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: