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Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) - Summary of net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Expense By Nature [Abstract] |  |  |
Raw materials, consumables, repairs and maintenance | $ 9,286 | $ 8,760 | $ 8,966
Amortisation of intangible assets | 177 | 227 | 207
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 4,198 | 4,567 | 4,438
Employment costs | 4,765 | 4,881 | 5,446
Shipping and other freight costs | 2,338 | 1,454 | 2,165
(Increase)/decrease in finished goods and work in progress | (82) | 87 | 558
Royalties | 2,228 | 1,889 | 1,863
Amounts charged by equity accounted units | 980 | 1,184 | 1,246
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) | 61 | 38 | (263)
Other external costs | 3,935 | 3,472 | 4,181
Provisions (including exchange differences on provisions) | 527 | 1,404 | 731
Research and development | 58 | 60 | 104
Costs included above qualifying for capitalisation | (486) | (521) | (661)
Other operating income | (1,002) | (703) | (1,062)
Net operating costs (excluding items shown separately) | $ 26,983 | $ 26,799 | $ 27,919

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