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Consolidated net debt - Analysis of changes in consolidated net debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Net debt at beginning balance | $ (9,587) | $ (13,783)
Foreign exchange adjustment | (70) | 90
Cash movements excluding exchange movements, net debt | 5,859 | 3,915
Other non-cash movements | (47) | 191
Net debt at ending balance | (3,845) | (9,587)
Borrowings (including finance leases) Excluding Overdraft [Member] |  |
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Financial liabilities, beginning balance | (17,618) |
Foreign exchange adjustment | (303) |
Cash movements excluding exchange movements | 2,777 |
Other non-cash movements | (29) |
Financial liabilities, ending balance | (15,173) | (17,618)
Debt-related derivatives (included in "Other financial assets/liabilities) [member] |  |
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Financial liabilities, beginning balance | (408) |
Foreign exchange adjustment | 245 |
Cash movements excluding exchange movements | 7 |
Other non-cash movements | (21) |
Financial liabilities, ending balance | (177) | (408)
Cash/Overdraft [Member] |  |
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Cash and Overdrafts, Beginning balance | 8,189 |
Foreign exchange adjustment | (12) |
Cash movements excluding exchange movements | 2,370 |
Cash and Overdrafts, ending balance | 10,547 | 8,189
Other Investments [ Member] |  |
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Other assts, Beginning balance | 250 |
Cash movements excluding exchange movements | 705 |
Other non-cash movements | 3 |
Other assts, ending balance | $ 958 | $ 250

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