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v3.20.4

Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
Environmental provision [roll forward] |  |  |
Environmental liabilities provision at beginning of period | $ 714 | $ 692 | $ 761
Cash payments | (10) | (30) | (48)
Releases | (27) | (83) | (21)
Additions | 82 | 124 | 7
Currency translation effects | 50 | 11 | (7)
Environmental liabilities provision at end of period | 809 | 714 | 692
Less current provision | (167) | (122) | (58)
Non-current environmental remediation provisions at end of period | $ 642 | $ 592 | 634
Continuing operations [member] |  |  |
Environmental provision [roll forward] |  |  |
Releases |  |  | (21)
Additions |  |  | $ 7

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvision
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionAdditions
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionPayments
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionReleases
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalProvisionRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nvs_EnvironmentalRemediationProvisionNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | nvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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