XML 123 R111.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Detailed Information About Amounts Of Discontinued Operations Included In Profit (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Statement [LineItems] |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue | [1] | £ 13,234.1 | £ 13,046.7 | [2],[3] | £ 13,146.4 | [2],[3]
Costs of services | [2] | (10,825.1) | (10,559.1) | [3] | (10,481.6) | [3]
Gross profit | [2] | 2,409.0 | 2,487.6 | [3] | 2,664.8 | [3]
General and administrative costs | [2] | (1,113.1) | (1,242.3) | [3] | (1,086.9) | [3]
Operating profit | [2] | 1,295.9 | 1,245.3 | [3] | 1,577.9 | [3]
Share of results of associates | [2] | 14.7 | 30.5 | [3] | 98.0 | [3]
Profit before interest and taxation | [2] | 1,310.6 | 1,275.8 | [3] | 1,675.9 | [3]
Finance income | [2] | 99.0 | 98.9 | [3] | 89.0 | [3]
Finance costs | [2] | (359.1) | (279.1) | [3] | (261.9) | [3]
Profit before taxation | [4] | 1,214.3 | 1,019.3 | [5] | 1,894.0 | [5]
Attributable tax expense | [2] | (275.0) | (256.0) | [3],[4] | (83.0) | [3],[4]
Profit after taxation | [2] | 950.1 | 901.1 | [3] | 2,059.4 | [3]
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale | [6] | (94.5) |  |  |  |
Attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity holders of the parent | [2] | 856.3 | 824.6 | [3] | 1,963.7 | [3]
Non-controlling interests | [2] | 93.8 | 76.5 | [3] | 95.7 | [3]
Profit for the year from discontinued operations | [2] | 10.8 | 137.8 | [3] | 248.4 | [3]
Discontinued operations [member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statement [LineItems] |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue |  | 2,387.5 | 2,555.7 |  | 2,657.8 |
Costs of services |  | (1,951.5) | (2,104.4) |  | (2,147.4) |
Gross profit |  | 436.0 | 451.3 |  | 510.4 |
General and administrative costs |  | (151.7) | (257.8) |  | (180.1) |
Operating profit |  | 284.3 | 193.5 |  | 330.3 |
Share of results of associates |  | 6.5 | 13.0 |  | 15.5 |
Profit before interest and taxation |  | 290.8 | 206.5 |  | 345.8 |
Finance income |  | 3.6 | 5.4 |  | 6.2 |
Finance costs |  | (17.3) | (9.7) |  | (7.9) |
Revaluation and retranslation of financial instruments |  | (9.4) | 3.5 |  | 18.3 |
Profit before taxation |  | 267.7 | 205.7 |  | 362.4 |
Attributable tax expense |  | (78.8) | (67.9) |  | (114.0) |
Profit after taxation |  | 188.9 | 137.8 |  | 248.4 |
Gain on sale of discontinued operations |  | 73.8 |  |  |  |
Attributable tax expense on sale of discontinued operations |  | (157.4) |  |  |  |
Net gain attributable to discounted operations |  | 10.8 | 137.8 |  | 248.4 |
Attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity holders of the parent |  | (3.8) | 126.4 |  | 237.1 |
Non-controlling interests |  | 14.6 | 11.4 |  | 11.3 |
Profit for the year from discontinued operations |  | £ 10.8 | £ 137.8 |  | £ 248.4 |
[1] | Intersegment sales have not been separately disclosed as they are not material.
[2] | Figures have been restated, as described in the accounting policies.
[3] | Prior year figures have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in the accounting policies.
[4] | Profit before taxation has been restated to be in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, as described in the accounting policies.
[5] | Prior year figures have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in the accounting policies. As a result Data Investment Management is now excluded from the segment analysis.
[6] | Goodwill impairment of £94.5 million arose from the assessment of fair value less costs to sell under IFRS 5.

X
- Definition The amount of costs relating to expenses directly or indirectly attributed to the goods or services sold, which may include, but are not limited to, costs previously included in the measurement of inventory that has now been sold, unallocated production overheads and abnormal amounts of production costs of inventories. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 99 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_99&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 103 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_103&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_CostOfSales
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The gain (loss) recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell or on the disposal of the assets or disposal group(s) constituting the discontinued operation. [Refer: Discontinued operations [member]] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 5 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph b -Clause iii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=5&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_b_iii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GainLossRecognisedOnMeasurementToFairValueLessCostsToSellOrOnDisposalOfAssetsOrDisposalGroupsConstitutingDiscontinuedOperation
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of expense relating to general and administrative activities of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 112 -Subparagraph c -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_112_c&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of revenue less cost of sales. [Refer: Cost of sales; Revenue] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 103 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_103&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GrossProfit
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount included in the determination of profit (loss) for the period in respect of current tax and deferred tax. [Refer: Current tax expense (income); Deferred tax expense (income)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 26 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 35 -Subparagraph b -Clause viii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=26&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_35_b_viii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -Subparagraph h -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23_h&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 79 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_79&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81_c_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 82 -Subparagraph d -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_82_d&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81 -Subparagraph c -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81_c_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B13 -Subparagraph g -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B13_g&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total of income less expenses from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 7 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=7&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_18_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_24_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_32_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Note Effective on first application of IFRS 9 -Name IFRS -Number 4 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 39L -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=4&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-b&anchor=para_39L_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 106 -Subparagraph d -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_106_d_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Note Effective 2021-01-01 -Name IFRS -Number 17 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 113 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=17&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_113_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81A -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81A_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossAttributableToAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests. [Refer: Profit (loss); Non-controlling interests] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_12_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph a -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81B_a_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to owners of the parent. [Refer: Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 81B -Subparagraph a -Clause ii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_81B_a_ii&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossAttributableToOwnersOfParent
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) before tax expense or income. [Refer: Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_28_b&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 103 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_103&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 102 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_102&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 5 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph b -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=5&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_b_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from discontinued operations. [Refer: Discontinued operations [member]; Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 5 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=5&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause vii -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B12_b_vii&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 82 -Subparagraph ea -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_82_ea&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 98 -Subparagraph e -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_98_e&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossFromDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) from operating activities of the entity. [Refer: Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 32 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph IE33 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=32&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_IE33&doctype=Illustrative%20Examples -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 85 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_85&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ProfitLossFromOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Expiry date 2020-01-01: The income arising in the course of an entity's ordinary activities. Income is increases in economic benefits during the accounting period in the form of inflows or enhancements of assets or decreases of liabilities that result in an increase in equity, other than those relating to contributions from equity participants. Effective 2020-01-01: The income arising in the course of an entity's ordinary activities. Income is increases in assets, or decreases in liabilities, that result in increases in equity, other than those relating to contributions from holders of equity claims. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_28_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 23 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_23_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 32 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_32&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 8 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 34 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=8&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_34&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 82 -Subparagraph a -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_82_a&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 103 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_103&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 102 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_102&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 5 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 33 -Subparagraph b -Clause i -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=5&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_33_b_i&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B12 -Subparagraph b -Clause v -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B12_b_v&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name IFRS -Number 12 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph B10 -Subparagraph b -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_Revenue
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entity's share of the profit (loss) of associates accounted for using the equity method. [Refer: Associates [member]; Investments accounted for using equity method; Profit (loss)] + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name IAS -Number 1 -IssueDate 2019-01-01 -Paragraph 85 -URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2019-en-r&anchor=para_85&doctype=Standard -URIDate 2019-03-27 + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Finance and investment income. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_FinanceAndInvestmentIncome
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Finance costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_FinanceCosts1
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gain loss recognized on disposal of discontinued operations net of tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_GainLossRecognizedOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_GoodwillImpairmentOnClassificationAsHeldForSale
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The profit (loss) before interest and taxation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_ProfitLossBeforeInterestAndTaxation
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Revaluation and retranslation of financial instruments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_RevaluationAndRetranslationOfFinancialInstruments
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Statement [line item] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_StatementLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The tax expense (income) relating to the gain (loss) on discontinued operations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wpp_TaxExpenseRelatingToGainLossOnDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | wpp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ifrs-full_ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=ifrs-full_DiscontinuedOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |