XML 42 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.2

Basis of preparation (Details) | Apr. 09, 2019
--- | ---
Novartis AG [Member] |
Disclosure of initial application of standards or interpretations [line items] |
Shares received in spin-off | 0.2

X
- Definition Stockholders' Equity, Spin-Off Conversion Ratio, Shares Received + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alc_StockholdersEquitySpinOffConversionRatioSharesReceived
Namespace Prefix: | alc_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes of the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_DisclosureOfInitialApplicationOfStandardsOrInterpretationsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=alc_NovartisAGMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |