Earnings or Loss per Share (Schedules) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Numerator:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 1,017.7	$ (306.9)
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(67.9)	(8.7)
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Liberty Global shareholders (basic and diluted EPS computation)	$ 949.8	$ (315.6)
Denominator:
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (basic EPS computation) (in shares)	630,472,769	742,090,960
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding options and SARs and the release of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting (treasury stock method)	1,305,793	0
Weighted average common shares (diluted EPS computation) (in shares)	631,778,562	742,090,960