Earnings or Loss per Ordinary Share (Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Liberty Global Shareholders) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Amounts attributable to Liberty Global shareholders:
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation	$ 0	$ (10.8)	$ 333.5	$ (13.2)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders	157.1	(830.1)	(171.6)	(842.7)
Parent Company [Member]
Amounts attributable to Liberty Global shareholders:
Loss from continuing operations	157.1	(818.5)	(505.1)	(828.4)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation	0	(11.6)	333.5	(14.3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Global shareholders	$ 157.1	$ (830.1)	$ (171.6)	$ (842.7)