shares)     2,359,172
Weighted average ordinary shares (diluted EPS computation) (in shares) 778,675,957 847,894,601 899,969,654