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Goodwill and intangible assets - Goodwill and intangible asset by segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill $ 9,097 $ 10,231
Goodwill [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 8,905 8,905
Alcon brand name [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 2,980 2,980
Acquired research & development [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 727 725
Technologies [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 170 677
Currently marketed products [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 1,243 1,598
Marketing know-how [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 3,576 3,814
Other intangible assets (including software) [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 401 437
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 4,953 5,770
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Goodwill [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 4,544 4,544
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Acquired research & development [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 723 721
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Technologies [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 170 677
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Currently marketed products [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 247 374
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Marketing know-how [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 3,576 3,814
Operating segments [member] | Surgical [member] | Other intangible assets (including software) [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 237 184
Operating segments [member] | Vision Care [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 1,164 1,481
Operating segments [member] | Vision Care [member] | Goodwill [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 4,361 4,361
Operating segments [member] | Vision Care [member] | Acquired research & development [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 4 4
Operating segments [member] | Vision Care [member] | Currently marketed products [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 996 1,224
Operating segments [member] | Vision Care [member] | Other intangible assets (including software) [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 164 253
Unallocated amounts [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill 2,980 2,980
Unallocated amounts [member] | Alcon brand name [member]    
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]    
Intangible assets and goodwill $ 2,980 $ 2,980